Helen realized she was not alone the moment she entered the room. The Big Guy was there with a cleaning cloth and she caught the scent of the beeswax furniture polish. He had spun to face the bookshelves when she had entered, running his cloth over wood that already gleamed. Though of impressive stature from behind, and rather hairy, he wasn't abnormal looking enough to be frightening. As if she would be frightened, no matter what the circumstances. New and different things had always fascinated her. Besides, she had seen any number of 'new and different' creatures in the Sanctuary already.
Helen approached and laid a gentle hand on his arm for his attention. He turned slowly, looking more timid than a being of his size had any need to. She had learned she could be very intimidating at times, but for all that she knew he wasn't frightened of her. He was scared of her reaction to him.
"I'm told you are the genius behind those fabulous tarts i overindulge in at breakfast each day?" she said pleasantly, her accent a charming lilt.
He only nodded in response.
"I wanted to thank you for them. They are the most wonderful thing I can remember ever tasting." Helen's mouth curved upward as she made a small joke at her own expense.
Big Guy grunted a laugh and gave her his best approximation of a grin.
"Forgive me, I didn't mean to interrupt your work." Helen gave him a full friendly smile as she excused herself. "Good day."
She pondered the exchange as she made to leave, quite forgetting why she had come into the library to begin with. She had been assured she was very good friends with the man, yet she hadn't been able to draw a word from him.
Until she hit the door.
"Magnus."
His rough deep voice halted her at the door and she turned to him.
"Tea?" He asked hesitantly, gesturing to the tea tray on the table near the fire.
Helen smiled, hearing the desire for connection and companionship behind his offer.
"Tea would be lovely." She strode back and linked her arm with his, leading them to the sofa by the fireplace. "Will you tell me about our friendship?" she asked.
Biggie reached for the teapot but was waved to a seat in an arm chair. He settled in and Helen began to prepare the tea while he started the story on the first day they had met.