LQR finds himself suddenly rather exhausted, but LXC secures a seat for him on the metro with a combination of polite smiles and sharp elbows. He doesn’t even notice the brown paper bag tucked under LWJ’s arm.
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It is not until that evening when they all settle in to read after dinner that LQR realizes what LWJ has purchased. One moment he is sitting there comfortably in a chair with a cup of tea, and when he looks up from his tablet, LWJ has the utter temerity to be reading XXC and SL’s new book!
He is being taunted, LQR thinks with utter dismay. He acquitted himself so honourably at the bookstore, avoiding temptation, and now here it is being dangled right in front of his nose. He ducks his head back down as if he is reading, staring blankly at the screen until it falls asleep.
He turns it back on, but he no longer has the focus to read. Instead, he keeps darting glances up at LWJ, following the subtle play of emotions on his face as the story progresses. LQR doesn’t want to be caught staring and have judgement implicitly assumed. He should say something, but what?
He’s been reading comics on his tablet the entire time he’s been here, but the paper book he brought along is tucked safely in his luggage, and consciously or subconsciously, he’s been sitting in such a way that his screen isn’t visible to his nephews.
Neither of them would be so rude as to try to look at what he’s reading unless he were to ask them for help with his device. But WWX was right that once the library card was attached, the service is intuitive enough. He’s well into his ten book monthly allotment already.
Okay, but part of this is also LEJ feeling worried and awkward about reading the comic book in front of his uncle. He knows his uncle disapproves of them. Will he still do so? Will he be upset at LWJ?
But. But it's the final volume and he's a grown up now...
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Oh wait. Probably not. 🤪
But. But it's the final volume and he's a grown up now...