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Post by Alex Kameren on Nov 20, 2011 13:10:18 GMT -5
“Early shift today, then?” Alex handed Elle her tea, then turned back to his contemplation of the scenery. The dawn was grey outside, fog covering the hills. Summer was coming to an end, and the mornings were chilly. He turned his mug idly in his hands, it was only half-full.
“They’re releasing Harkness today.” The former minister had been sentenced to Azkaban for twenty years, his sentence reduced to five because of the enchantment he had been under and certain other circumstances. He was being released early for good behavior. Alex planned to be there, he wanted to be the one who released Harkness, returned him to his family. There was a poetic sort of irony about that.
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Post by Elle Callahan on Nov 20, 2011 15:20:59 GMT -5
The lack of warmth was the first thing that Elle became aware of as her befuddled brain bumbled out of sleep. Warmth, she wanted it, craved it, needed it. Rubbing at her tired eyes, she slid out of bed and padded down the hallway in search of warmth. She shivered in the overlong tee shirt she had slipped on sometime during the night. A longing for the hot nights of summer simmered in her blood. Fall was fast approaching and Elle couldn't help but wonder if that chilly season would usher in her own downfall. Blinking away the fog, Elle turned a corner and paused in the doorway. She had found warmth. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she watched Alex Kameren stare out the window. Who would have guessed that this socially challenged dour man could be the embodiment of heat and passion? In his own quiet way of course.
She might have been there a minute, thinking about him, them, when he turned around.
“Early shift today, then?”
Tea. He had tea. Merlin, he was a god send. Elle nodded as she gratefully snatched up the cup, wrapping her cold hands around it. She went to stand as close as she could to him without snuggling up to his side and burrowing her small body into his warmth. Just standing next to him an inch or so apart was enough.
“They’re releasing Harkness today.”
Elle had just taken a sip of the steaming brew and nearly choked on it. She glanced up at Alex, trying to read his features. Harkness was part of the kidnapping plot of Alex's nephew. In Elle's opinion the former minister had gotten of light, but he was a sick man.
"He will be released to family then?" She asked softly, wanting instead to ask Alex if he was alright. But she refrained from asking him about his feelings, a direct attack might not be the best approach. She did not want him to run away from her, not if her suspicions were true. Elle was awake early not because she had to be at work to serve patients but because she had an appointment. For herself. She didn't like keeping secrets, especially from Alex but if she told him her suspicion he might run away from her. Their relationship was ...complicated. Sometimes it seemed like a glorious dream to Elle, something that she had fantasized about as a teenager. Because of the fragility of what they shared, Elle dared not talk about what they were. Labels were not that important. Or at least they weren't.
"Will Curse be with you?"
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Post by Alex Kameren on Nov 21, 2011 16:29:35 GMT -5
“He will be released to family, then?”
Alex nodded, casually slipping an arm around her waist. It was easy, with her standing so close. He was already dressed for work, dressed comfortably in the jacket he would be wearing outside. Warmth was not one of the Estate’s characteristics, the drafty stone halls let warm air float to the rafters, doing no good for anyone.
“You’re cold.” He frowned, slipping easily out of his jacket and slipping it over her shoulders, engulfing her. A finger traced along the rim of his mug.
“Am I to demand Curse retains his freedom, because he was under a spell, because he is my family, and yet deny that to another? Harkness had as little choice. He has children. It was his choice to speak up, to tell the truth of those years.”
It was a matter he had often thought over. Alex was a selfish man in some ways, he wanted the best for those he cared about. But his strong sense of justice said it was as unfair to send Harkness to Azkaban for the crimes he had committed unwillingly as it was to condemn Curse.
“I place the blame on Mosrael alone.”
“Will Curse be with you?”
“I doubt it.”
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Post by Elle Callahan on Nov 21, 2011 21:18:44 GMT -5
Elle's breath caught in her chest as a wiry arm snaked around her waist. Warmth radiated from Alex and she leaned into him slightly. The feeling of belonging and rightness washed over her, surprising her as usual. For two so very different in body composition they fit well together.
“You’re cold.”
Elle shrugged about to give a witty reply when he moved away, quickly shrugging out of his jacket. A content sigh escaped her as the fabric brought instant warmth. She smiled her thanks at him and snuggled into the jacket, his smell making her nostrils flare.
Thoughts of Alex were pushed out of her mind as the conversation about the former minister resumed. He was right of course. The man had no choice but to comply to the spell....or did he? Didn't he retain a little bit of himself? Enough to fool everyone? Could he have killed himself to break the spell or was that action also blocked? Elle knew not and now it was a mot point.
“Am I to demand Curse retains his freedom, because he was under a spell, because he is my family, and yet deny that to another? Harkness had as little choice. He has children. It was his choice to speak up, to tell the truth of those years.”
"I do not deny the truth of your words. But many disagree because of his position of power and the fact that he violated the people's trust. Still, this whole mess makes me think how life truly is short. That in a span of a second everything can change and we can do little about it..."
Elle's voice trailed off as her thoughts wondered down that road. At any moment one of them could die, be separated by a spell, forget who they were....anything could happen. Harkness had not planned to be caught by an evil spell. Had not wanted to serve someone else's will but he had no control once it had occurred. That could happen to them. A sense of urgency washed over Elle. Time was short. Life was unpredictable and they were all at the whim of fate, hanging tight to a thin cord that could be snapped at any moment.
"Marry me," She blurted out as she stepped in front of the window, facing him. Her eyes shone bright with an inner fire. "Life is short, we already live together, it's the logical thing to do... We care for each other and life together would be pleasant...I think..." She rambled her mouth poised to spill more words. As soon as the words escaped her, a flush crept up Elle's neck and tinged her cheeks. She hadn't planned on this and really didn't know what Alex would say. They hadn't really ever talked about what was going on between them. It was an unspoken conseus not to mention it. Here she was breaking that pack. For all she knew, she just scared him off and she wasn't even sure she was pregnant!
Elle bit her lip and stepped back as a shocked silence descended... Then a piercing Shrek exploded in the room. A message from the hospital. A voice echoed from the crow that had magically appeared in the room. Elle was needed one of her poison victims was having an episode... If she could come in early...
An escape.
"I should, um go...Just something to think about..." She mumbled as she struggled out of the much too large jacket, avoiding the green gaze.
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Post by Alex Kameren on Nov 22, 2011 1:06:09 GMT -5
"Marry me," She blurted out as she stepped in front of the window, facing him. Her eyes shone bright with an inner fire. "Life is short, we already live together, it's the logical thing to do... We care for each other and life together would be pleasant...I think..."
Startled green eyes moved to meet her dark ones. He didn’t know what to say, and the silence stretched on. Pleasant? He loved her and she was offering him life together… but like a contract to be signed. They sat in silence, words failing him. He could see the embarrassment and uncertainty rise in her eyes, but— a shriek interrupted his words, a patronus summoning her to the hospital.
"I should, um go...Just something to think about..." She mumbled as she struggled out of the much too large jacket, avoiding the green gaze.
“Elle… Wait.” But she was already gone.
--
“How… am I s-supposed to do this?”
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Post by Curse Kameren on Nov 22, 2011 1:28:18 GMT -5
Violet Sophia Kameren hated him. Only a year old and she already hated her father. Curse leaned helplessly against his office desk, gently rocking her back and forth in a futile attempt to quiet her wailing. The wailing only seemed to get louder with the motion. Violet never did this with Arianna. But, like a good husband and father, Curse needed to give Arianna a break and spend more time with his daughter. Hopefully, eventually, she would grow more accustomed to him and the wailing would stop. Hopefully.
“How… am I s-supposed to do this?”
"What?" Curse strained his ears, kissing the fussing baby as he tried to listen over her cries. She took the opportunity of his closeness to grab a fistful of his hair. Would it be unethical to use a sleeping draught on an infant? "Shh, sh-sh-sh..." Curse held her close, swinging her from side to side. For a moment she quieted, not releasing her grip on his hair.
He took a seat in his office chair, looking across his desk at Alex sitting where his students often did. Violet's round green eyes drooped closed, but Curse didn't trust her to stay that way for long. He kept his voice low, trying to encourage her sudden calmness.
From what he could hear, Curse had gotten the meaning of his brother's trouble. Elle had proposed. Curse was sure it was hardly something Alex saw coming, though in honestly he and Ari had seen it from a mile off. Curse knew Elle had been mad for Alex since the day she was assigned to care for the Kamerens. The question wasn't about Elle, however, her feelings were obvious. It was about Alex.
"Do you love her?"
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Post by Elle Callahan on Nov 22, 2011 1:58:09 GMT -5
Fool, stupid little fool. One did not mention the word marriage in a ten foot radius of a commitment fobe and expect to hear an answer. Especially from the silent type. Panic set in as haunting green eyes bore into her. Shock was written all over his face. She moved too quickly for him. Ruined it. Elle wanted to melt into the floor and then her savior came. The summons was a curse and a godsend. She ducked out of the jacket so fast, it floated to the floor. Dashing up the stairs she was dressed and gone in under five minutes.
The poison ward was busy but nothing she couldn't handle. Elle relished the work and she quickly dived in, determined to forget the morning.
"Marry me," The refrain kept replaying in her head, driving her crazy. Several times she had to pause what she as doing because her hand shook. By the time the morning as over, Elle was wary. Scared to face the truth, she nearly chickened out. It was too easy to just slip out and avoid the doctor she had made an appointment with. But that was not Elle and she would not allow one silent man turn her into a weakling. She was already a fool for him.
Dazed, Elle swore the doctor to secrecy, almost making her swear a blood oath. If she wasn't careful her news would spread all over the hospital and then make it's way to the Ministry before she had the courage to face it herself. She was pregnant. And proposed. That she could blame on the hormones. She was doing this all wrong....Her lackluster proposal replayed in her head. Could she have been any less romantic? Not that Alex was a romantic guy, but he had his moments. She'd just blurted it out, practically barfed out the words.
Elle shook her head as she walked out of the small medical office and back onto her ward. Merlin, was she in trouble. What kind of joke was the fates playing? Elle a mother? Merlin, she was confused. What in the name had made her propose...right hormones. Right?
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Post by Alex Kameren on Nov 22, 2011 2:05:51 GMT -5
Violet’s cries permeated the room, making it easier for Alex to explain his situation. He wasn’t sure he could sit there otherwise, with Curse’s focus entirely on him, and practically beg for help. This was new territory for Alex, not only was Curse expanding his family, but Elle was thinking about marriage. She’d proposed it like she was entering into a business contract. It was hard to figure out how she felt, she was warm and happy, but at the same time she seemed to stand slightly apart. It wasn’t exactly like he had much experience in this anyway, and he just had to fall in love with a woman he just couldn’t figure out. Not that he could understand females anyways, but—
"Do you love her?"
Curse’s question brought Alex’s wandering, wondering, confused thoughts back on track. “Yes.” He said simply, reddening slightly. Actually, Cain had pulled him aside only a short time ago, to discuss that very thing. He’d said rings were customarily used to propose to a woman, and if Alex didn’t propose soon, Cain would for him. But still Alex held back, unsure of her feelings.
“I’m not good at this.” He told Curse.
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Post by Curse Kameren on Nov 22, 2011 2:19:13 GMT -5
“Yes.”
"Then what's the problem?" Curse's attention was once again diverted from his brother as Violet's tiny hands swiped for his mouth. He kissed her little fingers, making faces to entertain her; at the beginning, he avoided making an ass of himself around Alex, but after a year it simply became common practice. As soon as a smile stretched his scar too far and turned crooked, however, the wailing started again.
“I’m not good at this.” He told Curse.
Curse rolled his eyes. "Obviously. The way I see it, Alex, is if you love her, then do it. Arianna and I were interrupted for three years, years that we'll be paying for later." He rubbed Violet gently on the back, trying to soothe her displeasure. "If you're planning on staying with her, if you want to spend the rest of your life with her, then do it."
Violet's impressive volume finally started to dim as Curse distracted her with a stuffed hypogriff, and a smile grew across his face when she laughed. He glanced up to meet his brother's eyes, smirking wryly. "Not like you're going to find anyone else willing to tolerate you that long..."
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Post by Alex Kameren on Nov 24, 2011 0:02:08 GMT -5
Alex watched Curse make faces in an attempt to entertain Violet. It never ceased to amuse (and secretly amaze) him the changes that a simple child brought in his brother. He could tease Curse about it, and why not? It was all in good fun. In truth it was good to see happiness at last brought to Curse Kameren. Peace had come and the Kamerens were finally a part of that peace.
Briefly he wondered what his own children would be like. Then he shook his head at his own folly. How could he think of children when he wasn’t even sure of Elle’s feelings on the subject? Not on him, and certainly not on children.
"If you're planning on staying with her, if you want to spend the rest of your life with her, then do it."
He shook his head again and stood, still deep in thought. He hadn’t accomplished much by coming here, not finding the answers he sought. Although watching the great and mighty Curse Kameren, terror of interns, make baby faces and other such nonsense had been highly amusing. Sometimes it was hard to see how things changed. Saying his goodbyes, he took a handful of floo powder and was away to the Estate.
---
He was sitting in the same chair when she returned home, a small object trapped between his fingers as he watched the evening come down over the same hills he had watched come alive that morning. Dinner was in the kitchen, but he could tell by the smells that it wasn’t quite done. It would cook for a while yet.
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Post by Elle Callahan on Nov 24, 2011 21:59:40 GMT -5
Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick, Tock... All day Elle Callahan was aware of the clock. It's sound followed her everywhere reminding her that in eight, four, one and then now she was supposed to be home. Correction, supposed to be at the Kameren Estate, where she had been staying with Alex. In his home. Nervously, she'd gnawed on her bottom lip as her mind replayed that morning's scene. Merlin, she was insane. She shouldn't have run. It would have been better if she had just waited for an answer. What would she do if Alex didn't want marriage? Could she stay with him knowing that their relationship would go no further? Did she want to? Elle was sure that she had ruined a good thing. They were happy, had been happy. Now, all she knew was that things were going to change.
She did not like feeling lost. Nor the feeling that someone was squeezing her heart, making it difficult to breath. slowly, Elle finished up the paperwork for her shift, taking extra time, prolonging the moment. Should she go back to the Kameren Estate? It was technically Alex's home and she a long term guest. But Elle had leased out her apartment...This was a matter that had to be settled because like it or not in seven or so months a little complication would be arriving.
Now that would be an interesting conversation. Many people would pay a great sum to be a witness for that talk. Elle sighed, put down her quill, gathered her things and appaiated just outside the Kameren Estate. The air was nippy but the walk did her good, restore a bit of color in her pale cheeks.
Elle let herself into the large entryway and made her way towards the part of the house Alex occupied most. She was not a coward and really the suspense was driving her mad. She had to know. Either way. Taking a deep breath, Elle entered the kitchen, her stomach grumbling at the smell of dinner. If this went badly at least there would be a good meal. If she could stomach it.
Elle slipped into the kitchen to find Alex sitting in a chair. Had he been there all day? He looked so serious staring outside into the gathering darkness. What should she say? Ask him again? Say something sarcastic or savvy ? Sorry about that little interruption dear, where were we?
Nothing. She had no words. Suddenly, Elle's feet shuffled forward and she walked towards Alex her heart beating rapidly.
"Hey," She said softly. There she had said something. Now came the moment where something happened, either they talked or pretended that this morning didn't happen. Which would have been awesome except for the fact that she was with child. His kid. Merlin, what had they done? Elle was so confused.
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Post by Alex Kameren on Nov 24, 2011 22:50:45 GMT -5
Dark had fallen fully upon the countryside and he had gone several times into the kitchen to check on dinner as it progressed when he finally heard her familiar steps along the hall. He clutched the small circle between two fingers tightly as she came into the room. Merlin, somehow he had to do this. He didn’t want her to leave, he was afraid to say the wrong thing and scare her away. He’d left things as they were, although he longed for some sort of change, what change, he did not know. Only that he wanted her to stay, he wanted her to know how much she meant to him.
"Hey,"
He stood and went to meet her, tight bands around his chest. What if she said no? What if he fumbled and said the wrong thing? He stood awkwardly before her, looking down, fist clenched around the band. He only knew one thing, he had to try.
“I’m sorry.” He began, then the words rushed out of him awkwardly, in a jumble. He paused between some words, but didn’t stutter and the words tumbled on. “I’m not good at this, at knowing anything about.. a woman, or what she wants or needs. I don’t know how to tell you how I feel, only that… that..” He stuttered to a stop, unsure. Then he slowly lowered himself to his knees. It seemed somehow right, to kneel when he asked this question. He was winging it, although he had tried to prepare.
“I don’t want you to stay because you feel obligated. I don’t want some sort of business relationship between us.” He frowned, then opened his fist, lifting it to show the simple silver band gleaming on his palm. “I want you to stay. Merlin save me, I spend my days wondering when you’ll leave. I’m not easy to live with, and I don’t know how you feel, and…” He took a deep breath, knowing he was going off the track.
“Stay, Elle, and marry me. Because I love you.” He looked up and his fingers twitched, as if to close around the ring. His gaze was uncertain, vulnerable. Alex had never made such a speech, never before lay himself so bare to another’s scrutiny. He took deep breaths and waited for his sentencing.
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Post by Elle Callahan on Nov 24, 2011 23:53:01 GMT -5
Silence met her greeting. Not that she had said much. Elle watched as Alex stood up and went to her. They paused a foot away from each other. Alex would not meet her gaze and Elle worried. Was his lack of eye contact a good or bad sign? It was difficult to tell with Alex. Worried, Elle roamed his body trying to figure out his mood by body language. Her eyes latched onto his fisted hand. Another bad omen? Was he trying to relieve stress? Find the words to tell her that he wasn't ready for marriage? Not the marrying kind?
“I’m sorry.”
Elle's stomach plunged and she felt bile rise urging her to puke. She would not throw up. This was not the time or place to give in to urges. She did not want his pity. His apology could mean many things...he might not be breaking up with her. But he was. Or so she thought. It was diffcult, but Elle forced away her thoughts to focus on Alex. Merlin, she loved him. Had for a long time. She'd been crushing on him for half of her life, half in love with him for a decade. There had always been something about him. As they grew older it had been different parts of his personality that had attracted.
“I’m not good at this, at knowing anything about.. a woman, or what she wants or needs. I don’t know how to tell you how I feel, only that… that..”
Here it was. The moment where he would tell her that he enjoyed her company, liked her very much but he was not a commitment person. That she would have to accept him on his terms or not at all. Then he paused and Elle glanced away. Silence stretched and she could no longer take it. She was about to tell him to get on with it when she noticed out of the corner of her eye that he was at her eye level. Which meant he was on the floor. On his knee. Had he fallen? Was he injured? Sick? No. He was fine.
“I don’t want you to stay because you feel obligated. I don’t want some sort of business relationship between us.”
Business relationship? What was he talking about? Did he see what they had as a business arrangement? Which he didn't want. Which meant he wanted something else? Was a marriage a contract to him? A thousand questions rushed into Elle's mind and her mouth opened.
"Wh---" The words were stolen out of her mouth when his hand opened. A ring. Shocked understanding exploded into Elle. Her brown eyes expanded, growing with emotion.
“I want you to stay. Merlin save me, I spend my days wondering when you’ll leave. I’m not easy to live with, and I don’t know how you feel, and…”
Funny. She'd wondered the same thing. Elle had thought her feelings obvious. It seemed that everyone but Alex knew that she loved him. It might also be the same for her. Blind fools they were.
“Stay, Elle, and marry me. Because I love you.”
He loved her. A huge dopey grin spread Elle's lip in a wide open mouth smile. A thrill rushed through her making her body tremble. Alex loved her. This was a dream right? She'd often day dreamed hearing those words coming from him but had never expected to hear them out loud.
In a rush of movement, Elle closed the distance between them, bent down slightly, cupped her hands around Alex's head and kissed him. She pulled back slightly, gazing into his eyes.
"I've loved you for a long time, Alex Kameren and I will be honored to be your wife, but I asked first," She said with a saucy grin and kissed him again.
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Post by Alex Kameren on Nov 25, 2011 0:36:53 GMT -5
It wasn’t long but it felt like eternity as he knelt and waited for her to say something, anything. Then a grin blossomed across her face and she rushed him, taking his head in her hands and kissing him. With incredibility, he closed his hand protectively on the ring and wrapped his arms around her.
"I've loved you for a long time, Alex Kameren and I will be honored to be your wife, but I asked first," She said with a saucy grin and kissed him again.
A rare grin grew on his face to match hers. She would marry him! He kissed her, pulling her close in a tight embrace before standing. Taking her hand, he opened his once again, showing the simple silver band. He lifted her left hand, gently sliding the ring, warm from his hand, onto her ring finger. He stood, looking down at her once again, still holding her hands.
“I want to make you happy, Elle.” There was a lot left unsaid, but that was all he could think to say. What else was necessary?
(An' Fin!)
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