[Amelia sighs as she rubs her temples to gather her bearings. Even she can tell that he's concerned about things but timing is everything.]
Right now, it would be ideal that my father does not find out that I slept with the Airbnb guest even if I do know them. Or because I know them. Him. You.
[She's gesticulating with her hands now, her face still red, hoping her message gets across.]
There's no problem between us if that's what you're worried about.
[His instinct is to protest, to assure her that he was more secure in himself than that, but he thinks they both would have known it to be a lie immediately. He exhales, nodding, stepping forward just enough to toss her cardigan on the bed for her to do what she likes with.]
Of course. Truly, I didn't mean to interrupt; breakfast will still be there when you're through. By all means—
[He steps backwards through the door, both hands up once more, only to gesture for her to continue on with her business before he disappears into the hallway.
Amelia wasn't the only one who didn't want her father to find out what had taken place here.]
[When Gale makes his exit, Amelia lets out the breath she had been holding in. She presses unmute on her phone and puts it to her ear.]
Dad? You're still here? Sorry about that, the guest just had a question about the kitchen...
[The father and daughter conversation continues, with Frank asking his daughter if she'll return to Waterdeep or remain in Neverwinter. She tentatively replies with the latter, saying she'll make her own arrangements about where she'd be staying.
But that would depend on what follows with Gale.
The call ends with a reminder to come visit and that her mother is concerned for her well-being (as usual). With a "Love you too, Dad," Amelia finally hangs up and stands up to return to Gale's bedroom. She stops at the doorway, feeling a little ridiculous about returning for bed to have breakfast, but. Well.]
[By the time she returns to his room, there's a tray on each of the nightstands, and Amelia will find french toast, a dish of halved strawberries and a cup of coffee waiting for her. Gale, too, has been waiting patiently, having made himself comfortable by getting his feet back under the covers and propping his pillow up against the headboard, his own mug in one hand. He offers her a small smile, gesturing to the spot beside him to invite her to make herself comfortable.]
I suppose we could have eaten in the kitchen just as easily, but I think we're both in need of a slow morning. It's probably the first weekend in ages I haven't had to catch up on work, for one.
[There were other reasons they had earned it, as well, but he doesn't mean to imply anything more immediate by it— they had both had a challenging semester and kept themselves especially busy, and from the sounds of it, would both be fairly busy throughout the holidays. Even a day of vacation would be well-deserved.]
Besides, as you were so kind as to review my presentation for me last night, I must insist you relax and enjoy yourself today.
[There's a pause before Amelia smiles, hiding it by bowing her head down.]
Thank you for waiting. I shall... Partake.
[She knew it, she knew she'd sound awkward after everything that has happened. But instead of letting the embarrassment freeze her up, she makes her way to the bed and slips into the covers next to him.]
Do you like spoiling people or is it just me?
[Her hands take hold of the coffee and she brings it to her lips to enjoy the aroma. The taste, as she should have expected is immaculate.]
Mm. Nice
[She takes her time with the coffee before touching the food, mostly out of... Nerves.
But she doesn't want to leave him hanging.]
So.
...
...
Is your back alright? I mean, I was... You know.
[more of that gesticulation, but this time while holding a strawberry and a cup of coffee.]
[He can't help but smile behind his coffee cup at that first question— perhaps there's a bit of verbal fumbling to be done between the two of them, but he's sure they can manage. He may be out of practice, and they may have stumbled their way through this together thus far, but at least they had done so by being honest about what it was they wanted.]
I'd say I simply believe that generosity is a virtue, but I do take particular enjoyment in it when it's you, yes.
[That's not likely to make her feel any less awkward, he's sure, but he can't help but be truthful about it, one corner of his mouth hitching higher than the other in amusement, a touch of mischief in his gaze— though it's all but banished when she asks about his back, surprising him into sputtering as some of his coffee threatens to go down the wrong way.]
Is my— oh.
[Her nails.]
For a moment, I thought that might be a playful joke about my age, but— ah. [He clears his throat softly, taking on a sheepish smile and a faint flush as he he helps himself to a strawberry, as well.] It's quite alright. I— quite enjoyed that, actually.
[The first part of his response already had her blushing, confirming to her again, the depth of Gale's affection towards her. The second part has her shaking her head and then dropping it to stare at her lap instead.
Please end this, she pleads with herself, but she muscles on because surely, this is what two adults who are in mutual agreement do. Muscle through it(?).]
I mean, you're older than me, but that clearly wasn't getting in the way ofโ
[HELP HE'S SAYING HE ENJOYED IT let her stuff this strawberry in her mouth first. She chews, swallows, and tries again. Mumbling.]
Okay. Sure. That's fine. Good actually.
[Now for the french toast, he worked so hard on that and it would be a shame not to eat it. It's a good way for her to stuff her mouth with bread so that she can stop herself from saying anything that sounds more undignified.
[Maybe he should have kept that bit to himself— though he supposes pretending he is anyone other than who he is would be a mistake, wouldn't it? They'd both done more than enough pretending so far.
He stalls for time himself with another strawberry before cutting into his french toast with the side of his fork, giving her a brief sidelong glance.]
That's— good. You've nothing to worry about in that regard.
[Honestly, there was nothing about the night they'd spent together that he would change.]
Did you— sleep well?
[Maybe keeping things a bit lighter will help. He knows full well that he can be a bit much at times, too enthusiastic. He wants to take care not to overwhelm her.]
I know this isn't the weekend either of us was planning on having, but I'm not sorry it worked out this way.
[Anyone looking from the outside would be able to see the metaphorical steam rising out of Amelia's reddened face as she tries to further the conversation and reach the "natural" conclusion they're both going towards. Another chunk of toast is gulped down before she continues.]
Yeah. I mean, yes. Yes, I slept well.
[And it was a comfortable, dreamless sleep, she realizes in that moment. Her fork pokes at her toast until it's filled with multiple holes before she takes another bite.]
I... I'm not sorry either. I'm not at all regretful, but...
[But wasn't it still too reckless? Amelia tries so hard to be in control of herself that when impulse wins, it leaves her dazed at her own audacity to give in so easily.
She wants to do this properly. There should be an order to these things and she's made a mess of the sequence. She'll do it right this time, whatever that means.
And so, taking a deep breath, Amelia lifts up her head and turns to really look at Gale... And utterly fails to find her words. Everything about him from before and right in the present moment washes over her; his kindness, warmth, his consideration of her even after learning and being in her mess, the smaller things like making breakfast to eat in bed, just wanting to be next to her and not just embrace her, and goddammit all of that made him even more handsome than he already was on the surface.
Her heart races once again and she wonders if it was a good idea to be in bed again and she chastises herself for being so crude. She clutches her fork, trying to get a hold of herself...]
[Her question catches him off-guard while swallowing his most recent sip of coffee, and he pauses midway through spearing his next bit of french toast to give her a look that is, for just a moment, utterly puzzled.]
As in leave the house? Well, I suppose at some point, we ought to—
[The answer tumbles out of his mouth on reflex, but he cuts himself off as her meaning clicks into place.
Oh.
Apparently, for all his academic accolades, he's still capable of being just that obtuse.
He clears his throat softly, his smile taking on a shy, boyish quality, something he finds himself feeling quite often in her presence— humbled and at a loss, but in the absolute best way possible.]
I... admit that I was hoping we might come to that conclusion. I'd very much like to not have to continue trying to convince myself I shouldn't kiss you.
[Imagine, being able to hold hands in public, not having to second-guess whether or not certain words or actions cross the firm line of "friendly" that they had made an effort to maintain. Looking back, he doesn't think they had ever done a terribly good job of it. Perhaps they had been kidding themselves from the beginning.]
I don't mean to push or— rush you into anything. [He knows, of course, that he can be a bit much, as she says. That said, he's already blurted out that he loves her in her kitchen in the least romantic way possible, so it may be that there's nowhere to go but up.] We can go as slowly as you'd like, but... it's not as though it would be a conflict of interests, really. We work for the same university, but we're not even in the same department.
[When he catches onto her meaning, she lets out a small sigh of relief. Her mug of coffee is set down and she turns to face him properly with her knees tucked under herself.]
You aren't rushing me at all.
[In fact, she feels... Safe. Secure, perhaps? Whatever the correct word is, Amelia, for the first time since she's started to really know Gale, has gained more certainty than before when it comes to what she wants with him.
Some of her hair is brushed behind her ear as she continues to say her piece.]
I did worry about those things beforeโ regarding work relations and such. And it was less about conflict of interests and more about anyone finding out and judging me for my... Conduct. Even if what happened at the beginning between us was private, I still...
[Loathe as she was to say it, it's clear she was looking out for herself in a selfish sort of way.]
... But more importantly.
[Suddenly, but steadily, Amelia shifts forward to be closer to Gale and so that her hand can tenderly cup his face.]
[He sets his own mug aside as she turns to face him, wanting to give her his full attention— she's commanded it easily ever since that first meeting, and even moreso as they had taken the time to get to know one another properly.
As she explains her point of view, he gives a nod of understanding, having shifted to angle himself towards her with one hand propped against the mattress— it made sense, of course. She was younger than many of their colleagues, even if only by a few years, and he understands full well that reputation in academia can be a very delicate thing, especially for a woman, unfair though it was. He had never begrudged her that, and perhaps taking the time to be friends first had allowed them to come to understand one another in ways they may not have if they hadn't tried at all.
She cups his face and he can't help but lean into the warmth of her touch as though it were second nature, that smile of his bringing a soft light to his eyes that others seldom see, and he raises a hand to lay atop hers.]
I'm glad you're feeling—
[The sentiment had been phrased in such a way and been so unexpected while things were still a bit uncertain that he almost misses it entirely— almost.]
I... [His face warms beneath her touch, and he appears equal parts flustered and overjoyed.] You do? That is, you are?
Edited (this goober was so flustered he messed up my emdash) 2024-11-08 17:28 (UTC)
[Gale, please, this woman is having a difficult time as it is; his reaction is equal parts heartwarming and embarrassing, causing her to duck her head again while simultaneously squeezing his face.]
What else could it be? I'm an idiot, but there's a threshold before I'm a full blown fool.
[Self deprecating as she is, it's the most honest she's been yet.]
I don't even know when it became true or if it's just fluctuating and... Oh, never mind.
[She's still squeezing his face, oops, too much to look at him directly right now.]
[He clears his throat to collect himself— right, yes, there's that too much she's mentioned before. He cannot help who he is, but for now, he can offer her a bit of a reprieve— some things will take some getting used to, he imagines, given how long they had both insisted on punishing themselves, even more meeting one another.
Even as she ducks her head, he cannot help but smile at her fondly, and he shakes his own before gently squeezing the hand that remains against his face.]
You're not an idiot.
[Far from it, even if they've both rather fumbled how they've managed much of this.]
I apologize, I forgot myself for a moment— but the 'when' isn't important, and there's no need to explain yourself. This is new territory for the both of us. We'll navigate it together, hm?
[He releases her hand to bring his own to rest against her shoulder, reassuring.]
[She waits for her heart to stop racing before swallowing and mustering up a reply for Gale as he puts his hand on her shoulder.]
I don't want to make the same mistakes as before. And I mean it.
[Amelia lifts her face to look at him straight in the eyes even if her cheeks are burning.]
I've underestimated you. I'm so used to expecting little from others and then it just circles back to realizing I actually think little of myself. You, Gale, you're...
[What else could she say about him? He's given her grace, kindness, his time, support, over, and over again and instead of the fear of an inevitable end, it was the fear of a future that could go any number of ways. It didn't help that she was predisposed to preparing for herself for the worst.
But Gale always seemed to prove stronger than any doubts, a burst of sunlight in her life of near endless dark.]
[His gaze drops for a moment, his smile turning a touch shy at those words— he's touched, humbled. Perhaps he hadn't realized until now just how badly he needed to hear them, never let himself think on it long enough to reach that conclusion. He doesn't know if Amelia knows just how much he'd needed it, either, but he doesn't intend to leave her in the dark.]
That... means a great deal, actually.
[All of it does. Amelia had always been far more interested in him than his accomplishments, thought of him as just Gale before anything else, and for as dearly as he loved his work, as passionate as he was about his pursuits, the route he had taken in reaching those achievements had been one that kept him isolated from others, something he now knew was a result of someone else's machinations— someone that just Gale had never been enough for.
He meets her gaze again, gently guiding her hand away from his face and lowering it so that he can brush a chaste kiss against her knuckles.]
That you think so little of yourself is truly a disservice. I hope to be able to help you to see what I see.
[Kindness, beneath all that severity. Unmatched passion for not only her subject of choice, but her devotion to her students, to pushing them towards success. A wicked sense of humor than he considers himself very fortunate to have had the privilege to witness, a sharp tongue and sharper mind, and a thousand other things that all came together to make a woman he found to be truly formidable.]
We're both bound to make mistakes. What matters most is a willingness to learn, something I don't think either of us is lacking.
[He breathes out another soft laugh, reminded of his foible from only a few minutes earlier, and dips his head in concession as he lowers her hand, reaching for his coffee cup once more.]
You know, I quite like that you're so logical— and I think that's a splendid idea. It would be a shame to waste the chance to enjoy Neverwinter while we're here.
[He leans in to close the narrow space between them, cupping the side of her face with his free hand and pressing a chaste kiss against her lips as if to solidify that they were in agreement. The kiss tastes of coffee, cinnamon, syrup and strawberries, and inelegant as the moment might be, it feels nothing short of perfect.]
I do believe you just asked me on a date, Professor Steinbeck.
[She was about to make suggestions on what to do, a list that she made on the fly down to the very minute before he so rudely (read: romantically) interrupts her thought process by kissing her with his cinnamon tinged lips. Amelia returns it with the confusing taste of strawberries and coffee on her own lips and she mumbles in reply.]
It's a prerequisite I failed to complete. That's all.
[They hadn't skipped steps, they've bounced all over the place and fell on their heads more than once. But like Gale, she couldn't think of how it could turn out any better than this. Amelia kisses him again, a seal of affirmation on her end and also, just plain impulse.
It's his fault that breakfast turned out delicious.]
[He smiles warmly as he leans into that second kiss, which thankfully manages to stifle any further laughter that might have escaped, tucking her hair behind her ear before the kiss breaks and he sits up to resume drinking his coffee, giving her a cheeky glance over the top of his mug.]
Here I thought we'd thrown prerequisites to the wind entirely. Very good of you to keep us both on track.
[It's difficult not to tease her in moments like these, but the affectionate nature of it is more than plain, and as she'd advised, he does return to his breakfast. Playful impudence is one thing, but she had a very good point about making use of the rest of their day, and he's genuinely eager to explore the prospect.]
You've spent more time in Neverwinter than I have, I'm sure, the property being as close as it is. Did you have anywhere in mind you'd like to go?
[He makes a noise of approval as he eats while she shares her proposed itinerary, bordering on a hum, plucking a strawberry from his plate with his fingers while his fork remains busy elsewhere.]
That sounds just perfect, actually.
[Something light and seasonal, though the tail end does have him curious.]
What do you need new clothes for?
[Perhaps she'd only meant in general, but the way she had snapped and announced it seemed to have purpose.]
[She finishes her coffee before taking her last bite of french toast.]
I planned poorly and didn't bring a proper outfit to wear.
[There was the fact that they weren't on speaking terms at first and now with everything else that has followed... Yeah. It would be odd to not go with the 180 change of circumstances.]
[For just a moment, he looks a touch surprised— he had assumed some time ago that she wouldn't be attending, of course, and given that he's been rather distracted since last night, he hasn't had much time to consider that things might be different now. His surprise eases into a soft smile as he proceeds to finish off the last of his own breakfast, as well, his lips quirking to one side as he gives her a sidelong glance.]
I see. It means a great deal that you want to go.
[Any opportunity to share his passion with someone even the slightest bit interested to learn was always one he was eager to seize, but there was much more to this than Amelia showing an interest in his field. That he would have someone there to support him for the first time in what felt like ages was worth more than he could say.
He finishes the last of his coffee as he sets his silverware onto his now-empty plate, raising an eyebrow at her as his smile takes on a more playful quirk.]
I happen to think you would look stunning regardless of what you wore, but I suppose there is a certain dress code for these types of things.
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sunfloras2024-01-21 09:17 pm
no subject
[Amelia sighs as she rubs her temples to gather her bearings. Even she can tell that he's concerned about things but timing is everything.]
Right now, it would be ideal that my father does not find out that I slept with the Airbnb guest even if I do know them. Or because I know them. Him. You.
[She's gesticulating with her hands now, her face still red, hoping her message gets across.]
There's no problem between us if that's what you're worried about.
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[His instinct is to protest, to assure her that he was more secure in himself than that, but he thinks they both would have known it to be a lie immediately. He exhales, nodding, stepping forward just enough to toss her cardigan on the bed for her to do what she likes with.]
Of course. Truly, I didn't mean to interrupt; breakfast will still be there when you're through. By all means—
[He steps backwards through the door, both hands up once more, only to gesture for her to continue on with her business before he disappears into the hallway.
Amelia wasn't the only one who didn't want her father to find out what had taken place here.]
no subject
Dad? You're still here? Sorry about that, the guest just had a question about the kitchen...
[The father and daughter conversation continues, with Frank asking his daughter if she'll return to Waterdeep or remain in Neverwinter. She tentatively replies with the latter, saying she'll make her own arrangements about where she'd be staying.
But that would depend on what follows with Gale.
The call ends with a reminder to come visit and that her mother is concerned for her well-being (as usual). With a "Love you too, Dad," Amelia finally hangs up and stands up to return to Gale's bedroom. She stops at the doorway, feeling a little ridiculous about returning for bed to have breakfast, but. Well.]
Gale? I'm done so... We can eat in bed.
no subject
I suppose we could have eaten in the kitchen just as easily, but I think we're both in need of a slow morning. It's probably the first weekend in ages I haven't had to catch up on work, for one.
[There were other reasons they had earned it, as well, but he doesn't mean to imply anything more immediate by it— they had both had a challenging semester and kept themselves especially busy, and from the sounds of it, would both be fairly busy throughout the holidays. Even a day of vacation would be well-deserved.]
Besides, as you were so kind as to review my presentation for me last night, I must insist you relax and enjoy yourself today.
no subject
Thank you for waiting. I shall... Partake.
[She knew it, she knew she'd sound awkward after everything that has happened. But instead of letting the embarrassment freeze her up, she makes her way to the bed and slips into the covers next to him.]
Do you like spoiling people or is it just me?
[Her hands take hold of the coffee and she brings it to her lips to enjoy the aroma. The taste, as she should have expected is immaculate.]
Mm. Nice
[She takes her time with the coffee before touching the food, mostly out of... Nerves.
But she doesn't want to leave him hanging.]
So.
...
...
Is your back alright? I mean, I was... You know.
[more of that gesticulation, but this time while holding a strawberry and a cup of coffee.]
Clingy.
[Great start so far huh]
no subject
I'd say I simply believe that generosity is a virtue, but I do take particular enjoyment in it when it's you, yes.
[That's not likely to make her feel any less awkward, he's sure, but he can't help but be truthful about it, one corner of his mouth hitching higher than the other in amusement, a touch of mischief in his gaze— though it's all but banished when she asks about his back, surprising him into sputtering as some of his coffee threatens to go down the wrong way.]
Is my— oh.
[Her nails.]
For a moment, I thought that might be a playful joke about my age, but— ah. [He clears his throat softly, taking on a sheepish smile and a faint flush as he he helps himself to a strawberry, as well.] It's quite alright. I— quite enjoyed that, actually.
[Maybe a lot.]
no subject
[The first part of his response already had her blushing, confirming to her again, the depth of Gale's affection towards her. The second part has her shaking her head and then dropping it to stare at her lap instead.
Please end this, she pleads with herself, but she muscles on because surely, this is what two adults who are in mutual agreement do. Muscle through it(?).]
I mean, you're older than me, but that clearly wasn't getting in the way ofโ
[HELP HE'S SAYING HE ENJOYED IT let her stuff this strawberry in her mouth first. She chews, swallows, and tries again. Mumbling.]
Okay. Sure. That's fine. Good actually.
[Now for the french toast, he worked so hard on that and it would be a shame not to eat it. It's a good way for her to stuff her mouth with bread so that she can stop herself from saying anything that sounds more undignified.
... Goddammit, the french toast is delicious.]
no subject
He stalls for time himself with another strawberry before cutting into his french toast with the side of his fork, giving her a brief sidelong glance.]
That's— good. You've nothing to worry about in that regard.
[Honestly, there was nothing about the night they'd spent together that he would change.]
Did you— sleep well?
[Maybe keeping things a bit lighter will help. He knows full well that he can be a bit much at times, too enthusiastic. He wants to take care not to overwhelm her.]
I know this isn't the weekend either of us was planning on having, but I'm not sorry it worked out this way.
1/2
Yeah. I mean, yes. Yes, I slept well.
[And it was a comfortable, dreamless sleep, she realizes in that moment. Her fork pokes at her toast until it's filled with multiple holes before she takes another bite.]
I... I'm not sorry either. I'm not at all regretful, but...
[But wasn't it still too reckless? Amelia tries so hard to be in control of herself that when impulse wins, it leaves her dazed at her own audacity to give in so easily.
She wants to do this properly. There should be an order to these things and she's made a mess of the sequence. She'll do it right this time, whatever that means.
And so, taking a deep breath, Amelia lifts up her head and turns to really look at Gale... And utterly fails to find her words. Everything about him from before and right in the present moment washes over her; his kindness, warmth, his consideration of her even after learning and being in her mess, the smaller things like making breakfast to eat in bed, just wanting to be next to her and not just embrace her, and goddammit all of that made him even more handsome than he already was on the surface.
Her heart races once again and she wonders if it was a good idea to be in bed again and she chastises herself for being so crude. She clutches her fork, trying to get a hold of herself...]
no subject
Should we just go out?
no subject
As in leave the house? Well, I suppose at some point, we ought to—
[The answer tumbles out of his mouth on reflex, but he cuts himself off as her meaning clicks into place.
Oh.
Apparently, for all his academic accolades, he's still capable of being just that obtuse.
He clears his throat softly, his smile taking on a shy, boyish quality, something he finds himself feeling quite often in her presence— humbled and at a loss, but in the absolute best way possible.]
I... admit that I was hoping we might come to that conclusion. I'd very much like to not have to continue trying to convince myself I shouldn't kiss you.
[Imagine, being able to hold hands in public, not having to second-guess whether or not certain words or actions cross the firm line of "friendly" that they had made an effort to maintain. Looking back, he doesn't think they had ever done a terribly good job of it. Perhaps they had been kidding themselves from the beginning.]
I don't mean to push or— rush you into anything. [He knows, of course, that he can be a bit much, as she says. That said, he's already blurted out that he loves her in her kitchen in the least romantic way possible, so it may be that there's nowhere to go but up.] We can go as slowly as you'd like, but... it's not as though it would be a conflict of interests, really. We work for the same university, but we're not even in the same department.
[Very romantic of him, surely.]
no subject
You aren't rushing me at all.
[In fact, she feels... Safe. Secure, perhaps? Whatever the correct word is, Amelia, for the first time since she's started to really know Gale, has gained more certainty than before when it comes to what she wants with him.
Some of her hair is brushed behind her ear as she continues to say her piece.]
I did worry about those things beforeโ regarding work relations and such. And it was less about conflict of interests and more about anyone finding out and judging me for my... Conduct. Even if what happened at the beginning between us was private, I still...
[Loathe as she was to say it, it's clear she was looking out for herself in a selfish sort of way.]
... But more importantly.
[Suddenly, but steadily, Amelia shifts forward to be closer to Gale and so that her hand can tenderly cup his face.]
I wasn't in love with you yet.
no subject
As she explains her point of view, he gives a nod of understanding, having shifted to angle himself towards her with one hand propped against the mattress— it made sense, of course. She was younger than many of their colleagues, even if only by a few years, and he understands full well that reputation in academia can be a very delicate thing, especially for a woman, unfair though it was. He had never begrudged her that, and perhaps taking the time to be friends first had allowed them to come to understand one another in ways they may not have if they hadn't tried at all.
She cups his face and he can't help but lean into the warmth of her touch as though it were second nature, that smile of his bringing a soft light to his eyes that others seldom see, and he raises a hand to lay atop hers.]
I'm glad you're feeling—
[The sentiment had been phrased in such a way and been so unexpected while things were still a bit uncertain that he almost misses it entirely— almost.]
I... [His face warms beneath her touch, and he appears equal parts flustered and overjoyed.] You do? That is, you are?
no subject
[Gale, please, this woman is having a difficult time as it is; his reaction is equal parts heartwarming and embarrassing, causing her to duck her head again while simultaneously squeezing his face.]
What else could it be? I'm an idiot, but there's a threshold before I'm a full blown fool.
[Self deprecating as she is, it's the most honest she's been yet.]
I don't even know when it became true or if it's just fluctuating and... Oh, never mind.
[She's still squeezing his face, oops, too much to look at him directly right now.]
no subject
Even as she ducks her head, he cannot help but smile at her fondly, and he shakes his own before gently squeezing the hand that remains against his face.]
You're not an idiot.
[Far from it, even if they've both rather fumbled how they've managed much of this.]
I apologize, I forgot myself for a moment— but the 'when' isn't important, and there's no need to explain yourself. This is new territory for the both of us. We'll navigate it together, hm?
[He releases her hand to bring his own to rest against her shoulder, reassuring.]
no subject
[She waits for her heart to stop racing before swallowing and mustering up a reply for Gale as he puts his hand on her shoulder.]
I don't want to make the same mistakes as before. And I mean it.
[Amelia lifts her face to look at him straight in the eyes even if her cheeks are burning.]
I've underestimated you. I'm so used to expecting little from others and then it just circles back to realizing I actually think little of myself. You, Gale, you're...
[What else could she say about him? He's given her grace, kindness, his time, support, over, and over again and instead of the fear of an inevitable end, it was the fear of a future that could go any number of ways. It didn't help that she was predisposed to preparing for herself for the worst.
But Gale always seemed to prove stronger than any doubts, a burst of sunlight in her life of near endless dark.]
You're more than enough for me.
no subject
That... means a great deal, actually.
[All of it does. Amelia had always been far more interested in him than his accomplishments, thought of him as just Gale before anything else, and for as dearly as he loved his work, as passionate as he was about his pursuits, the route he had taken in reaching those achievements had been one that kept him isolated from others, something he now knew was a result of someone else's machinations— someone that just Gale had never been enough for.
He meets her gaze again, gently guiding her hand away from his face and lowering it so that he can brush a chaste kiss against her knuckles.]
That you think so little of yourself is truly a disservice. I hope to be able to help you to see what I see.
[Kindness, beneath all that severity. Unmatched passion for not only her subject of choice, but her devotion to her students, to pushing them towards success. A wicked sense of humor than he considers himself very fortunate to have had the privilege to witness, a sharp tongue and sharper mind, and a thousand other things that all came together to make a woman he found to be truly formidable.]
We're both bound to make mistakes. What matters most is a willingness to learn, something I don't think either of us is lacking.
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I'm as willing as you are.
[It had been a questionable and shaky start, but she knows now that they were given bountiful luck in finding each other.]
And I know it doesn't and shouldn't be so clinical and overly logical, but...
[Amelia gestures at their breakfast.]
Let's finish this and maybe plan to go out? I mean that literally. The weather should be nice now that the rain has cleared up.
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You know, I quite like that you're so logical— and I think that's a splendid idea. It would be a shame to waste the chance to enjoy Neverwinter while we're here.
[He leans in to close the narrow space between them, cupping the side of her face with his free hand and pressing a chaste kiss against her lips as if to solidify that they were in agreement. The kiss tastes of coffee, cinnamon, syrup and strawberries, and inelegant as the moment might be, it feels nothing short of perfect.]
I do believe you just asked me on a date, Professor Steinbeck.
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It's a prerequisite I failed to complete. That's all.
[They hadn't skipped steps, they've bounced all over the place and fell on their heads more than once. But like Gale, she couldn't think of how it could turn out any better than this. Amelia kisses him again, a seal of affirmation on her end and also, just plain impulse.
It's his fault that breakfast turned out delicious.]
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Here I thought we'd thrown prerequisites to the wind entirely. Very good of you to keep us both on track.
[It's difficult not to tease her in moments like these, but the affectionate nature of it is more than plain, and as she'd advised, he does return to his breakfast. Playful impudence is one thing, but she had a very good point about making use of the rest of their day, and he's genuinely eager to explore the prospect.]
You've spent more time in Neverwinter than I have, I'm sure, the property being as close as it is. Did you have anywhere in mind you'd like to go?
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I think the craft market is a good place to start. I can start buying gifts for friends. After that we could have lunch and then... Oh.
[She snaps her fingers.]
I need new clothes.
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That sounds just perfect, actually.
[Something light and seasonal, though the tail end does have him curious.]
What do you need new clothes for?
[Perhaps she'd only meant in general, but the way she had snapped and announced it seemed to have purpose.]
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[She finishes her coffee before taking her last bite of french toast.]
I planned poorly and didn't bring a proper outfit to wear.
[There was the fact that they weren't on speaking terms at first and now with everything else that has followed... Yeah. It would be odd to not go with the 180 change of circumstances.]
I can't attend wearing a t-shirt and jeans.
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I see. It means a great deal that you want to go.
[Any opportunity to share his passion with someone even the slightest bit interested to learn was always one he was eager to seize, but there was much more to this than Amelia showing an interest in his field. That he would have someone there to support him for the first time in what felt like ages was worth more than he could say.
He finishes the last of his coffee as he sets his silverware onto his now-empty plate, raising an eyebrow at her as his smile takes on a more playful quirk.]
I happen to think you would look stunning regardless of what you wore, but I suppose there is a certain dress code for these types of things.
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timeskip... ๐
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gamelia 2025 let's gooo
GAMELIA 2025
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I know they were going to scene jump soon, let there be jam
jam and jump
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rounding this one out to fade!
๐