|
|
Post by Shae Stevens on Jan 16, 2019 20:31:51 GMT -8
Shae watched the cylinder, listening to her explanation, trying not to show his derision. When she finally stopped, he rolled his eyes. "Bullshit. Ilvermorny used to be connected to the Native Americans. They used to teach here almost as much as the new settlers did - which means if this was actually possible, someone would have written a book about it by now.
"It's probably just some Native American taking advantage of you, putting water and sugar crystals in a vial then hitting it with some kind of vortex spell so it just looks like a snowstorm. Hope you didn't pay a whole lot of money for it." Then he went back to perusing the box of goodies. |
|
|
|
Post by Gideon Smith on Jan 16, 2019 20:41:30 GMT -8
He kicked Shae under the table, "Dude, we still have Native American's who attend this school, rude." He could just see Winni or one of her sisters overhearing Shae and how well that would go. He turned toward the crystal cylinder again and watched as it moved, "Fascinating," he said, reaching over to delicately tap against the crystal with his finger. "When did you get the first one?" he asked, curious to how old she had been when she had first received the gift of a bit of storm.
He knew things were a bit tense between the two, but he hadn't expected his friend to be so rude about it. He reached under the table and gently rested his hand on Jaina's leg, reaching for a glass of water from the middle of the table, pushing his soup bowl forward and watching it disappear. He took a healthy swallow and set the glass down again. He wasn't about to debate the merits of the gift, whether it was real or something someone else thought up to scam people. He still thought it was pretty cool, no pun intended.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jaina Gemini on Jan 16, 2019 21:01:10 GMT -8
Figures that the little jerk wouldn't accept the impossibilities - even if he'd been brought up in the magical world. But Jaina kept from making a face at him or kicking him. From the looks of things, Gideon seemed more than capable of doing that for her. It was hard not to gloat when Shae slightly winced, indicating that just that had probably happened.
"I got my first one my first year here. My friend Nohami's grandmother knew the magic and she taught it to her granddaughter before passing away. The knowledge isn't supposed to be forgotten and while the younger generations around us aren't as interested, Nohami has the talent. I would hate to ever go up against her in a battle. She's as fierce as they come but understanding as well. She thought I would be lonely, so she sent me this piece of home to pick me up." Jaina didn't want to add that Nohami was trying to help her adjust, keep her from running home with her tail between her legs.
"But," her smiled perked up a bit, "That means today is snow angel day." Her hand had subtly slid under the table to touch his, squeezing it gently. Thankfully, Shae was so occupied in unpacking the box to even notice. Jaina knew he couldn't go. His grades were so much more important. He was a better man than she deserved because he could make that commitment and actually keep it. She would have been out the door without another thought. Had Jaina not wanted to see him at lunch, she would have been heading out to the river already.
It had also seemed like something to show Gideon that he had never seen before - nor might he ever again. Shae definitely wouldn't be. Even if he didn't like snow as much as she did, it was still rare magic that she figured someone from his house would appreciate.
|
|
|
|
Post by Shae Stevens on Jan 16, 2019 21:18:04 GMT -8
Shae winced as Gideon kicked him. At least it had been him and not her. "Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry," he admitted, looking around to make sure none of the many students in question were anywhere in hearing distance. Fortunately, they weren't but Gideon was right. It had been stupid to say - even if it was probably true.
When Gideon started playing the good, attentive boyfriend, he officially tuned it all out. This was their business and there were better things to do than watch them make out with just the looks in their eyes. If she joined them for supper too, Shae was making excuses and finding somewhere else to sit. What good was eating if it was just going to come back up having to watch his friend make those weird faces with, of all people, that one?
Shae found the fudge. There were three different kinds, all cut up into half-inch by half-inch squares. Who was this woman? There were eight squares of each! Did she really believe that Jaina could possibly eat all of this? Not a chance in hell but she still sent it, in spite of the Thunderbird coming home without seeming to gain a pound. There were three different kinds of cookies, two small pies, and two containers of at least a dozen brownies per container. Maybe she did eat all this normally. It would make sense, why she ran so much. Have to work all of this off somehow!
And at the very bottom, a layer of plastic tins with Frost Mints in them, apparently. Eight containers worth? How could anyone go through that many and why would they need to? He eyed her again judgmentally but wisely kept his mouth shut, instead choosing to dig into what smelled like peanut butter cookies with a Hershey's Kiss in the middle. His aunt made these for Christmas every year - and these were sooo much better. Melted in the mouth almost like butter. If it meant that he got to eat these more often, maybe Shae would start keeping his mouth shut more often.
|
|
|
|
Post by Gideon Smith on Jan 16, 2019 22:24:16 GMT -8
He smiled when she squeezed his hand, but he didn't remove it, he left it sitting on her leg comfortably. He also left Shae to dig through the box for treats, even if he didn't deserve it at the moment for the crack about Native Americans. He suspected Shae was also feeling a bit awkward being around the two of them as it was a rare thing to actually get to eat with the both of them at the same time.
"Well I think it's very cool, and I wish I could go with you to use it if only to spend more time with you," he said before leaning over, giving a quick look around, and kissed her on the cheek. "And to see some magic I've never seen before," he added with a chuckle. He looked over at Shae who was eating a cookie and sighed, shaking his head as the look of pure joy on his face from the baked good.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jaina Gemini on Jan 16, 2019 22:43:38 GMT -8
"I wish you could too," Jaina said, a little sadly. "If I could, I would save it but it won't last more than another day in this container." Her exuberance had faded but the touch of his lips on her skin, even so brief, brought up a faint rosy color to her cheeks. "At least you will have some treats to keep you company while you study."
She caught sight of Shae already digging into the treats, sighing. "Well, I don't think even he can eat them all before you can get to it. I just want one container of brownies and the regular chocolate chip. I thought it might be a nice treat for Christopher tonight while we were working on his homework." Jaina explained, her thumb rubbing the side of his hand. "I didn't think you would mind, since you were going to be busy with everything but I'm still going to miss you." Her voice was quiet at the end so that only he could hear.
|
|
|
|
Post by Shae Stevens on Jan 16, 2019 22:50:47 GMT -8
Shae averted his eyes from the couple, grabbing another of the peanut butter cookies before returning to his soup to finish it off. When he heard remarks about the cookies and brownies, he was nice enough to put those back in the box, leaving the mints where they were. He and Gideon could carry the rest back to their dorm room...or he could, if Gideon was heading back to the library to study some more, which seemed quite likely if he wasn't following Jaina outside to play in the snow.
|
|
|
|
Post by Gideon Smith on Jan 17, 2019 0:48:42 GMT -8
"That's very thoughtful of you," he said in response to her sharing cookies with the scrawny kid she had pointed out. The kid probably could use a few carbs he imagined. He smiled easily as he felt her thumb rubbing against the side of his hand, hearing her softly spoken words. "I know babe," he said gently, "But these next two weeks will fly by and then everything should be right back on track."
He looked over at Shae, who was very much trying not to pay attention to them and then turned back to Jaina. "Soon we'll be running together again," he said, shifting his fingers so that he could feel hers between his. He took a bit of strength with the gesture, and obviously, they were still solid as a couple still. In the back of his mind, a tiny voice was reminding him that something else, other than his mask and cloak, was also in his pouch. A note to be delivered to the girl who failed because of him. He was trying to focus on the good, however, and thus pushed it out of his brain for at least a few more minutes.
Reluctantly, he released her hand and brought his hand back up to the table. "Think you can handle getting all of this to our dorm or are you going to eat it all before you get there?" he asked of his roommate and best friend. "Because I need to check something with one of the Thunderbird prefects before I get back to hitting the books."
|
|
|
|
Post by Shae Stevens on Jan 17, 2019 12:40:58 GMT -8
Shae looked up at his roommate's query, looking at the many boxes he'd piled up around him. That was when his gaze traveled beyond the disgusting couple to watch the last of the racers leaving the dining hall. Crap, he'd completely forgotten all about the meet and if he didn't bust ass, he was going to be late. Maybe his job wasn't quite as important as many people thought but when there was no way of taping the events so that the players could study them for the next race, his reports were all they could rely on. As Gideon had found out a long time ago, his memory was fairly good while a racer or Quadpot player's memory wasn't completely accurate as they are too focused on the moment for long term review.
"Yeah, I think I should have just enough time if I go now," he agreed, pulling all of Jaina's stuff out of the box without apology, putting their stuff back in, and heading for the door. If she was just going outside after this, she would have plenty of time to go back to Thunderbird and drop off the two things she had wanted as well as the copious containers of mints.
"Later," Shae called before departing, barely sparing them a last look with the hopes that Gideon would quickly take care of the plates he'd forgotten about. What were best friends for, after all?
|
|
|
|
Post by Jaina Gemini on Jan 17, 2019 13:08:15 GMT -8
Jaina watched him unearth everything from the box, quickly commandeering it for himself. She could have done without her things being tossed out but it made sense. Shae had more to carry and on a time crunch which none of them seemed to want to mention. With his busy schedule right now, it was probably better that Gideon wasn't racing, though there wasn't anything in the world that could make her say that aloud. Better that he had even less time than he did now than to lose something he really loved.
And of course, he'd left his plates for someone else to take care of. Hurry or not, it was inconsiderate. Jaina used her wand to pull the items forward until they disappeared, then directed all the mints into the small backpack she had brought to lunch for her clothing. She would quick don the appropriate winter wear before heading to the river to have some fun.
When everything was stored away, she sent a bashful look at Gideon. "My secret addiction," Jaina explained if he had questions about the number. "Mama sends more with every package, just in case. I figure there are worse things I could be addicted to."
She closed up the main compartment of the bag before reaching into the front pocket, grabbing the chain that had been secured inside there. Jaina tucked Solo's stone around her neck and then turned to him. "Can you fasten it for me?" She asked, pulling her hair out of the way. This way, she would at least have someone else to enjoy the fluffy white snow that she would unleash.
Waiting for his response, she was grateful that he couldn't see her face as she asked, "I suppose with your busy schedule, there is no time to walk me outside?" Her voice was light, trying to be teasing even if her face expressed disappointment. If she could lure him outside of the castle walls, Gideon might, at least, kiss her properly before they went their separate ways for the day. And that was if he actually wanted her to join him for supper. Maybe, after the awkwardness they had all just experienced, he would just want to eat with Shae. Or he could have prefect duties. But that question could wait for now.
|
|
|
|
Post by Gideon Smith on Jan 17, 2019 14:42:50 GMT -8
"Ah, I see," he said, chuckling softly as there were worse things to be addicted to than mints. When she turned and asked him to fasten the necklace, he obliged, letting his fingertips take their time on the back of her neck, tickling her skin. He took a quick look around, and no one was looking his way, he ducked his head quickly and pressed a soft kiss against her neck, before backing up with a smile, "All set."
"I suppose I could if we make it quick, I don't want someone else to have found my study spot," he said as he reached down and grabbed her hand. He stood up and waited for her to stand before exiting the dining hall and heading for a side entrance to the castle proper. It was a little bit away from the river, but he figured she'd forgive him. Once they were a few feet away from the door, he spun around on her and walked her up against the wall. "I can't let you leave without a proper kiss," he said as he closed the distance between them, his free hand going to cup her cheek, his body pressing against hers as he kissed her silly. He would need this kiss to get him through the rest of the day.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jaina Gemini on Jan 17, 2019 16:07:55 GMT -8
Jaina's skin tingled wherever his fingers skimmed across her neck. She probably should have considered this possibility before asking him for help. When he kissed her...somehow she managed to keep her face neutral, not wanting anyone to notice how her heart skipped a beat at the gentle brush and when he agreed to walk her out...
She held back her sigh of delight, instead grabbing her things and following him outside. He used a door that she rarely did but she just figured that it was closer to wherever his secret study spot was. Whatever made him happy, she would adjust. He was sacrificing a little time for her and there was no way she would argue with that.
The weather outside was mild, nowhere near as cool as she would need for snow but that was easily solved with a good enough shielding spell to seel off her winter activities. Jaina was about to ask about supper when he backed her up against the wall. Apparently, Gideon had seemed to pluck the thought right from her head - pressing up against her as their lips met.
Her first instinct was to wrap her arms around him, making any space between them a distant memory. However, that could easily make the next part of his afternoon a little uncomfortable as well as make it difficult to concentrate. That was definitely not something she wanted when she had promised herself to make this as easy as possible for him. Asking him out here had been foolish - definitely inconsiderate but after he had touched her at lunch, Jaina just hadn't been able to resist.
So she rested her hands just above his hips, fighting the urge to pull him closer or to part her lips and deepen the kiss. This was more than enough for at least a day or two.
|
|
|
|
Post by Gideon Smith on Jan 17, 2019 16:28:32 GMT -8
His own hands were at her hips as he slowly pulled away from the kiss and rested his head against hers, "I'll miss you too," he whispered. "Will I see you at dinner?" he asked, hope in his voice that she would say yes. If all they had were meal times, then he wanted to extend their time together as much as possible. He kissed her again, with less urgency this time but it was a softer meeting of their lips. He finally pulled away from her, his eyes sad to have to do so.
"I've got to go," he said, though he seemed reluctant to do so. He put his hands into his pants pockets to keep from reaching out for her again. "Have fun with your snow," he said, voice cracking ever so slightly before he gave her a sad smile and walked away, back toward the door they had come out of.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jaina Gemini on Jan 17, 2019 16:52:40 GMT -8
Jaina sighed as he pulled away, relief coursing through her. He asked about supper but then said he had to go before she could really give him much of an answer or ask a follow-up question of her own. Calling him back to clarify when he was now saying that he had to go wouldn't be wise. The crack in his voice when he told her to have fun made her sad. For the first time, the snow didn't call her nearly as insistently as it usually did. Why that would be, she couldn't understand. He hadn't been with her the last few years so why would him not being there again make any sort of difference? It was ridiculous. They still needed to have their own lives - their own things to enjoy without the other.
However, that didn't change how she felt. Not even bringing Solo out to play seemed as appealing now.
"If you want me back for supper, I will come back," she said, instantly regretting the words. But it wouldn't take much of a response from him if any at all. It wasn't really a question; more of a statement - a promise that she would try to keep for him.
|
|
