[ Oh.

Oh, he looks...so happy. So bright that she almost can't look at him.

Her own little smile freezes on her face, but in a rare moment, she hasn't forced it there. Riley feels a burst of relief spread through her, all that horrible tension that's been working her muscles into knots washing away. ]

It's- really not that much, I just- I didn't have it specifically in mind, it was just, well, yes, of course I remembered it, it...stuck out, and the stall I visited, they were closing and I didn't really know what other animals you might like, and... You really like it?

[ Cairo's always cool, in control. Rarely wearing her heart on her sleeve like this. It means the gift exchanges they've had, usually Riley's the cheery, excited one, and Cairo's down-to-earth. Making her friend smile, it's always been an accomplishment, but... Sometimes, sometimes Riley's wondered if she ever appreciates any of her gifts. Sometimes... She feels more than a little desperate for validation.

It makes this moment stand out. It makes her acutely aware of how nice this feels, and— and how overwhelming it is.

She stands quickly. To stretch. Sitting feels like she has too much energy in her. Feels like she's going to burst. ]