[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.
[Being supportive of Gale's research and academic work feels like the first small, but tangible step into developing this new relationship beyond the unmistakable chemistry she denied for so long. It felt nice, good even, to do something meaningful this early on and to correct a mistake of hers.
As she moves their plates and cups to the nightstand, she wrinkles her nose at his compliment. He's. So much.]
I'm nothing, if not professional even if it's the literary arts. It wouldn't do for me to dress casually. I'd be misrepresenting my department.
That, I've never doubted for a moment. A consummate professional from your first day— and well before, I'm certain.
[There's a note of amusement in his voice; now, it's far easier to look back at that fumbling meeting of theirs in that lecture hall and laugh, both of them coming to a series of startling realizations in a very short period of time. All things considered, he thinks that they'd handled it at least somewhat gracefully— outwardly, at least.]
Well then, new clothes will be among our priorities. Tara will be thrilled to hear you're coming, as well, even without taking her apparent agenda into consideration.
[That, however... well. He doesn't intend to tell her everything, but he's sure she'll put the pieces together when he and Amelia arrive at the conference in one another's company.]
[Amelia's ability to revert to her usual nonplussed demeanor in light of everything that has happened is rather impressive and being. With the dishes set aside, she turns her focus back to him, sitting with her legs tucked underneath her.]
I'm glad Dr. Prescott still has a high opinion of me despite everything. She's a graceful judge of character if nothing else.
[She'll probably want to sit next to her during Gale's presentation too since she's going to hardly recognize anyone else at the conference.
Amelia falls silent for another few seconds before reaching out to take his hands in hers.]
I know I apologized last night, but I want to say it again. I'm sorry for how I treated you. And don't say I have nothing to apologize for.
[Her fingers squeezes his.]
If we're going to do this, I want to be better. Not just for you, but for myself.
[Before she would have been too proud to say this aloud, too reluctant to let go of the misery that colored her past. It's easy to remain in a state of self-flagellation and believe it to be a suitable punishment.
But she needed to give herself as much grace as the people in her life have given her. Briar had always given it to her and it would be a waste to not use it to move forward with Gale.]
I think Tara may well have been more aware of what was going on between us than we were, even though I kept our business our own.
[His smile crooks to one side, a touch bittersweet. He's glad for where they wound up, but they both had very good reason for fumbling their way there.]
She's rather observant— and I think she knew we both had a great deal of heartbreak to contend with moving forward. I've often thought we must have recognized that in one another, early on.
[That loneliness, that fear of allowing oneself to trust or even to want something for themselves. They had shown it in different ways, but felt it keenly all the same. Even that first night... he knew another broken heart when he saw one.
She takes his hands and he turns to face her fully, cross-legged as he sits across from her, squeezing both of her hands at once in a gentle show of reassurance. He only bows his head in acceptance of her apology, understanding that she needs to be heard in this moment.]
I apologize for my handling of things, as well. It was hardly graceful, and in fumbling through it, I fear I did unintended harm.
[Considering what she had confessed to him the day before, the timing had hardly been ideal.]
Whatever you seek to do, I will do whatever you need to help you achieve that. I think I'll be taking a page out of your book, in fact. I don't want to let the past define who I am going forward.
[Amelia, unable to help herself, smiles at Gale's apology and the consequent declaration. He's always been so much, but that's what softened her over time. Maybe a powerfully stubborn woman like her worked well with someone who overflowed with powerful emotions.
He wouldn't let her be lonely and she wanted to do the same for him, unlike for anyone else after Briar passed away. The desire and realization of it makes her heart feel warm and instead of replying with words, she leans over to give him a brief, but sweet kiss.]
[He leans into the kiss easily, lingering as he can and meeting her assessment with a warm and understanding smile, giving a single nod in agreement.]
That we are. Well worth the meandering journey, I think.
[He huffs a laugh, an arm curling around her waist as he dips his chin for another kiss, still just this side of chaste, though he nuzzles against her cheek a moment after.]
I suppose I ought to get to these dishes and make myself presentable if we're to be heading out, but perhaps I could convince you to let me detain you just a few minutes longer before we go about our day.
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sunfloras2024-01-21 09:17 pm
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[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.]
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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...]
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Should we just go out?
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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.]
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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.
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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?
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[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.]
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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.]
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[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.
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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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As she moves their plates and cups to the nightstand, she wrinkles her nose at his compliment. He's. So much.]
I'm nothing, if not professional even if it's the literary arts. It wouldn't do for me to dress casually. I'd be misrepresenting my department.
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That, I've never doubted for a moment. A consummate professional from your first day— and well before, I'm certain.
[There's a note of amusement in his voice; now, it's far easier to look back at that fumbling meeting of theirs in that lecture hall and laugh, both of them coming to a series of startling realizations in a very short period of time. All things considered, he thinks that they'd handled it at least somewhat gracefully— outwardly, at least.]
Well then, new clothes will be among our priorities. Tara will be thrilled to hear you're coming, as well, even without taking her apparent agenda into consideration.
[That, however... well. He doesn't intend to tell her everything, but he's sure she'll put the pieces together when he and Amelia arrive at the conference in one another's company.]
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I'm glad Dr. Prescott still has a high opinion of me despite everything. She's a graceful judge of character if nothing else.
[She'll probably want to sit next to her during Gale's presentation too since she's going to hardly recognize anyone else at the conference.
Amelia falls silent for another few seconds before reaching out to take his hands in hers.]
I know I apologized last night, but I want to say it again. I'm sorry for how I treated you. And don't say I have nothing to apologize for.
[Her fingers squeezes his.]
If we're going to do this, I want to be better. Not just for you, but for myself.
[Before she would have been too proud to say this aloud, too reluctant to let go of the misery that colored her past. It's easy to remain in a state of self-flagellation and believe it to be a suitable punishment.
But she needed to give herself as much grace as the people in her life have given her. Briar had always given it to her and it would be a waste to not use it to move forward with Gale.]
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[His smile crooks to one side, a touch bittersweet. He's glad for where they wound up, but they both had very good reason for fumbling their way there.]
She's rather observant— and I think she knew we both had a great deal of heartbreak to contend with moving forward. I've often thought we must have recognized that in one another, early on.
[That loneliness, that fear of allowing oneself to trust or even to want something for themselves. They had shown it in different ways, but felt it keenly all the same. Even that first night... he knew another broken heart when he saw one.
She takes his hands and he turns to face her fully, cross-legged as he sits across from her, squeezing both of her hands at once in a gentle show of reassurance. He only bows his head in acceptance of her apology, understanding that she needs to be heard in this moment.]
I apologize for my handling of things, as well. It was hardly graceful, and in fumbling through it, I fear I did unintended harm.
[Considering what she had confessed to him the day before, the timing had hardly been ideal.]
Whatever you seek to do, I will do whatever you need to help you achieve that. I think I'll be taking a page out of your book, in fact. I don't want to let the past define who I am going forward.
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He wouldn't let her be lonely and she wanted to do the same for him, unlike for anyone else after Briar passed away. The desire and realization of it makes her heart feel warm and instead of replying with words, she leans over to give him a brief, but sweet kiss.]
Good. We're of the same mind at last.
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That we are. Well worth the meandering journey, I think.
[He huffs a laugh, an arm curling around her waist as he dips his chin for another kiss, still just this side of chaste, though he nuzzles against her cheek a moment after.]
I suppose I ought to get to these dishes and make myself presentable if we're to be heading out, but perhaps I could convince you to let me detain you just a few minutes longer before we go about our day.
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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