sunfloras | OPEN POST IV

[ooc: Continued from here!]

We've been without for a while so I think we're about due for one.

[Almost a whole week due to a major grading period that consumed most of her waking hours because you just know certain high school students will leave everything last minute.

But also, Gale just... Has that usual way about him that makes him excited for every moment he spends with her and in turn, it fills Amelia with anticipation.

This wizard, seriously.]

The cats will keep you company while I make my way home.

[He can't help but smile at her response; it's certainly been interesting, fitting himself into her life here, and given that they are both the sorts to pour themselves into their work wholeheartedly, he of course understands when her job demands more of her at certain times. He has patiently gone about his business and continued to acquaint himself with Blackgale and the opportunities it presents, but he is truly delighted by the idea of an evening dedicated to just the two of them.]

I quite agree, and given how busy you've been, I think you've more than earned a night off from grading papers. Believe me when I say I'm looking forward to it.

[Really, that part always goes without saying.]

Speaking of, they've been very good company, but I do think Tara is a touch jealous.

Well, that's not too surprising.
But between you and me, she is the most distinguished feline and her wingspan certainly doesn't hurt in terms of asserting dominance.

Oh, I'll not breathe a word to anyone, though I'll have you know she would be quite chuffed to know you feel that way. She's rather fond of you, as it so happens.

[Hardly news, but it does please him that his oldest friend had quickly come to consider Amelia family, as well.]

I'm honored. I'll let her know that the feeling is mutual someday; at least when the time is appropriate.

I'll be home soon. If it isn't too much trouble, could you water my roses for me? I've neglected them this past week.

Of course, my love. Consider it most enthusiastically done! I'm quite sure your roses will understand why you've been preoccupied, as well.

[Her passion and dedication for her work is one of the things that had first caught his notice when they were just getting to know one another, and it endears her to him still.]

I'll see you shortly.

[She slips her phone into her pocket just as her order number is called. Her wizard is getting some animal fries soon.

Life in Blackgale hasn't changed much, even with the arrival of Gale (that was a different kind of disruption and a great treat for gossip among her students and coworkers). The school year wouldn't stop for her, even with someone new and important in her life added to the mix.

And because it's her, it's gotten Amelia thinking about the years to come.

But that will be kept to herself for now because she's arrived home and looks for Gale amongst her garden.]

I'm home. Hope you're hungry.

[Please imagine the aroma of cheese, caramelized onions, and fried potato...]

[Gale is, as expected, in the garden when she arrives— kneeling down near the roses with his sleeves rolled up past his elbows, though he looks up and brightens immediately at the sound of her voice, smiling broadly as he pushes himself to his feet and dusts his hands off in front of him.]

Welcome home, darling.

[He moves to meet her, leaning in to press a chaste kiss against the side of her mouth, lingering when he catches a whiff of what she's smuggled home in the bag.]

That smells absolutely divine.

[She accepts the kiss, leaning into it with a smile (everyone in Blackgale has noted she's been doing that a lot more).

The iconic paper bag of white and red palm trees dangles from her hand and she holds it up in mock triumph.]

Glad it's whetting your appetite. It's divine and greasy, two things that usually don't go together.

[Since they're within their domain, she uses her magic more freely, waving her free hand so that the lawn table and chairs slide through the grass to where they're standing.]

Let's eat outside and you can give me more of your impressions of the town.

I very much look forward to seeing what all the fuss is about.

[He inclines his head towards the lawn table in confirmation as she gestures, and even goes so far as to take a few steps ahead of her so that he can pull one of the chairs out, waving his own hand to indicate that she make herself comfortable before he helps himself to his own and angles it towards her to allow them to chat freely.]

As it so happens, I've been doing a bit of exploring during the day. Carefully, mind you; I've made sure not to do anything inherently magical in plain sight.

[ooc: Continued from here!]

Well, seeing as how you're a professor, the pressures are only somewhat different.

Though I'd imagine dealing with college students is just dealing with slightly bigger high schoolers.

Edited 2025-02-10 01:53 (UTC)

[ooc: Continued from here!]

Rather than laughing, there was a lot of cooing.

[The flower spirit doth protest, but Flora has never been subtle.]

I wouldn't worry too much though. And I'm glad you aren't feeling too worse for wear.

Believe it or not, I'm actually worse with alcohol.

[She has notably touched too much wine or other liquor which is sort of difficult in Thedas where fresh water isn't impossible to get; wine was just more readily available.]

Cooing, you say. I see.

[He's not quite sure what to make of that.]

I assure you, this isn't something I tend to make
a habit of. I would hate to give you that impression, though there's certainly nothing wrong with indulging in a drink. I hardly meant to imply otherwise! I did note you don't seem to favor it, however.

I like the taste. And in my world, there are a lot of mixed drinks you and the others would like.

[she wants to see Rook's party get cronk on soju with River someday...]

However, I am unfortunately, a lightweight. I'm already a heavy sleeper, but you can imagine what strong drink can do to exacerbate that.

Ah, yes, one can indeed imagine. We might lose you for days at a time.

I imagine there are a great many things about your world I would find enjoyable, to hear you tell it— certainly fascinating. Can any of those drinks be recreated with what we have here, I wonder? Not necessarily for myself, simply curious.

I think so. Where was it... Antiva? That place had some delicious cuisine last I tried it with Lucanis.

[The Crow had been a great food guide for the medium.

And where there's good food, there's good drink. Or so I've been told.

But let's not test it out on either of us. That is, unless you want to nap with me again?

[One thing about Lucinda; there's a mischief that sneaks through her sleepy calm and isn't just Emmrich that gets to see it.]

While I feel Nevarra has plenty to offer that is all-too-frequently overlooked, I must admit that Antiva's brandy is unparalleled, and their reputation for fine wines is also well-earned.

[That question catches him rather off-guard, and there's a moderately lengthy pause before he sends a second message.]

Ah, perhaps best to exercise caution in that regard, yes, or at least ensure that someone is on standby to help you to bed properly, if need be.

Maybe Manfred could be on standby for me next time.

Those matters aside, are there any errands to run today? Rook doesn't ask much of me but I would like to get in some exercise.

[ at some point, they'd exited the cafe together - barton hadn't thought much of it, pretty contented to stroll beneath the awnings with monts as he chats enthusiastically about some brutal battle his platoon had only just scraped by to victory, wild gestures and gratuitous pew pew pew sound effects and all. it's late in the afternoon, the streets aglow as the sun begins its descent, and snow is falling lightly, with snowflakes just starting to stick to the sidewalk curbs. ]

[ which is all well good, and pleasant (could use more explosions, in barton's opinion), except when he comes to a jarring halt that has his boots scuffing against the asphalt. had they been warned of rogue, invincible mistletoe trapping people (tale as old as time)? yeahh, probably at some point. but he doesn't think to look up; instead, he tosses an immediate glance at monts to see if she's experienced the same. ]

Uh, what the hell?

Hm?

[Monts had been enjoying herself as she listens to Barton's tall tales. They've only just started to spend more one-on-one time with one another, using Jigoku-cho as their wandering grounds. And apparently, it snows in hell, but that made it all the more entertaining for the young woman, who laughs in delight and tells Barton that she hardly sees snow where she's from.

And all of a sudden, they're stuck.

She hums under her breath and looks around; is it the work of a mischievous youkai? Did they walk into a barrier?]

Oh! Look up.

[Pointing with one finger, the culprit is revealed. Mistletoe!]

Didn't think I'd be seeing that here. I know what it is, but do you?

[ barton, dutifully, tilts his head upward to look up. there it is; placidly fixed just out of reach, mild and festive, but still mocking in its alleged invulnerability. the frown he wears is sharp as he peers back at monts. ]

No?

[ he teeth grit. if they hadn't been forewarned to some extent about getting stuck, he might've whipped out a revolver. that remains peacefully at his hip. ]

I know it's a weird plant. Never seen any of 'em back at base.

Ah, figures. It's just mistletoe, though this one is probably enchanted since we're stuck in place.

[Monts is hardly bothered.]

There's a tradition around the holidays when it comes to standing under one. Nothing complicated, I promise.

[She will now choose to play coy. But Barton is probably used to it by now.]

[ barton blinks. well, if it's "just mistletoe," then no matter. with a rustle of leather and jacket, he props a hand to his hip, cocking his head to the side as he waits for monts to continue. ]

[ except it's monts, so she doesn't. he frowns, sharply. ]

... And then what? What're we supposed to do, wait it out?

Noooope.

[Monts follows her playful reply with a subtle movement to close a bit of the distance between her and Barton.]

You get two more guesses before you lose.

[She's gonna milk this, let her have fun.]

What!

[ !!

she sure did say the magic words, huh. barton's eyes round — she moves just a touch closer and he wonders if he's meant to take that as some sort of clue. sure, he has an outside voice all the time, but thankfully he speaks at decently average volume; he's excitable. ]

What happens when I lose? Gimme a hint!

No.

[Monts has an uncanny ability to get her way. She crosses her arms and then holds up two fingers.]

Start guessing Barton. Two more to go.

[ barton groans. it's fine, though; too easy a game makes for dull play. he narrows his gaze. after a second of looking at her, studying (she can be somewhat difficult to read), he grins. ]

Y'wanna arm wrestle me. [ this is definitely not it. he knows this is probably not it. the stakes are suddenly high. ] I see it in your eyes.

Close. But nope again.

[It could count as wrestling, maybe. She takes another step closer while putting down one finger.]

Last guess.

Close?

[ speaking of close: monts.

but that throws him for a second. what in the ever loving hell tradition could involve a hanging plant and something arm wrestling adjacent. barton, by grace of it, looks like he's contemplating hard this time. ]

We... hug, each other?

[Okay, she can't hold back any longer. Monts laughs and unexpectedly, takes both of Barton's hands in hers.]

Sure, sure. I'll give you half a point for that one being the closest answer.

[Barton is loud, brash, and probably been through more than she could imagine. But somehow, whatever his life is like, it didn't stop him from being fun to be around, someone that made her smile from just being himself.

And that's more than enough for her to feel comfortable enough for what's next.]

But actually, you need to lean down a little for me now. You're so damn tall, you know that?

[ oh! ]

[ barton's eyes round with surprise - especially when she takes his gloved hands into hers and the answer hits him proper. well, any less peacable results barton had hoped against; "hug," lamely as it may sound, was about as safely benign as he could manage. yet, this certainly not crossed his mind. ]

[ he bursts with quick laughter at the comment -- ]

Aah, heard that maybe once or twice.

[ he bends forward just slightly. though, sorry, monts; not quite low enough to make it perfectly easy, obviously. ]

[Monts shakes her head in mock disbelief.]

Really? I couldn't even be the first for that? Ah, well.

[Barton's not making it easier for her, but it makes putting one hand under his chin to draw him closer even more fun.]

But this... This is a first between us.

[And she intends to enjoy every second of it. Marianna leads him into a proper kiss, her lips pressing against his. It's warm and she tastes faintly of the last drink she had; bright cider, brown sugar, hints of other spices. She lingers to let him meet him at her pace or set another; who knows? This could lead anywhere.]

[ !!

even if he'd puzzled it out, to say monts catches him unawares would be understatement. he's certainly not displeased, starting with the way she pulls him down to her height, confidently lays one on him. he doesn't let his surprise stall him, though, savoring how soft her lips feel against his, his mouth pressing in with a little nudge of teeth.

his hand moves to the small of her back, fingers curling as he allows it to rest that there as he reflects on how she tastes (he's a strong coffee, probably went for something new he'd seen on the menu — salted caramel or something). he uses his leverage to pull her nearer to compensate as he leans back, his gaze travelling from her mouth to back to her eyes, his own matching the brightness of hers. ]

You got me there. [ bested him with surprise he chuckles, the sound rich and low, and his tone tempted: ] Could be a lotta firsts for us in the future, Monts.

OPEN POST IV

amelia steinbeck | tfln cont.

Gale Dekarios

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crawls in here

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'Barty' Rook

lucinda tran | tfln cont.

Emmrich Volkarin

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for monts

HONING IN ON THIS LET'S GOOOO

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