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

[bearywary]

[ 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? ]

Comments

[sickandtired]

[ 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.]

[bearywary]

[ 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.