Contrite wasn't really the word for it...

[elricwizard]

Name(s): Edward, Luxord; closed
Location: Luxord's office
Week: 50.
Time: After Luxord has summoned him
Rating: PG

Comments

[maestoso_tempo]

Luxord let Edward rant. He figured it might do him some good to get it out of his system. It was hard not to show some form of reaction to Edward's rambling. He could tell Edward was hurt, upset, and most of all angry at how the events had unfolded. Of course, Edward being upset made it a little difficult to piece everything together. Luxord couldn't be certain what sort of talk had occured between the two, but he did have the journal entries to go by from both Edward and Lizzie.

The professor held up his hands when Edward finished, "As I said earlier, Mr. Elric, you are not in trouble. As far as I'm concern there's nothing that can really be done fairly to punish you, especially when parts of this situation were out of your control. It wasn't as though you bullied the poor girl or any other student for that matter." Luxord paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. He leaned forward in his seat, "That being said. There is one problem we should address here and that is your temper. I know the other students had no right turning on you nor did Miss Middleford have the right calling you a coward. However, I would expect a better sense of self control from you Mr. Elric." He said this all in a very calm and matter-of-fact manner.

[elricwizard]

Not in trouble? Edward wasn't sure what to make of that news because it certainly seemed like he was, and if he wasn't in trouble, what was he doing there? He looked incredibly confused for a moment.

Oh. That discussion. Edward hated that discussion with a passion. Despite his relaxed look, his fingers gripped the arms of the chair he was in. This was the worst conversation he ever had to have and it wasn't the first time. There was a bit of a creaking noise from the right arm rest, the only sign that he was currently making an effort to restrain himself.

"That's...fine." Edward managed, it sounded tight and controlled and restrained but that barrier was paper thin.

[maestoso_tempo]

It was hard to miss the signs of agitation from Edward. Luxord quirked an eyebrow questioningly. He couldn't honestly be getting angry at Luxord for merely bringing up the topic, could he? "You don't sound fine with it Mr. Elric."

[elricwizard]

If it had been Luxord just bringing it up, he wouldn't have been. But this had to be the fifth time he'd had this discussion, since he was a little nine year old kid. He hated that discussion. He'd get scolded and punished and that would be it.

"I get what you're saying. But I don't understand how it applies here. I didn't do anything to the kid, I didn't even curse at her!" That to him, was a pretty big accomplishment, actually. "I wasn't upset with her after our conversation, she's not wrong about me being a coward and I don't care about that. Then she's telling everyone who asks about me and Al and that's kind of really private and nobody's business. And I might be a social idiot, but I still know that's not right."

Edward looked like he was processing at least. "And I still didn't yell, scream or snap at her, I just asked her not to do it. Of course I was angry she did, but you can't go yelling at kids, they cry and then you're the bad guy. Then I've got everyone and their best friend attacking me and I told them to piss off and none of them are taking the hint and they kept pushing! That damn jerk Kassanoda challenging me and just cause I won't take his shit-er...sorry." He flushed, that wasn't exactly going to help him here. "Just because I won't take it lying down...my temper is the only one out of check?"

Absently he kicked at the leg of his chair as he was thinking. "I'm still not sure I understand what happened...and I kinda thought I was being as patient and nice as I could be...least to Elizabeth."

"So why I'm the one in here when everyone else comes in and attacks me, provoking me, I fail to see how that's particularly fair Professor. I'm aware I have a temper but generally people understand the words piss off."

[maestoso_tempo]

Luxord held back a sigh. Edward was missing something here, but as he had pointed out to Rangiku, there was no way to get someone like Edward to see it. It was just the territory that came with being a teenager. Luxord wished he could say something though, he felt like he was failing Edward, doing him a disservice somehow.

"I don't think I said yours was the only one not in check, Mr. Elric." This time Luxord did sigh, tiredly. "Miss Middleford is being spoken to with Professor Matsumoto. I could look into speaking to the other students, but I believe they fall under the care of other Houses." He studied Edward for a moment before dropping his shoulders and looking down at his hands, "I suppose I just wanted to caution you and get you to think about it from another perspective. I can see however that you've probably been given this sort of talk before. As I said, there's no punishment. I just wished to speak to you since I felt things had gotten quite blown out of proportion." He fell silent for a moment, "You're free to go if you wish. I don't believe there's more I can say that you will listen to."

Sorry for the confusing posting fail -_- I clearly need to learn LJ

[elricwizard]

"Really?" Edward looked skeptical. "There's no letter home, suspension, talk of expulsion, kicking me off the team or taking away my Prefect status?" This would be a first, sitting through this conversation without repercussions.

"I just don't understand." Edward murmured and he didn't understand the lack of punishment when everyone made it seem like he'd done something to warrant it. His mind was trying wrap around the whole situation and he put his palm to his forehead. "Getting a damn headache..." He certainly didn't want to be punished but he didn't understand why not.

Human behaviour continued to elude him. It was frustrating beyond belief. "Professor Matsumoto was really angry and she made it seem like I was in big trouble. So did Vash...so I just...don't follow what's going on here. I don't follow it at all."

[maestoso_tempo]

"Did you want me to? The way I see it Mr. Elric, you aren't going to learn anything from me doing those things. The tactic hasn't worked in the past and I don't see it magically working now...pardon the expression." Luxord really wasn't sure why Rangiku or Vash had reacted like they did. Was it really that big of a concern? There were certainly students here with bigger problems than Edward's temper.

"They were upset because they have their own views on the issue. Although, I guess you'd have to speak to them yourself. Honestly, it's not as though you physically assaulted her and I've heard that Miss Middleford can be a bit...intense. I suppose it could be considered verbal bullying, but even that is up for some interpretation given the fact that you were provoked and thus your reaction to that provocation is understandable."

Luxord shrugged, "You don't have to understand it. It's what I've decided."

[elricwizard]

Edward's eyes widened and he paled. "Oh god no. Don't send a letter home." He shook his head quickly, because protesting further might make Luxord change his mind on that matter and the fact that Izumi Curtis could find out about this was a prospect Edward did not want to face.

He looked relieved at least not to be in trouble, even though he was still angry. "I will...work on my temper, I guess." Edward sighed a little he hated this talk every time, at least he wasn't in trouble. "I've no intention of speaking to Professor Matsumoto." He was incredibly hurt that she'd turned on him like that, when he trusted her and that pain could be heard. It was all just one big convoluted mess.

[maestoso_tempo]

"Suit yourself," Luxord replied, shrugging. He figured if Edward didn't want to talk to Matsumoto he didn't have to. Of course, if Rangiku wanted to speak to him that was another matter entirely.

[elricwizard]

Edward nodded. He didn't have much else to say considering Luxord didn't have anything else to say to him it seemed and he'd been given permission to leave. He stood up after a moment and moved towards the door.

"Thanks for not punishing me...I...I guess." It was awkward, he didn't know what to say. Finally after another awkward moment, Edward slipped out of the office.