can I be close to you

[Jacob Williams]

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Tova Jensen

oh, you fill my lungs with sweetness and you fill my head with you

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Seventh year had come and gone. Now, Jacob Williams was free to live his own life. He had gotten a couple offers to play Quidditch professionally and he had been tempted to accept them, but when he thought of his future… well, it all played out a little differently in his head. So he gave up fame and fortune for a more steady job. His parents were quite proud of him for signing up for Auror training at the Ministry, even if that wasn’t his first choice. He made peace with his decision and even got excited to start work. Gavin Walker was another trainee, a bit more experienced than him, but it was nice to see a familiar face. He became the protege of Keelin Schraeder and her partner and he was sure he could not have been placed with a kinder Auror. She took him under her wing and showed him the ropes - he even got to go with her on assignments. And after months of working, he felt he was finally getting the hang of it. He’d still be in training for another two years, of course, but it would be worth it when he got his first case. [break][break]

Tova took a job at Hogwarts as a Professor, teaching History of Magic - her absolute favorite subject. Jake was so proud of her. Ellie told him she was a breath of fresh air and made history exciting and he didn’t doubt it for a second. He often teased her by saying he’d have loved to have her as his teacher. Anyone would have been an improvement from Professor Binns, but he figured Hogwarts struck gold when they hired her on. If anyone can make such a dull subject interesting, it was Tova. The only downside was that he didn’t get to see her as often as he’d like. Every weekend, though, he’d meet up with her at the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer. It was nice to see her so in her element. Part of him was a little sad she didn’t pursue music like she had wanted to, but then again he didn’t chase his dreams either. Maybe she, too, was envisioning a future like he was.[break][break]

Since graduating, Jake has thought a lot about what he wanted his life to look like. When he pictured it in his head, he saw him and Tova growing old together with a bunch of children running around, growing up, and having children of their own. He really liked that picture. So, when he started working, he started saving. It had taken many months of hard work and budgeting, but he had finally saved up enough to do it. When he told his parents his plan, his mother cried and his father offered to help. He even reached out to Leo for advice, hoping to extend an olive branch that could someday mend their broken relationship. He knew how much that would mean to her. And, to be perfectly honest, he kind of missed his brother. But for now, he had something else to focus on.[break][break]

He waited until winter break to enact his plan. Jake invited Tova home with him for the first few days of her break. The Williams’ greeted her warmly, including her in their holiday plans effortlessly. Everything seemed to be going so well, but Jacob felt the stirring of anxiety in the pit of his stomach as time passed. Dinner had been served and the family asked Tova a bunch of questions about her job, her family, her plans for the future. On more than one occasion, Jake gently kicked his mother under the table to get her to stop. His mum would take the hint and turn the conversation to Olivia for a bit before coming right back to Tova. As the conversation lulled and dinner was coming to an end, Jake cleared his throat, throwing a look to his parents before turning to Tova. “Would you like to go for a walk?” [break][break]

The two of them walked in silence for a bit, just enjoying the light snowfall and each other’s company. He figured she needed a minute to breathe after the onslaught of questioning she’d just been through. They walked around Godric’s Hollow for a while before he came to a stop outside of a house tucked in the corner of a cul-de-sac. “Are you okay? I’m sorry Mum bombarded you like she did.” He smiled warmly at her. “She likes you, if you can't tell.” She’s not the only one, he thought.

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[Tova Jensen]

Teaching hadn't been the blonde's dreams as she'd grown up. But here she was. And at the least, she was thankful that she got to teach her favorite subject. For so long, she had watched her peers miss out on the stories and lessons the past had to offer, all because Binns was about as droll as they came. So at the end of her final year of school, Binns had summoned her to his "office" (like a ghost needed an office) where he and McGonagall were waiting for her.

Binns had been certain that Tova was the best choice to succeed him. And he was willing to hover around for a year or two so she could get her feet planted before he decided to move on. And so...Tova had accepted.

Sure, she still wrote music in her spare time...but this was a steady job with a stable income. That was important. She could play with her hobby on the side. And she seemed good for this. The students seemed to take to her a bit easier than they took to Binns. Tova had a passion for history and it enabled her to make the subject a bit more exciting for the students.

But it was the holiday break now. And Tova had left her teacher hat at school. Jake had invited her home with him for the holidays and Tova was absolutely not going to bring school into two of her students' home while she visited. Tonight, she was just Tova...not Professor Jensen. And dinner was lovely.

Leo and Olivia were there of course...Tova was quite fond of both of them. Ellie and Cass were there. Jake's other older brother was...a bit strange but nice enough. And of course Mister and Missus Williams were angels. Dinner was lovely and while, yes, Tova did notice that conversation lingered on her more than anyone else...she simply attributed that to the fact that Olivia had spent Christmas here last year...they'd probably grilled her like this then.

But as dinner wrapped up, Jake asked if she'd like to go for a walk and Tova nodded. That sounded lovely. And as they strolled through the scenic and beautiful streets of Godric's Hollow, Tova had her arm looped through Jake's gently as they walked and talked.

Are you okay? I’m sorry Mum bombarded you like she did. She likes you, if you can't tell.

Tova smiled and nodded.

"Your family is lovely...all of them," she assured. Tova's own family was a bit more...straight laced and serious. Not that they weren't kind and inviting. They just...preferred to discuss achievements and things of that sort. They'd love Jake and she had no doubt they'd have plenty of questions to ask about his job in the Ministry. She breathed out of her nose and smiled. They'd find out in a few days when they went to visit her family together.

They had stopped walking and Tova faced Jake with a smile, standing close to him so they could share each other's body heat a bit.

"What's on your mind?" she asked playfully, reading him like an open book.

[Jacob Williams]

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Tova Jensen

oh, you fill my lungs with sweetness and you fill my head with you

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Jacob would be lying if he said he was looking forward to meeting her parents. He was really nervous about it. From what Tova said they would like him, but he was so worried that they’d see right through him down to the worst parts of himself. He didn’t really make the best decisions sometimes and, if things worked out tonight, they’d have even more reason to scrutinize him. Jake was struggling with it a bit. But a part of him did feel like things will work out fine, so he was trying to listen to that. Right now, though, he had more to feel anxious about. Tova was smiling at him, reassuring him that she liked his family with her arm looped through his, and he could feel himself relax. She had this uncanny ability to make everything feel alright with just a smile. He brought his hand to the one resting on his arm and gave it a gentle squeeze. [break][break]

“What’s on your mind?”[break][break]

Merlin, he was nervous. It showed a little on his smile, but he couldn’t help it. Even Tova’s powers couldn’t keep the anxiety from building. He took a deep breath and chuckled. “I - er - have something to show you,” he said, gesturing to the house they were standing in front of. It was a prettily situated house with vines and flowers growing up the side of it. Jacob watched Tova very closely to see her reaction and smiled at her before pushing open the gate and leading her to the front door. He pulled out his wand and pointed it at the lock, “Alohomora.” Jake glanced at Tova before pushing open the door and walking inside.[break][break]

They found themselves in the main living area, the room unfurnished. Just an open, empty room with a fireplace on the back wall. Jacob stepped away from Tova to stand in the middle of the room. “It’s mine,” he told her, grinning. “Bought it last week. Dad helped, but I’ve been saving up since graduation and I -” he tried to clear his throat, it was starting to constrict. He ran a hand through his hair and licked his lips before he walked back to Tova, reaching for her hands so he could pull her to the center with him. His hands were starting to shake, but buddy it was now or never. He searched her bright, green eyes for a moment before lowering down on one knee. Jake exhaled forcefully as he reached into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out a box.[break][break]

“Tova,” he started shakily. “I know our story didn’t start out like some fairytale and I know that’s my fault.” He was growing more confidence as he spoke, but he was still too nervous to look at her face. He chose to stare at their joined hands instead. “But I was lost before I met you. And even meeting you was magical. You’ve helped me become a better person and I -” he chose now to gaze up at her face, his heart pounding rapidly in his chest. “I love you, Tova Jensen. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. And I want to do it here, in this house.” His thumb swept across her knuckles and he popped open the box, revealing a pretty diamond ring. “Tova, will you marry me?”

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[Tova Jensen]

As Jake explained that he had something to show her, Tova felt her brow raise curiously as she watched him. He gestured to a house and lead her to it. Curious. Tova didn't spend much time around Godric's Hollow...so she wasn't sure if this was a friend's home...or maybe a grandparent. But she trusted Jake. So she followed.

As he unlocked the door, she followed him into the building and looking around, the place entirely unfurnished. A blank canvas. And as Tova's brilliant little brain clicked into gear, she realized that Jake must have bought a house. As he confirmed the thought, a sense of pride swelled in Tova's chest. She was proud of him. It couldn't have been easy to save enough for a house this soon out of graduation.

Grant it, as an auror, Jake likely made more than Tova did as a teacher. But still. It was a fast turn around. She hoped he felt proud of himself.

But she didn't have time to comment on it before she was lowering her eyes to watch as Jake lowered himself to one knee. Realization set in and Tova froze, watching him as he spoke. He went on for a bit about their past...moving right into how he wanted to spend his future. With her. And as he produced a box, popping it open and revealing a ring, Tova felt her emerald gaze intently search his face.

Slowly, a smile began to spread across her features. She was certain that Sarah would have something to say about how they were too young and how it was so soon. She'd likely point out that they had only been together a year. But Tova didn't mind that. She was certain her parents would support her and her decision...especially since she had "shown maturity" in her career choice.

So as her smile grew, she just nodded...yes.

Yes, she would marry him.

[Jacob Williams]

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Tova Jensen

oh, you fill my lungs with sweetness and you fill my head with you

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lost post

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[Tova Jensen]

Sure, perhaps the start of their relationship hadn't been a good one. In the earliest days, Jake had made Tova cry a hell of a lot more than he had made her smile. But something in her heart had just clung to him. She had known they were supposed to know each other...they were supposed to be in each other's lives. And then as things evened out and they got to really give themselves a chance, Tova had fallen in love with him.

She was aware that some of her friends hadn't forgiven Jake for the way things went. She was aware that while Roxie had moved on, most of her friends still held a bit of a grudge. As she was also aware that some of Jake's friends sort of wondered what he saw in her.

But this wasn't any of their relationship. It was her and Jake. And they were happy. That's what mattered. So as Jake leaned in to kiss her, she met him halfway, entirely content to kiss him here in the confines of what would be their home. She smiled happily at him as he mentioned how he loved her. She told him that she loved him too and placed another soft kiss to his lips before he asked about showing her the rest of the house.

The blonde nodded before slipping her hand back into Jake's and smiling.

"Lead on," she teased with a chuckle.

[Jacob Williams]

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Tova Jensen

oh, you fill my lungs with sweetness and you fill my head with you

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Jacob was pretty sure he fell in love with Tova at first sight, but that was the problem. The instantaneous connection they had was remarkable and unlike anything he had ever experienced before. He had met her too late in the year while he was already dating Roxanne and, try as he might, he couldn’t stay away from her. Hindsight’s 20/20, but there really was no answer in that situation where someone didn’t end up getting hurt. He had tried to make his relationship with work while simultaneously getting to know Tova better and the boy just didn’t know what to do. It was in the past now, however, and almost everyone had moved on. Jake knew that some did not. Don’t think he didn’t notice the way Liv glared at him when he and Tova arrived tonight, but there were also some of Tova’s friends who still gave him the side-eye. He tried not to let it get to him - he knows he messed up - and really all that mattered to him was that Tova was happy.[break][break]

His heart sped up in his chest as they kissed, a warmth flooding through him that made him feel like he was home. To this day, he was mesmerized by her. There was nothing that Tova could do that would make him think less of her. Her serene countenance and kind heart were what drew him in from the beginning. And as they parted, he lost himself in the soft look in her eyes. She told him she loved him as well and his heart swelled, Jake leaning in to press another kiss to her lips. When he pulled back again, he asked her if she wanted to see the rest of the house and she nodded, her hand slipping into his.[break][break]

He led her first to the kitchen, which was adjacent to the living room they were just in. It was a spacious kitchen with a long island where the sink resided, recently updated. The ceilings were high with wooden beams running along it. Jake rested a hand on the counter. “I can make us breakfast every weekend,” he told her, offering up a small smile. He rather liked cooking, often helping his mother out at home. It was something he’s enjoyed since he was a wee lad. Jacob let her admire the room for a little longer before he grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “This next room you’ll love.”[break][break]

Jake brought her to the second sitting area just past the dining room where a grand piano sat in the middle of the room. It was a gift from his father, something of a wedding present. A bright grin pulled at his lips and he looked at Tova to gauge her reaction. “I thought this would be your music room.”

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[Tova Jensen]

Tova let Jake lead her to the kitchen and she looked around, her green eyes a little wider than normal. She came from a rather small and modest home...so this was rather new for her. But it was lovely. And as Jake mentioned cooking breakfast on the weekends, she chuckled softly and nodded. She herself, was a dreadful cook. But if Jake wanted to take the lead on that...Bless him.

But he began to talk about the next room and she raised a curious brow at him as they walked. The room was spacious and mostly empty...save for a grand piano in the center. She looked to him and then back to the piano before approaching it with a smile.

I thought this would be your music room.

Tova smiled and reached out for the keys, her nimble fingers playing a quick and beautiful little rift before she sighed happily. The piano was, remarkably, already tuned to perfection. She returned to Jake's side and placed a kiss to his cheek.

"This is...so perfect and so lovely," she offered with a grin. "Thank you."