((Arthur & Stealth)) To learn, to love.
 

For me and Arthur.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/j...angel/Kind.jpg

Name: Rhianwhen ((Rhia for short)) Gerlich

Age: 19

Day one of classes at the university was always... fun. At least, for some definition of fun. Alexander was well known across campus as "the nice guy", and he wore that label with pride. It was especially fun for him to see a roomful of bright-eyed, eager, and slightly nervous Freshmen relax when the fabled TA "A. Brandy" turned out to be the bespectacled, tall fellow that had helped them find a class, or who had helped pick up their books. He was nearly renowned for his quiet, thoughtful demeanor and his charitable nature.

Of course, once you entered a classroom setting with Alexander as your TA, he became much less kind.

"You are in University now," he began his professor's lecture, knowing full well that the professor wouldn't appear for the first class. "This means you are responsible for yourself. Neither myself nor Professor Cross will ask you why your paper was late. We will not ask you why you did not attend class. We will not baby you. You are all adults, and we expect you to act like them." He looked over his glasses at assembled students, sternly. "If you wish to use this class as a chance to sleep, or talk on your cell phone, or browse the internet, I strongly recommend leaving now and finding a class that you will at least attempt to pass." His soft, gentle voice was crisp and clear as he went on, going over the syllabus and generally preparing the students. "If you need help, be an adult and ASK for it. There is no shame in asking myself or Professor Cross for help -- there is a reason we have office hours." And so forth.

He was torn between amusement and pity as the young students left at the end of class, some trembling. He always came down on them hard on the first day, but he found it helped.

He stood at the desk, packing up his notes and adjusting his gloves. It was common knowledge that he was a touch OCD, but the student body found it prudent not to tease him over such a thing. Sure, he was "the nice guy" that everyone knew and liked, but he had a bad side. Nobody liked his bad side.

Rhianwen was not an adult.

At least, she didn't consider herself one. This idea only implanted itself further into her brain when those who knew her shook their heads and wondered what was to become of the bright, but shy and akward female. Rhianwen was no fool, and she wasn't a child. However, the newly graduated freshman was never very good with major change or stepping out of her comfort zones. Thus, being a university student was a big change.

Finally finding the lecture hall she was scheduled to go to first, the young woman opened the door to quietly slip inside when something seemed odd. It got quiet almost immediately. Teal eyes scanning the room, she noticed the time on the clock and instantly felt her cheeks flush in embarassment. She was almost 20 minutes late to the introductory and overview of the course schedule and content! So much for blending in.

"P-pardon me...."

Alexander looked up at the girl who had walked in. Young, pretty, shy... he raised his eyebrows at her, taking up a sheaf of stapled paper and handing it to her. "Here you go. Syllabus." He didn't seem surprised, but he only just gave her a smile, accompanied with an expression of "It's okay, don't worry," in his black eyes.

Rhia was really okay, regardless of her worries and nerves. As the class continued, students too continued to trickle in. It soon became obvious that a roll sheet was being circulated over and over to catch the latecomers, and as the class went on, it became even more obvious that Alexander was losing patience.

Ten minutes before the end of the class, he handed yet another syllabus to yet another painfully late student with a sigh and a roll of his eyes. "This is what I meant, folks. If you can't care about the class, please don't bother coming in. Imagine trying to take a test like that, or listen to a lecture while people go in and out. I understand that today is day one and you're all trying to find your way around campus, but if any of you are more than five minutes late after a week, don't bother coming in." He looked sternly again, his eyes searching out each late student -- including Rhia.

"Either get here early, on time, or not at all." He put his hands on the desk. "Dismissed." With that, the TA sat down, rubbing his face with his gloved hands.

Rhianwen nodded in gratitude as the TA handed her the syllabus and allowed her in with little hassle. However, it was soon clear that while she wasn't the only late comer, that if this was made a habit, the TA and surely the professor would become quickly displeased and frustrated. Feeling guiltier and guiltier as the look of dissaproval and irritation increased on the male's face, the young student hoped he wouldn't be too upset at her.

As the class ended and he gave them his last stern scolding, the redhead stood, eyes on the ground as she put away her materials, Taking a deep breath.

Although the young TA was kind to her, she couldn't get the knots out of her stomach. Rhianwen had horrible sense of direction, and being lost was very easy for her to manage. Looking at her schedule, she smiled faintly at the next item on her list, only to realize she was confused by the tiny scribbled map and instructions given to her.

Timidly tiptoeing to the front desk, Rhia cleared her throat softly. "U-um..I'm sorry to bother you sir...but...I had a question.."

Alexander seemed to have slowly gotten his better mood back. He had been pinching the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger for a bit, but the students that already knew him said goodbye and thanked him and generally put him back into his normally pleasant self. Straightening in his chair, the TA put his slim spectacles back on his long nose, looking through them with a slightly dazed expression at the girl who stood before him. She was as adorable and soft-spoken as a number of the other Freshmen, to be sure, but he smiled kindly none-the-less and stood, nodding to her.

"It's no bother at all, miss...?" he smiled, indirectly asking for her name. "What can I do for you?"

Slowly, he began packing his things, knowing full well he had no other classes until later that night. He could afford to take the time to talk to this sweet Freshman and make sure she had her affairs in order. As they spoke, however, his hands moved deftly and slowly. Each piece of paper went into his briefcase in a very specific order, lining up the edges carefully. He flicked invisible specks of dust from the pages, organized very carefully -- all while carrying on a perfectly normal conversation with the student before him.

((brb))

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"Rhianwen....Rhianwen Gerlich sir." Taking out her schedule and the poorly scribbled directions, the soft spoken woman pointed out her concerns. "I'm sorry, but, c-can you tell me the quickest way to reach the theatre and events auditorium? I-I-I'm in the Drama class...and....I'm not sure these directions are right..."

Mentally groaning and slapping herself in the head, Rhianwen once more inwardly bemoaned her sorry attempts at being outwards. 'Come on now, you're an adult now dammit! Act like one! Pretend you're on stage.'

Frowning down at the papers, he adjusted his glasses carefully, taking a pen from his vest pocket and began to carefully edit the notes and directions. "I'm not sure who you got these from, Rhianwen, but these are simply terrible directions!" He laughed good-naturedly, clearly not meaning any sort of unkindness to her or her source of misinformation. He seemed the type to find the bright side in the worst of situations.

"There you go. Here, let me walk you through this," he smiled and leaned forwards, motioning for her to join him in bending over the table, shoulder-to-shoulder, to inspect the map. "You're right here now. Econ 105, Smith building. You need to walk out the left door, make the third right, go down two blocks, make a left, and..." he paused, shaking his head. "It sounds complicated. Here, let me walk you to your class, instead. It'll be that much easier, and you won't be twenty minutes late." He sounded stern, but his black eyes were teasing.

"T-thank you very much sir. A-Are you sure it's not too much trouble? I'd hate to be a distraction or a hassle." Smiling shyly, the redhead seemed too shy for humor, but her eyes showed otherwise, a flicker of delight when he seemed interested in joking around.

As he mentioned the lateness, Rhia felt her cheeks begin to burn up, despite her every effort to will them not to. Gathering her things, the freshman nodded that she was ready. "I-if you're sure...I'm ready sir."

"Argh," he grabbed his chest in mock pain. "Not the dreaded 'sir'! Please, it's just Alexander. I suppose you can call me 'Mr Brandy' in class if you really want, but not the 'sir'. Anything but the 'sir'." He grinned widely at Rhia, smartly closing his briefcase and running one gloved hand in a rather self-conscious way through his long, black hair.

He led her through the halls, shaking his head at the slight form of the Freshman. "If it was-- hi, Jared!-- a trouble, I-- Casey! Don't forget that paper due Wednesday!-- wouldn't have-- Danielle, I'll drop your notes off tomorrow, I'm almost done with them-- offered." He tried to hold a normal conversation with the girl, but it was difficult for him to maneuver through the campus without running into a number of people he knew, or had classes with, or TA'd for, or otherwise knew him in some way. He didn't seem able to just ignore people, either -- he always had a smile and a wave ready.

As they reached the corner of the street, he turned a regretful and apologetic eye to Rhia. "I'm so sorry about all of this. People just... know me, apparently. Not sure how that happened." He did sound a touch bewildered as he waved down the street to a gaggle of blushing and laughing young girls -- also Freshmen -- who managed to wave back shyly.

"So, Rhianwen! Tell me a bit about yourself," he smiled at her, betraying his biggest flaw and the reason behind his popularity; he was friendly.

As she walked alongside the handsome TA, Rhianwen marveled at how everyone seemed so at ease with him, all of the people they passed seem eager to talk or offer a smile. "Y-you certainly are popular....you're very well liked it seems sir...oh! wait, I'm so sorry!" Clearing her throat, the girl tried once more."Y-you have a lot of friends and people who seem to seek you out...y-you must be very helpful and good with people Mr. Alexander."

Glancing over at the taller male, the nervous student bit her lip, trying to answer. "W-well, um, what would you like to know about me?" the girl's voice was a soft alto tune, not very loud or attention grabbing. By her lack of projection, stammering, anxieties and generally reclusive nature, it was nearly impossible to picture Rhianwen in acting class, never mind actually on stage.

As they walked along the pathway, Rhianwen bit back an exhasperated, distressed groan, inwardly whining. Among the gaggle of girls, she saw one girl from her old schoool- -one she didn't like and one who seemed to loathe Rhia.

Unexpectedly, Alexander blushed faintly, looking pleased and embarrassed that Rhia noticed the sheer number of people that seemed to know him and hold him in some sort of regard. He inspected one flawless white glove as though it was intensely interesting, trying to compose himself as a small smile curled his mouth.

"Please, Rhianwen," he turned to look at her as he strode next to her, leading her to the corner. "Just Alexander. No sir, no mister. Ah," he chuckled, "But please, no 'Alex' or 'Xander' or 'Ander' or anything like that. I can not bear to shorten my name." He adjusted his spectacles with his free hand, the barest flicker of annoyance in his eyes at her stammering. He seemed a bit crisp and short himself, even in his kindness.

His eyebrows raised subtly as he inspected her face, noting a slight shift in her mood. "Is something the matter?" He asked kindly, following her gaze to the women before them. A small smile tugged at his lips again as he recognized the classic scenario -- the shy, unpopular girl meets her nemesis from primary and secondary schools while in college. He had to refrain from laughing. The outcome was usually amusing, if predictable -- the nemesis would be in basic courses, and the "heroine" (as he referred to the shyer ones) would prove her academic prowess.

"Do not fret," he murmured. "Those girls have yet to appear in any of the advanced courses, as far as I know." He sounded a bit smug, as though it was such a big accomplishment to be a TA and have access to certain records.

"Sorry A-Alexander.." mumbled the girl, nodding in understanding as he explained his preferences in being adressed. She understood that. She didn't like her name being shortened. Only a small number of close friends and family could get away with calling her 'Rhia' and have her be perfectly comfortable with it.

As they walked along, Rhianwen glanced over at Alexander and felt herself clam up. He seemed slightly annoyed by something, and she didn't want to upset him further, thus she deemed it wise to be quiet. Why oh why could she not talk comfortably around people?!

Hearing him speak about her not being in any advanced classes, Rhianwen sighed a bit in relief. Good, she wouldn't have to share classroom space with the girl. As the two were about to safely pass the group, Rhianwen felt as though she'd be able to pass unnoticed. No such luck.

"Hey Gutter girl!" called the dark haired female.

"There is no need to apologize, Rhianwen," he smiled kindly at her. "Head up, shoulders back, smile, and project. You are in theatre, yes? Carry your lessons into the rest of your life!" Alexander beamed at her, gently resting one large, gloved hand on her shoulder in a reassuring manner. He seemed to notice her unhappy reaction, and his expression softened. "I mean no offense." He added softly as they walked past the group, who greeted Alexander enthusiastically.

As the cry of "gutter girl!" met his ears, he frowned, his hand tightening protectively on Rhianwen's shoulder. He sent a frown of disapproval at the group, but they had passed by already with mocking laughter. Rolling his eyes and shaking his head, he leaned down to whisper in Rhia's ear.

"Don't worry. I see their type every year -- they think they'll be able to waltz through their courses somehow and end up dropping out because they've had no real education beyond liberal application of makeup and cruel gossip 101." He chuckled in her ear.

Rhianwen nodded as he asked about theatre, her expression brightening at the mention. She felt tempted to mutter something along the lines of 'Easier said than done.' However, she didn't think that was a very intelligent, original, or mature response, and thus kept it to herself. Somehow, it was easy on stage.

As she went on trying to ignore the girls, the young freshman felt his hand land on her shoulder, making her flinch slightly in surprise. She felt the blood drain from her face, only for it all to shoot back up into her cheeks and burn bright crimson.
Making no move to retaliate to the snickering posseof a girl she once thought was a friend, she was even more confused to feel the grip tighten slightly.

Rhianwen gasped slightly, cheeks burning brighter, now accompanied by her ears as the TA leaned in close and tried to cheer her up. A shiver ran down her spine at the tickle of his warm breath on her ear, the chuckle echoing in her eardrums.

Alexander continued his shrewd observations of Rhianwen as they walked. Judging by her lack of, then overabundance of color, he had embarrassed her. Clearing his throat in some embarrassment, he removed his hand from her shoulder and straightened up, pressing the walk button on the corner and trying to smile in an apologetic manner.

"I'm very sorry, Rhianwen. I know not everyone is comfortable with touch. I didn't mean to make you..." What? Scared? Embarrassed? Uncomfortable? He bit his lip, unable to complete the sentence to his satisfaction. Instead, he merely broadened his smile (a touch nervously) and led her down the street, pointing out different types of trees, or the best routes to certain buildings, or the nicest places to spend time between classes. He seemed very relaxed and well-informed, with an eagerness to make her feel welcome.

"I'm not upset..I just..I just wasn't..expecting that...no one's leaned in to talk to me, or really done any of that stuff, and I'm not..not used t-to being shown around and escorted by someone who does so..o-of their own volition." Rhianwen answered him, walking alongside him and nodding, taking in the words and information he said, absorbing it like a sponge.

Finally, they reached the auditorium, Rhianwen turning to face her escort. "T-thank you very much Alexander....I, I enjoyed your company, you were most kind...and-"

She never got to finish her sentence, for the doors opened and a woman in her late twenties, early 30's appeared, smiling. "Well well, if it isn't Miss Gerlich. Would you believe, this girl had such motivation and desire to be in this class that she took the intro course over summer so she could get right into it during the school year."

Alexander straightened up as the professor swished into view. Smiling broadly, he lifted one broad hand to an invisible hat-brim, sweeping the nonexistant headgear from his dark, tousled hair and giving her a low, incredibly theatrical bow.

"Dame Radclif! A pleasure, as always." Alexander said in a booming voice. Clearly he'd had her courses on projection and stage movement. Chuckling to himself, he turned his dark eyes to Rhianwen. "I can tell that she's going to be one of your better students this season, professor. The shy, stammering, apologetic ones always end up having the best stage presence." He was teasing her -- hopefully she wouldn't take it the wrong way.

Placing the invisible hat back on his head, he gently touched Rhia's shoulder in a friendly gesture. "Here we are. You've made it safe and sound to the theatre. Do you think you'll be able to find your other classes on your own?"

The professor bowed lavishly back, performing a full on curtsie and lifting her nonexistant, imaginary gown and petticoats. "Lord Alaxander, how good to see you." greeted Radclif, her glasses doing nothing to hide the twinkle in her eyes. "She's in my hands now, you can let go of my charge and let me keep her."

Nodding in agreement at Alexander's prediction, the professor continued. "Indeed, that does seem to be the case quite often. However, I must say, you're going to have to see this girl for yourself. Never has the change been so dramatic. You'd swear she was a completely different person."

By now, said freshman was beet red, shy and looking down at her feet in facination. Her attention drawn up to Alexander's face as he touched her shoulder, Rhianwen nodded, feeling her stuttere return. Crap.
"I-I'll be ok...t-thank you so very much again m-mr....I mean..sir..I mean...erm..Alexander."

That same slow, warm smile never left his face as he turned his attention back to the professor, leaving his hand gently on Rhia's shoulder. It was as though it was comfortable there; as though there was no need to remove it. Nodding to professor Radclif, his smile turned into more of an impish grin. "I don't have another class until tonight. Mind if I stick around and watch your class?"

Alexander turned his eyes to Rhianwen to observe her reaction, dark eyes dancing with amusement. He realized that his long-fingered hand was still touching her, and did his best to remove it casually, as though it was perfectly natural to retain such a long period of contact between acquaintances. "Do you mind if I stick around?" He asked her delicately.

Nodding in assent, the professor led them inside. "Good timing, I had just gotten here myself. Let's wait for some classmates to come, then we'll get started." Gesturing for them to follow her, the woman hummed softly an old tune to herself, cunducting an imaginary orchestra as she walked.

Rhianwen shook her head. "Y-you can stay i-if you want....s-so long as you won't get into trouble..or..or waste time when you could be doing something else you'd rather do..." she murmured, walking inside after professor Radclif. Rhianwen's teal eyes kept drifting over to Alexander's face, then his hand, confused and surprised that he seemed to have perched his strong hand on her shoulder. She didn't mind the warm touch, but it was most confusing and unexpected.

Flexing his hand slightly, he put it in his pocket to remove the temptation to muss her hair or chuck her under the chin. Alexander was finding her really too adorable. Was it even legal to be this cute? He found himself chuckling in response to her words as he thought this, but checked himself with a cough and a nod.

"If necessary, I can take out my laptop and catch the school's wireless while you have class. I'd really rather not missing you speak without a stammer, though." He was teasing again, eyes shining behind his spectacles, large mouth curved into a playful smile.

Most of his body language seemed to be in his mouth. He had a smile for every moment and every mood. It might even have been possible that he had smiles for when he was sad or angry, the expression seemed so oddly complex on him.

Feeling the heat rise in her cheeks once more- -much to her charign, Rhianwen nodded and managed to look up at the older male. "I-I'll have to try my best t-to not dissapoint you then." came her soft voice as a shy smile graced her lips.

While the female seemed chronically nervous and meek, her eyes held the truth of most of her feelings. Her eyes and eyebrows. While she may look or sound utterly mournful or distressed, the blue- green eyes held an inner fire, her real, inner self hiding and keeping itself safe and unseen.

Opening her lips once more, she voiced her thoughts. "W-were you a performing arts student?"

"Oh," he waved one large, gloved hand airily, "I doubt you will disappoint, Rhianwen." He chuckled good-naturedly, grinning at her with confidence. They followed Prof. Radclif inside, filing into a row of seats in the audience and greeting the other students. Several of them already knew Alexander, and one young man even leaned down a row to hug the TA around the shoulders.

After the greetings and laughter, Alexander turned his attention back to Rhia, sitting beside her with his hands folded in his lap and legs crossed, one ankle over the other knee. "Me? Oh, heavens no. Education. I hope to teach mathematics to young secondary schoolers... pre-algebra and the like." He beamed at her. "Although I do have a secret love of the theatrical arts. Especially musicals."

"You should hear his voice!" One of the girls piped up, mimicking a swoon. "It's totally to die for!" Alexander shook his head with a smile, ruffling the woman's hair affectionately. "You say the nicest things, Anna. I did have a blast doing a duet with you last semester."

After being sidelined, he returned his smiles to Rhia. "I was going to say that I used to be kind of like you, you know? People gave me a hard time for being one of the few straight men in theatre." The boy that had hugged him made a face behind his back, but Alexander chuckled, seeming to know already. "But I just took the confidence I gained in doing these classes and various plays, and put it out in the real world. People like you better when you're confident and friendly. There's something reassuring to other people about you when you can look them in the eye, keep your chin raised, and mix kindness with a sense of being in control of a situation."

Rhianwen smiled, scooting aside when the others seemed to rush to greet the young TA. As everyone greeted each other and reminesced about their break, the young redhead listened in curiousity and smiled and waved shyly a few times.
People popped over to greet her and then energetically scampered off to the next person to chat with.

Hearing him express a love for musicals, Rhianwen's eyes lit up in delight, a small smile gracing her lips. "Musicals are some of my favorites too." As she looked into the male's eyes again, she felt her stomach flutter a bit in nervousness. "I-I'm sure you'll become a great teacher someday...."

Blinking in confusion as he was praised for his singing, Rhianwen instantly became curious. "I-I'm sure you're quite skilled....I'd love to hear it sometime..your voice I mean" came the girl's soft murmur. She smiled faintly as he smiled and ruffled the other maiden's hair in an affectionate, playful manner. Alexander was so calm, relaxed, and confident. How did he make it look so easy?!

At the comment about being the one of the only straight male in theatre, the redhead finally frowned, a slight slicker of anger in her eyes for a moment. "Where on earth did you get that generalization? I-I didn't picture you as the type to listen to stereotypes, but there is n-nothing that suggests homosexual men like theature or participate in it any more than a straight male. I've met plenty of male performers. T-that was very biased of a statement."