Gabriel frowned, cocking her head to the side. It dawned on her that maybe from a strictly psychological standpoint, there was a very good reason he looked and behaved the way he did. Beneath that tailored suit and bulky physique, there was an uncertain little boy who was secretly horrified of rejection. Nonetheless, he was an uncertain little boy who was getting in her way. Literally, at that moment.

"What?" She snapped impatiently.

"I jest wanted ta see if Tegwen was okay."

Gabriel smiled maliciously; this little exchange was going to be quite enjoyable to witness. "She's right here. Ask her yourself." She stepped away from the door, motioning to Tegwen.

"'Ey, um, Tegwen," Steelbeak spoke cautiously and quietly. "You okay dere?"

To Gabriel's disbelief and chagrin, Tegwen still didn't scream. Her cheeks were turning bright red, though -- which would have been promising if she weren't looking shyly at her feet and playing with the tufts of curls at the nape of her neck. Gabriel was quite familiar with this behavior and it didn't match what she'd known of Tegwen up until then.

"I'm. . . Um. . ." Tegwen whispered. Then -- amidst giggles -- she said, "I'm okay. Your concern for me is very sweet!"

Gabriel's bill dropped open. Who the hell was this girl and what had she done with Tegwen?!

Steelbeak was also openly startled. "Eh -- what? Really?"

"Yeah. It was just a little bump on the head," Tegwen replied, shuffling her feet slightly on the carpet. "Totally my fault, too." She smiled coyly. "I can be such a klutz."

He glanced at Gabriel, who could only shrug helplessly.

"Y'know, I t'ink I'm gonna have ta see dat bump fer myself, den." Steelbeak eagerly approached Tegwen but Gabriel deftly jumped in his way.

"Hey!" He snapped.



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