A/N: This one's a bit short, but don't worry -- I have one other finished chapter that is in my computer, which will come up soon, and another chapter that I'm working on as well. Enjoy

Twice Cursed
Mr. Practicality

Phoebe slowly cracked open the bathroom door, peering out at the bedroom before she emerged, snugly wrapped in a fluffy white terry bathrobe, her hair light and bouncy, a result of the expensive shampoo and conditioner and the ten-setting blowdryer the hotel had provided. She padded to the living room and scanned the kitchenette. "Cole?" she called. No answer. She went back to the bedroom.

As she looked around more carefully, she saw a sight that made her smile. On the bare mattress were two unceremonious piles; one of the hotel's linen, and one of her own comforter. Phoebe walked over to the bed, put her comforter aside, and began making the bed. She tucked in the fitted sheet, then unevenly spread out the flat sheet and the comforter, giving the bed a slept-in appearance. She was in the midst of fluffing out the pillows when she felt a shimmer.

She turned around to see Cole carrying two shopping bags. They stared at each other, Phoebe's eyebrows raised, before Cole suddenly cleared his throat. "I, uh, bought you some new clothes. You know, because after that shower of yours you might want to have something clean to put on."

Phoebe shook her head. "Cole, you really didn't—"

"But I insist. You'd feel uncomfortable in your dirty clothes, and it's not like you can go traipsing around in the bathrobe either. I mean, after all, it is the hotel's."

Phoebe smiled a little half-smile. It was true, of course. "Still, though, all you really had to do was shimmer me to my bedroom and then shimmer me back. I know you, Cole—you probably spent way too much. I mean, just look at this suite." She paused as Cole gave her one of his signature looks. "But I guess it wouldn't hurt to see what you got me." Goddamnit, she could never resist it when he got that look on his face.

Cole immediately brightened and handed her the bags, then sat down on the purposely half-made bed as Phoebe nervously peered into the particularly large bag. She involuntarily gasped as she drew out a lace-trimmed camisole, a cashmere sweater, and a corduroy knee-length skirt. She recognized every brand and couldn't quite believe that Cole, even with all his money, had bought her such lavishness. "Cole…"

"You don't like it?" he asked anxiously, wringing his hands. "I mean, I know I'm not the greatest at style, even though I did have some help from the store employee."

"Cole, it's perfect. Even the sizes are perfect." She didn't even have to check the labels to know. "But, it's so…expensive. I can't let you give this to me. It's too much."

"No, it's not," he said firmly. "I don't care about the money, it's never been an issue for me and it's not going to be an issue now. Consider it a gift you've already repaid."

"How?" Phoebe asked softly.

Cole cast his eyes downward. "For listening to me when you saw me. For treating me just like another person. For letting me offer you my bathroom."

Phoebe sat on the edge of the bed as well. "Cole…"

He reached out and clasped both of her hands in his. "Please," he nearly pleaded. "Just accept it. It…it would mean the world to me."

Phoebe looked down at her hands, ensnared in his, then shyly looked back up at his eyes. "OK," she said finally. She slowly stood, her hands slipping almost reluctantly out of his grasp. "I think I'm going to go put these on…"

"Wait," he said. She turned back. "You forgot the other one."

Phoebe glanced at the bag, biting her lower lip as she recognized the pink and white striped design. She reached in to pull out a basic black bra and a three-pack of low-rise bikini briefs. She had to laugh. "Mr. Practicality," she said, almost teasing as she grabbed both bags and headed for the bathroom.