#karison

Karim: This is going to be hell, I can feel it.

Allison: As in long, boring, and tedious? *glances over at him*

Karim: Yes. The only upside to this is that our mothers weren’t invited, though I can feel my mother butting in soon. *narrows his eyes and looks around*

Allison: Guess what? It’s our house, not hers. We already went through her real wedding for everyone. No one’s going to interrupt us on this. If they try, just let all of their words float over your head, nod, and walk away. *grins* … Or try. I may want to shut them up if it all continues. Yes, this will probably be very long and tedious, though. *nods* Mmmmhm.

Karim: Or we can change our names and move to another country. Assume new identities…*raises an eyebrow and laughs* Anyway, are you ready to start? I have a few of the newspaper listings with me, and there’s also a new neighborhood that popped up in Sutton…

Allison: … Oh, Merlin. If that had to happen, then … *shakes her head and laughs softly* We’ll just obliviate them. How’s that? All of that - what you just said - is even more tiresome than finding this house, Darling *grins and shakes her head a little* Yeah, I’m ready. *stands up*

Karim: Oh, I guess it did. *grins* Alright then, off to the car we go, and we can begin our exploration…*begins walking to the door* Have you ever thought of living in a wizarding community? *opens the door for her*

Allison: *nods as she walks with him and out of the flat* Yeah, I have quite a few times, actually. It’d be easy for me what with the different plants that we have compared to the muggles, and you know how I love free reign of my magic. *grins; shrugs* Have you?

Karim: I have… It would make things easier, I have no preference really, the only thing it would do for me would allow me to charm wizard’s portraits to move. *thinks for a second as they near the car* We could look into it, couldn’t hurt.

Allison: No, I guess it doesn’t really matter. We’d just have to be careful if we use magic in the muggle communities as we have been for years already. *shrugs and goes off to her side* How many do we have that you wanted to look at today?

Karim: *opens the door and gets in the car, waiting for her to get in* There’s four here, and however many in that new neighborhood. We may not even get around to all of them, we could just find the one we want in the first try…or maybe that’s just my wishful thinking. *laughs*

Allison: *laughs softly to herself as she buckles up* Wouldn’t that be fantastic. Most perfect house on the first try. The correct number of rooms with great space, not too big or too small of a place … *sighs dramatically and holds the silence for a moment as she stares out of the windshield* … Yeah, that very much is wishful thinking. *laughs* I mean … I guess we could always “add on” if we can need to. *creates a motion like she’s waving her wand*

Karim: *grins and buckles in, then starts the car; pulls out of the driveway* I doubt we’d even be able to, it’d look pretty suspicious, if we used magic. *hands her the newspaper clipping as they come to a stop sign* Okay, which one would you like to see first? We might want to start locally since Sutton is a thirty minute drive.

Allison: *takes the newspaper and gazes down at the listings* Hmm … go to this one. *points to an address four lines down; lets him read the address when he’s at the stop sign* Three bed, two bath, and in our price range.

Karim: In our price range? Sounds like a winner already. *chuckles and pulls off from the stop sign, then makes a right turn*

Allison: *rolls her eyes and smiles, shaking her head lightly* You know I’m going to be picky, right?

Karim: Of course you are…*pauses, then shakes his head* I don’t blame you, though, I mean it is our first house.

Allison: *grins* It is our first house. *glances at him*

Karim: Are you going to get all cheesy and emotional on me? *laughs*

Allison: *sniffles* Oh, Karim! Our first house! Where’s the camera?! *looks around hastily; laughs* Sounds like my mom. No, but I’m serious … and excited, yes. We won’t have to deal with anyone at all. Our parents won’t be there, nor will annoying others sharing the apartment building. As for being picky, I think we should be. I mean, not only is it our first house, but I sort of want it to be our house for a looong while. *looks at him like “duh, Karim :P”*

Karim: *laughs* Oh, Merlin, I hate our fucking neighbors. That is a plus, and of course we’re going to stay in that house for a very long time. *grins* Oh…I wonder if we can just, not tell our parents where the house is. *raises an eyebrow and pulls onto the street the first house is on*

Allison: Yeah, like your mother would like that. *scoffs and looks down at the paper again* I could see someone from those four going as far as secretly following us home, or even interrogating our siblings … *changes subjects* It should be … a few more down. *glances at the surrounding houses and purses her lips*

Karim: Vari, and Danhya won’t talk I’m pretty sure of it, but Kamil…Kamil is unpredictable. *laughs* Alright. *continues driving, glancing at the addresses* Hmm….I think this is it. *looks at the address* Mhmm. *pulls into the driveway of the house and parks the car; unbuckles his seat belt and steps out, looking around*

Allison: *shakes her head a bit at the thought* We may just have to barricade the door when we see them coming. Too bad they wouldn’t listen to, “please call if you want to stop by.” *examines the exterior as she unbuckles herself and steps out of the car; it’s a light brown/tan brick with forest green shudders, no fence, boring front yard; not there final house basically* Hm … *walks over to Karim as she looks around a bit more* Well, the house itself isn’t much, but I guess some parts of it could be changed … We just have to see the inside.

Karim: Yeah we’d definitely repaint those shutters if we chose this one. Merlin. *starts walking towards the front door* Let’s see…It isn’t bad on the outside, I guess. It’s an open house, but I don’t think a realtor is around. *opens the front door for her*

Allison: *shrugs* Oh well. *walks in enough for him to file himself in as well, but slows down quite a bit to analyze the view from the door itself* So, I guess it goes straight into the living room when you walk in. *looks to her right to see the stairs, however walks farther into the house*

Karim: *closes the door behind him* It’s a nice sized living room, now let’s see if the rest of the house is worth the asking price. *purses his lips and follows her*

Allison: *walks into the kitchen* … We’d have to re-do the floors, because it looks like it’s from the ’70s. *runs her hand over the peninsula* Would you like cooking in here? *legitimately asking as she glances at him* It almost reminds me of the one we have now …

Karim: *looks around* I wouldn’t mind it…I mean…*raises an eyebrow* It’s nice. It does remind me of the one we have now. I’m not too particular about this kitchen though, I know we can’t really be picky, but…*wrinkles his nose*

Allison: *takes a deep breath and lets it out as she speak the first word* Alright. Let’s go upstairs. If we don’t like it up there, then there won’t be any need to look around the basement. *takes his hand and looks up to him*

Karim: *laces their fingers together* Alright then. I mean, these are things we can change, they’re small. We wouldn’t be able to change them right away, though. *starts walking*

Allison: True. *nods and walks with him upstairs, glancing at each part of the way*

Karim: Okay so, it’s three bedrooms, two bathrooms, right?

Allison: *nods* Mmhm. We don’t get a spare with this one, but I guess whoever is over could sleep on the couch, or possibly the basement if we chose this one … ? The full bath should be up here; the half was near the door from the garage downstairs.

Karim: Alright then, let’s explore.

Allison: -if you keep walking straight after you finish walking up the stairs, you enter a small full bathroom; turning left you’ll find the master bedroom and one bedroom, and turning another 90 degrees would give you the other bedroom; it’s a small square hallway- Where do you want to go into first?

Karim: We can look around the master bedroom.

Allison: -big enough for a king bed, two dressers, and two nightstands; you walk in to the far left side of the room, and at the far right side (same wall as the entrance door) is a small walk-in closet (small as in just a tiny 2’ x 2’ square that you take one step to get into [almost like this]); a window is located on the right wall-

Karim: The bedroom isn’t bad, it’s a nice size, that closet isn’t…ideal, though. 

Allison: *wrinkles her nose* Ooh, that closet is terrible. I wish the extendable and concealment charms could work for that kind of thing. *laughs faintly to herself* The room would almost have to be filled with one or two more dressers … *purses her lips* Mm. *guides him out and immediately to the right, moving into a bedroom in the shape of a sideways and upside down “L”; it’s big enough for a dresser, a twin bed, and a desk, as well as a few other random things; the closet is this size on the shorter end of the room; there’s a window looking out to the front of the house*

Karim: I guess this is a good size for a kid’s room, no? 

Allison: *shrugs* I dunno, our rooms were bigger than this, but I guess it would work, yeah. *nods* I’m guessing the second room is roughly the same, then. -the second is a tiny bit smaller and is square without the walkway that the first has to create the “L”- I dunno if I saw anything really dangerous about this house, either. Nothing we can’t baby-proof when the time comes, at least, right? I guess this one could be on our list of possibilities. *shrugs*

Karim: They were, but we have to take what we can get right? I’m not saying ‘settle’, but we have to think about money…I didn’t see anything either, we’d do further inspection if we chose this house though. *nods once* Alright, so this is a possibility then.

Allison: No, I’m saying … *shoos him off* Never mind. Okay, then. Off to the next, or are you tired already? *laughs faintly*

Karim: I’m tired already. *laughs* Okay, let’s go.

Allison: *smiles and shakes her head guiding him back downstairs and out of the house* Just think, “House; Allison and I; no one else.” *nods with a grin* Can’t get away from those obnoxious neighbors otherwise. Right, Darling?

Karim: That shall be my mantra. *nods once and laughs* Okay, I can do this. *leads her down the steps* Off to the next house, we go.

Allison: Oh, you will rest well tonight, Soldier. *laughs a bit internally and smirks* You pick this next one, yeah?

Karim: Alright, I’ll pick once I can look at the listings again. 

Allison: *raises an eyebrow* Obviously. I left them in the car.

Karim: Mkay. *opens the door and walks out*

Allison: … Is there something wrong? *closes the door behind them and walks to the passenger’s side of the car, watching him*

Karim: No, I’m fine. *gets into the car and buckles in* Why? *picks up the listings* Hm…

Allison: You se- … *shakes her head lightly* Never mind, just making sure. *buckles in and takes a pen from the glove compartment to mark the address of the current house*

Karim: No, tell me, because it’s going to be on my mind and I don’t want to seem like I’m upsetting you or anything.

Allison: *turns her head to look at him before reaching over to kiss him* You aren’t upsetting me, don’t worry. I just didn’t know if you were that tired or something else was wrong. *shrugs and pecks his lips; sits back in her seat with a soft, reassuring smile* Next place?

Karim: *kisses her back and shakes his head* I might be a bit worried that we’ll never find a place. Kind of an anxiety thing I guess. Alright, the next place is about ten minutes away.

Allison: *laughs softly* We will find one, Karim. We want the perfect place though, right? We’ve found a few possibilities, so it’s not as if we don’t have anything at all. We’re just holding out a bit longer to see if we can find that perfect one. *rubs his shoulder for a second, then nods and stars the current address* Alright, got it.

Karim: *nods*  I really want that white house, though. *grins*

Allison: *laughs softly once more* That would be the perfect house, wouldn’t it? *grins back* We’re definitely keeping an eye out for it. Don’t think I’ve forgotten. *smiles* Who knows? Maybe we’ll finally find it this weekend.

Karim: That would be a miracle. *pulls into the driveway of the next house* This one’s pretty pleasant looking on the outside. *parks the car and cuts it off*

Allison: *looks up and scans the exterior* Oh, wow. Yeah, this is nice. *nods and unbuckles* Almost bumps that one we saw last Sunday off the list.

Karim: *unbuckles and gets out* Yeah, it definitely is one of the better ones. I think it might actually move to the top of my list…

Allison: *gets out of the car and scans its surroundings, nodding; walks over to Karim* Ooh, the top of your list, huh? *laughs faintly*

Karim: Yes, the top. *grins and walks over to her to take her hand* Ready?

Allison: *nods once as she grasps back* I’m ready. Let’s do this. See if it stays on top. *starts walking*

Karim: Hopefully it does. *lets out a breath and begins walking up the front steps; opens the door for her; there’s a small foyer and a long hallway; there’s an opening for a living room to the immediate right and a staircase at the end of the hallway; through the hall there’s the opening to the kitchen (I see this in my head but I’m not even sure if this description works lol)*

Allison: *walks in and looks around as she did the first* This is looking good. *nods slowly*

Karim: Yeah, not too bad, living room’s a good size, let’s see what the kitchen looks like. 

Allison: *gazes into the living room for a few moments more before following him to the kitchen*

Karim: *laughs a bit* We can paint it white I suppose. *walks into the kitchen; it’s a rather small kitchen, definitely not convenient for a couple who wants kids in the future* Eh…

Allison: *smiles* I guess so. *looks to him, and then around the kitchen as they reach it* … *tilts her head a bit* Again … sort of reminds me of the one we have now …

Karim: Yeah…I’m not too fond of this one, and there really isn’t much space to put a table in this one. Eating at the counter might be okay for us, but definitely not a kid. *sighs* Do you still want to look upstairs?

Allison: *takes a deep breath and sighs it out; purses her lips* Let’s … let’s just go see it, yeah. *nods*

Karim: *squeezes her hand and begins walking out of the kitchen, and a down the hall to the staircase; begins walking to the top. There’s a small space around the stairway; on the right there’s a door, in front of the staircase there’s a door, and to the left there are two doors; the second on the left is a bathroom; the master bedroom has a bathroom attached*

Allison: *follows him out of the kitchen and up the stairs; pans the area for a long while; peaks through the master bedroom door and one of the door in front of the staircase* … Alright … we can go to the next one.

Karim: Ok. *nods and starts walking back down the steps* Well at least it’s nice on the outside…

Allison: Quite deceiving. *laughs softly and walks with him* I mean, if we could have changed the spacing of the kitchen to make it a little bigger, then I’d say it could have been a possibility, but … *shrugs* Oh well.

Karim: Well there’s another to scratch off the list. Okay, house three, before we have to take that thirty minute drive to Sutton.

Allison: Hopefully this one’s a little better. Although, I wouldn’t mind being in Sutton. It’s a ways away from our parents. Not too close, and not too far. It’s good for those days where we need someone to watch Kamal and Alliyah for free and who’d probably want to have them around. *laughs*

Karim: Yeah, Sutton definitely has its perks. *laughs and opens the front door for her*

Allison: *walks out of the house and grins softly* I wish magic could just build our house. It’d be so much easier, and we’d get exactly what we want.

Karim: Ah, if only life was simple. *laughs and closes the door behind him; goes to his side of the car and gets in, buckling up*

Allison: Hey, magic does make it a bit more simpler. Then comes Gamp’s Law to ruin the party. *gets into the car and buckles up; smiles and shakes her head* 

Karim: Sure. *grins and starts the car; glances at the listings* Okay next house is actually around the corner. Let’s just hope it’s a bit better than what we’ve been seeing. *backs out of the driveway*

Allison: Not too small of a living room or kitchen … or closet. *nods once* Hopefully, since it’s just around the corner, it doesn’t resemble this one too much. Ugh. *lets her head fall back against the seat*

Karim: Don’t lose hope! We can do this! 

Allison: *raises an eyebrow and turns to look at him* Woooow, I guess that anxiety just flew right out the window as we were driving, huh? *grins*

Karim: Hey, when one of us is feeling down the other has to be positive and vice versa. *grins*

Allison: Yeah, yeah, and I like that rule. *laughs softly* We are going to find our house, damn it! *holds her hand out for him to take*

Karim: *grabs her hand* Yes! Positive attitudes! *laughs*

Allison: *laughs with him* Alright, next house! We’ll go to this one and three more before we go back and you can take a nap. *nods once* How’s that?

Karim: Yes! A Nap sounds great! *laughs again and pulls up to the last house* 

Allison: *claps her hand to her mouth and laughs a bit at his demeanor, then looks at the house* And this house is not it … !

Karim: This house…Holy fuck. What the hell is this house?

Allison: *bursts into laughter and hides her face against his shoulder* The houses just went from 9.5 to negative numbers in two minutes.

Karim: Okay, off to Sutton. *laughs and shakes his head as he continues driving* Why is that…thing even on the market?

Allison: No wonder whoever lived there before wanted to sell it. Oh, Merlin. They’re probably paying two payments: the house they have now, and that thing … That sucks. *laughs faintly*

Karim: I wouldn’t be surprised if it was abandoned. *chuckles* If I owned it, I’d leave the country and abandon it. *nods once and laughs*

Allison: Well, you don’t! Wooh! *grins bright; laughs softly and shakes her head* Do you have to go out for work on Monday?

Karim: I do. I also have to help Dad prepare for a gallery opening, and I have to start a family portrait. When I get home, just let me fall anywhere and sleep, even if it’s standing up. *chuckles*

Allison: *raises an eyebrow* Oh my. I guess I could get take-out for us on the way home, then … Possibly line the floor with pillows before I leave, too. *laughs*

Karim: That’d be nice. *grins* I’ll be pulling a few all-nighters, might be sleeping in the studio to get a few things done…*shrugs* We’ll see.

Allison: *nods* Alright, then. Tell me when you do so that I’m not worrying at three in the morning that something happened, of course. *laughs faintly and shakes her head* The working life of an artist.

Karim: Of course I’ll tell you. *chuckles* Wouldn’t want you to worry, Love, never. *nods and grins* Ah yes, It’ll get better though, I promise.

Allison: *brings their clasped hands up and kisses his; laughs faintly* Hey, as long as you like what you’re doing, and as long as your selling. *nods and smirks* Though, I do miss you when you do have to work and I’m finally home for the evening. Your name will be everywhere in no time. *brings her hand to up and swipes it from the left to right as she speaks (like the “name in lights” type gesture)* If you say so, then I guess everything will get better. *grins*

Karim: Positivity will get us through. *laughs* -Aaaand Sutton- Alright, house number…one…[house :D]

Allison: Cheeseball. *laughs and shakes her head* -The houseeee! :D- *simply stares at it*

Karim: …The fence…and it’s white…

Allison: Mmhm. *nods slowly and squeezes his hand a bit tighter as she unbuckles; lets go as she gets out and examines further* Not too big, not too small; away from our parents, but not too far away; great space outside and in the backyard … *walks over to his side and grasps his hand again; looks up at him*

Karim: *gets out and grasps her hand back, looking around* This is almost eerie. But it’s a good eerie…it’s good…I…let’s go in.

Allison: *laughs softly, almost sounding nervous; starts to walk with him a bit swifter than the usual* Are you sure you didn’t see this place anywhere? Then again, a white house with a picket fence could be a bit general … right?

Karim: I just saw a neighborhood in Sutton that had a few houses for sale, I didn’t even…*furrows his eyebrows and leads her to the front door*

Allison: *scans the front of the house as they walk toward it, and the steps as they get to the door; looks back up at him once more and links their fingers; opens the door and steps in slowly* -The living room is immediately to the right with the staircase to the left, and you know everything else, because we have blueprints lol- So … describe the house you planned out for us again … *takes slow steps through, heading toward the back as they do*

Karim: Um…shit…I can barely think straight and you want me to think of a house I planned out? *laughs a bit and looks around*

Allison: *laughs with him* Okay, okay … Approval on the living room, then?

Karim: Definitely has my approval, what about yours?

Allison: *nods* Mmhm. Oh yes. Okay, onto the kitchen, then. *guides him through the hallway, passing the half bath door to the right; looks to the left after a few more steps and sees a door before turning her head to look at the kitchen* Hm. *gives a quizzical look and opens the door slowly, finding a vacant room* Okay, so we have an extra room, and the kitchen with an island. I guess that little cut out at the other side of the kitchen leads back of the into the living room …

Karim: The kitchen…is…perfect.

Allison: A perfect kitchen, hm? *grins and looks up to him* A white house with a picket fence, perfect kitchen, and living room … Ready to go upstairs … ?

Karim: Wait…I don’t want to jinx it. Okay…*takes a deep breath* What did mum used to say…*murmurs something in Hindi* Okay, let’s go, this is going to work out.

Allison: *watches him during the scene with her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, until he gives the okay to press on; nods once and keeps close to him, holding his hand tightly; walks back to the front of the house and slowly up the stairs*

Karim: *walks with her and takes a deep breath*

Allison: *looks straight to see the master bedroom, then to the left to a spare (bed)room, and the right to see the two other bedrooms* … Where do we want to start … ?

Karim: We can start with the other two bedrooms, then the spare, then the master.

Allison: *leads him into (Kamal’s) bedroom first; taking both of his hands as she walks in front of him, feeling faintly jittery*

Karim: *pushes the door open and takes a deep breath, looking around* This is good…

Allison: *walks in a bit more and off to the right to open the closet; pictures baby clothes, and then pictures a closet full of her own clothes to represent a teenager’s; turns to picture a dresser, a bed, and a few other pieces of furniture; nods lightly; takes his hand and walks out, turning right; opens the door to (Alliyah’s) bedroom* Looks about the same size.

Karim: *looks around the room then back in the direction of the other one* Kamal and Alliyah…*takes another breath and turns, trying to hide a smile*

Allison: *nods lightly once again and bites her lip as she takes everything in for another moment more* Kamal and Alliyah … *leads him to the spare room, a bit smaller than the other two*

Karim: Guest room? Or maybe just a play room, or…something to that effect, we can figure it out later. When we…if we get the house. *nods*

Allison: Well … we only have one more room to look at for the deciding factor, unless we count the bathroom, too … *looks up to him* Everything’s been a plus so far … After that, if we want it, we just have to make the best offer.

Karim: There’s no way no one else has bid on this house…I hope we don’t have to go too far out of our budget for it. *leads her over to the master bedroom* Okay…*pushes open the door*

Allison: *crosses her fingers for a moment as she follows him; walks into the master bedroom and looks around, picturing their stuff; goes over to the closet and opens the door to find it would suffice; walks back out into the middle, glancing around with a wide smile* Well, Mr. Thomas … Our future child named Kamal Aodhan can be located in one of the two rooms, while our other named Alliyah Branna in the one adjacent. A perfect living room, a perfect kitchen, a perfect neighborhood, and a very perfect bedroom for the two of us … *reaches up and wraps her arms around his neck* Then again, that’s just my opinion of this perfect white house with a white picket fence … *smirks*

Karim: Well, Mrs. Thomas that all sounds perfect. *wraps his arms around her waist and kisses her* I know we’ll probably wait a year or two until we’re completely settled to start trying, but that doesn’t mean we can’t practice…*grins and moves his hands to her stomach* I think we deserve to celebrate tonight. 

Allison: *kisses him back, smiling softly; nods as he notes the time they’ll wait, but forms a mischievous grin of her own* Oh, yes. That is most definitely in order tonight. *nods as her hands slide down to his biceps*

Karim: *kisses her again* Okay…*chuckles* Okay this isn’t our house yet, let’s leave before we shag right here. 

Allison: *kisses him back once more; laughs softly to herself after he points everything out* Hopefully it won’t be listed that way for long. *says in a soft, sing-song voice; drums her fingertips against his stomach through one rounds, and then rounds him to reach the door* Come on then, Darling. Let’s leave. *grins*

Karim: *grins back* Alright. *leads her down the steps and out of the door*

Allison: *takes his hand and follows him out, taking a few last quick glances around the house* I love you, Karim.

Karim: I love you too, Allison. *kisses her forehead and closes the door behind them; walks over to the car and opens the door for her* We got it…*laughs and kisses her, before walking over to his side and opening the door*

Allison: *kisses him back; grins and gets into the car* We wake up tomorrow and put an offer out straight away, unless we do it once we get back.

Karim: Once we get back. I don’t want anyone to get this house. *laughs*

Allison: *beams a grin* This was … *lets out a short laugh* Very lucky. *reaches over to kiss his cheek* Perfect.

Karim: Very perfect…we’re not going to say anything until we know we have the house, though. I don’t want to jinx it.

Allison: *rolls her eyes and smiles* Yeah, fine. Then maybe we should hold off on that celebration too, huh? *raises an eyebrow; laughs softly*

Karim: …Hmm…no, we should celebrate on finding the house at least. *nods once and grins*

Allison: *laughs internally, but creates a smirk* Well, that sounds like a very perfect plan, too.

Karim: Oh, I know it does. *grins* -Aaaand home- *pulls into the driveway and parks the car*

Allison: *unbuckles* Ready to go get our house, Darling? *grins and kisses his cheek; gets out of the car*

Karim: *grins back* Definitely. *gets out of the car; walks over to her takes her hand* 

Allison: *takes his hand and locks their fingers with a slightly tight grip; starts to walk with him*

Karim: We actually found it…*shakes his head and smiles; pulls his key out of his pocket and opens their apartment door*

Allison: We found a house that almost resembles exactly of your thoughts from seven years ago. *laughs softly* It’s absolutely perfect, Karim. *walks in*

Karim: *closes the door behind him* Everything is perfect. You’re perfect, the house is perfect, we should just…bask in perfection. 

Allison: Don’t forget about yourself. *grins, reaches up around his neck to pull him down and kiss him slowly; speaks a bit softer* We will … after we place our offer. The longer we wait, the longer the basking waits.

Karim: *kisses her back* Okay, okay, let’s go do that now. *nods* Then we can bask.

Allison: Where’d you put the paper with the notice in it?

Karim: *takes it out of his pocket and unfolds it, smoothing it out a bit* Here we are.

Allison: *takes the phone from off the counter, as well as the paper from Karim’s hand* -let’s say they did all of what needs to be done already, because there’s a lot to do that I don’t know about- *hangs the phone back up and looks at him with a big grin* Now we just have to wait to hear back to see if the seller accepts. It’s a bit on the higher side of our range, but I’m sure we’d manage just fine, and it’s definitely worth it.

Karim: Let’s just hope that there aren’t any counter-offers. I’m sure we’ll manage just fine too…I’m sure we’ll get this. *grins and kisses her*

Allison: We’ll get this. *nods; kisses him back with a smile and tying her arms around his neck*

Karim: *wraps his arms around her waist and kisses her forehead*

Allison: I love you so much, Karim. We’re … Everything is …

Karim: I love you too, Allison…and everything is coming together, and everything will continue coming together. *nods* 

Allison: We had your dream wedding … well, that was thanks to our parents’ disapproval with just the drunk marriage, which I saw no problem with. *rolls her eyes; laughs softly* We’re married, we found the house, you’re an artist … *nods* I’m sure everything will continue … perfectly. *laughs faintly with a smirk*

Karim: You’re a herbologist, we’re…this…holy shit, we’re…Shit. *laughs*

Allison: *laughs with him* What?

Karim: I don’t even know, but I’m excited about it. *laughs*

Allison: *laughs once more and pulls him down, beaming a bright grin out of her own excitement* You’re ridiculous. *kisses him*

Karim: *grins and kisses her back* I love you so much.

Allison: I love you, too. *kisses him once more* And that’s going to be the only thing more that’s going to come out of our mouths apparently. *laughs short and faint before kissing him again, letting her hands slide down to his chest*

Karim: *kisses her back and grins* I don’t mind that at all. I’m just really excited and I have no idea else what to say. *laughs*

Allison: *smiles and shakes her head lightly* Okay, let’s at least go sit or lay down as we repeat it. How about that? *raises an eyebrow*

Karim: Sounds good. *grabs her hand and starts walking towards their bedroom* 

Allison: *grasps back and follows him* I love you.

Karim: I love you too….*opens the door for her* I really love you. *laughs*

Allison: *laughs softly and walks in, turning and walking backwards* I love you to the end of the universe and back! Beat that!

Karim: *grins* I love you to infinity and beyond! *follows her to the bed*

Allison: *laughs* Okay, you got me with that one, and I say it right back. *smirks and pulls him down with her*

Karim: *kisses her as they fall down onto the bed* And I say it again and again and again. *smirks back*

Allison: *kisses him back* Well, I say it over and over again nonstop … infinity. *kisses him again*

Karim: Hmm…times two. *grins and kisses her back, then kisses the corner of her mouth*

Allison: *smiles and wraps her arms tightly around his neck, lying on top of him with her forehead resting against his* I love you … the utmost possible.

Karim: I love you…and that’s all that matters. *pecks her lips*

Allison: *holds the silence for a few seconds* Kamal and Alliyah are going to have a fantastic father, you know.

Karim: *pauses and stares at her for a few moments* Kamal and Alliyah will have a wonderful mother.

Allison: *sits there for a few more seconds, simply breathing before kissing him soft and slow; makes her way down his throat*

Karim: *kisses her back and tightens his grip around her*

Allison: *moves over to his spot and kisses it; presses her lips to it and starts tugging slowly, but still with pressure*

Karim: Fuck…Allie.

Allison: You and I, Darling. *tugs a few more times before stopping once more* The house … us … everything. *presses into him a little bit and starts up again*

Karim: I really can’t…*takes a breath* Believe this…

Allison: *closes her eyes and slides her hands up his arms to take his hands in hers, pinning them slightly beside his head* I suggest you start believing, then.

Karim: *raises an eyebrow* Think you can make me believe? *smirks*

Allison: *stops and smirks against his skin; raises a bit to whisper in his ear* Oho, Darling. I can do much much more than that. *grins mischievously before kissing him with a bit of tongue; starts tugging on his shirt to take it off*

Karim: *kisses her back, grinning slightly and raises a bit as he helps her pull his shirt off* What else can you do, Love? Hm?

Allison: Well, I can make you believe, and make you turn to jell-o and feel completely weak in a matter of seconds … *runs her fingertips down his torso* I can make you believe anything I want you to believe … *bends down closer to him again* I can make your heartbeat feel like it’s racing and feeling it’s beating in slow motion at the very same time … *tugs a bit faster at his spot for a few seconds* I can do a lot. Don’t you agree?

Karim: *closes his eyes* Yeah…*lets out a shaky breath* I agree. 

Allison: Good. *smirks; pulls with a bit more pressure as she runs her tongue against the spot and her hands up and down his torso a few more times*

Karim: *lets his hands wander up her shirt; presses into her a bit* Quit teasing, Allie. Shit.

Allison: *grins deviously* Oh, but you know that I love to. *smirks and blows a stream of air to the spot; let’s the tip of her tongue graze over before continuing; glides her nails gently downward until she reaches his belt and starts to unbuckle it; moves down a bit to his collarbone*

Karim: Merlin, Fuck you. *fumbles with the hooks on her bra* Can’t even fucking think straight…*narrows his eyes and takes a deep breath*

Allison: *laughs faintly to herself after she finished undoing his belt* You can do that in a few moments. *sits up to pull her shirt off and throw it onto the ground; takes her bra off and does the same; leans down to start kissing him deeply as she pulls down on his jeans*

Karim: Rude. *lifts his hips a bit, in order to help her with his jeans; unbuckles her jeans and begins pushing them down; kisses her back, tilting his head a bit and using tongue*

Allison: *throws his jeans to the pile on the floor, and then her own* A little impatient today, huh? *grins and tilts her head the opposite direction, adding more tongue; pulls on the band of his boxers*

Karim: Well can you blame me? *deepens the kiss and slips his fingers into the waistband of her panties; slowly slides them down as far as he can get them before she has to do the rest*

Allison: *moves off of him to throw them both aside; reaches over to the nightstand and opens the drawer to retrieve a condom*

Karim: *is getting pretty inpatient xD*

Allison: -omg Karim XD kldfasdf- *tears the package off and takes out the condom; straddles him once more as she slides it on him; kisses him slow and deep as she glides the head against herself a few times before guiding him inside* Mmm. *starts pumping up and down*

Karim: *kisses her back; bites her bottom lip softly* Shit. *moves his own hips against hers and deepens the kiss*

Allison: *rolls her hips a bit, and then starts back up in an up and down motion; slides her hands over his arms to pin his hands down again, moving at a diagonal now; moans once*

Karim: *bites his bottom lip and continues moving slowly against her; opens his eyes, and lets a breath before he speaks* Don’t think you’re going to have all of the fun, Love. 

Allison: *closes her eyes and lets her head drops a little; moans once more in the middle of him talking* Oh? *bends down to him* Then you’re going to have to force me off top. *teases his head a few times before taking a breath and slowly sliding down him again*

Karim: That won’t be a problem. *presses his lips to hers and slowly slides his hands out of her grip; kisses down to her spot and begins tugging slowly; continues moving his hips against hers*

Allison: *due to the position that gives him access to her neck, she just lets her body lie on top of his, letting him pump; moans his name in his ear* Karim. *rolls her hips against him a little as he continues, trying to get out of his grip to sit back up*

Karim: *smirks and continues tugging; nips the flesh on her neck and begins tugging again; pumps a bit faster; murmurs against her neck* Just give up and give in. *nips her neck again*

Allison: *biting her bottom lip in pleasure, trying to suppress another moan, but ends up hinting it in her words* Take control, then. Merlin.

Karim: *smirks and kisses the spot once more before slowly pulling out of her and flipping her over; leans down to kiss her and hovers above her* How badly do you want it, Allie?

Allison: *kisses him back* God, I want you so badly, Karim.

Karim: Good. *slowly enters her and begins pumping; leans down to kiss the corner of her mouth*

Allison: *lifts her pelvis a bit, and lets it back down once he enters back in, letting out a slightly shaky breath* Oh fuck, Karim. *lets her head lay back for a moment, wrapping her legs around his hips to tighten herself around him a little; opens her eyes back up to look at him*

Karim: *continues his movements, then begins a faster motion, biting his lip* Almost there?

Allison: *starts to moan a bit louder as he quickens his pace* Oh, God. Mmhm, right there, right there. *reaches to the right side of her and grips the sheet as she rubs herself* Harder, harder, harder!

Karim: *quickens his pace; leans down to silence her for a moment and kisses her, tilting his head to the side* Like that, Love? Hm? *moves his hips in a quick circular motion*

Allison: *squints her eyes closed and arches her back against him as she kisses him back, holding her breath and holding back any sounds wanting to escape her lips; lets out his name once more as she’s reaching the end of her climax* Kari-m.

Karim: *pumps for a few more seconds before reaching his own climax and letting out a deep breath; kisses her once more* I love you.

Allison: *kisses him back* I love you, too. *wraps her arms loosely around his neck as she takes silent deep breaths*

Karim: *wraps his arms around her waist and kisses her forehead*

Allison: *arches her back a little once more so that he could wrap his arms around her* Do you believe it now … ? *gradually creates a soft smile*

Karim: *chuckles* Of course I believe now…How could I not? 

Allison: *laughs softly* You would have to tell me the answer to that if you didn’t. *pecks his lips and looks up to him with a silent sigh*

Karim: *grins* Alright, a shower is needed. Then we can sleep and bask in what a wonderful day we had. *chuckles*

Allison: *laughs internally* Sounds like a nice plan. *lets go of his neck*

Karim: *slowly pulls out of her and gets up, moving into the bathroom to flush the condom*

Allison: *closes her eyes for a few moments after he gets up, and then gets up herself*

Karim: *takes a deep breath and smiles a little before grabbing a towel from the rack and cutting the shower on*

Allison: What if you made that room by the kitchen into your studio … ? Then you could work from home when you’re not depending on anyone else.

Karim: That sounds like a good idea. I have to look in the room again to see exactly how big it is, but it’s a really good idea.

Allison: Are you going to tell your dad about it when you see him Monday, or are you going to wait until we see if we actually get the house? … How much does he know about everything, anyway? I mean, Kamil knew about the kids in sixth year …

Karim: I’ll probably just tell him I think we found a house, and leave it at that. The only thing he really knows is about me wanting to marry you, that’s about it. It would be pretty awkward telling him we planned for kids when we were fifteen and sixteen years old, that would raise a few questions. *laughs*

Allison: True. *laughs softly with him* Remember the morning we went to tell our parents that we got married? *grins and imitates Karim, then Seamus* “It’s not like I got you pregnan-” “YOU GOT HER PREGNANT?!” *laughs*

Karim: *laughs* Yeah, I’m still recovering from that. I don’t think I’ve run that fast in my life…for a short guy your dad can run pretty fast. *shakes his head*

Allison: At least he didn’t have his wand with him! *grins; turns and kisses his back* Mom knows. *pauses* Generally speaking, of course, which still doesn’t really mean much, but … *shrugs* She probably won’t question the other three bedrooms unless it was out of excitement for the future or something. *laughs softly*

Karim: Well they have to know we plan on starting a family someday, and that we plan on staying in this house for a long time. So they can’t be too surprised.

Allison: My point exactly. It doesn’t really mean much, because one would immediately guess that with a married couple. I didn’t tell either of them about Kamal and Alliyah, but I didn’t tell my father anything at all. Mom just knows that we’ve thought about children before. Dad can go think whatever he wants right now. *laughs softly and grabs a towel*

Karim: Well, my mum already has one grandchild, apparently she’s been hinting at Taylor and Kamil for more. She’s giving us time to “settle” and she’s waiting for Vari to get married also. I think she’s lost all hope for Danhya. *laughs* 

Allison: *goes to get dressed* Oh gosh … Does that mean when we do finally have Kamal and Alliyah, she’s going to be on our backs, or will she be happy with … let’s say six!? If we have two each.

Karim: Um…sure. *looks away from her and goes to get a pair of boxers; chuckles*

Allison: Ugh. *shakes her head* If more than three or four turn out to be in this family, you’re getting fixed. *grins*

Karim: Why do I have to get fixed? It takes two to make a baby, just so you know!

Allison: All you have to do is shoot. I have to hold them for nine months. *laughs and walks over to him; kisses him* Calm, Oh wise one. 

Karim: *kisses her back* Mhmm. *raises an eyebrow and walks over to the bed*

Allison: *rolls her eyes with a faintly smile; takes the towels and throws them into one hamper, and their pile of clothes into another after taking everything out of the pockets; shuts the light off and walks over to her side of the bed* How many would you want, anyway? You, not your mother. We’ve only planned those two …

Karim: I mean I guess I’ve had my heart set on Kamal and Alliyah, so no other numbers have been popping up in my head. I’m used to having a pretty big family; immediate, and extended, so I don’t mind more, but it’s up to you in the end really. You have to carry them. 

Allison: *drapes her arm over his chest, and props her head up with the other, looking down at him* Did I offend you from that comment? … *puppy dog face* It was a joke.

Karim: No you didn’t, I’m just saying, you have to carry them. Would you carry more than two?  *pecks her lips* Stop making that face.

Allison: I’d carry however many I got pregnant with, but I don’t think I want more than two or three. Three being if something happened, like Alliyah turned out to be twins or something. *pauses* I dunno. I guess we’re only 22, we have time. That may change. *shrugs and rests her head on his shoulder* What I do know is that I want to have Kamal and Alliyah with you, I want to live in that house and grow old with you … I want to know why your cheesiness rubbed off on me so much … *laughs faintly*

Karim: Because you’ve been around me for 22 years. *grins* You know your chance at having twins is pretty high. *raises an eyebrow and grins*

Allison: 22 and counting. *laughs softly; raises an eyebrow and turns her head to look at him* You. Are ridiculous. *nods once*

Karim: I am not, I’m just saying. *grins*

Allison: *purses her incoming smile* Are too. *pecks his lips* Whoever we have will be very very loved. Though, I guess we should be picking out two more names just in case you do give me twins, huh? *shakes her head lightly and grins* We are so ahead of ourselves. *laughs*

Karim: We really are. *laughs* Hey, maybe you’ll have triplets or something…that’d be just our luck. We do lead very crazy and unpredictable lives. Mhmm. *laughs again*

Allison: Oh, Merlin. *buries her face against his chest; laughs softly* You’re either going to have a blast with that … *grins cheekily*, or I’ll have to be a stay-at-home mother helping the famous artist father.

Karim: I’d never let you give up being a Herbologist. My job doesn’t demand that much from me…I’d be passed out everyday when you came home…*laughs* Okay, let’s not hope for triplets, hm?

Allison: *laughs with him* Well, then let’s not hope for twins, either. If we do end up with Kamal or Alliyah first and we try the next year for the other, that’s still going to be two infants at once … if we just get one each time, that is. Do you think you can handle that during the day? I mean, I’m sure Mom or your mother would be glad to come over and help if it was getting to be a bit much, and I’ll be home for a while after the birth to help, though.

Karim: With one kid I think I’ll be able to manage, two will definitely be harder…I’ll probably be okay since I’ll have been taking care of the other for a year. I’m not too keen on daycare centers…call it paranoia. *shrugs* It’ll take me a while to get used to everything, but I should be okay once things get…settled…or as settled as they can with two babies.

Allison: *shakes her head* No daycare. I agree with that. *kisses his cheek* Superman.

Karim: Alright Wonder Woman, ready for bed?

Allison: Yes I am. ‘Night, Darling. 

Karim: *smiles* I think Alliyah would like having a trained dog instead of a spoiled one. Zoe likes babies though, Alliyah should be fine.

Allison: Okay, good. I’m not having my baby girl get hurt from a dog that won’t listen, because her dad and aunt kept spoiling her! But if Zoe likes babies, then that will work perfectly. Alliyah will have a … friend in a way, I guess.

Karim: I would never allow Zoe to hurt one of my favorite girls. She wouldn’t dare, that’s what the training would be for. Alliyah would need a real friend of course…not just a dog. Know any other babies that’ll be around when she is? *laughs*

Allison: Aw, sweet Karim. Of course she’d need a real friend! Although, you would probably want to ask Vari on that one - seeing into the future and all, she would see Alliyah and whoever else if it were to happen. I mean, whenever I have kids, I want a boy first, and then a girl. So … she could have her brother … ? Haha

Karim: Maybe I will ask Vari…Her brother? Well, what’s his name?

Allison: Ask her; I want to know what’s in my future anyway, and she’s definitely more skilled in that department than I. His name? Uhm … you choose. Unless we have a traditional Irish name.

Karim: Okay…hopefully she’ll tell us something then. Hm…His name can be Kamal. His middle name can be Irish, how about that?

Allison: *pauses and smiles* Okay, Kamal it is then. How about Reilly (courageous/valiant), Liam (strong protector), or Aodhan (Aid-an; little fire. Had to list this as one for reasons. mainly for a joke on its meaning)?

Karim: Kamal Aodhan Thomas it is, but what about Alliyah? She doesn’t have a middle name.

Allison: Alliyah … Nora (honor; reputation), Branna (Bran-ah; beauty, raven), or Radha (Row-ah; a vision)? I think I’m leaning more toward Branna, but I like either three. The funny thing with Gaelic girl names … they all end with an ‘ah’ sound, as does her first name. Thoughts?

Karim: Alliyah Branna Thomas…Branna is perfect, because I think she’ll look more like her mother, so she’ll definitely be a beauty.

Allison: Karim … I don’t know what to say … thank you. *laughs to herself* We have our children’s names picked out like it’s definitely going to happen.

Karim: It could. But who knows…It’s a nice thought though.

Allison: Exactly … who knows … ? Shavari. *laughs* She can find out. I don’t think that I’d want to know, though. Knowing would just influence our futures more than doing it ourselves.

Karim: I don’t think I want to know either, if it happens it happens, if it does it doesn’t…

Allison: Mhmm … well, I guess if it does, then we don’t have to spend countless hours choosing names like some do! That is, if we would remember them. *laughs* Anyway! Next subject …

Karim: *shrugs* I’ll remember them…Okay, what are we talking about now?

Allison: You’ll still remember them in … well, at the very least five or seven years? Hm. I guess if one of us does, then … Uh … I don’t know. What’s on your mind? What do you want to talk about?

Karim: What’s on my mind? Nothing worth talking about…You?

Allison: At this point, I’m up for anything to talk about. *smiles* We’ve talked about everything already, considering we’ve been together for two days straight. It’s not like we’ve done anything to tell each other, because we know what each other has done. Do you realize that? From December the 28th to the 30th, then the night of the 31st, the day of the 1st, yesterday, and today.

Karim: (. . .) Sure there’s nothing else on your mind?

Allison: Mmmm … well, the baby names were, and now exploring the castle and spending time with you. Why?

Karim: Just trying to find other things to talk about. Ever thought we would run out of things to talk about?

Allison: We haven’t yet … we’re talking about running out of things to talk about … ;) *laughs* What's on your mind?

PRE-WEDDING CRASH

Karim: Allison stop it! I’m not tired!

Allison: You’re mumbling, Karim. I really don’t know what you’re saying! I’ll wake you up in five minutes. That should be long enough just for a sugar high.

Karim: Nuh-uh…Allie…stop it. You’re being a meany. Why do you have to so mean to me?

Allison: I’m not … *yawn* … being a meany! I’m actually being quite nice! You know, I’m actually quite tired myself. How about I get an alarm and wake us both up in ten minutes?

Karim: Allison Marie Finnigan, stop it, I’m going to get you back for this. You’re being…being really rude. You’re being so rude that *yawns* that I can’t even…I can’t even think of something else to say to that.

Allison: *talks softly and closes eyes* I’m not being rude at all, Karim. *rests head on his shoulder*

Karim: *closes his eyes* Yes you are…you’re being very rude. But I don’t think I care anymore…*leans head on top of hers*

Allison: *listens closely for anything, stays still on his shoulder*

Karim: …Chocolate…would be nice…right now.

Allison: *whispers* No … no chocolate, Karim.

Karim: Why? I’ll love you forever, and ever, and ever, and ever.

Allison: You already love me forever and ever, and ev—. Shhh. Sleepy time.

Karim: I don’t think…I don’t think I could love you more than I already do…cause I love you a lot. Even if you won’t give me chocolate.

Allison: … *smiles* See? You’ll … love me fore— … Chocolate later.

Karim: No…I don’t think you get it Allie *yawns and murmurs something unintelligible* So yeah…yeah…I do, a lot.

Allison: *purses lips* … hm? … Karim … what didju say …

Karim: I dunno…somethin’ about…chocolate?

Allison: *mumbles* Chocolate later.

Karim: Kay…was there anything else?

Allison: Did you … have … anythin’else … … on your mind?

Karim: *chuckles* I like…your neck. *yawns*

Allison: *breathes out to resemble a weak laugh* my … my neck …?

Karim: mhmm…it was soft…annndddd smelled nice. Wanna know a secret? I had noooo idea what I was doing.

Allison: *squinted eyes and yawns* Oh … well that’s all good the— … really? … fooled me … *bites lips from laughing*

Karim: Really?…cause I had no idea…hope you liked it maybe we can do it again sometime, eh? *wraps his arms around her* I think I should go to bed…kinda comfortable…don’t wanna move…

Allison: *Wraps arms around his waist and adjusts herself closer, wanting to laugh a little* … okay … maybe again sometime … don’t move then. *opens eyes and listens for any more*

Karim: I won’t move…I like it here…did you know you smell good Allie?

Allison: Okay, good … me, too … … … really? Thanks. You, too.

Karim: Wanna know somethin’ Allie?

Allison: *breathes in, and out while talking* What’s that, Karim?

Karim: You’re perfect…you always will be…and always have been…wanna know somethin else?

Allison: Really? … that’s nice to hear … what else, Karim?

Karim: Wait…do you believe me?…I wanna hear you say it.

Allison: Believe … believe wh—? … That I’m perfect? … okay, Karim. I believe you.

Karim: Say it Allie…

Allison: … say what …

Karim: That you’re perfect…say ‘I, Allison Finnigan, am perfect’. Say it…

Allison: *smiles and laughs internally* I … Allison Finnigan … am perfect …

Karim: *smiles* I love you.

Allison: *laughs faintly* Love you, too. (. . .)

.......................................................................................................................................

THE (DREAM) WEDDING

Karim: It’s not working fast enough!

Allison: When’s the wedding? But … but it’s working pretty fast already! Faster than I thought it would! … I wonder what’s in this Irish chocolate …

Karim: The wedding is never, my siblings wouldn’t let me do it. They’ve seen what this does to me.

Allison: Aw man, I would have loved to be the maid of honor and go to find her … wrapper! I guess it’s for the best, though.

Karim: Oh you think you’re funny Allison. It is for the best, besides I can’t marry my chocolate, I have someone else in mind.

Allison: I do think that I’m funny! Or at least that was funny. You can totally marry chocolate. It’ll just take you a pretty penny for her. Well, then that person must be pretty special if you’re going to marry said person, instead of chocolate.

Karim: Yeah, this person is pretty special, they’re way better than chocolate.

Allison: You seem calm again … sort of … I can only guess, because you love your chocolate.

Karim: Sugar highs only last a few minutes *shrugs* At least mine do. Oh, I do love my chocolate, but it won’t last that long…I’ll eat it, then I won’t have a wife anymore, and would that be murder or something? But it’s chocolate…but I was married to it…but I’d eat it…but…I don’t know…

Allison: Hm … are you tired? You’ll eat it, but then you’d have to buy a new wife after you — okay, I’m done talking about marrying chocolate. Kind of weirrrd …

Karim: Maybe… It is really weird…I don’t think it’s possible to do so anyway…

Allison: … maybe? Not yes, I’m quite tired, actually? No, it’s not possible. It was just the thing that children apparently did years ago. They would say that they loved something, and then another person would be like, “Well, why don’t you marry it!” … it’s very weird if that was true.

Karim: Yes…*yawns* maybe. But…wait! a few years ago this lady married the Berlin Wall, there was this guy who married his pillow, and a woman who married the Eiffel Tower. I wouldn’t recommend actually marrying objects but…okay this is weird, never mind.

Allison: Would you like to take another nap, then? The Berlin Wall, a pillow, and the Eiffel Tower … they can’t eat those objects. And if tried, I’m sure that they’d break their teeth or swallow fluff … that would be pretty unpleasant.

Karim: I think I’d like that… Yeah…very unpleasant…

Allison: Okay, go ahead. I’ll wake you up in another ten or fifteen minutes.

Karim: …Kay…thanks Allie, you’re the best…

Allison: *smiles* I know I am. *listens in again*

Karim: No more chocolate, kay? I mean it…I need to quit…*closes eyes*

Allison: *closes eyes as well* Oh, I know. I won’t let you have any more. I’ll even track down those second years.

Karim: You know…they could never replace you..right?

Allison: That’s very reassuring to me, Karim … Thank you …

Karim: Cause…you’re Allie…and no one can replace Allie…no one.

Allison: That’s right … I am Allie. And you know what? … no one can replace Karim, either.

Karim: No one can replace Karim?…that’s nice to know…but what if you get married? Then…then what?

Allison: If I get married … even my husband won’t replace you … you’re going to be my best friend forever … remember? … We’ll love each other forever and ever.

Karim: He won’t…but won’t he be jealous…I mean…he wouldn’t want another guy in your life….

Allison: If he loves me … then wouldn’t he be okay with it? … We’ve known each other our whole lives. I can’t … just drop you because he may not want me to be around you … that’s rude. He may be jealous … I don’t know. Well then what about your spouse? … Do you think he or she will be jealous if you … hang out with me?

Karim: Okay, how about this…our husbands, or wives, or whatever won’t get in the way of us…and if they do…if they do, we can get rid of them…and marry each other…that way…that way we don’t have to worry… Okay?

Allison: *laughs* If they get in the way … then we get a divorce and marry each other? … okay, that works.

Karim: Uh-huh…then we can be happy…with a white house…picket fence…and my dog.

Allison: *smiles* A white house with blue shutters … a white picket fence … you, and me, and your dog. … That sounds nice. … But what about that person in mind? … they’d be sad that they … you divorced them.

Karim: No they wouldn’t…I wouldn’t divorce them…I’d be with them..silly…

Allison: No, you’re silly … how can you and I marry, if you marry the person in mind first? … I think you’re too tired and can’t think straight.

Karim: …Wait…I dunno…maybe I should just marry you in the first place…that way you can have the dog…without having to wait for…divorce.

Allison: But she’s your dog, Karim … If we’re marrying for the dog … I can just get my own. *laughs softly*

Karim: We’re not just marrying for the dooogggg… she’s just a bonus…

Allison: *holds laughter* Okay … so you’re going to forget about that … that certain person completely … and then we’re going to get married?

Karim: ….yes…they aren’t good enough…you are…

Allison: *wraps arms around waist like before* Aw, that’s nice to hear. … so who … who was the other person that I’m … bumping out of the picture?\

Karim: *wraps arms around her* The other person?….they don’t matter…It wouldn’t…*yawns* wouldn’t work.

Allison: Ohokay, Karim.

Karim: Kay…so Allie…will you marry me? …tomorrow?…that’d be nice.

Allison: Tomorrow? … That’s sudden … but okay, we can get married tomorrow.

Karim: Good…I should call my sisters…Kamil might wanna go too…hey…maybe my mum will be happy huh?…cause I’ll be with…with you.

Allison: Yeah … uhm, maybe she would be … Where are we having it?

Karim: She would be…I know it…We can have it in the courtyard…out in the snow…that would be nice, huh?

Allison: *smiles* You won’t be cold?

Karim: No…I’d be wearing a tux silly…tuxes are nice and warm…right?

Allison: You ask like I’ve … worn one before, Darling. I don’t know if they are or not!

Karim: But….you gotta know…you’re Allie…you’re the smartest…smartest witch in our year.

Allison: Okay … I don’t think it’s … I don’t think it’s like a coat. I think … you’ll still be cold. … And what do you want me to wear?

Karim: Kay…I’ll wear a coat then…you’d wear a wedding dress…duh Allie. You can wear a coat too if you’d like.

Allison: *laughs* Duh, Karim. Which dress, though? … Yes, I think I’ll wear a coat, too. … What will our colors be?

Karim: Whaddaya mean which dress?…There are different kinds of wedding dresses?…Since when?….Did I miss something?…Our colors can be gold and green…combination of our house colors…

Allison: So, you’re … you’re expecting me to get a wedding dress … by tomorrow? … Maybe … Maybe Mom can pick one up before they come … If not, then I’ll have to choose one from … from my trunk. Okay, those are good colors.

Karim: Yes…we’re magical aren’t we? We can…we can do that right?…wait…we need a cake…a cake, and people…people have to pick…chicken or fish…or is it chicken or steak…but you’re a vegetarian…okay no meat…but what about the non vegetarians? but…wait…

Allison: That’s right, Darling. We are magical. I think Mom can … *fake yawns* find a dress for me …*holds breath to stop incoming hysterics* I can have fish, Karim … so it can be chicken or fish if you’d like.

Karim: Ooh, I know…I know what that’s called…pescetarianism…do I get a gold star? Huh?…okay, so we have chicken or fish…what kinda fish?…wait…what about my dog? who’s gonna watch her when we’re getting married?

Allison: *grins* Yes, you do … you get a gold star … or you get one hundred points. …How about salmon? … or Tilapia? … I don’t know. Your dog … Ellis can hold her … or Vari can … or she can stay home. She’ll be fine.

Karim: Yeah…the points…I want those…Grandma makes good Salmon…we can have that, as long as she makes it…I’ll write her and ask her…Does Ellis even like dogs?….Vari will hold her….no she has to come to the wedding…who’s gonna be the flower girl?…she needs to do her job…

Allison: Okay … *excitedly, but softly* one hundred point for Karim Thomas! … Grandma can make the salmon. … Ellis … I don’t know … she’s weird. She will be … she’ll be fine at home. Don’t worry. … flower girl … uhmm … I dunno … any ideas? And what about your best man?

Karim: Grandma will be happy…she likes to cook…I’ll help…she likes it when I help…I know who the flower girl can be…Alliyah…she can do it…My best man is Kamil…Who’s your maid of honor?

Allison: You’re going to help cook? … That’s sweet of you, Karim. … Our flower girl will be Alliyah? *puzzled look* … oh, our daughter? *grins and laughs faintly* Okay, she can do it. … I want my maid of honor to be Arhya … but she’s in New York … so I want Dawn.

Karim: I’m just a reallllyyy sweet guy Allie…and I love Grams…Yeah, yeah our daughter…she’s gonna be there. Arhya? She’ll be here in two seconds flat for our wedding…Dawn’s nice though…let’s have Dawn…

Allison: You are a reeaaaallllly sweet guy, Karim. … I can’t wait to see Alliyah, then … Okay, Dawn will be our maid of honor. … I’ll need to apologize to Arhya, but she … she should understand.

Karim: Thank you Allie…that means a lot…Alliyah will be pretty just like her mama…and she’ll have my hair…Arhya won’t understand…she’ll demand a second wedding…

Allison: You’re welcome, Darling. She’ll have your hair? … I approve of that greatly. I’m sure she’ll be beautiful. … You’re right … Arhya won’t understand one bit … Okay, we get … we get Arhya to apparate at the gates of Hogwarts … then we let her in. Dawn will be in my party, and Arhya … she’ll be the maid of honor.

Karim: She will be…wait until you see her….I like that plan…Arhya will like it even more…ok…what about our vows?

Allison: Can’t wait … Arhya will definitely like that, Dawn … she will, too. …What about them?

Karim: We gotta prepare them ahead of time…cause thats what you do….

Allison: Oh, is it? … okay … then we have to do it right now … because the wedding is tomorrow.

Karim: Mhmm… What’re you gonna say?

Allison: I have it written in my head … I want you to be surprised.

Karim: Ok…but I wanna preview… Please? I’ll let you hear mine…*shifts a little*

Allison: *looks up, wondering if he was waking, snuggles closer* … Okay, … Karim, we’ve been with each other since birth; … babies, toddlers, primary school, Hogwarts. …*pauses* okay, that’s all I’m giving you right now … your turn, go.

Karim: Allison Finnigan, I love you… I want you to be happy… I’m glad you’ve found happiness with me… Don’t… Don’t…*mumbles something* and never leave me…

Allison: *rolls eyes and purses lips* In response; I love you, too … I want you to be happy … I’m glad that you think … you think I’m enough for you … I don’t know what else you said … but I’ll never leave you. I promise.

Karim: Then…we kiss and eat cake…*snores a little*

Allison: *laughs* Yes, then we kiss and eat cake … and party.

Karim: Chocolate cake… Party…then the honeymoon right?…lets have it in Narnia…

Allison: Chocolate cake sounds good … party with good music … yes, then the honeymoon. I still … yeah, I still have yet to visit Narnia … so that works.

Karim: Narnia has talking animals, ….two kings, …..and two queens… There’s…. a lion, a satyr, and two very ….helpful beavers…

Allison: Talking animals? … Helpful beavers? … Sounds like a blast, that is. … So that will be on Friday, then … right?

Karim: Friday…yeah…Narnia, on…Fri….day.

Allison: *looks up and grins at him falling more asleep* Anything else on your mind, then?

Karim: Just…you…

Karim: Go to sleep, Allie, please, I’m fine…I shouldn’t have told you. I shouldn’t have said anything.

Allison: *articulates* Karim, stop it. *backs out of the embrace to look at him* I want to know, remember? I want to help, remember? If I can do something that would make this go away a bit faster, then tell me right now. You can feel better faster, you can try to remember what they told you faster, we can write a list and we can plaster it on the bathroom mirror. I don’t want you to struggle right now, because you want to do it on your own but can’t remember how. I want you to get out of this quickly, then remember for the next time. I don’t care what the fuck you say, I’m not going to sleep until you’re here in the bed feeling better. It’s Saturday, Karim. You can’t even give me any excuses as to why I should. Now, I’ve been keeping quiet long enough during all of this. I’ve tried to wait until you told me to do something; I haven’t wanted to try to play “therapist” as you told me that I did … I’m respecting you enough to let you deal with this on your own, but I will not be going to sleep, and I do plan on taking action if anything goes completely awry. *looks deep into his eyes, absolutely serious and a bit stern* Do you understand, and do you understand why?

. . .

Allison: One last question. What do you think when you’re around me? How you’ve been so far … who is that? In other words, do you have to be conscious about how you act? Tell me the truth.

Karim: To be honest I haven’t even thought about anything like that, I mean…I feel like…I think I’m being myself…right?

Allison: *smiles* So, you are being natural? You aren’t thinking ‘she wants me like this, so I have to be like that to be accepted’? *stares at him for a few seconds, and then kisses him* I’ve been absolutely loving you. *smirks*

Karim: No…not at all. *kisses her back and smiles a bit* Well, I said I was working on it, so…*shrugs and nods*

Allison: Well, keep it up, Darling. I’m proud of you. *kisses his cheek*

Karim: I will. *grins*

. . .

Allison: *pauses for a moment* It’s- … Even though we- … I feel like I switched places with you when we first moved in here. *shakes her head lightly with a faint smile* I just get a … feeling, I guess. Nothing bad, of course … It’s just … this room … us … You probably don’t understand what the hell I’m even failing to explain. *laughs a little*

Karim: I don’t…help me though. *takes her hand*

Allison: I never planned on coming back in here after … everything other than to get a few things and bring them back to my dorm, so that may be a reason for all of this. What do you think of or feel when you say “Ready for bed?” or if I say something along those lines? What about … “This is ours” or, “Damn it, Karim! Stop leaving this and this on the sink!” *laughs a bit*

Karim: I didn’t think I’d be back in here either. I didn’t want to come back because I thought I was going to trigger something. I feel…I don’t know, at home? If that doesn’t sound weird or anything…*bites his lip*

. . .

Allison:What color’s the living room?

Karim: I’d rather not have the walls be white, because if our kids are anything like me, they won’t be white for long. *grins*

Allison: *adjusts herself a bit closer to him* Well in that case we might as well just let them interior decorate. *laughs softly*

Karim: *grins* Alright then.

. . .

Allison: … We’ve spent our whole lives so far with each other … and you want to spend the long rest of it with me. Not to mention Kamal and Alliyah. *turns her head up and rests her chin on his chest to look at him*

Karim: *looks down at her* I do…*puts his hand in her hair* Would you put up with me for that long?

Allison: I have for sixteen years already. I think I can manage 60 more. *laughs faintly for a quick second* You’re my best friend, and you always will be. Would you put up with me for that long?

Karim: You’ll always be my best friend, too. I love you.

Allison: I love you too, Karim. *kisses him*

Karim: *kisses her back* Thank you…

Allison: For … ?

KARIM THOMAS AND ALLISON FINNIGAN • TWENTY TWENTY-THREE

"July 27,

We just sat on the dock for a little while after breakfast.