You know, I think you're quite right. I think I know exactly who to thank for his renewed perseverance, as well.
[She laughs softly, the warmth of her smile softening her otherwise severe face. Amelia certainly has the right of the situation.]
I'm sure my bias makes it quite obvious, but I have. He's never given me any reason to do anything less, though these past few years, I admit to having been worried. I don't have much in the way of family, which only makes seeing the family you've chosen for yourself going through what he did all the more difficult. These past months, however...
[She shakes her head slightly, her smile pulling higher on one side.]
I have to say, he is more like himself than I've seen him in years. It does the heart good to see him returning to himself.
[Her last remark makes the young professor pause. Tara, having known him longer, has seen Gale at his highest and lowest. When she thinks about the past few weeks... Well, there's a feeling of shame, knowing that she was a cause of unhappiness even if they've more than made up for it.]
... I hope that it doesn't seem too sudden. The both of us, I mean.
[Not that she hasn't kept in mind that Dr. Prescott and Berna were probably on the sidelines and had more foresight than her. Still, Amelia does feel like she took a huge and reckless leap and it doesn't necessarily reflect well on her.]
I wasn't my best towards him in the past month. That probably wasn't easy to see how that affected him on your end.
[For a moment, Tara looks almost perplexed, as though she doesn't quite understand Amelia's concern, but after a beat she begins to laugh, covering her mouth with one hand to contain it before she collects herself, clearing her throat.]
Sudden. My dear, I'm afraid the only people who think this might be sudden are the two of you.
[There's an impish merriment in her eyes that isn't unlike when Gale himself turns playful and mischievous, and in that moment, perhaps it's even easier to see why doctors Prescott and Dekarios get along so well.]
By the time he admitted anything to me— and himself, mind you— I'd already known for ages.
[Her smile becomes a touch more subdued as she takes Amelia's other remark into consideration; her gaze is serious but kind.]
These things are hardly ever as simple as we might like. I've not asked him the finer details; while I'll confess to meddling here and there, I do realize that some things are none of my business. Only know that you are not the only one to have doubts about such matters— perhaps just the first to show it, in this situation.
[Her gaze does move, briefly, in the direction Gale had headed a few minutes earlier, and the feeling writ on her face is clear: worry, though it doesn't appear to be directed at Amelia herself.]
[Amelia's face reddens in response to Tara's laughter and she proceeds to hide it by taking a large swig of her drink.]
I can't be that easy to read.
[Sometimes she is though; there was a difference between being unreadable and simply keeping people at arm's length, as Berna had told her before.
Her eyes track Dr. Prescott looking in Gale's direction. Until he was done with his presentation, the both of them are probably having the sensation sit in their gut. There was something else that was bothering her, something that she thinks that Tara would have more insight on.]
... I was wondering, if you don't mind me askingโ [Amelia grips her can, bracing herself and finding her words carefully.]
He told me about the circumstances between him and his advisor. What I'm trying to ask is if you have any idea if she valued the professional work more than the relationship between them? Or was it in reverse?
[It would be a lie to say there wasn't a sting, knowing how important Ariel Manx was to Gale back then, but Amelia wanted to know if there was actual affection or her protege was a means to an end. The younger professor wasn't looking to sympathize or an excuse for her, but to just understand.]
Well— not just you, of course, it was the pair of you together that made it most obvious to me, but I do consider myself to be something of a student of the human animal. I'd like to think I read people well, much of the time.
[There's warmth and teasing in her voice, thinly-veiled, and she does Amelia the favor of not pointing out the blush creeping into her cheeks. She's sure the younger professor is already well aware.
Both her knack for reading people and her close proximity to Gale, of course, make her the perfect person to ask such a question of. She presses her lips together thoughtfully, considering her words. It's something she's thought about on her own, as well; a question she couldn't help but ask herself. Gale, she's sure, has asked himself the same, and likely doesn't want the answer.]
It's complicated, I'm afraid— or perhaps not so easily defined. For his sake, I want to believe that the affection was genuine, at least to start. I admit to being biased, but he's quite easy to love.
[It would break her heart, otherwise, to think of her fine fellow being strung along all those years for nothing at all. It had ended a mess, and they had been all wrong for one another in addition to the circumstances of their relationship having been inappropriate on multiple levels. If he could look back at that time in his life and find even just one single moment worth remembering, she thinks it would have been better than for all of it to have been a lie.]
She considered his successes to be her own, I imagine, as mentors often do with their proteges. I think whatever else she might have felt, that was bound to get in the way. To be honest, outside of a professional capacity, I can't say I ever cared for her much— I imagine that doesn't come as a surprise. Gale, of course, always sees the best in people. It is one of his finer points, but also to his detriment, at times.
[It's always complicated; Amelia had thought her circumstances were rather skewed, but it was nothing compared to Gale and Ariel's case. She's silent for a few seconds, taking another sip of her drink before replying.]
The way I've thought about it, is that if there were true common ground between them, she would have found it in herself to compromise and overcome obvious obstacles. He would have been more than willing.
[But that didn't happen and couldn't happen, not with the level of unprofessionalism that came attached with it.]
I'll be blunt here; outside of the intent to attribute his success to her own, I find everything else incomprehensible.
[There's that matter of being secretly married the apparent allowance of one party to have an affair with an unwilling participant. She knows that there are different types of relationships, but Amelia always boils down anything meaningful to have a strong degree of honesty and resolve. Any benefit of the doubt she had given Dr. Manx (none of them seem to know what the dynamics of her marriage are like to lead her to an affair), stopped there.]
I think at this point, I know what I am. [With her drink finished, she crushes the can in one palm, sighing.]
As much as I hate to admit it, I've hurt people because I was angry with them.
[Angry with Briar because he was dying and couldn't do anything about leaving her. Angry with Gale because it felt like he was trying to ease into her graces while she was emotionally vulnerable.]
But I don't think I could hurt someone just to get ahead.
[Dr. Prescott listens intently as she sips her own drink, thoughtful gaze fixed on Amelia. The younger woman had given this a lot of thought— as to be expected, she supposes, given her own feelings regarding Gale.
She sighs softly, shaking her head, because there isn't much there she can or wants to disagree with.]
We've all been angry and hurt people we care about, unintentionally or otherwise; that's only human. It's one thing to be angry, another entirely to be so intent on controlling another person that you whittle away at their self-confidence to keep them in your grasp.
[She meets Amelia's gaze then, her own serious now that she's spoken the truth aloud, something Gale himself still struggles to admit.]
He sees it now, but no one ever does when they're caught in the middle of such a situation, no matter what those on the outside might tell them. I hope you don't think my saying so plainly is too forward— it does seem the sort of thing you ought to know, and I don't believe Gale is self-aware enough about the damage that was done to tell you himself. For what it's worth—
[She smiles again, her voice warming considerably.]
I never once heard him talk about her the way he talks about you.
[There's some much needed clarity in how she lays out the difference between Amelia and Dr. Manx. It never ceases to amaze the younger woman in how she may have much to say until words are lost on her when dealing with the unknown.]
... That makes it very clear for me. Thank you, Dr. Prescott.
[Before everything that had occurred, Amelia had questioned why Gale had given her such reverence that went way beyond what they physically shared. Maybe what she had represented, wasn't a pure ideal, or an escape. With her, there were possibilities and a stark differences that he probably didn't consider before having been so involved with someone who held great sway over him.
It's daunting, but they're both moving forward together.]
Tara's last remark makes Amelia cast her gaze to her feet, trying to hide her scrunched up face.]
I'm afraid to ask about what he's said. He's embarrassing enough as it is when we talk with one another.
[I think we've been over the top the past two days, Amelia thinks mostly making the jab at herself for getting carried away and into Gale's pace. She'll keep that part to herself though, what happens in the Airbnb, stays in the Airbnb.
Speaking of.]
... Did you find the listing for my parent's Airbnb by chance?
[Tara doesn't even feign surprise at being caught, the corners of her lips quirking into a knowing smile.]
I'm afraid so— quite by accident, to start. I did think I remembered you mentioning your family had property in the area during one of our breakfasts, but I didn't seek it out intentionally. Once I realized, however, I confess to having thought going there and perhaps dropping that bit of trivia might give me an opportunity to prod Gale into actually talking about what was on his mind.
[He would have been furious, she's sure of it, but even that would have been preferable to the way he had shut down for the weeks beforehand. Anything, to keep him from shutting himself away again— but this was different than the last time, she had come to realize.]
I certainly didn't expect that we would see you, but I'm inclined to believe that things worked out as they ought.
[She looks very pleased with herself, in fact.]
It was genuinely the most appealing property I looked at, however.
[So it was all mostly coincidental and the dice really just fell where they wanted to. Amelia's forehead scrunches up dubiously at first, but smoothes over when Tara delivers her clarification.]
Well, I've no complaints. It's not like you controlled the weather or knew about the appliances malfunctioning.
[And at that last remark, the corner of her lips twitches into an almost-smile.]
My parents would be happy to hear that, especially my mother. She took care of the interior design.
[And she'll remind Tara or Gale to leave a good review. Speaking of...]
... And if possible, if we could both just... You know. [Gestures with one hand.]
[Tara gives a firm shake of her head in response, laying a single finger over her lips. Amelia's secret is safe with her, if there were any doubt.]
Oh, we'll not even mention your name. That's nobody's business but yours, dear.
[Though there is a familiar twinkle of mischief in the older woman's eyes; it's hard not to be amused by the way things had come together, especially the way she's watched these two dance around one another for the entire semester, determined to ignore what she was certain everyone else could see.]
I think Gale ought to be leaving a glowing review, personally— your family need know nothing more than their guest had a lovely stay.
[From this point on, she will trust Dr. Tara Prescott with her life.]
Shall we go around and peruse the tables? I'm interested in what sort of freebies a science-focused convention are given out. We can circle back to Gale's program that way.
[Congratulations, Amelia— Gale's ride-or-die has become your ride-or-die, as well.
Tara leaves much of what she could say regarding the situation unsaid; even all she had to offer was effusive support and appreciation, it feels a bit much after all she's already aired, and so she nods in agreement, her smile one of understanding as well as anticipation— the conference is a highlight of her year as well, after all.]
Oh, let's— this one is often especially generous, I've found, and I confess I'm interested in seeing how a literary academic fares when thrown into our end of the pool.
[Oh, Professor Steinbeck will do more than well enough for herself, she's sure, but she has to have some fun.
As she stands and smooths out the front of her blouse and jacket, she does pause to add one more thing that she thinks ought not to be left unsaid, just in case it weren't clear enough already.]
I do hope you know— I've not seen him this happy in years. I don't just mean this morning, either. I think your friendship has done a great deal more for him than even he realizes. He's more like himself than I've seen him in a long, long time.
[He's beyond smitten, yes, but it's more than that; it's as though he's been reminded of all the things in life that he once loved and had let fall by the wayside when he was living it for someone else, instead of for himself, before he had forgotten who he was outside of being a 'prodigy.']
[Though she usually hates showing weakness, if it's an academic pursuit she usually isn't part of, Professor Steinbeck yields rather easily.]
I will politely nod when I hear scientific jargon with root meanings I can glean, but you'll be able to tell I'm hopelessly lost in the literature of the sciences themselves.
[It's Tara's statement regarding Gale's happiness that gives Amelia pause. She doesn't doubt it, not at this point, but her heart does squeeze at the truth of it.
Briar's parents had assured her that she had made their son happy, through the good times and the bad. It's only recently, that Amelia reluctantly believed this to be true. His illness and how she had handled it had caused a rift and after he passed away, Amelia found herself spiraling, convinced she was never a good friend and that her fiery and selfish love demanded too much of Briar.
She looked at herself in the mirror and saw a wretch who loved destructively and ran away at the backlash and the inconvenience of it all.
But Briar's art let her know that through his eyes this wasn't all there was to her. And now when she gazes into Gale's eyes, it isn't a blind adoration, but a clear conviction that she truly is something, someone who can make someone happy.
Amelia looks at her feet, taking a deep breath before replying.]
I've always had trouble... When it comes to how I'm perceived. I believe you though.
[Tara's smile softens in response when Amelia looks up at her, her gaze unquestionably warm and appreciative.]
I rather like that, as well. As for that trouble of yours— something you have in common, I think. We should all take compliments when we're due, I think.
[Gale, unfortunately, doesn't seem to think they ever are, or hadn't, and it would seem Amelia is much the same. Perhaps they can help break one another of that habit.]
Now, shall we take a turn about the place and see what they've pulled together this year?
Let's get started then. I think one of the booths is giving away another free tote bag.
[You can never have enough totes. It's a good way to carry some of the goodies that Gale won't have time today to get to, busy as he is with his upcoming presentation.]
๐น๐๐
[The time for Dr. Dekarios and his address is here. Amelia tries to take her time and not feel nervous about arriving early or late (there's always a margin to take advantage of for these things), but she did politely ask Tara if they could at least be there ten minutes early so that they could get good seats.
Speaking of.]
... Maybe I could stay out of sight? Would I be distracting?
[Other audience members are milling about, greeting each other, and settling into their seats. Amelia is still hovering near the back wall of the ballroom that the talk is taking place in.]
[She'd hardly had to ask; Tara had been quick to acquiesce, also wanting to beat the crowd and find the best seats possible. She finds Amelia to be oddly hesitant when they arrive, striking her as slightly uncharacteristic for what she knows of the younger woman, and lets out a warm chuckle as she shakes her head, gently catching her by the forearm.]
Oh, stuff and nonsense, don't be ridiculous. I think he'll be more distracted if he doesn't see you.
[Many years with Gale's particular brand of anxiety as her companion have taught her that; he takes great pride in his work, and she knows he's looking forward to being seen in his element, even if he hasn't said as much.]
There are still a few seats near the front that don't look to be reserved. You have nothing to worry about, my dear.
[It's awfully sweet that she worries regardless, but Tara keeps that bit to herself.]
[Despite her bold approach on academic and educational matters, matters of the heart are clearly where the young professor stumbles. Being perceived is something to get accustomed to.
Amelia nods and moves towards the front after Tara mentions the spot.]
I wish I wasn't, believe me.
[After setting down their tote bags under their chairs, Amelia smoothes out her skirt and fidgets after plopping herself in her seat.]
If they dim the lights so it's harder to make me out, I'll feel more relieved.
[Tara looks her over with some amusement, though makes an effort to temper it with understanding. One could be perfectly comfortable lecturing class after class without batting an eye, but that didn't mean that all sorts of attention were just as well-received.]
I'm seeing a whole new side of you today, professor.
[She reaches over to gently clap a hand of reassurance against her forearm.]
If it's any comfort, they usually do, but I don't think you need to be concerned that he's going to stop in the middle of his presentation to point you out to all assembled.
[Teasing, yes, but very gently, with hope of helping to ease her nerves.]
Truly, I'm certain he's just glad to know we're here, whether he spots us or not.
[A lot of Amelia, can be considered bluster, overcompensation, and such. True care and consideration brings out someone else entirely, an awkward and stubborn woman who nevertheless tries even if she hates looking and feeling like a fool.]
Well...
[There's no rebuttal to be made to what Tara just said. Amelia nods, acknowledging Dr. Prescott's comforting gesture.]
When it comes down to it, there's no place I'd rather be right now.
[The lights grow dimmer and there's an initial rise in the din of excited voices before the noise begins to settle down. Amelia turns to face the stage and straightens her back. She's just an audience member, but regardless, there's a long exhale and a murmur in preparation for what's next.]
[Dr. Prescott gives Amelia's arm a gentle squeeze before reclaiming her hand when the lights begin to dim, folding her hands in her lap as the host walks out onto the elevated stage to make introductions. The audience is warmly welcomed and the host goes on to offer a bit of information about the conference as an institution, but after a few short minutes, he proceeds as expected.
"I won't bore you any longer— please welcome to the Aldanon Observatory and Museum of Natural Sciences Dr. Gale Dekarios of Waterdeep University, who has done us the honor of agreeing to give our keynote speech after many years of contributions to the vast and thrilling field of astrophysics!"
The applause that follows is hearty while still remaining polite and venue-appropriate, the speaker waving Gale onto the stage from the wings before stepping out of the light himself. Gale offers him a nod of thanks and smiles brightly as he approaches the podium, dossier in hand, and takes hold of both sides as he squares up in front of the microphone, looking out over the assembled crowd.]
Good morning, all of you, and thank you for taking the time to join us— I've always been told you ought to open these sorts of things with a joke, but I thought I would be kind and spare you having to suffer my sad attempts. You all deserve something a bit meteor than that.
[There's a round of laughter interspersed with a few groans; clearly, he is among his people here. As he cheerfully starts into his introduction, which has been slightly altered thanks to Amelia's notes, he speaks with confidence, with passion— this is hardly a lecture, but an opportunity to share ideas and speak with his peers about something he believes in with his whole heart.
As he starts his speech in earnest, he does subtly scan what he can see of the audience in the closer rows, and while the lights are dim, it's not hard for him to spot a certain head of red hair. Without so much as skipping a beat, he offers a brief wink in Amelia's direction, continuing on without ever altering his cadence. Whatever worries he had carried into this place with him, in the moment, they're gone, and he feels more himself than he's ever been.]
[Amelia sits there, entirely focused on stage and Gale's presence upon it, clapping when he makes his entrance. Her mouth barely twitches when he makes his groan-worthy joke. She keeps her attention on him and of his speech and the further it goes smoothly, the less tension there is in her shoulders and she even begins to quietly enjoy the academic exercise of processing and interpreting the contents of which she was privy to a few nights ago when giving him some notes.
The wink? Unexpected.
Her reaction. No change in expression, but a glance to the side instead before turning her eyes back to the stage.
She might have to get him back for that, but right now, he's doing well, he looks happy, he speaks with such zeal, and it makes her glad that she played a small part in getting him here at all.]
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sunfloras2024-01-21 09:17 pm
no subject
[She laughs softly, the warmth of her smile softening her otherwise severe face. Amelia certainly has the right of the situation.]
I'm sure my bias makes it quite obvious, but I have. He's never given me any reason to do anything less, though these past few years, I admit to having been worried. I don't have much in the way of family, which only makes seeing the family you've chosen for yourself going through what he did all the more difficult. These past months, however...
[She shakes her head slightly, her smile pulling higher on one side.]
I have to say, he is more like himself than I've seen him in years. It does the heart good to see him returning to himself.
no subject
... I hope that it doesn't seem too sudden. The both of us, I mean.
[Not that she hasn't kept in mind that Dr. Prescott and Berna were probably on the sidelines and had more foresight than her. Still, Amelia does feel like she took a huge and reckless leap and it doesn't necessarily reflect well on her.]
I wasn't my best towards him in the past month. That probably wasn't easy to see how that affected him on your end.
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Sudden. My dear, I'm afraid the only people who think this might be sudden are the two of you.
[There's an impish merriment in her eyes that isn't unlike when Gale himself turns playful and mischievous, and in that moment, perhaps it's even easier to see why doctors Prescott and Dekarios get along so well.]
By the time he admitted anything to me— and himself, mind you— I'd already known for ages.
[Her smile becomes a touch more subdued as she takes Amelia's other remark into consideration; her gaze is serious but kind.]
These things are hardly ever as simple as we might like. I've not asked him the finer details; while I'll confess to meddling here and there, I do realize that some things are none of my business. Only know that you are not the only one to have doubts about such matters— perhaps just the first to show it, in this situation.
[Her gaze does move, briefly, in the direction Gale had headed a few minutes earlier, and the feeling writ on her face is clear: worry, though it doesn't appear to be directed at Amelia herself.]
no subject
I can't be that easy to read.
[Sometimes she is though; there was a difference between being unreadable and simply keeping people at arm's length, as Berna had told her before.
Her eyes track Dr. Prescott looking in Gale's direction. Until he was done with his presentation, the both of them are probably having the sensation sit in their gut. There was something else that was bothering her, something that she thinks that Tara would have more insight on.]
... I was wondering, if you don't mind me askingโ [Amelia grips her can, bracing herself and finding her words carefully.]
He told me about the circumstances between him and his advisor. What I'm trying to ask is if you have any idea if she valued the professional work more than the relationship between them? Or was it in reverse?
[It would be a lie to say there wasn't a sting, knowing how important Ariel Manx was to Gale back then, but Amelia wanted to know if there was actual affection or her protege was a means to an end. The younger professor wasn't looking to sympathize or an excuse for her, but to just understand.]
no subject
[There's warmth and teasing in her voice, thinly-veiled, and she does Amelia the favor of not pointing out the blush creeping into her cheeks. She's sure the younger professor is already well aware.
Both her knack for reading people and her close proximity to Gale, of course, make her the perfect person to ask such a question of. She presses her lips together thoughtfully, considering her words. It's something she's thought about on her own, as well; a question she couldn't help but ask herself. Gale, she's sure, has asked himself the same, and likely doesn't want the answer.]
It's complicated, I'm afraid— or perhaps not so easily defined. For his sake, I want to believe that the affection was genuine, at least to start. I admit to being biased, but he's quite easy to love.
[It would break her heart, otherwise, to think of her fine fellow being strung along all those years for nothing at all. It had ended a mess, and they had been all wrong for one another in addition to the circumstances of their relationship having been inappropriate on multiple levels. If he could look back at that time in his life and find even just one single moment worth remembering, she thinks it would have been better than for all of it to have been a lie.]
She considered his successes to be her own, I imagine, as mentors often do with their proteges. I think whatever else she might have felt, that was bound to get in the way. To be honest, outside of a professional capacity, I can't say I ever cared for her much— I imagine that doesn't come as a surprise. Gale, of course, always sees the best in people. It is one of his finer points, but also to his detriment, at times.
no subject
The way I've thought about it, is that if there were true common ground between them, she would have found it in herself to compromise and overcome obvious obstacles. He would have been more than willing.
[But that didn't happen and couldn't happen, not with the level of unprofessionalism that came attached with it.]
I'll be blunt here; outside of the intent to attribute his success to her own, I find everything else incomprehensible.
[There's that matter of being secretly married the apparent allowance of one party to have an affair with an unwilling participant. She knows that there are different types of relationships, but Amelia always boils down anything meaningful to have a strong degree of honesty and resolve. Any benefit of the doubt she had given Dr. Manx (none of them seem to know what the dynamics of her marriage are like to lead her to an affair), stopped there.]
I think at this point, I know what I am. [With her drink finished, she crushes the can in one palm, sighing.]
As much as I hate to admit it, I've hurt people because I was angry with them.
[Angry with Briar because he was dying and couldn't do anything about leaving her. Angry with Gale because it felt like he was trying to ease into her graces while she was emotionally vulnerable.]
But I don't think I could hurt someone just to get ahead.
no subject
She sighs softly, shaking her head, because there isn't much there she can or wants to disagree with.]
We've all been angry and hurt people we care about, unintentionally or otherwise; that's only human. It's one thing to be angry, another entirely to be so intent on controlling another person that you whittle away at their self-confidence to keep them in your grasp.
[She meets Amelia's gaze then, her own serious now that she's spoken the truth aloud, something Gale himself still struggles to admit.]
He sees it now, but no one ever does when they're caught in the middle of such a situation, no matter what those on the outside might tell them. I hope you don't think my saying so plainly is too forward— it does seem the sort of thing you ought to know, and I don't believe Gale is self-aware enough about the damage that was done to tell you himself. For what it's worth—
[She smiles again, her voice warming considerably.]
I never once heard him talk about her the way he talks about you.
no subject
... That makes it very clear for me. Thank you, Dr. Prescott.
[Before everything that had occurred, Amelia had questioned why Gale had given her such reverence that went way beyond what they physically shared. Maybe what she had represented, wasn't a pure ideal, or an escape. With her, there were possibilities and a stark differences that he probably didn't consider before having been so involved with someone who held great sway over him.
It's daunting, but they're both moving forward together.]
Tara's last remark makes Amelia cast her gaze to her feet, trying to hide her scrunched up face.]
I'm afraid to ask about what he's said. He's embarrassing enough as it is when we talk with one another.
[tara he's so much HELP]
no subject
Nothing you need worry about, I assure you— though I think I have an idea of what you mean. He doesn't do anything by halves, does he?
[He never has, that she can recall; Gale has always done everything he feels is worth doing with his entire self.]
He's had nothing but lovely things to say, but I think he might just be saving those over-the-top bits for you.
no subject
Speaking of.]
... Did you find the listing for my parent's Airbnb by chance?
[She plays it off casually, but you know]
I just had to wonder.
no subject
I'm afraid so— quite by accident, to start. I did think I remembered you mentioning your family had property in the area during one of our breakfasts, but I didn't seek it out intentionally. Once I realized, however, I confess to having thought going there and perhaps dropping that bit of trivia might give me an opportunity to prod Gale into actually talking about what was on his mind.
[He would have been furious, she's sure of it, but even that would have been preferable to the way he had shut down for the weeks beforehand. Anything, to keep him from shutting himself away again— but this was different than the last time, she had come to realize.]
I certainly didn't expect that we would see you, but I'm inclined to believe that things worked out as they ought.
[She looks very pleased with herself, in fact.]
It was genuinely the most appealing property I looked at, however.
no subject
Well, I've no complaints. It's not like you controlled the weather or knew about the appliances malfunctioning.
[And at that last remark, the corner of her lips twitches into an almost-smile.]
My parents would be happy to hear that, especially my mother. She took care of the interior design.
[And she'll remind Tara or Gale to leave a good review. Speaking of...]
... And if possible, if we could both just... You know. [Gestures with one hand.]
Not mention I was there the whole weekend.
no subject
Oh, we'll not even mention your name. That's nobody's business but yours, dear.
[Though there is a familiar twinkle of mischief in the older woman's eyes; it's hard not to be amused by the way things had come together, especially the way she's watched these two dance around one another for the entire semester, determined to ignore what she was certain everyone else could see.]
I think Gale ought to be leaving a glowing review, personally— your family need know nothing more than their guest had a lovely stay.
no subject
[From this point on, she will trust Dr. Tara Prescott with her life.]
Shall we go around and peruse the tables? I'm interested in what sort of freebies a science-focused convention are given out. We can circle back to Gale's program that way.
no subject
Tara leaves much of what she could say regarding the situation unsaid; even all she had to offer was effusive support and appreciation, it feels a bit much after all she's already aired, and so she nods in agreement, her smile one of understanding as well as anticipation— the conference is a highlight of her year as well, after all.]
Oh, let's— this one is often especially generous, I've found, and I confess I'm interested in seeing how a literary academic fares when thrown into our end of the pool.
[Oh, Professor Steinbeck will do more than well enough for herself, she's sure, but she has to have some fun.
As she stands and smooths out the front of her blouse and jacket, she does pause to add one more thing that she thinks ought not to be left unsaid, just in case it weren't clear enough already.]
I do hope you know— I've not seen him this happy in years. I don't just mean this morning, either. I think your friendship has done a great deal more for him than even he realizes. He's more like himself than I've seen him in a long, long time.
[He's beyond smitten, yes, but it's more than that; it's as though he's been reminded of all the things in life that he once loved and had let fall by the wayside when he was living it for someone else, instead of for himself, before he had forgotten who he was outside of being a 'prodigy.']
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I will politely nod when I hear scientific jargon with root meanings I can glean, but you'll be able to tell I'm hopelessly lost in the literature of the sciences themselves.
[It's Tara's statement regarding Gale's happiness that gives Amelia pause. She doesn't doubt it, not at this point, but her heart does squeeze at the truth of it.
Briar's parents had assured her that she had made their son happy, through the good times and the bad. It's only recently, that Amelia reluctantly believed this to be true. His illness and how she had handled it had caused a rift and after he passed away, Amelia found herself spiraling, convinced she was never a good friend and that her fiery and selfish love demanded too much of Briar.
She looked at herself in the mirror and saw a wretch who loved destructively and ran away at the backlash and the inconvenience of it all.
But Briar's art let her know that through his eyes this wasn't all there was to her. And now when she gazes into Gale's eyes, it isn't a blind adoration, but a clear conviction that she truly is something, someone who can make someone happy.
Amelia looks at her feet, taking a deep breath before replying.]
I've always had trouble... When it comes to how I'm perceived. I believe you though.
[She looks up to give a small smile at Tara.]
I like it when he's happy.
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I rather like that, as well. As for that trouble of yours— something you have in common, I think. We should all take compliments when we're due, I think.
[Gale, unfortunately, doesn't seem to think they ever are, or hadn't, and it would seem Amelia is much the same. Perhaps they can help break one another of that habit.]
Now, shall we take a turn about the place and see what they've pulled together this year?
a time skip
Let's get started then. I think one of the booths is giving away another free tote bag.
[You can never have enough totes. It's a good way to carry some of the goodies that Gale won't have time today to get to, busy as he is with his upcoming presentation.]
[The time for Dr. Dekarios and his address is here. Amelia tries to take her time and not feel nervous about arriving early or late (there's always a margin to take advantage of for these things), but she did politely ask Tara if they could at least be there ten minutes early so that they could get good seats.
Speaking of.]
... Maybe I could stay out of sight? Would I be distracting?
[Other audience members are milling about, greeting each other, and settling into their seats. Amelia is still hovering near the back wall of the ballroom that the talk is taking place in.]
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Oh, stuff and nonsense, don't be ridiculous. I think he'll be more distracted if he doesn't see you.
[Many years with Gale's particular brand of anxiety as her companion have taught her that; he takes great pride in his work, and she knows he's looking forward to being seen in his element, even if he hasn't said as much.]
There are still a few seats near the front that don't look to be reserved. You have nothing to worry about, my dear.
[It's awfully sweet that she worries regardless, but Tara keeps that bit to herself.]
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Amelia nods and moves towards the front after Tara mentions the spot.]
I wish I wasn't, believe me.
[After setting down their tote bags under their chairs, Amelia smoothes out her skirt and fidgets after plopping herself in her seat.]
If they dim the lights so it's harder to make me out, I'll feel more relieved.
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I'm seeing a whole new side of you today, professor.
[She reaches over to gently clap a hand of reassurance against her forearm.]
If it's any comfort, they usually do, but I don't think you need to be concerned that he's going to stop in the middle of his presentation to point you out to all assembled.
[Teasing, yes, but very gently, with hope of helping to ease her nerves.]
Truly, I'm certain he's just glad to know we're here, whether he spots us or not.
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Well...
[There's no rebuttal to be made to what Tara just said. Amelia nods, acknowledging Dr. Prescott's comforting gesture.]
When it comes down to it, there's no place I'd rather be right now.
[The lights grow dimmer and there's an initial rise in the din of excited voices before the noise begins to settle down. Amelia turns to face the stage and straightens her back. She's just an audience member, but regardless, there's a long exhale and a murmur in preparation for what's next.]
Good luck, Gale.
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"I won't bore you any longer— please welcome to the Aldanon Observatory and Museum of Natural Sciences Dr. Gale Dekarios of Waterdeep University, who has done us the honor of agreeing to give our keynote speech after many years of contributions to the vast and thrilling field of astrophysics!"
The applause that follows is hearty while still remaining polite and venue-appropriate, the speaker waving Gale onto the stage from the wings before stepping out of the light himself. Gale offers him a nod of thanks and smiles brightly as he approaches the podium, dossier in hand, and takes hold of both sides as he squares up in front of the microphone, looking out over the assembled crowd.]
Good morning, all of you, and thank you for taking the time to join us— I've always been told you ought to open these sorts of things with a joke, but I thought I would be kind and spare you having to suffer my sad attempts. You all deserve something a bit meteor than that.
[There's a round of laughter interspersed with a few groans; clearly, he is among his people here. As he cheerfully starts into his introduction, which has been slightly altered thanks to Amelia's notes, he speaks with confidence, with passion— this is hardly a lecture, but an opportunity to share ideas and speak with his peers about something he believes in with his whole heart.
As he starts his speech in earnest, he does subtly scan what he can see of the audience in the closer rows, and while the lights are dim, it's not hard for him to spot a certain head of red hair. Without so much as skipping a beat, he offers a brief wink in Amelia's direction, continuing on without ever altering his cadence. Whatever worries he had carried into this place with him, in the moment, they're gone, and he feels more himself than he's ever been.]
crawls back from the ayto mines
The wink? Unexpected.
Her reaction. No change in expression, but a glance to the side instead before turning her eyes back to the stage.
She might have to get him back for that, but right now, he's doing well, he looks happy, he speaks with such zeal, and it makes her glad that she played a small part in getting him here at all.]