Nathan, Amanda: Thursday afternoon
Aug. 12th, 2004 01:09 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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xp_logsAfter these emails, Nate takes Amanda out for a picnic lunch and they do their best not to brood. It's not always successful, but they make a reasonable job of it.
Feeling oddly gleeful despite the fact that he was basically flying by the seat of his pants here, Nathan stopped in front of Amanda's door and knocked. #Are we decent?# he projected whimsically.
#Who, me? Yer've got the wrong witch,# Amanda replied, feeling her mood rise despite the whole mess with Manuel and dealing with the aftereffects of the Enchantress's magic. "Come in, Nate." She was lying on her stomach on the bed, now-shoulder length hair tied back into a very short ponytail out of her face as she read her Arabic textbook. Music was playing in the background - not her usual punk, but something classical she'd borrowed from Paige. It had seemed right.
Nathan grinned at her as he came in, leaving the door open just a little. "All right," he said briskly. "Put the book away and give me a hug."
He barely had to ask - Amanda was already half-way across the room, her progress assisted just a little by her levitation spell. She flung herself at him, arms wrapped tightly around his neck and not caring at all that her feet were about a foot off the ground. "Yer'd think the hug thing would get old after the last couple of days, but it hasn't," she said, muffled against his shoulder.
"Hasn't for me," he murmured, closing his eyes and holding onto her tightly. "Think it's killed my 'don't touch me' complex but good." He could stand here like this permanently, he thought contentedly. Wasn't as if she was particularly heavy, after all. "I know I've said this already. Several times. But I'm so glad you're all right."
"You an' me both. Don't know what would have happened if Manny hadn't come." At the mention of the name, Amanda felt the dull ache again where the link was most emphatically being clamped. "But hey, we're back, an' we're mostly in one piece an' that's the good thing, right?"
Nathan very carefully did not respond to the comment about Manuel. Staying away from that topic completely. He set her back down, if reluctantly, grinning. "Lots of good things," he said, attempting to ruffle her hair. "And I still say you're a cute blonde."
She pulled a face at him. "Am not. Bloody witches an' their idea of fashion advice." She didn't add that every time she saw herself in the mirror it was like looking at herself as a small child, Rack's child. "Don't get too attached, 'cause 'm dyin' it back soon's this whole party thing's over." She gave his forearms one last squeeze and then let go. "You said somethin' 'bout gettin' out of here? 'Cause I was shut up with Rom an' Strange all day yesterday an' for months with Mot... _Amora_ before that, an' I'm bustin' for some sun."
"Sun was definitely in the cards," Nathan said, taking her arm and leading her out of the room. "Getting out of the mansion will be good for both of us," he went on as they headed downstairs and he waved a hand in the direction of the back door. "Gets you some sun, removes me from the temptation of the Danger Room..."
"Havin' too much fun with the X geezer's toys, have you?" Amanda asked, chuckling. She grinned as she saw the picnic basket by the back door. "An' food. You lot know me way too well."
Nathan reached down and scooped it up. "Sprained my brain back on Monday," he said cheerfully, holding the back door open for her. "I'm under orders to take it at least somewhat easy when it comes to the telekinesis."
Shaking her head and rolling her eyes at him, Amanda led the way outside. The sun was bright and warm, and after the initial scrunching up of her eyes against the glare, she tipped her face up towards it. "I missed bein' outside," she said, stretching her hands up towards the light. "Even when I wasn't in me own mind, I missed the sun an' the air. The Enchantress had t' keep me inside the castle t' stop me powers from killin' me after I lost Rom's charm."
Nathan gave her a sharper look, even as he led the way towards the lake. "Romany and Strange have given you a thorough going-over?" he asked. He'd read her post, of course, but it didn't hurt to make sure.
Amanda nodded. "Inside, outside an' all the bits in between. Apparently there was a bit of a mess in me head from the spells she used on me, but they took care of that. Had the worst headache after, tho'." Without noticing, she'd taken his hand, reassuring part of herself that she was actually back, that Nate was really there. "'Least she didn't use the same kind of spell as Rack did - 'm runnin' out of skin."
Nathan squeezed her hand, feeling a sudden, deep rush of sympathy. Having one's mind controlled was definitely something he could understand. "It's behind you, then," he said, firmly but gently. "Oh, I know there's a lot about it that isn't, but you're back, and you're safe, and you can start moving forward from it."
"'M tryin'," she said, glad for the comfort. Safe - that's what it had all been about, right? "There's a whole bunch of shit I have t' deal with, but at least I'm in a place I can now." She looked up at him. "You look tired, you an' Moira both. Think we should make the rest of the month a no-drama thing?"
"I am wholeheartedly in support of the no-drama idea," Nathan agreed, nodding and grinning down at her. "Actually, I thought I'd spend the rest of the month spoiling Moira and you senseless. Sound good?" They reached the dock, and he inclined his head at the little rowboat. "In you get."
Supressing a squeak of delight, Amanda carefully climbed into the small boat, floating the basket in after her before Nathan could grab it. "My turn, since yer brain is sprained," she told him, grinning. "An' I never say no t' spoilin', just ask Dom." She blinked. "Fuck, I forgot t' ask - how is she? You heard from her?"
"A couple of times," he said easily, getting in carefully, so as not to tip the boat. He picked up the oars and started to row them away from the dock, towards the middle of the lake. "She's fine. Looking into some stuff for Pete. I have to confess, I didn't tell her about you all going missing... I don't want her distracted while she's in the field."
"After the shape she was in last time I saw her, that's a bloody good idea..." Amanda took advantage of the fact she was facing Nate to study him closely. There were still some fading bruises and marks from the Columbia attack, reminding her of just how little time had passed on Midgard. Her own injuries were long healed, not even a mark to show. Just Manuel's love of music still implanted in her head. "This stuff wouldn't be 'bout what happened at Columbia, would it?"
Rowing, Nathan felt a twinge from his still-healing wrist but ignored it. It had been much better since Romany's healing spell. He eyed Amanda speculatively for a moment, then nodded. "Don't ask me to give you details," he said with a faint smile, "because I won't. But yes."
"This is me, remember? I don't ask Pete for details, so I don't ask you. Just as long as somethin's bein' done, is all." She brushed and errant lock of hair out of her eyes, still finding the lack of metal in her face unnerving. Something that would definitely have to be addressed soon. "An' how're you doin'? You seem happier than you were before."
Nathan shook his head, grinning. "Moira and I had a very good time out in the tent last night, actually."
"Tents are a new kink, I have t' say. You weren't ever a boy scout, were you?" Amanda snickered, ducking as Nathan splashed water at her briefly with the oar.
"Not a new kink, actually," he said, rolling his eyes at her. "Comes from that year I spent in Kazakhstan. Happy memories of living in a tent..."
"Yer a very strange man. Still, with the uproar the place was in last night, I don't blame you for escapin'." Amanda eyed the picnic basket speculatively. Her appetite certainly hadn't diminished - in fact, with the amount of magic she'd used over the past few days, she was still catching up. "Wondered what that look on Moira's face was all about. You two're shameless, you know that, don't you?"
"We know," Nathan said with a downright beatific smile. "And it gives us great joy." He looked around, deciding that they were far enough out into the middle of the lake, and let go of the oars. "So," he said, reaching out to open the picnic basket. "You ready to sample my cooking?"
"You had t' ask?" Amanda replied, grinning. This was nice. Sun, the gentle rocking of the boat, food, Nathan being all cheerful... I keep thinkin' I should be feelin' bad 'bout stuff, but I can't. 'S too nice out here. Yer very sneaky," she said, watching him rummage around in the basket.
Nathan came up with the container of sandwiches. He pulled the lid off and handed it to Amanda. "I like grilled sandwiches," he said with an innocent look. "Some are cheese. Some are cheese and bacon, or salami. Others are cheese and vegetables of various sorts. Did I mention I like cheese, too?"
"Hey, don't knock the cheese. Or sandwiches. 'S the best thing I know how t' make." Mindful of Madelyn's warning about sensitive stomachs, Amanda picked a cheese and tomato sandwich first. Fuck, she'd missed fresh vegetables. "Maybe you were a mouse in a former life?" she asked, her mouth full, sending him a mental image of himself with Mickey Mouse ears and a tail.
Nathan laughed and took the container back, digging for a cheese and bacon one for himself. "Now that's going to haunt my dreams... and probably Moira's. I'll tell her it's your fault." He reached into the picnic basket, pulling out a bottle of ice tea and waggling it at her questioningly.
Amanda took the bottle, cramming the rest of her sandwich into her mouth to free her hands. Madelyn had stressed water as the drink of choice, but this was tea dammit. Life-sustaining tea, backbone of the British Empire. Even if it was cold. "Yer the one who called me Trouble," she pointed out, when she could speak relatively clearly.
Nathan pulled out his own bottle of iced tea, then, with a grin, a bag of potato chips. "These I didn't cook," he confessed.
"I'm shocked an' disappointed," Amanda replied, deadpan, grabbing another sandwich since the first one seemed to be sitting all right.
"Don't stuff your face," Nathan advised. "Touchy stomach, remember?" He opened the bag of chips and set them on the bottom of the boat, between them. The boat was drifting towards the far end of the lake, and he leaned back a little, grinning. "This is nice, don't you think?"
"Spoilsport," Amanda grumbled, but slowed herself down. Wouldn't do to throw up all over Nathan. "An' it's perfect. Nice an' quiet, plenty of sun..."
"Relaxing," Nathan said firmly. Precisely what both she and Moira needed. Lots and lots of relaxation. "Just because I can't leave the mansion grounds doesn't mean we can't get away."
"Relaxin's good," Amanda agreed, finishing off her sadnwich and grabbing a small handful of chips before leaning back herself. "An' why wouldn't you... Oh. Yeah." She frowned. "Um, does that go for me too?"
Nathan blinked at her, opening his mouth, and then closed it again. "I..." He frowned slightly. "I think you should be all right. Actually... I think I would probably be all right, too, come to think of it. So long as I don't get into a pattern..." The 'leak' had been in Jack's office, after all, and since Jack was now coming to the mansion to see him...
"Sorry, didn't mean t' wreck the mood. 'S just I wanna see Beth later, an' I didn't want t' put her in danger at all, protective charm or not." Amanda shifted so she could trail her fingers in the water, not looking at Nate. "I've had enough of causin' people trouble for a lifetime."
Nathan was frowning, still. It had just been... a given, almost, that he shouldn't be leaving the mansion grounds. Only he had, lots of times, before that day, hadn't he? And nothing had happened, because he'd been careful... "It'll be all right," he said, mustering a smile for her. "I think... I actually think I was being paranoid." Giving Mistra too much credit, just because they'd gotten to him through Jack...
"You? Never." Amanda did glance up at him then, smiling a little. "I know what you mean, tho'. After Rack found me again, even after I knew he was dead... for a little while I kept expectin' him t' pop up an' grab me. 'S silly, I know, but there it was."
Nathan just kept smiling. No ruining the mood, Dayspring. "It's perverse, don't you think?" he asked. "Here we are, having a gorgeous afternoon - " He reached down and snagged another sandwich. " - and yet we brood. Very sad and perverse."
"An' yet everyone still loves us," Amanda replied, smiling again. "All right, no more broody talks. How 'bout school? Would you believe I missed school too? I've learned Asgardian, but I hate t' think of the state me Arabic's in. Not t' mention the Mandarin."
"I'm not sure when classes are starting back up," Nathan said. "Still have to check with Charles about that..." He turned his attention to his sandwich for a moment. "Maybe next week," he said. "Give everyone the chance to rest up a little..."
"I can practice with Paige in the meantime - you should have seen her cooin' to her books when she got back." Amanda giggled at the memory, omitting that she'd done pretty much the same thing to her magic texts. "Can't let all that work go to waste now, can I?"
"I'll miss the Arabic," Nathan said thoughtfully, trailing one hand in the water. "When Haroun takes it over in the fall, I mean..."
"Is he? Seems a bit unfair, after all the work you put in..." Amanda pulled a face. "He's one of the new people, ain't he? I haven't met him yet."
"You'll like him," Nathan assured her immediately. "And he's a native speaker, which beats a fluent telepath any day." He grinned. "I thought I might do a Hindi course in its place."
"I'll give him a try," Amanda said with the loftiness of a typical teenager. "Hindi? 'S from India, right? Don't let Strange get word you're teachin' that, or he'll insist I do every Asian-type language you know. He wants help translatin' stuff. Should point Doug in his direction."
Nathan grinned. "And you just hate learning languages," he scoffed lightly. "It's so very difficult for you..."
She giggled and flicked water at him. "An' you just hate teachin', don't you?"
"Like poison," Nathan said firmly, reflecting that Charles wouldn't have to worry about him using the teaching as escapism anymore. With everything that had happened in the last week... he was eager to get back into the classroom for reasons that had nothing to do with his own problems. "Have another sandwich," he suggested, then grinned again. "But leave room for dessert."
Feeling oddly gleeful despite the fact that he was basically flying by the seat of his pants here, Nathan stopped in front of Amanda's door and knocked. #Are we decent?# he projected whimsically.
#Who, me? Yer've got the wrong witch,# Amanda replied, feeling her mood rise despite the whole mess with Manuel and dealing with the aftereffects of the Enchantress's magic. "Come in, Nate." She was lying on her stomach on the bed, now-shoulder length hair tied back into a very short ponytail out of her face as she read her Arabic textbook. Music was playing in the background - not her usual punk, but something classical she'd borrowed from Paige. It had seemed right.
Nathan grinned at her as he came in, leaving the door open just a little. "All right," he said briskly. "Put the book away and give me a hug."
He barely had to ask - Amanda was already half-way across the room, her progress assisted just a little by her levitation spell. She flung herself at him, arms wrapped tightly around his neck and not caring at all that her feet were about a foot off the ground. "Yer'd think the hug thing would get old after the last couple of days, but it hasn't," she said, muffled against his shoulder.
"Hasn't for me," he murmured, closing his eyes and holding onto her tightly. "Think it's killed my 'don't touch me' complex but good." He could stand here like this permanently, he thought contentedly. Wasn't as if she was particularly heavy, after all. "I know I've said this already. Several times. But I'm so glad you're all right."
"You an' me both. Don't know what would have happened if Manny hadn't come." At the mention of the name, Amanda felt the dull ache again where the link was most emphatically being clamped. "But hey, we're back, an' we're mostly in one piece an' that's the good thing, right?"
Nathan very carefully did not respond to the comment about Manuel. Staying away from that topic completely. He set her back down, if reluctantly, grinning. "Lots of good things," he said, attempting to ruffle her hair. "And I still say you're a cute blonde."
She pulled a face at him. "Am not. Bloody witches an' their idea of fashion advice." She didn't add that every time she saw herself in the mirror it was like looking at herself as a small child, Rack's child. "Don't get too attached, 'cause 'm dyin' it back soon's this whole party thing's over." She gave his forearms one last squeeze and then let go. "You said somethin' 'bout gettin' out of here? 'Cause I was shut up with Rom an' Strange all day yesterday an' for months with Mot... _Amora_ before that, an' I'm bustin' for some sun."
"Sun was definitely in the cards," Nathan said, taking her arm and leading her out of the room. "Getting out of the mansion will be good for both of us," he went on as they headed downstairs and he waved a hand in the direction of the back door. "Gets you some sun, removes me from the temptation of the Danger Room..."
"Havin' too much fun with the X geezer's toys, have you?" Amanda asked, chuckling. She grinned as she saw the picnic basket by the back door. "An' food. You lot know me way too well."
Nathan reached down and scooped it up. "Sprained my brain back on Monday," he said cheerfully, holding the back door open for her. "I'm under orders to take it at least somewhat easy when it comes to the telekinesis."
Shaking her head and rolling her eyes at him, Amanda led the way outside. The sun was bright and warm, and after the initial scrunching up of her eyes against the glare, she tipped her face up towards it. "I missed bein' outside," she said, stretching her hands up towards the light. "Even when I wasn't in me own mind, I missed the sun an' the air. The Enchantress had t' keep me inside the castle t' stop me powers from killin' me after I lost Rom's charm."
Nathan gave her a sharper look, even as he led the way towards the lake. "Romany and Strange have given you a thorough going-over?" he asked. He'd read her post, of course, but it didn't hurt to make sure.
Amanda nodded. "Inside, outside an' all the bits in between. Apparently there was a bit of a mess in me head from the spells she used on me, but they took care of that. Had the worst headache after, tho'." Without noticing, she'd taken his hand, reassuring part of herself that she was actually back, that Nate was really there. "'Least she didn't use the same kind of spell as Rack did - 'm runnin' out of skin."
Nathan squeezed her hand, feeling a sudden, deep rush of sympathy. Having one's mind controlled was definitely something he could understand. "It's behind you, then," he said, firmly but gently. "Oh, I know there's a lot about it that isn't, but you're back, and you're safe, and you can start moving forward from it."
"'M tryin'," she said, glad for the comfort. Safe - that's what it had all been about, right? "There's a whole bunch of shit I have t' deal with, but at least I'm in a place I can now." She looked up at him. "You look tired, you an' Moira both. Think we should make the rest of the month a no-drama thing?"
"I am wholeheartedly in support of the no-drama idea," Nathan agreed, nodding and grinning down at her. "Actually, I thought I'd spend the rest of the month spoiling Moira and you senseless. Sound good?" They reached the dock, and he inclined his head at the little rowboat. "In you get."
Supressing a squeak of delight, Amanda carefully climbed into the small boat, floating the basket in after her before Nathan could grab it. "My turn, since yer brain is sprained," she told him, grinning. "An' I never say no t' spoilin', just ask Dom." She blinked. "Fuck, I forgot t' ask - how is she? You heard from her?"
"A couple of times," he said easily, getting in carefully, so as not to tip the boat. He picked up the oars and started to row them away from the dock, towards the middle of the lake. "She's fine. Looking into some stuff for Pete. I have to confess, I didn't tell her about you all going missing... I don't want her distracted while she's in the field."
"After the shape she was in last time I saw her, that's a bloody good idea..." Amanda took advantage of the fact she was facing Nate to study him closely. There were still some fading bruises and marks from the Columbia attack, reminding her of just how little time had passed on Midgard. Her own injuries were long healed, not even a mark to show. Just Manuel's love of music still implanted in her head. "This stuff wouldn't be 'bout what happened at Columbia, would it?"
Rowing, Nathan felt a twinge from his still-healing wrist but ignored it. It had been much better since Romany's healing spell. He eyed Amanda speculatively for a moment, then nodded. "Don't ask me to give you details," he said with a faint smile, "because I won't. But yes."
"This is me, remember? I don't ask Pete for details, so I don't ask you. Just as long as somethin's bein' done, is all." She brushed and errant lock of hair out of her eyes, still finding the lack of metal in her face unnerving. Something that would definitely have to be addressed soon. "An' how're you doin'? You seem happier than you were before."
Nathan shook his head, grinning. "Moira and I had a very good time out in the tent last night, actually."
"Tents are a new kink, I have t' say. You weren't ever a boy scout, were you?" Amanda snickered, ducking as Nathan splashed water at her briefly with the oar.
"Not a new kink, actually," he said, rolling his eyes at her. "Comes from that year I spent in Kazakhstan. Happy memories of living in a tent..."
"Yer a very strange man. Still, with the uproar the place was in last night, I don't blame you for escapin'." Amanda eyed the picnic basket speculatively. Her appetite certainly hadn't diminished - in fact, with the amount of magic she'd used over the past few days, she was still catching up. "Wondered what that look on Moira's face was all about. You two're shameless, you know that, don't you?"
"We know," Nathan said with a downright beatific smile. "And it gives us great joy." He looked around, deciding that they were far enough out into the middle of the lake, and let go of the oars. "So," he said, reaching out to open the picnic basket. "You ready to sample my cooking?"
"You had t' ask?" Amanda replied, grinning. This was nice. Sun, the gentle rocking of the boat, food, Nathan being all cheerful... I keep thinkin' I should be feelin' bad 'bout stuff, but I can't. 'S too nice out here. Yer very sneaky," she said, watching him rummage around in the basket.
Nathan came up with the container of sandwiches. He pulled the lid off and handed it to Amanda. "I like grilled sandwiches," he said with an innocent look. "Some are cheese. Some are cheese and bacon, or salami. Others are cheese and vegetables of various sorts. Did I mention I like cheese, too?"
"Hey, don't knock the cheese. Or sandwiches. 'S the best thing I know how t' make." Mindful of Madelyn's warning about sensitive stomachs, Amanda picked a cheese and tomato sandwich first. Fuck, she'd missed fresh vegetables. "Maybe you were a mouse in a former life?" she asked, her mouth full, sending him a mental image of himself with Mickey Mouse ears and a tail.
Nathan laughed and took the container back, digging for a cheese and bacon one for himself. "Now that's going to haunt my dreams... and probably Moira's. I'll tell her it's your fault." He reached into the picnic basket, pulling out a bottle of ice tea and waggling it at her questioningly.
Amanda took the bottle, cramming the rest of her sandwich into her mouth to free her hands. Madelyn had stressed water as the drink of choice, but this was tea dammit. Life-sustaining tea, backbone of the British Empire. Even if it was cold. "Yer the one who called me Trouble," she pointed out, when she could speak relatively clearly.
Nathan pulled out his own bottle of iced tea, then, with a grin, a bag of potato chips. "These I didn't cook," he confessed.
"I'm shocked an' disappointed," Amanda replied, deadpan, grabbing another sandwich since the first one seemed to be sitting all right.
"Don't stuff your face," Nathan advised. "Touchy stomach, remember?" He opened the bag of chips and set them on the bottom of the boat, between them. The boat was drifting towards the far end of the lake, and he leaned back a little, grinning. "This is nice, don't you think?"
"Spoilsport," Amanda grumbled, but slowed herself down. Wouldn't do to throw up all over Nathan. "An' it's perfect. Nice an' quiet, plenty of sun..."
"Relaxing," Nathan said firmly. Precisely what both she and Moira needed. Lots and lots of relaxation. "Just because I can't leave the mansion grounds doesn't mean we can't get away."
"Relaxin's good," Amanda agreed, finishing off her sadnwich and grabbing a small handful of chips before leaning back herself. "An' why wouldn't you... Oh. Yeah." She frowned. "Um, does that go for me too?"
Nathan blinked at her, opening his mouth, and then closed it again. "I..." He frowned slightly. "I think you should be all right. Actually... I think I would probably be all right, too, come to think of it. So long as I don't get into a pattern..." The 'leak' had been in Jack's office, after all, and since Jack was now coming to the mansion to see him...
"Sorry, didn't mean t' wreck the mood. 'S just I wanna see Beth later, an' I didn't want t' put her in danger at all, protective charm or not." Amanda shifted so she could trail her fingers in the water, not looking at Nate. "I've had enough of causin' people trouble for a lifetime."
Nathan was frowning, still. It had just been... a given, almost, that he shouldn't be leaving the mansion grounds. Only he had, lots of times, before that day, hadn't he? And nothing had happened, because he'd been careful... "It'll be all right," he said, mustering a smile for her. "I think... I actually think I was being paranoid." Giving Mistra too much credit, just because they'd gotten to him through Jack...
"You? Never." Amanda did glance up at him then, smiling a little. "I know what you mean, tho'. After Rack found me again, even after I knew he was dead... for a little while I kept expectin' him t' pop up an' grab me. 'S silly, I know, but there it was."
Nathan just kept smiling. No ruining the mood, Dayspring. "It's perverse, don't you think?" he asked. "Here we are, having a gorgeous afternoon - " He reached down and snagged another sandwich. " - and yet we brood. Very sad and perverse."
"An' yet everyone still loves us," Amanda replied, smiling again. "All right, no more broody talks. How 'bout school? Would you believe I missed school too? I've learned Asgardian, but I hate t' think of the state me Arabic's in. Not t' mention the Mandarin."
"I'm not sure when classes are starting back up," Nathan said. "Still have to check with Charles about that..." He turned his attention to his sandwich for a moment. "Maybe next week," he said. "Give everyone the chance to rest up a little..."
"I can practice with Paige in the meantime - you should have seen her cooin' to her books when she got back." Amanda giggled at the memory, omitting that she'd done pretty much the same thing to her magic texts. "Can't let all that work go to waste now, can I?"
"I'll miss the Arabic," Nathan said thoughtfully, trailing one hand in the water. "When Haroun takes it over in the fall, I mean..."
"Is he? Seems a bit unfair, after all the work you put in..." Amanda pulled a face. "He's one of the new people, ain't he? I haven't met him yet."
"You'll like him," Nathan assured her immediately. "And he's a native speaker, which beats a fluent telepath any day." He grinned. "I thought I might do a Hindi course in its place."
"I'll give him a try," Amanda said with the loftiness of a typical teenager. "Hindi? 'S from India, right? Don't let Strange get word you're teachin' that, or he'll insist I do every Asian-type language you know. He wants help translatin' stuff. Should point Doug in his direction."
Nathan grinned. "And you just hate learning languages," he scoffed lightly. "It's so very difficult for you..."
She giggled and flicked water at him. "An' you just hate teachin', don't you?"
"Like poison," Nathan said firmly, reflecting that Charles wouldn't have to worry about him using the teaching as escapism anymore. With everything that had happened in the last week... he was eager to get back into the classroom for reasons that had nothing to do with his own problems. "Have another sandwich," he suggested, then grinned again. "But leave room for dessert."
