19588/The Rogue Consultant

The Rogue Consultant
Date of Scene:	01 December 2024
Location:	Scott's Office
Synopsis:	Rogue visits Cyclops to discuss matters relating to the X-Men and one of its trainees.
Cast of Characters:	Scott Summers, Rogue

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Scott Summers has posed:
A short time ago a text was fired off from Scott to Anna-Marie. What ensued was a brief exchange of texts that has culminated in a request for Anna to stop by Scott's office for a discussion of some importance. It's noteworthy that he didn't go into great detail pertaining to the nature of the meeting, while only indicating that it's in relation to 'sensitive business'. Which was surely code for matters relating to extracurricular activities that the pair shared, well beyond their role as faculty within the school that they currently reside.

Thus when a few taps at the door sound out, it doesn't take long for Scott to open the door and reveal the spartan interior of the office to his visitor. Scott's expression remains as carefully calibrated toward neutrality as ever, but it's clear that he's putting on his warm and welcoming voice when he almost-blandly comments while gesturing Rogue inside, "Thanks for coming, Anna. Come in and make yourself comfortable if you'd like".

He remains aside so that Rogue may enter without being crowded, nor having to worry herself with closing the door after herself. Scott remains at the door, one hand resting with fingers lightly curled about the knob while Rogue enters. Only when she's cleared the passage is the door shut and Scott begin to move through the room. Today he's wearing a pair of navy slacks, black penny loafers, a button up, and atop that a sweater vest given the recent low temperatures. He moves across the sparsely decorated office until he reaches the chair stationed behind his desk and offers a small nod toward Rogue as he seats himself without a sigh, grunt, or groan. In fact, as is often the case, he seems not to make much in way of unnecessary noise.

Nor does he clear his throat as he begins to speak, but instead turns his ruby colored shades toward Rogue while his chin dips once before he gets right to business, as if often his style, "I asked you to come here because I want your insight regarding a team member. Jubilee, specifically."

That seems to be enough to ready to conversation for further exploration. Assuming that Rogue has no intention of dismissing herself and fleeing the scene as promptly as possible!

Rogue has posed:
Rogue had just arriveed home, when she received the text. Thus, when she arrives at his door, and the door swings open, she is standing there with her jacket still on. A light tan suede jacket with a white furry collar, worn over a close fit dark green sweater that hugs her form. A pair of blue jeans, cinched around her narrow waist, adorned with a silver X belt buckle the size of a silver dollar, the Belle strides in to his office on shin-high suede boots, and a tupperware container beneath a towel, held in her gloved hands. She offered Scott a bright smile, as she made her way in to his office, speaking up right and quick. "Heya, Darlin..." She said, that ever present playful edge on the Mississippi Magnolia's presence, especially when in a light hearted mood.

She gave a look around his office, but did not comment on it, and when he moved to his chair, she found her seat in the offered one. She sat on its edge, and as he got straight to business, Rogue slid the tupperware on to his desk, a large piece of apple pie contained inside it. Her smile faultered only a little, when Jubilee's name came up, as she leaned back, and placed her dark green gloved hands on the arms of the chair, though her back was still straight.

"Did she do something?" Rogue asked, assuming that the irreverent Xavier's School Vampire may have gotten herself in hot water, again.

Rogue shook her head from side to side, her wavy two-toned hair was brushed smooth down the right side of her face, the white bangs offering a ski-slope of contrasting color against the dark chestnut of the rest of her mane.

Scott Summers has posed:
The offered apple pie or, at least, the container is given a moment of consideration. Little more than a glance, but within that glance there is a good deal of information to be gathered. Scott allowed himself to look at it, which is significant only in that the man's often known for being capable of splitting his attention with aplomb. The fact that he made it a point to glance toward the offering is as good as his acceptance of it, even while he continues on with the discussion at hand. Which he doesn't seem to be deterred from pursuing, despite the brief show of uneasiness evident upon Rogue's face.

"She's not done anything recently," Scott counters with a slight shake of his head and with a voice that is as ever carefully modulated toward calm and collected. There is not heat or passion to his answer, but a simple answer to what is surely by his perspective, a simple question.

From behind and beneath the light of sight that the desk offers, Scott's hand appears. He casually slides the plastic container to his left, while his attention remains fixed upon Rogue and the discussion that's clearly going to be had. Soon his other hand appears and together they merge, fingers interlacing and Scott's lens covered and concealed eyes settle onto Rogue. He continues on with only a brief pause, likely intentionally sprinkled into his cadence to provide a moment of reprieve from the growing dread that may have taken root, "While I still don't agree fully with her methods or reasoning regarding the Shogo matter," he pauses for a moment, no doubt for both effect as well as consideration of his own words before he speaks them into existence, "I find myself more and more impressed that it seems to have matured her a little. I assumed that the novelty of it would wear off quickly."

He's established his perspective of Jubilee at least. Now comes the part that it applies to. Scott's hands remain laced together and his chin shifts, dipping ever so slightly to add a touch of professional seriousness and gravitas to the point of his requesting Rogue, "After she returned with Shogo, I was unhappy with her actions. I felt they were brash and put all of us at risk. I insisted that going forward that she always be in the company of a team leader during field operations. This way she always had oversight. I'm wondering and," he nods toward Rogue with another slight dip of his chin casting the nod toward her, "I'm wanting a second opinion. Do you think it's time to lift that sanction?"

He's long-winded for this one but it seems that there's a lot of foundation to lay before getting to erecting the purpose of the structure or, in this case, the discussion. Now he goes quiet. A friend glance is cast toward the door, but it does not linger. Soon his focus returns to rest solely upon Rogue once more.

Rogue has posed:
Rogue eased up visibly, just a little, when she heard the subject matter of the conversation at-hand. Likely due to it being not directly related to her, but also because, well... it wasn't an immediate danger for anyone. At the root of his current topic, when he questions her, Rogue's shoulders sag a bit, and she leans back in the chair finally. Her legs cross at her knees, and her gloved hands go to rest atop her upper thigh, while her elbows stay on the arms of the chair, her jacket wrinkling up a bit at her shoulders and elbows.

"She did really good in the Savage Lands, back a few months ago..." Rogue immediately pointed out. "She ... well, she did feed on some of the locals, but I think they voluntarily did it. I might be wrong about that, but it was just what I ascertained, from what I observed. She's a cute girl, you know? Probably wouldn't be too hard to get some young man to agree to let her have a taste." She showed a large smirk at this, before she shook her head from side to side. "Honestly, Scott, my biggest fear for Jubilee being alone, is if she gets herself in trouble, and doesn't have someone there to help her. Like with sunlight, or... I dunno, a Vampire situation that needs someone who isn't a Vampire to help smooth stuff out. But, hell, we deal with that as Mutants, don't we? Bein' a Mutant ain't that far off from bein' a Vampire, some'a us more than others. Myself, especially. I'm damn near in the same ballpark, as a Vampire, if ya think about it."

Another smirk shows on Rogue's red tinged lips, as she shook her head again.

"I think Jubilee is a better person, than a lotta other folks. I do think she can be trusted on her own, even if I know what happened with Shogo was a bit odd. But she did rescue a baby from a burning car fire, and she did do it in broad daylight, while her own body was set on fire by the rays from the sun. There is some serious hero shit goin' on there, if you disect it like that.... It's just the part where she didn't immediately fess up to it, that is a bit concernin... Could be the stress of that wild situation we were in though, and her bein' new to those..."

Scott Summers has posed:
He's done his own fair share of talking and then set the stage for Rogue's own answer. Which means that he doesn't make an effort to speak. There is no interruption to be found from Scott and, for some, that may very well the single most appreciated trait of the man. He's quiet and unassuming, while being attentive and invested. He watches and he listens, but he does not speak or even make expressions that may prove a distraction for his conversational partner. There are no frowns or thoughtful expressions that seem intended to sway Rogue's answers down one metaphorical path or another. There is only Scott Summers in all of his calm, attentive glory.

Scott's hands remain clasped together while he observes and regards Rogue. Though her commentary regarding the heroism associated with purposefully setting oneself ablaze as a vampire, just to rescue a young child - if not an infant - from their own fiery death? That bit does seem to finally break through the stoicism carefully put into place by Scott. He offers a solitary nod, slow and deep. "For some time my concern has been in regard to the safety of the team. I've made my peace with Jubilee regarding Shogo. I've even expressed to her that I understand, in some way at least, why she did what she did. The question has now become whether to lift the sanction on her freedom in the field. I'm inclined to say that it's time. The fact that she's still invested in Shogo and, to some extent, he creates an anchor for her? It is certainly a good thing."

Scott quiets again and his attention shifts to the pie. He considers the container that holds it and, after a moment of consideration, Scott's attention shifts away and back to Rogue. He still does not comment on the pie, but instead carries on with the matter of Jubilee and her status as a trainee-under-restrictions. "I think we both agree that she should be untethered again, but I think it's on the team leaders to keep a close eye on her. I don't think she's a monster," Scott remarks as though to make something quite clear and to possibly clear the air of such notions, then he continues, "but I do think she makes hasty decisions. Whether it's her youth, carefree attitude, or something else? I can't be certain. I think she deserves another chance now that some time has passed."

Rogue has posed:
Rogue keeps her green eyes on Scott's ruby lense covered own. She slowly nods her head to what he is saying, her chin dipping and raising up again. "Well. You know, the thing about Vampires is that everyone says they don't age, but that isn't true." She said, shaking her head from side to side. "Everyone ages, everything is aging. You can't really stop that. She's just agin in a different way from a regular Human, or even your average Mutant. She may not visibly change on the outside much, but like any'a us, the experiences she goes through will change her, and inevitably mature her. So... what happened in Budapest? That was an experience that forced some major maturing, as have the experiences with Shogo since then. The more we help Jubilee find moments to experience, the more she'll mature, and round off as a person. Just like the resta us. I mean, Hell, my experiences on the team have made me change. I'm not the Trouble Maker I was a few years ago around here." She grinned softly, and tilted her head. "I may still cause a bit'a trouble, but not like I was before. The days'a bein' a reckless student are behind me, just like they are for her. By all rights she is the mother of Shogo now, and that's gonna mature her too."

Rogue raised a hand up to brush some white strands from her face, before her hand fell back down to her other atop her thigh.

"I think the more responsibility you put on Jubilee, as far as the team goes, the more she's gonna surprise us all. Her days'a pogo sticks, an' heelies are gettin' more an' more unlikelyy."

she paused for a second, and considered what she just said, before she had a soft smile touch her lips. "Maybe not that last part, but you know what I mean."

Scott Summers has posed:
Scott's attentive still, but this time it seems that he's itching to mention a thought. Though he still does not interrupt the points made by Rogue. By the end of her answer though, Scott seems to backtrack amidst their conversation to offer a passing remark, "I do understand how you can think that you're similar to a vampire, Rogue," he pauses a moment before his head shakes. He makes it clear with that soft gesture that he doesn't agree. Not entirely, at least. "It's different for you. Similar, but different. I think I understand your point though and I'll concede it."

Then it's back to the matter of Jubilee and, finally, Scott offers a stoic nod in answer to the matter of emotional (and mental) maturing, even when physical aging isn't necessarily a matter of concern. "You're right though. The more difficult decisions she has to make. The more consequences of those decisions that she encounters? The better. There will be aches and pains with the process, but I can't shelter her. I have to let her make mistakes and coach her; not punish her. All within reason, of course," Scott remarks with only the faintest appearance of a frown to draw the corners of his mouth downward.

While one hand busies itself with opening a drawer to his side, the other of Scott's hands rises up. Surprisingly he removes his shades. Yes, his eyes are firmly shut and he seems to go through the motions with careful, yet practiced precision and his conversation carries on despite the momentary lapse into the simple act of cleaning ones shades while holding back an indescribable weapon of mass destruction. "I'm going to put her to the test though. I want to put her through a scenario in the Danger Room and assess her further, before I fully commit to returning her to normal status. Do you think that's too much?"

He may be a team leader and more often than not infinitely certain of himself, but in the matter of Jubilee, Cyclops seems far more inclined to take on the opinion of another trusted source or two.

After a moment of cleaning his shade's lenses, Scott finally replaces them onto his face and once he's certain they've been situated correctly across the bridge of his nose and, more importantly, over his eyes; his eyes finally reopen and he begins returning his cleaning supplies back to the drawer they were retrieved from to begin.

Rogue has posed:
If there were a situation where Scott could emulate Rogue, it'd be in the removal of his glasses. The tension of having his unprotected eyes just waiting to be opened, to unleash that power, would be similar to Rogue in a bathing suit, right? Potentially bumping in to someone else. This is why Rogue avoided the pool, and lake, hijinx for quite some time. At least until ways to mitigate it could be figured out.

She smiled at him, as he cleaned his glasses though, as she wasn't afraid of him blasting her by accident. If anyone had control of themselves, it was Scott Summers.

"I think that is a very good idea." She replied. "I honestly think she needs to use the Danger room more than most'a us. I've seen her in there before, back when she was gettin' used to her new state of life. But I think she has slipped away from that kinda personal trainin'. Again, though, I don't keep track'a folks non stop, all day, every day. So maybe she slips in there more than I realize. But if you got ideas for her, or any'a us, on how to improve weaknesses, then we should definitely find ways to smooth those jagged edges out, right?" She asked, showing another slight smile, as he put his shades back on.

Rogue glanced out a side window, seeing a few students walking down one of the pathways between the college house, and the main mansion, before she looked back to Scott. "She'll surprise folks, the more chances they give he rtoo. I'm sure'a that much. She's been one'a my best friends, since I got here... and one'a my arch nemesis'." She said, showing a grin. "Both have lead me to know she's more capable than people think. People look at her, an' see some ditzy Beverly Hills teenager, and maybe she'll look like that for a long time. But that isn't who she is on the inside. Not at her core. As so many'a us have learned, though, this world tends to judge folk based on their looks first, and actions much later. If... ever."

Scott Summers has posed:
Again Scott settles into silence in order to listen and, perhaps absorb, some of the wisdom that Rogue has to offer. For Cyclops it is a matter of opening the stage for others to talk. It frees him to simply listen and consider another view other than his own. A skill that many are said to lack. Again, he doesn't interrupt Rogue while she speaks. Nor does he seem to even tread into the territory of looking as though he's about to interject. His lips remain sealed and his attention cast ahead, settled squarely upon Rogue. He nods along however, which does seem to offer some physical indication that he's listening and perhaps even hanging upon every word that Rogue shares.

He doesn't turn a glance toward the window. He's well accustomed to the comings-and-goings outside his office window, when they are expected, who is to be expected, and just how many steps it often takes each of those pedestrians to get from the beginning and end of his visual angle on them. For now? He remains focused on Anna.

"You're right," Scott finally concludes. It's another trait that he seems to exude that many others are often incapable. He can admit when someone else is right. Though under the present circumstances, Cyclops does seem more inclined to agree with Rogue than stand in some ideological opposition to her. He nods again and shifts, only now turning his attention toward the window. The weather outside may be frigid, but the skies are clear at least. This permits the sun to shine through the window and it seems to gather the attention of Scott for a moment, clearly reminiscing or otherwise pondering Rogue's point of view further. Despite that obvious foray into mental reflection, Scott showcases his ability to juggle multiple matters at once as he continues to wear his more thoughtful expression and carry on with the discussion while he speaks toward Rogue, "It's not just Jubilee that needs to be put through their paces. All of us do, myself included. Things are getting tougher and eventually the bubble of contentment that many have sheltered is going to burst."

The remark causes Scott's attention to shift from the window and then again to Rogue. There his gaze lingers, settled upon her and considering her at length. He seems to study her openly before his lips twitch into a faint smile, "You've stayed very busy the last few years. I'll be hard pressed to find a hole in your defenses, I think."

Rogue has posed:
When Scott speaks of her defenses, Rogue raises a gloved hand up to lightly press fingertips against her chest. "Why, Mistah summahs--" she responds, her accent swelling in strength. "I'll take that as a powerful compliment." She finishes her thought, laced with that flirty undertone, and a grin to dance along with it.

Her head shook, her lips parted for a sigh. "I've just been tryin' my best to make a difference. But don't get too reliant on me. I'm still savin' up for my dream home, that I can retire too, an' just swing on a porch swing, sip some home style lemonade, and enjoy the sound'a nature all around me."

All of that was said with a dreamy edge to her physical mannerisms, to her spoken words, and to the soul that accompanied them both.

She smirked at him, though, as she forcefully pulled her own head from the clouds. "I'm here t'help, for now. If there's anythin' you feel I can do t'help keep us all in good workin' order, you just let me know. I'd even offer t'help with Jubilee, personally, but I think due to the nature of our friendship, it wouldn't be good for me to be involved with her stuff that directly. It'd probably come off way more ... competitive, or some negative conotation that is currently escapin' my ability to express."

Scott Summers has posed:
Scott's expression shifts from its carefully calibrated neutrality into something approaching amusement. Though it's small, contained, and carefully controlled. There's no room for bright grins or boisterous laughter with Scott Summers. He does appreciate the humor that Rogue brings to an otherwise serious discussion, all without it being too over-the-top or obnoxious. This seems to be the playful humor that Scott appreciates, judging by the amusement so finely etched into his otherwise stoic features. Though eventually he nods along, commenting on her dream future with a soft smile, "It does sound pleasant enough, Anna. I don't fault you for wanting that, even if we'd be hard-pressed to replace you around here."

He clears his throat however and as the talk turns back to Rogue, her role within the X-Men and the training of others, along with Jubilee herself; Cyclops offers a stoic nod of his head in answer. Though he doesn't seem as quick to dismiss the friendship that Rogue has with Jubilee as a potential training liability, judging by his next comment, "I think it's just as likely to be helpful. If Jubilee respects you, then she'll take what you have to say seriously. Not all peer pressure is bad. It's only bad when it's used for negative reasons. Peer pressure in the interest of good? I think that's just called training".

Though it seems that definitive answers isn't what Scott seeks right now. He doesn't dwell too deeply on the notion of Rogue appealing to Jubilee's sense of respect or duty. He's planted his seed in the form of an idea and if Rogue decides to nurture it, then that is the way that it will grow. For the moment Scott seems more than inclined to allow for the subject of Jubilee and progress to drift away.

Now Scott shifts and begins to rise up. He pauses halfway through rising however. It's not often that Scott Summers miscalculates or does something to invite awkwardness onto himself. This is one of those rare moments. He remains frozen to the point that he's half-standing, his back bent and his legs just beginning to straighten. He holds that posture for a moment. Then he begins to seat himself again, clearing his throat as he offers a nod toward Anna. It seems that only now he's remember to consider as simple a thing as pleasantries, because he's soon to ask with his ruby lenses cast toward Rogue once again, "All serious matters aside, how've you been, Anna?"

Rogue has posed:
The response that Scott gave her, urged a laugh to bubble up out of Anna-marie. She shook her head from right to left, her long locks waving against her face, and her words toned with that husky burnt end sound. "Oh, I am not so sure she respects me either..." She said, likely joking.

When Scott moved to stand up, Rogue uncrossed her legs, and placed her hands on the arm of his office guest chair. She stopped herself, when he did, and at his question, a smile came across her features again. "Oh, you know. It's the holidays. Thanksgivin' is done, but now we got the crazy crazy Christmas, an' the rest. It's my favorite time'a year, though, especially with snow comin' soon." She stated, her green eyes glancing toward the windows. When she looked back at him, she was still smiling. "That's not to short change summer time. I miss it as soon as it's gone, every year."

She upnodded at him over the desk. "You havin' a good time?" She asked, before glancing at the pie she had brought him. "There's a fork in there, waitin' for you to enjoy a bit'a sugah." She told him, grinning softly. "Nathan was at Thanksgivin', did ya see that? You gonna try an' wrangle up Alex, an' some'a the others? Ya'll should do somethin'. I dunno what, but definitely somethin'."

Scott Summers has posed:
The laughter seems to set Scott at ease regarding Rogue and the matter of Jubilee. Though when she seems prepared to rise and begin the rituals of departure, Scott surely takes not of that. Despite the fact that he seats himself anew and their conversation carries on, Scott seems to nod along with some understanding regarding the time of year and all that it involves. "I didn't get as much time to spend with everyone as I'd have liked, but I'm hoping that come Christmas that won't happen again". There's a pregnant pause before Scott adds, almost an afterthought, "At least I can hope".

He allows his hands to slip apart again and they come to rest upon the arms of his chair, yet he doesn't rise. Not yet, anyway. For the moment he seems content to finish the conversation on the proper note. Acknowledging that each of them have a personal life and that they are more than their job. "I do love summer, but there's something magical about this time of year. Even if it's all just spiritual and in the heart," he says with a faint smile, perhaps amused at his own comments.

On the subject of other Summers, Scott's expression doesn't so much darken, as delve into something a touch more serious. He doesn't turn grim, but he does turn serious. His brow furrows slightly and his eyebrows dip inward, toward one another. He nods once and then answers, nodding along with Rogue as he does so, "I've thought about it, but there's also just," he pauses for a moment before he continues, "it's all just very complicated. Do I get close? Do I keep my distance? By getting close am I sacrificing my ability to lead effectively? There's a lot to unravel on the matter and, to be honest with you and myself, I think I've been investing myself along other paths to avoid the complication of it all."

Rogue has posed:
Rogue just seems perfectly content, and settled in to her chair, allowing the conversation to flow as long as the stoic Scott Summers wishes it too. She smiles at his words of his family, and with it the smile grows a little more the further she hears him speak, the corners of her lips turned up, displaying her amusement at what he said, or what she wanted to say back at him.

When she was ready, she leaned forward, just a bit, to help send her words over the desk to his ears. "Get closer." She said, before straightening up again, and gently shaking her head. "Life is too short, Scott. One second, we're in this office together, young and beautiful, the next? We're gonna be old, an' maybe haven't seen each other in years, or decades. Ya gotta live while ya can, because it's all a flowin' river, an' there's a water fall comin' up very soon, that is gonna dash us across rocks, or send us down seperatin' streams. We can't stop it, we can just try to stay afloat, and see where the current takes us. But? The closer we stick together, the easier it is ta float, an' survive where we're headed."

She had a lopsided grin shown for him, as she drew in a breath, and slowly released it. "Nathan, Alex, Hope? Hell, even Jean, an' whoever else. They are your family, an' they need the help, just like you do."

How did she get so introspective, and contemplative toward life's progress?

"Blame all the poetry I have my nose stuffed inta." She answers that question, as she let out another soft laugh.

Scott Summers has posed:
There's a lot for Scott to take in and a lot for Scott to consider. Not all of it's spoken either. Some of those same thoughts and considerations are simply planted there by Rogue without ever directly making an effort to do so. That's the beauty of an idea. It often spawns another and another and another. In this case it leaves Scott silent and turning toward his own thoughts. He does at least acknowledge Rogue after she's leaned forward and shared her answer, along with her thoughts. The poetry isn't lost on him, but he doesn't seem to directly acknowledge it. Not right now at least. Another nod is given and Scott exhales a breath, allowing it to pass from his nostrils briefly and quietly. He seems at a loss for words. He seems as though he may not truly have the words to use. He simply nods again and offers that same wordless acknowledgment of Rogue's perspective.

"Closer," he finally repeats while nodding along with the word. He seems to consider it, likely planning through the incalculable number of paths such a decision could lead. All of the possible futures, shared or otherwise, that could be spawned from that singular decision.

Finally he nods and seems to permit the matter to drift from his mind. He takes in a breath, clears his throat, and nods toward Rogue before he offers her an answer. Even if it's nothing definitive or some grand declaration. "I hear you, Anna. It's good advice and I'll think of it. This is the time of year for family and all that, right? Now might be the best time for it, but we'll see".

He then begins to rise and this time it is with greater certainty. He climbs up to his full height and begins to move around the desk, nodding toward Rogue as he goes while his hand gestures vaguely toward the pie, "I appreciate bringing me the treat, Anna. I'm sure to enjoy it later, probably after dinner. Thank you also for coming on such short notice and, in the future, don't be a stranger. My door's always open and I appreciate the opportunity to pick your mind on important matters. Your insights are wonderful."

Rogue has posed:
Rogue knew well enough that when you gave life advice, like she just did, that it can have the effect of making someone feel uncomfortable. It was like a sharp razor blade, cutting just a little too close down sensitive skin. The intention was to achieve a little improvement, but sometimes it could also scrape, pull, or outright cut someone.

With him on his feet, Rogue rose up to her own, her fun suede boots carrying her around the chair. She gave another look to the pie, then back to Scott. She paused at his words, and placed her left gloved hand upon his chest. She looked up at his covered eyes. "You're the backbone'a this place, Scott." She said in a softer voice, a serious voice. "an' we all love ya." She told him, before her fingers fanned in a tapping pattern across his chest. She dropped her hand from him, showed him another smile, and moved toward the door, with a scent of lavender and honey in her wake.

"You don't wanna invite me in here too much," she said over her shoulder, a sly grin showing. "I'll start offerin' decoratin' tips to this place. It feels like a Math teacher's office, or somethin' in here." She chided him, having to get that last little jab in, before she made her way through the now re-opened doorway.