Juliana frowned slightly, but shrugged. "If you insist. I'm sure you did a lovely job of the shop," she added, to ensure he didn't think her reticence to the idea was due to a lack of faith in his ability to decorate or his taste in ornaments. "But it was going to be a surprise. You're hardly ever out the door this early," she pointed out as she glanced at the nearest clock. Zach could be something of a workaholic when it came to the shop. She understood entirely, since she was much the same when it came to her research — there were whole afternoons where she was so engrossed in what she was doing she hardly remembered to eat. No one could accuse her of staying a minute past time at her day job, but that was only because she'd purposefully chosen something she had no interest in whatsoever. Anything else might have distracted her from her real work.

Distractions, she realized as her eyes crossed Miss Smith again. No wonder he was home earlier than she'd expected, now that there was something at home to compete with the joy his shop brought him.

"Well, I suppose I might've guessed you'd be in a hurry to get home," she admitted as she turned her attention back to her bag of decorations. "But when I planned all this I had no idea I'd find Miss Smith in your flat."

  

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Prof. Marlowe Forfang

Jules

Mercifully, Zach picked up upon her silent pleas and elected to stay with the two women. While Jo enjoyed her few conversations with Miss Binns and found her perspectives fascinating, she simply didn't trust conversation topics to remain far from her and Zach's relationship. Which, given Miss Binns' reluctance for Zach to stay and the immediate mention of why he would abandon work early, felt far too imminent a threat.

She and Zach hadn't discussed the logistics of maintaining their relationship long term. Nor had they spoken of courting, marriage and the likes, but as she felt Miss Binns eyes reassess her once again Jo knew they would have to sooner than later. She hoped it could wait until after Christmas at the very least, though. Losing the quiet peace they had established so soon would devastate her.

"Please, call me Jo," she said, rather than respond to those comments. Zach could however he saw fit, for Jo mostly felt like a deer in wand light at present.

  

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beautiful set by mj

Zach opened his mouth to try and supply some sort of proof that he didn't always work late, but he found himself unable to decide on some sort of excuse before his sister apparently came to her own conclusions. Try as he might to stamp down any sort of embarrassment, the edges of his cheeks grew faintly pink, but it could easily be mistaken for the color one's cheeks turned after they transitioned from the freezing cold to a fire-warmed room.

He knew, of course, that it was difficult to pull the wool over Juliana's eyes. She was far too intelligent for her own good, sometimes. He sometimes joked that she received Hugo's share of brains. Even so, he sputtered out a weak excuse, "We don't rehearse on Mondays."

His gaze drifted over toward Jo and then back to Jules. He couldn't pretend as if he hadn't hurried home because of Jo for fear of insulting her, but he couldn't exactly admit that he had hurried. It was quite the conundrum.

"I didn't intend to spoil the surprise. I do appreciate your efforts. I--" He paused, trying to decide what to say to appease both women. His silence stretched a little longer than he liked. "Miss Sm--," he started to say and then frowned, not really liking calling her that. He corrected himself, since it seemed the jig was up. "Jo's household is a bit...busy. It's much quieter here." He commented, not realizing Jo had supplied a similar excuse.

"Please don't mention this to mother."

Merlin, this was awkward.

The following 2 users Like Zachariah Binns's post:2 users Like Zachariah Binns's post
   Juliana Ainsworth, Jupiter Smith

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

"Jo!" Juliana echoed, delighted by the name. She liked Jupiter, too, in the abstract, but she did have to admit that it didn't suit the woman before her nearly so well as Jo did. It was short and pugnacious; unconventional but not entirely unfeminine. "Well, then, you ought to call me Jules. Or Juliana — whichever you prefer," she continued warmly.

She waited for her brother to stumble through what he was trying to say, a bit bemused by his difficulty. He was not one to be found frequently at a loss for words, in her experience. Her presence in his parlor must have shaken him deeply, but she couldn't think for the life of her why that should be the case. Presumably he invited Miss Smith over because he liked her company, and presumably she accepted because she enjoyed his as well. Yet both of them were acting as though they'd been caught in the midst of a murder. They were embarrassed, she could tell, but certainly they wouldn't have been embarrassed about each other? If that was the case, why carry on like this in the first place? No, it could only have been that they'd been found out earlier than they intended — but that was a rather trivial matter, in the grand scheme of things. At least as far as Juliana was concerned.

"What have I ever done to make you think me a gossip, Zachariah? Of course I won't tell mother," she said with a quick shake of her head. "I don't see what that could possibly accomplish, except to ruin the moment for you to tell her."

  

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Prof. Marlowe Forfang

Jules

"Jules it is," Jo commented warmly. Jules and she could likely become good friends given the opportunity. Then, Zach blundered through his embarrassment and Jules mentioned informing their mother.

Her immediate reaction, one she would likely regret later, was a quick flash of horror. Jo could only imagine what Tiffany Smith would do if she found out her daughter had decided on someone to love. Snippets of a terrifying future flitted past Jo's mind. Shopping for a wedding gown, being forced to learn the various courtly dances, having to act as though she were entirely unfamiliar with Zach. Quickly, she glanced towards the fireplace wondering if she could flee before either of them could stop her.

Jo loved Zach, but in no world was she ready to marry him.

She tried to school her expression into something other than terror, but it likely came across only as a grimace. "I don't intend to remain here long," Jo lied. Although, perhaps there was more truth in the statement now than there was twenty seconds ago. "A friend of mine, a cursebreaker, knows of an archaeologist in need of more hands. I'd hate to get our mothers in a tizzy just before I'm set to leave again..." Perhaps Holden or Somersby would have leads on openings for a researcher. South America had to be far enough away to avoid the likes of Zach's mother, right?

  

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beautiful set by mj

"I don't think you a gossip," he stated, quickly, not wishing to offend his sister. It was a knee jerk reaction, really, to check to be sure she wouldn't tell their mother. It was likely left over from growing up with Hugo who liked to catch him out on any sort of wrongdoing, even though he was the biggest culprit. "I merely think our mother has a tendency to...erm...overexcite herself." Meddle.

His gaze quickly flicked to Jo when it was made mention that he should be the one to tell their mother. He noticed her horrified expression and tried to soothe it with a comforting one of his own. Looking back to Jules, he simply gave her a somewhat strained smile, not particularly willing to address the where and whens of that particular conversation. Their mother would likely prefer he went about things properly, and him and Jo had somewhat skipped ahead past what was acceptable.

"You're leaving soon?" He blurted out, for it was also news to him that she intended to leave in the near future. Of course, he would never stop her since traveling and archaeology was her passion, but Zach was clearly worried. Her injury was still showing its effects, and she'd yet to master wandless magic. Would she be safe?

"Is...is that wise?" He couldn't help the concerned question that dropped out of his mouth. Was she healed enough?

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

Well, fuck.

She couldn't very well reveal that she had, in fact, lied without explaining why to his sister. And, by the time she did have the chance to clear up the lie with Zach the damage would already be done. He would already be cross with her for abandoning him without discussion. Perhaps it was better to leave the lie as it was? Jo could very well learn wandless magic in North America with the natives. If anything, remaining in England was hindering her ability to adapt as quickly as she might have elsewhere.

Jo'a eyes darted between him and Jules, wondering which was the greater threat at present. Would Jules insist upon telling their parents if she knew Jo to be lying? Would Zach forgive the lie once he understood her reasoning? Jo bit the inside of her lip, wishing more than anything else that she might've thought to stay at home this morning.

"Yes, I am." Jo confirmed, doubling down on her lie. Merlin, she hoped he wouldn't react too poorly later. "And I'm sure it will be fine. I've been healing okay thus far." Then, to Jules, Jo continued, "there was an accident in Egypt. It's why your brother granted me solace here, I injured my head and hand."

  

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beautiful set by mj

Juliana was offended on her mother's behalf at the descriptions this couple used for her. Zach's overexcited was a bit kinder than Jo's in a tizzy, but she thought both unfair characterizations. Jules knew her mother could be a bit pushy at times — she had been the one whose social calendar was entirely managed by the woman for nearly a decade as they'd searched for a husband for her, after all, and Zach had never been subjected to that level of scrutiny. But their mother was only involved because she cared, and she would be positively overjoyed to hear that Zach had met someone and was happy. Presuming, of course, that he was happy.

She didn't get a chance to comment on anything before it became clear that Miss Smith's imminent departure was news to her brother, and unwelcome news at that. Jules held her tongue and pretended to be interested with the wreath she had just removed from the Christmas bag. She didn't look up until she was addressed again.

"Goodness, how ghastly," she responded, ostensibly to the news that Miss Smith had found herself injured — though she was much more concerned at the moment with her brother's feelings than Jo's health. The concern in his question had been obvious, and she didn't like anything that would give him cause to worry. More than that, though, the fact that Miss Smith was about the leave the country and hadn't told him yet cast whatever it was Jules had interrupted in a much different light. Juliana wouldn't have thought it odd at all that Jo was traveling, or even problematic — the two could write to each other, or visit by portkey (an imminent departure was arguably more reason to tell their mother, so that Zach could better explain away any time he spent away on visits). If she was about to sneak out like a thief in the night, however, that was quite different — and if she had so little regard for Zach's feelings, she really had no right at all to be lounging around his parlor like this.

They probably would have preferred to have discussed this alone, but Jules knew if she left she would never get anything close to the truth from Zach. Determined to dig her heels in, Juliana set the wreath down and picked up her bag of holiday decorations.
"I'll start on the kitchen," she announced, walking out of the room but staying well within earshot of anything that happened behind her.

The following 2 users Like Juliana Ainsworth's post:2 users Like Juliana Ainsworth's post
   Jupiter Smith, Zachariah Binns

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Prof. Marlowe Forfang

Jules

Zach wasn't quick enough or skilled enough at masking his disappointment that Jo might be departing soon. Of course, he knew she couldn't stay away from her work. It was her passion after all. Maybe it had been a selfish hope that she might linger for a bit longer. Merlin, they were both workaholics.

He didn't wish to cause her to feel more embarrassed in front of his sister, so he didn't barrage her with the questions he had. How was she to travel when simply reading made her sick? It wasn't as if wizard travel didn't make one queasy. The floo network could only take one so far. "As long as you're healing okay." It was a resigned comment.

He moved closer to Jules, hoping to use her enthusiasm for decorating as a distraction, but it seemed she had other plans. Before he could ask he what she wished help with first, it seemed she had whisked herself off to the kitchen. He gave the back of head a strained look, but what he called out was cheerful enough. "Help yourself to anything you find on the table!" There were likely still scones hanging about, not to mention the dinner he had hauled in.

When his sister was supposedly out of earshot, he directed his attention back to Jo, his tone more normal, though the concern was still there. "Are you at least going to remain into the new year?"

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

Without Juliana present (though Jo knew any good sibling wouldn't be far from ear shot) Jo had little reason to maintain the ruse she had just crafted. Little reason except for the growing nugget of doubt in her stomach. She and Zach had found a happy status quo these last fee weeks, but Jo knew it couldn't last forever. Sooner or later he would press a more traditional route for their relationship, and then the impasse they always stood upon would be even more glaringly obvious. Fuck.

Jo folded her arms over her chest defensively, her eyes fell to the floor between them. She ought to come clean, ought to soothe any concerns he might've had. But wouldn't it be better this way? If his sister despised her and they parted ways before he became too attached? "Yes, I'll be here through the new year." She answered in what she hoped was a soft enough voice to prevent any eavesdroppers. "You should go enjoy the evening with your sister, I'm sorry to have intruded on her visit."

  

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beautiful set by mj

In truth, Zach knew Jo's presence in his life would likely feel like a blip. He wouldn't be untruthful if he admitted that he had hoped she would linger in Great Britain longer. It was so much easier to visit when someone was just a floo away. Any further and one needed to arrange for days off of work and risk raising more suspicion. If only they could have frozen time in Greece.

He nodded his head and twitched his lips into a brief smile, grateful she would at least stick around into the new year. He wasn't sure how he would cope if she up and left in the middle of the night without warning.

Jo's soft voice wasn't lost on him. He wouldn't put it past his sister to eavesdrop. After all, who could blame her? His reply came in the form of a head shake, and he took a step closer. They'd already been found out, what further harm could there be if Jules witnessed them standing closer than mere friends should. "You are never intruding," he replied, attempting to lower his own voice, but Zach wasn't as talented at being secretive. "Please stay." Though, he wouldn't force her to remain if she wished to make an exit. "I'm sure Jules would also enjoy your continued company."

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

"Okay," she nodded, though she wasn't entirely convinced it was the best idsa. Julianna seemed intent on needling information out of them and ever since meeting his sister Jo found herself otherwise powerless from providing such details. Soon enough, his sister would know all there was to know about her and Zach's meeting in Virginia all those years ago, and all that had happened throughout the last few months.

She reached for his hand with her good one and held it tightly. "Shall we, then?"

  

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beautiful set by mj

Zach seemed pleased Jo wished to remain, but worried he had somehow forced her. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and murmured, "As long as you are sure." He wouldn't stop her if her discomfort got the best of her, and she felt she needed to floo home.

He felt fairly confident Jules would remain cordial. Maybe they could salvage a pleasant evening out of the awkwardness.

He hoped.

As long as Jo was definitely ready, he lead her out into the hall, and called out for his sister, trying to act as if everything was normal. "Have you suitably decked my halls, Jules?" Which sounds so freaking dirty, but I'm keeping it because Zach is oblivious to that sort of thing anyways. hahaha

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

They must have suspected her, because they were talking so quietly that Juliana had to press her ear right up to the door itself in order to make out what they were saying — which made it quite inconvenient when they decided very suddenly to follow her into the kitchen. At Jo's shall we, Juliana had dashed down the hall to the kitchen, where she turned her entire bag upside down on the table and set about furiously waving her wand to get things strewn about. When Zach came into the kitchen with Miss Smith on his arm, the result was that things were stuck haphazardly in a few entirely random places on the walls, with no overarching vision whatsoever. Meanwhile, Juliana had thrown herself into a kitchen chair and picked up one of the scones from the table, half of which was in her hand and the other half of which she'd shoved down her sleeve.

"I, ah, was considering which direction to go," she explained quickly. "And — getting distracted by your scones," she said, taking a quick bite. "Mmm, delicious!"

The following 1 user Likes Juliana Ainsworth's post:1 user Likes Juliana Ainsworth's post
   Billie Farrow

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Prof. Marlowe Forfang

Jules

Zach knew his sister well enough to see through her little rouse, but, for Jo's sake, he decided to play along. Although, Jo did get a sidelong glance that spoke volumes about how suspicious he thought Jules was being. He wasn't the best at schooling his expressions.

"I can...see that you were--experimenting." The random assortment of decorations strewn about certainly didn't seem to have any rhyme or reason. "I'm sure it'll all look very well put together in the end. Don't you think so, Jo?"

His gaze darted to the scone half up Jules's sleeve, and he shot her a wry look. They definitely weren't tasty enough to become that distracted by.

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

Experimenting was a kind way to describe the careless way that the decorations were thrown about. Clearly, Juliana was listening to everything they spoke of, which now meant she likely had to at least try and follow through on her lies. Maybe Alfred would even have a lead for her to track down.

"I think that your blue and white decorations would look nice in here," she commented, unwilling to be the one to address the tension. "Maybe less of the red and gold." She gestured towards the oddly placed strand of garland half attached to the nearest wall.

  

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beautiful set by mj