[Man, Gale... Amelia knows from Gale's background that he wasn't good at keeping friends due to his pursuit of his ambitions though it isn't as if he was without connection. It really is a shame that not many people got to see his excellent qualities outside of his magical prowess.
... In a way though, that's fine, isn't it? It just means she gets homemade breakfast in bed to herself.
The breakfast spread is met with approval and she reaches for the coffee first.]
Dragonfire roast coffee sounds foreboding but the promise of caffeine intrigues me.
[She takes a sip. Assesses the taste. And nods in approval. A+ Gale.]
[He laughs warmly, returning to his own side of the bed so that he can ease in beside her, wiggling his toes beneath the covers as he makes himself comfortable, his own tray now hovering until he's ready to take it.]
Only a name, in this case. I think they wanted it to sound thrilling, but there are no actual dragons involved in the process— if there were, I don't know that the roasters would ever turn a profit, given their inclination towards hoarding. I'm pleased it meets with your approval! I know you take coffee quite seriously.
[He takes hold of his tray and puts a bit of cream in his own coffee before he helps himself to a long sip, followed by a contented exhale.]
As much as I do appreciate our many cafés and other establishments within the hotel, there's nothing quite like a cup of coffee you don't have to get dressed for.
[Her coffee lecture at Winter probably didn't go unnoticed... She sips her coffee again, slowly and steadily.]
My friend's granddaughter runs a magical cafe.
Her enthusiasm for coffee and tea has consequently rubbed off on me. It's an interesting place; I'd say something similar to this hotel but smaller and you can happen upon it anywhere at any time, if that makes sense.
[Word has certainly gotten around, and Gale himself has gone on enough coffee or breakfast outings with her to take notice of her preferences, himself. He's always been one for keen observation.]
It sounds like it's quite something— and quite novel, at that.
[He sets his cup down after another long sip so that he can take his fork and start in on his food properly, though he does keep stealing peripheral glances her way to ensure everything meets with her approval. He does aim to please.]
That must be difficult if someone wants to make their way there on purpose, though I assume she must have a way around that.
[She's munching on the food, don't worry Gale. Her usual neutral expression has returned so really, the fact that she keeps reaching for the breakfast items should be a good sign.]
Mm. The door to the cafe is more difficult to find on purpose. Rather, it makes its appearance to those who need rest. It's a very specific, yet nebulous type of magic that isn't the most reliable.
... I've thought about it as a way for us to reunite if there was ever the chance we'd be separated.
[Ah, yes— he's become quite used to reading her actions rather than her expressions, but he seems satisfied enough with what he sees to start in on his own breakfast in earnest. That, however, doesn't last terribly long— her words make him pause with a piece of toast halfway to his mouth, suspended in animation.]
You've given that thought, then?
[Though there is a note of surprise in his voice, it's far more noteworthy that he sounds as pleased as he does hopeful.
He turns his gaze very fixedly towards his plate, but there's no stopping the spread of his smile or the color that touches his face and the tips of his ears.]
I'd been considering similar strategies, though I don't know of any cafés or other venues that might serve us in that regard. All that means is having to make such means available on my own.
[What a pair they make— given how serious they've both shown themselves to take this relationship of theirs, it stands to reason that of course they would both give thought to how they might proceed outside of the hotel, but hearing and saying it aloud is still just slightly surreal.
How fortunate he is, to have found something— someone— worth bridging the gap between worlds for.]
Only natural that we've both given it some thought, but it's still quite something to hear.
[He takes care not to let his gaze linger on her too long, not wanting to further her embarrassment, but his hand does creep a bit closer to hers on the mattress while he uses the other to cut his omelette apart with his fork, giving her a brief but meaningful glance.]
That last bit is going to take some getting used to.
[It is, however, what the word partnership implies, and that is what this sort of arrangement is meant to be, isn't it? Or so he's heard tell. His basis for comparison is, admittedly, quite limited— and extremely uneven.]
[It occurs to Amelia that Gale would be unaccustomed to a relationship where there were goals to strive for and expectations that were clearly communicated. Far be it for her to be presumptuous about what his time with Mystra was like, but she supposes he was always used to doing things for the goddess instead of with.]
... Gale. Togetherness encompasses many things.
[She sets down her fork and angles herself more so she's facing him directly.]
And if there's anything I've learned from my failures, it's that you should not feel alone when you're with someone else.
[He looks back to her when she says his name, giving her his full attention, and the smile he offers in reply is significantly softer than his usual bright optimism. He can only take those words to heart; over the last several months, and during some of the more lucid moments of his isolation, he has begun to believe that very same thing.]
Indeed, you're quite right. I feel much the same.
[Even if he has little basis for comparison. He knows what he does not want to find himself feeling again, and knows that what he's already been fortunate enough to experience with Amelia is far more fulfilling than his past attempts could have ever hoped to be. Their relationship may still be new by most standards, but the intent to grow together going forward has been made perfectly clear by the both of them.]
Yet here I am, thinking I would be saying the very same to you. I'm glad we're of the same mind.
[He does curl his fingers against her hand at last, just a momentary touch of affection.]
I think we've both had more than our share of loneliness. If I have things my way, that will become a distant memory for both of us.
[The curl of his fingers is returned with her own, a sign of her sincerity.]
If you had known me when I was younger, none of this between us might have happened. Not because I would have been occupied at the time but rather...
[Her voice trails off trying to gauge her past self.]
Well. If you thought of me as only slightly difficult when we first met, I would have put up more of a fight against your affections as my younger self.
The point being, that loneliness isn't a distant memory for me, but if our time together has proven anything... Well, I'm more hopeful. You make me more hopeful.
[There's a note of fond amusement in his voice, and he feels a fluttering in his chest that's beginning to become quite familiar as she curls her fingers against his.]
Perhaps I would have been intrigued by the challenge, instead— I've always been the ambitious sort. That said, you may not have found me quite so palatable, either. I had a reputation for being charming, but no doubt you would have found me arrogant. I certainly do, looking back.
[He hadn't missed the point, however. He focuses on what she'd said last, the weight of it not lost on him, because she has granted him the same.]
I am glad to be able to offer you such a thing. I know it is not insignificant, but it seems the least I can do— you have reminded there are things worth fighting for. That life is worth fighting for. It wasn't so long ago that I was resigned to bid it farewell.
[Gale, PLEASE, this woman is trying to finish the delicious breakfast you made. Her face reddens as her fork with eggs and bacon stops halfway at her mouth. How on earth will she cope with this poetic man who can drop such lines and blindside her instantly?
Well, she'll cope by stuffing said fork into her mouth and mumbling something inaudible as she chews, eyebrows screwed together as she tries to process what he said, even that last sobering bit.]
He clears his throat and lets out a sheepish little chuckle as he looks back as his own breakfast, staring hard at his plate and biting back a broader smile as he reaches for his coffee cup.]
[He almost chokes on his coffee as she startles another laugh out of him, shaking his head as he sets his cup down and thumps his fist against his chest, sputtering slightly.]
Right, of course. That would have been the gentlemanly thing to do. Though on the other hand, it would be a terrible shame.
[He's absolutely teasing, but if you're going to be even partially naked with someone while you eat breakfast, he thinks you should be able to have a good sense of humor about it.]
[Without missing a beat or removing the toast from her mouth, Amelia reaches over to pat him lightly on the back as he sputters. When she does remove said toast, she raises a brow at him.]
If it's a terrible shame, then make sure that for next time, you can use your words where it counts.
[She's somehow still herself but behind her blunt wording and cool expression, the affection and joking behind it is not mistaken. It's there in how she remains as is, next to Gale in, eating breakfast in bed without any intent to leave until she feels like it.]
[Thank you for helping him not to asphyxiate, dear heart. He clears his throat to better compose himself, shooting her a knowing smile despite her cool expression— even now, of course, Amelia is Amelia. He wouldn't have her any other way.]
I think, [he begins, that note of levity in his voice remaining,] someone more practiced at this sort of thing might be able to make some clever remark about how getting dressed at all might be overrated, but if I'm being perfectly honest with you, it sounds cold.
[He wrinkles his nose slightly, helping himself to more of his omelette.]
Maybe if I were a much younger man, I could have that sort of confidence, but I'm almost certain that kind of thing sounds better than it actually is.
[He says as though he's ancient. He's just barely 40.]
I would, however, like to invite you to enjoy my rooms at your leisure, if you've nowhere else to be today— the fireplace is excellent for reading in front of.
[She was just sipping her coffee as Gale gave his offer for the rest of the day. Her reply is to scoot closer to him and rest her head against his shoulder.]
A vacation from vacation with you then. I can't think of any better way to spend New Year's Day.
[Oh— he rather likes that, in fact, and some of that cheekiness ebbs away to reveal warm contentment, leaning back against the pillows as he eases his arm around her shoulders and takes his coffee cup in one hand again.]
I quite agree— and no one I would rather spend it with.
[He drops his chin to drop a chaste kiss against the top of her head before returning to his coffee, closing his eyes as he takes another long sip, followed by a satisfied exhale.]
[The question itself doesn't quite take him surprise, but the small note of hesitance he can hear in her voice, in that pause, does. He lets out a soft chuckle that rises from somewhere deep in his chest, opening his eyes once more to turn his gaze on her without turning his head, warm, boyish smile persisting.
He's sure he would look completely foolish to anyone else, with how much he's been smiling lately, but to be quite honest, he doesn't much care what anyone else thinks of him at the moment. He feels happier and more himself than he has in years, thanks to her.]
Dearest, you can stay as many nights as you wish, as far as I'm concerned. My door is always open to you, and what's mine is yours.
[Some men, he reckons, might be a touch hesitant about making such an open, standing offer, but he has always been one to pursue what he wants once he's certain of what, exactly, that is. Whatever may or may not happen when she stays does not matter nearly as much as her presence, her company. Even if they were to simply read their own books on the same sofa in companionable silence, he would be overjoyed.]
[Amelia is prone to second-guess her happiness in situations like this one. She had done it a lot in her prior relationship but there's something solid and reassuring about how Gale answers her with utmost certainty and unabashed generosity and it reminds her why this was one of the many reasons her heart eventually thawed around him.
She lets her cooled-down coffee cup sit on her lap as she continues to lay her head against Gale's. Her face turns to rest her forehead against his shoulder.]
Your confidence is astounding.
... And if you'd like, you can visit my room too. You haven't seen it yet after all.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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... In a way though, that's fine, isn't it? It just means she gets homemade breakfast in bed to herself.
The breakfast spread is met with approval and she reaches for the coffee first.]
Dragonfire roast coffee sounds foreboding but the promise of caffeine intrigues me.
[She takes a sip. Assesses the taste. And nods in approval. A+ Gale.]
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Only a name, in this case. I think they wanted it to sound thrilling, but there are no actual dragons involved in the process— if there were, I don't know that the roasters would ever turn a profit, given their inclination towards hoarding. I'm pleased it meets with your approval! I know you take coffee quite seriously.
[He takes hold of his tray and puts a bit of cream in his own coffee before he helps himself to a long sip, followed by a contented exhale.]
As much as I do appreciate our many cafés and other establishments within the hotel, there's nothing quite like a cup of coffee you don't have to get dressed for.
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My friend's granddaughter runs a magical cafe.
Her enthusiasm for coffee and tea has consequently rubbed off on me. It's an interesting place; I'd say something similar to this hotel but smaller and you can happen upon it anywhere at any time, if that makes sense.
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It sounds like it's quite something— and quite novel, at that.
[He sets his cup down after another long sip so that he can take his fork and start in on his food properly, though he does keep stealing peripheral glances her way to ensure everything meets with her approval. He does aim to please.]
That must be difficult if someone wants to make their way there on purpose, though I assume she must have a way around that.
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Mm. The door to the cafe is more difficult to find on purpose. Rather, it makes its appearance to those who need rest. It's a very specific, yet nebulous type of magic that isn't the most reliable.
... I've thought about it as a way for us to reunite if there was ever the chance we'd be separated.
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You've given that thought, then?
[Though there is a note of surprise in his voice, it's far more noteworthy that he sounds as pleased as he does hopeful.
He turns his gaze very fixedly towards his plate, but there's no stopping the spread of his smile or the color that touches his face and the tips of his ears.]
I'd been considering similar strategies, though I don't know of any cafés or other venues that might serve us in that regard. All that means is having to make such means available on my own.
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Of course, I've thought about it. You're not supposed to carry all the weight by yourself, Gale.
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How fortunate he is, to have found something— someone— worth bridging the gap between worlds for.]
Only natural that we've both given it some thought, but it's still quite something to hear.
[He takes care not to let his gaze linger on her too long, not wanting to further her embarrassment, but his hand does creep a bit closer to hers on the mattress while he uses the other to cut his omelette apart with his fork, giving her a brief but meaningful glance.]
That last bit is going to take some getting used to.
[It is, however, what the word partnership implies, and that is what this sort of arrangement is meant to be, isn't it? Or so he's heard tell. His basis for comparison is, admittedly, quite limited— and extremely uneven.]
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... Gale. Togetherness encompasses many things.
[She sets down her fork and angles herself more so she's facing him directly.]
And if there's anything I've learned from my failures, it's that you should not feel alone when you're with someone else.
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Indeed, you're quite right. I feel much the same.
[Even if he has little basis for comparison. He knows what he does not want to find himself feeling again, and knows that what he's already been fortunate enough to experience with Amelia is far more fulfilling than his past attempts could have ever hoped to be. Their relationship may still be new by most standards, but the intent to grow together going forward has been made perfectly clear by the both of them.]
Yet here I am, thinking I would be saying the very same to you. I'm glad we're of the same mind.
[He does curl his fingers against her hand at last, just a momentary touch of affection.]
I think we've both had more than our share of loneliness. If I have things my way, that will become a distant memory for both of us.
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If you had known me when I was younger, none of this between us might have happened. Not because I would have been occupied at the time but rather...
[Her voice trails off trying to gauge her past self.]
Well. If you thought of me as only slightly difficult when we first met, I would have put up more of a fight against your affections as my younger self.
The point being, that loneliness isn't a distant memory for me, but if our time together has proven anything... Well, I'm more hopeful. You make me more hopeful.
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[There's a note of fond amusement in his voice, and he feels a fluttering in his chest that's beginning to become quite familiar as she curls her fingers against his.]
Perhaps I would have been intrigued by the challenge, instead— I've always been the ambitious sort. That said, you may not have found me quite so palatable, either. I had a reputation for being charming, but no doubt you would have found me arrogant. I certainly do, looking back.
[He hadn't missed the point, however. He focuses on what she'd said last, the weight of it not lost on him, because she has granted him the same.]
I am glad to be able to offer you such a thing. I know it is not insignificant, but it seems the least I can do— you have reminded there are things worth fighting for. That life is worth fighting for. It wasn't so long ago that I was resigned to bid it farewell.
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Well, she'll cope by stuffing said fork into her mouth and mumbling something inaudible as she chews, eyebrows screwed together as she tries to process what he said, even that last sobering bit.]
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He clears his throat and lets out a sheepish little chuckle as he looks back as his own breakfast, staring hard at his plate and biting back a broader smile as he reaches for his coffee cup.]
Perhaps a bit much for a first cup of coffee.
[He knows. He's a lot.]
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I find it ironic that I, a literature teacher keep finding myself at a loss for words when it comes to what you say to me.
[It could be that she's just concise even with her head stuffed full of book knowledge.]
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Hmm, are you certain that's not just because I keep using them all up before you've had a crack at them?
[He's well aware of his loquacious nature, but at least he can have a good sense of humor about it.]
I ought to be more considerate, really.
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At least wait for me to put my pants back on before you make such declarations.
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Right, of course. That would have been the gentlemanly thing to do. Though on the other hand, it would be a terrible shame.
[He's absolutely teasing, but if you're going to be even partially naked with someone while you eat breakfast, he thinks you should be able to have a good sense of humor about it.]
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If it's a terrible shame, then make sure that for next time, you can use your words where it counts.
[She's somehow still herself but behind her blunt wording and cool expression, the affection and joking behind it is not mistaken. It's there in how she remains as is, next to Gale in, eating breakfast in bed without any intent to leave until she feels like it.]
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I think, [he begins, that note of levity in his voice remaining,] someone more practiced at this sort of thing might be able to make some clever remark about how getting dressed at all might be overrated, but if I'm being perfectly honest with you, it sounds cold.
[He wrinkles his nose slightly, helping himself to more of his omelette.]
Maybe if I were a much younger man, I could have that sort of confidence, but I'm almost certain that kind of thing sounds better than it actually is.
[He says as though he's ancient. He's just barely 40.]
I would, however, like to invite you to enjoy my rooms at your leisure, if you've nowhere else to be today— the fireplace is excellent for reading in front of.
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A vacation from vacation with you then. I can't think of any better way to spend New Year's Day.
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I quite agree— and no one I would rather spend it with.
[He drops his chin to drop a chaste kiss against the top of her head before returning to his coffee, closing his eyes as he takes another long sip, followed by a satisfied exhale.]
Perfection.
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... I wasn't initially going to ask but.
[Amelia pauses. But then she gathers enough courage because considering how deep they're both in now...!]
Would you like me to stay over another night?
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He's sure he would look completely foolish to anyone else, with how much he's been smiling lately, but to be quite honest, he doesn't much care what anyone else thinks of him at the moment. He feels happier and more himself than he has in years, thanks to her.]
Dearest, you can stay as many nights as you wish, as far as I'm concerned. My door is always open to you, and what's mine is yours.
[Some men, he reckons, might be a touch hesitant about making such an open, standing offer, but he has always been one to pursue what he wants once he's certain of what, exactly, that is. Whatever may or may not happen when she stays does not matter nearly as much as her presence, her company. Even if they were to simply read their own books on the same sofa in companionable silence, he would be overjoyed.]
I rather enjoy waking up next to you.
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She lets her cooled-down coffee cup sit on her lap as she continues to lay her head against Gale's. Her face turns to rest her forehead against his shoulder.]
Your confidence is astounding.
... And if you'd like, you can visit my room too. You haven't seen it yet after all.
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