(no subject)
Apr. 6th, 2004 11:18 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
x-tarot.livejournal.com posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
xp_logsAngie runs into Marie in the library, and the girls talk - about Shinobi's cackling, about Doug, and Logan, and there is some closure on the potions incident, and talk of grading papers and just some general chatter. And Angie reminds Marie that just because she's a teacher, it doesn't mean she can't go out and have a social life.
The back shelves of the library always made Marie-Ange half expect to see a small child in robes, or a ghostly librarian, or some arcane researcher bent over a spell book. She was always disappointed, as the younger students had no reason to go back here, as yet, they had no true ghosts, and the only arcane researcher in the house kept her spell books in a messy stack mixed in with CD's of horrible loud music with too many guitars. As she browed the shelves, she hummed to herself quietly, occasionally pulling out a book to flip through it. "Marxism, Communism, Russian Czars.. " She wasn't entirely aware she was talking aloud, lost in flipping through the pages quickly.
"Let me guess." Marie, tucked up in a leather chair and all but hidden at the end of the stacks, would have missed the girl if she'd had her headphones on. But if she wore them it'd be easier for Logan to catch up to her for the talk she could tell he wanted to have - and didn't get - after training that morning. "Shinobi's handing out obscure history assignments again. I thought I heard him cackling to himself this morning."
Angie caught herself before she dropped the book in her hand, and nodded. Mentally, she added "Eerily quiet people in ominous chairs." to her list of things to expect in the library. "Fall of the Romanovs, but I am trying to avoid the Anastasia controversy." She paused for a moment, then added. "And Rasputin. Shinobi cackles? Really?"
Marie laughed softly, not looking up from the book she wasn't really reading. "Oh, definitely. It's rather cute. Any luck?"
"A bit. There.. are a lot of books on Marxism and the political movement that came out of his work. Not as much on the events as the politics though." She shrugged, and closed the book she was holding. "Someone had an interest in it, I think, there are some in .. well, it is not English or French or Latin, at least. And perhaps not Russian." Noticing the book in Marie's hand, remembering her post earlier, and knowing how infrequently this part of the library was used, Angie paused in the midst of thinking aloud, though she wasn't quite sure how to ask if she was being a bother.
"Well, you're dating the right person if you want to know what it says, aren't you?" Marie looked over her shoulder, tucking her loose hair out of the way, and gave Angie a smile.
Angie laughed lightly. "If I ask Doug to translate this, he will end up doing half the assignment for me, just by talking about it. I may see if Kurt can look at it first. It might be in German."
"Good idea." Marie looked the girl over, she'd gotten so much older in such a short time, it was almost eerie. This place did that to people, she just hoped that it didn't do it to others as much as it had to her. "Thanks, by the way," she said a little hesitantly. "For what you said in my journal last night."
"You are welcome. I meant it. I am not sure how I can help.." Angie tucked a loose lock of hair back into her hair band. "Consider.. it a standing offer. "
"I don't know how you can help either," Marie admitted. "It's been a hell of a year. I'm probably just tired out." She threw her book onto the precarious stack in front of her. "If I knew what would help, I'd be asking for it, y'know? I try and practice what I preach."
Marie-Ange nodded. "A hell of a year... yes, I think literally, in some ways. " she said, quietly.
"Quite," Marie said with a little frown, as though something was troubling her. "Angie." She turned all the way around in her seat, crossing her arms over the back and putting her chin on them. "What am I doing wrong?" It wasn't asked on a whim, she was stuck for answers herself and ready to take them from anyone.
"What are you doing.. wrong?" Angie frowned, blinking. "I .. am not sure what you mean. I do not know of anything you did wrong that I can think of." She looked around, and over her shoulder, just to make sure there wasn't someone else Marie might have been asking. Just in case.
"I don't mean ethically," Marie said, her frown deepening. "I mean... in general. Maybe I should have just asked 'what am I doing?'" She laughed a little.
"I wish I had an answer." Angie answered, shaking her head. "I don't even know what I am doing most days. It feels like trying not to fall down and hide under my bed with a box of cookies and my cards is the best I can do sometimes."
"That sounds very appealing," Marie said thoughtfully. "Only, I think someone would drag you out. Or, knowing Doug, come join you, because he's too nice to drag you out."
"And then he would blush and stammer and be embarrassed because it was a bed, and we were anywhere near it at the same time. " Angie offered. "But hiding under my bed gets nothing done, or changed, and I get dust bunnies in my hair. "
The image of Doug having a blushing fit over being under a bed with someone was so clear and so /possible/ that Marie dissolved into helpless giggles. "..oh. He would, too," she managed to say. She'd have been the death of him, she figures.
"And he would do it anyway, or try to talk me into coming out from under the bed, or try to bribe me with more cookies." Angie was giggling too, and half-sure that the bed had become some kind of metaphor, but she wasn't thinking about that, nope, no sir.
Marie shook her head, still laughing. "He's so cute. I shouldn't laugh, but I can't help it. Poor Doug. I'm glad he's got you to look out for him."
"He is. I am not what I did to deserve him, but ... " Angie shook her head, though she remained smiling. "I am .. just glad you were not upset, though in hindsight I am not sure why I thought you might be. I was .. nervous about everything that week, though."
"I don't know why you thought I might be either," Marie said, still amused. "I'm just glad someone figured out how great a guy he is before I had to start cracking heads. And you've been a good friend to him, though I don't really believe in people 'deserving' each other."
"I blame England. It makes people paranoid and cranky." Angie nodded her head, amused smile firmly in place, not at all serious. "Doug is.. if I start talking about him, I will not stop. It is kind of embarrassing actually."
"It's kind of cute." Marie gestured for Angie to sit down. "I think the world of him, so it's not like you have to worry about me disagreeing with you. I don't think anyone would. You're lucky in that. Enjoy it."
Angie curled up in a smallish armchair, idly noting to herself that wasn't it odd that none of the furniture in the library matched, and why was that anyway?. "I try not to ramble about it, at least. I think Doug is wonderful, I do not expect everyone else to. He was so relieved to find out people did not hate him after ... last month, though."
"No one would hate him for that." Marie bit her lip and shook her head, then sighed wearily, suddenly looking ten years older. "Logan doesn't hate him," she said quietly. "He just... I don't know. He was angry. And hurt." She said the last reluctantly.
Angie let her eyes close in relief. She hadn't planned on asking, but hearing it was good just the same. "I .. can not say I would have reacted the same way, but then, I am not Logan. I just ... it is good to know. It is very good to know that. " She bit her lip, and continued cautiously. "He.. does not show it, in class.. if he is still angry.. at .. either of us."
Marie ran her hands through her hair, dropping her chin to hide the sadness in her eyes. She blinked and mustered up a smile before looking back up at Angie. "It's complicated. He was trying to protect me. I spoke to him and... if he wants to go telling people to stay away from me, he can get Scott to go do it for him from now on, just to keep from any misunderstandings. As for class -- he's a better person than that, even if he is still angry."
Angie looked quizzically at Marie for a moment, trying to discern the expression on her face. Something seemed off about it, but.. she wasn't.. entirely sure. "I .. can understand trying to protect the people you love. It is ironic.. I think, because that stupid love potion and the whole mess of last month taught me that." She quirked an eyebrow, almost smiling. "I .. might take the beginner self-defense class next semester."
"It's amazing what we'll do for someone we love, isn't it?" Marie mused, and then the latter part of Angie's statement sunk in. "I think you might enjoy that. It's nice to be able to take care of one's self, and other people if it comes down to it. It feels good. Or maybe I just like hitting things for fun," she added. "That could be it."
"Doug .. said it was not entirely unlike dance, and .. I am good at that.. so I think it may be easier this time around. Though I am not sure I will understand hitting things for fun. My hands always hurt after class the last time.." She shook her head. "Though at this rate, and very much not on purpose, he and I are going to have the same schedule of classes, except math and science."
Marie's grin was a little wolfish and her eyes glinted. "It does take a certain mind to understand the fun of hitting things... or kicking them... or throwing them. It's an acquired taste." She laughed a little and shook her head. "I'm sure no one but a few will believe that you and Doug didn't plan your classes together. I know you wouldn't, but it's rather cute. I confess, I kind of miss classes."
"I am not sure it bothers me for people to think we did. I am not taking a computer class just for him. That would be ... just silly. And it would ruin my grade average." Angie smiled. "If I ever understand the hitting things for fun, I will be surprised. Throwing, though.. that .. I kind of understand. Paper mache. Very therapeutic." She said, faintly mysteriously.
Marie quirked an eyebrow curiously but let the question go unasked. "Take your therapy where you can find it," she said dryly. "If it works, it works." She checked her watch and winced. "I've got to go get ready to teach. Expect screaming, I'm handing back essays."
Angie nodded understandingly. "I've been helping Ms. Frost grade French papers all semester. I completely understand. I suspect I will have mid-terms to grade this afternoon, actually." She said, making a face. "If you have a class to teach, I ... " She thought for a moment. Tuesday.. so.. "I think I have Art next, actually, and an assignment to turn in."
Marie swept the stack of texts on the table in front of her into her arms as though they weighed nothing, and stood. "It was good to talk to you, Angie. Seriously. I feel like I don't get to talk to anyone who's not falling apart these days other than Scott or Logan."
Angie nodded. "Thank you. I'm glad I could help. .. " She frowned thoughtfully for a minute, then looked up at Marie. "You should come out and do silly teenager things with all of us sometimes. Just because you are a teacher does not mean you are not allowed to have fun and act your age."
Marie looked genuinely startled, then nodded. "I'd like that. I just... it's awkward. It's not the teacher thing, it's just me." She dropped her eyes, uncharacteristically shy, then met Angie's gaze again. "It's like another country sometimes. But, I'll keep it in mind, that maybe people wouldn't mind if I came too."
"No one would mind at all, I do not think. I wouldn't, Doug certainly not. I cannot imagine Kitty or Jubilee or Jamie objecting." She grinned openly, then bent to pick up her book bag. "You know if I tell Doug, he will not let you avoid it.. " The last was said with a particularly calculating tone of voice.
Marie laughed a little. "You wouldn't dare..." She shook her head. "I'll see. I'm a little busy but since I passed my teaching certs, I have more time. Thanks, though. Really." She gave Angie a little wave. "I'll talk to you later."
The back shelves of the library always made Marie-Ange half expect to see a small child in robes, or a ghostly librarian, or some arcane researcher bent over a spell book. She was always disappointed, as the younger students had no reason to go back here, as yet, they had no true ghosts, and the only arcane researcher in the house kept her spell books in a messy stack mixed in with CD's of horrible loud music with too many guitars. As she browed the shelves, she hummed to herself quietly, occasionally pulling out a book to flip through it. "Marxism, Communism, Russian Czars.. " She wasn't entirely aware she was talking aloud, lost in flipping through the pages quickly.
"Let me guess." Marie, tucked up in a leather chair and all but hidden at the end of the stacks, would have missed the girl if she'd had her headphones on. But if she wore them it'd be easier for Logan to catch up to her for the talk she could tell he wanted to have - and didn't get - after training that morning. "Shinobi's handing out obscure history assignments again. I thought I heard him cackling to himself this morning."
Angie caught herself before she dropped the book in her hand, and nodded. Mentally, she added "Eerily quiet people in ominous chairs." to her list of things to expect in the library. "Fall of the Romanovs, but I am trying to avoid the Anastasia controversy." She paused for a moment, then added. "And Rasputin. Shinobi cackles? Really?"
Marie laughed softly, not looking up from the book she wasn't really reading. "Oh, definitely. It's rather cute. Any luck?"
"A bit. There.. are a lot of books on Marxism and the political movement that came out of his work. Not as much on the events as the politics though." She shrugged, and closed the book she was holding. "Someone had an interest in it, I think, there are some in .. well, it is not English or French or Latin, at least. And perhaps not Russian." Noticing the book in Marie's hand, remembering her post earlier, and knowing how infrequently this part of the library was used, Angie paused in the midst of thinking aloud, though she wasn't quite sure how to ask if she was being a bother.
"Well, you're dating the right person if you want to know what it says, aren't you?" Marie looked over her shoulder, tucking her loose hair out of the way, and gave Angie a smile.
Angie laughed lightly. "If I ask Doug to translate this, he will end up doing half the assignment for me, just by talking about it. I may see if Kurt can look at it first. It might be in German."
"Good idea." Marie looked the girl over, she'd gotten so much older in such a short time, it was almost eerie. This place did that to people, she just hoped that it didn't do it to others as much as it had to her. "Thanks, by the way," she said a little hesitantly. "For what you said in my journal last night."
"You are welcome. I meant it. I am not sure how I can help.." Angie tucked a loose lock of hair back into her hair band. "Consider.. it a standing offer. "
"I don't know how you can help either," Marie admitted. "It's been a hell of a year. I'm probably just tired out." She threw her book onto the precarious stack in front of her. "If I knew what would help, I'd be asking for it, y'know? I try and practice what I preach."
Marie-Ange nodded. "A hell of a year... yes, I think literally, in some ways. " she said, quietly.
"Quite," Marie said with a little frown, as though something was troubling her. "Angie." She turned all the way around in her seat, crossing her arms over the back and putting her chin on them. "What am I doing wrong?" It wasn't asked on a whim, she was stuck for answers herself and ready to take them from anyone.
"What are you doing.. wrong?" Angie frowned, blinking. "I .. am not sure what you mean. I do not know of anything you did wrong that I can think of." She looked around, and over her shoulder, just to make sure there wasn't someone else Marie might have been asking. Just in case.
"I don't mean ethically," Marie said, her frown deepening. "I mean... in general. Maybe I should have just asked 'what am I doing?'" She laughed a little.
"I wish I had an answer." Angie answered, shaking her head. "I don't even know what I am doing most days. It feels like trying not to fall down and hide under my bed with a box of cookies and my cards is the best I can do sometimes."
"That sounds very appealing," Marie said thoughtfully. "Only, I think someone would drag you out. Or, knowing Doug, come join you, because he's too nice to drag you out."
"And then he would blush and stammer and be embarrassed because it was a bed, and we were anywhere near it at the same time. " Angie offered. "But hiding under my bed gets nothing done, or changed, and I get dust bunnies in my hair. "
The image of Doug having a blushing fit over being under a bed with someone was so clear and so /possible/ that Marie dissolved into helpless giggles. "..oh. He would, too," she managed to say. She'd have been the death of him, she figures.
"And he would do it anyway, or try to talk me into coming out from under the bed, or try to bribe me with more cookies." Angie was giggling too, and half-sure that the bed had become some kind of metaphor, but she wasn't thinking about that, nope, no sir.
Marie shook her head, still laughing. "He's so cute. I shouldn't laugh, but I can't help it. Poor Doug. I'm glad he's got you to look out for him."
"He is. I am not what I did to deserve him, but ... " Angie shook her head, though she remained smiling. "I am .. just glad you were not upset, though in hindsight I am not sure why I thought you might be. I was .. nervous about everything that week, though."
"I don't know why you thought I might be either," Marie said, still amused. "I'm just glad someone figured out how great a guy he is before I had to start cracking heads. And you've been a good friend to him, though I don't really believe in people 'deserving' each other."
"I blame England. It makes people paranoid and cranky." Angie nodded her head, amused smile firmly in place, not at all serious. "Doug is.. if I start talking about him, I will not stop. It is kind of embarrassing actually."
"It's kind of cute." Marie gestured for Angie to sit down. "I think the world of him, so it's not like you have to worry about me disagreeing with you. I don't think anyone would. You're lucky in that. Enjoy it."
Angie curled up in a smallish armchair, idly noting to herself that wasn't it odd that none of the furniture in the library matched, and why was that anyway?. "I try not to ramble about it, at least. I think Doug is wonderful, I do not expect everyone else to. He was so relieved to find out people did not hate him after ... last month, though."
"No one would hate him for that." Marie bit her lip and shook her head, then sighed wearily, suddenly looking ten years older. "Logan doesn't hate him," she said quietly. "He just... I don't know. He was angry. And hurt." She said the last reluctantly.
Angie let her eyes close in relief. She hadn't planned on asking, but hearing it was good just the same. "I .. can not say I would have reacted the same way, but then, I am not Logan. I just ... it is good to know. It is very good to know that. " She bit her lip, and continued cautiously. "He.. does not show it, in class.. if he is still angry.. at .. either of us."
Marie ran her hands through her hair, dropping her chin to hide the sadness in her eyes. She blinked and mustered up a smile before looking back up at Angie. "It's complicated. He was trying to protect me. I spoke to him and... if he wants to go telling people to stay away from me, he can get Scott to go do it for him from now on, just to keep from any misunderstandings. As for class -- he's a better person than that, even if he is still angry."
Angie looked quizzically at Marie for a moment, trying to discern the expression on her face. Something seemed off about it, but.. she wasn't.. entirely sure. "I .. can understand trying to protect the people you love. It is ironic.. I think, because that stupid love potion and the whole mess of last month taught me that." She quirked an eyebrow, almost smiling. "I .. might take the beginner self-defense class next semester."
"It's amazing what we'll do for someone we love, isn't it?" Marie mused, and then the latter part of Angie's statement sunk in. "I think you might enjoy that. It's nice to be able to take care of one's self, and other people if it comes down to it. It feels good. Or maybe I just like hitting things for fun," she added. "That could be it."
"Doug .. said it was not entirely unlike dance, and .. I am good at that.. so I think it may be easier this time around. Though I am not sure I will understand hitting things for fun. My hands always hurt after class the last time.." She shook her head. "Though at this rate, and very much not on purpose, he and I are going to have the same schedule of classes, except math and science."
Marie's grin was a little wolfish and her eyes glinted. "It does take a certain mind to understand the fun of hitting things... or kicking them... or throwing them. It's an acquired taste." She laughed a little and shook her head. "I'm sure no one but a few will believe that you and Doug didn't plan your classes together. I know you wouldn't, but it's rather cute. I confess, I kind of miss classes."
"I am not sure it bothers me for people to think we did. I am not taking a computer class just for him. That would be ... just silly. And it would ruin my grade average." Angie smiled. "If I ever understand the hitting things for fun, I will be surprised. Throwing, though.. that .. I kind of understand. Paper mache. Very therapeutic." She said, faintly mysteriously.
Marie quirked an eyebrow curiously but let the question go unasked. "Take your therapy where you can find it," she said dryly. "If it works, it works." She checked her watch and winced. "I've got to go get ready to teach. Expect screaming, I'm handing back essays."
Angie nodded understandingly. "I've been helping Ms. Frost grade French papers all semester. I completely understand. I suspect I will have mid-terms to grade this afternoon, actually." She said, making a face. "If you have a class to teach, I ... " She thought for a moment. Tuesday.. so.. "I think I have Art next, actually, and an assignment to turn in."
Marie swept the stack of texts on the table in front of her into her arms as though they weighed nothing, and stood. "It was good to talk to you, Angie. Seriously. I feel like I don't get to talk to anyone who's not falling apart these days other than Scott or Logan."
Angie nodded. "Thank you. I'm glad I could help. .. " She frowned thoughtfully for a minute, then looked up at Marie. "You should come out and do silly teenager things with all of us sometimes. Just because you are a teacher does not mean you are not allowed to have fun and act your age."
Marie looked genuinely startled, then nodded. "I'd like that. I just... it's awkward. It's not the teacher thing, it's just me." She dropped her eyes, uncharacteristically shy, then met Angie's gaze again. "It's like another country sometimes. But, I'll keep it in mind, that maybe people wouldn't mind if I came too."
"No one would mind at all, I do not think. I wouldn't, Doug certainly not. I cannot imagine Kitty or Jubilee or Jamie objecting." She grinned openly, then bent to pick up her book bag. "You know if I tell Doug, he will not let you avoid it.. " The last was said with a particularly calculating tone of voice.
Marie laughed a little. "You wouldn't dare..." She shook her head. "I'll see. I'm a little busy but since I passed my teaching certs, I have more time. Thanks, though. Really." She gave Angie a little wave. "I'll talk to you later."
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2004-04-06 09:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-04-06 09:08 pm (UTC)...
Date: 2004-04-06 09:10 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-04-06 11:16 pm (UTC)And, okay, horrible self-absorbed, but the bit about the arcane researcher and the horrible music CDs had me rolling in my chair. ;)
...
Date: 2004-04-07 06:08 am (UTC)