sunfloras | 𝕒𝕔𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕞𝕚𝕒 𝕒𝕦 📚

[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.

[There's a small smile as he kisses her knuckles and she nods in agreement with his last statement.]

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.

Edited 2024-11-12 18:02 (UTC)

[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?

[As good as the kiss was, there's still breakfast to finish, so she'll work on that while considering his question.]

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.

[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.]

To attend the conference of course.

[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.

[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.

[He just can't help himself, it seems.]

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.]

Good. We're of the same mind at last.

[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.

[She lets out a huff as he nuzzles her cheek and against her better judgement she moves to sit in his lap.]

I'm afraid to ask you your definition of "detain" in our current context.

[He lets out a low chuckle, arms both encircling her waist as she eases into his lap, going in for another kiss as he brings a hand to rest against her hip.]

Forgive me if I'm feeling a little indulgent? I think we're owed it, personally.

[They had taken long enough to get here.]

Your plans for the day sound splendid, and I'm quite looking forward to them, but I'm still rather hungry.

So what you're saying is that you want seconds.

[Seriously, this man... Amelia makes a noise that sounds like a bemused grunt before returning his kiss and bringing her hand to his wrist.]

I distinctly recall saying that we overdid it last night.

[Is she protesting? No. They're are technically on vacation after all so...]

But if you need to have your fill before we leave, I don't see a problem.

[They are on vacation, and as such, it's only right that they make good use of that time. There's a mischievous spark in his gaze when she teases but doesn't protest, and he ensures that kiss lingers just a bit longer than those before it, insistent and steadily growing towards heated.]

Perhaps just enough to tide us over until dinner, then— to be prudent.

[His fingers curl against the back of her neck as he pulls her into another kiss, his lips parting beneath hers.

Oh, no, he doesn't think he'll ever tire of this.]

[As she drinks him in and the heat between them rises, the fear of being completely lost in Gale lessens with each passing minute. Every journey begins with a step and though they've tripped over themselves, Amelia believes, for the first time in her life, that there's merit to being head-over-heels.

They've turned a mistake into something new and the inherent magic of it will never cease to enchant her from this day on.

🌹✨

That being said, it's also a miracle that they've made it out of the house at all. Within a few hours, Amelia takes her shower, dries her hair, and smoothes out her shirt, jacket, and jeans, waiting patiently for Gale by the front door.

Even casually dressed, there's not a hair out of place. With her neutral and neat facade, it's almost like nothing has happened, but it's more the case that it's just a her thing.]

Ready to leave when you are Gale.

[Tempted as Gale may have been to draw things out even longer, there are other parts of being with Amelia that he's quite looking forward to— while he doesn't intend to make any sweeping declarations of love to embarrass her in the streets, the idea that they might hold hands or something equally innocent while out and about is perhaps more thrilling than it ought to be, given how carefully he's monitored his own behavior during previous outings.

He had pried himself away long enough to let her shower in peace, taking care of tidying up in the kitchen and picking up what few items they had left in the living room on his way through. After a quick shower of his own, he dresses in slacks and a sweater that are decidedly still rather professorial despite being on the more casual end of what he owns.

Even as Amelia announces herself, he's already on his way through the doorway into the living area, offering her a smile as he runs his fingers through his freshly dried hair and pulls the top half of it into a knot at the back of his head.]

I don't think I did too poorly for time, all things considered— ready and willing. Lead the way. You mentioned a craft fair?

Neverwinter is known for its craftsmen after all. And Berna would get on my case for going back empty handed.

[She'll also get on Amelia's case for this particular ordeal, but that's neither here nor there.

The young professor holds up her car keys.]

We'll take my ride. Don't mind the mess.

[She unlocks the car and opens the passenger door for Gale first before getting into the driver's seat and starting the engine. Amelia's car is actually neat, but by her standards, it's not spic and span. In the back there's a basket full of miscellaneous items like paperbacks, bottled waters, and snacks. There are some reusable tote bags that sit next to the basket, ready for any impromptu shopping trip like the one they're going on right now.]

[His smile tugs to one side in amusement as Amelia opens the passenger side door for him; he slides into his seat and briefly takes stock of their surroundings, recognizing the car as Berna's but many of the belongings in it to be Amelia's— he's seen a number of those tote bags during previous outings, for one.]

You call this 'mess?'

[He chuckles warmly, belting himself in and giving a shake of his head.]

Well, I suppose by your standards. [His own are hardly lax; he may occasionally be a bit absorbed in his work and become a touch absent-minded about leaving things in places they don't necessarily belong, but he's a thorough perfectionist at his core, which does not allow for much in the way of mess. Amelia, however, is on an entirely different level, he's noticed.] I don't know that I've ever seen you drive anywhere before— I never thought to ask if there was a reason for that.

It was worse before I left Waterdeep, if you can believe it.

[Amelia basically had to toss out old ceramics tools and vacuum the car down before departure. As they leave the driveway, she continues her reply.]

Simply put, I haven't bought a car for myself yet. It's not that I don't have the means and my dad has offered to pitch in, but...

[She shrugs as she exits the neighborhood.]

Until I see what the end of the year finances looks like with my salary, it's more cost effective to commute. I already pay Berna rent so it's not like she'll charge extra for having Oren drive me if I don't take the bus.

Given its owner is an artist, I can certainly imagine what it might have looked like.

[He props an arm against the door beneath the closed window, his gaze taking in the scenic neighborhood as she starts them on their way. Her reasoning is sound, of course, and Waterdeep is the kind of city where one can get by just fine without their own vehicle, but it does present them with an opportunity.]

Suppose there's no rush for that sort of thing— I was only curious, but Waterdeep is quite pedestrian and commuter-friendly.

[He steals a glance at her, and his smile hitches up a bit higher on one side.]

Of course, I'm more than happy to get you anywhere you might need to go if you don't feel like troubling Oren.

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timeskip... 🎆

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