Oh, it wasn't like Simon had given up on trying to look nice. His hair was an example of why you didn't find anyone who just "casually" practiced gray magic, the backlash could and would be permanent. Even if Simon tried, the only way his hair would lay flat was if he shoved it underneath a hat of some kind. His appearance used to drive Jolene crazy... but then again it was Jolene and that meant her opinion mattered little to none to him. He shifted so he could rest Charmander on his shoulder and thus have his hands free, throwing away the now-empty coffee cup.
I think he's staring at me. From the way Charmander whispered, Simon was pretty sure that was meant for him and only him, which was why he decided not to answer it. The kid was staring because there was a freaking salamander on his shoulder chilling out like it was no big deal. From what Simon understood, lots of people weren't open with their familiars - and certainly didn't have one that was so vocal about being known.
"Familiar," Simon repeated. "...You've never heard of familiars, have you?" With the way news was so in your face about everything these days, that seemed like a rarity. Oh, to be so young and innocent. "Nice to have a name to put to the face, Sam." His next words came before he really had a chance to think twice about them. "Come on in, I'm going to grab another coffee and I can explain the whole thing to you. If you want to know, I mean."
You should take him up on that! Charmander added. Simon's real nice and the coffee here is good. Or so he tells me. Riiiiiight, like Simon was ever going to give that little guy caffeine.