I can dream about you
If I can't hold you tonight
I can dream about you
You know how to hold me just right

August 15th, 1890 — Athens, Greece

Two and a half days were all they had remaining to them after falling into bed together. Two and a half days to commit him to memory before parting for what would likely be months (if not a year) of separation. Such was the painful reality of their situation since neither of them were willing to dramatically alter their lives. They would continue to write, of course, but eventually — sooner than later most like — Zach would find someone local to Hogsmeade and forget all about their week in Greece. It was unfortunate and terribly sad, especially when she considered him the first she felt these feelings for, but what was there to do? Settling in Hogsmeade was not an option for her and she wasn't about to ask Zach to uproot the shop.

Jo held his hand tight in hers as they walked down the magical dock in Athens. Thankfully, she'd thought to book her return trip to Cairo upon arrival in Athens, for had she not likely would've insisted on them both being late for their returns. If only he had a more flexible job. If only she wasn't filled to the brim with wanderlust. If only, if only, if only. "We'll write." She repeated for what might have been the tenth time that afternoon. Jo never had issues leaving before now — she was never the sort to look back. Now, the selfish part of her wished to knock him unconscious and drag him aboard the ship. Even more than that, the selfish part of her wanted him to give up Hogsmeade for her.

It still wasn't possible, but a girl could dream.

  

Even if they’d had a month more, Zachariah would have thought it too short. Normally, he would have been itching to return to his shop, but, this time, he knew he was going to miss their excursion more. He was going to miss Jo.

A week ago, he could have convinced himself that he would be content alone, just as he always had been, his only true companions books. He had never expected to have delved so deep. He never expected his budding affections to be reciprocated, and then some.

While he had found love in Rosie, Jo felt different. Her adventurous nature brought out a side of him that he scarcely knew existed. The ease in which they could converse about topics they mutually enjoyed was something he had yet to find even in friendship. Her passion for life and love was infectious. He couldn’t bear to let her go, yet they’d run out of time.

"We will, and, if you want for anything, I will make sure it reaches you."

How he wished they could linger and not return to their lives. But what sort of existence would it be if they both gave up their passions? Perhaps, he could delegate more to his workers to allow him the opportunity to travel more. It would afford them more time, but it would also mean pulling Jo away from her own work. That wouldn’t do.

Now, all they were left with were letters to cling to. Would that be enough?

  

---

Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

Had she known a week ago saying goodbye would be this difficult, would she still have come? Or would she have spared them both the heartache of separation and longing? Jo hoped she had the strength to take no other lovers so long as this … relationship (was that what they had?) continued, and she trusted him to do the same. But, such celibacy was new and uncomfortable for her. She'd been sexually active since her sixth year at school, and that drive had only grown in the years since. What if she didn't, though? What if she was weak (which she was) and succumbed to some willing soul that was present with her? What if she ruined them without a second thought?

Jo sighed heavily and tucked a stray hair too short for her braid behind her ear. How had a simple flirtation gotten this far? She wasn't some foolish school girl obsessed with romance novels. She had no crazy notions of Zach chasing after her after her boat set sail. As cruel and harsh as it was, this was reality. The odds said there were no happy endings to be had.

Still, she had to have some hope, didn't she? So long as she clung to her memories they would find a way through. Eventually, perhaps, she would consider settling down, and maybe he would be willing to move Whizzard's out of Hogsmeade. Perhaps, somewhere in the mist that was the future, they might be happy.

"And if I want for you?" She asked softly so that only he could hear. "Will it still reach me?"

  

Jo wouldn’t have to worry much about his dedication to only her. The fact that he had pursued her this far spoke volumes for a man who generally only had cats for company. No, he would be loyal and incapable of explaining why he didn’t wish to be nudged in the direction of other women.

Zach just hoped they could make things work, even if it seemed the world and their own pursuits wished them to be separate. He could compromise if it only meant Jo would remain in his life. Would she also agree? It seemed there were difficult conversations to be had in the future, ones that he didn’t wish to think about, not yet. What-ifs would only spoil what they had.

"I…" Zach’s words caught in his throat. He wanted to reassure her, to tell her that he would be there in a heartbeat. If they didn’t have society to contend with, he knew in his heart that would be true. "I shall endeavor to reach you as soon as I am able." Which he knew could be any amount of time, but it was the best he could do in the situation. People would ask questions if he just disappeared, not to mention the delay writing letters caused.

  

---

Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

"Of course," she acknowledged unhappily before quickly repeating the statement with more bravado, "of course." Zach wasn't free to come to her anymore so than she was to him. Between his duties to his family and his shop it was a wonder he'd managed this week away at all. Really, what was she thinking asking for him to visit her at the stroke of a quill? Hadn't they made their positions obvious enough already?

The pair came to a halt besides the docked flying ship as she muttered, "this is me." All there was left to do was say goodbye and move forward. Jo turned to face him with a heart full of feeling she'd never be able to express. Was he aware of how this week had changed her? Did he feel the same way towards her once he was settled back into his daily life? "Thank you for allowing me to accompany you on your errands." Jo managed as lightly as she could. "It was a week I'll never forget."

  

---

beautiful set by mj

Zach’s jaw tensed, Jo’s initial tone making his heart feel as if it wanted to stop. Some part of him felt like he’d failed her by not just simply glossing over the obvious. However, they both had equally important ventures that enriched their lives. On a more practical level, if things were to progress, Zach wanted to be sure he could provide Jo with the life she deserved. The ability to travel when she pleased. Unfortunately, that required funds, and his bookshop was what generated them.

When they reached her boat, Zach barely gave it a glance. Why waste precious moments when he could focus on her eyes? It could be months before their paths crossed again.

"Nor will I," he agreed, a strange deepness to his voice as he tried to mask the sadness he felt. He tried to smile, but the edges of his eyes didn’t crinkle, and his gaze seemed far away as it searched Jo’s face. What wouldn’t he give to kiss her, just one more time. Instead, he discretely allowed his fingertips to brush hers, his smile growing more wistful.

"Safe travels to you, my dear Jo."

  

---

Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

A slight brush of the hand wasn't enough to sustain her through this goodbye. Jo reached for his hand and clutched it in her grasp. If a random stranger thought them improper she wouldn't care. Why should she? They were hundreds of miles away from home and those they had to fear. She could allow herself the comfort of holding his hand one last time, she had to if it meant making this last.

Jo was greedy, though, and ought to have known she wouldn't stop at only holding his hand. Quickly, likely before Zach could register what was happening, she stepped forward and kissed him one last time. "Safe travels to you too, Zachariah." Jo replied as she stepped back. She hoped he knew the words being left unsaid between them. How she would miss him and pine for him. How afraid she was that the bubble would pop and they'd be broken. How deeply she now knew she cared for him.

With one last longing look, Jo released her grip on his hand and said, "goodbye, Zach." Then, with greater reluctance than she ever felt, Jo turned from him and began to make her way towards the ship.

  

---

beautiful set by mj

The kiss wasn’t unwelcome, and part of him was disappointed that she’d pulled away so quickly. As her hand left his, he squeezed it, holding on even as she moved toward her ship. It was when his fingertips barely hooked onto hers that he reluctantly let go.

Zach wanted to yell after Jo to wait, beg her not to leave. He wanted to properly describe how much he was going to miss her and how anxiously he was going to await her letters. He already knew the days that would stretch between each correspondence would be nearly unbearable.

But he had to let her go.

"Soon," he promised, the word hanging in the air, drenched in all the things he didn’t have the courage to speak out loud. Phrases that would make it impossible for him to allow her to go.

There Zach stood, helplessly watching Jo climb aboard, and there he remained until her ship was but a speck on the horizon.

Soon. Merlin, it better be soon.

  

---

Pretties thanks to Olive! <3