"I..." Valerie gave him a little smile. She didn't like him looking worried. Not when it's about her! "I like... Peach tea sounds nice." A pause. "It's in the cabinet closest to the stove. Not with the others. The TARDIS hides it."

She's curled up in the corner. She can feel eyes on her. "Do you need something, s —" Stops. Takes a breath. "Do you need something?"

"You *are* old." She teased, helping him sit up. She's surprisingly strong for her small stature. But she's also gentle, as if she's worried about hurting him. That light scared her. Of course it did. "Very happy. Thank you."

"Nope. Not quite." She hides her distress easily, giving him a soft smile. Her tone is gentle, trying not to startle him. "If you wanna sit up, lean on me. You're looking a little pale."

Seeing this, Valerie's hearts sink a little. She walks over and sits at his side, placing a hand on his arm. She would hate it if someone let her regenerate in her *sleep.* Or at all, really, but she knows it's inevitable at a certain point... Don't think about it! Bad memories! "Wake up."

━ ❤︎ for a starter, length may vary.

I'm offering. It's okay. I should get up anyway. (Smiles. It's a VERY sleepy smile.)

It's never too much trouble. As a matter of fact, just take this one.

... ... ... Want a cup?

Curled up with a cup of coffee, struggling to keep her eyes open.

"I don't know how to...." She paused, tilting her head - eerily like he did a moment prior. She didn't actually mean to mirror him, it's just a coincidence. This time. "You know it when you see it." And how did she describe it without offending him? Or making him self conscious? "It's a ━

"Probably. I mean, a gathering between friends always has room for one more. Three's company when it comes to romance." His next question makes her smile. An 'innocent' smile, complete with big, wide eyes. "No. You just... looked lonely, I guess?"

"Hm?" It's as if that thought hadn't occurred to her. She looks from him to the chair she's sitting in... And then she puts on her best sheepish smile. "You're expecting someone, aren't you? Is it a date? I'd hate to interrupt a date."

She hums contemplatively, watching as the ash builds on the end of the cigarette. Some of it falls. She looks hypnotized by it. "I like rituals," she mumbles thoughtfully... And then she comes to life all at once and puts it out in the ash tray on the table. Was that rude? It was ━

//Valerie don't harass Armand, he's suffered enough 😭

Reaching over, she plucks the cigarette from between his fingers. She doesn't take a puff, though. Instead, she coughs - as if proximity to the smoke was painful for her. "I never understood the appeal of these. Then again, I've never tried it." A shrug. "I hope you don't mind if I join you."

(Valerie has no clue what that means. She needs to learn the language. She gives a soft noise that could be read as an affirmation *or* a negative. Whatever he's expecting to hear. Then, she changes the subject.) What'cha up to?

(Her eyebrows furrow. Then she tilts her head. A confused puppy.) Because I like food?

I'll never say no to food!

Nothing! I don't think! I just... well, I wanted to say 'hi.' And plus, I was told to bother you.

(She laughed, letting her head tilt back until it was against the wall.) Well... To be fair, everyone's 'tall' to me, so that wouldn't have helped narrow it down.

No. Not usually. Just... (A moment's hesitation. It looks like she might stop there, but she powers through.) Felt weird, I guess? Not good?

(She doesn't think that's how it works, but she'll have to ask someone smarter than her to be sure. With a soft sigh, she poured Del a glass. She's already on her third, so... this bottle won't last long.)

(Stares at her with the most irritated expression she can muster. Which is really just a blank expression, but surely Del knows her well enough by now to know what it means.) *Out*. Not dead. ... I thought you quit drinking?

Wh... I thought you were.... This is for... um... not you?

She's in a mood. Not a good one. Instead of trying to name the emotions (hard, she wouldn't even know where to start,) she's going to drink! That always helps!

(And Valerie gives him a smile. A bright, friendly thing. She walks over to him, leaning against the wall.) Okay, good. I was never gonna find you based on the description I got.

Oh. That's *you*?

I can tell. (Blinks. Smiles. That did not help her narrow it down at all, but she's not admitting that.) Right. I'll find Zazie later.

I'll find her soon. When I'm done watching you. ... Which one's Zazie?

That's okay. We don't have to talk.

(She smiles at that.) I know. I'm *just watching.*

... I was watching you work.

Not really, I'm just watching. You don't have to stop on my account!

(Placing her water bottle down and getting to her feet, she moves closer. Her footsteps are silent. She's getting a closer look.)

(Her head tilted.) Yes, sir. I am. ... You're good at this.

(And Valerie watches him intently. Almost like a cat watching its owner pace, her eyes tracking his every move. It would be easy not to notice, though. Now that she's not talking, it's almost like she's not there at all. Maybe she should compliment him on his work. She's a little bit impressed, —

You're *gonna* warm up to me. We've just gotta get you something to keep on you. To hit me with. That seems to make you happy!

(She goes quiet too. Pretending to lose interest in him. But, she's watching him.)

Mmhm. I heard. ... Should I repeat what I said now?

Just curious?

(Blinks rapidly. Then, she looks *very* concerned.) Right. Sorry. Got distracted. Is your hand okay? Where's that ruler you used before?

(Dreamy sigh.) Food that tastes...

(Eventually stops laughing. It takes a while.) Why d'ya ask?

Wait — do you have a lemon? I love lemons! They taste!

(Puts on her BIGGEST and MOST EARNEST puppy dog eyes.) I'm only trying to help.

No, miss. I'm making a suggestion.