Intended for onlytolerable

[schoollikenew.livejournal.com]

On Monday morning, Christopher Kahl informed the principle of his agreement with the Lord Jack in tutoring the Lady Ace for the rest of the year. While there had been dead silence at the time, whispers somehow to manage to float about in the Faculty room by the time the day ended. He managed to keep it from the students until the day after Valentines because the last thing he wanted to do was add to the chaos of a School Party Day.

When he finally announced to them Wednesday morning turning Morning Meeting, the children took it very well. They were Deck-born for the most part or Deck-raised. If a Face Card asks, you do it, it's how it goes. A simple shrug, worries about their substitute that would be coming within a week and a half, they didn't quite understand. Lancelot was a parent, but understandable.

Christopher said yes to tutoring Eileen because he wanted to. After a decade of telling so many others, 'no'.

They don't know how hard it is and nor do they don't guess. Practiced smile, reminder there will still be an essay due next week, a promise to keep up with Chess Club, and it's all fine. Teachers are truly the best lairs because not one can even guess how much this is eating his stomach. When his students leave at 2:55, he continues his work on getting the classroom prepared for the substitute and for a visitor. He'd rather this conversation not be over heard. Not until Fin was done with the book.

(ooc: While intended for Sophie, others who want to talk to Christopher can.)

Comments

[lowtohigh.livejournal.com]

If the continued reference to Lancelot as 'parent' make her eyes a little distant, it's only a brief and thoughtless thing. He is, really, of course. It's just odd to hear it so crystallized from others.

But genuine smiles can't help being met with genuine smiles, even as her head bobs slightly again.

"Please don't be. I won't actually turn into a horrid, disobedient monster just because you've to see me more often, Mr Kahl."

[schoollikenew.livejournal.com]

He chuckles faintly as he folds his hands neatly before him. "Well... it's not so much you becoming a sudden monster. I don't expect that at all. I expect you'll be the inquisitive young woman you usually are. I'm just afraid I might fail you." He's not so concerned about like. That part of the working relationship has happened.

[lowtohigh.livejournal.com]

"An incredibly doubtful hypothesis, Mr Kahl, but I suppose we'd be remiss if we didn't test it." And the tension is gone. She'll likely flutter a bit through their first few lessons, be distracted by the impulse to scan his face and be certain she's not a horrible burden.

But for now, she trusts that what's done is done well, and hold out her hand to him with a pleased little smile.

[schoollikenew.livejournal.com]

"Very doubtful, but I'm very much a human being with... flaws. But I tend to be honest about them for the most part." And he relaxes when he sees just the ease on her face. "So a test run it will be." She won't be a burden. She will be a challenge, and that makes all the difference in the world.

He takes the offered hand gently and gives it a firm shake, the smile a touch warn but for the first time since Sunday, he feels hopeful.

Or maybe it's been longer than that.