You're quite right. Besides— it would hardly be the first time two people of the opposite sex became friends.
[Really, there's nothing to raise any eyebrows over, is there? It's not as though anyone else would know anything about how they had met, or the fumbling it took to get to this point. There may still be a bit of fumbling ahead, but he does feel they're pointed in the right direction.]
It's not as though anyone has ever given a second thought to my friendship with Dr. Prescott.
[Possibly because of their apparent age difference, though that seems terribly small-minded.]
Perhaps we needn't worry quite as much as we have been.
[He smiles faintly, encouraging— there are far, far worse things to be, he thinks, though they could afford to be a touch kinder with themselves.
When she declares that the coast is clear, he exhales, letting out a breath he hadn't even realized he'd been holding. The complexity of the Ariel situation— if they were truly to be friends, that would all have to come out someday, but this was hardly the day for it.]
Excellent idea. I never thought I would find myself so eager to put a library behind me, but I'll resume my task another time.
[As he steps out from the aisle to gather the things he had left in the armchair, he does pause to look back at her, his smile hitching upwards at one corner.]
[She tries not to notice his smile, tries not to focus on it. But for a second, when he affirms his anticipation, Amelia feels the relief that indicates that maybe, just maybe, this could work out.
Her reply to him is still brusque, however.]
I hope you understand that the same rules will apply?
[No pictures of one another, but anything interesting objects or sights will be allowed.]
[He places his hand over his heart and gives her a bit of a mock bow before reaching for his bag and pulling it over his shoulder, a wry smile quirking to one side.]
I'll be certain to bear them in mind. I don't strike you as much of a rule breaker, do I?
[Well— maybe he shouldn't have asked. He wasn't supposed to have messaged her beyond assuring she made it home safely that first morning to begin with, but he feels there are always worthy exceptions.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
recluserose) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sunfloras2024-01-21 09:17 pm
no subject
[Really, there's nothing to raise any eyebrows over, is there? It's not as though anyone else would know anything about how they had met, or the fumbling it took to get to this point. There may still be a bit of fumbling ahead, but he does feel they're pointed in the right direction.]
It's not as though anyone has ever given a second thought to my friendship with Dr. Prescott.
[Possibly because of their apparent age difference, though that seems terribly small-minded.]
Perhaps we needn't worry quite as much as we have been.
no subject
[The professor sighs, but at least she puts down her fidgeting hands and relaxes her shoulders.]
But I think I can safely say that I can at least hide it.
[She takes the risk and steps forward to look both ways down the aisle to make sure no one they know are in their proximity.]
Okay. We're safe. Let's just gather our things and call it a day before the library closes.
... And I'll text you when I get home.
[That is the most promising sign from Amelia yet.]
no subject
[He smiles faintly, encouraging— there are far, far worse things to be, he thinks, though they could afford to be a touch kinder with themselves.
When she declares that the coast is clear, he exhales, letting out a breath he hadn't even realized he'd been holding. The complexity of the Ariel situation— if they were truly to be friends, that would all have to come out someday, but this was hardly the day for it.]
Excellent idea. I never thought I would find myself so eager to put a library behind me, but I'll resume my task another time.
[As he steps out from the aisle to gather the things he had left in the armchair, he does pause to look back at her, his smile hitching upwards at one corner.]
I'll be looking forward to it, by the by.
no subject
Her reply to him is still brusque, however.]
I hope you understand that the same rules will apply?
[No pictures of one another, but anything interesting objects or sights will be allowed.]
no subject
[He places his hand over his heart and gives her a bit of a mock bow before reaching for his bag and pulling it over his shoulder, a wry smile quirking to one side.]
I'll be certain to bear them in mind. I don't strike you as much of a rule breaker, do I?
[Well— maybe he shouldn't have asked. He wasn't supposed to have messaged her beyond assuring she made it home safely that first morning to begin with, but he feels there are always worthy exceptions.
He clears his throat.]
Perhaps best not to answer that. Shall we?