rogueinladysclothing | All the help she can get [Tagging Adia]

The request for advice is surprise enough, but advice that only Adia can offer? She'd be flattered if she wasn't a little concerned about what Amelia might be going through. Another roadblock on her path to self-improvement, maybe?

It doesn't matter. She's here for her friend, not matter what. Sure. How about one of the study rooms at the Library? Send me coordinates and I'll be there soon.

Edited (html!) 2018-02-04 15:41 (UTC)

Perfect! I'll bring mochas for both of us. See you soon.

The coordinates will show up in Adia's message box a short while later and when she follows them, she'll find herself in a bright, top-floor study room in the library. There's several large windows along the ceiling, allowing the midday light to shine through clear. It feels bright and happy here, a stark contrast to the last time the two of them met in the library to talk after Steve's disappearance from the Nexus.

Amelia's sitting on top of one of the table, dressed in her usual garb in shades of navy blue trimmed with silver, though she doesn't have her usual bag full of books with her. She's trying her best not to drink her entire mocha before her friend, which makes Adia's appearance a timely one. She hops down from the table after setting down her cup and rushes to her friend.

"Adia!" There's a half second or so for Adia to see the bright smile on the rogue's face before she's being pulled into a hug. "Adia, the best things have been happening to me lately and I need your help to understand them."

Adia appears not too long after the coordinates are sent. She's dressed for the cool weather, in a soft gray sweater and jeans, although she's left her winter coat at home, figuring she wouldn't need it. She has her messenger bag slung over her shoulder, as always, a plush clefairy keychain hanging from it.

She only gets a moment or two to appreciate the bright, sunny space before Amelia is pulling her into a hug. It catches her by surprise, as all of the rogue's hugs do, but she's quick to return it, laughing warmly. "Amelia! I'm so glad to hear that." She waits for her friend to end the hug so she can look her in the eyes, smiling but incredibly curious. "What sorts of things?"

Edited 2018-02-04 16:31 (UTC)

It feels good to share her joy like this, so it's going to be a minute before Amelia's ready to let go. When she finally pulls back from the hug, though, she takes Adia's hand and leads her back to the table. Once they're both sitting, she hands Adia one of the cups. It's still steaming and there's chocolate whipped cream on top of it. She doesn't actually know if Adia liked that, but from Caspar's reaction when she suggested it? She has a good feeling about it.

"So many things." But where to begin? She smiles brightly again, taking a deep breath before she simply dives right in, rambling quickly as she goes. "Since we last saw each other, I've been taking care of myself as best I can. And recently, I went back to Harley's world with her, to help her friend. We took Majima with us for backup and things were very hectic there and-- Oh!" She sits up straight and grins at her friend, positively beaming with pride. "I used my magic while I was there! It was useful and wasn't just me lighting a candle from across the room for once! I really did it, Adia!"

She's led to the table without question and sits down, another smile of surprise as Amelia hands her the mocha. "Chocolate whipped cream!" She shakes her head, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "You and Caspar are determined to spoil me rotten, aren't you?"

That's right, Amelia. She's onto the both of you. Not that she minds -- at least not when it comes to chocolate whipped cream.

Taking a small sip of the delicious mocha, she listens while Amelia shares her good news. The mention of the trip leaves her curious. Which of Harley's friends were they helping? Why did they need backup? But she sets those aside when she hears of the rogue using magic. "That's wonderful! A real breakthrough after all your hard work. What were you able to do? Did it involve fire?"

She laughs brightly. "Only a little." Caspar gets to do the heavy lifting there. She's his girl, after all.

"I set an electronic console on fire, actually." Another laugh as she recalls the events of that day. "Harley took us into the Amazon to help her friend Pamela, or Red as she prefers to call her, by destroying a factory that someone with ill intentions was setting up. I was sent to the center of it all to destroy the console controlling the distribution of poison tanks. I felt completely unprepared when I came up against it and couldn't find a way to get inside. I got so mad I slammed my fists on it, cursed it, and then flames came up from the inside of it." A beat as she laughs at herself a little. "Guess all I needed to get over that first wall was a tense situation and a drive to do it right now."

Not that she's eager to go back to Gotham or the Amazon to do it, of course, but the idea is still sound in her mind. She makes a mental note to look into that later.

"I tried using it again after everything calmed down, but I wasn't successful. I'm not sure if it was the moisture in the air or the lack of adrenaline, or maybe even something else, but it was more difficult to make the fire work. I've obviously still got a long way to go with my magic, but I finally feel like I can do it." And that is a battle she's glad to have finally won.

Oh, so that kind of backup. Adia knows enough about Harley's world to know that it is full of violence and danger, and it's a relief to hear that they came out of it relatively unscathed. She's heard of Pamela, too, from Harley, and understands why a poison-making factory would be such a danger to the plant-loving woman. It sounds like there's more to the story, but for now she's happy to concentrate on the success of her friend, and the happiness it brings her.

"Well, now you know what spark you need for your magic. If you focus on that, I bet the rest of it will come along a lot easier." She smiles warmly at her friend and takes another sip of mocha. "That was very kind of you to help Harley. I'm glad she has you looking out for her."

She nods eagerly, forgetting her coffee completely as she gets wrapped up in telling Adia everything. As she continues, she leans closer to her friend, her smile pulling impossibly wide across her face.

"She's looking out for me, too, Adia. I'm going to be there for her and she for me. I promised her I would do that and she wants to do the same in return!" A happy, breathless laugh falls from her lips as she wraps her arms around herself, her smile turning a touch dreamy. "She gave me something that will protect me from poisons and toxins like she is, so if I go back to her world with her... I'll be safer than I was last time."

Sitting back a little, she leans into the table and sighs happily. "She cares so much, Adia, and I can hardly believe she cares that much about me."

Adia can't remember if she's ever seen Amelia this happy. It's wonderful, but it can't simply be do to making progress in her magic. No, it seems that the true source of her dreamy, unfocused smile is Harley. Harley gave her an anti-toxin serum and promised to be there for her... wait a minute...

"Hey, Amelia..." She pauses, unsure how to ask her question. If she's wrong, she's going to embarrass the rogue, and herself by extension. But this sounds like far more than a platonic friendship. "When you say that you care about one another... do you mean romantically?"

Amelia sighs again, nodding as she smiles over at her friend. "Yes. It's complicated and terrifying and wonderful, but I care for her and she cares for me. She told me a few days after we got back from her world, when she gave me the vial to help protect me." Another sigh and she hugs herself tightly. "She wants to protect me, Adia. Can you imagine that? No one's ever wanted so much for me before."

It's not all as easy as the rogue makes it sound, but she doesn't care. Life is full of complications but one fact is not: she and Harley care for one another in the same way and have been open with each other about it. Everything else? Well, it's all details that can be sorted out along the way.

The rogue's answer is sweet and eloquent and for a moment Adia is distracted by the words. Then it sinks in -- truly sinks in.

Amelia has a girlfriend!

Her hands fly up to her mouth, muffling a squeal of delight. She lowers them quickly, nearly slamming them on the table in her excitement. "Amelia, that's wonderful! Oh, I'm so happy for you and Harley!"

Remembering that they're in a library, she blushes and adds more quietly, "I was hoping that both of you would meet someone. It hadn't occurred to me before, but I think you two are great for one another."

She reaches for her mocha, then pauses in confusion. "But... wait. What did you need advice on, then? If you're already together."

Adia's reaction earns a bright laugh that Amelia doesn't even bother trying to cover. She picked a very out of the way room to meet in on purpose. This section of the library is a very eclectic reference section, so it's very unlikely that they'll be able to disturb anyone with their chatter.

"Thanks Adia. I really appreciate it. I'm not sure either of us expected this, but it... seems to have happened anyway." She doesn't mind in the least, though. This is a happy thing and Amelia's never felt so light in her entire life as she does now.

Oh! Right. Advice is why she really contacted Adia today. Amelia nods and scooches her chair closer to Adia's so she can take the other woman's hands in hers. "Things are complicated between Harley and I. We have feelings for one another, but she also has feelings for someone else. I've... never been in a relationship before and I don't want to do this wrong." A beat as she tries to think of an actual question to ask. "How do I... simply be in a relationship with another person that's romantic?" Way to throw down the loaded question, Amelia.

Her laughter is wonderful to hear; Adia giggles along with her. "That's often how romantic feelings start, when you least expect them." Although she suspects that Harley knew about her feelings first. Thank goodness she said something to Amelia.

Adia holds her friend's hands and listens closely, but that look of confusion doesn't completely abate. "Are you asking how to be in a relationship, or how to be in a relationship where your partner is also seeing someone else? Because I can help you with the former... the latter I can only give hypothetical advice." She shrugs and smiles. "Not that I have anything against open relationships, but they're not really my thing."

It's a good thing Harley mentioned hers, or Amelia's might never have been spoken. She has a bad habit of keeping everything inside until she trips over it in the worst way possible. That it's worked out this way, and so well, is more than the rogue could ever have dreamed of hoping for.

"Well... both? I guess? I've never had anything more than a friendship before and I want to make sure I do this right." Her smile slowly fades and her lips draw into a thin line. "Harley means a lot to me and the last thing I want is to hurt her by doing something I shouldn't while we're in a relationship. Please, how do I be a good--" She sighs and then frowns. "Dreams, I don't even know what the term for this is in a situation like this." Which only goes to prove how little she knows about all of this? Adia, help!

Amelia's inexperience is unbearably sweet in this context. Any nervousness she had over offering relationship advice melts away, replaced with the desire to reassure her friend.

"Well, let's start with the easiest thing first," she says, smiling. "There are plenty of different labels for the person you are in a relationship with romantically, but I bet Harley would be happy with 'girlfriend'." It's also Adia's personal favorite. Sure, it can lead to confusion over 'girlfriend' versus 'girl who is a friend', but the important part in there is friend. That's what any lasting romantic relationship is based on, so far as she's concerned.

"And to be a good girlfriend... hmm. You've probably got the showing that you care part. And definitely the protectiveness part." She flashes a quick grin. "All that's left is to remember to share your feelings. If something's troubling you, or making you uncomfortable, or something that you like, that makes you happy -- share that with her. Communication is super important."

Which, now that she thinks about it, is good advice for an open relationship, too. "Who's the other person that she has feelings for? Do you know them?"

"Girlfriend," she repeats, trying out the term herself. It feels... strange. "People really use that term? I've heard it before, but I always thought it meant someone who was simply a friend and a woman." To be fair to Adia, she's heard it used both in a friend context and to mean a romantic involvement - which only makes it more confusing for the rogue. Is it okay for her to use that term when she's unsure of it? Maybe Harley will have an opinion on that one when they see each other next.

Her cheeks flush again when Adia grins at her. Protecting the people she cares about comes so naturally - is it really an odd thing to ask of others? ...does it really make her good at something related to this relationship thing, even a little bit? What an odd thought.

"I should share everything I"m thinking or feeling with her? About anything that may happen? To me or otherwise?" Where does she draw the line on something like that? If she says too much, she'll overwhelm Harley. But if she doesn't say enough, she could be a bad girlfriend. ...dreams this is complicated.

"Majima. Goro. He wears an eye patch," she adds to clarify. "I actually met him when I was asking the Nexus at large for help about starting over. He's very nice, and a lot softer than I think he tries to pretend he is." It's rather endearing, and makes her laugh a little as she thinks about it. "He also cares a lot about Harley - I saw that first hand on her world."

"Yes, people do," she replies, trying not to look amused. She reminds herself that Amelia is from a completely different world, one where apparently there isn't a term for her and Harley's relationship, or else she'd be using that instead. "And that's true, it can also be used in a platonic context which can sometimes lead to confusion, but I think you'll get your point across to others when you use it."

People don't talk about their BFFs with such dreamy, romantic smiles, after all.

Amelia's question is not unexpected. Despite how close she and Amelia have become, she knows there is a lot that the rogue remains tight-lipped about. Sharing any of that with Harley is bound to be worrying, at the very least. "If it's relevant to your relationship, then yes." She smiles kindly. "I know it's hard. Getting Caspar to talk about his feelings is like pulling teeth, sometimes. But the thing is, I know when he's upset. When he tells me what's bothering him, we can talk about it and I can help him feel better. Harley is incredibly perceptive, she'll know when you're hurting. Keeping whatever is bothering you inside will only make things worse."

When Amelia mentions Majima's name, she blinks. "Harley's boss?" Huh. It sounds like he's a good guy, though. And Amelia isn't jealous at all? That's a very good sign. "Well... like I said, I've never been in an open relationship, but I've had friends who were. And they always told me that the key was keeping things open and transparent among everything, so there wouldn't be any hard feelings." She's sure that Harley can handle that. She hopes Majima can, too. "I'd really like to meet him one of these days," she says with the softest of frowns. "Hopefully before we go see Harley perform at his club."

...what, no, she's not being protective of Amelia and Harley. She's just curious, that's all!

"You're sure? They won't ask awkward questions about it?" Much like she's doing now?

Adia's answer is still a little vague for Amelia's liking. She frowns a little and crosses her arms in front of her chest. "But what's relevant? How do I know if it is? What if I miss something and it ruins everything?" ...okay, so, happy feelings don't completely take away from the rogue assuming the worst about a situation, but she's trying. And she really wants to get this right. Harley deserves for her to get this right. "I know she can tell when I'm upset or when I don't want to talk about something, but how do I know if what I'm thinking about even matters?"

"You haven't met him before?" Majima was around in the Nexus before Amelia stepped out to ask her question, but maybe that was when Adia wasn't in the Nexus? It's completely possible. She tilts her head thoughtfully and then shakes it a little. "I'm not sure I should be the one to introduce you? That seems like it would be something to ask of Harley." She's not involved with Majima after all, and it might feel very strange to be the one to make the connection.

A beat, and then she smiles at Adia. "You still want to go see Harley perform with me?"

"If someone is going to ask awkward questions, they're going to ask them no matter what term you use. But it's up to you and Harley. Almost every romantic term has alternate meanings. For example, I consider Caspar my partner, but to some people that makes it sound like we're going into business together. So I stick with boyfriend." She shrugs and smiles. "He likes it."

Ah, there's the rogue that Adia knows under all those happy feelings. "It's a learning process for sure. Missing one thing isn't going to ruin anything. But staying silent when you're hurting will hurt Harley, too. Your pain is hers now, and vice versa." She takes a sip of mocha and thinks about what else she can say to reassure her friend. "I don't think you can overshare when it comes to Harley, so I wouldn't worry about that."

Honestly, the more she thinks about it, the more Harley seems like the perfect person for Amelia. Someone who keeps herself closed off needs an empathetic partner to help her open up.

"No, not yet. I'll ask Harley to introduce us, then, if I don't see him around." She's not going to make Amelia do it, because she agrees that it would be a little weird.

The question makes her giggle. "Of course! Harley is so cool up on those silks. So long as you don't mind that Caspar is there, too? It's been a while since we've had a night out."

She hadn't thought about it that way, but Adia has a point. Something being an awkward subject has certainly never stopped her from asking before. Truly, she shouldn't expect differently from anyone else. "I guess that's another thing to talk to Harley about," she says with a small, self-deprecating laugh. "I'd hate to use a term that bothered her."

So many things to talk to Harley about. It feels a little overwhelming, and yet she now understands how necessary all of it is. It doesn't make the idea of it less terrifying, but knowing she isn't going to ruin things with small trips along the path settles her mind a little. She nods slowly, exhaling a silent breath she hadn't realized she was holding. All of this advice and reassurance leads her to another question: "When you phrase it that way... does it mean I can ask her to share things with me, too?" Because she would do most anything to make Harley feel better or prevent her from hurting.

"Not at all. Caspar is a good person and I enjoyed his company the last time we met." High praise from the rogue! In truth, though, as much as she would simply appreciate his company, she wants to see how he and Adia interact with one another. They're a good couple, from what little a thought like that can mean from someone like Amelia, and if she watches... maybe she'll pick up hints as to how to be in a relationship with Harley. It's worth a try, at least.

She smiles and finally picks up her mocha, concentrating a little to rewarm it with her magic. A small curl of steam puffs out through the hole in the lid before Amelia takes an appreciative sip. "Are there any other things I should know about being in a relationship? I remember my parents often speaking of the anniversary of the day they were married, but I'm not certain I ever understood the significance." A beat so she can take another sip. Mmm mocha. "Is it that the day is important because it's the one they were married? Or is it something else entirely?"

She gives Amelia a smile of agreement before taking another sip from her cup, enjoying the richness of the chocolate whipped cream. It's doubtful to her that Harley will mind the term, but it's always a good idea to ask what one's partner prefers. She's not about to squash that instinct.

In response to Amelia's question, her eyes light up and she smiles widely. "Yes!" she says, more excitedly than she intended, before blushing and stammering, "Ah, I m-mean, yes, exactly. Communication goes both ways, and Harley will appreciate a chance to share her feelings with you." She self-consciously drops her hands into her lap, but she still seems incredibly pleased with her friend's words. It's like hearing some sort of scientific break-through. Amelia is learning!

"You did? I'm glad to hear it. I had a feeling you two would get along." Maybe not before she had talked to Amelia at the pizza shop -- she had been genuinely concerned that her friend would give Caspar the shovel talk with a literal shovel -- but since then, she's noticed the similarities between them. "He liked talking to you, too. I'm very proud of him, he's been getting along with people in the Nexus much better than I thought he would."

Now if only he and Harrowheart could stop trolling one another...

"No, you're right, it's important because it's the day they were married. Anniversaries are good reasons to celebrate a relationship. The anniversary of a first date is another one people like to celebrate. And... hmm. Birthdays and holidays, too, because you're doing something nice for the person you care about. Especially any holidays that focus on love and romance."

The excited reaction earns a bright laugh from the rogue. It feels a little rude, once Adia calms herself enough to speak softly again, but Amelia can't help it. Her friend's reaction to the question is both unexpected and encouraging, and also very Adia. She won't linger on it, though, as to avoid making the other woman uncomfortable from her laughter. "So we'll have to find a balance, then. A way to ask and speak to each other about what we're feeling that doesn't overwhelm the other?"

She nods around another sip of her mocha. "I'm glad to know I didn't come off too strongly with him. The last thing I wanted to do was upset him, and therefore upset you, with my behavior. I think bonding over our want to see you happy and safe helped." It's rather easy to forget how awkward an initial meeting is when you spend the whole time talking about someone you both care about.

"Anniversaries and birthdays, got it." Not that she isn't already making small plans in her mind for Harley's birthday, but that's beside the point. That last note gives Amelia pause, though. "...there are holidays that revolve around love?" Dreams, has she been hiding in a hole while here in the Nexus to have missed that? Or has she really been too focused on everything else happening to notice things like that?

The laughter doesn't bother her, although she might spend a little more time with her next sip of mocha in order to get that rid of that blush. It certainly says something about their friendship that she's being spontaneous rather than overthinking whatever she's going to say every time she opens her mouth.

Her friend's comment pulls an unusually wry chuckle out of her. "No, you came on the right amount of strong, I think. It's weird, it's almost like he's suspicious of anyone who is too nice to him... but anyway. I'm glad you see him for who he is." A caring, protective boyfriend who doesn't have time for nonsense. No wonder they got along so well.

At least she doesn't have to explain why birthdays are important. Adia really wonders about Amelia's world sometimes, especially now when the other woman seems clueless about the concept of romantic holidays. "Yes, there are. Atlantis has Aphrodisia in June -- that's the feast of Aphrodite, our goddess of love. And Earth has Valentine's Day, which is..." She blinks. "Oh. That's coming up, isn't it? It's a holiday in February."

"It is?" That's a troublesome thought. Amelia sets aside her mocha and digs out her phone to find the date of Valentine's Day, her eyes widening in horror as she sees it's mere days away. "Dreams, it's the 14th. How will I prepare in time?" There's so much planning to be done for special occasions. Figuring out what Harley might like, tracking it down, paying off the right people to be out of the way if they're going out somewhere, paying others off to get them the perfect spot, or...

...wait a second.

She looks up as she sets aside her phone. "What do people get each other for Valentine's Day?" That might be a better place to start than wherever her brain was trying to take her.

Based on the way Amelia is visibly scheming, Adia has a fairly good idea of what thoughts are going through her friend's head. It's the same expression Caspar had when he first learned about the holiday (never mind that it's not from their culture), and she's relieved that Amelia pulls herself back from the proverbial ledge so Adia doesn't have to talk her down instead.

"I might not be the best person to ask. It's an Earth holiday, and I've only experienced it in the Nexus." And what an experience that was. There'd better not be any cursed candies in the Nexus this year or she's boycotting the holiday, no matter what Caspar has planned. "But from what I've learned, people exchange cards or small gifts. Flowers and chocolate are a popular choice. And usually the couple goes out somewhere for dinner. It doesn't have to be any more elaborate than that."

She looks at the rogue meaningfully. Do not go overboard. "You should ask Harley what she'd like to do and plan your day together. Then it will be the most fun for you both."

But overboard is what she does, Adia! She's good at that! Let her spoil Harley senseless, damn it!

"You mean it's not supposed to be a surprise, what I do for her?" Apparently she's missing the real idea behind something being a holiday. Her lips draw into a thin line. "Doesn't that spoil the presents I'd get for her? I want that much to be a surprise..."

Yes, she knows. And she knows that Amelia can get so wrapped up in the planning that she loses sight of the bigger picture. Time to impart some more helpful advice.

"I think your relationship is so new that you probably would be better off planning something together. And no, it won't spoil the presents, you don't have to tell her what you're getting her. The shops around here go all out for the holiday, you can get plenty of ideas just by looking at the store displays."

Planning this out is more complicated than she thought it would be. It's almost like planning a delicate heist, for all the details and nuances that are involved. It should make her more at ease, but instead it worries her more. This being related to a brand new situation for her, and having someone else's happiness and well-being tied to it, makes it that much more nerve-racking for the rogue.

"I don't want to get this wrong," she says softly, her gaze falling to the cup in Adia's hands. "I'll try talking to Harley, so I don't ruin this holiday for her." It could mean being told other holidays are off limits and Amelia simply doesn't want that. She wants to enjoy whatever time she can with Harley, no matter what they might be doing. "Are there any other things I should know about holidays like this?"

Aww, where's that dreamy smile that Amelia was sporting only a few minutes ago? Now she's worried about ruining what should be a fun time for her and Harley. Adia watches her with gentle eyes before reaching out across the table and offering her hand.

"I'm going to tell you the same thing I told Caspar when he started getting too worked up about Valentine's Day. It's just a day. It's like any other day out of your relationship. It's fun to do something special, but it's not a measure of the value of your relationship. Don't stress to much about it -- plan for it the way you'd plan for any other day with Harley. What's important is that you're together."

She pauses a moment to give Amelia a chance to think about that. Then she grins. "And don't be surprised if Harley wants to spoil you a little, too."

Adia's reassurance is helpful. Amelia's so worried about doing this right that hearing she's unlikely to do it wrong if she does one simple thing makes this whole situation feel easier to handle. The rogue looks up as she takes her friend's hand, a little smile tugging at her lips.

"You think she'd really want to do that for me? I've never..." She looks down for a brief moment, her cheeks flushing a light pink. "No one's ever wanted to do something like that for me."

It's good to see that smile again. Better still that she can give her friend's hand a small squeeze, to remind her that she can share her worries with her anytime.

Poor Amelia. It always tugs on her heartstrings a little to be reminded how little affection the rogue has been given in some areas of her life. "Yeah, I think she'll want to." She starts to say more, then frowns briefly, wanting to think out her words first. Harley's past relationship with the Joker is dicey territory. "You care about her, and treat her kindly. She'll want to demonstrate how much she cares in return."

That only makes her blush and smile more. The thought that anyone would do that for her is nigh unimaginable. The realization that Harley could want that for her? It makes her feel warm and light in a way she's never experienced before. It feels right, somehow, and as terrifying as that it is, it's also undeniably wonderful.

"I'm not sure how I'll react to that," she admits, reaching up to pull the fingers of her free hand through the strands of her hairpin. The light, melodic sound is grounding and, for possibly the first time ever, fits the mood the rogue is in. "I'm excited to find out, though."

Finally feeling up to it again, Amelia reaches over and picks up her mocha, sipping at it slowly. She looks up at Adia after a moment and smiles. "May I ask what you and Caspar are planning for Valentine's Day? Or what you've done in the past for Aphrodisia? I'd love to know what a more experienced couple does on a holiday that's devoted to love the way these are." It might also be that she wants ideas for low-key things to do, but she'll never admit that.

Her gaze goes up to the hairpin when Amelia makes it chime. As ever present as it is in Amelia's hair, she forgets about it sometimes. She smiles at the sound, then back at her friend. "Good. It's a wonderful feeling, isn't it? Enjoy it."

Amelia's question makes her chuckle softly. "I wouldn't call us experienced, this is our first holiday like this. But of course you can ask. We have plans to go out to dinner in the Nexus and catch a show. He says he has a small surprise for me, too, but I warned him off of jewelry." She leans forward and pushes down the collar of her shirt so Amelia can better see the small tulip charm hanging around her neck. "I don't wear it much, and he already got me this for the Solstice."

She fixes her collar, but stays leaned in and adds in a conspiratorial half-whisper, "I got him a really nice tie. A red one. Don't tell him!"

Her eyes widen a little when Adia reveals the charm. "It's beautiful, Adia." She doesn't know the significance behind it, but she doesn't need to in order to appreciate the thought behind the gift. It feels very Adia, as it is. "He chose very well. I've never seen its like before." One of a kind things are always the best, as far as the rogue is concerned. Hence her many worries about what to get for Harley for Valentine's Day!

She laughs softly at the request for silence about Caspar's gift. "I won't tell him or any other soul," she promises. "The surprise is half the fun of giving gifts and I'd hate to take that from you. Promise you'll tell him if he liked his gift after the holiday, though." She throws a teasing wink at Adia to let the other woman know it's not really necessary to follow up. Besides, it's something to tease Caspar with later if she sees him before she sees Adia again.

"Roses are a more popular motif," she agrees. Which is probably why the tulip charm feels more appropriate for her, even without the backstory. "But Caspar has learned quickly that the Nexus has everything." She tilts her head a moment, as if trying to recall something, then grins and scoots away from the table. "Look," she says, tugging up her pants leg so that Amelia can get a glimpse of her waterbear sock. "He got me these, too." Proving once again that one can be a romantic and a nerd.

She laughs a little at the wink. "If you see him wearing it, then you'll know. His love of clothing makes him easy to shop for, especially because according to him, you can never have too many ties."

But enough about Caspar. "Anything else you wanted to ask? You can always text me later, too."

It's extremely endearing to hear the way Adia speaks of Caspar, especially when it comes to his taste in clothing - both for himself and for her. "Just wait until he finds a good tailor around here - he might never have to wear the same thing twice again." She knows just the tailor who would be up to the task, too, but she won't suggest that yet. Best to let that idea settle in with Adia first.

"Not that I can think of right now," she says with a smile. "I'm certain I'll come up with something else in the next few days, but I don't want to keep you while I try to figure them out." Curious person that she is, she knows that once she starts down this relationship research path, she's going to come up with new things to ask about. Everything new leads to more questions than can reasonably answered in one sitting anyway.

"Thank you so much for your help today, Adia. I really appreciate it." Is Adia ready for a hug? Because the second she can do so, Amelia's going to offer one. Adia likes hugs and Amelia enjoys giving them to her friend. "I hope things go well for you and Caspar on Valentine's Day."

"Oh, he's been looking, trust me. He is so picky, though." She rolls her eyes, though she her tone is quite fond. "But the Nexus is full of very talented people. I'm sure he'll find someone he likes soon enough. For now he can live with off the rack."

It's better than off the sheep, which is more or less what he's stuck with on Atlantis until an established textile shop is constructed.

"I'm glad that I was able to be here for you." She smiles warmly, then squeaks when Amelia surprises her with another hug. She returns it quickly, but makes sure that Amelia can end it whenever she's ready. "And thanks. I'm sure you'll have a lovely date with Harley."

She gathers up her messenger bag and what's left of her mocha. "I'd stick around and study but I'm in the middle of analyzing some samples so I should get back to the lab. Let's get together again after Valentine's Day?"

Amelia doesn't hold the hug for too long. She knows Adia's a busy woman - and she's about to be one as well. So much research to do when she gets back to the inn! Starting with a text to Harley...

"That sounds perfect. We can update each other on how our plans went while we do more research." She smiles brightly at Adia, picking up her own half-finished mocha and then leading them both out of their bright study room and into the grey, snowy Nexus outside of the library. It seems so much brighter outside, despite the cloud cover and lazily falling snow, now that the rogue is in a good mood.

"Let me know when you're free and we can get together again," she says when they pause at the bottom of the stairs. "And thank you again." One last smile, and then she heads off into the Nexus, a dreamy smile on her face as she makes her way back to her room.

All the help she can get [Tagging Adia]

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