(Untitled)

[prof_dalina]

Week Name/Date/Time: 'Back to School' / Thursday, 8th September 2005 / 7:00 PM
Location: Gil's Office
Open To: Gil
Currently Involving: Larae

Comments

[gil_weston]

Gil looked up sharply from the papers he was grading, his brow furrowed at the interruption. It could have been a million worse people, he supposed, so it wasn't too terrible. Ahh, but she wanted to go for a walk? Out.. there? It was damp out there. Possibly foggy.

He sighed, then tossed a graded parchment into the larger pile before leaning back, stretching in his chair. "Evening," he said quietly, contemplating her offer. Why not? He was almost done, anyway.

"All right."

He didn't move; just sat there, observing her for a moment. What in the bloody world made her so cheerful?

[prof_dalina]

"Good."

Gil just sat there. What was he doing? Larae went over, grabbed him by the arm, and yanked him up. She patted him on the back. "Let's go."

[gil_weston]

Gil glared as she yanked him up, wrenching free of her grasp and straightening quickly. He tugged at his sleeves, pulling the creases out of the material as he stepped around her and opened the door.

He cleared his throat, gesturing for her to exit. "Come along, then," he muttered, waiting somewhat impatiently. He realized he sounded like he was speaking to a child and offered a slightly apologetic glance.

[prof_dalina]

Larae laughed. "What? Afraid of a few wrinkles?"

Larae noticed the impatient tone of his voice, and was slightly hurt. If he didn't want to go, why didn't he just say so? She walked out, avoiding his eyes, so she totally missed his glance. She stood waiting for him to exit. Glancing up, she gave him a small smile.

[gil_weston]

Gil sighed as she gave him that pitiful smile. That was no Larae Dalina smile, and as much as he loathed to admit it, he'd rather see her usual beaming, bright grin. He grabbed her arm firmly, then let go almost immediately.

"Larae," he murmured, looking to her with a much softer gaze. "I apologize. It's been a long first week."

He watched her for a second, then cleared his throat and swept past her to lead the way. "Tea, then?" he asked, heading toward the lounge.

[prof_dalina]

"Oh, yes, I understand." Larae's cheer came back. "It has been rather stressfull." Larae leaned over and gave his arm a quick, reassuring squeze.

"Tea, perfect."

[gil_weston]

Close one. He wasn't particularly worried about Larae or her feelings -- at least, he said he wasn't -- but to see someone so usually happy turn the slightest bit unhappy just because of him made him on edge.

To know that his sour attitude had such an effect on her was disconcerting.

"Have you had a pleasant week?" he asked, turning to look at her as they neared the lounge. "Minus the stress, of course?"

[prof_dalina]

"Oh yes!" Larae said with emphasis, knowing that the subject needed to be turned cheery. "I've got alot of new students who are really interested in the subject. Its wonderful to know that they are paying attention, and listening, and willing to learn."

[gil_weston]

Gil nodded slowly as she spoke, opening the door to the lounge and holding it open for her. "Yes, that is good, isn't it?" he replied, voice slurring and mumbling as though he were not very interested.

He only hoped that Larae knew it was his normal tone and not anything against her. He'd probably already offended her plenty enough for one evening.

"I have a few promising students this year," he added, trying his damnedest to get the hang of silly chitchat and small talk.

[prof_dalina]

Walking into the lounge, she turned to face him. "Oh yes, very good. So many of them show a knack for the subject, it just lifts my spirts. Considering last year, when I had only 1 or 2 really dedicated students." Larae noticed his tone, but knew that was just Gil. He was like that, and knew it was nothing personal.

"Oh, that's great. Hope they work out for you."