[ for all of the confidence she exudes she really doesn't always have the best handle on her own feelings, which is probably why she's red faced, looking aside, and squeezing his hand so hard she can barely feel it. she's nervous, terrified, even, because talking feelings legit is nerve-wrecking. but when he doesn't immediately get upset that she's seeing somebody else she's filled with relief too, so much so that she laughs, giving him a sharp smile. ]

I'd be insulted if you didn't. He needs people to knock him down a few pegs from time to time, to challenge him, and you, Grif, are absolutely one of those people.

[ she looks surprised for a half a second, but then her expression softens. ] Yeah? He's real good like that... but he learned from the best, you know, [ she puffs out her chest and tries to look serious. ] You're welcome. [ she can't do it, of course, and breaks down into a laugh. ] For real though... he’s somebody I know I can rely on no matter what. Like, as I’m sure you’ve learned from talking to him he’s one of those people that, somehow!, just always knows just what to say.

[ joining him in looking at their hands she smiles. ] M- Me too. [ she lifts their hands, bringing her other toward it, so that she can completely encapsulate his. ] ...though I really think I just like being close to you. [ she gives his knuckles a kiss. ] Makes me happy. [ she smiles against his skin. ] Thank you, Griffin. I... I've never told anybody. King and I, ah, never came to the d-word conclusion, but in our case I don't really think it's necessary. I think our feelings speak loudly enough... and I know ours will too. [ though they can absolutely call it what it is, dating, since they've had enough confusion already! ]

[ ... ]

[ a moment of hesitance and then she tugs on his arm and leans over, giving him a peck on the cheek. ]