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Ever since she was little, Makkari always imagined going to far off places to see everything and to immerse herself in different cultures. She always had her nose in a new book or marched off to museums to look at the new exhibit on ancient Bablyonian artifacts or on deco art from the 1920s.
She couldn’t wait to leave and just travel the world.
Once she got to college, she was only expecting to be in there for a semester, two tops before going abroad and going on all of the adventures she wanted. But life gave her a few twists, one of them being Druig.
They met in some intro history class where the professor droned on about history that they already learned in high school while clutching onto his cup of coffee. They bonded over flicking paper footballs onto people’s backpacks and across the aisles while the professor’s back was turned. From there, things fell into place.
From early mornings cramming at the last minute for exams to late nights staying at the library after closing to go read ancient Greek literature with their stash of junk food, they were practically inseparable in their 4 years together.
While she did love her other friends dearly and considered them as family, Druig was different. He had become her closest friend. He had become someone more than ‘just a friend’. He had become irreplaceable. She could hardly think of a life without him.
But then she had to.
Graduation had been fast approaching and a travel website that she sent an application to without much thought had offered her a job. The job was everything that she could hope for when she was younger. It was the opportunity to travel and immerse herself in different cultures, it was the chance to finally see the world!
But… What about her and Druig?
He couldn't come with her, he was going to start his PhD program after graduation.
So when she told him the news, she told him, I don’t have to go. I got other job offers in the city. There’s still a chance for me to travel with those jobs. Just not as much as this one.
“My beautiful, beautiful Makkari,” he said while signing as he always did, “This is the chance that you’ve been waiting for. I would never stop you from going.”
You’re really ok with it?
“Yeah. Just swear that you won’t forget about little old me while you’re out on your adventures.”
Swear.
Like she could ever forget when Druig was home to her.
The second that Makkari left the airport, she rushed to find the quickest cab that could take her to the cafe Druig said that he’d be at. She couldn’t wait to see him or to tell him her exciting news.
On my way!
Got it.
[picture sent]
???
In case you’ve forgotten what my face looks like
She snorted a little. Like she would forget.
Makkari hurried into the cafe and instantly found the man she was looking for. She’d recognize him from anywhere.
He waved with a small smile on his face.
Makkari immediately rushed towards his table. She gestured for him to stand so that he could give her a hug. Her smile grew as he wrapped his arms around her. (Ooh had he been working out?) It always felt like she was home when he hugged her. He pressed his forehead into hers.
“Were you that excited to see me?”
She slapped his chest with a knowing smirk before lifting her hand to sign, Always. You look good!
“And you look gorgeous as always, my beautiful Makkari.” She smiled at the endearment. Druig pushed one of the mugs closer to her and she could smell sweet caramel mixing with fragrant coffee. “Is caramel mocha still your favorite?”
She nodded excitedly, Thanks!
The coffee was sweet and warm.
Sitting in this little coffee shop with Druig made it seem like time hasn't passed since they were last here together. It’s funny how a place that they used to be in all the time has become so nostalgic.
How’s the PhD program?
“The usual. Still working on my dissertation and teaching freshmen about ethics and morality. Some still don’t care for shit, but I think I’m getting through to some of them.”
That’s great! Maybe someday you can debate with them about the messy details of morality in the modern world.
She smiled. Even though he had his reservations about teaching others, it was good to see that he was enjoying himself.
“First I want them to not give me crap to grade for their essays then I’ll talk to them about the ethics of decision making in modern society.” Makkari chuckled a little. He told her a few more tidbits of interesting students that he was in charge of before requesting, “Tell me about Turkey.”
Outside of the usual travel struggles, it was a pleasant trip. She got to see the stunning architecture of the Hagia Sophia Mosque, the beauty of the terraces of Pamukkale and taste so many delicious foods, especially desserts. It was a great country for someone with a sweet tooth like her.
There were these delicious candies that I bought back for you. She rummaged through her bag and handed them to him. I hope you like them as much as I do.
“Thanks. I’m sure I’ll love anything that you give me.” Whenever they facetimed, she could see the little trinkets that she sent decorating his room or he would be snacking on the care packages that she would send (assuming that he didn’t already gobble them up). He’s even wearing a bracelet that she got from one of her trips to South America. “Everyone’s been excited to see you. Gil was saying how he wanted to feed you before you head out again.”
I’ve missed his cooking. How’s everyone doing?
“The usual. Phantos and his family are deliriously happy. Thena’s been helping Gil with his restaurant. Sersi’s in charge of her own class now. Sprite decided to get another degree for fun so that she can have more friends that are closer to her age. Ajak’s been busy at the hospital. Kingo has apparently been working on some movie that’s scheduled to come out next year, some superhero thing.”
And Ikaris?
“Still a prick at his corporate law thing.”
So too busy to ask for Sersi to forgive him?
Druig chuckled, “Yeah, luckily. But enough about him, when are you off on your next trip? A month? A week? I remember last time you said that you were interested in seeing more of Africa, especially Ghana.”
He was trying to play it off nonchalantly. If it was anyone else, they wouldn’t have noticed the shift in his expression, but she knew better. He’d always try not to act sad when she left, but she could tell. She got sad at every goodbye too.
Actually, Turkey was my last assignment.
“Oh? Why’s that?” She gave him a mischievous smile. He lifted his chin with a teasing smile, “What’s with that look?”
She pulled out her phone and opened it to an email that she’s been eager to show him. An email from the university accepting her as a student for their Masters program. She wasn’t just spending the past few years traveling around. When she had decent wifi, she worked on her applications and figured out the damn time differences to have her interviews online.
“You’re staying?”
Surprise!
He gave her a wide smile and she couldn’t help but feel her heart soar. She did love it when he smiled, dimples and all. It reminded her of how adorable her Druig was.
“I might have an idea for a place you can stay.”
She felt her smile grow wider. Oh? Do tell.