"You keep busy," Combeferre observed, admiration in his voice, and a sort of gentle surprise. Not many people would take so much on, and with such obvious determination and vigor. He grimaced with sympathy as she described her coursework, knowing he would need to take a similar path - an invigorating path, but a daunting one as well.

A waitress stopped by the table and asked if they needed anything; Combeferre ordered coffee, though, not for the first time, he had to try two or three times to explain that, no, he did not wish for a latte, or americano, or venti mocha soy chai something-or-other. He chuckled a little as the woman left and shook his head. "Is it at all like your education at home, what you have been doing here?"