[Perhaps there had been a time when Rip thought of Gideon as merely an AI--but the truth is he cannot remember it. From his earliest missions so many years ago, Rip can recall quiet banter and gentle comfort, sharing his joys and his sorrows with her, and so many of his secrets. She has guided him home more times than he can count in his life.
And now, standing here, he's reminded that she is so much of what makes up home for him.
He's quiet while she steps closer to begin her exploration. The warmth of her palms on his skin is a rather nice distraction from the fact that, well--Rip feels a little silly having a woman take measure of his face. But it makes her happy; he can see it in her eyes as she explores his features. It makes her happy, and in the end, Rip enjoys her touch very much.
But it's a dangerous line. For Gideon all of this is so entirely new. Their shared history is indeed punctuated by a single kiss and the admission after that they had both rather enjoyed it--but stronger than that is Rip's desire to protect Gideon now. It's a need that only grows when her palms press against his chest, and her arms find their way around their waist.
He's stood by, carefully still until then. When Gideon hugs him, however, Rip finds it natural and right to return that embrace. His eyes close as he slips his arms around her back, his palms pressing against her shoulder blades.
He turns his head just so, breathes in the scent of her hair--and in turn, huffs out an amused breath. Turns out that it's rather nothing like what he'd imagined in his mind.]
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And now, standing here, he's reminded that she is so much of what makes up home for him.
He's quiet while she steps closer to begin her exploration. The warmth of her palms on his skin is a rather nice distraction from the fact that, well--Rip feels a little silly having a woman take measure of his face. But it makes her happy; he can see it in her eyes as she explores his features. It makes her happy, and in the end, Rip enjoys her touch very much.
But it's a dangerous line. For Gideon all of this is so entirely new. Their shared history is indeed punctuated by a single kiss and the admission after that they had both rather enjoyed it--but stronger than that is Rip's desire to protect Gideon now. It's a need that only grows when her palms press against his chest, and her arms find their way around their waist.
He's stood by, carefully still until then. When Gideon hugs him, however, Rip finds it natural and right to return that embrace. His eyes close as he slips his arms around her back, his palms pressing against her shoulder blades.
He turns his head just so, breathes in the scent of her hair--and in turn, huffs out an amused breath. Turns out that it's rather nothing like what he'd imagined in his mind.]