call me jo

— Chaû Vy Vuong. Professor of Contemporary Supernatural Politics and Interspecies Relations at Sinistra Acadamaie. Werewolf of the Romero Pack. Growing as we go.

Now that she had a year under her belt, the start of the school year felt like a piece of cake to Samara. Gone was the uneasiness and the nerves that came with not knowing what to expect and now she could really stand back and take in the chaos going on around her. There were familiar faces to see again and new students to mess with, and it just felt right, which was something Samara hadn’t felt a lot of in the past few years.

She was aware that she was probably in the way, but no one had said anything just yet so Samara continued to stand and take it all in until she was finally interrupted from her thoughts. “Neither. I’m all good. Better actually - now that you’re here, teach. End of year break was so lonely without my favourite supernatural politics professor around.”

An easy laugh escaped her at the other student’s words and she shook her head before crossing her arms. “Samara Lucas, I didn’t realize there was any competition for that title.” Amusement danced in her eyes even as she turned back to study the menu.

What would she order? A basic black coffee was her go-to, but that wouldn’t address the bigger issue at hand— the need to grab a bite of something to tide her over until dinner. The paninis looked good— and the pancetta, cheese, and zucchini muffins looked delicious. Jo nodded to herself, her mind decided. before glancing back at the student. “How was your break? Make any good memories?”

He found himself chuckling a bit at her inquiry, but it was only a few more steps to the office. When they reached the door, he opened it for her and then took the box from her, cane left leaning just on the inside. It was still a bit awkward, as he limped towards his desk, setting it down much more carefully than needed. “Clean up would leave us in just as much trouble as the students, I fear.” His tone is more amused now.

But he leans against the his desk, bracing himself with a hand against the edge of it. “We got boring as we aged, unfortunately to say. These pesky little things called responsibilities tend to weigh us down.” Nathan adjusts his vest, smile now coming a bit easier now that they’re away from prying eyes. “Do you have anything you need to be doing right now?”

She closed the door behind them before moving further into the room. This office was bigger than hers, but it looked a little neater than hers— her office was controlled chaos. The bookshelves were kept in perfect order, but her desk was already a travesty. While she knew where everything was, to the casual observer it was just a disorganized mess.

“Aging—the first years look younger each year,” Jo groaned as she leaned against one of the armchairs. It was crazy to think that she’d spent almost half her life as a werewolf now. There had been a time where she hadn’t even been able to imagine herself as anything other than a witch. How times have changed— Jo glanced at the older man, mirroring his expression with a smile of her own before shaking her head. “Nope, I’m already mostly situated. Why do you ask?”

Nearly jumping out of her skin, Victoria was startled when someone spoke directly to her. Hand pressed to her chest over her heart, the young wolf took a second to calm down before answering. “Sorry.” Quick to apologize, she turned to look at the woman who spoke and offered what Vic hoped would be a friendly enough smile. “Can’t decide.” They cringe inwardly how pathetic they sound, feeling as if they’re failing at communication with this new person already. “Anything deer flavored?” It’s meant to be a joke- she hopes it sounds like a joke. 

Victoria Kane. The werewolf faculty in particular had been briefed about the new student, and Jo’s expression softened. “Hope I didn’t scare you too badly,” she commented, slowly walking closer. This had to be a hell of an adjustment. Sixteen years spent as a wolf— Jo didn’t even want to know the havoc that must have wreaked on the other wolf’s senses and skills. Still, the fact that Victoria is trying at all is commendable. A laugh escaped her at the other’s words, and she shook her head goodnaturedly, nodding at the menu. “Not today. You’d be surprised at what this place has to offer.” She crossed her arms, studying the menu for a moment. “If you’re looking to buy a drink, hot chocolate’s always a safe option.”

His fingers twitch against the ornamental decoration - hilariously, not a wolf, but a silver snake wrapping around the rod and coming up into a comfortably shaped hand rest. Style had to be important if he were going to carry around the accessory. Though, he does have a hint of a smile when he sees who answered his call for help - A welcome addition to his company, at least for a bit. “You dare. Potions for the Alphas, lesson plans, all sorts of things–”

He gestures with his free hand and moves to follow her along, “It’s just a bit heavy.. and long. Carrying the others one-handed was easier, this.. I fear I might drop it. And with the types of potions in there, I don’t think those fumes would be beneficial for the general populace on the first day back.” His smile widens a bit, just a quirk of the muscles, before it’s schooled back into something only slightly amused. “Half-tempted, though. A bit like playing with fire.”

She nodded in understanding. As the Dean of Wolves, Nathan’s responsibilities were a little more varied than the average faculty member, and with that came more things to bring to Sinistra. Jo did not envy his position— and she believed that Nathan bore the weight well. Most of the time. Nobody was perfect.

Deft fingers shifted their hold, working to grip the boxes in her arms a little more carefully once she knew its contents. Potions could be delicate and fickle things, and too much jostling could lead to... explosive situations, to say the least. Some of the more volatile potions were deceptively unassuming when dropped. It could take days for people to notice the effects in the air— but she couldn’t help the gleam in her eyes as she caught the tail-end of the other man’s smile. “You’re not alone.” A smirk flashed across her face, before she groaned quietly. “Better not though— clean-up might be hell— when did we get so boring?”

The crowds in the Courtyard did not seem to be thinning anytime soon, so Jo made her way to the cafes. The journey there took longer than normal— not that she would ever complain. It was good to see people back from the break, and the excitement in the air was palpable and infectious. The first days back were always hectic, and while sometimes it felt headache inducing, but everybody was mostly in good spirits. Though, that didn’t mean that she didn’t want some coffee.

Finally, Jo came to a stop outside the cafes. The lines were long this time of year, and there were plenty more people loitering around the scattered menus and tables, both indoors and outdoors. A bell chimed as a couple exited, their heads bent together— and the overwhelming smell of baking pastries and brewing coffee filled her nose. She inhaled deeply, noting the hints of blood and tea being steeped. It was an odd mixture, but also familiar. A smile flickered across her face as she savored the scent, before glancing at the person standing in front of the menu board. “Are you waiting for somebody, or did you need help deciding?”