oom: milliways library

[scurlock]

There really isn't a specific layout to the place, but every time Doc's been up here, it's been a little different. He passes it off to Bar trying to keep things interesting. This time there are long rows of shelves, full of books. Some are sorted by date published. Others, by subject. Some shelves are mixed in all together. There are stacks around on end tables and next to chairs and desks. There is a comfortable couch or two, somewhere. Ladders to reach high. It always changes and there's a few too many corners and nooks to really make it work from a layout standpoint, but it's quiet and full of anything someone could want to look for to read.

Doc opens the door and steps in, then glances at Kate.

"I promise, I ain't never..." a chuckle, at himself. "I haven't ever," he corrects "Been lost in here."

Comments

[scurlock]

"I was lookin' at yours earlier and it's one of Poe's you don't have yet," he says quietly. "Fraid there might be a few marks in the pages here and there but guess that gives it character..."

Doc smiles a bit.

"So hopefully it might help y'get back sometime right soon as you're ready."

[ikissdhimbck]

"You're quite right!" she exclaims, genuinely excited to see an edition she does not own. She flips a few pages and turns to him brightly.

"Oh, I don't mind the marks one bit. Perhaps you'll allow me to make a few of my own, 'long as I promise to return it to you in good condition."

Which she will. She cares for her books the way one might a pet.

[scurlock]

"Go on ahead," he smiles a little bit more. "Don't mind at all."

After all, teachers are good with books. It's just an unwritten rule. Doc nods his head. "I'll help y'to the door," he insists.

[ikissdhimbck]

"Thank you," she says, smoothing her hands over the cover of the book tenderly. "Honestly, thank you so kindly. I promise to return it to you someday."

Soon.

She shuffles the books into her arms, laughing as she tries to balance the--now even taller--stack. She's glad for Doc's assistance; doorknobs can be tricky things sometimes.

[scurlock]

Doc makes sure to steady the stack as they make their way over to her door.

"You've gotta open it, don't think y'want t'be goin' back to New Mexico instead of Texas," he laughs a little at himself, though it's true. Doc doesn't want to go out that door.

At all.

[ikissdhimbck]

"Oh, of course," Katherine smiles, shifting the books in her arms. "Though, I imagine New Mexico would be a bit of an adventure."

She manages to get her hand around the doorknob before she pauses. She looks up at Doc. "Thank you again... Josiah. You're quite the gentleman."

One last smile, and then...

Her children are laughing and singing as she opens the door.

[scurlock]

Doc feels something in his heart tug at that sound.

Good. What else can you name that starts with 'W'?

"You're welcome, Miss Katherine."

He smiles and it stays on his face until she shuts the door, and once it clicks he touches the frame for a brief moment before he turns and heads upstairs, back to his room.