heavymetals | ( psl ) hot for teacher

( psl ) hot for teacher

[ Of all the things Erik had imagined for a new, reinvented future, this definitely wasn't one of them. His life so far has been made of so many missteps, so many mistakes, his public image fluctuating wildly but for the most part, not being particularly good. He was even labeled a terrorist at one point, before his efforts for the mutant cause actually landed him in a better light eventually. A path of struggle that proved to be far more difficult than his attempts to wage war on the world, in the name of his kind but truly, just another expression of his anger.

It has always been a work in progress. Slow, with setbacks, and contrary opinions even now. At least among mutants, he's largely seen as a figure of good, a role model for a better future for their kind, of cooperation with mankind while refusing to compromise. Still ready to fight if it ever comes down to that.

But the last few years have become ones of peace, and Erik has carved himself a spot here, in the mansion, admittedly with much of Charles's help. The telepath helped him settle in, coaxed him to take a position as a teacher, encouraged him even when he didn't feel like he quite fit that role, and he was surprised to learn that he became rather popular among the students. It was already more than what he could ask for, and he couldn't imagine it becoming any better than that— only for Charles to approach him about taking over the school on his behalf, as Charles decides to step back and venture to other projects. Dedicate himself more to the X-Men and leaving the meaningful job of offering a home to young mutants, and guide them through this new world.

It's an overwhelming thing, and he feels out of his depth even after months of accepting the offer. Charles offers some insight on occasion, but he's not always around, and Erik often relies on senior teachers for their suggestions and opinions. But those aren't the only teachers working at the school— some younger faces have joined the board, a few even former students themselves, one of which Erik even remembers sitting on his classes not so long ago... ]

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[ It's late in the night again, and the school is dipped into a peaceful silence, most of the students and teachers fast asleep. This has become something of a common occurrence, almost a routine at this point. Robert— Bobby, as everyone affectionately calls him— is still new to teaching, and even with the few months of experience, he's struggled, something that Erik can understand all too well. And having taken up History, the class that Erik himself used to teach, it seemed only reasonable to offer to help him, if he can.

This, at least, it's something Erik can do. He knows the material, still has notes and lesson plans. Bobby will want to make his classes their own and that makes sense, but Erik can at least offer his insights and experience. Besides, it's... fun. More fun than Erik thought it might be. It doesn't feel like a burden, as a matter of fact Erik finds himself looking forward to each night they agree to meet for another planning session.

Sometimes they just sit in silence, Bobby working on his lessons while Erik pours over his own paperwork, the occasional question or playful remark. At times, Erik lets his gaze flicker discreetly to the younger mutant, noticing the way his jaw sets or his eyebrows knit together when he's lost in thought, or deeply focused on something. And he very pointedly ignores how much he enjoys it when he gets a smile or a chuckle out of him, a response to a little joke or teasing comment.

Tonight, though, Erik has something else in mind. They've both been working too hard, with the Winter break coming up, and there's nothing wrong with hitting pause every once in a while. Setting his papers aside, he pulls a bottle of bourbon from a cupboard behind his desk, along with two glasses he sets down between them. ]

I think we've both earned a break at this point, don't you?

[ The choice to return to the Mansion to teach is something that's been on Bobby's mind ever since he graduated. He loves to give back to his fellow mutants, this community that has been his found family and home for many years ever since he got disowned by his parents for being one. As soon as he finished his degree in teaching with a minor in Accountancy, Bobby sought to get a teaching position in the Institute.

However, the Math Teacher position has already been filled and the only remaining one is the History Teacher position. At first, he was hesitant to get the job, but he reminded himself that he's doing this for the mutant community, so he accepted. The Professor was glad he did and patted him on the shoulder for a good choice and a brief welcome.

Since it's not something he was familiar with, Bobby struggled with his lesson plans, at first, which Erik, the new Headmaster, has noticed. Fortunately for him, Erik offered his help since it's the subject he used to teach. Days passed by with long nights in between and they've built a good rapport during their sessions. Now that Bobby is more comfortable with his sexuality, having dated some men here and there before he applied for this teaching job, he couldn't deny the attraction he holds for the other mutant. It's a bit cheesy to think about but he does have this magnetic personality. The way he carries himself, the way he looks at him sometimes, the way he smiles when he gets something right during their planning sessions. Especially the way they playfully banter from time to time.

But he dares not to cross the line, not when Erik is the Headmaster. It's bad enough so many of his students seem to have a crush on him, which he only smiled in amusement of course, but to have a relationship with his superior is another matter entirely. Not as bad as having a relationship with his student because that's infinitely worse, but Bobby knows where he stands. It's a good crush, maybe, but nothing else should come out of it.

Right now, though, during another long night, Bobby can feel himself getting exhausted so when Erik stands up with liquor and two glasses in hand, the ice mutant feels relieved. He nods at him, putting down his reading glasses, and smiles. ]

Yeah, I think so, too. [ His blue eyes dart for a second at the alcohol in Erik's hand. ] You've always been a bourbon kind of guy?

[ By now, Erik's familiar enough with the telltale signs when he knows Bobby's getting too tired, enough that he won't be able to focus on the words in front of him. He's not going to usher him to bed because he actually enjoys these evenings, and he selfishly wants them to last just a little longer, but it might just be that point in the night when they have to call it on getting any actual work done. ]

It's a personal preference, but I'll have other drinks. I like beer too. [ The cap of the bottle unscrews by itself, landing gently on the table as Erik pours a decent amount onto both glasses. ] I can always get something else for next time, if you want.

[ It's not like they drink every time they meet, so Erik doesn't really know if Bobby has a favorite drink. ]

[ Bobby watches Erik unscrew the bottle using his powers with a broadening smile. Such a neat trick, but two could play that game. Once the other mutant has successfully poured ample amounts of alcohol in each of their glasses, he reaches out for both and chills them.

Maybe even accidentally touching Erik's own hand when he does because oops. He keeps his gaze at the other man, though, making sure to give him a small, and very subtle, smirk. He's only teasing, of course, not flirting, because that's just inappropriate given his station, but he can't help it, not when he's so comfortable around Erik now, having done this a couple of times with him already. ]

I'm good with bourbon. [ He simply says as he takes his chilled glass. ] It's a nice drink to have after a long night. [ He takes a sip, still not breaking eye contact with Erik. ]

[ He spots that neat trick, of course, gaze lifting to meet Bobby's as his smile widens just so. He can feel the touch of those fingers, lingering for a moment longer than they probably should, and needs to make a concerted effort not to leap straight to assumptions. Even if Bobby were to be interested, Erik has a feeling his professionalism would stop him from actually doing something about it— and Erik is going to stop himself before he even thinks about convincing him otherwise. ]

I'll make sure to always keep a bottle around, then, [ he says, as he takes his glass and walks to the window, turning around only so he can lock their gazes together again. ] Considering how often you need tutoring, I expect we'll run through quite a few of these.

[ There's a hint of teasing to his tone. Bobby is much better at retaining information now, but Erik still remembers he was far from the brightest students in his class. ]

Hey.

[ Bobby feigns offense, standing up while holding his glass so he can sit on the table instead so he can be closer to where Erik's standing. He breaks eye contact when he does but immediately glances back. Taking another sip of his alcohol, he smiles. ]

Look, it's not my fault History's not my thing. You know that. [ There's no offense in his tone, only amusement. ] I remember you were a great teacher, though. Helped me when I struggled. Passed me when I probably didn't deserve it.

[ He did, actually, because he studied well and tried his hardest to keep up even if History wasn't his forte. Actually, because History wasn't his forte that he spent grueling hours on it. In the end, he didn't get the highest marks, but not the lowest either. For all his effort, it was commendable. ]

[ That reaction draws a chuckle from Erik, only because he knows that Bobby's only pretending to be offended. He takes a sip from his drink, longer than he should just because he needs to distract himself from the way Bobby keeps looking at him. ]

I noticed. That much hasn't changed about you since you graduated. [ Plenty else has, but Erik isn't going to bring that up. ] And you're wrong. If you didn't deserve it, then I wouldn't have passed you. I never handed out pity grades.

[ As a teacher, Erik could be demanding, but he was fair. For worse or better. ]

It was clear you weren't fond of the subject matter, but you also worked hard. You made up for the fact that it wasn't one of your stronger subjects. Don't think your grades were ever a result of anything else.

That's fair.

[ He replies after everything Erik said with a nod and a smile. It's nice to be commended for his hardwork because it was truly tedious at the time. He can still remember the long nights and the amounts of caffeine he had to down just to stay awake sifting through pages after pages of history. Erik, at the time, was fair, so Bobby pushed himself to his limit to somehow repay this fairness.

With his smile tugging up into a playful one, he grins. ] And here I thought I was your favorite student.

[ He knows he wasn't, since so many had higher marks, then. But he can't help but tease Erik, taking a sip of his bourbon while still staring at the other mutant. ]

[ That remark actually has Erik rolling his eyes a little, still smiling in clear amusement. ]

Really, Robert. You can't possibly think I was the the kind of professor to have favorites.

[ He was tough on everyone, no exceptions. Some people were just more inclined towards History. Erik, for one, thinks it's vital that they all learn it, and learn from it. Especially as mutants, charting a brand new path in the world. ]

I was surprised you accepted this position, at first. But you're... doing well, for what it's worth. You're working just as hard as you did then. Even more so.

[ Bobby chuckles in amusement when Erik tells him he doesn't play favorites, even noting the way Erik's the only one who calls him Robert. All of his fellow teachers and students call him Bobby, even the Professor, as that's what he usually prefers to be called by. It's only Erik that he allows to call him by his full name. He doesn't know why. (He does. It's because it sounds nice when Erik does it.)

When Erik brings up his acceptance of the position, his smile fades a little and turns a bit fond. He takes another sip of his alcohol before replying. ]

Thanks for acknowledging my hard work. And for the compliment. [ His gaze averts for a bit as if looking around the Institute. ] I really wanna teach here, you know? Give back to our community. I wanna guide young mutants as much as I can for a better future ahead of us. [ Then his gaze returns to Erik with a smile. ]

Just like you.

[ Erik isn't really one for diminutives. He very much likes Bobby's name, and the ice mutant hasn't once corrected Erik when he used it, so he takes that to mean that he doesn't mind it. And maybe a small part of him likes that he's the only one who uses it.

Bobby's answer hits him right where he's weakest, and Erik feels the way those words make him soften, pride and fondness both flourishing. He dips his head for a moment, his smile more genuine as he looks to Bobby again, nodding to him. ]

Then you're absolutely in the right place. And we are all lucky to have you by our side.

[ Bobby recognizes the fondness and the pride that something in his heart tugs just a bit. It's probably the way they look on Erik, the way he looks at him that makes his heart almost skip a beat. He chalks it up to just being grateful but he knows, with his apparent (at least, to him) attraction for Erik, that it's something much more.

He's going to put a pin on that for now because acknowledging that is a whole can of worms he doesn't want to open. Instead, Bobby extends his glass in a toast with a broad, if not also proud, grin. ]

For being by your - [ He stops, cheeks coloring a bit, as he catches himself and clears his throat. ] - I mean here's to being by the Institute's side. Always.

[ Oh, Erik definitely catches that pause, his eyebrows raising ever so slightly. It probably would have been smoother if Bobby had just rolled with it, instead the way he backtracks and corrects himself only draws more attention to it, and to that far too attractive blush coloring Bobby's cheeks. ]

Here's to standing together.

[ Mutants. All of them. But if Bobby wants to think of just the two of them, Erik isn't going to protest.

He clinks his glass against Bobby's next, giving him a knowing little smirk, then pulls back to take a decent gulp. ]

Top you up?

[ He doesn't know if what he did was smooth or not but Bobby's not subtle, not even in the slightest. So he's just going to hope Erik didn't notice that slip-up because he'll just conveniently and swiftly ignore it in favor of nodding when Erik asks him for a refill. ]

Yeah, sure.

[ That knowing little smirk reddens his cheeks even more. He knows it's probably very obvious now so he's just going to tell Erik if he points it out that it's because of the bourbon. Not that he will, of course, but better be safe.

As he watches Erik refill his glass, he can't help but smile. ] I know it's you who offered but I hope I'm not taking up too much of your time. Being Headmaster can be busy, I assume.

[ He's admittedly tempted to tease Bobby a little about it, for a brief moment, but realizes that would probably be skirting the line of what's appropriate and acceptable, and he's had nearly nowhere enough to drink for that. Precisely why he shouldn't be drinking anymore, but instead he just steps closer to the desk Bobby's leaning against, reaches behind him and picks up the bottle, refilling both their glasses. This time, he doesn't go back to the window, taking a slower but still long sip. ]

Not at all. I enjoy our time together.

[ An honest admission, really not meant to embarrass Bobby this time. ]

I'm not exactly the most sociable of people, in case you haven't noticed.

[ Thankfully Erik didn't tease him about it because Bobby would've blushed even harder, not that he wouldn't be able to cover it up with the bourbon excuse, but still. With the admission, though, that Erik enjoys his company, Bobby's smile widens. His gaze never leaves the man, beholding him like the huge presence he is for all of them mutants. Bobby's respect (and admiration) for Erik knows no bounds, admittedly. This man who fought for them, always.

He takes a long sip of his newly refilled glass. ]

I've noticed, yeah. [ He chuckles a little at this. ] So, I'm thankful you actually enjoy spending time with me. At least, I'm good company despite the long hours we have. [ Then, his smile turns a bit fond without meaning to. ]

I enjoy spending time with you too, Erik. Guess spending time with me makes you one step closer to being more sociable. [ Teasing, but hey it's a good start. ]

[ Erik has certainly walked plenty of paths for the sake of mutant rights, some far darker than others. This is by far the most peaceful path he's walked, and at times he wonders if he even deserves it. If he even belongs.

Moments like this make him feel closer to accepting it all. Like he's not as much an outsider in the midst of Charles's people. Not that any of them have expressed discontent over having Erik as Headmaster, but still. ]

Well, it's a lot of work. But sometimes we do get lost in conversation, [ He points out, tipping his glass. Drinking too now, apparently. ]

Guess so. Before long I'll even start getting invited to parties and all. Horrifying. [ He chuckles, leaning against the desk next to Bobby. ]

[ Bobby watches Erik lean against the desk next to him, chuckling as the other does. The way he says it's horrifying is the icing on the cake. He can't imagine Erik partying either, but it's also an adorable thought, if anything. ]

Hey, parties can be fun. The one Kurt organized last month was great. [ He laughs again, remembering how chaotic it was. Taking another sip of his bourbon, Bobby nudges him a little. ] If I'm the one who organized it, would you go?

Yes, I believe that's the whole point of parties. And I will trust you on that one.

[ Since Erik wasn't there, really. He was invited, but it's not really his thing. At least, not the kind of party that Nightcrawler would set up.

The question makes him pause, as he glances at Bobby with a curious look. ]

Would you ask me?

[ Bobby has friends here, he gets along with everyone. Erik just wouldn't fit in. ]

Of course, I would.

[ Is Bobby's immediate reply, not even bothering to think if Erik would fit in or not. He just wants his presence there, as he had been instrumental in finding his footing in this job, as well as providing him friendship outside their professional duties. ]

That's a no brainer, you know. I'd want you there. [ He takes another sip of his bourbon. ] I wouldn't throw a rambunctious party like what Kurt did, though. Something more of a gathering probably. Just me, my friends, you.

[ He says that so nonchalantly that Bobby doesn't even think it sounded as if Erik's a guest of honor. Maybe he really is. He wouldn't mind that at all. ]

[ The answer is definitely quicker than Erik would have expected, which leads him to think that either Bobby didn't really think it through, or he has thought about it before. Maybe not asking him to parties in particular, but— something else.

Now Erik's the one giving this too much thought. He pushes it all aside, smiling faintly as Bobby describes Kurt's party, his free hand brushing through the hair on his nape as he looks down to the floor, then to Bobby. ]

I don't count as a friend? [ A rhetorical question that's meant entirely to tease Bobby. He follows it almost immediately with an actual answer. ] Hypothetically, if you really set up this gathering and invited me— maybe. Yes, I would come.

You do.

[ Another instant reply from Bobby because he really doesn't want Erik thinking otherwise. For everything he has done for him, as well as the rapport they've established, he doesn't want the other mutant to feel he's not a friend. They've actually become quite good friends during these sessions, if Bobby's being honest.

As he takes another sip of his drink, Bobby watches the other man, the way that free hand brushed hairs on his nape. Sometimes, he imagines putting his own hand on that nape and maybe also running his deft fingers through his hair. He shakes this thought aside, blaming the bourbon. He downs his drink in one go, thinking it'll distract him from the thought. (He's wrong.)

He runs a hand through his hair as he sets his glass down for a bit. ]

That'd be great. [ His gaze averts for a while, looking around the room. ] I'd like you to be there. Just have fun. Maybe also talk for hours like this. [ Once some of the guests leave and stuff. He likes his conversations with Erik, just them talking about life. ]

[ Erik didn't actually need the reassurance, to be fair, but he does appreciate it. More than that, he appreciates how quickly Bobby answers, the way he watches him while he's talking. There's a slight arch of his eyebrow when Bobby downs the rest of the drink, but he doesn't comment on it, though he gestures to the bottle behind them in case Bobby wants to help himself.

Probably not the best idea to encourage it, but he's pretty sure he'll be able to tell when Bobby's had a little too much.

He watches Bobby in turn, listens to him talk about this hypothetical party that isn't even happening yet. It's funny be doesn't even like parties, so he can't even lie. Bobby would be the only reason he'd be there. ]

I vastly prefer talking to you when it's just the two of us, though. [ They certainly don't need a party for that. ]

[ When Erik encourages him to have another top up, Bobby smiles and proceeds to help himself. Once his glass is filled again, he immediately takes another sip. It's not as if he wants to get wasted tonight but the alcohol does help keep him a bit warm and pleasantly buzzed through this conversation. It's a nice feeling. Add Erik as a good conversationalist and this is a perfect night.

With his gaze returning to the other mutant, Bobby has a steady, soft smile on his lips. ]

Oh, yeah? Then, that's no party. [ He chuckles a little. ] But I'd have to agree. It's better to talk to you when it's just the two of us. Alone. Getting comfortable and all that. [ The bourbon's probably loosening his tongue a little, but Bobby doesn't mind. ] Maybe in a different setting other than an office or a classroom.

[ Bobby doesn't think the implications of what he just said as he takes another sip of his drink. ]

[ Erik's beginning to think that the bourbon may indeed be starting to loosen Bobby's tongue. He's fairly sure he wouldn't be suggesting what Erik thinks he's suggesting so easily, and without immediately realiing the implications in his words.

Erik, however, is very much aware. Too aware, and suddenly he feels bad for encouraging it. He doesn't let it show, though, deciding that it may be for the best to just play it down, keep the conversation light and friendly, and not like Bobby's just inadvertently suggested a date. ]

Well, this is a school, so our choices are limited. Communal area, next time? There's always the kitchen. The gardens are pretty big.

[ That last one definitely sounds like a terrible idea. But it's at least better than suggesting either of their bedrooms, so. ]

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