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Book Haven - Friday - 7/11

Liir was in early, complete with a meal for Millie that he stashed under the counter and some cookies to add to the plate as well. He neatened the store, dusted, swept, and wondered if Amber would in fact be coming by, considering. He didn't know how he felt about that. He wasn't quite sure how he felt about much of anything most days, but this was especially troublesome. He wanted to see her, he'd missed talking to her, but some streak of stubbornness was still irritated at what she'd said to him.

Well, he'd gotten over much worse, and for people whose company he didn't actually enjoy. Crow was palatable enough.

The Book Haven was open.

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Liirless shopping is GO.

He had picked up another book in the series he'd been reading, or rather the first in the series that continued its story.

So far, so good.

Amber was hesitant in coming in, and she wasn't sure what to expect from any conversation between them. But she knew she had to try; she'd missed talking to him, visiting with him. She just missed him in general and wondered how he'd been feeling.

She slowly approached him, and said quietly, "Hi, Liir."

He put the book down. Startled, not angry.

"Oh. Hi. I got your message. I'm assuming you got mine then?"

He rubbed the back of his neck as he slipped a piece of paper in his book to hold his place.

"I'm not very good with those things."

"I did," she answered, keeping her tone soft.

"Dinner sounded nice, it still does, but I didn't want to wait that long to get to talk to you." She glanced at his book. "If now's not a good time however..."

He shook his head.

"I just do that in between customers. It's not like the cafe where I'm moving around all the time."

He scratched at his ear.

"I'd just not think while I was waiting in between but I act a little slow at the start when I do that and it didn't seem like good customer service."

He finally looked up at her.

"How've you been?"

"I've been fine, thanks," she told him, though honestly right now, she felt somewhat awkward.

"How have you been?"

Small talk for now suited her perfectly.

"I was a kitten last weekend," he said brightly. That would never quite stop cheering him up.

"So I had a lovely time."

"I heard. And I guess when I saw you on the stairwell you had just changed back?"

He nodded, blushing a little.

"Up in Ino's room. She took care of me while I was small and fluffy. But I didn't bring any clothes up, unfortunately.

"Sorry I didn't stop, but, um..."

His cheeks were an interesting wine color.

"No, I don't blame you; I wouldn't have stopped either," she admitted, grinning slightly.

She grew silent for a moment or two, considering how to step forward, to bring up their last conversation without it turning into an argument. She didn't want that, but she did want him to speak openly to her.

"Liir... I, you know why I've come in, right?"

He breathed out.

"I don't know. I'm assuming because you'd like to perhaps move past our last... discussion. I would like to, but I haven't really-- I didn't feel I had the right to bother you. I'm sure you have friends who are a great deal less trouble.

"But it's the only thing I can think of."

"That's about right."

She shook her head. "You're not a bother, not at all. In fact, I owe you an apology. I... overreacted, and became upset over somethin' I shouldn't have. I'm sorry, Liir."

That had his head snapping up. He blinked in surprise.

"Oh."

Well, that was unexpected.

"Well, um, I'm sorry as well. For being so awkward with you over things. And for not considering how you might take what I said so soon after what happened to you."

Ah, life was full of disappointments. Amber was learning this and not much in a fun way either. Seeing Cal yesterday had more than affected her. Not that she would ever admit to it. Pills were hard to swallow, and she still had a lump in her throat.

If Liir was still of the same opinion as previously, there was not much Amber could do about it. She could just be his friend, she supposed, as much as he would accept it without comparison to someone else. Because truly, Amber had felt terribly bad after their so-called talk that afternoon. Hurt mostly.

"I didn't exactly let you explain very well, did I?"

That actually felt a little good, hearing her admit that. It felt more honest, not that he hadn't been honest previously just, moreso, as he nodded.

"Not really, no. I generally need a little time to explain. I see things, feel things, think, well, a little different. And sometimes I say exactly what I mean and it can sound like something else, and sometimes when I say what I think would sound right to someone else, it doesn't."

His lips quirked as he looked right at her, green green eyes oddly serious.

"But if I didn't want to be your friend, I wouldn't even try. I was really glad, when I got your phone message. I have missed you."

"And I had already put up a wall, hearin' what I wanted to hear and that was that. I hope you forgive me my selfishness."

Holding his gaze, her eyes very blue and serious as well (although hers tinged lightly with uncertainty), she bit her lip, feeling a deep joy at his last words.

"I missed you too. I've not enjoyed this time between us..."

"Forgiven already," he told her with a smile

Then, suddenly, he laughed.

"And the first you saw of me was my backside and a towel."

...it just sort of hit him.

"I'm glad you're here today," he said after he'd laughed it out. "Would you like some cookies and tea with me? I don't have to be behind the counter while there's no other customers in."

She smiled as well. "I tried not to look," she giggled, thinking to help.

"I would love to, Liir, but first, how about a hug?"

He slipped out from behind the counter and offered his arms.

"Happily."

Amber stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, hugging tight.

"Oh, I needed this so much."

He hugged her back with equal appreciation. Physical contact, affection... he craved it, needed it now that he'd gotten a taste for it. You don't know how much you'll miss something wonderful till you have it and lose it.

"Thank you," he said.

She smiled into the hug, squeezing him, hopefully not too tightly. She needed affection more than ever and it was nice, this. Amber didn't want to appear needy however, or clingy.

"Thank you, Liir. So much."

He didn't think he'd stop grinning for a while. He might actually skip his way back after work.

No, thank you. I was starting to think I would drive everyone away.

"Cookies? I did some chocolate macaroons from the other day up last night..."

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