Not So Scary Halloween Party [Amelia]

[Deleted]

It wasn't out of the way for Gabriel to go anywhere or really do whatever he wanted. But there were things he had to do, things he had to take care of first. While he did lie to Amelia about having the training and being useless till noon, well, he was in actuality working on something. Acquiring a few things if you would rather use the phrase. Mercury was a kind god, someone who Gabriel could trust in despite that he was known to be the god of Liars and thieves. As of right now, Gabriel was grateful that he was able to do what he was going to do. He went over the mental check list before he patted his leather vest pocket protectively. The tickets, the reservations, the hotel information, all of it was was in the small sized folder in his pocket. He was grateful for the gift that she had given him. He had to do something in return for her. This excursion was for the both of them yes, but he had some other things planned out for her. He really hoped that this would work, he wanted this to work out between two of them. Gabriel really felt like he messed up, like it was his fault that Amelia went to Jupiter because well he was the king of the gods after all. She deserved the best. But when she said she loved him, at first he didn't believe it. How could he after the way she had hurt him? But they had a talk here and there, but her bullying her way into the boys barracks to give him a gift, well, she really put her foot down. HE had always been one of those people that if no one else put forth the effort in him, he wouldn't bother with them.

He had everything planned out, an early dinner for them, he had already checked them into their room, gotten their magic plus passes, his was green, hers was pink. Well he hoped she liked pink at any rate. He had also gotten her something special. He had found the gems, purchased them, and had Ronan make something out of them. They were special, because he found them. Ronan had done the most amazing work. It was so strange that such a delicate thing could be made from hands so large and strong. Gabriel himself couldn't have made something like that. But he did spend a few hours in the forge helping Ronan create the delicate item. but now it was in someplace special. He had even gotten something for her. They would have to make a stop by the hotel before dinner, but he was nervous. He had never really gotten the balls to do this sort of thing, but he had gone to see his mother and while she didn't like the idea of him taking on the care of another's child, but she could see that he really loved her. He wanted the best for her. He wanted her to be genuinely happy. If it meant that he wasn't in the picture any more, well so be it. But Gabriel felt as if she wanted to be with him. Or at least he hoped that she wanted it too. While his father did err on the side of caution, he did agree that if Gabriel really loved her, then to do it. So he had set his mind on what he was going to do later on in the night.

He was nervous, every fiber of his being was nervous. HE wanted to do this right. Even if her mother....well he at least hoped that she would like it. HE had everything planned out. He hoped that everything would go okay. Gabriel wanted this to be one of the best nights of her life. But here he was all dressed up in a nice suit, his hair combed and he shaved. Gabriel straitened up the tie, hoping that the Windsor knot would be sufficient for his tie. HE had shined his shoes and even gotten his suit tailored to fit well. But now all he could do was wait and hope that she got the message to meet him here.

[Deleted]

Amelia had split her morning between one of the many odd jobs that she did in New Rome now to pay off that sword she had given Gabriel – which she still thought totally worth it – and a scheduled training. Then she was in such a hurry that’s she’d skipped her this time of year usual pumpkin spice latte from Terry’s store in New Rome and ran full tilt straight to the showers to get clean and then get ready. She usually didn’t like to dress in a hurry, though that wasn’t saying she wasn’t perfectly capable of doing it. But especially right now, when she was prepping for a date with Gabriel. She had to look perfect, smell perfect, everything. The nine. But looking at the clock, she only had twenty-five minutes to do that.. Thankfully, she’d set out what she would wear already last night. So she immediately undressed and pulled on the longish pale floral dress. She checked herself fin the mirror and, minus the damp hair, she thought she looked decent. Add a pink clutch and a pink jacket, which were laying on the bed ready for use. She quickly grabbed her hair dryer and curling brush and went to work on her hair. Within five minutes, including leave in conditioner that doubled as keeping it in place, she had a perfectly lightly curled look. She put a soft pink hair tie in her clutch just to be safe though. Her mom had warned her that a lot of the rides in Disneyworld were not suited for a pregnant woman, so she had a feeling things like Space Mountain would be out, but just in case it was warm, putting her hair up wouldn’t be too bad.

She sat down on her bed and pulled on her heels. Nothing too high or out there, plus she liked to consider herself an expert in walking in heels. As soon as they started coming in her size, she started wearing them. She grabbed from its special place on her nightstand the necklace that Gabe had given her. She wore it every day, but had had to take it off to shower anyway. That was about the only time she took it off: bathing and sleeping. After all, she didn’t want it to break. Even at training she wore it, usually tucked under her shirt to protect it because gods help the one who caused it to be harmed in any way. And at work she usually hid it too unless the job wasn’t too dirty, then she wore it with pride. Every other time, she was certain to wear it. It seemed to go with everything; he’d done an excellent job picking it. And today it went with this outfit perfectly. She smoothed the chain and let it fall over her dress. She pulled on the pink jacket and grabbed her clutch and checked herself in the mirror one last time. Perfect. She reached into her clutch and brought out her travel-size perfume bottle and gave herself a quick spritz before replacing it and checking her watch. Roughly three minutes left. Excellent. She made her way to the door and opened it, and unsurprisingly, Gabe was right there waiting for her. He really was amazing. She couldn’t help but smile seeing him. “Wow, look at you. All spiffed up. Not that you aren’t always, but gods, you’re handsome.” She leaned up and kissed him softly before linking her arm with his. “Shall we?”

NOTE: dress

[Deleted]

Gabriel again patted his pocket, Making sure that everything was in it's proper place. Everything had to be perfect. He had to do everything right. Things had their place. He had a horrible burn on his hand, but it was worth it. It was so worth it. But the burn throbbed and stung, so he took a small tube of toothpaste out and gently rubbed it on his hand. That's what I get for touching molten metal he thought with a grimace. But the moment the toothpaste hit his hand, it felt so much better. He did have to get one or two things at Disney World. In payment to Ronan, though it was a small sum in compared to the work that Ronan had put into it. Gabriel had told him what he wanted and the fifth cohort centurion and the forge overseer had done the designing, most of the work, but Gabriel had helped. Mercury was getting a gift as well, an offering in thanks for the strings that he pulled. It was crazy to know that he owned such a fine and upstanding restaurant. Though Mercury had said he would fund any expenses of campers that wished to take a break or vacation, arranging all of the arrangements and taking care of everything. Though Pluto was obviously Gabriel's favorite god, well Mercury was a close second.

He stood there and blinked. Watching the vision of beauty floating across the barracks grounds like a delicate flower being picked up by a spring zephyr. Gods, he thought as he smiled, she looked more beautiful than anything in the world. HE was lucky, oh he was so lucky. But his grin got even bigger as she entwined her arm with his. He winced slightly as she touched his burn, but put the thought out of his mind. "You look so beautiful. you make the day radiant." He said as he gave a bow and kissed the top of her hand. He gently pulled her through the shadows. They appeared in a hallway just off of the lobby of a restaurant. He gave the guy in the penguin suit his name and the guy nodded, escorting them through a pair of frosted glass doors and sitting them down at one of the four tables that was situated in the finely crafted room. "I hope you like it." Gabriel said as he glanced at Amelia. He hoped that she liked fancy places like this. He pulled the chair out for her and waited for her to sit before taking a seat himself. The crystal glasses were beautiful, the silverware was immaculate. Mercury really knew how to do a restaurant up right. Suddenly he felt as if he was too grimy and scruffy to be in this restaurant. He had followed the dress code that Mercury had reminded him of, he was wearing cologne, just a touch of Ralph Lauren Polo, it's what the girl in the shop recommended as he was getting new shoes.

"Shadow travel makes things much easier when you want to go places." Gabriel said, giving a grin as the waiter brought them a personalized menu, embossed on fine parchment paper with a backing of leather bound protective case. It had both of their names on them. There was even a vegetarian option if Amelia had felt so inclined to eat as vegetarian. HE wanted her to feel comfortable, but there was no telling with her pregnancy. His mom had stated that when she was pregnant with him, there was no telling what would make her sick, so Gabriel had taken plenty of precautions. "After this, we have tickets to the Villainous Soiree in Cinderella's castle for desserts if you feel up to it. The park stays open much later tonight." He said as he showed her the tickets he had acquired from within his jacket pocket.

The dining room: here

The menu: here

[Deleted]

Amelia couldn’t help but smile. Well, she was around him, so that sort of made it impossible to not smile. He was handsome, he was charming, the nine. Everything she could have asked for in a guy. And to think they were dating! As long as she didn’t flub it up again. Gods knew she didn’t deserve this chance he was giving her. She’d even gone to his father, Pluto, and asked for a way safely out of camp that would keep the baby safe too, just so she could stop being a thorn in everyone’s side. Maybe live as a hermit. Just her and the child. But Pluto had encouraged her to try to make peace with Gabriel. Thankfully. He’d talked her down from hysterics. And in what she was finding to be natural hormonal imbalance mood swings, soon she was on a determined mission to make things right again. Then it was her mom who had helped her get the sword, or at least had given her opinion on it. So all in all, she owed the gods a lot. Now she just mentally said a quick prayer to her mom that today go well too. She had no wiggle room left. She simply could not mess up again. She smiled at him. Gods, he always knew just what to say to lift her spirits. “Aw, you’re so sweet.” Which was completely true. Add that to the list of irresistible qualities he had. She paused. “Mm, and you smell good too.”

She felt the growingly familiar rush of shadowtravel. And unfortunately, her gut felt it too. She did her best to hide it, but she felt like possibly it was a very good thing that she had not eaten anything since breakfast. Oh gods… She casually tried to hold her stomach as they followed the seater… greeter? Something like that. She was ashamed to say she wasn’t sure what the technical term was. Maybe it was just the unpleasant gut feeling taking over her mind as her stomach cried out and filled her brain with countless ‘ouch’ and ‘ugh’ and ‘I’m going to heave’ messages. Not pleasant. But this was just part of the gig with dating a son of Pluto, right? As long as it wasn’t adversely affecting the baby, but would Pluto really kill an unborn child? That seemed harsh. She looked around the grand restaurant as they walked through it. Wow. That pretty much summed it up in one word. Wow. But it only got better. As they walked, the entered a large room with small tables intricately set. The room was beyond words. “Oh my gods, Gabriel…” she said under her breath. It was amazing, beautiful, elegant. She laughed slightly in awe. “This is seriously in Disney? It looks… so elegant!”

He pulled out the chair for her and she sat down with a thank you, scooting it in so she was against the table. He was such a gentleman. She loved that about him. Well, she loved everything about him. It was times like these that she wondered how in the world she could have let him down as badly as she had, how she could have betrayed him so badly. Never again. She was so thankful for him. So incredibly thankful. She smiled at him. “That it does.” Aww, that grin of his was so cute! She just wanted to lean right across the table and kiss him. Then the menus came and well, she was glad she hadn’t been caught actually trying to lean across the table. One look at the menu and she was even more astonished. It even had their names on it. She looked to Gabriel. “You really do plan ahead. How did you manage all this? Our names here and everything” And then to top it off, he showed her tickets to a Soiree at Cinderella’s castle. She laughed in delight. “Oh, you are simply too thoughtful! That sounds like fun! Let’s plan on it!” She looked the menu over a full three times before deciding. “Hmm, the crab sounds good. What are you having?”

[Deleted]

Gabriel couldn't help but smile at Amelia's wonder and awe over the place. "Oh, I did talk to my father about the shadow travel, so long as you guys are with me, it should be fine. You won't be hurt, either of you." He said as he gently placed a hand over her stomach. But he looked around the place as it was so nice. As she put it, she really did manage to sum it up fairly well. "I guess the adults do need to have a place to get away from all of the kids on occasion." He gave a grin. Not that he would be opposed to hanging out with other families. But he could imagine that sometimes kids could be a bit much, that adults needed just some time to themselves. This was the place to do it. The smell of the food was amazing and it looked almost too good to eat. Or what he could see of the other peoples plates, the food looked more than amazing. Very pretty, he hadn't seen anything like this in New Rome, then again New Rome was catered towards demi-gods with massive appetites, well if any of the restaurants that Mercury had opened up in New Rome was any indication.

"Well this might be a surprise, as it is to me when I found out, but everything on the menu will be served in courses." Gabriel said with a smile. From what he saw the portion sizes were small enough that they could have eight courses with no problem. "I've never been to a fancy thing like this that I can remember. Well once but my mom coached me for it the entire time." He smiled fondly at the memory, at least he hadn't been the one who had sent the axe of the suit of armour right through the headmasters table. He really hoped that she was going to be in the mood for what he had planned for after the soiree. "I had lots of help. Lord Mercury has been petitioning to have more people go on vacation, so he gave me a hand." He wasn't ashamed that he got help from Lord Mercury. He was a nice enough guy. But being right here and right now with her, This was what all of his planning had come to. After talking with Pluto and Venus, well he felt like there were many people rooting for him and Amelia. He was going to make this work if it killed him, and probably where Jupiter was concerned, it would probably be preferable to him being dead.

"We can see the parade if you want or we can go and see the fireworks, or do it all. What ever you desire, I will oblige." Gabriel said with a small smile and a half bow from his seated position. "A queen such as yourself deserves the best. Anything I can provide for you I will." He said. Gods she was beautiful he thought as he went to say something. His mouth hanging open for a moment or two before he shut it. Blinking and wondering what he was going to say in the first place. He really couldn't remember what he was going to say. He had been so distracted by her beauty that he had a complete blank of the mind. It was as if nothing in the world mattered so long as she was right there with him. That they could take on the world together if they felt so inclined to do. With her at his side, he felt like everything was at peace.

[Deleted]

Amelia broke into a smile at his words. He really did care. For a while, she’d had this mad fear that he wanted the baby dead. Maybe her fears had all been in her head. Yes, that was it. When in doubt, blame it on hormones. She was allowed a weekly get-out-of-being-a-bitch card considering the circumstances, right? Not that she would ever be that way to Gabriel. But the fact remained that she had quite a history of it. She was frankly a bit surprised that a good guy like Gabriel was even interested in the likes of her. But she was glad of it. Gods, was she glad. “Really? Oh, this is wonderful! I was so afraid that-… well, you know. Either she would end up dead or I wouldn’t be able to go with you anymore.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “Thank you. And thank your father too. I’ll be sure to give him an offering next chance I get.” She followed him in and couldn’t help but be in awe. When he answered her question, she looked to him with a smile. “I guess that’s true. Though what they do for babysitters in Disney World I have no clue.” Gods, he was so precious. That grin of his was so… what was the right word for it? Happy? Fun? Lovable? Something like that.

Courses? “Wow, really?” Well, now that she thought about it, she supposed she shouldn’t be that surprised. A fancy place like this. Plus, when she spied out other people’s plates on the way to their table, the portions looked pretty small. So multiple courses was probably needed. She smiled at his little trip down memory lane; gods, how she loved that smile of his, just knowing that he was happy. “How old were you? I wish you had a picture from it. I bet you looked so handsome, little Gabriel all dressed up for a fancy dinner. How sweet.” Help? Well, now, if that didn’t have her curious. She listened in closely, not that she didn’t always listen closely to him. Mercury? Well, the idea that that particular god would be petitioning for vacationing did seem about right. That she could certainly believe. “Well, that certainly was nice of him. Another god I’m going to have to thank. But first of all, I want to thank you. You’re so thoughtful and sweet.” She reached across the table and took his hands gently in hers. “I really do love you. Don’t ever forget that, okay?”

When he went on about the choices they had, she couldn’t help but smile. “Hmm, I vote both if we have time. Then I suppose we should get back to camp before it gets to be too late. Which is such a shame, because I can’t even tell you how appealing curling up with you and falling asleep in your arms sounds.” She let out a happy sigh, ran her fingers over the back of his hand one last time, then let go and straightened up. “Anything you can provide? Well that should be easy then. Because all I really want is to be with you.” She frowned slightly when he opened his mouth but didn’t say anything. “Gabriel? Are you alright…?” She would be lying if she said she wasn’t worried about him.

[Deleted]

Gabriel couldn't help but smile at her worry. His father wouldn't outright kill a child. He might have been the cold and dark lord of Death, but he wasn't a child killer. At least not when the child in question belonged to his son's girlfriend. Even though it wouldn't be of Gabriel's own flesh and blood, he would do everything in his power to make sure that he could be a father. Jupiter hadn't exactly had the best track record in the world concerning his children. None of the gods did really, though there were ones who bent the rules fairly often, but some adhered to Jupiter's stupid rules. Gods he was so glad that some of the rules had been lifted. "I wanted to put your mind at ease. I know sometimes it's pretty hard, considering I'm a child of the big three, but I at least wanted the child to be safe." He said honestly. He couldn't bring himself to condemn a child for anyone's mistakes, his, hers or anyone elses. It was stupid to do so and a child hadn't done anything to warrant it.

"oh my mother has a picture of it. I was about six, maybe seven, at the time." He said as he tapped a finger on his chin trying to remember the exact age. "I went to a private school at the time and learning how to function in a formal setting was part of the curriculum." His hand stung in the memory of the teacher smacking the back of his hand with a ruler because he had made a mistake and messed up. "Though I nearly caused my mom to faint at the Queen's garden party. It was amazing that we had recieved an invitation, though the tea was entirely too hot. That was my defense at least." Though he could bet that his mother hadn't received another invitation for it since his little incident. It's not like he embarrassed her right in front of Her Majesty. okay well maybe a little. But his mother had been at the fore front of the literary research into a few old and ancient scrolls at the time. "My mother has photos, I'm sure she'll leap at the chance to embarrass me. you'll have to meet her soon." He said. What kind of parent wouldn't leap at the chance to embarrass their children. "Yeah though I hear that Mercury has been flooding Remus and Jason's request boxes with massive amounts of paperwork for it, but it's just a rumor." He said waving the hand dismissively. Though he wouldn't put it pass Mercury, the god was a prankster at heart. Or at least that's what he got from his children. "I couldn't ever forget you love me, trust me."

Gabriel smiled as the first course had been brought out. The food looked quite amazing and smelled delectable. The decoration on the plates were just amazing.IT was lobster of some sort, but he couldn't ever tell. He had never had lobster before. Though someone once said it was sweet like shrimp with the texture of crab. Gabriel liked good fish and chips as much as the next person, but sometimes there were other things that needed to be tried. He would try nearly any food at least twice. "Again, that's the wonder of shadow travel, we'll be back in the morning before anyone misses us." He said with a wink of his eye. "And I'd take any punishment just to wake up in your arms." HE said grinning. He really meant it. HE would gladly go through one of charlie's fourty-eight hour drills by himself just so he could hang out with Amelia. Though how he got into first cohort was still beyond him. Wern't children of Pluto supposed to be cursed? Or at least that's how everyone else saw it. Felicity did do a bang up job of being an idiot at times.

"Nothing is wrong. I was just thinking how peaceful the world was right now." He said grinning at her. He wasn't lying, he really did feel at peace. Though he wouldn't really like it, he would rather be alive, but he could die right now and he would have been the happiest man on earth. "But I have been thinking about something. About us." He said as he gently took her hand in his.

[Deleted]

Amelia smiled at him, pretty sure she was the luckiest girl on earth. “Well, you did a good job at just that. I feel really… relieved.” She laughed slightly. “No, it’s not easy dating a son of the big three, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. You’re the best, Gabriel. The absolute best.” She intertwined their fingers. “I still feel horrible for what happened, probably always will, but your forgiveness means the world to me. I can live with myself now, so long as you don’t hate me.” She’d even gone as far not that long ago to seek help from his father, Pluto, about finding and getting to a safe place far, far away from here where she could raise her daughter without being a bother to anyone else ever again. It had been Pluto’s idea to try and make things up with Gabe. And her mother finished the deal by helping approve the sword she had been saving up to buy him. So all in all, maybe the gods really weren’t against her.

Six- or seven-year-old Gabe all fancied up. How cute would that be? “Awww! How sweet! I definitely want to see that.” And now it was, yet again, her turn to be impressed. “Queen’s garden party! Oh, how elegant that must have been! Oh, I bet you were right handsome. As usual. And whatever happened, I’m sure you couldn’t help it.” She laughed at the idea that his mother would be so eager to embarrass him. “I think that’s a parent’s job. But I’d love to meet her. I hope you can meet my father soon too. I still write him. He know all about you, or most about you.” He also knew about her little problem, and was probably the first one to accept her issue considering he’d had a run-in with a god(dess) himself and knew how that could go. She had to smile. “I wouldn’t be surprised if the rumor was true though. I can completely see Mercury doing that.”

When the first course came out, it all made sense. “Oh my gods, you mean that menu was just a list of the courses? Wow! And this… this looks so incredible!” How had he afforded this? It would be rude to ask though. Perhaps the same way she’d afforded his sword. The thought was moving, that he would go to such lengths for her. No matter how he paid, it was still sweet of him. And then he had to mention the handiness of shadow travelling. “Really? That’s right, of course!” She blushed when he continued. “As would I. I think that would be the most wonderful feeling in the world.” Amelia smiled when he talked about feeling so at peace. “Good. You deserve some time of peace. I have to agree though. No war to worry about, not even at camp. It’s so… comforting.” Then he reached over and took her hands and she couldn’t help but get lost in his eyes. Dark, beautiful pools that seemed to tell a thousand stories, some happy, some sad, but at the moment, she saw nothing but love in them, just the same as what could be seen in her own eyes. “Yeah? Like what?” she asked softly.

[Deleted]

Her hands are so soft and gentle, Gabriel thought as they intertwined their fingers together. He watched her speak, he listened intently. He wanted to make sure that he heard every word that she said, really listened to what she was wanting to say. He couldn't be mad at her. There were so many grudges that people held and he was horrible himself for holding grudges. She was one person that he didn't want to have a grudge against. Gabriel loved her. He had spoken with his dad, his mom, her mom, it seemed like there were a lot of people rooting for the two of them. They even had some of the gods on their side. Though he could be certain that there were some that didn't want them to succeed. “Not all the gems or gold in this world and the next could make me hate you.” Gabriel spoke with honesty and truth. He really wanted them to work.

“My mother would have us for tea on Christmas day, if you feel up to it.” He still had to put in the paper work for himself to go home for Christmas. He thought he might turn it in early. He promised his mother and he was going to go whether or not he got the approval. “Unless you have other plans.” He said, giving her a small smile. His mother did a wonderful tea, though if he spoke to her and said that Amelia was coming, she might just make enough to feed the entire Royal Family and the staff at Buckingham palace. She was like that, as many mothers tend to be. His best mate back in primary school's mother was fairly similar to that. “It's the second most amazing memory I have.” He said with a smile. “But I'm sure you'll get a good kick out of all of the crazy things that my mother has to embarrass me with.” Oh he had no doubt in his mind that his mother was going to go out of her way to embarrass him. She had so much ammo on him, well he probably would have been hiding under his bunk for the next two weeks.

“This looks quite wonderful.” Gabriel said as he gently picked up the outside fork. There was a rhyme and reason to everything. He could hear his mother chiding him in his ears, to pick up the outer most fork. That was the proper thing to do. He took a bite, but his stomach was being nervous. Mentally he told himself that he needed to calm down. The food was really exquisite. He couldn't believe how good it tasted though. He focused on Amelia, waiting to see what she thought about the whole food and experience. He wanted her to love it. Gabriel was desperate for her to love it. He wanted to impress her, he wanted to Woo her, short of standing below her window and pitching rocks or singing out loud. No one wanted him to sing, that was a rather horrible idea.

“we deserve it, we all do. I'm as much a Roman as the next, but this is nice.” He said as he placed a hand in his pocket. “But I want us to be together, always and forever. No matter what. And this is the first and proper step to do.” He pulled out the box and opened it up for her. “You don't have to say yes, and it doesn't have to be now, but I want you, all of you, always. I want us to grow old and to watch our kids and grandkids running through the yard, you're everything to me. You're my Sun and Stars.” He said as he opened up the box to show her the ring that he had made with Ronan's help. The white gold with her birthstone, the ruby and with the diamonds that he found. “It doesn't have to be now, we have the time. But I worked hard on making this, I hope you'll take it.” Gabriel said as he got down on one knee. Well, that's what you were supposed to do right? "I talked to your mom, my dad, my mom and I'll ask your dad when I meet him."

in the box

[Deleted]

Gabriel was a soldier, yes, but at the same time, he was so gentle and loving too. He really was the perfect guy. And the way he paid such close attention to her, like she was the only person in the world. It made her feel so loved. And, just a little, it made her not be so angry with herself. If he still loved her with what she’d put him through, then either he was an angel or she might actually not be as horrible as she’d thought. Or both. Because he was certainly an angel. “Aww, you are so sweet. How in the world did I end up so lucky as to be with you?” That tone of his voice too, and the light in his eyes. There was no doubting he was being honest and open with her. That was just another thing she loved about him: she could trust him. If only the same could be said for her.

The invitation brought a big smile to her face. “Wait, really? Oh, I’d love to! That sounds wonderful! Spending Christmas day with you and your mother. It sounds great! Definitely no other plans. Count me in.” She couldn’t help but laugh a little when he said his mother would have a lot to embarrass him with though the other part of it got her curious. “So what’s the first?” She really wanted to share in what made him happy, even if it was just in giving him a chance to talk about it. Plus she liked to see him happy. He had such a lovely smile, and when it reached his eyes and made them sparkle…. “Then you’ll have to meet my father to make things fair so he can embarrass me for you. He lives all the way in England though.”

When the food arrived, she was stunned at how beautiful it was and how delicious it looked. “It does look wonderful,” she agreed. She mirrored him and picked up her outermost fork too. Sure, she knew some about fancy dining etiquette, but never too cautious there. She wanted to impress him with all this trouble he was going through for her. Heck, she wanted to impress him all the time, but that was beside the point. Carefully she cut a bite off and tried it. Almost immediately as she chewed, her eyes grew wider and she smiled before swallowing the bite. “Oh my gods. This is so good! Cooked just perfect. So tender and delicate. This restaurant was a great pick, Gabe. It’s almost as wonderful as you are,” she added with a coy smile.

To that, she certainly had to agree. “So true. But,” she added teasingly, “I’m glad the whole camp isn’t here and we can just enjoy some you and I time. Much better that way.” Then he went fishing in his pocket and she had to admit that was a bit puzzling. Demigods didn’t usually have to worry about checking car keys or something like that. And why would he need his wallet? That was about all she could think of that might be in a pocket. Unless he had a copy of that adorable picture she was so wanting to see. But the way he was talking… All she could do was listen silently and wonder. Wait… no way. This couldn’t be… oh gods. Her heart skipped a beat at the very thought. He pulled out the box and she froze. Grow old? Watch kids and grandkids? Oh… my gods. He opened the box and by the gods… He-… he made it himself? She covered her mouth with her hand as the tears started coming. Gods, she was such a girl. She’d dreamed about this day since she was a little girl, sure, but this, really this, was a lot more poignant than she ever could have imagined. When he got to one knee, the stray tears turned into full blown rivers running down her cheeks. In that moment, she quite forgot that she was wearing a nice dress and probably shouldn’t be falling to the floor to hug him fiercely. She didn’t think about accidentally getting his shirt wet with her tears as she held onto him and buried her face against his warm chest. For a moment, she even forgot how to breathe. Finally, she remembered all these things and let go just enough to look at him. “Oh my gods, Gabriel. Yes! The answer is yes!” He had even gone to the trouble of talking to their parents, minus her dad (but that was okay seeing as he couldn’t be expected to know how to get a hold of him)? Gods, he was so sweet! Once again she hugged him close and this time kissed him, not really noticing anything but him.

[Deleted]

“oh I don't know if LUCK per say has anything to do with this....” He had spoken to someone in New Rome while he was getting his suit tailored. Their theory was that the gods were big on the whole 'shipping' thing. One of the two people he had been speaking to was a teacher over at the university. She put her students in groups for work because she thought they were good together and they ended up married. So if she did it, who was to say the gods didn't do the same? Thought the thought of the gods fighting over who went better together was something rather strange. Maybe later he would talk to Amelia later on about that interesting theory. There were other matters that had to be attended to at this moment. If anything, he was the lucky one. Fortuna was smiling on him and it was beautiful. She was beautiful.

“If you want, my mother lives in Scotland, so if you wish to see your father Christmas day, we can do that too. It's only a shadow hop away. My mother teaches at Oxford. You should see the amazing architecture that they have at the University.” He said, flashing a grin. He wouldn't want her father to feel left out of the Christmas visiting thing. Family was important, his father had told him that. He couldn't let down his family. And Family wasn't always blood either. He was grateful to have his friends, his two cousins, and.... dare he say it.... even his bloody mad sister Felicity. Hell, he could even count on Charlie and Chris to be family. “Well my first most amazing memory was the day I met you, the obstacle course.” He said, winking at her. Though it had been far from either of their better moments, well to say that they were a bit..... awkward was nothing short of true.

Gabriel smiled as she picked up the fork and took a bite. The food was totally amazing. He couldn't hold a candle to whomever cooked this. If he was allowed to tip, he would have given them all of the money in his pocket. It was worth it. The flavors blended well and the taste was incredible. The meat was tender, fork tender, and the preparation was immaculate. Only once before had he tasted something so beautiful. Amelia voiced what he was thinking. It was exactly what he was thinking. He almost thought to jokingly tell her to stay out of his mind and to stop thinking what he was thinking. But that was silly, absurd. “There's nothing but the best for my Amelia.” Okay maybe that sounded a bit possessive. But he wanted her to be his and only his. But gods her smile was so beautiful. Really, he thought, Lady Venus knew how to put together such a wonderful daughter. “Nothing but the best for the both of you.” He wanted her to know that he wanted what was best for both her and the baby. The baby was important too.

She said yes! His heart soared as he hugged her tightly. The older couple beside their table couldn't help but smile, shaking their head while awwing over young love. And then, strangely enough, it seemed as if it had been on cue, music had started to play. Though Gabriel thought that it had something to do with Mercury. Beauty and the Beast? Gabriel couldn't help but wonder what Mercury was up to. Gods, this was so... cheesey. Gabriel glared skyward, but the music didn't stop. Ugh, whatever. Maybe she liked this sort of thing. He wanted this moment to be perfect. She deserved perfect. “You are my sun and stars. You are everything to me.” He whispered into her hair. He really loved her and to have her as his and only his for the rest of their lives. He offered her his handkerchief, her tears had been running down her face. “Are you okay?” He said as he took her hand, slipping the ring on her finger. “you're beautiful.” He said with a smile.

[Deleted]

Amelia laughed. “I hardly think I deserve it, at least!” She’d never been the greatest person in the world, possibly the worst in fact. She was an awful judge and had always been quite vocal about it too. No one had ever been safe from her criticisms. Well, the guys she had had flings with growing up were usually spared her outward judgment. It was a horrible system, and she was beyond ready to give it up entirely. She hated who she had been. Thank the gods, Gabriel saw through that and saw who she could be. Even when she failed now, he forgave her, still wanted her. He was remarkable. He was her everything. Not even the king of the gods himself could stand up to Gabriel Caulder.

“Really? Well then, I’ll write him and see if he’s up for company. I’m sure he’d love to meet you. Oh wow, Oxford? I’ve only seen it in pictures and it seems so beautiful. Like a grand castle.” Then the topic switched to memories and she leaned in to listen with a smile. His words made her laugh. “You mean when I busted my nose? That was so embarrassing! But I’m glad you were the one who saved the day. Gave me some of my dignity back, and now look where we are.” She remembered that day so well herself. She had been horribly embarrassed and afraid – vain as it sounded – that she would end up with a crooked nose or something. Everyone had been laughing at her. Everyone but one. Gabriel Caulder. He’d come to her rescue, stood up for her. Been there for her. Like he was now. When the vast majority was ready to impale her for her crimes, he still loved her.

She could spend all night daydreaming about him. Why had she ever gone to Jupiter anyway? She had been blinded and vain, still stuck in her old ways and not used to the idea that she might be worth something more to someone. Gabriel was that someone. He saw her as something delicate and loveable in every sense of the word, not just the narrow sense she used to see herself in, and knew full well others did too because that was who she had made herself. How had he seen her for what even she was blind to? It was a mystery, but a good one. She owed him her life. She pulled herself out of her thoughts and went on to the meal in front of her, which, turns out, was nearly as wonderful as being lost in said thoughts. “Your Amelia. You know, I really like the sound of that. Yours and yours alone. No more running around, not ever. I won’t ever hurt you again.” The best for the both of them, the baby and her. She couldn’t help but smile and, curse her hormones, nearly teared up too. “Thank you. That you want to be a part of her life too. That means the world to me. You mean the world to me.”

Then, just as if things couldn’t get any better, they did. Everything seemed to be happening rapid fire, and next she knew she was hugging him tightly and this time, her eyes really were wet. Music started playing and she couldn’t help but smile a little more. This was all so perfect. So completely perfect. “You’re my everything too, Gabriel. I’m sorry I ever forgot that, even for a minute. Never again, I promise. I’m yours. Completely. Forever.” She gladly took his handkerchief with a soft thank you and dabbed at her eyes. She really didn’t even care if her makeup was running now, or heck, she wouldn’t care if they were in a rainy alleyway dressed in rags or something. She had him, and he had her. Everything was perfect, in a perfection she had never even dare dream of. She nodded at his question. “Yeah, I’m fine. I’m wonderful! This is… oh my gods!” She let him slip the ring on her finger, which only made the handkerchief even more needed. Though soon, she had forgotten the handkerchief and was hugging him tightly again. Yes, this was perfect.

Tag: Gabe!
Word Count: 703
Notes: Sorry it’s so late! v.v