Tabitha and Kurt, Monday evening, the Library

[x-plosive.livejournal.com]

Now that her hair-helper had mysteriously disappeared, Tabitha was back toshelving books herself.  She really didn't mind, especially in this sectionof the library.  The scent of age and knowledge soothed her, made herhappy.  She even hummed a little as she worked, glad there wasn't anybodyaround to hear just how off key she was.

Not anybody yet, anyway.  The sound of the door opening and closing was awarning that she was about to have company - Kurt didn't like to teleport intothe library, it seemed somehow disrespectful.

Tabitha paused in her shelving at the sound of the door.  She smiled at thenewcomer.   The girl looked a bit familiar, but she couldn't quiteplace the face.  "Hello, can I help you?  I'm Tabitha, the newassistant librarian.  I'm still learning faces, I'm sorry I don't recognizeyou."

 "It is Kurt", came the slightly apologetic answer.  "I did not lookquite like this when we last met.  Fortunately it is temporary."

Tabitha opened her mouth to say something, anything.  When nothing came tomind, she shut it with an audible snap.  With a deep breath, she triedagain.  "Kurt?  Like, blue acrobatic teleporter Kurt?"  Shestepped forward to study this Kurt more.  "You're a smokin' hot girl,dude."

Kurt blinked, turning just a shade purple at that comment.  "Um... yes,blue acrobatic teleporter Kurt.  And... thank you."

Tabitha turned back to her unshelved books.  "Must be kinda weird. You here for an escape or you looking for something in particular?"  Shepicked up a heavily illuminated copy of Morted'Arthur and studied the cover before carefully shelving it too.

 "Nothing in particular", she said easily, glancing over the nearestshelf.  "Just something to read in the evening.  I have finished mylast book."

 Tabitha grinned.  "What are you in the mood for?  Adventure?Romance? Giant robots?"  She turned the book cart around to rummage abit.  She pulled out a book by Jack McKinney. "Robotech: Genesis.  Huge animesnafu over the Americanization of the cartoon,  but the books are very welldone, seamlessly turned into something awesome.  Interested?"

 "...well, it would be a change from what I usually read."  Shereached for the book, curiously.  "But that does not have to be a badthing."

 Tabitha's grin widened.  "I could direct you to Christina Dodd, but Ithink her brand of contemporary romance would send you into heart failure. So I'm starting you off easy."

She chuckled.  "And I appreciate it.  Perhaps I will try her books...one day."

She tapped the cover of the book in Kurt's hand.  "It's about twenty yearsold, but one of the library's hidden treasures."  She winced. "Hopefully not so hidden once I get this card catalogue project approved andrunning.  Though, that many hours of data-entry makes my knees shake interror."

"I am surprised Shiro or one of the other anime fans has not discovered it yet",she said, nodding and holding onto the book.  "Though perhaps they have andjust chosen to keep it to themselves."

 Tabitha shrugged. "You'd have to ask them.  I haven't really beenhere long enough to find out.  Though," she paused wistfully, "I'd reallylike to get more involved again.  I'm starting to feel like a hermit."

"Well, you are always welcome to come out of the library", Kurt saidlightly.  "And if you are wanting to leave the house more, the staff gatherat Harry's fairly regularly."

"Y'know, I've been having a craving for whiskey sour lately."  She smackedher lips in appreciation.  "Didn't have much time for hanging out anddrinking during school.  I was a mite obsessed with academia."

"...I am free tonight if you are", Kurt offered after a moment's consideration,shrugging.  "To welcome you back."

 Tabitha positively beamed.  "Really?  That would beawesome."  She paused to once again eye Kurt's new female form.  "Yousure you want to deal with getting hit on like I just KNOW you will be?"

"If it happens", she said, clearly not really believing it, "I will cope."

Tabitha shook her head in disbelief.  If the girl wanted her illusions, whowas she to stop it?  Mental note: Rememberthe pepper spray.