(no subject)

[gabriel_tam]

The room is fairly nice, all things considered. There are several chairs, a porta-cot set up discreetly against one wall for visitors that for one reason or another are reluctant to leave, and it's clear that whoever designed this particular private room in the first place intended to make it seem as warm and welcoming as possible.

Of course, given that it's a hospital, there's really only so much that can be done.

Currently, the hospital bed is tilted upwards at an angle, with the evident intention of making the patient comfortable. It seems to be working, at least a little, because Gabriel Tam is asleep.

Comments

[gabriel_tam]

"I'm sure some would argue with you," he manages, very dryly. Still, there's a hint of humor there, if only that.

Until recently, he himself would have been one of them.

[gonna_live]

She's silent for a long moment.

And then, very quiet, and very clear:

"You got attacked while you was doin' your job and not doin' any harm to anyone. Whoever it was -- they went after you, when all you did was be where you was supposed to be. Anybody tries tellin' me you deserved what happened is gettin' a wrench to the face."

Because they don't know, she doesn't say; there's a fair amount of authority in her voice that might give it away anyhow.

[gabriel_tam]

Gabriel stares at her in surprise for several seconds, and then chokes out a half-laugh.

"Xiexie-- that's good to hear."

He's smiling, now.

[gonna_live]

She isn't -- not immediately, anyhow, and she's a little flushed when she finally does smile.

And -- as before -- it's small and a little awkward.

[gabriel_tam]

"It truly is," he says, studying her carefully.

Injured, ill, and desperately weary... and yet, some habits are impossible to break.

[gonna_live]

"...somethin' happened to me once," she says finally. "A long time ago. Nothin' you ought to worry about, just -- it's a little serious to me. Is all."

[gabriel_tam]

"I can tell."

A pause.

"And I won't ask, unless you want me to know."

[gonna_live]

Kaylee regards him thoughtfully. Judiciously.

Says: "Anybody ever tell you about Jubal Early? -- and if not, think I'll keep you in suspense until next time, 'cause it's a little long and not all that pleasant."

[gabriel_tam]

"I'm afraid that's not a name I recognize," he says, after several moments' thought.

[gonna_live]

"Suspense," she says.

Very solemnly.

[gabriel_tam]

"Like a mipian in real life," he says dryly.