( if the ring brought him any extra danger she wouldn't have entertained the idea, let alone come here about it. she'd have refused, regardless of their relationship. she loves him too much, and always will, to add to the list of enemies he has. )

It's not me you should thank. ( Buffy's just passing along the good fortune after finding herself in the right conversation at the right time. ) Her name's Hope. ( she offers with a smile. in case he runs into her between now and then, he'll know who she is. )

Once I get the ring, and she tells me when she can work it, I'll let you know. ( besides a small bump in the proverbial road, she'd be the first to admit that went a lot smoother than she anticipated. even with his last sentence hanging in the air, she keeps from commenting on it. he's allowed his secrets. whatever they may be. pushing to know if they have anything to do with her will only grow the wedge between them. and this is ─ not exactly what she wants, but it is... nice. so she'll take what meager crumbs of what they had that she can get.

just not right now. ) I should go. Let you get back to your network post... ( pressing her palms to the edge of the cushion, Buffy pushes up and stands. but doesn't move beyond that. not before letting him know, ) If you can't find pigs blood, and you don't want to risk getting it from a stranger... ( it's only then that she meets his gaze. ) ...you have me.