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"I didn't have any money before I came, so nothing to squirrel away, but that's pretty clever on your part." It was said with nothing but sincerity. Of course, had he not had any means of finances she'd have been happy to lend him some money until he did get paid. Probably she was too trusting, but between having never really gotten close to anyone before Deus, and suddenly having honest to god friends, it was bringing out a general kindness in the dainty teen that she hadn't exhibited much day to day out in the real world.

There was the tiniest flicker of disappointment when he said he had everything covered, but she didn't let it linger. "I think ''trips' is the popular terminology among the more seasoned veterans." A grin followed. "If you do end up feeling like maybe you'd like a hand, I'll volunteer. I'm stronger then I look."

The disappoint was gone. "Sure, could be fun. I do like shopping." It was one of the more girly things she enjoyed. "And providing colorful commentary." Sass levels rising.

The desire to tuck her hands into her pockets was almost maddening, but she resisted the temptation to the best of her ability. For a compromise she slide her thumbs through the side loops on her shorts, resting her palms on her hips. The drying mud on her waistband felt scratchy.

"Breaking and entering? Exciting." But was it really breaking and entering if you owned the thing being broken into? Probably not, but still. Aside from jimmying her bedroom widow open once to sneak out of the house, Peyton hadn't really participated in anything too terribly frowned upon by law enforcement. Aside from getting into way more fights then a tiny little blonde girl ever should.

"Right, basic." She nodded, lips twisting up in amusement as she glanced sidelong up at him, taking in the dark, mud covered visor and the tattoo's that started below his lips and went down to who know's where.

<I bet he'd show you if you asked.>

Shut up!

Even pretend breaking and entering was more then Peyton had ever tired, so it still sounded like fun. Infiltration and stealth "Yeah, it wouldn't be good if someone recognized you." She wasn't entirely sure what could happen, but probably nothing good. It was better not knowing, better to just not find out.

Better to think about other things.

"So... Fort Fridays," she threw out there, voice as casual as she could make it, but she kept her eyes down, watching her feet as they walked. "That's a thing, right? Like it wasn't just fun talk?"

That sounded an awful lot like he was asking her on a date, but having never been asked on anything even remotely date like before she wasn't an authority. Still, it was a very inviting offer. One that brought a subtle wash of rosy tint to tanned and freckled cheeks. "I would like that." A lot.

"I haven't changed my mind," she answered, perhaps a touch too rapidly. Then, more casually. "I just wanted to make sure you hadn't either. Didn't want to assume." It would have been embarrassing to show up at his door on Friday if all their light banter had been nothing more then playful teasing. Embarrassing, and painful.

She looked up at him, one hand lifting up to tuck a muddy curl behind her ear, and that soft, hesitant smile was back. His answer was uncomplicated and honest, and it lay to rest whatever doubts had managed to worm their way into her head despite a complete lack of evidence to the contrary. "That's good to know."

Long fingers worked to loosen long, dark hair, and she she watched his progress quietly as they walked. His ponytail looked stiff with mud, and she knew from intimate experience how incredibly gross it felt.

They were getting close to the dorms now. The grass under foot gave way to pavement. Peyton practically jogged up to the double doors before opening the door and holding it for Solomon.

She wasn't a feminist, she was just perfectly capable of opening doors.

There was nothing wrong with an eagerness to be cling. Specially when you were covered head to toe in caked, drying mud.

She waited at the door, leaning against it with small hands pressed behind her back, and grinned up at him as he murmured his thanks and the unique nickname he'd come to call her by. "You're very welcome, Mr. Secretary."

Then he was peeling his shirt off, and Peyton couldn't help but stare after the long, athletic line of his back as he moved past her. She swallowed, then liked suddenly dry lips before ducking her head and stepping away from the door to trail after him.

<Those tattoos go down really far>

Tanned cheeks burned.

He spoke, and lavender eyes snapped up to his face, and she had the grace to look embarrassed for having been caught staring. It wasn't really the tattoos she that she'd found so terribly enthralling, but the sweep of his shoulders, narrow waist, subtle sweep of his hips..

<Smooth.>

She couldn't even yell at him.

Gnawing on the inside of her cheek, Peyton pointed down the hall to the left and moved up so she was walking beside him rather then trailing after.

He might have been thin, but he was athletic, and trim, and really, Peyton didn't have a whole lot to compare him too. In her eyes he was pretty damn attractive. Attractive, kind, and seemed at least somewhat interest in her. It was a dangerous mix.

She blinked up at him at his question, and immediately dropped her gaze to the floor before an awkward, soft smile crept over pale lips. "Sorry, distracted." By you.