"Thank you."
He starts to dig through himself, eyebrows furrowing as he does. Surely he's seen these before, but did he ever take the time to sit and read them?
If he did, it was too long ago. Not that he was exactly interested in the stories of 'heroes,' he was mostly interested in the pictures.
*She* is not the one who makes that decision, now is she?
(He walks as if he owns the ship. As if he knows it like the back of his hand. He ushers Cassie into the library before long.)
I want you to pick out three books. One for me, one for yourself, and one for Amir.
*Explore.*
There is always time to read. To learn new things to help you on your 'busy days.' You shouldn't waste the opportunity!
... Oh, I will save the lecture. You hear more than enough of them.
... Need I remind you that the TARDIS is a time machine?
As a matter of fact. (Snaps the book shut. Gets to his feet.) Come along, Cassie. Let's take a trip to the library.
The TARDIS has an entire library. It's important to be well read.
Given the *ongoing situation,* sobriety would seem doubly important —
Ahem.
That is to say, I will not be bringing you that. Try the tea. It's good.
... Does he only own *the one* book?
More like your...
(Freezes, jaw tensing. Flips another page.)
I was under the impression you quit drinking.
"Mm."
He shrugged, sipping his coffee. His hands were both curled around the cup now.
"Perhaps it's spring. More people are willing to be out."
(Flips a page. Does not budge. Maybe he didn't hear? He's sure acting that way.)
I made tea. Feel free to have some.
. . . . . Okay, I have to know. What are you going to do if she does?
(Shoots to his feet and hurries over to the bookshelf, eyes wide and glowing particularly bright. He's excited.)
Is it? Do you not share your books often?
Why is the cover an *apple*? What is the symbolism of the apple, Daisy?
Yes, but how?
Is it a trap? You mentioned a name, is this poor soul to be bait? Or is he expected to throw the hot oil out the windows at intruders?
I am used to things being out of order, D —
Do you have the other books? I would like to read them all, I think.
Hm. That makes more sense.
What do you plan to do with this hot oil?
Since... (Waves his hand as if smacking away thoughts, clutching the book closer to him.)
There are other books in this series?
Is this some custom that I am unaware of?
I believe she is holding them for you.
Because she is such a good friend, of course.
I believe you should be asking Kimira that question.
Ah, right. Of course.
You cannot read.
This is... strange. Yet riveting.
Have you read it before? Tell me you've read it before. I have so many questions.
Hello, Cassie. (Turns page.) It was either this or a book with advice I, frankly, do not need.
I assume it's Amir's.
Shhh!
Stop shouting, I am trying to read!
This "advice" is atrocious. You do know that, right?
Stretched out on the reader's couch, reading one of their books.
That brought with it a whisper of a memory. He tried to chase it, but it fizzled away quickly.
Annoying. But not abnormal.
"Yes. I think that is a good plan."
"What stories I'm into." He repeated, the words sounding entirely alien.
Maybe it was the accent. Or the blank expression.
"... Yes. Of course."
Nope. He has no clue how to answer, he's stalling for time.
━ are hidden. They'd give away too much. "What would /you/ recommend I look at?"
His hands reach up to remove his glasses, but he thinks better of it at the last second. That's the problem. When he gets overly excited, sometimes he forgets himself.
"What..." A pause. Then he glances up, thankful that his eyes ━
