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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[ 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. ]

Yeah, that's what I was suggesting. The communal area's perfect, I think.

[ Their bedrooms are far from what Bobby's thinking, to be fair. He just wants them to converse outside of their sessions, too. Hang out and stuff. Spend more time together. He doesn't know if those are qualified as dates because, while he knows he's somehow attracted to Erik, Bobby thinks he's a good friend anyway. Friendly dates exist, after all. ]

I guess I just want to spend more time with you, is all. [ Which sounds more heartfelt than it should, but Bobby means it, especially now that there's a light buzz in his veins. ]

[ That's true, there can be friendly dates. Absolutely innocent, no other intentions or ulterior motives. Not that Erik's had many of those, since he's not exactly one to make friends. He's had Charles as a friend, and he and Ororo get along. Surely he can manage that with Bobby, too. ]

Alright. Then we do that next time we meet. Nothing work related. Just sharing a drink and talking.

[ That's good. Simple, easy. They've always found it easy to talk to each other, so this won't be any different. ]

[ Bobby thoroughly enjoys their many conversations over the course of these sessions. Erik has always given him nuggets of wisdom whenever possible, as well as advice whenever he's struggling. Sometimes, Bobby thinks he can spend hours on end just talking to the man. Of course, it doesn't help that he's attractive and the attraction he holds for him is something he never thought possible (or will ever be possible given their stations.)

Maybe he shouldn't encourage it, but Bobby knows he just can't stay away from Erik. His pull is too strong and the young mutant's but a piece of metal attracted to magnet. ]

That'd be great. [ He grins, despite himself, taking another sip of his bourbon. ] I enjoy our conversations a lot. Never a dull moment for me. Has anyone ever told you that? That you have a way with words?

[ Well, to be fair, Erik shouldn't be encouraging it either. It's definitely not all on Bobby. At least he has the excuse of the bourbon, whereas Erik has barely started his second glass.

The question seems a little sudden, surprising Erik. A soft, amused chuckle pushes past his lips, and he shrugs, arms crossed in front of himself as he does. ]

Something to that effect, yes. A few times. Charles says it goes well with my mutation.

[ You are magnetic in every sense of the word, my friend, as he so eloquently put it. Of course, he'd been mostly teasing Erik then, while he doubts that's the case with Bobby. ]

You are a magnetic force of a man, to be fair. I mean sometimes I can't help but be really drawn to you, you know?

[ Loose lips sink ships, or perhaps in this case, help sail them. But it takes a while for Bobby to realize what he just said that when he did, his cheeks immediately redden and he instantly downs what remains of his third glass of bourbon, as if that'll help drown the embarrassing statement. ]

What I meant is that, um. You're charismatic and you carry yourself in such a way that... [ In such a way as what, Robert Louis Drake? he hears himself ask, and before Bobby knows it, he's reaching for another helping of bourbon. ] Sorry I mean you just exude charm, I guess?

[ As if that's even better. He just keeps digging his grave deeper and deeper at this point. ]

A magnetic force of a man?

[ Said with an arch of his eyebrows, amusement in his expression to mask the way his heart picks up in pace just a little. Now, Charles has definitely never said that to him. And not with those words following immediately after, either.

It's bad. Really bad, because Erik's mind likes to go places a little too much whenever they're spending time together, and right now Bobby's doing absolutely nothing to help him steer clear from those thoughts. ]

Well, I... thank you for that. I can't say anyone's ever said that about me.

[ To be fair, he's been told he's charming before, mostly when flirting's involved. It has been a while since. It's not that Erik is anywhere past his prime, but other things in his life have always taken precedence over finding someone. It was never a priority for him, and even less so now.

Or it shouldn't be, anyway. Especially as he has his new position in the school to worry about, and Bobby is far from an appropriate option, for a number of reasons.

Those reasons are almost too easy to ignore, right now. When they're sitting close together in the quiet of the night, most of the school fast asleep, and Bobby's now going for a fourth serving of bourbon. Also, for the record, a terrible idea. Erik just finishes his own glass, and decides he's going to stop. Stop right there. ]

We should probably wrap up for tonight. [ Reluctantly, Erik gets to his feet, taking the bottle so he can put it away again. ] You have class early tomorrow, don't you?

Well, it's just the truth. Guess I'm glad I'm the first one who did?

[ It's raised as a question because he can't believe no one has ever told this to Erik. Then again, that just means he's the first and this realization sends a tingle up Bobby's spine. He shouldn't be excited about the prospect of being the first to compliment Erik like this, but with the buzz provided by the bourbon, he can admit he is.

The smile on his face fades, though, when Erik suggests they should wrap up for the night. Palpable disappointment crosses his features as his brows furrow a little, especially when Erik grabs the bottle of bourbon and puts it away so he won't have another glass. He pauses for a moment, sighs, and rubs the back of his head. ]

Yeah, you're right. Sorry, I think I had too much to drink or something. [ It's not as if he's drunk. Just a good buzz that's probably loosening his inhibitions little by little. The disappointment vanishes, though, as he gives Erik a smile while rising to his feet. ]

I do have classes early tomorrow. All the more reason to stop. [ It's not even putting a halt to their drinking that's disappointing. It's the way he's also going to stop spending time with Erik. Not that this session won't happen again in the future. Or that they won't see each other in communal spaces, but. ]

[ It's definitely not Erik's intention to put an end to them spending time together, far from it. But Bobby has had too much to drink tonight, and he doesn't want the younger mutant to say or do anything he might regret, or be unable to stop himself from taking advantage if he did. ]

It's alright. There's no harm in indulging on occasion. [ Within reason, of course. ] Let's just make sure it's not on a school night, next time?

[ Just so Bobby doesn't think Erik is putting a full stop to this. Is it a good idea to encourage Bobby to drink this much again, or even more? No, absolutely not. But that's something for him to concern himself with later, not tonight.

He tidies up his own desk, making sure to leave the stacks of papers neatly organized, easier to pick back up in the morning. Then he helps Bobby with his own, trying to stick to whatever organizational system Bobby has. ]

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