It's Not Personal (Probably)

“What? No,” Quince said, playing tough like he always did. “I’m perfectly fine, and definitely not hurt.” He moved his arms around as a demonstration, he wasn’t lying. They didn’t hurt, but by the Maker they sure would later.

Growth

Oh, phew. Eight wasn’t a bad time. Or if it was, Quince was just… accepting it. Which, he guessed, was as good as he could hopeful. “Alright then. Eight AM it is. Make sure to bring some sort of computer or tablet.” There was nothing preventing Quince from going to the cafeteria, or even bringing his own lunch, so that could go unsaid. “Do you have any questions? Any requests?” Just in case they were missing something that could make this easier on the both of them.

“Yeah, I’m--” Quince groaned, that was definitely going to bruise tomorrow. “--ugh, I’m fine. Nothing my sister hasn’t given me worse.” Pyria did fancy preparing him for all the worst injuries. “I’m, uh, I’m okay. Ow, Maker’s ass.”

“I brought him up once.” Nate pointed out. “You keep going back to him like he’s a toy I’m going to take away.” Which was absolutely unappealing. Anyone who was overly fond of Quince had to have something wrong with them. “Who else is there?”

“There’s Talia,” he said indignantly, “and Headmaster Khint likes me... I think.” There was an unsurprisingly low number of people he could consider as people who could like him. But he didn’t imagine Nate had many more. “Like you really have any friends either.”

Looking particularly sheepish, she fiddled with her hair. “Well, you know I’d help you any time. Just as I know you would always help me. It’s only natural.” What wasn’t natural in her mind originally was being thanked like this. Even if it was so incredibly flattering.

“I know,” he said, holding out the little basket for her. “But I wouldn’t have had this opportunity without the opportunity you gave me, and no matter what you say, you didn’t have to do it.”

“Alright,” Quince said, hoping that if he just kept them moving that Nate would forget about the whole dress up thing. He didn’t hold any high hopes for that, but it was a small wish. “Let’s get going then? Before they get too crowded.”

Growth

“I’ll be in my office by six. But… How about eight?” Was that early enough? Late enough? He didn’t know. He hadn’t been teaching long enough. Either way, Quince seemed excited. “I’ll try to let know ahead of time when I won’t be here.”

“Great!” Eight was such a gross time, and he hated it, but he’s had to be at school by eight for longer than he’s been alive. It was doable, and it would keep him from being shipped back to those awful classes. Pyria would say something that was like this: sacrifices to reach your goal, or something like that, but Quince tried not to think about that.

“I’m, uh,” he said, confused but coherent. “Yeah, I’m glad I’m fine but... I’m trying to get a hold of my boyfriend... he’s not picking up.” He was worried. Liam was just a desk worker, he hadn’t been too worried about him until he hadn’t picked up his phone, and now every announcement could mean his death. “Have you heard anything yet?”

Nate smiled, incredibly amused. While he knew it was probably going to be one of the toughest dinners he’d ever been at, at lest he could get some fun. “So, where are we going?”

“Doesn’t bother me either way.” Nate said with a smile. “I generally go in around noon.”

“Like I care,” Quince said, huffing, and telling himself he wasn’t considering going. Because he wasn’t. Obviously. He started up the round and started playing.

“Only in your biased opinion.” Nate said, relaxing back in his seat. “I’m surprised anyone is fond of you, too. Seems we’re at a tie.”

“I have plenty of people who are fond of me,” he countered, sounding much like an indignant child. He didn’t have many people, but he had enough. “Including my boyfriend, as you like to keep reminding.”