simon_doctor | (no subject)

(no subject)

It's a fine evening in early spring in Logan City; the first really nice weather of the season, with the sun lingering above the horizon well after the office closes. Simon's carrying his winter coat over one arm as he steps into the house and sets down his briefcase. He doesn't call out; even at this hour, it's probably not a good idea to make too much noise until he's sure he wouldn't wake anybody.

He's got two guesses as to where he might find Kaylee, and because of the weather he's going to check the sunroom and/or backyard first.

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"Sorry," he murmurs. "That was insensitive."

"You're gonna have to get creative about how to make it up to me."

"I'll come up with a list by bedtime," he promises, making for the refrigerator. "What do you want to drink?"

"Water's fine."

Wine would be better. But she shouldn't.

There's a pitcher of chilled water in the fridge, and a carafe of iced tea. He brings out both, and pours a glass of water for Kaylee.

"Thank you." She gives him a small, crooked smile.

(It's not like she gets to see him all that much these days, either.

It's worth the effort to be gracious.)

He dishes himself some rice, passes her the bowl.

"So I was thinking," he starts, and is interrupted by a chime ringing from his pocket.

Kaylee looks up, a little resigned.

It's not the first time he's had to take a wave during dinner.

"Go ahead." Quiet.

From the chime, it's a message, not an invitation to realtime conversation; he can glance quickly at the sender and decide if it's worth interrupting dinner for.

"Sorry," he says again, reaching for his pad.

"... it's from Jordie."

Kaylee sits up a little straighter. "What's he say?"

"Let's see." He opens the message hastily, feeling his pulse speed up a little --

(-- because it's been almost a month since they contacted him, with the news and the request, and he was beginning to be afraid Jordie wasn't planning to answer at all --)

-- and sets the pad down on the table where they can both see it.

Since you didn't saddle her with my first name, I accept.

(Unless some other Jordan has usurped my rightful position. If that's the case, I assume your original wave was misdirected. In absence of further evidence, however, I'll assume you meant me.)

You're very fortunate that she takes after your extremely attractive wife, Tam. Congratulations.

I'll assume your idea of the role doesn't involve responsibility for the instruction of religion, so if you could send me a white paper on that at any point, that might be a good plan. Extremely large parcel with many stuffed animals forthcoming. Please give Kaylee my best.

-j

"He's right," Kaylee says thoughtfully, "she does take after me."

Simon's halfway to laughing, mostly with relief.

"Yes she does," he agrees, "and he's also right that you're both beautiful."

There's something a little sly about her smile. "It's going to take more than that, but you're off to a good start."

His returning smile is a touch sheepish, but still wholeheartedly happy. "I'm definitely planning on more than that."

Half a beat. "... speaking of planning."

She's mid-bite. "Mm?"

Looking up, his face going serious: "We're going for her three-month checkup at the end of the week. After that, if everything looks good ... do you think maybe it's time to start telling more people?"

She swallows.

Takes a sip of water.

Says:

"I don't want to talk about this during dinner."

Very quietly. (She's not looking at him.)

"All right." No louder, and without hesitation.

She nods a little, and keeps eating.

As does he, then.

He doesn't want to press.

"It's very good," he says after a little while, his tone slightly apologetic again.

"Told you."

Dinner proceeds, mostly quietly. Simon composes about half of a reply to Jordie in his head, to write down later.

"My turn to do the dishes, I think?" he says, as they're clearing the table.

"Yeah." Soft. "There's not much."

There's not much in the way of leftovers to put away, either; he leaves that to Kaylee.

Plates and flatware first, then the cooking pans. Hot water, sponge, dishsoap: it's soothing, in a way.

He's going to wait for her to bring it up first.