r e s t {{emily/open

[gage]

Gage had awoken before the sun had risen to head down to mandatory training, these days he felt almost in a daze of awe- still hardly able to believe that he had gotten such an enticing offer. At the end of term he had elected to wear blue over orange, the success of Puddlemere as well as much more lucrative pay had eventually won him over, so now here he was, four in the morning, joining in with the team workout. At first, Gage had felt slightly intimidated, he was the youngest player by several years, he felt as if he had something to prove to the rest of the team. Just because he was only eighteen didn't mean that he wasn't talented.

As such, Gage had been sure that he ran with the fastest on the team, did just as many push ups, and flew his absolute hardest in preparations for his first upcoming match against Ecuador. Sure, their team had been pitiful for the past eight seasons whereas Puddlemere had been nearly undefeated the past three, Gage felt more pressure to win now than he ever did when he was in Hogwarts. Perhaps it was because this victory would actually mean something, it would determine fan standings, and consequently not just his pay, but that of the entire team. They were all counting on him to perform just as well as their last seeker who had forcibly resigned due to an injury.

Gage plopped down on a bench in the locker room after showering, his wet hair dripping down his neck, though it had felt good to be so physical for so many hours. But now Gage found he was hungry. Starving might be a word that was more appropriate. He figured that now he was a calorie-burning machine, his coach had already said he should be looking to up his nutrition intake, maybe that might mean a big breakfast once he had laced up his shoes. He had accomplished a lot that day when it was only nine in the morning. Gage yanked on his trainers, looking over when he heard the sound of footsteps only to see...

[emilylouisebaker]

Emily was up and out of her house early with one destination in mind. It had been a few weeks since she'd seen her boy-friend, a month at the very least since he'd been so busy with training. Letters just weren't enough any more and she'd decided to try and catch him after practice, surely she could steal him away for the day, if he would allow that is, though she couldn't think of any reason why he wouldn't want to spend the day with her.

Of course she'd arrived after practice had finished and became worried she may have missed him but after talking to a few of his new team mates, all of whom seemed more than willing to help her out, Emily discovered he was still getting changed. With a smile on her face and a hope in her step she made her way towards the changing room, reveling in the warm weather. Emily loved feeling the sun on her skin, it turned the naturally happy go lucky girl into a much cheerier version of herself.

It was strange how giddy she felt over seeing Gage, the butterflies in her stomach were still going crazy. Even after so long together he still had this strange effect on her, she really did love him there was no doubt about it. Descending the steps to the changing room, Emily ran her hands through her hair, fixing her curls before brushing away the imaginary creases from her dress which barely grazed her mid thigh. It had been a miracle she'd been able to get out without her Dad seeing it, but it was a cute dress so Emily stood by her desire to wear it.

"Morning handsome... she said with a smile when she stopped at the changing room door and Gage looked over his shoulder towards her. Brushing her hair back over her shoulder, she chewed down on her lip, "I was thinking I could steal you away for breakfast...then lunch...maybe dinner as well..." she said smiling, stepping into the room, swinging her bag between her hands. She didn't go any further not sure the coach would appreciate her being in there.

[gage]

Gage couldn't help but beam when he saw his long-time girlfriend, Emily. It had been way too long since they had seen each other last, he was hoping that during the summer they would be able to spend a lot more time together. He had training in the mornings, but that was just from five to eight, and unless it was game day that left the rest of his time free. Except for Thursday evenings, as they did double-trainings on those days so they could do a half session on Friday morning. But as that day wasn't Thursday, he and Emily had all the time in the world, and that was a beautiful thing.

He got off the bench once he finished tying his trainers and slung his workout bag over his shoulder. The contents would most definitely need to go into the laundry once he got home, they were slightly grass stained and drenched in sweat. At least he had cleaned up now that Emily was here, he didn't think she would appreciate spending time with him when he was all smelly. "Morning gorgeous," said Gage, walking over to the doorway where his girlfriend stood, looking just as beautiful as always- though he didn't think he had ever seen her wear a dress that short.

Not that he minded, Emily had fantastic legs. Well, she had an overall great body, he loved every inch of her. He bowed deeply. "Well madam, do with me what you may," said Gage, straightening up and beaming before giving Emily a soft kiss on the lips. He was looking forward to having the whole day ahead of them. Though he was definitely going to have to go somewhere to eat first, he was getting ravenous- and would likely eat enough for two people as it was.

But he had the money for that sort of thing now. Gage still lived at home with his parents, and the sudden, substantial pay he got from Puddlemere darn near overwhelmed him- he didn't really know what to do with it. But today he knew exactly what they were going to do, he would pay for anything and everything they decided to do that day. He slipped his hand around hers smiling, it was nice to see her in front of him again- it really had been way too long.

[emilylouisebaker]

Emily's smile widened considerably when Gage smiled her way, setting the butterflies in her stomach into a tizzy again. Biting down on her lip she kept her eyes locked onto him as he stood and made his way over to her, his hair still wet from his shower making her smile widen as she lifted a hand to brush his wet locks away from his face. Though when he bowed she couldn't help but laugh and shake her head at him.

"I'd be careful, giving me that kind of permission to do what I want...could get us both into trouble." she joked, returning the soft and brief kiss. It ended far sooner than she would have liked but they had all day so she was sure as hell going to steal another kiss very soon. "First though lets go get something to eat, I imagine your starving...there's a cute little place about 10 minutes walk from here.." she said, giving a slight tug on his hand for him to follow her, returning the smile.

It was strange how easy they could fall back into their normal ways, even after spending some little time apart. Perhaps it was down to how long they'd been together, there were many people who were really surprised whenever they found out the young couple was still together, after all not many people had thought it'd last past a few months at the most. "So tell me...how hard they pushing you? Is it everything you hoped it would be?" she asked as they left the changing rooms.

Emily knew Gage had struggled with the decision on which team to join, she hoped he was happy with his eventual choice. Of course in his letters he had said so, she just liked to be able to hear he was happy, and not have to read it on a page. Brushing her hair back, she leaned her head against his shoulder before looking up at him, enjoying this small amount of closeness, it had felt like forever since they'd last hung out. "Do you have any more training to do this week?" she asked, still a little unsure on his training schedule.

[gage]

"Mmm, but you're someone I want to get in trouble with," said Gage, leaning in and giving Emily another quick kiss. He was unable to help himself, really, he did love his girlfriend quite a bit, it had felt like forever since he had been able to do that- and well, seeker for Puddlemere United or not, he was still a teenage boy with all the feelings and urges that came along with it. But Gage was able to play the part of a gentleman- to him it seemed that Emily brought that part out in him, and he liked it. They complimented each other well.

He smiled as she mentioned breakfast, that was going to have to be the first order of business- he'd been up since four and had yet to eat anything, and for good reason. He had been warned by most everyone on the team that eating before training was never a good idea, and he took their word for it. "You read my mind," said Gage, transferring Emily's hand to the crook of his arm and leading the way from the locker room. He could hold off for as long as it took to get there, sit down, and be served- though probably not much longer than that. It was a good thing the place was close.

The enchanted door opened for them as they reached it, opening up to the fairly agreeable day. It was warm, but overcast, and gloomy-looking clouds threatened rain, though he'd wager they still had a few hours left before the downpour came. "No harder than Nix did," said Gage, referring to the former captain of the Gryffindor team, "though I'm probably pushing myself more than they are. But I couldn't ask for anything better, I'm getting paid for playing Quidditch, life is good."

He'd barely started his new job, though he had the schedule pretty much down, it was easy enough to remember. "Every day, my pet," said Gage, "five am to eight, and we have another on Thursday evening five to eight in the evening so Friday we only go from five to six-thirty." He couldn't help but smile, it felt good to have Emily on his arm, as if she were supposed to be there. Really, he couldn't imagine being with anyone else. They had already lasted since his sixth year at school, and he didn't see them parting, nor did he want to.

[emilylouisebaker]

"Getting paid for doing something you love...I guess there really isn't any room to complain..." she said with a smile, happy to know he seemed to be enjoying himself so much and was settling in, she had no doubt it was a rigorous training schedule he was undergoing. There was no doubt it was paying off though when she felt his arms, now this she could appreciate, how in shape he was. He looked great.

"Shame that you've got to be out so early...no way I can steal you away for the night now." she said with a small pout, sighing dramatically before smiling brightly up at him, so he knew she was okay, she understood. In her mind she'd have to make the most of today then if she couldn't steal him away for the night, though maybe not all day if he had such an early start in the morning, last thing she wanted was to be the reason he was so tired even though she did miss him incredibly so.

"It's going to be so weird not having you in school next year..." she mused, looking up at him as they began walking. Maybe it would be a good thing though as she knew she'd need to concentrate on her studies with next year being N.E.W.T year, she still had no idea what she wanted to do afterwards though. At one time it had been so clear, she'd wanted to be an Auror but now there was interest in being a Healer, she just didn't know. For now though she wasn't going to worry on it too much till she needed to.

"Oh I didn't tell you did I...I got a part time job at Honeydukes...starts when we go back to..well when I go back to school..." she said happily, doing a little dance as she walked beside him, it'd be her first job and to make things better it was in a sweet shop. Everyone knew she had an insane sweet tooth, she'd probably eat more than she sold, "I'm going to need to save up some money this year for when I finish in school, can't stay at home forever..."

[gage]

"Not much room at all, my pet," said Gage, smiling as they walked down the street together and trying to ignore how hungry he was. He figured that as time went on he would get used to getting up at four thirty in the morning and not eating until after eight. Normally he was the kind to wake up and go straight for the food, it was an adjustment to his internal schedule- though a welcome one, ever since he had started playing Quidditch Gage had known that this was what he wanted, and there were very few things that he was that sure about. Thus far Puddlemere and Emily were the only things he had felt this way about.

He chuckled, he wouldn't mind staying out late, there were always energy potions that could tide him over through training and then he would have the rest of the day to sleep. Really, Gage wondered if he might be able to talk Emily into spending a night with him, they had been doing out a long while... But the last place he wanted to bring her was to his parents' house. But given his profession he would be able to get his own place more than easily. No doubt his parents would be thrilled, until they figured out what kind of money he was making.

Though he was an adult now, and Gage didn't feel obligated to give them anything- they hadn't ever shown much interest in him. "You can steal me away for as long as you want," said Gage. He looked around, it was still early, and this part of the city was darn near empty at this time of day. There wasn't a doubt in his mind they would be dining with the senior citizens at breakfast, though he didn't mind, they wouldn't pay him and Emily any attention. "It'll be weird not going back," Gage agreed, nodding.

Hogwarts had been such a big part of his life for such a long time, he almost didn't know what he was going to do with himself- thankfully he had his job to keep him occupied- if only for three hours a day unless it was a day that they had a game scheduled. Thankfully, the league never overbooked- they knew full well that there was no time limit on a match, he figured they wouldn't want to constantly reschedule. "That's great," said Gage, enthusiastic for Emily, "I suppose everyone's got to move out at some point." Though secretly, he saw himself living with Emily in the future...

[emilylouisebaker]

Emily smiled up at Gage unable to get over how happily different he seemed, how much more confident. It made her happy to see him in such a way, to see him enjoying his job so much. Leaning against his shoulder she brushed her hair back away from her face, "I guess I can be patient until a time I can steal you away for the entire night...have you all to myself." she said with a somewhat flirty smile as she looked up at Gage, her eyes lingering on his for a second before she turned to look around at the street they were on.

They were close to the diner, and tugging slightly on Gage's arm she made him aware of this as well with a nod to the building just across the road. "Going to be hard though I think...finding time to be together, I mean when I'm not studying I'm going to be working...and your always training..." she trailed off sighing quietly, not looking forward to the lack of time they'd have together when school started up.

Leading him across the road she smiled softly, from the quick glance she'd had at the window the place looked fairly empty aside from a handful of customers. At Gage's enthusiasm over her job she smiled again and shrugged her shoulders, her bag swinging lightly at her side. "It is great...doesn't pay much, and is only part time but I figure having a little bit of cash behind me when I finish school will be a good thing."

"Mum's said I can obviously stay on for as long as I want when I finish school but...I already know I'll want to leave, you know move on..." she said, coming to a stop outside the diner for a second before pushing open the blue door and stepping inside. "What about you? Any closer to leaving your parents house?" she asked, hoping he got out of there soon. She didn't like his parents purely for the way they treated Gage, and had no intention of getting to know them until that changed.

OOC: SO ANGRY THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I'VE WROTE THIS FIRST ONE GOT DELETED AND IT WAS BETTER THAN THIS SORRY HUN

[gage]

"Hmm, is it wrong that I like the sound of that?" said Gage, and then chuckled lightly. Really, he was surprised at himself for how long he had been able to wait with Emily, the relationships he had had before her were more of the physical kind- but this was different. He had worked so hard to maintain a good relationship, so committed that he hadn't done too much thinking on sex. Mostly this was because he felt that he truly loved Emily, he hadn't felt anything like this with the other girls that he had been with. Though lately he had been wanting to progress their relationship...

He mentally reminded himself that he would wait on Emily to clearly communicate that she was ready, and until he had moved out of his parents house. There had been a place he was looking at in London, it actually wasn't far from where he went to train every day. It was a nice part of town, a little pricey, but with the signing bonus he had gotten for joining Puddlemere it would more than cover the expenses. Maybe he would get a dog once he had gotten settled, his mother never would have allowed it- she didn't like animals, she thought they made too much a mess.

Just to spite her Gage would probably go for a slobbering Bulldog and let it chew on his shoes should his mother decide to pay him a visit (which he didn't think was likely). "We'll make it work," said Gage without any hesitation, he would come see her every opportunity he got. It was just for a year, they could do it. "Well I think it's an excellent start," said Gage, giving Emily a kiss on the forehead, "and it won't hurt to have the experience."

He nodded along as they entered the diner and he smiled a bit, it definitely looked like a place that Emily would pick out. Quiet, nothing that attracted too much attention but would likely serve excellent food. "The only obstacle left is deciding on a place to move in to," said Gage indifferently, as if it weren't that big a deal. Really, it wasn't. He had known since he was eight years old that he would be moving out of the house the moment he had the resources. He followed the hostess to the table she assigned them and pulled out Emily's chair for her, he liked being gentlemanly.

[emilylouisebaker]

Emily blushed lightly at Gage's words. Was it so wrong she liked the sound of it as well? There was no doubt about it, she did want to progress their relationship to the next, natural step but she also knew sex changed things. She hadn't shared anything like that with anyone and wanted her first time to be special, and she knew that person was Gage which left her surprised that they'd held back for so long. Part of her worried Gage would grow impatient but she knew this wouldn't happen, he'd stated on more than one occasion that he could wait till she was ready. Well she was ready now, but again circumstances seemed to be against them.

"Yeah your right," she said smiling softly when he pressed a kiss to her forehead, saying her idea to raise some extra cash was an excellent one and god only knew she needed the experience after all she'd never had a job before, having always been interested in her studies. Her dedication had obviously paid off, she just hoped it had paid off enough to earn her the Head Girl badge, she'd dreamed of getting the title since first year, she just hoped her record up to now was good enough.

The diner was perfect for now, it was quiet and the smell of food was incredible. "You not seen anywhere you like yet?" she asked, turning to look over her shoulder at Gage as they were led to their table. When he pulled out her chair she smiled up at him and pressed a kiss to his cheek before sitting down. "Every bit the gentleman," she said, brushing her hair back away from her face and laying her bag on the table beside her.

She waited for Gage to sit down before she looked up at the hostess, ordering a cup of tea for herself and a bowl of cut fruit. After several moments she looked over at Gage, once he'd ordered and the hostess had left. Reaching across she took his hand in hers, "Maybe we could do something before I go back to school...set aside a night, make it special..." she suggested, her cheeks a little red as she spoke.

[gage]

Gage smiled slightly, noticing the blush, he had always loved how easily Emily went pink, even if he only said something that was just slightly innuendo. He could wait, but for how much longer he was entirely uncertain. He blinked forcefully to clear his head, it wasn't like they could tear off their clothes in the middle of the restaurant, there was a time and a place for these sorts of things, and right now wasn't the time, and definitely was not the place either. Gage would wait, just as he had been since their relationship had started. "I'm always right," said Gage, winking.

He might have mentioned that there was no reason for Emily to work, that he would buy her pretty much anything that she wanted, though he figured that wouldn't go over too well with her. She was an independent spirit, and he was pretty certain that he would have to insist on paying for anything they did that day. Really, he couldn't think of anything else to do with the money. Gage had never learned to drive, nor did he particularly desire to have a car, he had yet to move into a flat, so that meant he didn't have any bills, what was he supposed to spend his money on?

"It's just hard to decide, you know?" said Gage, though he didn't think that Emily spent any free time browsing for flats to live in. He had toured a couple of places, nothing too outlandish, though the one he was thinking more seriously on definitely came with a more luxurious feel. It had four bedrooms (what he would do with them he had no idea), a generous floor plan, three bathrooms and a full kitchen. But it was in such a convenient location, he figured he might be able to find something to do with three spare bedrooms.

He plopped down in the chair opposite Emily, glad to finally be where they could eat. He shook his head lightly at her dainty, lady-like order, he found it hard to believe people got full on that stuff. He ordered himself a full breakfast, pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, porridge and fruit, as well as a cup of coffee. The waitress chuckled, likely at his massive order before heading back to the kitchen to place it. Gage's pulse increased slightly at Emily's words, did they mean what he thought they did? It wasn't like her to be cryptic... "If you're ready," said Gage, pushing aside his own feelings of excitement. He didn't like it when guys forced their girlfriends into things they weren't ready for.

[emilylouisebaker]

"Well if you need any help before I go back to school, I'd be more than happy to help you..." she said, hoping he knew she was more than willing to help out if he needed it, any excuse really to spend a little more time with him. It wasn't like her parents were around to spend too much time with her as of late, they were celebrating their anniversary and planning their next trip to Rome around Christmas, which meant Emily was more than likely stuck at Hogwart's for Christmas.

She hadn't missed the way he shook his head at her order and found herself smiling, she had never been much of a big eater, especially not of a morning. Emily was more of a snack eater, sure she'd have a nice big dinner but the hours proceeding that she ate very little. "Hungry sweetie?" she asked teasingly, sticking her tongue out at him as the waitress wrote down his order and walked away to gather it all. Emily watched her go before turning back to look at Gage as he spoke.

His expression changed, and something seemed to click inside his head when she spoke and again much to her annoyance her cheeks flushed a light pink when he spoke, obviously having gotten what she was saying. Biting her lip she nodded her head and smiled softly, tucking her hair behind her ear, "I am...ready I mean...I'd like us to...you know move things forward." she said, her cheeks darkening even more.

Truth was she'd been ready for a while, she wanted to take this step with Gage, she figured though she'd been reluctant for things to change between them. They were so happy and they worked so well together, sex changed things in more than one way, though she had no doubt it could possibly even strengthen their relationship, give it a deeper meaning. There'd be nothing hidden between them once they took that step. Emily loved Gage deeply so had no doubt it'd be special taking that leap with him, looking down at their hands she smiled softly. "Are you? Ready I mean?" she asked when the silence between them fell.

[gage]

"Excellent," said Gage, beaming. He figured that it could be fun to tour varying flats around London together, especially since she had said that her job at Honeyduke's didn't start until she went back to school in September- it would leave the whole of their summer free together, except of course when he had to train or a match to win for Puddlemere. Really, he was getting quite excited about the intensive schedule- and more than looking forward to flattening Ecuador in the upcoming match, as everyone on the team had assured him that they would do. Apparently they had been given a nice, easy team to start off the season with.

Not that Gage had a problem with that, an easy win would probably be just what he needed to boost his confidence once they moved on to fry bigger fish. He had known that last season Puddlemere made it to the European Quarterfinal, and was looking to bring the team even further this season. Perhaps even far enough for them to make it into the national tournament. He shoved those thoughts from his head, that was much more ambitious than a first-season seeker needed to be. He already had a slightly overlarge ego, he didn't need it any bigger.

"Starving," said Gage, beaming. He hadn't eaten anything yet that day, and he had just gone through quite the vigourous workout, he needed the nourishment. Though he transitioned quite well into the more serious discussion regarding their relationship. He was glad to have a more direct, impossible to get wrong answer from her. Yes, she was ready, and yes, she wanted to move things forward. Gage didn't like having to figure things out- at least not the things that people said. He was the standard male in that sense, he preferred straightforward communication, nothing coded.

Really, he was excited that she was ready for going to the next step, as it had been something that Gage had wanted pretty much since their third date. He normally moved so fast, though for whatever reason he had been content to go slower with Emily, in a way he recognized that she had needed it- she wasn't the type of girl that he had used to go out with. Gage nodded, he had been ready for a long time. "I've been waiting for you," said Gage, taking Emily's hand atop the table and rubbing it lightly with his thumb.

[emilylouisebaker]

To think at one point she'd been worried she wouldn't be enough for a guy like Gage, of course if she was honest with him and herself she still had those worries after all he'd be going on tour with the team, he'd be away from Emily whilst she was stuck in school. Despite knowing he loved her it was still hard to shake off the fear that he'd find someone else, someone better suited to him when he was off living his dream. She knew deep down he wouldn't do that to her but still the fear was there, she doubted it would ever go away, she wasn't as secure a person as she had him believe.

When he took her hand on the table, his thumb rubbing it lightly she smiled softly. He told her he'd been waiting for her to be ready which she found incredibly sweet and touching, it made her love him all the more. There'd never been any pressure from him to push things further than she was comfortable with and for that she was incredibly thankful, it's what had her know he was the one for her. It's how she'd known for a long time that he'd be her first.

Before she could formulate any kind of response the moment between them was broken by the return of the hostess with their food. They'd been served awful quickly, not that Emily was complaining she was merely surprised. Smiling in thanks she watched the woman walk away before looking back to Gage and smiling, "Tuck in then..." she said, nodding towards his large breakfast. Looking down at her own she chuckled slightly and shook her head, this small bowl was way more than enough for her.

Grabbing the sugar she sprinkled a little on top of the fruit before using her fork to pick up a piece, her eyes drifting to the window. Catching sight of the clouds she knew rain was on it's way, it'd probably hit in the afternoon as always, meaning there was no way they could stay outdoors. "We could catch a film or something later if you wanted...unless you have something different in mind?" she asked, not really sure what else they could do on a weekday afternoon if it was raining all she knew is she didn't want to go home and cut their time together short.

[gage]

Gage found himself still surprised after all this time that Emily had stayed with him, at first glance people might think that they would have nothing in common- though because of that they seemed to compliment each other very well indeed. Though all the same, there was still that whisper of a doubt that Emily might find someone who she might have more in common with, though he wasn't overly worried about it. She had stayed with him this long, it would take someone more than extraordinary to take her away from him. They fit together so well, the idea of them not being together seemed almost absurd to him.

Gage loved the smile that came to her lips when he took her hand, the look in her eyes in response to what he had said. Sure, it had been hard to wait this long, but that look had seemingly made it all worth it. They had gone a very slow route indeed, though Gage figured their relationship would be all the stronger for it, they both knew that there was some level of commitment there. And that was a comforting thing, at least to Gage it was. To know that there would always be someone there, lord knew his parents had never been.

It was bittersweet when their moment was broken up by the arrival of their food, he had been vaguely surprised by how fast it had been. Though he figured since there were so few people there that it wouldn't take too long. He quietly thanked the waitress, only then remembering that he had been famished before, and his hunger returned in full force. "No need to tell me twice," said Gage, giving Emily's hand one last squeeze before drawing his away so he would have both hands to dedicate to eating.

He immediately attacked the porridge, as it would go cold the fastest, attacking it as if he had never seen food before, though hopefully managing to not look too hog-like. He swallowed, knowing that he was at least capable of not talking with his mouth full. "Whatever you want, my pet," said Gage, he did know that Emily shared his love of going to see films- it was most definitely a muggleborn trait, one that most of the wizards he came across didn't understand. Gage liked muggle things, he had fond memories of the cinema, though really it was more of a parent to him than his own parents- they would send him from the age of seven with enough money for films and food during the workday.