[He chuckles in response without quite meaning to, partially covering it by clearing his throat a moment later.]
No, fanciful is not a word I would use to describe you, at least not immediately.
[It would be a stretch, to say the least.]
You're very practical. There's nothing wrong with being concerned about how certain things fit into real life, but it's not a bad idea to leave a little room for... well. Whimsy?
[He gives her a crooked half-smile, teasing.]
First point of order is to worry a bit less about "shoulds" and "shouldn'ts," I think.
[She looks affronted by his reaction, but isn't really. Amelia lets out a puff of air, blowing aside some stray hair bangs before readjusting her glasses.]
If I was at all "practical" then I "shouldn't" have marathoned two full nights with you without proper discussion.
[There's a large gap between her practicality and impulsivity, but now that things have worked out between them, this was a chance to find a happy medium.]
I think I understand what you're getting at; I'm overthinking it all.
[The light goes green and as she moves forward, she adds.]
What's most important is... I know that I'm happy when I'm with you Gale. That, I know for certain without having to think critically.
In your defense, we were both rather— caught up in the moment.
[He wisely keeps his voice reasonably low with that remark and stifles a chuckle as she readjusts her glasses; while he's certainly of the mind that certain discussions are quite important— such at the one they're presently having— he can't deny he feels there was something particularly romantic about letting themselves get swept away.
His smile softens at her concession. She sums it up quite nicely, in fact, and he knows without a second thought that he feels precisely that way around her.]
That, I think, is the highest possible compliment you could give. [He steals another glance, but doesn't let it linger too long, lest he distract her from her current task.] I realize we've rather fumbled our way to where we are now, but I know how I feel when I'm with you— how I've felt for a long while. Seeing you happy is all I could hope for.
[To be the one who makes it happen? Truly humbling.]
[The corner of her lips almost, almost quirks upwards, but doesn't.]
Well. As they say, we'll feel it out as we go.
[Not that this will be a thoughtless endeavor, but neither will she try to weigh it down as she thought she would initially.
Some music is turned on in the car and after some light banter and an almost missed turn, they finally make it to the craft market. Amelia parks her car and hops out and goes to the other side to open Gale's door.]
[He catches that almost smile of hers, and it's enough that he lets out another soft laugh of his own under his breath, his gaze moving to watch the scenery pass by as he smiles to himself.
Indeed, they'll feel it out as they go— now that they've chosen to be more honest with themselves as well as one another, he can only imagine what the future might look like.
Light banter and pleasant conversation make the rest of the drive go by quickly, and when Amelia opts to open Gale's door for him, he gets to his feet and offers her a bow of thanks before he closes it behind him, following her gaze towards the crowd.]
Very festive, isn't it? [There's a pleasant note in his voice as he makes his assessment.] I've not had occasion to visit it before, but I've heard it mentioned here and there— the locals quite look forward to it, it seems. I can see why.
[That bow... (Calm down, she tells herself. There's nothing overwhelming about it compared to the overwhelming night before and this very morning).]
Shopping online is all well and good, but lately I've come to appreciate these in-person setups. I've helped Berna with a few markets before.
[Amelia clasps her hands together in front of her as if trying to appear proper while they begin to peruse. Already as they step into the market, there are tables that have been situated to catch the eyes of as many arrivees as possible.]
I have a few people I'm thinking about purchasing gifts for already. What about you?
Convenience has its place, but I do think you're right. There's something about browsing in person that can't be replicated. Imagine if we got all of our books by post, rather than visiting bookstores.
[Shudder to think. Perhaps they best not imagine such a thing.
Her proper composure has him smiling to himself; her efforts to be proper are nothing new to him, but he's never ceased to find them charming. He sinks his hands into his pockets as he strolls along beside her, lagging only half a step behind in order to let her lead, and he lets out a thoughtful hum at her query.]
I think my mother would be quite cross if I returned from Neverwinter without bringing her some kind of token, and of course there's Tara— there are a few friends I'd thought to get gifts for this year, as well. Perhaps something will grab me. Are you looking for something for Berna?
[Amelia wonders if she should be reaching out to hold his hand or loop her arm around his. They've gone past "appropriate" certainly; rocketed over it to be more accurate. But that was in private and they're in public... Among strangers. So really, she shouldn't be making another mountain out of this very minuscule molehill!
(okay she'll stall by answering his question shhhh)]
She counts a few people off of her fingers.]
For Berna, yes. Then Oren. My parents of course and then I'm thinking Professor Lens, Prescott, Omeluum, Blurg, our head of the Literature department... Ah. And I have some twins that I used to tutor and Berna's niece to think of as well.
[Unexpectedly, a long list even for her.]
... Also, Annabelle and Alder. Briar's parents.
[There was some hesitancy, but it vanishes just as quickly. She looks at Gale to assure him it's not a heavy topic and needn't be treated as such.]
[He notes that hesitation, smiling gently when she looks to him and offering a nod of confirmation, encouragement. As long as she's comfortable speaking about him, he doesn't feel the need to tread too lightly regarding Briar— it's best, perhaps, that she continues to feel encouraged to embrace what he had meant to her. They are who they are because of the people who have helped to shape them, after all.]
I think that's a lovely sentiment.
[His tone is warm, genuine.]
That's quite a list you have— I expect mine will expand as we go along, too. I've not been as present a friend as I might be to some for awhile, now. I'd like to make up for some lost time— and remarkably, I've been feeling far more like myself the last few months.
[His smile quirks cheekily to one side, and he steps forward to fall in step beside her, casually letting his hand catch against hers so that she can take hold of it if she so chooses, setting his sights on the nearest cluster of booths.]
[Before she can reply his hand already finds hers. It's distracting and at first Amelia just looks down at their intertwined fingers and then back at Gale. And then back at their hands. Back at him.]
A question for the ages.
[But thankfully she curls her hand around his palm. Stiffly, but it is unmistakably reciprocation.]
And a silly one. We answered that thoroughly last night and this morning.
[Let him chew on that surprisingly lighthearted and layered innuendo from her. Amelia tugs him towards one of the food stalls.]
C'mon. I'm sure some of our friends will like artisanal fruit jams.
I know they were going to scene jump soon, let there be jam
[He casts the briefest of glances down at their joined hands when he feels the curl of her fingers against his palm, curling his own around her hand in turn and feeling something soar within him at being able to do so openly, to have those days of simply wishing they could be something more behind them.
Her remark startles a chuckle out of him, serious as she so often is, and he dips his head as he concedes, glad to let that answer stand. The truth was that ever since meeting her, he had felt far more like himself than he had in years.]
I like artisanal fruit jams.
[Which may very well mean that some lucky seller is going to be very pleased with their take today. He laughs as he allows himself to be tugged, squeezing her hand as he quickly adapts to keep up with her.]
[Mere weeks ago his hand in hers was never in the cards. In retrospect, maybe the notion of being closer to him had played in her mind, but it was vague and hazy imagination; her's would never match up to the firmness of the present.
His chuckle is a small reward, his warmth and goodness gives her a calm and a type of confidence that she couldn't quite place.
Without having to consciously think of it, Amelia relaxes and finds herself enjoying the market with Gale, much more than if she had perused it by herself.]
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[An hour or two later, Amelia's spoils of the market war consist of several knitted and crocheted items, ("For the neighbor girls I've tutored and their grandmother.") several jars of artisanal jams and honey, ("Do you think Professor Lens likes raspberry and vanilla? Who would hate that combination?), a ceramic matcha bowl for Oren, ("He keeps using the one with a chip in it."), and some handmade jewelry for Berna and a bag of smooth beach stones ("She'll find some use for it.")
All in all, a productive shopping day. Her last purchase is an iced green tea from a pop up cafe stall and she sighs while plopping herself down on a bench under a setup canopy.]
Well, I don't think any of our coworkers can complain about us not getting them gifts from Neverwinter. Do you think you're covered?
[The very act of browsing the stalls and seeking out gifts together had been so enjoyable that Gale had found himself laden with multiple bags of his own; there was always fun to be had in looking for souvenirs, but the spirit of the outdoor market had been incredibly contagious, and he had always been an appreciator of handmade goods. The company, of course, was impeccable, and for as simple as an outing as some might have considered it to be, he couldn't remember the last time he'd enjoyed himself so thoroughly.
He smiles as he helps himself to a seat beside her, gently setting his bags down and propping his arm up atop the back of the bench as he settles in with his own iced coffee in hand.]
Oh, and then some. I've even a few spares in case I change my mind about some of them— I think I may well be set through Mother's Day, not to mention I may have to clear out part of my pantry to ensure some of that jam finds a good home. I'd say we've had a very productive trip, wouldn't you?
I wasn't expecting to get any shopping done with it being so close to holiday celebrations, but we definitely lucked out.
[She wasn't expecting a lot of things to happen the way they have in the past 24 hours or so. The professor glances at Gale and then back to her drink. And then Gale once again as if to truly confirm his presence and the events of last night and this morning.
Finding her perceived lack of anything else meaningful to say, she moves so that they're shoulder to shoulder as a replacement.]
And you still have the conference tomorrow.
[They'll make one last stop at a clothing boutique or other store that will have appropriate clothing for her, but other then that, they're free for the rest of the day.]
[There is something so charming about her taking a moment to remind him of his coming responsibilities, and he bites back a laugh, his smile tugging to one side as his gaze lights up with amusement.]
Yes, Professor. It wouldn't do to fall behind when I've a presentation to give.
[He might develop enough last-minute nerves that sleep won't come easily regardless, nevermind the rest of the weekend's— developments.]
That reminds me, I should touch base with Tara regarding her sudden 'change of plans.' She was meant to be driving up later today, but given everything— [he pauses just long enough to make a vague gesture with his free hand,] I'm not sure what to take at face value anymore.
[He can hardly be upset with her, however, especially given how her making their lodging arrangements had turned out.]
[He catches that moment of hesitance, and gently raises a curious brow as he considers.]
Are you certain?
[Oh, he's sure Tara will have something to say to him about all this, and he's positive she'd hardly do or say anything to make Amelia uncomfortable, but small, careful steps are likely to be a necessity for some time.]
I can come up with something creative if you're not keen on her figuring things out just yet. Maybe she deserves to twist in the wind a bit.
[That playful half-smile of his remains, though if Amelia is going to be attending the conference, Tara will sort things out for herself in an instant, he's sure. She usually knew what was happening before he did in situations like these.]
[There's a pause, but then it's followed by a certain nod.]
I'm fine with it. More importantly, I want you to be fine with it and not feel like it has to be hidden.
[Because just now, thinking back on how things were handled with Dr. Manx, Amelia realizes that she doesn't want to tip toe around other people regarding her and Gale. What they have isn't even approaching questionable aside from their true first meeting (which by all means can just be between them).]
Besides, if Dr. Prescott was anticipating something then we might as well let it pay off for her.
I maintain she could not possibly have known you would be there.
[He almost feels as though he's trying to convince himself on that point— but to think otherwise would mean considering that Tara might well be omniscient, as she has so often claimed in jest, and that was truly too terrifying to think.]
She must have thought to stir up something up to goad me into talking, something of that nature, but— I digress.
[That part, though equal parts puzzling, amusing and borderline infuriating, was not important. He reaches out with his free hand to gently take hold of hers, giving it a small, grateful squeeze.]
You're very thoughtful. [He knows precisely why she took care to tell him it didn't need to be hidden.] I think we can certainly manage balancing honesty with some preservation of privacy, hm? I'll refrain from shouting from any rooftops, but I can't promise you won't find the occasional note attached to the coffee waiting on your desk.
[God, but she's terribly cute when she scoffs at him like that, even in jest.]
I have a feeling Professor Lens already has her own ideas about things, but as you say. I shall be the very soul of discretion.
[Even know, there's a playful twinkle in his eyes as he gets to his feet and begins to gather some of their bags, taking the liberties of lightening Amelia's potential load in the process.]
I do like the way you think. Let's go, shall we?
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[The afternoon is largely uneventful in the most pleasant way possible; Gale does manage to focus long enough to give his presentation one last read-through and to make a few last adjustments according to his notes and having taken Amelia's feedback into consideration.
He does touch base with Tara, updating her while giving as little detail as possible, but naturally, she hardly needs any to put the pieces together. He looks quite put-upon as he holds the phone a foot away from his ear, his friend's delighted laughter loud enough to travel across the room, and once he's wrapped up his conversation with her, he clears his throat softly and looks to Amelia.]
Tara is— just an hour short of arriving in town, but she was quick to insist on staying at a hotel. Says she'll see us in the morning for coffee and that she's grateful to have, and I quote, a "reprieve from looking after me."
[Amelia had been sitting on a sofa seat with her tablet reading a novel while Gale was on the phone with Dr.Prescott. at the sound of the older woman's laughter, she starts to slide down her seat until only the crown of her head is visible.
By the time Gale finishes his call and addresses Amelia, she has covered her face with the front flap of her tablet cover.]
[Gale's own face has colored significantly; he's not surprised that his dear friend is having a bit of fun at their expense, especially as she's had to deal with his being so morose these past weeks, but there is something unsettling in just how triumphant she had sounded.]
I'm sure she— means well.
[Of course she does, but that doesn't stop the both of them from feeling a touch embarrassed. He tucks his phone back into his pocket as he moves to join her, gently reaching out to take hold of the cover flap and pull it back just enough to reveal her eyes.]
That does mean we have the place all to ourselves. Surely that will help us both to breathe easier.
[Fewer opportunities to trip over themselves trying to figure out how they want to present this to others.]
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[How proper of her. When she stops at a red light, Amelia taps her fingers on the wheel and lets out a huff of breath.]
Speaking of business, I don't think I should be making us sound like one.
[It wasn't a bad thing to be a practical voice, but it's made her realize something.]
It's dawned on me that for someone who studies literary myths, folklore, and other romances, I'm hardly fanciful.
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No, fanciful is not a word I would use to describe you, at least not immediately.
[It would be a stretch, to say the least.]
You're very practical. There's nothing wrong with being concerned about how certain things fit into real life, but it's not a bad idea to leave a little room for... well. Whimsy?
[He gives her a crooked half-smile, teasing.]
First point of order is to worry a bit less about "shoulds" and "shouldn'ts," I think.
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If I was at all "practical" then I "shouldn't" have marathoned two full nights with you without proper discussion.
[There's a large gap between her practicality and impulsivity, but now that things have worked out between them, this was a chance to find a happy medium.]
I think I understand what you're getting at; I'm overthinking it all.
[The light goes green and as she moves forward, she adds.]
What's most important is... I know that I'm happy when I'm with you Gale. That, I know for certain without having to think critically.
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[He wisely keeps his voice reasonably low with that remark and stifles a chuckle as she readjusts her glasses; while he's certainly of the mind that certain discussions are quite important— such at the one they're presently having— he can't deny he feels there was something particularly romantic about letting themselves get swept away.
His smile softens at her concession. She sums it up quite nicely, in fact, and he knows without a second thought that he feels precisely that way around her.]
That, I think, is the highest possible compliment you could give. [He steals another glance, but doesn't let it linger too long, lest he distract her from her current task.] I realize we've rather fumbled our way to where we are now, but I know how I feel when I'm with you— how I've felt for a long while. Seeing you happy is all I could hope for.
[To be the one who makes it happen? Truly humbling.]
gamelia 2025 let's gooo
[The corner of her lips almost, almost quirks upwards, but doesn't.]
Well. As they say, we'll feel it out as we go.
[Not that this will be a thoughtless endeavor, but neither will she try to weigh it down as she thought she would initially.
Some music is turned on in the car and after some light banter and an almost missed turn, they finally make it to the craft market. Amelia parks her car and hops out and goes to the other side to open Gale's door.]
Here we are. Looks properly busy already.
GAMELIA 2025
Indeed, they'll feel it out as they go— now that they've chosen to be more honest with themselves as well as one another, he can only imagine what the future might look like.
Light banter and pleasant conversation make the rest of the drive go by quickly, and when Amelia opts to open Gale's door for him, he gets to his feet and offers her a bow of thanks before he closes it behind him, following her gaze towards the crowd.]
Very festive, isn't it? [There's a pleasant note in his voice as he makes his assessment.] I've not had occasion to visit it before, but I've heard it mentioned here and there— the locals quite look forward to it, it seems. I can see why.
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Shopping online is all well and good, but lately I've come to appreciate these in-person setups. I've helped Berna with a few markets before.
[Amelia clasps her hands together in front of her as if trying to appear proper while they begin to peruse. Already as they step into the market, there are tables that have been situated to catch the eyes of as many arrivees as possible.]
I have a few people I'm thinking about purchasing gifts for already. What about you?
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[Shudder to think. Perhaps they best not imagine such a thing.
Her proper composure has him smiling to himself; her efforts to be proper are nothing new to him, but he's never ceased to find them charming. He sinks his hands into his pockets as he strolls along beside her, lagging only half a step behind in order to let her lead, and he lets out a thoughtful hum at her query.]
I think my mother would be quite cross if I returned from Neverwinter without bringing her some kind of token, and of course there's Tara— there are a few friends I'd thought to get gifts for this year, as well. Perhaps something will grab me. Are you looking for something for Berna?
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(okay she'll stall by answering his question shhhh)]
She counts a few people off of her fingers.]
For Berna, yes. Then Oren. My parents of course and then I'm thinking Professor Lens, Prescott, Omeluum, Blurg, our head of the Literature department... Ah. And I have some twins that I used to tutor and Berna's niece to think of as well.
[Unexpectedly, a long list even for her.]
... Also, Annabelle and Alder. Briar's parents.
[There was some hesitancy, but it vanishes just as quickly. She looks at Gale to assure him it's not a heavy topic and needn't be treated as such.]
I'll think of something for him too.
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I think that's a lovely sentiment.
[His tone is warm, genuine.]
That's quite a list you have— I expect mine will expand as we go along, too. I've not been as present a friend as I might be to some for awhile, now. I'd like to make up for some lost time— and remarkably, I've been feeling far more like myself the last few months.
[His smile quirks cheekily to one side, and he steps forward to fall in step beside her, casually letting his hand catch against hers so that she can take hold of it if she so chooses, setting his sights on the nearest cluster of booths.]
I wonder why that is.
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A question for the ages.
[But thankfully she curls her hand around his palm. Stiffly, but it is unmistakably reciprocation.]
And a silly one. We answered that thoroughly last night and this morning.
[Let him chew on that surprisingly lighthearted and layered innuendo from her. Amelia tugs him towards one of the food stalls.]
C'mon. I'm sure some of our friends will like artisanal fruit jams.
I know they were going to scene jump soon, let there be jam
Her remark startles a chuckle out of him, serious as she so often is, and he dips his head as he concedes, glad to let that answer stand. The truth was that ever since meeting her, he had felt far more like himself than he had in years.]
I like artisanal fruit jams.
[Which may very well mean that some lucky seller is going to be very pleased with their take today. He laughs as he allows himself to be tugged, squeezing her hand as he quickly adapts to keep up with her.]
Lead on, then— I trust your expert taste.
jam and jump
His chuckle is a small reward, his warmth and goodness gives her a calm and a type of confidence that she couldn't quite place.
Without having to consciously think of it, Amelia relaxes and finds herself enjoying the market with Gale, much more than if she had perused it by herself.]
[An hour or two later, Amelia's spoils of the market war consist of several knitted and crocheted items, ("For the neighbor girls I've tutored and their grandmother.") several jars of artisanal jams and honey, ("Do you think Professor Lens likes raspberry and vanilla? Who would hate that combination?), a ceramic matcha bowl for Oren, ("He keeps using the one with a chip in it."), and some handmade jewelry for Berna and a bag of smooth beach stones ("She'll find some use for it.")
All in all, a productive shopping day. Her last purchase is an iced green tea from a pop up cafe stall and she sighs while plopping herself down on a bench under a setup canopy.]
Well, I don't think any of our coworkers can complain about us not getting them gifts from Neverwinter. Do you think you're covered?
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He smiles as he helps himself to a seat beside her, gently setting his bags down and propping his arm up atop the back of the bench as he settles in with his own iced coffee in hand.]
Oh, and then some. I've even a few spares in case I change my mind about some of them— I think I may well be set through Mother's Day, not to mention I may have to clear out part of my pantry to ensure some of that jam finds a good home. I'd say we've had a very productive trip, wouldn't you?
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I wasn't expecting to get any shopping done with it being so close to holiday celebrations, but we definitely lucked out.
[She wasn't expecting a lot of things to happen the way they have in the past 24 hours or so. The professor glances at Gale and then back to her drink. And then Gale once again as if to truly confirm his presence and the events of last night and this morning.
Finding her perceived lack of anything else meaningful to say, she moves so that they're shoulder to shoulder as a replacement.]
And you still have the conference tomorrow.
[They'll make one last stop at a clothing boutique or other store that will have appropriate clothing for her, but other then that, they're free for the rest of the day.]
Try to wake up early for that, okay?
[Barring anything... else to get in the way.]
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Yes, Professor. It wouldn't do to fall behind when I've a presentation to give.
[He might develop enough last-minute nerves that sleep won't come easily regardless, nevermind the rest of the weekend's— developments.]
That reminds me, I should touch base with Tara regarding her sudden 'change of plans.' She was meant to be driving up later today, but given everything— [he pauses just long enough to make a vague gesture with his free hand,] I'm not sure what to take at face value anymore.
[He can hardly be upset with her, however, especially given how her making their lodging arrangements had turned out.]
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[The fact that it was Tara who was supposed to be in the Airbnb and not Amelia, has slipped her mind. Understandable, she was very distracted.
She sighs and runs a hand through her hair.]
You can tell her that I'm staying with you.
[It goes unsaid that he doesn't have to dive into detail obviously, but Amelia looks unsettled regardless.]
I think she can figure it out from there.
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Are you certain?
[Oh, he's sure Tara will have something to say to him about all this, and he's positive she'd hardly do or say anything to make Amelia uncomfortable, but small, careful steps are likely to be a necessity for some time.]
I can come up with something creative if you're not keen on her figuring things out just yet. Maybe she deserves to twist in the wind a bit.
[That playful half-smile of his remains, though if Amelia is going to be attending the conference, Tara will sort things out for herself in an instant, he's sure. She usually knew what was happening before he did in situations like these.]
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I'm fine with it. More importantly, I want you to be fine with it and not feel like it has to be hidden.
[Because just now, thinking back on how things were handled with Dr. Manx, Amelia realizes that she doesn't want to tip toe around other people regarding her and Gale. What they have isn't even approaching questionable aside from their true first meeting (which by all means can just be between them).]
Besides, if Dr. Prescott was anticipating something then we might as well let it pay off for her.
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[He almost feels as though he's trying to convince himself on that point— but to think otherwise would mean considering that Tara might well be omniscient, as she has so often claimed in jest, and that was truly too terrifying to think.]
She must have thought to stir up something up to goad me into talking, something of that nature, but— I digress.
[That part, though equal parts puzzling, amusing and borderline infuriating, was not important. He reaches out with his free hand to gently take hold of hers, giving it a small, grateful squeeze.]
You're very thoughtful. [He knows precisely why she took care to tell him it didn't need to be hidden.] I think we can certainly manage balancing honesty with some preservation of privacy, hm? I'll refrain from shouting from any rooftops, but I can't promise you won't find the occasional note attached to the coffee waiting on your desk.
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I appreciate the former, but as for the latter, at least make sure Professor Lens doesn't see it. I never said to disregard any indiscretion.
[She's mostly joking. Probably.]
Well, let's put everything in the car and head on out. Let's eat in again tonight.
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I have a feeling Professor Lens already has her own ideas about things, but as you say. I shall be the very soul of discretion.
[Even know, there's a playful twinkle in his eyes as he gets to his feet and begins to gather some of their bags, taking the liberties of lightening Amelia's potential load in the process.]
I do like the way you think. Let's go, shall we?
[The afternoon is largely uneventful in the most pleasant way possible; Gale does manage to focus long enough to give his presentation one last read-through and to make a few last adjustments according to his notes and having taken Amelia's feedback into consideration.
He does touch base with Tara, updating her while giving as little detail as possible, but naturally, she hardly needs any to put the pieces together. He looks quite put-upon as he holds the phone a foot away from his ear, his friend's delighted laughter loud enough to travel across the room, and once he's wrapped up his conversation with her, he clears his throat softly and looks to Amelia.]
Tara is— just an hour short of arriving in town, but she was quick to insist on staying at a hotel. Says she'll see us in the morning for coffee and that she's grateful to have, and I quote, a "reprieve from looking after me."
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By the time Gale finishes his call and addresses Amelia, she has covered her face with the front flap of her tablet cover.]
That's good. Yes.
[Her voice is muffled.]
Well, whatever makes her life easier.
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I'm sure she— means well.
[Of course she does, but that doesn't stop the both of them from feeling a touch embarrassed. He tucks his phone back into his pocket as he moves to join her, gently reaching out to take hold of the cover flap and pull it back just enough to reveal her eyes.]
That does mean we have the place all to ourselves. Surely that will help us both to breathe easier.
[Fewer opportunities to trip over themselves trying to figure out how they want to present this to others.]
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Right... Well, as for me, I'm not telling Berna anything until she returns from her trip.
[She doesn't want her phone to blow up with her texts tyvm]
I'm sure she'll feel equally vindicated about the turn of events.
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rounding this one out to fade!
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