Dallas Public Library
The library is a rather large building that extends two levels. Security gates at the entrance lead past a long rectangular circulation desk where patrons may check out or return books. Across from the circulation desk is large, archaic looking card catalogue beside which is a computer that is set up to locate books. Following the typical Dewey Decimal Classification System, the rows of shelves are laid out systematically, with large signs overhead so that patrons can find precisely what they are looking for. Study carols and tables line the walls, and one corner of the library is set aside for two separate lecture rooms that can booked for meetings.
It's just around three PM in the afternoon. The library is fairly sparse considering how sunny it is, unlike the weather that has been routine to Dallas for the past few months. The only sounds in the library are that of a few people typing away at their computers, and Mischa sitting behind the desk with a pencil in his hand, tapping it against the cover of a book he's been perusing. The librarian glances over towards an empty cart where unshelved books SHOULD be. He seems to have already done most of the work for the day, now just biding his time so he can clock out.
The hustle and bustle of her normal day is enough for Kira to long for silence and inactivity. The fairly empty library is about to get an increase in population by at least one. The door pushes open and in slips the young resident, intent on some inactivity after a long night shift in the ER. It wasn't exactly a good night and the woman looks a little ruffled, her hair is still pulled back out of her face and she has dark circles under her eyes. However, her shift is slowly being pushed out of her mind and the only thing she really wants to do is find a few good books to take her thoughts away from blood and sickness for awhile. Seeing Mischa behind the desk, she gives a friendly nod and moves in his direction. "Heya," she greets softly - keeping in code with the golden rule of library silence.
Considering how bored Mischa is, his head whips around at breakneck speed to see who the new arrival is. When he sees who it is, vaguely recognizing the dark-haired woman, he smiles just a bit unsurely. "Hello, is there anything I can help you with today? Just let me know." He tilts his head at Kira for a moment before he smiles at her, realizing where he knows her from. "Ahhh. I'm sorry, I'm a bit ashamed to say I've forgotten your name. I'm Mischa…" He extends her his hand, glancing over towards the computers and the aisles briefly. "I've seen you around from time to time, haven't I?"
"Actually, I was hoping you could tell me if you had a few books." Kira responds to Mischa's admission with an easy smile. "I don't think we've really been introduced yet. I'm Kira." She takes his hand and shakes it, not too firm or limp, thought it leans more toward the side of soft. The smile turns warmer when he mentions seeing her around from time to time. Her voice stays soft, not exactly a whisper. "Yes, I believe so. I think we move around in similar circles. It's nice to put a name to a face."
Mischa's handshake is surprisingly firm. He doesn't look like the type of guy to be particularly hardy but his handshake has a rather strong grip. "Kira. Yes, that was it. I knew there was a K." He smiles and steps out from behind the desk, looking much more eager than he should about the potential of finding books for someone. "Right. There's a meeting later… I get off work soon and then I have to get ready for it. Are you going to attend?" He asks, before he smiles. "Sorry. That was nosy. Hmm, what sort of books are you interested in? We just got the new releases last week."
Once her hand is given back, Kira places them both on the counter in a relaxed manner. She's not exactly the type to lean on it casually, but that doesn't mean she's not comfortable. Grinning, she replies, "That's alright. I was planning on it." It is her Alpha that called the meeting, after all. Not going would be the same as declaring herself no longer part of the pack. "I had to rearrange my schedule a bit in order to make it. Glad to hear you'll be attending as well." Residency doesn't really lend itself well to short notice meetings, but this is something that she couldn't afford to miss. "I was looking for a few older books, truthfully. Great Expectations, Memoirs of a Geisha and The Scarlet Pimpernel. I wanted to make sure they weren't checked out."
"A woman who knows what she wants. I like that because it simplifies my job a lot." Mischa grins as he moves over to one of the unused reference computers, beginning to type the books into the system. He smiles at Kira, nodding to her. "It'll be nice to see you there. To be honest I'm a bit nervous. It's not that often that we honorary members are invited to these things." After a few moments he's able to pull up all the specifications on the books she's requesting, and says: "The Scarlet Pimpernel is taken, but we have Great Expectations and Memoirs of a Geisha. Do you need help finding them?"
The comment rewards Mischa with a grin. "They're old favorites I haven't read in years. I thought about buying them, but realized I wouldn't get them in a couple of days if I did the online thing and I don't like buying from the big chain bookstores. So, I thought the local library could certainly use some of my business." Kira follows the man to the reference computers, still talking. "Don't be nervous. I'd be more so if I weren't invited. It sounds like something big. Honoraries are still protected." With a warm smile, she adds, "You can sit next to me, if you'd like." The mention of the Scarlet Pimpernel being out makes the smile fade. "Too bad, that one's my favorite. I can find them, but it could be nice to have some company."
Mischa smiles as he closes out the search screen and starts to move back towards the Gs in the fiction section first. "Absolutely. The library loves patronage. Plus it helps with the environment, you know. Sharing the books instead of printing new ones, etcetera." In fact, there are pamphlets about this sort of thing up front. He nods at Kira's words, though he doesn't particularly look reassured by them. "Sure, I'll bring my girlfriend Summer over to meet you. She should be there." He reaches up to run his fingers through his hair as he passes Kira a copy of Great Expectations. "There's one…" And just then the door opens, the familiar 'whoosh' of it resounding. A little old middle aged woman with brown hair and glasses saunters through, sipping at a cup of coffee. "There's my relief. It was nice to formally meet you, Kira, but I'm going to go get ready. I'll see you there."