[He stumbles in, breathing heavily and clutching his chest with his free hand. The room is only on the third floor, but twenty years behind a desk hasn't exactly done wonders for his physique, and the stairways were just a little more than he could handle. He drops his luggage onto the more than ample double-bed and looks around, taking a breather
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Elizabeth pulls a piece of paper from her breast pocket and checks one last time if she has the right room number. Pocketing it again, she extends her hand and gently knocks on the door.]
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In the second he opens the door, his smile falters. Not out of disappointment, but out of pure surprise.]
H... hello!
[Gil smiles again, and this time, it's genuine. He is so relieved -- so relieved -- that he didn't get Sofia, or some bloodthirsty splicer as a room mate.]
You must be awfully tired. Please, come in, come in.
[He reaches out a hand, offering to take her suitcase. It looks heavy, and the poor girl all too tired.]
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Oh, thank you so much, it was awful dragging that up the stairs. Did you notice how packed that elevator was?
[As she's letting her eyes wander about the room, her eyes fall on the bed.]
I... think there may have been some mistake with our room.
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[He smiles, closing the door behind them with his free hand. Gods, this briefcase really is heavy. He's having trouble carrying it, even using two hands. As he passes Elizabeth, he notices that she is staring at the bed.]
I agree. Though if the hotel is as packed as the elevator indicates, the chance that we will be given another room is probably small, especially if we are looking for another room of this size.
[Gently resting the luggage on the floor, Gil straightens up, a hand on his back.]
Eesh. If it's, ah... any consolation, I will have no problem sleeping on the sofa.
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...no! No, no, that's really alright, sir. I don't mind sleeping on the sofa!
[She places a hand on her luggage and pushes it up against the wall as to get it out of the way.]
It looks like you could use a goodnight's sleep more than I could.
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Well, that... that was quite unexpected.
[He leans back against the bed, feeling even more faint now than before. Breathe deeply, he tells himself. Breathe deeply.]
No, please, I insist on sleeping on the couch. You deserve better than I. Besides, I have slept on... worse.
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Thank you, sir... that's very kind of you. It won't go unappreciated.
Oh, I'm sorry, but I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Elizabeth. Some people call me Liz, though. Or Lizzy or Beth--you can call me anything though.
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It's a pleasure to meet you, Elizabeth.
[He steps forward, extending his hand with a smile. He is already starting to like her. She's so young and enthusiastic, and is a nice change from the crowd he usually mingles with.]
I'm Gilbert. You may call me Gil. Most people do, including my colleagues.
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