Dana smiled when she found Alice curled into much the same position she’d left her. Dana, feeling curious, walked over to the bookcase beside the piano. Alice had it crammed full of well-worn books. Some stacked on top of the other all the way to the ceiling of the case.

Dana enjoyed reading but seldom found time for it. It was clear that Alice made the time.

"Hey."

The sleepy voice made Dana turn around, the smile already etched onto her lips.

"Hey," Dana returned.

Alice was sitting up, groping around the side table for her glasses. Dana walked forward, scooping them up and handing them to Alice when she sat down beside her.

"Better?"

Alice blinked behind the glasses, and Dana found that she’d almost forgotten how dark Alice’s eyes were. The deepest, warmest brown she’d ever seen.

"Much better. Thank you."

Dana found herself reaching forward again with the intent of smoothing Alice’s hair. She pulled her hand back, an embarassed grin on her lips. Alice watched her curiously before her eyes darkened with understanding and she smiled bashfully. "The hair, right?"

She ran a hand over it but the hair just flopped to the other side, still untamed.

Dana laughed and said quietly, "Here." Reaching forward, she pushed a hand gently through Alice’s feathery locks until she had them in some semblance of order.

"Thanks. Did you get to eat breakfast?"

Dana nodded and said happily, "It was delicious. You guys get to do that every Saturday, huh? I might have to figure out a way to get in on that deal."

Alice grinned back and waggled her eyebrows, saying cheekily, " I think that could be arranged."

Dana smiled back at Alice, willing the blush that was spreading over her cheeks to stop immediately. Still, the questions hung in the air between them. For the moment, they were content to leave them unanswered.
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Alice grabbed a donut and bit into it, clearly relishing the taste. Dana watched with a bemused smile from her perch on the couch. "Those’ll kill you, Alice."

Grinning, Alice took another bite and through the sugary mouthful she said cheerfully, "Something’s got to."

Dana laughed aloud. "Death by donut, huh?"

Alice said goofily, "Second best way to go."

Dana arched her eyebrows and Alice’s naughty expression left little doubt as to what she considered the first best way.