volkamenia | teacher's gonna show you how to get an a [frederick/vero, modern au]

teacher's gonna show you how to get an a [frederick/vero, modern au]

[ If Frederick was being honest with himself, he'd say that Vero piqued his interest from the start - from a purely professional standpoint, of course. There aren't many non-history majors in the upper level classes, let alone those as nuanced as the ones he taught, and yet there he was, unavoidable with his About To Fall Asleep look and sharp tongue that loved to start debates and arguments in the middle of lectures.

It'd be a lie to say Vero was the worst student he's ever had. Not when he's had people actually fall asleep on him before, or those who didn't even try to do the work. Really, Vero's essays were impressive, a fresh and intriguing look on things that are, for better or for worse, accepted as set in stone, and the fact that he actively contributes in discussions is a plus. So why does he get under his skin so much...? Why does he keep thinking about him, even when he's not in the same room as him?

Well. It's nothing to dwell too much on, he thinks. Frederick lets his mind rest and settles back to reality - to his office, with far too many history books lining his multiple bookcases, meticulously organized and reorganized, and piles of lesson plans and essays on his desk to pour over. It's his designated office hours, and he has a lot of work to get done.

He takes a small breath, a sip of coffee, and picks up his pen. No time like the present, right? ]

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[Frederick had piqued Vero's interest as well. He'd walked into the class not expecting much; it was a required core class that he had been putting off (apparently Lyric had too) and he was ready to sleep through it. Frederick first caught his attention because. Well. Ahem.

He's fucking hot.

Despite Vero's Thirst™, that wasn't always enough to keep his attention. But Frederick did it. As Vero kept attending the classes, he kept Vero's interest. The man was strong - he was knowledgeable and he was fucking passionate. There were many things about this man that made Vero want to steal his attention right back. That's when he started arguing. Debating.

This wasn't like in high school or his other classes where he knew he was smarter than the teacher. In those cases, Vero argued for the sake of arguing. To undermine and question the teacher. To make the class not excruciatingly boring for himself.

It was completely different when Frederick demanded respect and Vero actually felt he deserved it. When he argued with Frederick, sleepy eyes narrowing - a little twitch in the corner of his lips trying to bite back a smile, it was smart. Never empty words; he came at Frederick thoughtful and rising to his challenge. It was incredibly satisfying.

It still is, but now Vero's starting to think. He needs to do a little bit more - he wants to know that he has Frederick's attention. He wants to know that he thinks about him as much as he does outside of class.

It's time to heckle him during his office hours. Frederick will be getting no work done today.

He peeks his head in the doorway.] Knock knock, Sir Frederickson ~

[ Frederick's in the middle of reviewing Vero's latest essay when, like magic, he appears. How uncanny. ]

Hello, Vero.

[ He doesn't comment on the nickname (he has a feeling it's there to stay, even if he showed displeasure over it) or really look to see if Vero's holding anything - usually when students come to visit him, it's to ask questions about readings or bounce essay ideas off of him, so he automatically shuffles things around on his desk to make room. Essay in the pile with the rest, pen back in its proper place, books for lesson plans on the floor next to him temporarily.

He gestures to the open seat, next to his desk. ] Do you have a question for me?

Uh - yeah! [Vero does have a question! Though it's a garbage question and there's no doubt in his mind Frederick will know it's bullshit. But Vero would rather go in with something than nothing. He's trying to get on Frederick's good side after all. And he doesn't want it to be too obvious that he's there with ulterior motives.

(Frederick doesn't need to know that this will just be added fodder to how Vero imagines Fred would whisper sweet nothings to him (or what the shape of his mouth would look like, moaning, while Vero sucked his dick))

Vero takes a quick glance around the office as he takes his seat. It's basically what he imagined any room of Fred's would look like. Hella organized. Spotless. Nothing on the floor save for what he just placed down there. Books lining his shelves (Vero makes a note to himself to ask to borrow one). His degrees in neat frames on the walls. A bulletin board with memos in a row across it. If anything, he's most surprised by the tiny plants in the office (succulents. what a nerd) and a picture frame placed close to his computer.

The frame's already turned slightly towards him so Vero reaches to turn it all the way and get a look while he rattles off his question.

He has no idea if he actually finishes the question with how hard he's squinting at the picture, though.]

[ Frederick doesn't stop him from touching the frame, but had Vero been looking at him, he'd had noticed the slightest amount of tension in his jaw.

The picture is of two kids - young, maybe around five or six years old - and Frederick, smiling warmly at the photographer. The two kids have the same deep brown hair as Frederick, and judging from how physically close to them he is, Vero could conclude they're his children.

But their eyes are different. Light, and full of youthful energy. Definitely unlike Frederick's dark eyes.

Frederick isn't a mind reader, but he's seen this scene play out enough times to have an idea what he's thinking. ]

... You know better than to touch other people's belongings, Vero. [ But he doesn't sound mad, or upset. Just... something else. A little tired, and hopeful that he won't make a huge deal out of this, like others have in the past. ] Before you ask - those are my children. Morgan and Morgana.

[ And he kinda leaves it at that - waits for Vero to say or ask whatever's on his mind. ]

[Vero's ready to argue how the frame was already facing him and why would you have it there if you didn't want people to look at it but Frederick stops him dead in his tracks. Of course Vero can conclude the obvious but having Frederick actually say it out loud. Wow. This really wasn't what he was expecting from this visit.

He tries to keep his reaction on the down low though, because he can also read the mood of the room and doesn't want to actually trouble Frederick. So despite how Vero's screaming on the inside (he has kids. he has KIDS. TWO KIDS. which means he's probably married. and worst of all, he's straight!!!!! he's gonna CRY on lyric later for sure) on the outside, he only widens his eyes a fraction and - ] Oh.

.........Cool. [Wow.] They're cute.

[Although. Why are straight people so bad at naming kids.]

Edited 2017-05-24 03:55 (UTC)

[ at least neither kid's lakynn or some shit like that ]

Thank you. [ A pause. Admittedly, he's a bit caught off-guard - not by anything Vero's said or done, but the fact that he's not saying or doing more. Frederick was expecting it. ] ... Forgive me - it was sudden of me to bring up. And unrelated to the topic at hand. [ Which, what it exactly is, he's not sure because Vero didn't finish his question. But his point still stands. ]

I suppose I am used to questions or criticisms in regards to them, and to me being a young father.

It's not that I'm not surprised? [But the freak-out is all internal. Vero makes some hand motions though.]

But, like, even if you are young [Vero's wondering how young. He pegged him in his early or mid thirties.] it makes total sense. For you to be a dad. You're really patient and kind and you've kind of got the weird "dad humor" down. It's really attractive.

[HOLD UP. HOLD THAT THOUGHT, VERO.]

[ Frederick feels a strange sort of comfort from Vero's words... until he gets to "attractive" and, just like that, he feels something else entirely. Unease. Uncertainty. And something else he can't quite put his finger on. Not that he suspects Vero's the first student to flirt with him. He knows that he's handsome in the eyes of others (he's never given that thought much consideration), but he's never taken the time to really notice the underlying innuendo because there were more important things (and certainly more moral things) than pursuing a relationship with someone he may never encounter again after the semester. But Vero just has a way of getting under his skin, as has been proven time and time again, and once again.

Everything else goes straight out the window as he repeats, to be absolutely sure he heard him correctly. ] ... Attractive?

[ Vero is thirsty but not at all smooth. Sometimes things just slip out his mouth before he can stop it.

That being said, there's no way out of this now that he's said it. He's clearly been flirting with Fred so he doesn't want to take it back and make the man think he's just been doing all this for kicks or, worse, to make fun of him. (Although he doesn't know what he'd do if Fred took his advances seriously either.) So he has to own up to it. Go with it. Somehow.

Vero sits up straighter in his chair.] Yeah. You're really attractive, Sir Frederickson. I don't flirt with just anyone.

[ .......okay, but now that he's said it, he can feel heat prickling up his neck in embarrassment.]

I have to go now. Thanks for, uh, seeing me.

[And he bolts.

Vero's the same in class after that. Still snappy and argumentative. He still slips flirts and innuendo into his debates now that he thinks Fred will be much more aware of it. The only thing he hasn't done is approach Fred directly except for legitimate questions about class. Maybe he's letting Fred make the next move or maybe he just spooked himself. Either way, the ball is in Fred's court now.]

[ Frederick pushes Vero out of his mind. Or, at least, he makes an effort to - a valiant but fruitless one, especially when Vero's still attending classes, asking far too many questions and generally just making himself impossible for Frederick to ignore.

But it takes a week for him to ask him to come to his office after class. Unfortunately for Vero, what Frederick has in mind has little to do with the feelings that Vero obviously has and Frederick hasn't even started trying to untangle. ]

I am ashamed to bring this up, but I need to ask a favor of you. I have a conference to attend this weekend, but it's only recently that my usual babysitter informed me that they were unable to watch Morgan and Morgana while I am away.

[ For once, he looks... uncomfortable. Out of his element. ] You needn't say yes, but... would you be willing to look after them for a few days? I am, admittedly, running out of options. [ A pause. ] And of course, I will pay you for your time.

[Admittedly, Vero gets his hopes up when Frederick requests to see him and, understandably, is disappointed and rather confused when it's about his children. Especially considering the topic of his children is what turned their last conversation awkward.

But Vero's not opposed to it.] I can do that... Uh, advanced warning that I've never really taken care of kids before. But for a couple days can't be hard?

[He'll get to the "I will pay you for your time" in a second. We're all waiting for it, I know.]

At your-- your house?

[ i will pay you................. with my dick

No. Eventually, Frederick will realize just how badly he's playing with Vero's emotions and feel awful for it. But for now he's just relieved that Vero isn't outright turning him down. This really feels like he's crossing so many lines!!! ]

If the idea of staying at my house makes you uncomfortable, you needn't take this job. But I assure you that Morgan and Morgana will cause you no trouble - they are very well-behaved, and know how to be around sitters.

No, no, it's fine. I'm fine with it. [He'll just have to. Behave. And try not to die while being smothered in atmosphere de Fred.]

And you can just pay me back with [your dick] dinner. [Grin, grin, grin, grin.

But really, moving right along. The babysitting itself goes great. Morgan and Morgana are great kids, as expected of Fred's. Their energy was a little much for Vero to handle at times but he found it easy to entertain them, and once they tuckered down for the night they were angels. He had a lot of fun with them and was sure to tell Fred he wouldn't mind watching them again.

Staying in Frederick's house overnight is what proved to be difficult for Vero's heart.

He had debated for a long time whether to sleep in Fred's bed or the couch. Ultimately, sleeping on the couch seemed safest, though he ended up spending the night staring up at the ceiling whilst clutching a pillow to his chest. Exploring around the house, even to do something for the children, felt invasive. Vero felt like this was taking advantage of Fred's hospitality or that anything he found or did could be seen as perverse because of his crush. Because Fred had to know how he feels, right?

It wasn't great. But it was survivable and Vero came out of it with two new buddies and some extra cash. That's the most he could ask for. More than, really.]

[ The tail end of winter turns to spring, then spring to summer, and in that time Frederick's taken Vero out to dinner seven times to repay him for the six times he's babysat. (An extra dinner was thrown in as a Friday night babysit turned into a weekend long affair as Frederick had single-handedly the worst airport experience of his life. He's still apologizing for that one.) And each of those dinners, two things have become increasingly clear.

1) Vero has it really, really bad for him.

2) Frederick might have similar feelings.

But a relationship isn't something he can just jump into - being a single father aside, Vero is significantly younger than him, and his student. He just... he can't. He can't. But stringing Vero along like this feels equally awful and god every time he gets a laugh out of him his chest tightens and he just.

Doesn't know what to do.

So, though it feels wrong, he waits until near the end of the semester, when he hopes Vero's done with finals, and calls him to his office. ]

Are you available this evening, Vero? [ He hasn't looked this nervous since when he first asked Vero to babysit. ]

[Frederick looks nervous and Vero looks more tired than he has in a long time. Long, sleepless nights of studying for finals have definitely taken a toll on him - he is ready to sleep for a full 24 hours and not give a single fuck about school for at least two weeks.

Finals aren't the only thing wearing him down, though. It's Frederick. He's so in love with Fred, only falling more in love with him and now his children too, and its exhausting when he thinks about how those feelings are not going to be returned. He's told this all to Lyric too and they've come to the agreement that Vero needs to get over him. It's harder than he thought.

But he's trying. So he enters Frederick's office with low expectations. Just a smile.]

I finished my last final earlier. [He flashes a peace sign and a wink. That's a yes.] Need me to watch the kids? [Fred probably has an obnoxious amount of grading to do.]

[ Vero's not wrong. Frederick does have a lot of grading to do, and not a whole lot of time left before the end of the semester to do so - and seeing the exhaustion clear as day on Vero's face makes him feel guilty for calling him here in the first place... but if not now, then when? Thinking far beyond the point of overthinking's gotten him nothing but headaches. If anything's going to be said, it has to be now.

He takes a breath. ] No. That isn't why I asked you here. Though it may still be selfish of me to ask.

[ His arms fold behind his back, so Vero can't see the nervous tension in his hands, the way they wring at nothing - not that his nerves aren't already betrayed. ]

Would you allow me to speak freely for a moment?

[Vero's anxiety spikes.

This could go so many different ways, including some positive ways, but Vero's mind is stuck on the possibility that this is it. This is the end of it. He's somehow frayed Fred's last nerve or made him too uncomfortable and he never wants to see Vero again.

And despite knowing and finally committing to getting over Fred, a reality without Fred hurts the most.

Vero wants to bolt. Tell Fred "no." Anything to get him out of this situation, but instead he stays cemented into place.]

O-oh. Sure.

[ Frederick knows he needs to pick his words carefully. He can't be too blunt about all this - god forbid he force Vero into anything he doesn't actually want - but there can't be any more confusion, either.

He starts. ] I am aware that you have feelings for me. At first, I did not wish to address the matter in hopes you'd move on in time. However...

[ He chances a look at Vero - and upon sensing Vero's unease (though he's woefully unaware of how deeply said unease runs) he speaks quicker, to get to the point faster. ] You must understand my hesitation. I am a single father, a once married man, and your professor. None of these things can be taken lightly. But you stuck with me and let me depend on you even while I deliberately ignored your affections and for that, I feel that I must apologize.

I would like to make all that up to you by treating you to dinner tonight. [ ... ] And, if you would have me, perhaps we could... give us a try.

[ No, no, not quite clear enough. Before Vero can ponder the meaning of those cryptic words too much, though his entire face might be red at this point, he clarifies. ] I would like to start a relationship with you. That is my selfish request.

[Vero doesn't think he's ever experienced such emotional whiplash before in his life. Through Frederick's speech, he's gone from terrified and mildly miffed, to dreading, to confused, and finally...?? Still a little confused but also so, so happy? So hopeful?

He gives Fred a wobbly smile.] Freddy bear you have.. impeccable timing. I was finally ready to try and move on - I thought this was hopeless.

[But y'know. Fred's proposed a relationship but he's left out one very crucial detail.] Does this mean you have feelings for me too?

[ ???? Frederick thought it was obvious enough, just by simply proposing the beginning of a relationship. But if Vero wants him to say it, then... ]

Yes. It has taken me time to come to this realization, but I am certain of it now.

[ He unfolds his arms, and holds out his hand toward Vero. ] I have feelings for you.

[People get into relationships without feelings all the time. Vero would know. So Frederick had to say it; Vero wanted to hear the words from his mouth and oh, how beautiful they were.

He's not sure what Frederick expects him to do with his hand extended out like that, but Vero takes it and then uses it as leverage to push himself into Frederick's chest. He wraps his arms tight around this bear of a man and hides his face. This is. This is a little much for him.]

He mumbles, small, into Frederick's chest:]

I really like you. I like you so much, Fred. It's almost been unbearable.

[ Ah. With Vero pressed up against him like this, there's no doubt he can feel how heavily his heart pounds in his chest. It's been so long for him since he's expressed his feelings for another person like this - he's nervous, embarrassed, out of his element.

But he still holds Vero close, wraps his arms around him tight. ] I like you, too.

[ He doesn't think his face could get redder than it is now. ] Where would you like to go for dinner? ... On our first date? [ ... nope, scratch that, now it's as red as possible. ]

[Vero bites his lips and when he props his chin up against Frederick's chest to look up at him, he has the doofiest, most giddy smile on his face.]

Can we actually... just go to your place? [For Dinner. Nothing else. Because Vero doesn't know if he can handle being out in public right now. His emotions are running on high. And, quite frankly, he would like to be somewhere close to a sofa or bed to collapse on afterwards.]

[ Oh! Well. Not that he wasn't already willing to go along with whatever plan Vero proposed, but that... ]

That sounds perfect. [ And he wants to kiss him, because Vero looks so happy with that big ol' smile on his face and Frederick feels so incredibly fond.

He settles, for now, on giving him a little squeeze and returning that smile with one of his own. ] I'll go shopping for ingredients to make dinner, then pick you up around five? [ So he has a few hours to scream at Lyric about this. ]

[And scream at Lyric he will.

He shoots her a quick incoherent text that he's coming over but it's only minutes before he's at her door. There's a single knock because it's not a knock at all, it's the sound of Vero landing his forehead against the door.] Lyyyric, are you even there?

[He needs to scream. He needs to cry. He's elated and exhausted and probably a little delirious from it all.]

[ Up until a few minutes ago, Lyric had her nose deep in a book because despite finishing all her exams, a professor of hers decided it'd be a great idea to assign a paper during the final week of classes. Really, fuck that professor. But then she sees Vero's garbled text and promptly packs up her stuff and leaves the library to go meet with Vero.

It takes her no time at all to get back to her dorm - but the fact that he's already there, waiting for her, makes her raise an eyebrow. ] You texted me less than ten minutes ago. [ She rests a hand gently on his shoulder. Come on, come on, get off her door now. ] What happened?

[He sped walk. Lyric'll understand in a minute. Probably. If he can get his words out like a functioning human being.

Vero pulls himself away from the door in a very ragdoll manner and lets her unlock it.]

Fred asked to see me, so I went to his office.

[And okay, dramatic pause here - also to make sure they're in the security of Lyric's room.]

[ The mention of Frederick makes her hand still for a moment, door half-opened as she stares up at him with part incredulity, part concern, and all "oh god, you were being an idiot again, weren't you".

But then her brain clicks back into focus and she ushers him inside, closing the door firmly behind the two of them. ] And? What did he want from you? [ Don't leave her hanging like this??? Especially after they just talked abut him moving past this crush of his. ... but Lyric thinks he looks a little too happy to be heartbroken? ]

[He can tell exactly what Lyric's thinking the minute she says that and he knows he has to be quick to dispel what he assumes is her slowly building intent to murder their history professor, but he's also still struggling to find words? He's still struggling to believe this is even real.]

He asked if I was free tonight and he -- I thought he was just going to ask me to babysit again but, Lyric, he asked me to dinner? Like a dinner date? He said he has feelings for me too -- I ..?

[Oh god, he is so tired and so emotional and his eyes begin to gloss over with tears. Frederick has feelings for him????? What the fuck????]

[ What the fuck is right. The words start spilling from his mouth and she gently takes him by the arm to guide him to her bed for them to sit - but her grip tightens accidentally when he gets to the key words ("he said he has feelings for me too") and she looks up at him, bewildered. ]

Wait, hold on. Slow down. [ Onto the bed they go - and once they're both comfortable, she rests a hand on his cheek. ] Frederick confessed?

He did? [Yes, he did, Vero.] He did! Lyric!! He wants to give us -- [And Vero makes a grand gestures with his hands ending with them pressed to his chest.] - a try! I might have a boyfriend??

[ Lyric is absolutely still going to chew Frederick out for this, big time.

But that's for later - right now her shock melts into pure joy and excitement as she throws her arms around Vero and gives him the tightest squeeze. ]

You have a boyfriend! [ Oh my god? OH MY GOD??? ] Where's he taking you for the dinner date?

[ he better fuckin be paying, wherever it is ]

Oh – we’re – [Suddenly Vero’s feeling shy.] We’re going to have dinner at his place tonight. That’s what I wanted. [He adds that quickly. Lyric is free to chew Fred out but Vero will defend his boyfriend (!!!!!) on this.

He deflates over Lyric’s shoulders first, though.] I’m so fucking tired, Lyric.

Edited 2018-09-10 17:42 (UTC)

[ As he sags against her, she pets his hair soothingly. Oh, Vero... ] When are you meeting him?

[ Because boy, he looks like he needs a nap. And a lot more than he usually does. ]

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teacher's gonna show you how to get an a [frederick/vero, modern au]

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