“Like I said, whatever’s easiest,” a polite smile was given as they headed off, “--and in this case, that sounds like coffee to me. Wouldn’t want to upset anyone’s tea stash, after all.”
A quiet home would be characteristic of Eilis’ preference, though the mere idea of a bustling pack manor with its familial atmosphere also appealed to the hybrid’s taste. Despite the peace she found in solitude, living alone and being as isolated a person she was had its downsides, loneliness being key among them-- a fact you wouldn’t readily get her to admit. In that manner, she envied the life her father had had, the life Sam had recently solidified. A home associated with entire pack of individuals meant that, likely, at least one person would always be around to keep company, and if that person was regarded as family, even better, right? “Ah, well I can understand why it’d be more bustling around dinner time-- I mean, who doesn’t like food?” Eilis chuckled, following Samantha up the stairs as she was motioned to do. “It is a beautiful home. I can see why you’re fond of it.”
Again, an unexpected touch was made when she suddenly found her arm linked with the other’s. She was slightly more prepared, however, so any stiffness was avoided and, entertaining her curiosity, she decided to go along and enjoy it. Such forms of contact were, in short, foreign to her. There had been a few exceptions of course with her mother and with exes, but the small majority of close friends Eilis had were notably more of the male than female sort, and typically, you didn’t see male friends link arms just to stroll down a hallway. High fives, shoulder punches, slaps on the back, and annoying noogies were far more her forte. “Mom’s well. Still stuck in London for another few weeks, then a couple of days in Mumbai, but I’ve made plans to go visit her at the studio next week. She’s so sorry she couldn’t get a flight back in time for the wedding. I heard she was sending you guys flowers though, hopefully not too excessive.”
Laughter closed her previous statement as they reached the library, where Eilis waited patiently in the doorway as Sam went around to let in the sunlight. Initially, the anthropologist found herself blinking away the brightness, but when it cleared, the sight presented to her was nothing short of a dream. Padding forward into the room, her mouth hung mildly agape. Maybe it was a trick of the natural sunlight, but a sheen of wonderment seemed to brighten her chocolate eyes as she stepped along the first shelf of books, nimble fingers tracing over leather bindings as if they were more delicate than glass. And by the time she had reached the end of that row, an irresistible smile had graced her lips. “Oh, Sam...” she hurried over to the other woman and this time initiated the contact herself, squeezing the Alpha’s hands out of a pure thrill. “I love it! It’s absolutely stunning. I could spend a whole life in here if I had the time to spare. You don’t mind if I browse, do you?”
