taketothesea | (no subject)

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[James was normally rather even-keeled, but getting bitten by a sheep and probably contracting orf had put him in a terrible mood. Thank goodness it was a Saturday, and he could appropriately drown his sorrows at the local graduate and post-grad bar of choice. He sent a text to Alexia, letting her know where he would be, and then he got down to the serious business of drinking until his life was less tragic.]

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[Luckily for James it was one of Alexia's off-duty nights. All dorm related emergencies would be handled by another faculty member. With that in mind she made her way to the bar to meet James. It was never wise to leave him unchaperoned with alcohol of any kind.

Especially when sheep had been involved.

She spotted him right away and took a seat next to him.]

And how are we tonight, James?

We have contagious pustular dermatitis, and if you continue condescending me, I'm going to have no choice but to show you.

[He doesn't, really, he's being a bit melodramatic. James, melodramatic? No, it could never happen. Unless he got mauled by a bloody sheep.]

Oh?

[Alexia does not look the least bit bothered by his tone as she orders a drink.]

Have you had a medical professional determine that?

I went to the emergency room. They thought I was joking when I said I was bitten by a sheep. They threatened to kick me out.

[James looks sullen and drinks from his rum. Because some things never change and rum is an appropriately manly drink.

Also he's probably causing brain damage by mixing this with antibiotics, but after the day he's had, it's so worth it.]

Did they eventually see you?

Once I convinced them that I was, in fact, bitten by a sheep. I believe they thought I was drunk.

[Which he wasn't, then. Four in the morning not withstanding.]

Are you taking medication currently?

At this precise moment? No.

[See how he avoided answering the actual question there? He is so very clever like that.]

Ah. Something earlier, then.

[Not nearly clever enough dear.]

[Thank goodness he wasn't actually trying for clever. BRB drinking more.]

If I die, I want them to put 'killed by orf' on my gravestone. I'm entrusting you to see that it happens, Alexia.

[Alexia ignores him for a moment as she thanks the bartender for her cosmopolitan.]

Do you really need to be so melodramatic?

I got woken up at four in the morning to herd sheep, Alexia. Tell me, how would your mood be?

I certainly wouldn't be discussing funeral arrangements.

All I'm saying is that when one is awoken at four in the morning it's safe to expect something along the lines of 'I'll die without your tongue inside me,' not 'Come help me collect sheep.'

Oh? [And suddenly she looks very curious as she sips from her drinking.]

And were you hoping you might hear something like that from Randolph?

[Really, Alexia, you should know the answer to that. James rolls his rum in the tumbler and takes another sip.]

It's the principle of it.

[She likes to know details, sir. Details.]

Oh yes. Of course. The principle. [She nods.]

has Randolph offered any kind of compensation for your extra work?

Not the sort I'm interested in.

A shame. Maybe you should drop a few hints of what you'd really like.

I've dropped hint upon hint. Short of bending him over his desk, I really don't know how I could be any more clear.

There is something to be said for the direct approach. [Goodness knows being indirect with Conall had been a disaster.]

And if one of your students told you they were in love with you? [He raises an eyebrow looking unimpressed.]

I would politely decline as I am already happily married.

Last time I saw, that was not the case with Randolph.

You're being deliberately dense.

That is because you,

[She points at him as she finishes her first drink.]

Are acting cowardly. Whatever happened to taking risks?

I, madame, am behaving reasonably. He's a professor. It would be inappropriate.

But most likely not unappreciated.

I don't think the two are mutually exclusive.

Maybe not. I still think you should at least discuss the topic with him. Occupation aside, I do not think he would be adverse to the idea.

And again, if one of your students suggested an illicit liaison?

[Really, Alexia, it's quite impossible.]

If there was a significant amount of attraction and I knew discretion would be adhered to, I might consider it.

[He's not drunk enough to believe you yet.]

You are aware that my husband is significantly older than me, don't you? I am not a stranger to the stigmas certain relationships have.

[And oh look, another drink for her.]

[He was at your wedding, miss, of course he knows how old her husband is.]

He's neither your boss nor your professor, Alexia. Just let it go.

[He's regretting bringing it up now.]

Now, now. You certainly know me better than to request something like that.

How much longer will you be studying here, James?

This is my last year.

[Which you know very well.]

Of course. So in six months you will no longer be his student.

And he will not be any more interested in me at that point.

You really think he isn't interested?

I see no reason to believe otherwise.

[She shakes her head and rolls her eyes.]

You're obviously not paying close enough attention, then.

Since when are you an expert?

Since I married one of his closest friends. It does give a new perspective to things.

Not to this.

Are you claiming that you are?

I'm claiming that if I had a chance, I think I'd know it.

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