Author's Notes: Hi, everyone! I apologize for the lack of updates lately. I guess I'm still recovering from surgery, and I'd just pushed myself a bit too hard. Sorry! Anyway, here's another chapter. I hope you all enjoy!
Guest - Thank you! :)
MangaAndAnimeFairy - Thank you! I'm glad you like the story.
-x-x-
Studying Woes, Part I
Researching, as Rio discovered, became a matter of research itself. Without a town library, her options were woefully limited. Even a quick trip to the next town proved largely fruitless.
She considered for a moment asking Sanjay himself about his homeland, but found herself striking it off the next.
He seemed so busy, always cooking, cleaning, or something else. And what if she made him feel homesick? She couldn't bear the thought of making him sad or, worse, causing him to leave.
A measly two books, that was all she'd found.
One of which likely dated back to the dinosaurs.
-x-x-
Studying Woes, Part II
Rio finished the books in the space of an afternoon. Unfortunately, they said little about culture and customs. They instead spoke mostly of history and lineages.
On the upside, she now knew the details of Prince Amir's family tree… fifty years ago.
With a sigh, she gathered up the books and began the trek back.
But, at the exit of Echo Village, a voice stopped her cold:
"Hi, Rio! Are you going out?"
Tina.
Rio hugged the dusty volumes closer as she turned and waved at the journalist. "Hello! I'm-"
Then Tina spotted the books. "Oh! What are you reading?"
-x-x-
Studying Woes, Part III
All Rio had wanted was to find out more of Sanjay's homeland. Then maybe, just maybe she could finally start giving the right signals, rather than all of the wrong – and rather awkward – ones she'd been.
But noooo. Of course it wouldn't be that easy.
She struggled for an answer. "I… Um…"
Before she could react, Tina plucked one of the books out of her arms and flipped it open. "Isn't this Amir's country?" she asked.
"Well…"
Tina gave an arch grin. "I bet Charles would know more. Come on!"
Answer unneeded, Tina grabbed hold of Rio and raced off.
-x-x-
Studying Woes, Part IV
"Have you ever been there?"
Charles rubbed his chin. "Hm. A few times, but it's been some years since I last went." He looked down at her from across the desk. "Why? Are you thinking of going there?"
Rio ran a hand along the back of her neck. "Of course! Well, maybe…"
The pilot cast a glance across the room at Tina, who seemed pointedly focused on every word of the travel brochures on the wall display, before looking back at Rio.
He whispered, "This isn't about traveling, is it?"
Rio's cheeks reddened. "No."
He smiled knowingly. "Go ask Olivia."
