[ Is there something wrong with his return, or is this just the new Harold? John feels as if they've lost some of the warmth they gained by living together, but he has to remember that while it's only been a month for him it's been years for Harold. Who knows what's transpired in those years. Carter's death, presumably, but he has a feeling he shouldn't ask. He has a feeling Harold doesn't want him to ask, and he supposes he doesn't really want to know outside of what he's learned just now. ]

I didn't put on much of a show. You got more resources if you had more points, but I didn't have too much hardship. Still, it'll be nice to be back in the library.

[ Back here with you, he doesn't say, but he's been thinking it the whole way back. Back to their strange routine. Besides his newfound knowledge, it is a relief to be back in the library with Harold. A quiet, private space just for them. Familiar and comforting. Etraya itself doesn't feel like home, but the library, with Harold, feels like a place he belongs. ]

How's our grocery situation?

[ He's not about to nag Harold about how he ate in John's absence, he's perfectly capable of taking care of himself and has done so for many years, but John is itching to cook something, maybe to sit down and just enjoy a quiet evening with Harold; even if they've gained some distance surely they can make it back up again. ]