[While pouring him some fizzy cider, she listens to Gale, conscious of the fact that he's had to deal with a lot, to say the least.]
You've had a tumultuous time. [Between the orb, the parasite, going on an adventure to address both... Amelia hands him his glass.]
I'd be surprised if you hadn't changed to some degree based on those circumstances.
As for myself, truthfully, I think I've managed a consistent life routine after becoming a teacher. Save for the supernatural mishap that's bound to happen, I am proud to say that a majority of my students who take my advanced course have been able to pass their major exams. My goal for the next class is to raise their average scores and teach them better studying strategies.
[He takes the offered glass from her with a tip of his head to offer his appreciation, his gaze softening as she looks back on her own accomplishments. It takes effort, but he manages to withhold a chuckle, even if it would have been fond— he somehow doesn't think she would appreciate it in this exact moment.]
You have every right to be proud. I only wish that all teachers were as dedicated to their work and the students in their care as you are.
[There are many who are passionate about what they do, who have chosen it for the right reasons, but plenty of others who have become disenchanted with education and do their students a disservice by not offering their best.]
An admirable goal, as well, especially that last bit— I've found that advanced classes often see at least a few gifted or voracious readers who never quite developed those study habit on account of being able to comprehend the material and retain information well after a first pass. Eventually, a time comes where even the most dedicated reader must put in a bit of perspiration.
No doubt I will— I've seen it on occasion, though it wasn't quite so bubbly when I had the chance to try it.
[That part is new, but he's certainly interested! The scent alone is appealing, and he raises his glass to his lips to sample it, appearing to give it some genuine thought.]
That is nice— I can think of plenty of people who might complain that the lack of alcohol does it a disservice, but I disagree.
[He's a lightweight, anyway. He has a great deal of appreciation for drinks that offer a bit of variety, despite his deep fondness for wine.]
I'm glad you like it. It's a perfect drink for parties especially when you have mixed company of adults and younger people. Festive and refreshing without having to worry about getting carried away.
But that's what the champagne is for. [Points to the other heavier bottle.]
[He laughs warmly, leaning against the cushioned back of the bench as she points out her other offering.]
That one, I am familiar with— or so I've recently learned. It would be grouped with other wines back home, but your lot call it by a different name. Either way, I've an appreciation for it, and it does seem perfect for such a celebration.
[He lets out a thoughtful hum as he helps himself to another sip of his cider, his gaze moving to look out across the night skyline of Waterdeep, a glimpse of the home that he'd not properly set foot in for ages now, since before his isolation.]
As we wait for midnight to approach, we're meant to consider what we wish to achieve in the coming year, yes?
[His attention is drawn back to her immediately. What would he like the year ahead to look like? It's a rather serious question, but he doesn't find it to be troubling or unwelcome in any way— he is, after all, quite serious about her. He would never have come forward with his feelings if he were not, hesitant as he was to heap his burdens upon her, keenly aware that asking someone to care for him under his circumstances, even if he was determined to overcome them.]
That is a subject I am always amenable to.
[His voice is warm and optimistic; the subject of them as a couple is still new, but one he undeniably enjoys, happy to have been granted the opportunity to become as close to her as he has.]
I do have some thoughts about that, yes. Given that you raised the subject, was there something on your mind you wished to share first?
[Amelia looks solemn as she sorts out her thoughts about him. About them. It didn't feel so long ago when they first met and she regarded this man with caution and restraint. She hadn't thought of anything beyond treating him as she did with everyone else; sternly, firmly, and no-nonsense. But it hadn't worked. Gale spent the following days smiling at her, regarding her with growing warmth and adoration, and wanting her as she was.
It was like an encapsulation of her time with Briar but it came swiftly like a whirlwind of emotion that swept the witch into Gale's gravity.
What if it ends the same way? What if I end up alone again?
She isn't ignoring the major obstacles that could tear them apart. No, it stared at her straight in the face every day, taunting her with another potential heartbreak, another reason to steel her heart against everything good so she could exist for however many centuries she had left.
... But hadn't she just said she would need the memories? Although her love for Briar was like clutching onto a rose with hundreds of thorns, it didn't make her time with him less beautiful.
This thing between them was already such a beautiful bloom.
Amelia takes off her glasses and sets them down on the table before looking resolutely into Gale's eyes.]
For the coming year, I want you to know that... I don't want to be afraid. I won't be afraid of what we have between us.
Remember what I said? About how there's no one else I'd rather struggle with than you?
[He meets her gaze, his own warm and steadfast, and reaches to gently take one of her hands between his, resting them against her knee.]
How could I forget?
[His voice is low, soft, the subject itself a delicate one. He's never forgotten that scene he'd heard from her past, never forgotten the way it brought her to tears, and he has held each and every part of herself that she has been willing to share close to his heart, each reveal something to be cherished. All that she had shared was a mark of her trust in him, and he does not intend to betray or squander that trust, but hold onto it tightly, for dear life.]
I feel quite the same. I can think of no one I would rather struggle with, and it is my wish to be worthy of that.
[They are both, he knows, all too aware of the challenges that lie ahead, the obstacles they may face, but all of that seems so small when compared to the way he feels when he's with her, the way she makes his heart beat fast when she smiles.]
I hope to show you that you have no reason to be afraid. You have gone far too long without being cherished as you ought. I mean to set that to rights.
[When Gale puts it like that, Amelia can believe it, more than she ever thought was possible. He acknowledged her loneliness and just being with him made her believe that maybe she didn't have to live the way she did anymore. Maybe there was a life outside of mourning and trying to live up to the legacy of an impossibly pure love.
Briar had given her a taste of what it meant to be cherished. Gale was promising and already showing her in every word and action that he would do so with his entire being.
He is a risk worth taking into the next year. She won't be afraid.]
One day, you'll know me more, read a few more chapters of my story. But for now...
[She lifts one of his hands and kisses the inner side of his wrist.]
... I'll focus on the story of us. That's my resolution for the new year.
[He echoes her with an experimental note in his voice, the corners of his mouth turning upwards into another fond smile when she had pressed her lips to the inside of his wrist, curling his fingers to brush against her cheek, his thumb briefly coming to rest against her her jaw.]
I rather like the sound of that.
[Especially given the important role that stories play in both their lives.]
However long it takes to get to know your full story, Amelia, I am willing to wait— I am grateful that you have entrusted me with several chapters already. I, too, plan to focus on the tale we will write together. I have a very good feeling that it's not going to be the least bit dull.
[He smirks, faintly.]
Is it cheating if my resolution is the same as yours?
I can agree to those terms. I may have a few other goals in mind for the coming year, but at this very moment, there are none that matter more to me than this.
[His thumb brushes against the curve of her cheek as he leans in to press a kiss against her forehead to seal their agreement.
Time passes quickly, as he's found it so often does when they're together. They enjoy their cider, sample their food and discuss daily goings-on, chat about the upcoming book club; he shares some of what he's come across in his recent research as he looks into not only magic theory from other worlds, but also uses the hotel's resources to acquire tomes that would have been impossible for him to obtain in Faerun. Nothing to help him meet his immediate goal just yet, but fascinating nonetheless, clearly excited to share such finds with her.
Eventually, with his now-empty glass in hand, he catches a glimpse of the clock sitting on the table just inside the doors leading out to the balcony, and for a moment appears genuinely surprised.]
[It's true what they say; time flies by when you're having fun. Amelia had let the minutes slip by and would have missed the stroke of midnight had it not been for Gale noticing first. She moves to grab the champagne bottle by the neck.]
Time for this then. Or rather, I'll open it up when it's midnight. How many minutes do we have left?
Two minutes, from the looks of it. Any last-minute resolutions you care to make?
[He's teasing, naturally, but sets his glass down on the table so that it can be filled when the time comes.]
So, we toast to the new year at midnight— I may have done a bit of research to prepare myself for this evening and found there's something else traditionally done at midnight, as well.
[With a raised brow she sits back down and lets the bottle be. She has a pretty good idea of what he's referring to. Stretching her arms out in front of her, she leisurely gives Gale a sideways glance.
It's been another engaging evening with one another and it promises an end to the old and a welcome to the new. They may very well just head to sleep right after.
[He's certain she must know exactly what he's speaking of and proceeds to humor her with a growing smile, raising a brow.]
I read that it's customary to exchange a kiss for good luck in the coming year.
[It seems there are a lot of traditions that include kissing around this time of year, although he certainly can't complain. It's not as though the two of them need an excuse; they do plenty of kissing all on their own without any assistance, but there's still something exciting about having someone to celebrate these things with.]
You know me— I aim to respect and honor other cultures as I have the opportunity to learn of them in this place.
[He leans forward to meet her, amusement and something akin to mischief alight in his eyes. Even if they're technically supposed to kiss at midnight, it can't hurt to be extra thorough, can it? Ensure they have all angles covered, as it were. Perhaps they'll have even better luck as a result.
He reaches to lightly brush some of her vibrant hair back from her face, his palm coming to rest warmly against her cheek before he tips his head to press his lips against hers, slightly parted and just barely over the line of being chaste, and already he can taste the bright notes of the cider they had been drinking. He feels his pulse quicken; it always does, and he knows full well how easily a kiss can run away with the both of them. Often they are saved by having other places to be or exchanging a kiss goodnight before parting ways, but tonight, there are no such limitations.]
[Amelia accepts his kiss gratefully. Early or not, she's not going to argue and folds herself into its warmth.
Her hands move to Gale's shoulders and when his lip part slightly, she takes that as an invitation to taste him back, but softly and playfully. Eyes closed, she moves closer, body pressed against him and arms fully wrapping him in an embrace.
Looking back on this, Amelia will remember the taste of apples between their lips. She'll remember that the clock struck midnight but she neither notices nor cares, focusing instead on building up the warmth growing between them. She manages to not deepen the kiss (surely, they won't get too carried away) and keeps it on a level of frustrating gentleness.
[He exhales softly against the kiss as it breaks, though he never pulls back entirely, inclined to stay as close as he can for as long as she'll allow. He, too, had missed the clock striking midnight— somewhere in the back of his mind, he might have distantly heard it, but his focus had been entirely elsewhere.]
Happy New Year, Amelia.
[He almost leans in to steal a second kiss, but is startled into turning his attention elsewhere when there's a loud whistling followed by an explosive bang somewhere behind him. He turns his head to look over his shoulder, just in time to see the sparks of fireworks beginning to dissipate before another shoots upwards from somewhere below the balcony, and he laughs softly to himself, shaking his head.]
I thought I'd told Tara I decided against those. I was worried it might be too much. [He, himself, is often too much.] Apparently, she had her own ideas.
[Also startled, her head whips around to watch as the fireworks are set off. The colorful lights reflect in her eyes, highlighting the wonder within.]
I guess she wanted a riveting start to the year... Good on her.
[Internally, she's feeling giddy from the kiss and had hoped Gale would steal a second one... But how about a drink first? Amelia takes the champagne bottle and uses magic to easily take off the cork. With a small pop she raises the bottle at Gale and pours the champagne into their glasses.]
I'm not leaving yet, so let's have our first drink of the year. Cheers.
[The fireworks continue, shapes and starbursts in every color imaginable lighting up the conjured sky, but even with such a spectacle before them, Gale's gaze remains fixed on her, the look of wonder in her eyes enough to flood his chest with warmth— he's glad Tara had taken things into her own paws when he'd second-guessed himself.]
She certainly gave us quite a show— I'll have to thank her. She seems quite invested in ensuring we have a memorable evening.
[It would have been memorable regardless, he feels, but the fireworks certainly don't hurt. He watches with both interest and amusement as Amelia uncorks the bottles and fills their glasses, his heart light as he takes up his own and offers her to it in toast.]
Cheers— to the year ahead.
[He smiles warmly and takes a sip, and averts his gaze for but a moment as he searches for the words that he'd been considering all night— since long before her arrival, in fact. He exhales steadily, clearing his throat softly as he turns his gaze back towards her, somber despite the smile that remains on his lips.]
As for that bit about you not leaving... I wanted to ask you about that, in fact. I was wondering if you... might like to stay the night? [There's a note of uncertainty in his voice, as though he's not sure how such a question will be received, but he's quick to follow up before she gets the wrong idea. Well, perhaps not the wrong idea, but such an idea would only be one of several options.] Nothing need happen that you aren't ready for, I only— don't wish to start the new year by having to say goodnight to you.
[Amelia had been taking a generous sip from her glass as Gale presented his question. Her expression is neutral as she registers the somber look in his gaze that contrasts with the smile he gives her.
. . .
It should be troubling, perhaps, how she doesn't answer right away and how it's hard to tell at that moment what thoughts are running through her head. Her answer comes in the form of moving closer to Gale again so that they're shoulder to shoulder.]
We'll have to say it eventually.
[She says it so plainly that it would be easy to take the words at face value. But if Gale is truly smart, he'll recall that she said something similar during their evening at the ball when everything was laid bare.
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You've had a tumultuous time. [Between the orb, the parasite, going on an adventure to address both... Amelia hands him his glass.]
I'd be surprised if you hadn't changed to some degree based on those circumstances.
As for myself, truthfully, I think I've managed a consistent life routine after becoming a teacher. Save for the supernatural mishap that's bound to happen, I am proud to say that a majority of my students who take my advanced course have been able to pass their major exams. My goal for the next class is to raise their average scores and teach them better studying strategies.
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You have every right to be proud. I only wish that all teachers were as dedicated to their work and the students in their care as you are.
[There are many who are passionate about what they do, who have chosen it for the right reasons, but plenty of others who have become disenchanted with education and do their students a disservice by not offering their best.]
An admirable goal, as well, especially that last bit— I've found that advanced classes often see at least a few gifted or voracious readers who never quite developed those study habit on account of being able to comprehend the material and retain information well after a first pass. Eventually, a time comes where even the most dedicated reader must put in a bit of perspiration.
[It's him, he's gifted and voracious readers.]
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[She's kind of a challenging teacher for a reason. But enough about work, she points to the glass.]
I don't know if you have this in your world, but this is cider without any alcohol. I think you'll like it.
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[That part is new, but he's certainly interested! The scent alone is appealing, and he raises his glass to his lips to sample it, appearing to give it some genuine thought.]
That is nice— I can think of plenty of people who might complain that the lack of alcohol does it a disservice, but I disagree.
[He's a lightweight, anyway. He has a great deal of appreciation for drinks that offer a bit of variety, despite his deep fondness for wine.]
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But that's what the champagne is for. [Points to the other heavier bottle.]
We'll open that at midnight.
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That one, I am familiar with— or so I've recently learned. It would be grouped with other wines back home, but your lot call it by a different name. Either way, I've an appreciation for it, and it does seem perfect for such a celebration.
[He lets out a thoughtful hum as he helps himself to another sip of his cider, his gaze moving to look out across the night skyline of Waterdeep, a glimpse of the home that he'd not properly set foot in for ages now, since before his isolation.]
As we wait for midnight to approach, we're meant to consider what we wish to achieve in the coming year, yes?
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Yes. And about that...
[The glass rests on her lap with her fingers wrapped around it as she turns to face Gale again.]
I wanted to talk about us. About what you would like the year ahead to look like.
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That is a subject I am always amenable to.
[His voice is warm and optimistic; the subject of them as a couple is still new, but one he undeniably enjoys, happy to have been granted the opportunity to become as close to her as he has.]
I do have some thoughts about that, yes. Given that you raised the subject, was there something on your mind you wished to share first?
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It was like an encapsulation of her time with Briar but it came swiftly like a whirlwind of emotion that swept the witch into Gale's gravity.
What if it ends the same way? What if I end up alone again?
She isn't ignoring the major obstacles that could tear them apart. No, it stared at her straight in the face every day, taunting her with another potential heartbreak, another reason to steel her heart against everything good so she could exist for however many centuries she had left.
... But hadn't she just said she would need the memories? Although her love for Briar was like clutching onto a rose with hundreds of thorns, it didn't make her time with him less beautiful.
This thing between them was already such a beautiful bloom.
Amelia takes off her glasses and sets them down on the table before looking resolutely into Gale's eyes.]
For the coming year, I want you to know that... I don't want to be afraid. I won't be afraid of what we have between us.
Remember what I said? About how there's no one else I'd rather struggle with than you?
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How could I forget?
[His voice is low, soft, the subject itself a delicate one. He's never forgotten that scene he'd heard from her past, never forgotten the way it brought her to tears, and he has held each and every part of herself that she has been willing to share close to his heart, each reveal something to be cherished. All that she had shared was a mark of her trust in him, and he does not intend to betray or squander that trust, but hold onto it tightly, for dear life.]
I feel quite the same. I can think of no one I would rather struggle with, and it is my wish to be worthy of that.
[They are both, he knows, all too aware of the challenges that lie ahead, the obstacles they may face, but all of that seems so small when compared to the way he feels when he's with her, the way she makes his heart beat fast when she smiles.]
I hope to show you that you have no reason to be afraid. You have gone far too long without being cherished as you ought. I mean to set that to rights.
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Briar had given her a taste of what it meant to be cherished. Gale was promising and already showing her in every word and action that he would do so with his entire being.
He is a risk worth taking into the next year. She won't be afraid.]
One day, you'll know me more, read a few more chapters of my story. But for now...
[She lifts one of his hands and kisses the inner side of his wrist.]
... I'll focus on the story of us. That's my resolution for the new year.
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[He echoes her with an experimental note in his voice, the corners of his mouth turning upwards into another fond smile when she had pressed her lips to the inside of his wrist, curling his fingers to brush against her cheek, his thumb briefly coming to rest against her her jaw.]
I rather like the sound of that.
[Especially given the important role that stories play in both their lives.]
However long it takes to get to know your full story, Amelia, I am willing to wait— I am grateful that you have entrusted me with several chapters already. I, too, plan to focus on the tale we will write together. I have a very good feeling that it's not going to be the least bit dull.
[He smirks, faintly.]
Is it cheating if my resolution is the same as yours?
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I'll let you get away with it, just this once. Or we'll call it a team effort. How about that?
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[His thumb brushes against the curve of her cheek as he leans in to press a kiss against her forehead to seal their agreement.
Time passes quickly, as he's found it so often does when they're together. They enjoy their cider, sample their food and discuss daily goings-on, chat about the upcoming book club; he shares some of what he's come across in his recent research as he looks into not only magic theory from other worlds, but also uses the hotel's resources to acquire tomes that would have been impossible for him to obtain in Faerun. Nothing to help him meet his immediate goal just yet, but fascinating nonetheless, clearly excited to share such finds with her.
Eventually, with his now-empty glass in hand, he catches a glimpse of the clock sitting on the table just inside the doors leading out to the balcony, and for a moment appears genuinely surprised.]
Almost midnight already— where does the time go?
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Time for this then. Or rather, I'll open it up when it's midnight. How many minutes do we have left?
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[He's teasing, naturally, but sets his glass down on the table so that it can be filled when the time comes.]
So, we toast to the new year at midnight— I may have done a bit of research to prepare myself for this evening and found there's something else traditionally done at midnight, as well.
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[With a raised brow she sits back down and lets the bottle be. She has a pretty good idea of what he's referring to. Stretching her arms out in front of her, she leisurely gives Gale a sideways glance.
It's been another engaging evening with one another and it promises an end to the old and a welcome to the new. They may very well just head to sleep right after.
... Should they?]
And? What were the fruits of your research?
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I read that it's customary to exchange a kiss for good luck in the coming year.
[It seems there are a lot of traditions that include kissing around this time of year, although he certainly can't complain. It's not as though the two of them need an excuse; they do plenty of kissing all on their own without any assistance, but there's still something exciting about having someone to celebrate these things with.]
You know me— I aim to respect and honor other cultures as I have the opportunity to learn of them in this place.
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[Amelia who can't hold back her smile leans forward with her hair draped across her shoulders.]
Far be it from me to dissuade you from partaking in the culture. You've only got less than two minutes after all.
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[He leans forward to meet her, amusement and something akin to mischief alight in his eyes. Even if they're technically supposed to kiss at midnight, it can't hurt to be extra thorough, can it? Ensure they have all angles covered, as it were. Perhaps they'll have even better luck as a result.
He reaches to lightly brush some of her vibrant hair back from her face, his palm coming to rest warmly against her cheek before he tips his head to press his lips against hers, slightly parted and just barely over the line of being chaste, and already he can taste the bright notes of the cider they had been drinking. He feels his pulse quicken; it always does, and he knows full well how easily a kiss can run away with the both of them. Often they are saved by having other places to be or exchanging a kiss goodnight before parting ways, but tonight, there are no such limitations.]
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Her hands move to Gale's shoulders and when his lip part slightly, she takes that as an invitation to taste him back, but softly and playfully. Eyes closed, she moves closer, body pressed against him and arms fully wrapping him in an embrace.
Looking back on this, Amelia will remember the taste of apples between their lips. She'll remember that the clock struck midnight but she neither notices nor cares, focusing instead on building up the warmth growing between them. She manages to not deepen the kiss (surely, they won't get too carried away) and keeps it on a level of frustrating gentleness.
When she finally pulls away, the witch murmurs:]
Happy New Year, Gale.
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Happy New Year, Amelia.
[He almost leans in to steal a second kiss, but is startled into turning his attention elsewhere when there's a loud whistling followed by an explosive bang somewhere behind him. He turns his head to look over his shoulder, just in time to see the sparks of fireworks beginning to dissipate before another shoots upwards from somewhere below the balcony, and he laughs softly to himself, shaking his head.]
I thought I'd told Tara I decided against those. I was worried it might be too much. [He, himself, is often too much.] Apparently, she had her own ideas.
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[Also startled, her head whips around to watch as the fireworks are set off. The colorful lights reflect in her eyes, highlighting the wonder within.]
I guess she wanted a riveting start to the year... Good on her.
[Internally, she's feeling giddy from the kiss and had hoped Gale would steal a second one... But how about a drink first? Amelia takes the champagne bottle and uses magic to easily take off the cork. With a small pop she raises the bottle at Gale and pours the champagne into their glasses.]
I'm not leaving yet, so let's have our first drink of the year. Cheers.
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She certainly gave us quite a show— I'll have to thank her. She seems quite invested in ensuring we have a memorable evening.
[It would have been memorable regardless, he feels, but the fireworks certainly don't hurt. He watches with both interest and amusement as Amelia uncorks the bottles and fills their glasses, his heart light as he takes up his own and offers her to it in toast.]
Cheers— to the year ahead.
[He smiles warmly and takes a sip, and averts his gaze for but a moment as he searches for the words that he'd been considering all night— since long before her arrival, in fact. He exhales steadily, clearing his throat softly as he turns his gaze back towards her, somber despite the smile that remains on his lips.]
As for that bit about you not leaving... I wanted to ask you about that, in fact. I was wondering if you... might like to stay the night? [There's a note of uncertainty in his voice, as though he's not sure how such a question will be received, but he's quick to follow up before she gets the wrong idea. Well, perhaps not the wrong idea, but such an idea would only be one of several options.] Nothing need happen that you aren't ready for, I only— don't wish to start the new year by having to say goodnight to you.
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[Amelia had been taking a generous sip from her glass as Gale presented his question. Her expression is neutral as she registers the somber look in his gaze that contrasts with the smile he gives her.
. . .
It should be troubling, perhaps, how she doesn't answer right away and how it's hard to tell at that moment what thoughts are running through her head. Her answer comes in the form of moving closer to Gale again so that they're shoulder to shoulder.]
We'll have to say it eventually.
[She says it so plainly that it would be easy to take the words at face value. But if Gale is truly smart, he'll recall that she said something similar during their evening at the ball when everything was laid bare.
Cheeky. Or perhaps, pert.]
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