That would be a terrible shame. I've come to look forward to our lunches.
[Their other activities, as well— even just passing chats in the corridors. All else aside, it's been a long, long while since he's enjoyed such warm comradery with any of his colleagues, save Tara— and she was more family than fellow academic, at this venture.
He leans against the bar once more, his chin resting in his hand as his smile pulls a touch wider. Though he's had less to drink than that first night, he can feel it working more keenly this time— perhaps because he's so overworked and worn thin to begin with.]
You've been after my health well enough, at least. Admittedly, the reminders to eat properly have been helpful, if not something I'd ever thought I'd need.
[He enjoys good food far too much for that, usually, though he's been known to miss a meal or two due to a good hyperfixation.]
[At least the part that instinctively checked on the health of others. Not that her own mother wasn't actively doing that too, it's just that her nurturing had a stark different from her father's.
(His smile is nice, she thinks idly.)]
My friends had to remind me all the time to eat during my college years. I was a touch more neglectful and it was detrimental to my overall wellbeing.
Since then I'm trying to be less foolish. The jury's on the table about how well that's worked out.
[And really, she can't help but smile down at her lap because they both know what they did.]
[He chuckles softly, his own gaze turning downwards.
Yes, they absolutely both know what they did.]
I don't think it's worked out so terribly.
[Not only because of what had happened that first night. He looks up at her again, and finds himself struck by the intense color of her eyes for a moment.]
We're sitting here now, aren't we? I can think of far worse outcomes.
[They could have parted ways entirely, never spoken to one another again— this, without a doubt, is much better.]
[She makes the mistake of looking at him in return, locking their eyes together. All of a sudden Amelia is unsure of what to say next.
His eyes were always lively and expressive. Even the dark color shone with joy when talking about favored topics, displayed hurt with painful clarity, and looked at others with sincere intent. It was a listening gaze that made her think about the first night, made her want to have it all for herself.
(Briar looked at her the same way, when they were children, when they were in high school, every time she came home for the summer in college, from the hospital bed before the light fadedโ)
Ah. She looks down at her lap again. Thank god she didnโt buy a second drink.]
Should we call it a night then? We have work tomorrow.
[The moment their eyes meet lasts both an eternity and nowhere near long enough. Whatever he's been trying to convince himself of these past months, whatever narrative they've agreed to participate in between them— in an instant, it falls away, and the truth is laid bare.
They have been pretending, both of them, and it has become increasingly difficult to ignore.
She looks down, and he lets out a soft huff of breath as he averts his own gaze, suddenly finding his empty glass to be terribly interesting. He clears his throat softly at her suggestion, reaching for his bag.]
Perhaps we should. It's not terribly late yet, but we've both— plenty to do, I'm sure.
[And if they stay here, like this, he can't help but wonder if they might make another 'mistake.' Would it be one, truly?]
Shall I walk you, or do you already have arrangements with Oren?
[If she had indulged in another drink, she'd be dangerously close to indulging in other ways. Not tonight, not ever again, thinks Amelia. They already spent time putting out one fire this afternoon so she isn't so quick to throw herself into another.
(I'd just be running away again.)
Amelia uses her card to pay their tab. While she's being rung up, she replies to Gale.]
Oren will pick me up, but you can walk me to my spot.
[There isn't really a spot, but she gave Oren a street to pick her up in, not necessarily a specific landmark. When her card is returned, she pushes herself off of her seat.]
[Though she had promised to treat him to drinks earlier to make up for their missed lunch, he still catches himself reaching for his wallet out of habit, but corrects himself and offers her an appreciative smile as she settles their tab. He pulls the strap of his bag over his shoulder as he gets to his feet, and for a moment, he's tempted to offer her his arm— if their being friends was as clear-cut as his friendship with Tara was, then he would have done so without hesitation, but the fact that it isn't makes him think better of it, even if there's a flutter of disappointment in his chest as he decides against it.]
Gladly. I would be poor company indeed if I let you walk out into the evening on your own.
[She's fully capable, of course, but... it seems a shame to simply part ways at the bar when they could have at least a few more minutes to chat, and his good manners make it impossible to avoid making such an offer altogether.
It's still early evening when they step outside, though the next day will start early for the both of them, making it late enough that home is certainly the right call.]
[Amelia keeps her hands clasped around her clutch purse and her eyes towards the ground as they walk to the corner. It's a paradoxically comfortable, but awkward silence where the urge to continue talking remains, but the uncertainty prevents further conversation.
Still, she tries.]
The holidays are coming up soon. Any plans with other friends?
[It goes without saying, but they've technically been having coffee without having to wait for any "before" or "after" timeframe like was mentioned in that first text conversation they shared when she was just "Eva."]
It's rich coming from me, but we shouldn't be working all the time.
[He laughs a little, a note of self-deprecation hidden in there somewhere.]
There aren't so many of those these days, at least around these parts, but I'll likely catch up with a few. My friend Halsin will be in town visiting family, so we've plans to meet, but I imagine for much of the holiday season, I'll be at my mother's disposal.
[He's kept so busy during the semester proper that his regular visits have fallen off a fair amount, and with the entirety of their clan coming together for the holidays themselves, he knows full well his mother will put him to work in the kitchen, which he'll gladly aid with.]
Of course, I haven't forgotten that you and I planned to meet for coffee at least once during the break. 'Before the holidays,' if I recall. There's also a conference in early December Tara and I will be visiting.
We've been having a lot of coffee together. I'm sure having it in the university and outside of it already counts.
[But if she's saying that, she realizes that it sounds contrite, so she adds.]
I'm sure I can make the time. My parents have been asking me to visit them and I've been putting it off. I'll probably be helping them sort out some business affairs and such.
[Some places can't clean themselves y'know]
Additionally, Berna will find a way to whisk us to a prime holiday vacation destination. Don't be surprised if that gets in your way.
[He's nothing if not detail-oriented— he seems to remember most things, in fact.]
It would be nice to have the opportunity to check in, at least. Should time allow, we each ought to be able to ensure that the other isn't working their entire break away regardless.
[It does seem exactly the sort of thing they both would do. He winks mischievously, perhaps against his better judgment.]
It sounds like you've plenty lined up to keep you busy, however. Holidays and family do tend to go hand-in-hand, and I'm certain Berna will ensure you have a splendid getaway. She always seems very invested in your best interests.
[She tries and only partially succeeds at holding back a smile at that wink of his. He shouldn't try being a scoundrel because it makes it that much harder to stay neutral.]
Berna's just overpowering in all aspects. I can rarely win against her.
[They stop at a corner streetlamp where Oren's car is slowly approaching.]
... Well, it's time to go.
[There's not much else to be said. They'll see each other tomorrow, let their minds be taken over by academic responsibilities and vigor. The fallout or standstill from Dr. Raphael's interference will be dealt with. Maybe they won't even have enough room to even think about this evening and that moment they had between them.
Maybe.
She opens the door for Oren's car and steps in, shutting it behind her. Amelia does roll down the window and give Gale a wave before she disappears down the road.
Being separated shouldn't leave a such hollow atmosphere, but in the quietness of the car and Oren's own silence, Amelia thinks that this may be too much of a good thing.
But for once it doesn't weigh on her as it used to.]
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sunfloras2024-01-21 09:17 pm
no subject
[Their other activities, as well— even just passing chats in the corridors. All else aside, it's been a long, long while since he's enjoyed such warm comradery with any of his colleagues, save Tara— and she was more family than fellow academic, at this venture.
He leans against the bar once more, his chin resting in his hand as his smile pulls a touch wider. Though he's had less to drink than that first night, he can feel it working more keenly this time— perhaps because he's so overworked and worn thin to begin with.]
You've been after my health well enough, at least. Admittedly, the reminders to eat properly have been helpful, if not something I'd ever thought I'd need.
[He enjoys good food far too much for that, usually, though he's been known to miss a meal or two due to a good hyperfixation.]
no subject
[At least the part that instinctively checked on the health of others. Not that her own mother wasn't actively doing that too, it's just that her nurturing had a stark different from her father's.
(His smile is nice, she thinks idly.)]
My friends had to remind me all the time to eat during my college years. I was a touch more neglectful and it was detrimental to my overall wellbeing.
Since then I'm trying to be less foolish. The jury's on the table about how well that's worked out.
[And really, she can't help but smile down at her lap because they both know what they did.]
no subject
Yes, they absolutely both know what they did.]
I don't think it's worked out so terribly.
[Not only because of what had happened that first night. He looks up at her again, and finds himself struck by the intense color of her eyes for a moment.]
We're sitting here now, aren't we? I can think of far worse outcomes.
[They could have parted ways entirely, never spoken to one another again— this, without a doubt, is much better.]
no subject
His eyes were always lively and expressive. Even the dark color shone with joy when talking about favored topics, displayed hurt with painful clarity, and looked at others with sincere intent. It was a listening gaze that made her think about the first night, made her want to have it all for herself.
(Briar looked at her the same way, when they were children, when they were in high school, every time she came home for the summer in college, from the hospital bed before the light fadedโ)
Ah. She looks down at her lap again. Thank god she didnโt buy a second drink.]
Should we call it a night then? We have work tomorrow.
no subject
They have been pretending, both of them, and it has become increasingly difficult to ignore.
She looks down, and he lets out a soft huff of breath as he averts his own gaze, suddenly finding his empty glass to be terribly interesting. He clears his throat softly at her suggestion, reaching for his bag.]
Perhaps we should. It's not terribly late yet, but we've both— plenty to do, I'm sure.
[And if they stay here, like this, he can't help but wonder if they might make another 'mistake.' Would it be one, truly?]
Shall I walk you, or do you already have arrangements with Oren?
no subject
(I'd just be running away again.)
Amelia uses her card to pay their tab. While she's being rung up, she replies to Gale.]
Oren will pick me up, but you can walk me to my spot.
[There isn't really a spot, but she gave Oren a street to pick her up in, not necessarily a specific landmark. When her card is returned, she pushes herself off of her seat.]
Let's go.
no subject
Gladly. I would be poor company indeed if I let you walk out into the evening on your own.
[She's fully capable, of course, but... it seems a shame to simply part ways at the bar when they could have at least a few more minutes to chat, and his good manners make it impossible to avoid making such an offer altogether.
It's still early evening when they step outside, though the next day will start early for the both of them, making it late enough that home is certainly the right call.]
Lead the way, and I will happily escort you.
no subject
Still, she tries.]
The holidays are coming up soon. Any plans with other friends?
[It goes without saying, but they've technically been having coffee without having to wait for any "before" or "after" timeframe like was mentioned in that first text conversation they shared when she was just "Eva."]
It's rich coming from me, but we shouldn't be working all the time.
no subject
There aren't so many of those these days, at least around these parts, but I'll likely catch up with a few. My friend Halsin will be in town visiting family, so we've plans to meet, but I imagine for much of the holiday season, I'll be at my mother's disposal.
[He's kept so busy during the semester proper that his regular visits have fallen off a fair amount, and with the entirety of their clan coming together for the holidays themselves, he knows full well his mother will put him to work in the kitchen, which he'll gladly aid with.]
Of course, I haven't forgotten that you and I planned to meet for coffee at least once during the break. 'Before the holidays,' if I recall. There's also a conference in early December Tara and I will be visiting.
no subject
We've been having a lot of coffee together. I'm sure having it in the university and outside of it already counts.
[But if she's saying that, she realizes that it sounds contrite, so she adds.]
I'm sure I can make the time. My parents have been asking me to visit them and I've been putting it off. I'll probably be helping them sort out some business affairs and such.
[Some places can't clean themselves y'know]
Additionally, Berna will find a way to whisk us to a prime holiday vacation destination. Don't be surprised if that gets in your way.
no subject
It would be nice to have the opportunity to check in, at least. Should time allow, we each ought to be able to ensure that the other isn't working their entire break away regardless.
[It does seem exactly the sort of thing they both would do. He winks mischievously, perhaps against his better judgment.]
It sounds like you've plenty lined up to keep you busy, however. Holidays and family do tend to go hand-in-hand, and I'm certain Berna will ensure you have a splendid getaway. She always seems very invested in your best interests.
no subject
Berna's just overpowering in all aspects. I can rarely win against her.
[They stop at a corner streetlamp where Oren's car is slowly approaching.]
... Well, it's time to go.
[There's not much else to be said. They'll see each other tomorrow, let their minds be taken over by academic responsibilities and vigor. The fallout or standstill from Dr. Raphael's interference will be dealt with. Maybe they won't even have enough room to even think about this evening and that moment they had between them.
Maybe.
She opens the door for Oren's car and steps in, shutting it behind her. Amelia does roll down the window and give Gale a wave before she disappears down the road.
Being separated shouldn't leave a such hollow atmosphere, but in the quietness of the car and Oren's own silence, Amelia thinks that this may be too much of a good thing.
But for once it doesn't weigh on her as it used to.]