[The end of their long weekend together in Neverwinter came far sooner than Gale would have liked; he had almost lost track of the days themselves in the whirlwind, but even weeks earlier, when he had first issued his invitation to the conference, he had known that they were both set to be rather busy through the new year, as so many people were. He insists on staying to assist with what needs to be done following checkout on the last day; as guests went, he had been neat and respectful of the space, but he was hardly going to leave Amelia to handle resetting the space herself. He gently rebuffs any protests otherwise, and they manage to make short work of it between the two of them— and if he steals a kiss or two between chores or while passing her on his way to the laundry room, what of it?
Saying goodbye is the most difficult part, even knowing it's only for a brief time. Had they been here under a different set of circumstances, he would have enjoyed the opportunity to drive back to Waterdeep together, perhaps taking a few scenic detours along the way, but they had two vehicles between them and Amelia was in town to visit her family, while he was due back home. Once there, he would tie up a few loose ends and meet with the last handful of grad students he needed to speak with before he disappeared into helping his own mother with her always-extravagant holiday preparations.
If those last kisses before they part ways linger a bit longer than they might have otherwise, he doesn't think either of them can be blamed. The infamous honeymoon phase was likely to last awhile, given how long they had waited before finally being honest with themselves. He urges her to let him know once she's back in Waterdeep, and when he leaves Neverwinter, he feels lighter than he has in years.
When she does finally arrive home, she will find that a very simple bouquet of daisies has been left for her, waiting on her desk along with a card that simply says "Dinner?" on the inside, though Gale's neat, slanted cursive is unmistakable.]
[Amelia should feel ridiculous. Flabbergasted. Or at least in utter awe of what the past weekend brought about. To look at the broader perspective, the past several months were a whirlwind of happenstance and high emotions all culminating into her and Gale being... Well, for lack of a better word, together.
Her heart softly swelled upon waking up on the couch after their long Lord of the Rings movie marathon in Gale's arms, and then beat faster as Gale insisted upon resetting the Airbnb with her. It rarely occurred to Amelia that she would be liked enough to want to do even the most dull chores with which was also probably ridiculous, but it's those smaller details that fill in those gaps of doubt of what they were cultivating together.
Amelia would neither confirm, nor deny that she went in for a second kiss as they parted ways. Who could blame her for that last indulgence?
When she returns to Waterdeep and back to the shared house, Berna wasn't in, but Oren was, sitting at the kitchen counter, enjoying a mug of black tea, and glancing at the bouquet and card that was left for her.
"... Berna didn't see those yet, right?"
"..."
Well, Amelia will weather the storm of her best friend, but after putting her things away, she takes out her phone to throw a text at her new boyfriend and send a picture of the card in her hand]
[Gale is in his study at home when he hears the text chime go off, and turns from the bookshelf he had been putting back in order to retrieve his phone from where it lay face-down on his desk, smiling to himself when he sees Amelia's name— he'd expected he would hear from her sooner rather than later, but expecting doesn't change the fact that he feels a rush of excitement upon seeing it, as though he were twenty years younger and navigating his first forays into romance.]
I like to consider myself efficient. Is it too soon to want to see you? I think our students would call that "cringe." If enthusiastic anticipation is cringe, I suppose I must accept my fate. Tragically uncool, which I was hoping you wouldn't notice, but there's nothing for it now.
[He grins and shakes his head as he takes the phone with him to the kitchen, intent on putting on coffee.]
This man isn't even within her immediate vicinity and already he makes her heart skip and her face redden with those saccharine words and jokey youngster slang. Amelia whips herself around and goes back into her bedroom so Oren doesn't witness her expressions as she replies.]
I have no opinion on the word "cringe" except that you don't have to use it.
If you've no other work or errands to attend to, we can see each other as soon as tonight for dinner.
[He leans back against the counter to send her a response once he's put the water on, his smile pulling fondly to one side, and he's certain he feels his pulse quicken at the very idea of being able to see her again— the weekend together had been incredible, but now that they were home, it was different. It felt more real, no longer a dreamlike whirlwind.]
All errands and the like have been attended to. I thought I might cook something, although if you'd prefer to go out, I do owe you a proper first date.
[Their day out in Neverwinter had been lovely, but they had been apart from their real lives then. Nevermind the fact that they had been to so many coffee shops and bookstores and had so many lunches together over the past months that they had already, quite technically, been on countless dates.]
Let's go out to eat. I think you did your fair share of cooking over the weekend.
[This was the reality wasn't it? They aren't just colleagues who made a mistake by chance, but colleagues who finally bit the bullet and making a kind of committment-
Well, Amelia tells herself to calm down, even if Gale is eager, if not more than her about their new arrangement.]
Would you like to pick me up after we choose a place?
[Thoughtful of her, even if he wouldn't have minded in the least. Probably for the best that they go out, as well; had they stayed in, he doesn't know that he could guarantee they would make it to the actual dinner, he's not ashamed to say.]
I would love to. What are you in the mood for? Italian? Japanese?
[One thing he had learned early on was that they were both adventurous eaters; variety was always welcome.]
[Ironically (or not), Amelia is also of the same mind. She chose to go out because visiting one another wouldn't guarantee they'd actually be dining. Gotta take it easy, right?]
Japanese sounds nice. There's a place that has an omokase course isn't there? It sounds perfect for us if we want to take our time.
Excellent, that sounds like just the thing. How does six sound? Only somewhat related, should I be preparing myself for an interrogation from Berna?
[He's weathered one before, not that he's told Amelia that, but even if Amelia hasn't spoken to her just yet... he's sure Berna can put the pieces together and has opinions.]
Then I'll make a particular point of being punctual.
[As though he would want to delay being able to see her again, to begin with— it's only been a short time apart, and he is constantly reminding himself to be mindful, but he feels so caught between wanting to make up for lost time and thinking that they have all sorts of time ahead of them that it's been difficult to keep his head straight.]
I'll see you at six. Can't wait.
[He can't help but add that last part, but does manage to keep himself from slipping in a heart out of concern for being overbearing.
The time between their exchange and their intended meeting goes by incredibly quickly; Gale changes clothes at least three times despite the fact that the restaurant in question is business casual at best, and spends more time grooming than is strictly necessary for his usual dashing-but-relaxed approach, finding himself surprisingly nervous about things being just so.
As ever, he is good to his word and arrives on Amelia's doorstep at 5:59 on the dot, exhaling steadily before he rings the bell, as any proper gentleman should.]
[Oren gives Amelia an hour tops before Berna returns from her gallery, maybe an hour and a half if she decides to do a coffee or shopping detour.
Amelia chooses an outfit right away, styles her hair, and applies a fresh coat of makeup in 40. By the time Gale arrives, she rushes to the door before Oren can answer it, out of breath from the effort, opening it up quite suddenly and greeting him before he can greet her.]
You made it. Good.
[She waves to Oren and shuts the door behind her, taking a deep breath. Amelia's kept her date outfit simple, with a pair of high-waisted jeans and a black, but soft, feminine blouse with puffed sleeves and embroidered flowers.]
Thankfully, I think Berna's on a coffee detour. Your timing couldn't have been better.
[Naturally, Gale would think she looked lovely in whatever she wore. He smiles warmly as she makes her appearance on the doorstep, glancing at the door with some amusement as she closes the door behind her and he can hear it latch. The rushed nature of it all, of course, does not go unnoticed.]
Is she? Good, we're safe.
[There's a teasing note in that last word, his smile quirking to one side.]
It also means I have time to do this.
[He invites himself to gently bring his hands to rest against her waist, leaning down to greet her with a kiss now that he can do so openly; it's careful, chaste, not too much, but feels especially sweet after a few days apart. He's missed her.]
[The hands around her waist and the kiss gives her a bit of a start, but it wasn't an unpleasant reaction. After an initial scrunch in her nose, Amelia relaxes, her expression softens, and she kisses him back. She draws back first, her cheeks red. There's an indignant huff as she glances to the side muttering.]
Always the opportunist aren't you?
[Regardless, she takes a hold of one of his hands, ready to depart.]
[He can't deny being amused by her being startled; certainly, there will be a lot for them to get used to moving forward, a rhythm they'll need to work on finding together, but for right now, he's resolved to let himself enjoy the opportunities to surprise her. He savors those moments before the kiss breaks, a mischievous light having risen to his gaze as she draws back, her face flushed.]
Guilty as charged, I'm afraid, but sated for now.
[She takes his hand and his own fingers curl against hers easily; much like their day visiting the market in Neverwinter, it feels easy, natural. He gives her hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance before he starts to walk her towards his car; they'll want to make sure they're gone before Berna comes back, especially as he's certain there will be no escaping her upon Amelia's return.]
I have waited months to be able to do that. I don't imagine I'll tire of it anytime soon.
[Amelia puts a palm on her forehead as if trying to register the content of Gale's words. Waiting for months? What on earth is this man doing to her now?
She gets in the car herself with a pretend roll of the eyes.]
I don't know if I can do anything to tire you out. I'll stick with you to see what I can come up with if that makes you feel any reassurance.
[So she says, but there's a smile on her face as she pulls her seatbelt on.]
But first, sushi. I'm actually a little hungry and I know you were looking forward to talking about future plans.
[That startles a laugh out of him, roll of the eyes and all.]
Cheeky. Consider me sufficiently reassured.
[Amused, he circles around to slide into the driver's seat, settling in and adjusting his mirror just slightly.]
Dinner first. [He agrees with her warmly, though seeing her comfortable with teasing him always makes him feel a certain way, both pleased and exceptionally fond.] I promise, talk of plans won't be nearly as clinical as it sounds.
[Addressing the practicalities of having gone from being 'friends' to actually allowing themselves to be a couple does have a few daunting tasks ahead, but he's not intending to raise any of that tonight. With that said, he pulls away from the house she shares with Berna— they escape the driveway without being caught by her roommate, for now.]
[The drive to the restaurant is uneventful aside from their natural banter. When they enter the restaurant, they get seated at the counter where the gruff, but hospitable sushi chef presents them their omakase selections, asking for any preferences or dietary needs. Notably, Amelia really likes mackerel, hamachi, medium fatty tuna, squid, and the tender freshwater shrimp.
They get started with warm sake and Amelia blows away the steam before sipping it gingerly, finally relaxed.
Well, for now.]
That hits the spot. But I think I'll have to take it easy on the sake, lest we get another drunken episode from me.
[Gale especially enjoys the intimacy offered by the counter-side seating, showing a genuine interest in watching the chef behind it work— he had stated no preferences, asking the chef to surprise him in full, eager to embrace the adventure of the experience. Sake, of course, is the only way to begin such a meal, and his lips quirk to one side at Amelia's decision to take precautions, wrapping his fingers around his own cup and carefully lifting it to blow.]
I think it rather worked out, in the long run, but that's probably wise. Sake doesn't go down quite the same way as soju, fortunately for us.
[He helps himself to a sip from his own cup, eyes closing briefly as he exhales.]
I can't remember the last time I had sake— this was an excellent choice.
[She smiles into her sake cup, only somewhat hidden.]
I'm glad. Sushi seemed like a good way to just pace ourselves.
[Instead of jumping the gun like they might have been tempted to do. Amelia sets down her cup and leans her face into her palm as she glances at Gale.]
So. Plans.
[Smooth, Amelia. She drums her fingers against the table.]
I haven't thought about telling my parents about you yet.
[He appreciates that she gets right to the heart of things— were it up to him, he likely would have talked himself in circles before managing to do so, partly because he so enjoyed her company, but at least in some part because there was, potentially, a bit of awkwardness to be navigated. Not much, by his measure, but they now found themselves quite suddenly in a very serious relationship less than two weeks before some fairly significant dates, as family went. There was the potential for a great deal of pressure that he's not so certain either of them needs at this moment.
He bows his head slightly, his smile pulling to one side.]
Plans.
[He takes another sip, setting his cup down in front of him. That she hadn't thought about telling just yet doesn't trouble him the way it might have, once— Amelia never makes him feel as though he's something she wants to hide, only that she herself is quite serious, rational. For as impulsive as they've been, it makes sense to approach other aspects of their relationship as reasonably as possible.]
I hadn't thought to tell my mother just yet, either— although there is a chance Tara might let it slip beforehand, but I've a mind to ask her to let me handle it when I feel it's appropriate. At the very least, if she hears before then, I think she'll have the good sense to act surprised.
[He chuckles softly, angling himself towards her as he rests an arm against the counter.]
I don't think either of us should feel pressured to change any standing plans at the moment, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to make time for you in between.
[Amelia nods at his response, regarding their plans and his mother. From what she gleaned whenever she was brought up, she seemed like a lovely woman, spirited in a different way from her own mother. The young professor was loathe to admit that she was similar to Susan Steinbeck, but her severity does come from somewhere, much like how Gale's gregarious nature most likely stemmed from Mrs. Dekarios.]
If you'd like though and if you're able... I don't mind having you meet my parents after New Year's, just so that they're aware.
[The chef serves them their first plates of hamachi and Amelia is quick to slide Gale's plate closer to him before helping herself.]
I haven't made it a habit to tell them the nitty-gritty details of my personal dramas, but I'm not so heartless of a daughter to not let them know about you. You're probably the most upstanding person I've brought into my life recently.
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sunfloras2024-01-21 09:17 pm
standing at the beginning with you
Saying goodbye is the most difficult part, even knowing it's only for a brief time. Had they been here under a different set of circumstances, he would have enjoyed the opportunity to drive back to Waterdeep together, perhaps taking a few scenic detours along the way, but they had two vehicles between them and Amelia was in town to visit her family, while he was due back home. Once there, he would tie up a few loose ends and meet with the last handful of grad students he needed to speak with before he disappeared into helping his own mother with her always-extravagant holiday preparations.
If those last kisses before they part ways linger a bit longer than they might have otherwise, he doesn't think either of them can be blamed. The infamous honeymoon phase was likely to last awhile, given how long they had waited before finally being honest with themselves. He urges her to let him know once she's back in Waterdeep, and when he leaves Neverwinter, he feels lighter than he has in years.
When she does finally arrive home, she will find that a very simple bouquet of daisies has been left for her, waiting on her desk along with a card that simply says "Dinner?" on the inside, though Gale's neat, slanted cursive is unmistakable.]
no subject
Her heart softly swelled upon waking up on the couch after their long Lord of the Rings movie marathon in Gale's arms, and then beat faster as Gale insisted upon resetting the Airbnb with her. It rarely occurred to Amelia that she would be liked enough to want to do even the most dull chores with which was also probably ridiculous, but it's those smaller details that fill in those gaps of doubt of what they were cultivating together.
Amelia would neither confirm, nor deny that she went in for a second kiss as they parted ways. Who could blame her for that last indulgence?
When she returns to Waterdeep and back to the shared house, Berna wasn't in, but Oren was, sitting at the kitchen counter, enjoying a mug of black tea, and glancing at the bouquet and card that was left for her.
"... Berna didn't see those yet, right?"
"..."
Well, Amelia will weather the storm of her best friend, but after putting her things away, she takes out her phone to throw a text at her new boyfriend and send a picture of the card in her hand]
You work fast, don't you?
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I like to consider myself efficient. Is it too soon to want to see you? I think our students would call that "cringe." If enthusiastic anticipation is cringe, I suppose I must accept my fate. Tragically uncool, which I was hoping you wouldn't notice, but there's nothing for it now.
[He grins and shakes his head as he takes the phone with him to the kitchen, intent on putting on coffee.]
no subject
This man isn't even within her immediate vicinity and already he makes her heart skip and her face redden with those saccharine words and jokey youngster slang. Amelia whips herself around and goes back into her bedroom so Oren doesn't witness her expressions as she replies.]
I have no opinion on the word "cringe" except that you don't have to use it.
If you've no other work or errands to attend to, we can see each other as soon as tonight for dinner.
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All errands and the like have been attended to. I thought I might cook something, although if you'd prefer to go out, I do owe you a proper first date.
[Their day out in Neverwinter had been lovely, but they had been apart from their real lives then. Nevermind the fact that they had been to so many coffee shops and bookstores and had so many lunches together over the past months that they had already, quite technically, been on countless dates.]
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[This was the reality wasn't it? They aren't just colleagues who made a mistake by chance, but colleagues who finally bit the bullet and making a kind of committment-
Well, Amelia tells herself to calm down, even if Gale is eager, if not more than her about their new arrangement.]
Would you like to pick me up after we choose a place?
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I would love to. What are you in the mood for? Italian? Japanese?
[One thing he had learned early on was that they were both adventurous eaters; variety was always welcome.]
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Japanese sounds nice. There's a place that has an omokase course isn't there? It sounds perfect for us if we want to take our time.
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Excellent, that sounds like just the thing. How does six sound? Only somewhat related, should I be preparing myself for an interrogation from Berna?
[He's weathered one before, not that he's told Amelia that, but even if Amelia hasn't spoken to her just yet... he's sure Berna can put the pieces together and has opinions.]
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On the other hand, she can pop in at any time so stay on your toes.
[Berna is simply a force of nature that cannot be tamed. Amelia's going to get dressed for dinner in the meanwhile.]
See you at six.
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[As though he would want to delay being able to see her again, to begin with— it's only been a short time apart, and he is constantly reminding himself to be mindful, but he feels so caught between wanting to make up for lost time and thinking that they have all sorts of time ahead of them that it's been difficult to keep his head straight.]
I'll see you at six. Can't wait.
[He can't help but add that last part, but does manage to keep himself from slipping in a heart out of concern for being overbearing.
The time between their exchange and their intended meeting goes by incredibly quickly; Gale changes clothes at least three times despite the fact that the restaurant in question is business casual at best, and spends more time grooming than is strictly necessary for his usual dashing-but-relaxed approach, finding himself surprisingly nervous about things being just so.
As ever, he is good to his word and arrives on Amelia's doorstep at 5:59 on the dot, exhaling steadily before he rings the bell, as any proper gentleman should.]
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Amelia chooses an outfit right away, styles her hair, and applies a fresh coat of makeup in 40. By the time Gale arrives, she rushes to the door before Oren can answer it, out of breath from the effort, opening it up quite suddenly and greeting him before he can greet her.]
You made it. Good.
[She waves to Oren and shuts the door behind her, taking a deep breath. Amelia's kept her date outfit simple, with a pair of high-waisted jeans and a black, but soft, feminine blouse with puffed sleeves and embroidered flowers.]
Thankfully, I think Berna's on a coffee detour. Your timing couldn't have been better.
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Is she? Good, we're safe.
[There's a teasing note in that last word, his smile quirking to one side.]
It also means I have time to do this.
[He invites himself to gently bring his hands to rest against her waist, leaning down to greet her with a kiss now that he can do so openly; it's careful, chaste, not too much, but feels especially sweet after a few days apart. He's missed her.]
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Always the opportunist aren't you?
[Regardless, she takes a hold of one of his hands, ready to depart.]
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Guilty as charged, I'm afraid, but sated for now.
[She takes his hand and his own fingers curl against hers easily; much like their day visiting the market in Neverwinter, it feels easy, natural. He gives her hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance before he starts to walk her towards his car; they'll want to make sure they're gone before Berna comes back, especially as he's certain there will be no escaping her upon Amelia's return.]
I have waited months to be able to do that. I don't imagine I'll tire of it anytime soon.
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She gets in the car herself with a pretend roll of the eyes.]
I don't know if I can do anything to tire you out. I'll stick with you to see what I can come up with if that makes you feel any reassurance.
[So she says, but there's a smile on her face as she pulls her seatbelt on.]
But first, sushi. I'm actually a little hungry and I know you were looking forward to talking about future plans.
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Cheeky. Consider me sufficiently reassured.
[Amused, he circles around to slide into the driver's seat, settling in and adjusting his mirror just slightly.]
Dinner first. [He agrees with her warmly, though seeing her comfortable with teasing him always makes him feel a certain way, both pleased and exceptionally fond.] I promise, talk of plans won't be nearly as clinical as it sounds.
[Addressing the practicalities of having gone from being 'friends' to actually allowing themselves to be a couple does have a few daunting tasks ahead, but he's not intending to raise any of that tonight. With that said, he pulls away from the house she shares with Berna— they escape the driveway without being caught by her roommate, for now.]
timeskippin a bit for my sanity
They get started with warm sake and Amelia blows away the steam before sipping it gingerly, finally relaxed.
Well, for now.]
That hits the spot. But I think I'll have to take it easy on the sake, lest we get another drunken episode from me.
[you know the one gale]
you do us both a service, and these nerds, too
I think it rather worked out, in the long run, but that's probably wise. Sake doesn't go down quite the same way as soju, fortunately for us.
[He helps himself to a sip from his own cup, eyes closing briefly as he exhales.]
I can't remember the last time I had sake— this was an excellent choice.
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I'm glad. Sushi seemed like a good way to just pace ourselves.
[Instead of jumping the gun like they might have been tempted to do. Amelia sets down her cup and leans her face into her palm as she glances at Gale.]
So. Plans.
[Smooth, Amelia. She drums her fingers against the table.]
I haven't thought about telling my parents about you yet.
no subject
He bows his head slightly, his smile pulling to one side.]
Plans.
[He takes another sip, setting his cup down in front of him. That she hadn't thought about telling just yet doesn't trouble him the way it might have, once— Amelia never makes him feel as though he's something she wants to hide, only that she herself is quite serious, rational. For as impulsive as they've been, it makes sense to approach other aspects of their relationship as reasonably as possible.]
I hadn't thought to tell my mother just yet, either— although there is a chance Tara might let it slip beforehand, but I've a mind to ask her to let me handle it when I feel it's appropriate. At the very least, if she hears before then, I think she'll have the good sense to act surprised.
[He chuckles softly, angling himself towards her as he rests an arm against the counter.]
I don't think either of us should feel pressured to change any standing plans at the moment, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to make time for you in between.
no subject
If you'd like though and if you're able... I don't mind having you meet my parents after New Year's, just so that they're aware.
[The chef serves them their first plates of hamachi and Amelia is quick to slide Gale's plate closer to him before helping herself.]
I haven't made it a habit to tell them the nitty-gritty details of my personal dramas, but I'm not so heartless of a daughter to not let them know about you. You're probably the most upstanding person I've brought into my life recently.