A shoulder to lean on [Gran-chan]

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

There weren't many reasons for Shunnosuke to head to the Teacher's Office. Unless, of course, he was meant to talk about his future plans of professional and academic rise. He couldn't wait for his graduation moment, to which he'd hold dear in his heart as his true moment to shine, when his teachers to write recommendation letters to reckoned universities and grant the first step to his successful professional life. Shunnosuke, unlike most teenagers, had the perfect idea of what he'd do "when he grows up". The teenager just had to...get better at it. It's a matter of time, effort and dedication. He had the three, but as they say, first things first. Meanwhile, nothing like "preparing the ground", right?

And by "preparing the ground", he meant getting on the teachers' good side. His target, however, wasn't any teacher of Zela, but a very specific one who held a respectable position inside, seemingly well-known for his inspiring speeches...and his blood relation with a criminal who recently stole the spotlights of all Azores. As if the news broadcasts weren't enough, if all kinds of rumors he's been hearing in the corridors are true, this teacher could very well use his emotional (and perhaps financial?) support to overcome this harsh moment he'd been through, and what's a better moment for getting on the teacher's good side than that? The guy wasn't even his class' teacher, which's just matter of time: the sooner the two could meet and form an alliance, the better for Shunnosuke isn't it? By doing, the student would also benefit on his little "investigative ~~and potentially dangerous~~ quest", so to speak, but that's really not what he's been aiming for. After the teenager's afternoon classes have ended, he immediately headed to the Teacher's Lounge with those thoughts in mind, daydreaming about it as his steps led him to his goal. He was rather eager to meet in person this teacher, nobody less than Ariston Rhodes, brother of Lewis.

Posts : 6498 Join date : 2013-07-06 Age : 30

A shoulder to lean on [Gran-chan] Tumblr_ma0rbltVRP1r8jqt2

It was the end of the day, so normally Ariston Rhodes would likely be home, but he was grabbing his remaining possessions and eating a late lunch instead at a seat at a table in the middle of the Teacher’s Lounge. Project grades took up his time, so he could not eat until the end of the day. When Shunnosuke found him, he was eating a modest lunch, finishing something from a plastic container, drinking from a water bottle, and eyeing a piece of paper on the table, as if reading it over. He didn’t exactly find it hard to notice someone walking in, as he was the only one there. So when the young student walked in, Ariston paused to turn his attention to him. He didn’t recognize this young man as a student of his, but his reputation among peers of the school did not slip past his ears. Shunnosuke Kurosawa, certainly a well-known name. He had heard varying things about him, but he didn’t pay much mind to rumors. Though he did give a look of confusion to the young man. “Shunnosuke yes? What are you doing in the Teacher’s Lounge? Students aren't normally allowed,” he asked in a level-headed manner. He didn’t seem troubled or anything, but even as he sat, he still gave off a sort of prestige around him, and at the same time, was somewhat wary. He doesn't often see students come by to a normally barred place at the end of the day. Was he here for something else, or was he up to something nefarious?

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

Shunnosuke couldn't help but to be surprised — in a positive manner — to see the teacher was actually aware of his existence and pronounced his name correctly. That would make things easier on his side if the man had already heard about him.
— Forgive my bad manners. I suppose I should have announced previously I'd come, but I had sort of a busy day with studies. — Shunnosuke replied, with a composed smile. He didn't know if the fact they were the only two in the Teacher's Lounge was a coincidence or a divine providence, either way he would thank God — if there's one, that is, leaving a bit his iconoclast skeptical beliefs aside — for the opportunity. The student wouldn't know how to start this conversation with more undesired companies.

— Excuse me then. — He moved in and closed the door carefully, before taking a better look at Ariston's overall appearance and behavior. Is that the man everybody in his class has been badmouthing lately? Judging from their first contact, he seems nothing like the gossip paints him. — Perhaps this may sound a bit unexpected to hear, but I'm actually here to talk to you, teacher. Unless I'm interrupting something, could I have a bit of your time, please?

Posts : 6498 Join date : 2013-07-06 Age : 30

For an appearance such as his, Ariston didn’t exactly expect a well-spoken young man. Nonetheless, he was not any less wary of the boy. “Well, you had a reason to come now or earlier, so I assume it’s a good one?” he asked. His question would be answered as Shunnosuke expressed his desire to talk about something in particular. Even Ariston raised an eyebrow slightly. He had several possibilities in his head on what he wanted to talk about, and some were more likely than others, since he was not his student. “What is it you want to talk about? I can spare a moment, though I will be leaving soon.” Ariston took another modest sip from his water bottle before looking at the boy. He had also closed the door. Did he intend to pull something? He simply did not expect someone to be in here, and someone who didn't reside in his class of all people. So he wondered what the boy had to say.

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

"A very good reason", he'd think to himself as his meek steps led him closer to the table Ariston was sit at. For a tiny moment, it seemed Shun was hesitant to approach him and voice what he held inside.

— I'm sorry for what happened, Mr. Ariston. — He started, maybe sounding a bit apprehensive. That was not everything he would like to discuss with Ariston, indeed, and probably the man would have this perception; still it's a good way to introduce the subject further. — I heard the news... It's a pity what happened to your brother. I imagine people are talking about it all the time and I apologize for bringing up a topic you must be tired of, but...how are you feeling...? — In his core, Shunnosuke had a genuine interest in Ariston's well-being and listen how the situation had affected him. If he could display hints of compassion towards a criminal, he could very well do the same to someone of a higher level, and a respected well-behaved man could very well use the support of one equal in at tough times, couldn't he?

Posts : 6498 Join date : 2013-07-06 Age : 30

A shoulder to lean on [Gran-chan] Tumblr_lv8ujd3uMN1qj9c4zo2_500

When Shunnosuke voiced his apology, Ariston lowered his eyes slightly in weariness. So he was planning to talk about the business with Lewis Rhodes. Of course he would. But to his credit, he is the only that wasn’t simple asking him about it, or making rumors “behind” his back that he would eventually catch and yet ignore. “It’s done and over with. No reason to bring it up anymore. I am sure the students will eventually forget it anyway. Appreciated, but I’m fine.” Ariston seemed to rush out those words, obviously ready to drop the subject. And why shouldn’t he? Such a personal matter was none of Shunnosuke’s business, and yet he came to consult him about it? Sometimes it almost frustrated him. He paused and shook his head slowly and looked at his paper before looking back to the student. Was that all he came for? “Whether you mean to play a joke on me or not, someone your age shouldn’t bother with that mess after all the trouble and pain it caused those two girls. I imagine the rumors jumping around brought you to find me? Well, it doesn’t matter, you shouldn’t waste your time and return home to study,” he said with a stern voice, as though a teacher would normally speak to his student, like Shun was just put into the middle of his lecture and the young man just fell asleep. Though, while his words conveyed a wall of impasse, he didn’t seem entirely focused on him, as he returned his face to the table to review the paper once more. His look seemed to be both irritated and simply exhausted, ready to return home and not deal with something similar to this. But the students came first to him.

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

In all honesty, considering what he heard about Ariston and how the man presented, that reaction was pretty much expected. No wonder Ariston was too defensive about that touchy matter. However, it wasn't enough to intimidate the student. Shunnosuke was there for a reason and he would leave the room once his objective is complete, still he also recognized, by the moral lesson he has just received, it sadly wouldn't be easiest of the tasks.

— Joke? I would never be capable of such thing. — Lies, he would and he knew that. Just...not in this specific situation, though. — I won't deny I have heard a few gossips here and there, but I didn't come here to check their veracity and "my age" can't affect my judgment of what's true and what's not. — The teenager threw back at the teacher, slightly more secure of his own words, resting his briefcase on another empty chair. — From what I also heard about you, I'm sure you would do the same if one of your students were under constant scrutiny... Please don't misunderstand me. I really mean no harm, but...I have to speak to you about this.

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Posts : 6498 Join date : 2013-07-06 Age : 30

“But you don’t deny you’re butting into personal matters that are not related to you?” Ariston retorted, just as stern as before. Just because the students got consulted when needed because they needed it did not in any way shape or form mean they were suddenly connected to the teachers. Sure, Ariston wanted his students to be of well mental health and above much else, successful for the future including their academics. But that did not give them a blank check to go snooping around their instructors’ personal business. “Tell me, Shunnosuke Kurosawa, why do you think I will tell you anything about it? What could be so important that you need to address me on the matter? It has nothing to do with you, so if that is all you came here for, you may stop here. I don’t intend to add more fuel to the fire than there already is,” he said. He began to put his bottle and unfinished lunch in a small bag, and then turned his full attention to the paper, grabbing a pen to jot down small x’s where the answers were wrong, and add a few notes. He still noticed the man was here, but Ariston was hoping he would give up and leave him to a little peace for the moment instead of bothering him about such matters.

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

Ariston was making it hard on his side, wasn't he? Geez. He honestly didn't expect this to be like that and he admitted to himself he underestimated Ariston's harsh behavior to an extent. The student didn't want to explain his reasons further and tell him he was more related to the whole thing than Ariston could ever dream, but he was left no other choice...

— ...I was there when he was arrested. — Shunnosuke released a faint sigh, hoping that information would be enough to make Ariston reconsider without having to resort to a skeptical argument about the whole supernatural flavor of it. — I saw him being restrained, Mr. Ariston. I saw him being attacked by the citizens at Lunapa, I saw him being injured, I listened to him being cursed at, all the horrible things they were saying, and I also listened to what your brother tried to say, so defenseless... — The way Shunnosuke acted and spoke could probably make it seem he had a lot in his mind about it. In all honesty, he didn't...at least not as much as the way he externalized. Clearly, that barbarian scene had an impact in him, considering his little "sympathy for the devil", there were hints of truth in his emotional speech. Shunnosuke wasn't heartless. And luckily, Ariston wouldn't be too. In spite of it, Lewis's state were the last of his worries, when compared to the macro scenario. After sitting on the chair, the boy would look perhaps worn out of that argument.
— I never asked you to tell me anything, I asked you to listen. But if I can't talk to you about it...I don't know who else I should resort to...

Strength:

Posts : 6498 Join date : 2013-07-06 Age : 30

Ariston did hear about what happened. As Shunnosuke spoke, he was finishing the paper, before putting it to the side, with a B marked on the top right corner in a small space neatly. He sighed. “I am sure it was a painful sight, and for that you have my condolences. I still wonder what he’s thinking now since he’s been taken in. But as it stands Shunnosuke, there’s not much I can truly say. I have not gotten a chance to speak to him, so the matter remains very personal to me.” He said, still harsh, but with a sort of amicability to it. “Nonetheless, he is my brother, and while he has certainly appeared to have brought a certain shame upon both our heads, I cannot simply avoid it and not try to understand the situation. That is apparently unavoidable as you among many students, news reports, and other people have proven. That is all I’ll say on it. Was that all?” he said, resting his hands in each other, and giving the same lowered eye look from before.

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

— ...there's one last thing. — The main reason of that whole argument, in fact. Shunnosuke held his breath before exhaling slowly. This would give him just the necessary time to prepare for his following speech. — I heard him saying something about "never being able to return home again", in tears. I do know what he did was wrong, and his reasons for doing it won't make it any less grave. Still...after the girls were returned, I could notice Lewis felt remorse for his bad deeds and he confessed his crime at his own decision. I could see it the moment he looked at me amidst all those people... It isn't an attempt to excuse his mistakes, far from that, but I'd like to give him this opportunity. I feel he deserves to be heard and have a proper judgment, at his homeland if possible, I don't know. You may think I'm too naive for saying such things, but one thing my family always taught me is that I should use my position to help those who doesn't share the same luck... I could do nothing when he was assaulted however I might be able to do something now if I'm given the chance.

Posts : 6498 Join date : 2013-07-06 Age : 30

Ariston listened to Shunnosuke and nodded slowly. “It isn’t your problem to fix. He needs to spend the time he deserves before he goes anywhere, not that where he lived before will be any better for him; in fact, he should remain here. It is his responsibility to make up for that. And who knows how long that will take? This is something I must simply fix on my own. Like I said, it is not something for you to worry about. I appreciate your concern, but stay out of the business. I doubt you were a victim of his stupid decisions, so when he will soon be sent to prison, which I imagine won’t be much longer, this will all be over and he can make up for his mistakes,” Ariston said, standing up and grabbing the paper and bag of unfinished lunch. If Shunnosuke had nothing else to say, he would simply walk around the table and make his way to the door, not taking another look at the student. This had nothing to do with him. This was Ariston's weight to carry, not Shunnosuke's. He needed to butt out and worry about business that involved him and only him.

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

For a very tiny moment, Shunnosuke would feel offended by Ariston's words and make it obvious in his facial expression. He was basically telling him to shut his trap in a polite and even-tempered manner, it wasn't any hard to get the true meaning behind those sentences and, to anyone who knew Shunnosuke, it was clear he wouldn't take it too lightly. He couldn't really blame the man, despite taking his recoils a bit too personal for his own good. The student remained sit when the teacher stood up, still processing his words, mainly the "he should remain here" part, that got him wondering of why would Ariston want his brother to stay close if he's facing everything pretty...coldly, at least in Shun's perception.

— ...I understand... You're right, Mr. Ariston. I shouldn't get involved. — Recovering from his bitter countenance and opening a short ~~and fake~~ smile, Shunnosuke grabbed his briefcase and stood up as well. — Am I wrong for showing sympathy for your brother after what he had done? I'd like to meet him... I hold to my belief strongly that everybody deserves a second chance. You understand that, don't you?

Posts : 6498 Join date : 2013-07-06 Age : 30

Ariston took note that his words at least registered in his head, the way he looked so shocked by him. But that was not his concern. He hoped he would take it to heart what he talked about. Though before he could open the door, the student yet again stopped him. Without looking behind him, he scrunched his eyes slightly. “I can’t say if you’re right or wrong about having pity on the man. I’d like some answers myself. However,” he said, turning around sideways to give him a glance. “I can’t really stop you from seeing him. More than likely so many are trying to already once he’s incarcerated. But I will not have you do so when I am there. My brother is someone only I should deal with. To put it bluntly, unless you have some reason you have to be there, mind your own business Shunnosuke Kurosawa.” If Shunnosuke had nothing more to say, Ariston would begin to leave the lounge and take his leave home. Not exactly expected as far as conversation went. Even if it was meant as deception, he certainly was the first to try and garner sympathy and seem as though they wanted to help, unlike the multitude of students and people that seemed to talk behind his back.

Posts : 1664 Join date : 2014-05-22

"Mind your own business", huh? That was downright rude. Shunnosuke could tell Ariston was losing his patience with him, even though he tried to show his good side to the man and offer emotional assistance. Very well then, he couldn't force his soon-to-be teacher to comply with his desires, at all...at least, not now. And besides, he understood he couldn't really blame Ariston, for his business with Lewis existed but wasn't something to be told in all honesty. This comprehension couldn't prevent him from turning sour about Lewis's comebacks, tho...

— ...sure, Mr. Ariston. — As resentful as he was for Ariston's gradually slipperier behavior from his beforehand prepared speech, Shunnosuke was also moderately satisfied with the courses of that conversation. He didn't get the information he needed, but he received others in return. And in any event, the student walked to the man's side holding his briefcase and, softly, he placed one free hand at the man's arm as good-will gesture, still wearing a smile and trying to be sympathetic. — I'm relieved to have this talk with you, teacher, and I hope I didn't offend you with my initiative to come and check your state on my own, for it wasn't my intention.

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