[Her good friend, her buddy, her pal. Gale accepts it graciously, relieved that Amelia seemed to be none the wiser regarding Berna's blatant teasing, and as the order for more soju is put in, he proceeds to tuck into his own meal, grateful for the opportunity to let his face cool.
Dinner proceeds pleasantly; the four of them eat and talk as the environment allows, with Gale trying to engage Oren on the subject of cooking somewhere in the mix, and the evening proves itself to be enjoyable as expected— a welcome reprieve after the bittersweet but heavy emotional load of the afternoon. At least once, Gale's hand brushes against the back of Amelia's own thanks to their being beside one another, and where once he would have apologized for such a benign incident, worried about boundaries, now he only feels a quiet thrill.
Like the others, Gale drinks alongside his meal, but does so slowly and sparingly, savoring it as he eats his fill and even contemplates the possibility of desert. Amelia, he notices, has no such reserve, though given the day she's had, she's certainly more than earned the right to numb it however she pleases.]
I hadn't realized you had such a fondness for soju in particular.
[The closeness around the table feels warm and it adds to the atmosphere of loud music, the sizzle and hiss of other grill plates, clacking utensils, and smokey aromas of meat. It would almost be overwhelming for Amelia if she wasn't part of the group and when Gale's hand brushes her own accidentally(?) she feels more grounded and free to indulge herself in the exceptional meal even after the emotional ordeal that could have left her with no appetite.
While Amelia helps herself to her meat and soju, Oren converses with Gale when addressed, choppy as it is, but it's safe to say that he doesn't have a negative opinion of him? He even seems to appreciate his input and advice for certain dishes, using his smartphone to bookmark certain recipes. Berna keeps her teasing to a minimum and she and Amelia take turns topping off each other's glasses of liquor. It's just so easy to drink and the artificial peachiness of her bottle is cloying and addictive.
Very soon, it's easy to tell who has the stronger resistance to alcohol. While Berna's complexion is just the tiniest pink, Amelia's cheeks are about as red as her hair.
In response to Gale, she finishes her glasses and stares at the bottom of it before glancing at him.]
There's not enough in here. They're ripping us off, Gale.
[While he's certainly seen Amelia under the influence of alcohol before, it's never been like this, decidedly different and more inebriated than she'd been the night they met, and certainly moreso than the last drink they shared. There's something about her declaration that he finds positively endearing, and while he does manage not to laugh, there's no avoiding the smile that tugs at his lips as she addresses him.]
Well, there was more, but you and Berna have made short work of it.
[There's an easy way to address a near-empty glass, at least, but he's curious to see where she's going with this.]
No. We gotta compare the bottles so let's get another one.
[She waves a waitress over and holds up her empty bottle of soju, jabbing at it.]
Another one. Double check, no, triple check and make sure it's completely full.
[The poor waitress looks to Berna who nods reassuringly and says over the din of the restaurant that it will be the last one. It's quickly served and Amelia takes the bottle by its neck and swirls it around towards her ear as if the sound of sloshing liquor will put her at ease.]
Everything seems to be in order. They know we're catching on to their tricks.
Bottoms up. Oren, help me out.
[Oren obeys, opens the bottle and pours in... Just a small amount and sneakily waters her glass down with their pitcher of water. Amelia doesn't notice and takes the whole thing down in one swig.]
[Gale watches the entire display with fascination, and a curtailed chuckle does escape him as she swirls the bottle's contents beside her ear, giving Oren a subtle nod of approval when he catches a glimpse of him adding water to her glass.
He clears his throat softly in response to her insistence, taking hold of the bottle and pouring a small, measured amount into his own glass, sending an amused glance in Berna's direction.]
Well, if you insist— thank goodness you thought to compare bottles. They simply can't be allowed to get away with shorting customers.
[He's pretty sure the other bottle was perfectly fine, but he'll gladly play along, especially since her usual stubbornness now seems to have turned to— honestly adorable belligerence.
He raises his glass in her direction before taking a thoughtful sip, considering it. The peach is much sweeter than the yuzu he had opted for earlier, but pleasantly so.]
There's only a brief moment of surprise hesitation before he shifts so that he can reach to use his free hand to pat her back in a display of reassurance.]
There, there. It does seem a shame it goes so quickly— but holiday break before long, hm? Ah— chin up!
[Truly, he feels caught somewhere between laughter and panic and isn't sure which is in the lead at the moment.]
[Will Berna or Oren help out our Dr. Dekarios? Nah, they're talking to each other about next week's chores, where Berna needs to be driven, something about her niece's new business opening up...
Amelia groans, but rubs the side of her head into his shoulder as he pats her on the back.]
Mn. You're right. But that's more than enough time for Dr. Raphael to visit my office again and claim he wants to make up for that thing that happened.
[The name gets a sudden furrow of his brow; Gale looks towards their dining companions briefly only to find them engaged in conversation with one another, then quickly directs his attention back to Amelia, his hand against her back now far less tentative as it comes to rest reassuringly against the back of her shoulder.]
He hasn't been giving you trouble since your meeting with him that afternoon, has he?
[Berna interjects and fully facing forward because she sensed a flow in the conversation she wants to dive into for extra shenanigans.]
This dean fellow that's given you trouble is so transparent. He's not the first man of unsavory character that's immediately attracted to the first lovely woman who shows resistance against someone of his stature.
Besides I know your type.
[Berna daintily takes some meat with her chopsticks and nibbles on it while looking very cheerful and not so indiscreet.]
He feels his heart skip half a beat, even as he feels himself rankle at the nerve of Raphael to try and work his way into his good graces after he'd transparently threatened her and her position. Did she mean—
Berna's remark draws his attention, and he pales slightly.]
I— don't know that it's about type so much as it is that he's something of a bully, but that's— you know, it's neither here nor there, we don't have to get into all of this now—
[Well, he's doing just splendidly. Perhaps he should have had some more soju.]
[For the first time since Berna has made Gale's acquaintance, she'll see him scowl, an almost immediate response as if on pure instinct, even as his arm remains loosely around Amelia's shoulder.]
Darcy.
[The name of a vile rake if he ever heard one—
Nevermind the fact, of course, that Gale has both read and enjoyed the book in question.]
[Amelia gestures with one arm, completely oblivious to Gale's arm around her shoulder.]
You can imagine a guy like Darcy, imagine him romancing you, his arm around yours, the handsome Victorian era suit, his passion...
[Berna is snickering into her bowl of rice. Just lol. Lmao.]
Not like a man like him will ever exist, but that's why he's the perfect unobtainable dream to project on. I could go on, but this isn't one of my class lectures.
Funny, I recall him being rather condescending and not terribly good at the whole 'romance' business...
[Gale's voice is mild and barely above a mumble as he reaches for the bottle of soju and proceeds to fill his glass considerably more than he had for his previous taste.
[Somehow, despite being shaken, Gale manages to hold his glass steady as he lifts it to his lips, the bridge of his nose scrunching in response as he drinks.]
I will concede that he went on a very compelling character journey.
[He cannot hide the faint note of injury in his voice, even though it feels ridiculous to be put out by something like this.]
Is being British a requirement, as well? Perhaps you're right about it being unobtainable; no man could possibly be all of that and British.
[He's rallying, somewhat, by teasing, but that glass of soju is disappearing awfully quickly.]
[Timing is, in all things, critical. Unfortunately, Amelia happens to ask that particular question while he's in the process of downing the contents of his glass— the result being that he sputters and nearly chokes in the process.]
That's not—
[He can only hope that the lighting in the restaurant will do something to camouflage the intense heat flooding his cheeks now; he turns absolutely scarlet, the contrast against his beard almost comical.]
Now, that's hardly dinner table conversation, I didn't— I only meant—
[He cuts himself off and downs the rest of his drink, giving her a baleful look.]
[It's a miserable-sounding murmur that's only half-muffled by his glass, and he resists the urge to sigh. Berna, he notes, has abandoned him in his time of need, and he sets his empty glass down to rake his fingers through his long hair in an effort to compose himself. Success is moderate, at best.]
That's—
[Well, he can't exactly correct her, not in public and certainly not while she's in this state. It's neither the place nor the time.]
[Oh, hey, Berna's here to the rescue (late). It is getting late and Oren's gathering up their empty plates and cups and putting them to the side. He's also taking care of their tab so Berna can concern herself with the other two.]
I thought you'd enjoy seeing her cut loose, but it seems like I've let it go on too long. C'mon Amy, we've kept him around long enough.
[Amelia grunts and drops her hand from Gale's head, burying her face into his shoulder instead.]
[It's rather defeated-sounding, but even with her in this state, he's too polite not to acknowledge her efforts to console him.
Truly, he's in deeper than he'd realized.
Berna's interception is a timely one, though he would have appreciated it at a few moments earlier— still, beggars can't be choosers, and he looks positively relieved even as he lets out a weary chuckle.]
I've seen her 'cut loose' before, but not like this, I'll admit.
[He's too proper to expand on that, but he'll let Berna make her own conclusions. Almost without realizing, his arm finds its way around Amelia's shoulders again as if to offer her consolation while she buries her face against him, and there's no denying the obvious softening of his gaze as he looks down at her.
It's been a strange, surreal sort of day, full of difficult emotions, but he thinks he rather likes where things have ended up, teasing and all.]
I think it's time for Berna and Oren to get you safely home, Professor. It's been a long day, for you especially.
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sunfloras2024-01-21 09:17 pm
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Dinner proceeds pleasantly; the four of them eat and talk as the environment allows, with Gale trying to engage Oren on the subject of cooking somewhere in the mix, and the evening proves itself to be enjoyable as expected— a welcome reprieve after the bittersweet but heavy emotional load of the afternoon. At least once, Gale's hand brushes against the back of Amelia's own thanks to their being beside one another, and where once he would have apologized for such a benign incident, worried about boundaries, now he only feels a quiet thrill.
Like the others, Gale drinks alongside his meal, but does so slowly and sparingly, savoring it as he eats his fill and even contemplates the possibility of desert. Amelia, he notices, has no such reserve, though given the day she's had, she's certainly more than earned the right to numb it however she pleases.]
I hadn't realized you had such a fondness for soju in particular.
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While Amelia helps herself to her meat and soju, Oren converses with Gale when addressed, choppy as it is, but it's safe to say that he doesn't have a negative opinion of him? He even seems to appreciate his input and advice for certain dishes, using his smartphone to bookmark certain recipes. Berna keeps her teasing to a minimum and she and Amelia take turns topping off each other's glasses of liquor. It's just so easy to drink and the artificial peachiness of her bottle is cloying and addictive.
Very soon, it's easy to tell who has the stronger resistance to alcohol. While Berna's complexion is just the tiniest pink, Amelia's cheeks are about as red as her hair.
In response to Gale, she finishes her glasses and stares at the bottom of it before glancing at him.]
There's not enough in here. They're ripping us off, Gale.
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Well, there was more, but you and Berna have made short work of it.
[There's an easy way to address a near-empty glass, at least, but he's curious to see where she's going with this.]
You think we didn't get our money's worth?
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[She waves a waitress over and holds up her empty bottle of soju, jabbing at it.]
Another one. Double check, no, triple check and make sure it's completely full.
[The poor waitress looks to Berna who nods reassuringly and says over the din of the restaurant that it will be the last one. It's quickly served and Amelia takes the bottle by its neck and swirls it around towards her ear as if the sound of sloshing liquor will put her at ease.]
Everything seems to be in order. They know we're catching on to their tricks.
Bottoms up. Oren, help me out.
[Oren obeys, opens the bottle and pours in... Just a small amount and sneakily waters her glass down with their pitcher of water. Amelia doesn't notice and takes the whole thing down in one swig.]
Huh. It's lighter. I don't hate it.
Gale, try it out.
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He clears his throat softly in response to her insistence, taking hold of the bottle and pouring a small, measured amount into his own glass, sending an amused glance in Berna's direction.]
Well, if you insist— thank goodness you thought to compare bottles. They simply can't be allowed to get away with shorting customers.
[He's pretty sure the other bottle was perfectly fine, but he'll gladly play along, especially since her usual stubbornness now seems to have turned to— honestly adorable belligerence.
He raises his glass in her direction before taking a thoughtful sip, considering it. The peach is much sweeter than the yuzu he had opted for earlier, but pleasantly so.]
Very refreshing, excellent choice.
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[With a dramatic sigh, Amelia suddenly moves to lean her head against Gale's shoulder, mumbling.]
The weekend should be longer. We got work the day after tomorrow and that really... [She shakes her index finger in the air at no one.]
Really grinds my gears.
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There's only a brief moment of surprise hesitation before he shifts so that he can reach to use his free hand to pat her back in a display of reassurance.]
There, there. It does seem a shame it goes so quickly— but holiday break before long, hm? Ah— chin up!
[Truly, he feels caught somewhere between laughter and panic and isn't sure which is in the lead at the moment.]
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Amelia groans, but rubs the side of her head into his shoulder as he pats her on the back.]
Mn. You're right. But that's more than enough time for Dr. Raphael to visit my office again and claim he wants to make up for that thing that happened.
[OH?]
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He hasn't been giving you trouble since your meeting with him that afternoon, has he?
[Gale certainly wouldn't put it past him...]
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[She shrugs and holds out her glass for Oren to fill (lightly) and then draws back to take a sip.]
He's asking to get coffee together or something along those lines, but it's been too busy and I don't wanna. Not with him-
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[Berna interjects and fully facing forward because she sensed a flow in the conversation she wants to dive into for extra shenanigans.]
This dean fellow that's given you trouble is so transparent. He's not the first man of unsavory character that's immediately attracted to the first lovely woman who shows resistance against someone of his stature.
Besides I know your type.
[Berna daintily takes some meat with her chopsticks and nibbles on it while looking very cheerful and not so indiscreet.]
Would you like to enlighten us again?
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He feels his heart skip half a beat, even as he feels himself rankle at the nerve of Raphael to try and work his way into his good graces after he'd transparently threatened her and her position. Did she mean—
Berna's remark draws his attention, and he pales slightly.]
I— don't know that it's about type so much as it is that he's something of a bully, but that's— you know, it's neither here nor there, we don't have to get into all of this now—
[Well, he's doing just splendidly. Perhaps he should have had some more soju.]
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Amelia finishes her glass and sets it down on the table loudly.]
Mr. Darcy from Pride and Predjudice, by Jane Austen, published in 1813.
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Darcy.
[The name of a vile rake if he ever heard one—
Nevermind the fact, of course, that Gale has both read and enjoyed the book in question.]
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[She sighs almost dreamily.]
Darcy. You can... You can almost you know...?
[Amelia gestures with one arm, completely oblivious to Gale's arm around her shoulder.]
You can imagine a guy like Darcy, imagine him romancing you, his arm around yours, the handsome Victorian era suit, his passion...
[Berna is snickering into her bowl of rice. Just lol. Lmao.]
Not like a man like him will ever exist, but that's why he's the perfect unobtainable dream to project on. I could go on, but this isn't one of my class lectures.
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[Gale's voice is mild and barely above a mumble as he reaches for the bottle of soju and proceeds to fill his glass considerably more than he had for his previous taste.
He doesn't want to waste it. No other reason.]
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Gaaale. [She's shaking him by the shoulder now.]
Gaaaallllle! You don't get it! you don't get it all. He got even better! That's what makes him the best!
[what has this K-BBQ become]
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I will concede that he went on a very compelling character journey.
[He cannot hide the faint note of injury in his voice, even though it feels ridiculous to be put out by something like this.]
Is being British a requirement, as well? Perhaps you're right about it being unobtainable; no man could possibly be all of that and British.
[He's rallying, somewhat, by teasing, but that glass of soju is disappearing awfully quickly.]
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... Gale? Are you... You know...
[She makes a whole-body gesture that's partially a shrug.]
Do you want Darcy for yourself??
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That's not—
[He can only hope that the lighting in the restaurant will do something to camouflage the intense heat flooding his cheeks now; he turns absolutely scarlet, the contrast against his beard almost comical.]
Now, that's hardly dinner table conversation, I didn't— I only meant—
[He cuts himself off and downs the rest of his drink, giving her a baleful look.]
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Listen. I get it. It's Mr. Darcy.
[She waves her empty glass in the air back and forth.]
You can have him in your imagination too. It's a free for all. That's why literature is great.
[great literary claim and analysis by yours truly, the Professor of Folklore and Mythology]
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[It's a miserable-sounding murmur that's only half-muffled by his glass, and he resists the urge to sigh. Berna, he notes, has abandoned him in his time of need, and he sets his empty glass down to rake his fingers through his long hair in an effort to compose himself. Success is moderate, at best.]
That's—
[Well, he can't exactly correct her, not in public and certainly not while she's in this state. It's neither the place nor the time.]
... ahem. Precisely it, yes.
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See? Was that so hard? There, there. Good boy.
[Is she comforting him? Encouraging him?? Who knows, she's drunk.]
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[Oh, hey, Berna's here to the rescue (late). It is getting late and Oren's gathering up their empty plates and cups and putting them to the side. He's also taking care of their tab so Berna can concern herself with the other two.]
I thought you'd enjoy seeing her cut loose, but it seems like I've let it go on too long. C'mon Amy, we've kept him around long enough.
[Amelia grunts and drops her hand from Gale's head, burying her face into his shoulder instead.]
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[It's rather defeated-sounding, but even with her in this state, he's too polite not to acknowledge her efforts to console him.
Truly, he's in deeper than he'd realized.
Berna's interception is a timely one, though he would have appreciated it at a few moments earlier— still, beggars can't be choosers, and he looks positively relieved even as he lets out a weary chuckle.]
I've seen her 'cut loose' before, but not like this, I'll admit.
[He's too proper to expand on that, but he'll let Berna make her own conclusions. Almost without realizing, his arm finds its way around Amelia's shoulders again as if to offer her consolation while she buries her face against him, and there's no denying the obvious softening of his gaze as he looks down at her.
It's been a strange, surreal sort of day, full of difficult emotions, but he thinks he rather likes where things have ended up, teasing and all.]
I think it's time for Berna and Oren to get you safely home, Professor. It's been a long day, for you especially.
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