fandomhigh | Library: Friday [14.09]

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Library: Friday [14.09]

Karal had come prepared this week, where prepared meant more tea and slightly fewer books. Once the library was set up, he opened the doors and settled behind the desk, writing diligently in his notebook.

:You look busy.: Altra strolled in and leapt onto the desk, making himself comfortable.

Karal stared. "Where have you been!"

:Around,: was all the reply he got as Altra rolled onto his side and went to sleep.

"Wonderful," Karal muttered, and went back to writing.

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Altra's, :Very,: and Karal, "It's wonderful," came at the same time.

Molly remembered the drinks. "I also got sodas," she said. "The dark one is Coke and the yellow one is Mountain Dew. You can try both, if you want."

"Mountain Dew, that's the one you like in the mornings," he remembered, setting his burger down and wiping his fingers on a napkin. "It sounds very refreshing. May I try that one first?"

Molly nodded and slid the cup over. "It's got caffeine in it and it is very sweet. It's okay if you don't like it. There are a lot of people who don't."

He took a sip and froze, eyes going very wide. Altra stopped eating and started to laugh.

Karal finally swallowed and set the cup down. "I think perhaps you should count me in that category."

Molly laughed and snagged the cup. "More for me!" she said and took a big sip. "If you didn't like the bubbles, you might not like the Coke either, but it's just a basic cola. Not as sweet or as caffeinated."

"The bubbles were not the problem." He made a face. "It is very sweet." There were fries, though, and he ate a few to take the taste out of his mouth.

Molly giggled more at his expression. "It isn't that bad," she said.

Karal nodded emphatically. "It is, but then one of the sweetest things we have in Karse is honey."

"I guess that would make a difference," Molly admitted and took another bite of her burger.

"And for something called Mountain Dew, it does taste quite unnatural," he added, and quickly took a bit of his burger.

Molly shrugged. "I've never really thought about the name," she said then grinned again. "And I won't argue on the unnatural thing. It's got citrus in it, but it certainly doesn't taste like orange."

"I will leave it for you," he decided and finished his burger.

Altra finished scarfing his burger, nosed the bottom bun, then collapsed in a sprawl across the chair. :Perfect. But bacon would be even better than perfect.:

"So, how is your work going?" Molly asked and took another bite of her burger.

"It goes fairly well. I have almost completed the reports I need to send to Solaris." Karal wiped his fingers again and leaned forward. "I also have some news which might not make you happy."

Molly swallowed and set her burger down. "What?" she asked, afraid she already knew what he was going to say.

"I have to return to Valdemar on a regular basis," he said quietly, watching her closely, hoping her willingness to be patient would hold. "I will be leaving on Monday nights and returning on Thursday mornings."

That did make Molly less than happy, yes. But, what could she do?

"You promise to remember to eat and take a break from working every now and then?" she asked.

"I promise to eat and I promise to try," he said, searching her face. "You don't mind?"

Molly looked back at him, obviously sad, but accepting. She reached for his hand. "I do mind," she said. "I'll worry for you while you're gone. And I'll miss you. But, it's your duty. How can I ask you not to go? You wouldn't be planning this if you didn't have to be there."

Karal closed his fingers around hers. "Thank you," he said softly, gratefully.

Molly shrugged, but gave him a small grin and held onto his hand.

Altra stretched and possibly accidentally batted Karal, who glanced down. :Let her know,: he told him, then jumped off the chair and sauntered off.

Karal glanced up at Molly and brushed his thumb over her knuckles, back and forth. "Your acceptance makes this much easier to bear," he said softly. "I know it cannot be fun for you."

Molly shrugged again. "You told me from the beginning that your duty comes first. I want to be with you so I accept it."

Karal slowly smiled, then cupped her cheek and leaned forward to kiss her.

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