May 1o - 4:30 PM

It was her first day off in a while and Akiva was feeling the need to reconnect.  Her rather insane schedule in combination with the sleep that she needed to keep up with it and the fact that she wasn’t really sleeping well at all was a little troublesome for the blonde.  Thankfully, she was able to unwind for her Friday night with her parents (which had been markedly more interesting this time because they thought she was going on a date).  Of course, Akiva knew better.  It was just a simple thank you for all the extra work she was doing with him – but her parents did not want to accept that.

Thankfully she was able to turn the conversation elsewhere before it got into the inquisition style that her father was accustomed to running through with every potential that may have even thought about asking his daughter out – he really had to grow more comfortable with the fact she was almost thirty – and the rest of the dinner had gone well.  Afterward, she fell asleep in her old room and woke up at noon – later than she had an active memory of sleeping. 

Scrambling out of having to go to brunch with her parents and their friends, she had rushed home, took Lady for a walk (embarrassing with bed head) and then jumped in the shower to quickly ready herself for the day.  She had made plans with Frank to go to his place – she really wanted to see him.  It had seemed like forever since she did – mostly because of the combined insanity of their work, so Saturday was a perfect day to just relax and hang out.  It was also a plus because she knew she didn’t have to dress up for him.

She could put on a pair of jeans, a tank top, and a shrug without having to worry that she was too underdressed.  It was exactly what she did, and then tugged her freshly blow-dried hair into a ponytail.  Pretty much set to leave, the blonde set out the dishes for both Gordon and Lady, giving each a few minutes of attention that they so desperately needed before heading to the door.  Gordon looked very blasé about the issue, but Lady attempted to follow her owner, looking to the leash on the table by the door, thinking perhaps it was another walk. 

Unfortunately, the blonde had no plans of bringing the dog along and gave her a last rub, promising to be back later with a kiss on the tip of her nose.  She received a kiss in return and was, with this, able to sneak out of the door.  Walking down the stairs, the blonde exited her own apartment and walked down the hallway.  It was so easy to live in the same building as one's best friend and she didn't have to feel too badly about leaving Lady and Gordon by themselves as she could just jut down the hall and take Lady out or make sure that Gordon wasn't starving when she was visiting.  She also didn't have to worry about forgetting anything or not having anything she might need - it was all just a little ways away.

It was barely a few minutes before she was at Frank's door and knocking, waiting for him to answer.  Pressing her cheek against the cool panel of door, she tried to listen, though she could hear little - go figure it would be at this moment he would be rather quiet.  "Helloooo," she called with her face close to the door in hopes her voice would carry through, accompanied by a few more knocks in a silly sort of pattern she was accustomed to knocking with.  Hopefully he remembered she was on her way.

Clicky

After the Remembering day festivities, even with the downsides, Frank had needed to get back to work. It had been a hard few days, but nothing horrible, for him. He sympathized with those who were impacted most by the loss of those during the Memorial Service, but as he wasn’t directly influenced or otherwise connected to them… he moved on easier and quicker than those who were.

On top of that, he was being kept busy with work. Fiona had gone back to it with a vengeance after his time off had come to an end. One could only take a break from work for so long before having to go back. When Akiva planned to come over, he said sure and then crashed, his only afternoon off for a while. He’d actually not meant to fall asleep on the couch, with his notes, with various ink spills and splotches over the parchment, and books spread around.

There he was, though, dark blue sweats that were his most comfortable (and most worn) pair, and a black t-shirt that was a bit faded from washings. There were a few black ink marks on his sweats as well, his fingers that held the quill a bit black from the number of notes he’d made that morning all ready. It wasn’t really his fault that the late night hours, too much caffeine, and too much use of his writing hand had caused fatigue to the point that he dozed off, one leg on and one leg off the couch. He was breathing deep and even, the papers he’d been looking through on his chest under his fingers.

Imagine the mess of papers when the knock hit his door, jarring him from his sleep as he sat up, blinking and rubbing his eyes, not realizing the black ink he smeared across his cheek. “I… mm…” Blinking again, moving so both feet were on the ground, he yawned as he put his head in his hands, shaking himself. Too little sleep… or too little caffeine. He’d need to down some coffee, now that he thought about it.

“Helloooo.”

Smirking and glancing up from his hands, clasping them as he let them fall down to hang between his knees, he stretched and yawned wide, standing up. Rolling his eyes a little as she knocked a few more times, he laughed and finally made it to the front door, opening it. “Hey you.” He grinned as he gave her a hug, pulling back and glancing her over. “Come in, I need some-” Yawning again, he covered his mouth and laughed, shaking his head. “Coffee.” Closing the door behind them, he moved into the kitchen.

“How’s your day been?” Frank glanced to Akiva and raised an eyebrow before pulling the coffee grounds towards him, starting to make a pot. “I bought some stuff for a meal…” Trying to look innocent, he bit his lower lip and grinned around it, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. “I mean, if you think you’re up for the challenge…” Leaning on the counter, he smirked and crossed his arms over his chest as the coffee started brewing. She should have known, by now, that she was welcome to anything in his place. She even had a key, somewhere…

With her face almost plastered to the door, Akiva could hear a bit of a ruckus going on inside, but more of an awkward scramble before steady footsteps.  She wondered what exactly he had been doing – probably sleeping, she quickly realized and smiled at the door sympathetically, she knew what a lack of sleep could do – she saw the effects starting to set in with her own body and observed them acutely with Dreogan.  He tried to deny much of what she observed, but she knew better.  It was a skill she adapted through working with all types of people all of the time.

It took a lot longer than she expected for him to come to the door, and the blonde sighed exasperatedly. She wasn’t exactly frustrated, but she thought she should have just taken her key and let herself in.  Unfortunately, she usually just left in the little jar on the side table with Lady’s leash for when she really needed it – it wasn’t something she exactly carried around all of the time. 

When the door finally opened, Akiva grinned – signature bed head and comfortable clothes: her suspicion that he had been sleeping was practically proven.  The telling smudge of ink across his cheek and on his pants was also indicators that he was probably doing something and dozed off.  All the men she encountered on a regular basis worked far too hard, she realized, and wished that they would take some time out: of course, the same could be said for the young woman, but she didn’t much think of herself in that regard.  She would take care of herself later.

Returning the hug, Akiva smiled at her sleepy friend, “Coffee sounds wonderful,” Akiva agreed as she followed him into the somewhat messy flat.  Looking to the couch, she was immediately informed of the fact that he was definitely doing something.  The blonde woman immediately moved that way to inspect the mess he made and the way she could help.  Immediately, she started picking up pages from the couch cushions and though she had no idea what they were, put them into piles.  He could reorganize them later. 

Satisfied enough, the young woman put them on his coffee table and walked toward his kitchen as he talked to her – thankfully the place wasn’t so big that she couldn’t hear him from the other room.  “I’ve only been up for two and a half hours,” she laughed softly, “so it’s been very good so far.  Weather is kind of muggy and a lot of overcast,” she commented, not much to start a conversation on the weather, but thought she should comment since it featured in her travel back from her parents’ home and her walk with lady.  “How about you?” she started, “I can see you’ve been working hard,” she leaned on the counter to watch him put the grounds in the coffee pot – sighing as the tin popped open and the smell of coffee wafted up – lovely. 

Giggling softly, she shook her head.  “Of course I’ll cook,” she smiled, “You didn’t even need to ask.  Just give me a little longer – and a cup of coffee to wake up.”  She glanced upward at her friend with the cool posture, leaning against the counter.  “It feels like I haven’t seen you in ages,” she grinned, “what have you been up to these past few days?” It was really sad when a few days could seem like a lifetime without one’s best friend. “Hunting books and rescuing damsels from book mites?” she giggled softly, "Or maybe giving tours of London to certain young ladies...?"  Nothing escaped the blonde and her smirk with devious at best, glancing at Frank with her dark eyes.

“Coffee sounds wonderful.”

Giving her a goofy grin, he nodded in agreement. The magical liquid that would help him gain some energy back to enjoy the afternoon with his best friend. He could get a nap in after she left and then mull over his work a bit longer. For now, though, he was pushing that out of his mind and focusing on waking up. He’d gotten in an hour or two of nap, surely… If it were someone else coming over, Frank would have attempted a spell or two to try and pick up his living room where it looked like a book war had gone on.

The idea of that made him grin again, however. Bomber books flying in, dropping little parachute quills to fight amongst the pamphlets and parchment below… No, best not get any sort of idea in his head. Letting the image fade away, he sighed and made it for the kitchen as Akiva went to graciously pick up his living room. “You don’t have to do that.” It was said half-heartedly. He would help her out if it were switched around, and she probably wanted somewhere to sit where she wouldn’t be printed with black ink.

“I’ve only been up for two and a half hours… so it’s been very good so far. Weather is kind of muggy and a lot of overcast.”

Groaning and thinking of something to throw at her, he laughed. He wished he had just been waking up after sleeping in all day. “Perfect weather to sleep in, though.” He loved it when it was overcast, even better when it rained. Not only did it give the perfect dark weather to sleep in, but it also left amazing rain puddles afterwards. He hoped it started raining, now. Even just walking through the cold drizzle was fun, so long as he had an umbrella or poncho to keep it from soaking his clothes. As much fun as that was, he didn’t like being chilly.

“How about you? I can see you’ve been working hard.”

Shaking his head and chuckling, he set out two coffee mugs before she came over. “I’m good.” He had a cheeky little grin as he tried to hide it. He’d had a good day yesterday, and with Akiva around, he was remembering it a bit more. “I have to work hard, though, for taking time off. Remembering Day set me back.” He had a deadline to meet, and he’d had too much ‘play’ and not enough ‘work.’ He was attempting to remedy that, obviously, and having a hard time keeping up with it. If he could just survive without sleeping… he’d be fine. “Thanks for picking that up, by the way.” Nodding towards his living room.

“Of course I’ll cook… You didn’t even need to ask. Just give me a little longer - and a cup of coffee to wake up.”

Laughing and nodding, Frank waved a hand. “Of course, whenever, just as long as I get a delicious meal out of you.” Winking at her, he could feel his stomach agreeing with him. “But of course, coffee first.” And maybe even second… he was making a big enough pot. If he didn’t keep moving around, though, he was libel to fall right back to sleep. Switching legs as to which he put more weight on to lean against the counter with, he rested each palm on the edge of the counter.

“It feels like I haven’t seen you in ages… what have you been up to these past few days? Hunting books and rescuing damsels from book mites?”

“You know me so well, Akiva.” Rescuing damsels from book mites… that was cute. And never got old. “Or hunting damsels and rescuing books from book mites… think that’s the way it’s supposed… to go…” Shrugging a little, he waggled his eyebrows towards her before laughing. It had been way too long, and he’d missed her bothering him all the time.

“Or maybe giving tours of London to certain young ladies…?”

That caused a blush to tinge his cheeks as he laughed, a bit embarrassed. So he couldn’t keep everything from her. Glancing down to his feet, he moved his toes up and down as he tried to think of what he could say, biting his lower lip and grinning around it when he couldn’t. “Yes… well, I think she got a good idea of what has changed since she last left.” There might be double meaning there, he wasn’t about to confirm or deny.

Checking on the coffee, he was glad to say it was nearly done. Pushing off the counter, busying himself with getting sugar and cream, he grinned again. “How have you been? I know that if I’ve been busy and haven’t seen you, then you have to be keeping busy… with a certain someone?” It was easier to put the focus of conversation on Akiva. That was definitely safer.

“Amazing weather to sleep in to, actually,” she laughed, fluffing up the pillow on the couch that Frank had obviously squished with his body weight.  She was going to have to do a few charms to just get the ink stains out of the couch.  It wasn’t that she didn’t think he could do it, but he was less likely to do it and then would forget.  So, she would just take it upon herself.  She’d have to do it later though – her wand was still in her bedroom.  It became a bit of a hassle to carry around in the building, especially just down the hall, so she hadn’t thought to take it.  Her mental note was jotted and she headed into the kitchen. 

She was glad to hear he was doing well – though the fact he was behind did not please the young woman.  Everyone deserved a day off once and a while and when it was considered a holiday, especially.  To have that hold him back and cause him to have to work more, she had to tighten her jaw before she said something that could be considered less than kind.  Of course, it wouldn’t be against him or anyone in general, just against the fact that work controlled people’s lives so indefinitely.

Granted, the suffering was mutually shared, but at least she was punched in and out – she didn’t typically take work home with her unless it was exceptionally pressing, and even then, she preferred to leave it at the library so she wouldn’t have to deal with it at home.  Obviously the mess in the living room was an indication of what a preoccupation with work could do – though she supposed it was no worse than the study sessions in the library until one in the morning.  She felt like those were different though – at least she was still at work, not in her own flat.  Satisfied with her efforts in his living room, she was just glad it wasn’t so exceptionally messed up. 

“Of course, whenever, just as long as I get a delicious meal out of you.”

“How generous of you!” she laughed, rolling her eyes at him.  “I’ll get straight on that, my liege,” she snorted, shifting the weight from one leg to the other.  “What did you get?” she was definitely curious about what he had picked up for her to make.  She hoped it wasn’t something too easy – though she would normally welcome the break, she had been making simple dinners that were easy to transport for the past few evenings, and she didn’t really get to cook the evening before, so she wanted something good to do. 

More of their equivalent of their typical relationship was coming to head as he corrected her – dust mites and damsels, oh Frank.  Laughing, she let her head fall as she shook her head, amused at him.  “Whatever you were doing, I’m sure it was exciting,” she teased, smirking up at his goofy face.  He was certainly a bit of a clown.  She liked it though – made for far more interesting hang outs.  Having boring friends was too much of a trial – she liked people with substance. 

Taking her cup from the counter, she rolled her eyes at him and his excuses.  She slanted him a look that read complete disbelief in him – he was blushing too much and being far too evasive to expect her to not press.  “You better tell me everything, Mister,” she started, ripping open a packet of sugar quite forcefully – she was not playing games with him, “especially when such juicy gossip is concerned,” she smirked.  Sometimes she treated him like a girlfriend – she couldn’t help it.  She just liked to know what was going on in his life and after having made such strides with Maggie herself.  She wanted this all to work.

Glancing at the coffee pot it was nearly full and that meant the delicious black gold would soon be flowing into their cups.  An excited look came across her face and she took a deep breath – coffee smelled so good, she was practically salivating.  Her elated expression became slightly sour at his insinuation.  She laughed and shook her head, “Yes, that special someone would be work,” she noted, “the library is a cruel master,” she winked, picking up the coffee pot from the stand, pouring first into her own cup and then taking his to pour for him.  He was going to have to try a lot harder to get information out of her than that.

“Though, so very kind when he wants to be,” she winked at him and laughed, lifting the warm mug to her lips, taking a deep sip.  It was like a reward from Heaven.  “I’ve been doing a lot of research lately with one of the departments, so it’s been a bit crazy.  But, I guess no crazier than your parchment war,” she motioned to the living room.  “It looks like you sustained an injury on your cheek, by the way – friendly fire from a quill perhaps?”

“Amazing weather to sleep in to, actually.”

Smirking at that, glancing over to her as she fixed his couch, he let out a grunt. “Obviously. It’s the best weather for that… Not too sunny, nice and cool…” He was thinking about it too much. And now he had a part of him that wished he had a little bit longer to sleep in. No use worrying over spilt potion, though. Or… crying over it… however the saying went, it wasn’t something he needed to dwell on. Besides, he had a great source of energy to keep him awake. Maybe even reenergize him a bit.

“How generous of you! I’ll get straight on that, my liege.”

Raising an eyebrow, Frank just grinned before crossing his arms over his chest. Glancing up towards the ceiling, a classic thoughtful expression on his face, he let out a ‘hm…’ before voicing his opinion. “I like it. My liege, sir, whichever works.” Then his goofy grin came back and he rolled his eyes before glancing to her. “It suits me all right, don’t you think? Now… if only I could convince Fiona the same thing.” He might find her reaction to that humorous at first, but after that… he’d have to deal with the consequences.

Best to keep her happy as possible. Or less irritated and annoyed… than usual. He got his work done and learned a lot. It wasn’t his fault (all the time) that he had trouble standing on his own two feet, let alone walk with them. He heard more sarcastic witty insults from her than he’d ever heard in his life. Some of them he jotted down to laugh about later—there might even be times he did or said something just to get a reaction from her.

“What did you get?”

As he’d gone grocery shopping, Frank was of the opinion that he had anything and everything she might want or need to make whatever she wanted. Shrugging a little, he tapped his fingers against the counter and glanced to the closed cabinets. “A lot of stuff… pasta, bread, chicken, beef… potatoes.” Grinning at that, he glanced her way and raised his eyebrows in agreement with that before leaning more on the counter.

A moment later, unable to think of anything specific he’d like right then, he shrugged once again. “Whatever you need, I think I have.” As soon as he said it, however, he regretted it. How likely was it that she would attempt to think of something he would never have? Frank would do the same thing in the opposite situation, so it was only right she haze him a bit. Rolling his eyes as he laughed a bit prematurely, he let out a sigh and glanced to the counter top.

“Whatever you were doing, I’m sure it was exciting.”

“Well, since I was doing it, it had to be exciting.” Sticking his tongue at her playfully, he quickly retracted it behind his toothy grin. “Just doing research.” Motioning to the living room (and the remains of the paper battle he had been having clearly evidence), Frank bit his lower lip and frowned at the coffee table as if it was the culprit. He’d be back soon enough to wage another battle; as long as he won the war of research for the next big book hunt, however, Frank didn’t mind. This was sometimes the most fun; not ever book was a hidden adventure. Or as hidden as some, rather.

“You better tell me everything, Mister… especially when such juicy gossip is concerned.”

If anything, his blush deepened. Frank ran his hand over the back of his neck, an old, nervous habit he’d never dropped. His hair was constantly a mess because he found one thing or another to make him anxious or nervous. Realizing what he was doing, he instead fixated on pulling at his shirt, glancing anywhere but at Akiva. “Juicy gossip? I don’t think I do well being at the center of that…” Smirking a little, he glanced down at his feet as he recalled the time out with Maggie.

She was a fun girl, albeit she had a dry humor and was hard to read. He liked spending time with her, and had found reasons to keep pointing out new (and old) things that she might not have seen, if only to talk with her a bit more. He had been convinced his cheeks had been tinge of red the entire time, though he could have blamed it on the sun (though another might say ‘what sun’ with the cloud cover). Overall, he’d had a good time. Akiva would hear all the details later… She just wasn’t very patient.

“Yes, that special someone would be work… the library is a cruel master.”

Unable to resist the dramatic roll of the eyes, Frank let out a dry chuckle and shook his head. Sometimes getting her gossip was like pulling mandrakes. If he had thought about it, he would have seen a similarity in the two friends. She would have to dig a bit farther before she got much information about the trip around London, so he shouldn’t have found it surprising she was going to make him work for it as well.

“Though, so very kind when he wants to be… I’ve been doing a lot of research lately with one of the departments, so it’s been a bit crazy. But, I guess no crazier than your parchment war.”

With his own cup of coffee, Frank glanced towards where she pointed, though he knew what she was referencing. He didn’t know how many times he’d said (and mind you, there was no one else around to hear his loathing to the parchment and books) ‘if I have to look at one more paper… I’m going to shred you all into confetti.’ And here he was, three days later! Amazing how time flies when one has a deadline.

He did notice, however, how she tactfully walked around his inquiring and interjected her own observation. If he didn’t know any better… he might think she was trying to copy him! About to respond in reference to the man she had been helping (and had gone on a ‘date’ with, no less), Frank was stopped mid open mouth with her next statement.

“It looks like you sustained an injury on your cheek, by the way – friendly fire from a quill perhaps?”

With his mouth partially open and a now confused look on his face, it must have been an interesting site. His coffee in his hand, still resting on the counter, Frank slowly realized what she must be referencing. His eyes widened and an ‘oh!’ came out of his mouth before he wiped at his cheek. “The quills are double crossing spies. After a couple hours of notes, they have infiltrated… and I get sloppy.” A sheepish grin came to his lips before he picked up his coffee. “Did I get it?” He took a sip as he waited for her to respond. He didn’t even know if it was the right cheek.

 “Mmmm right… she would most assuredly take to that,” Akiva snorted as she rolled her eyes.  She knew he was kidding, but she couldn’t help but tease him back, and imagine the scenario.  Though he worked for a woman, she wasn’t the type who was going to take funny business, which really made Frank’s employment amusing.  He was such a goofy guy, in a good way, but it made him completely incompatible with his employer.  Thankfully he was good at what he did or he wouldn’t have had a job for very long.  It wasn’t something he needed to worry about though.

He was very good at book hunting, often tried to get Akiva into the business, but she was content and didn’t snatch up the opportunity.  It was too adventurous for her, she wasn’t that type. She could go outside of her comfort zone inside of her comfort zone, within fifty miles of London, but outside of that, she always felt like a stranger and alone.  She liked familiarity, and there was nothing familiar in hunting for books people didn’t even know existed anymore.  And while he was good at his job, she was definitely finally starting to be very fluid in her’s.  The library was huge; it took a long time to learn the layout and the books, and everything that came with it.  She was just getting to be able to do things quickly and without help.

It was certainly a break for the other workers who didn’t have to point her in directions or remind her of the rules anymore.  To leave would just be a waste of all that time, and without even having learned the restricted book section, reserved for those who really needed it – unspeakables and department heads, usually handled by the most senior librarian, Gertie Poole.  It was like her little hovel and she would venture out, sometimes, for other things, but most of it was located there.  Akiva wanted a chance to see in there, and she wouldn’t get it by leaving. 

In another vein of what she was good at, she started to rummage through the cabinets, going through her brain on what to make.  A slight smile curved her lips as she looked out from behind a counter she sighed. “I was going to make fish… but I guess I can deal with chicken or beef,” she laughed softly, poking fun.  He had more than enough, of course, and she was contemplating something savory and rich.  She was quite hungry, so dinner would have to be something filling.  She could also make a dessert, of course, but dinner should cover most of it.  Looking in the fridge, she was pleased to see the cuts he bought were of a good quality – perfect for stew. 

Taking them out and also some vegetables, she got a cutting board down and began her work about the kitchen knowingly, listening to Frank speak as she went to work on the stew.  She knew it was a favorite and could be counted on, also that the recipe was forever ingrained into her mind so it wouldn’t require too much trouble while working.  She was only glad to do it, actually, since it meant she would get to cook.  It was a skill she enjoyed having, actually and smiled while she worked, glancing at him in the most skeptical manner when he said he didn’t want to be in the middle of it, Akiva rolled her eyes.

“You might not want to be – but you are, and I think that requires some information.  We can orchestrate a fair trade, if that’s incentive enough,” she smirked.  What he didn’t know was that she had very little to give him.  But, she could play it off like she did.  It wasn’t that hard, especially when she was so easy to blush and smile.  She would get a lot out of him, if she did it right, and he would get very little, since she had nothing.  It was a perfect trade.  Granted, she might have more later, but she would more willingly share if she knew what his life was like first.

It was safer to be involved in his life rather than have her own anyway.  She only had to deal with the aftermath if anything went wrong with him, she didn’t have to feel it herself and enjoy the pain of one’s heart being ripped out of one’s chest.  The old wound was healing, but tearing it open again didn’t seem enjoyable right now, not when such a deliciously warm feeling was filling her cavity.  That was always what happened, and she never let it go further than that, but she felt like losing control, just a little bit, on her life.  She would let this go where it took her, whether it took one path versus another would be its choice, not her pull on the reins. 

The quills are double crossing spies. After a couple hours of notes, they have infiltrated… and I get sloppy… Did I get it?”

Laughing softly, she watched him rubbing at his cheek – the wrong one – frantically.  Shaking her head, she grabbed a hand towel off the counter and moved to the sink, turning the knob and wetting the end before tossing it at him.  “No,” she answered simply, “other side, and use a towel this time.  Bloody four year old,” she laughed brightly, her brilliant smile saying more than words could. 

Shaking her head, she leaned down and grabbed a pan from one of the cabinets and a few more necessary ingredients before she tossed the beef cubes in, turning up the heat on the stove.  It was like therapy, cooking, and she let it start to cook while she washed her hands.  She didn’t want raw beef on her fingers, after all, when she had to do other things.  Shaking off the wet digits, she looked at him, “Wanna throw that towel over here when you’re done, Ace?”