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[ripher]

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USERNAME: GILES

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[rationalism]

[ her cheeks are a little flushed from running around, but her smile brightens when he offers her a book. she tries to hide her eagerness as she casually reaches for it. ]

I've never read any of her short stories.

[ a beat. ]

Oh, come in please.

[ she steps back from the door to gesture him into her marginally tidier room. the bed is made, a blanket thrown across it rumpled and askew from where she was sitting, and it looks like she sleeps on the couch just from the position of the blankets and the pillows piled on one end. she gestures again at the tray of tea things. ]

I made tea.

[ripher]

[ It might be messy, but it's delightful simply because it's personal, full of her own spirit -- which seems to mostly revolve around books, an obsession close to his own heart. He hands her the slim volume and makes his way carefully into the room, hesitating for a moment before he goes to take a seat on the couch, at the other end from her sleeping nest. ]

Oh, I -- thank you. That's very kind. [ He leans over to pick up the little honey bear, examining it, and glances up at Grace. ] I think you'll enjoy them. The, um, short stories. They made me think of you. The sense of -- of independence. Of inquisitiveness.

[rationalism]

[ sometimes grace gets bitter about her independence like "thanks i had no choice," but she knows rupert means it kindly so she doesn't let that kneejerk reaction out. instead, she offers a cute anecdote. ]

One of my foster moms used to call me a nosy parker.

[ she also resists the urge to start reading immediately, setting the volume down to toss her couch bedding and pillows onto the floor on the other side of the bed. out of sight, out of mind. the kettle begins to whistle so she shuts it off and pours water into the cups. ]

I don't know how you take it and I didn't want to risk it.

[ripher]

It would mean taking your own life into your hands.

[ He offers Grace a smile to show that he's joking. ]

I'm sure it's just fine. You're too kind, really.

[ Leaning over, he accepts the cup and arranges his tea, waiting until she's done with the milk and sugar to add a little of both to his cup, stirring it while he waits for the bag to steep. He glances around the room. ]

You seem to have made yourself thoroughly at home. Do you have a, uh -- [ He nods towards the door to the bathroom and the adjoining suite. ] A neighbour?

[rationalism]

[ she shakes her head. ]

I used to room with Greer, last time, but she's with her boys now I think.

[ in truth grace didn't ask but she didn't want to be a bother either. ]

I'm sure someone will show up over there eventually.

[ripher]

Oh, well.

[ He doesn't have a right to comment on Greer's situation, knowing only a little of it through the constant hum of mansion gossip. But Giles turns a sympathetic look on Grace all the same, settling back on the couch with his arm outstretched along the back, mug of tea resting on his thigh. ]

Shame to be on your own. If you.. if you're in need of company, don't hesitate to come over. I'm sure Amy and, ah, Buffy would like to see you as well.

[rationalism]

[ three blondes. might he have a type.

she doesn't mention that she doesn't mind not having a roommate because there is no one to hear her scream from her nightmares.

instead she accepts the invitation with a smile. ]

That would be nice.

[ripher]

[ He definitely has a type. Case in point: the way he smiles back at her, more than a little boyishly helpless. He clears his throat, shifting his weight a little on the couch. ]

I have to admit, I was glad to hear from you. Even if it was a mistake. If that's, uh. If that's not too forward of me.

[rationalism]

[ his admission draws a honk of a laugh, bright and sudden, and she hastens to explain herself. ]

Sorry, I'm not laughing at you. It's just... really hard to be too forward with me.

[ she who propositioned richie as a form of barter system before he shot her down, she who propositioned elias before they'd even met, she who married alex after an 18 month bangathon. ]

Usually it's the other way around.