School Sonnets (Nicholay)

[Kansai Lai]

The pizzly bear sat in the school's library, flipping through a book of Shakespeare works. After that class that afternoon, she had a desire to read more of him. Lai had read most of his works already, but what was another read? She opened up the book to the section on his sonnets, landing on her personal favorite: Sonnet 130. Now this she found was romantic.

My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun
Coral is far more red than her lips' red
If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun
If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.
I have seen roses damask'd, red and white,
But no such roses see I in her cheeks
And in some perfumes is there more delight
Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.
I love to hear her speak, yet well I know
That music hath a far more pleasing sound
I grant I never saw a goddess go
My mistress, when she walks, treads on the ground
And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare
As any she belied with false compare.

[Nicholay]

The door into the library opened slowly and a black feline entered, the teacher of Literature - Nicholay. He softly stepped on the floor, his paws not making a sound, it wasn't on purpose, though. His golden eyes observed the room and the sight of few students in the place made the cat a tad sad.

He sighed andd decided to enjoy some bookreading, something that isn't common among the youth nowdays. He picked a random book of poems and sat behind a table, just a-table-distance from Kansai. He opened the thing and started to read through the many lovely poems, his face showing a gentle smile. He seemed to not notice Lai, yet.

[Kansai Lai]

Pausing to take in the beauty of the words, Lai glanced up from the book, immediately spotting the teacher from earlier. She briefly wondered why he was here. Then again, why should she suspect he be anywhere else? He short pondering was distracted when she noticed how happy he seemed while reading. She tried to go back to the sonnets, even starting to re-read Much Ado about Nothing. But every so often, her eyes wandered back up to glance at the teacher.

[Nicholay]

The teacher continued to read, not minding the several glances he felt on himself. Maybe he was actually popular? The thought made him chuckle and he just continued to read on. He licked his finger and flipped the page, revealing even more poems filled with love.

"So much beauty was created and so few understand their worth..." He sighed and continued to read.

[Kansai Lai]

Her curiosity ate at her before she finally closed the book, leaving it behind on the table as she went over to the feline. "Mr. Nicholay?" she quietly said, now standing next to him. She froze for a moment, realizing what she was doing. But she dove forward, too late to turn back now. "I was wondering what you were reading."

[Nicholay]

Nick froze as well, the voice sounded familiar, the quiet and timid voice he heard from his class recently. He looked up and saw Kansai, just as he thought. Immediately, he showed a small and gentle smile. She left a good impression of herself, which made Nick happy.

"Oh, hello, Lai. Please, call me Nick, I never liked the formality," that was true, many students were already talking to him like on the same level, "I'm just reading some poems... It relieves my soul, as I enjoy it. The old dialect sounds nice as well."

The feline tilted his head and just gazzed at Kansai, his goldeneyes looking into Kansai's.

"I see you didn't say that you like books just to make a good impression?"

[Kansai Lai]

She shook her head, chuckling. "No. No, I sincerely like books." Her stubby tail flicked, a little nervous. It was one of the only times she didn't wish she had a long tail. "Do you mind if I take a peek?" Lai was increasingly curious as to whose poems he was reading.

[Nicholay]

The cat remained silent for some time and looked at the book. If you'd looked more carefully, you could see that it had no ttle and was in fact wuite worn down. The feline shrugged and gave another smile to Lai.

"Sure, be my guest," he moved the book closer to her, it was quite thin for a poem collection.

The pages looked strange, they had lines, like a note book and the poems weren't typed but they were written by hand. The first poem that could be seen was:

'As I think about you,
I reserve a table for two.
I wanted to say this for a long time.
I was quiet like a mime,
But it's time to open my feeling.
Then I saw you with Ming...
All my dreams broke into bits
As you kissed his red lips.
I thought we would be together,
That we would love forever.
Now that dream is no longer,
I hate my life even stronger.
Despite that, I don't break,
I won't be a fake.
I will find my soulmate someday,
Even if that day is not today...'

[Btw, I am the author of that poem :P]

[Kansai Lai]

((Hm, not bad.))

Her dark eyes scanned the page, drinking up the words before she realized how odd the book seemed. "It's very nice," she said. "Who wrote it?" She couldn't see the author's name, but the lack of title didn't faze her much. Poets seemed to enjoy doing that at times.

[Nicholay]

The teacher didn't answer as once. He stared for some time into the book and sighed, looking onto his wrist. The lock showed that it was over 3 o'clock. He stood up and owed to Kansai. He seemed a tad nervous, something rare for this feline.

"Sorry, I have to run. You can probably find the author in the start of the book," with those words he quickly left.

The name of the author was truly there, it as written in a curvy way with dark ink. The name read 'Nicholay Darkpaw' and the date showed that the book was written about 10 or so years ago, Nick was quite young then.

[Kansai Lai]

Lai was confused as to why he acted that way. Delicately picking up the book, she flipped through it, finding the author's name clear as day. It took a few moments for everything to click, and her eyes widened in surprise.
She took the book home, treating it like a rare treasure. She spent most of the night reading through each poem, trying to picture her teacher as a young man, writing each piece. When she finally went to bed, she slipped the book under her pillow, as though the poems would stay in her memories and filter to her dreams that way. She did not dream that night.
The next day, after class, she approached Nicholay in his classroom, holding the notebook out to him. "They're all very good," she said with a simple sincerity. She wanted to ask if he really was the fur who wrote all of them, but Lai knew it was a stupid thing to ask so she held her tongue.

[Nicholay]

Nick scratched the back of his head, silent in embaressment. He slowly sat at his table and brushed the smooth surface a few times, as if examining the table. He finally calmed down and looked at Lai.

"Thank you, you are actually the first one to read that book besides me, it usually is hidden in the back."

He showed a smile and gently took the book from her. He started to flip throgh the pages, not even looking into the book and just started to speak again:

"Today is bright,
I enjoy the light.
Even though you are not near,
Your voice I still can hear.
It calls out my name,
It always feels the same...
The memory of your angelic voice
Make my sad eyes feel moist."

It was the same poem that was written on the pages. He remembered it perfectly, even the page it was on. Nick sighed slowly and shook his head.

"It seems that my memory is still good..."

[Kansai Lai]

Her smile broadened and she gently clapped her hands, slow enough to not make a sound with them. "Do you still write poems?" She wanted to know if he was still good. Lai was very happy to learn about this side of her teacher. It personified him as more than a figure she'd see during the day. He was a fur, one with a life and a past outside of the school

[Nicholay]

"Not really, at least I haven't tried in a while... I-I didn't have anyone to write them to," he suddenly blushed slightly, "Could you close the door?"

He sighed again and closed his face, calming down again. Something he held secret just fpr himself was found and even appreciated. This was something he didn't expect, he thought the youth didn't have taste for such art.

"Tell me, Lai, does it seem stange for a teacher to be a former-poet? It's silly, isn't it?"

[Kansai Lai]

The she-bear shut the door gently, figuring this was embarressing for him. Why he should be escaped her. Turning back to him, she shook her head gently. "I don't think it's strange at all. If anything, I think it makes you a better teacher. It's one thing to talk about poets and it's another to be a poet and be capable of empathizing with them." The only thing she felt strange about was having to reassure her elder.

[Nicholay]

Nick held his book, staring into it but looking at nothing. He shook his head, opening the table and thowing the thing there. The cat ran his paw along his head and looked at Lai.

"Let's keep this a secret, okay? This is a part of me that I do not wish to share."

He then stood up and walked to the window. He held his paws behind him and gazed outside, at nature's beauty. He shook his head again.

"You know, I, like Shakespeare, wrote those poems to my beloved..."

[Kansai Lai]

She nodded dumbly, making a zipper motion across her lips. If he asked, she wouldn't tell. But the she-bear still didn't understand why it had to be kept secret.
"Did you really? What was she like. If you don't mind my asking that is." Her stubby tail twitched and flicked

[Nicholay]

"Love never allows one to see the him or her clearly, you only see the great things in that creature. I can start listing how beautiful, talented and irresistable she was, until I saw he with Ming..." Nick let out another sigh and rubbed the back of his head.

A lot of the poems were written after he found out that she was cheating on him. Mostly they are about him missing the time they spent together. A tear drop fell on the floor with a rather loud sound.

[Kansai Lai]

"I...I'm sorry." She didn't mean to bring up such a painful memory for him. Reaching into her pocket, she stepped closer and pulled out a pink handkerchief. It looked more like a small washcloth, but it came in handy at times. This time being one of them.

[Nicholay]

He took the handkerchief and wiped his eyes. Seeing a teacher crying like this is quite rare, he always thought so. Now, thanks to his sensetive nature, he gave out his memories.

"It's okay, I mostly forgot about it already. Well, I still remember how she sat in the plain and just stared at the flowers... Her beautiful hair waving in the wind, her smile showing her childish nature... A beauty she was."

[Kansai Lai]

Lai didn't say anything. What was there for her to say? She obviously wasn't good enough for you if she cheated? She didn't know what it was like for him, and there was no hope for her to understand. The she-bear's ears just tucked back as she listened to him reminisce.

[Nicholay]

Nick turned to Kansai with a slight smile on his face. He walked to her and put his paw on her shoulder. He seemed to calm down.

"I guess talking about it once in a while can help your pain to ease up. Thank you fo listening to this old cat..."

He then kissed her cheek and gave her handkerchief back. He showed another smile and sat at his desk, prepaing for the next class.

"You better hurry, you might be late for your class."

[Kansai Lai]

Her face felt hot at the kiss. That had been the last thing she'd been expecting. "Right. I'll uh .... I'll see you later then." She then hurried out, heading to class. But it was very hard for her to focus, what with this new view of her teacher bouncing about in her head.

[Nicholay]

From that moment, Nick's mood was quite good. He happily taught the children about literature, not bothering about the small amount of spectators, as always. Slowly it became evening, the time when only the specific clubs' students were at school doing their duties and activities. Nick was also in his classroom, doing some paperwork.

[Hope you don't mind the time change]

[Kansai Lai]

((Oh no, I welcome it ^^ ))

Lai had lingered after school ended. She wanted to see Nicholay again, but a long and heated debate had gone off in her head. Should she go see him? For what reason did she want to see him? On and on it went, until she was right outside the door to his classroom. Lai took a deep breath before tapping on the door and walking in. She couldn't back down now.
"Umm, Nick?" She felt awkward using his name so casually, but he had asked for it. "I just wanted to see if you were okay." Now the bear felt stupid. A student checking on a teacher? It had been the reason she came up with for coming back to his classroom, but it still sounded idiotic when the words hung in the air.

[Nicholay]

The teacher raised his face and rubbed his eyes, looking at Lai. He was working for some time now and feeling a bit tired. Immediately a smile appeared on his face, it felt nice to be cared about.

"Thank you, I'm fine. Just have some work that needs to be done," he took out an electric kettle and stood up, "Would you like some tea?"

He filled it with water from the backroom's sink and put it to boil.

[Kansai Lai]

"Yes please, that sounds nice." She set her book bag down and sat on top of one of the desks. Well, at least he didn't seem to think she was an idiot. Or at least, he didn't show it. Lai swung her legs gently to and fro. She hadn't thought this far ahead. Maybe she should bring up his poetry again. No, then he'd think about his lost love and she didn't want to bring him down again...

[Nicholay]

As the kettle showed the steam, Nick pored the water into 2 cups, preparing the green tea. He gave 1 cup to Lai and took a sip from his cup. He let out a releaved sigh.

"Sure is nice to have a break once in a while. So, anything interesting around the school? I mostly sit in my classroom, so I'm almost isolated."

[Kansai Lai]

She blew on the tea a little before having some herself. It was pretty good considering the bitterness of it. "I'm out the loop mostly. I keep to myself, so I'm in the same boat as you." She took another sip of the tea. "I'm sure whatever rumors and gossip floating around merely consists of how much certain teachers suck, what's fun to do on the weekend, and the ever popular who's getting laid." She gave a small chuckle before having more of the tea.

[Nicholay]

"Really? So those're the main topics these days... Now I'm curious about why a cute-looking girl like you is keeping her to herself?" Nick chuckled slightly and kept drinking his tea.

He was enjoying the talk, it was quite interesting to get to know your students better, something not so many teacher could do... Nicholay was someone the other teachers couldn't understand.

[Kansai Lai]

Lai's ears pulled back again and her face got hot. "Mm well, I'm-I'm not really that cute. Furs just tend to avoid me." The she-bear tried to distract herself with the tea again. She could never react well to compliments.

[Nicholay]

"Is that so? Are good-looking girls not cool to date? Or do the boys prefer the ones who are under a thick layer of make-up?"

Nick chukled rather loudly, cause those are the type of girls he didn't find so attractive. He usually compared them with little girl-dolls, the ones with the ridicilous face. He shook his head, as he recalled one of the students he saw tha day.

[Kansai Lai]

"I think the makeup is supposed like a sign, blaring the words 'I have no living brain cells.' Or something like that." Honestly, she'd never thought about why no one paid attention to her. It was like not wondering how a traffic light works. Because it is what it is.

[Nicholay]

"And the way guys try to make a good impression is a real killing for me," Nick laughed and parodied a 'cool' guy, "Baby, you so hot!"

The teacher laughed again and finished his tea. He was so mused by this subject, he couldn't remember when was the last time he had so much fun. He then sighed and shook his head.

"In my days, guys were usually too shy to walk up to a girl and tell her that we like her, we would leave letters in their bags, sometimes with a poem-like confession. Oh, those days are over and my type is just too old-fashioned it seems..."

[Kansai Lai]

She laughed alongside him at his impression. "That actually sounds a lot better than today's norm. Now it's just like everything is a proposition for sex. I don't know, I think there needs to be a revival of old-fashioned flirting." Lai was a bit of a sucker for the classics.

[Nicholay]

"Oh, my dear lady, your words are sweet as honey to my ears. If I was a tad younger, I would've tied to make a move. Alas, I fear I wouldn't be able to even make a small poem now..."

He sighed and put away his cup, he slightly remembered about his love but it didn't hurt as much, he just focused on his talk at the moment.

[Kansai Lai]

She smiled and giggled. "All joking aside, I think you should write some poems again. You're really good and I bet you'd be even better now, what with more life experience and all." She didn't mean to make that seem she thought he was old or anything.

[Nicholay]

"Maybe... Maybe... The nly problem is, I need someone to adress the poems to. I can't just write poems about some random theme. I'm the type who writes his feelings to another creature..."

Nick then stared at Lai for some time, his gaze showing nothing but pure focus. It seemed that Nick has stopped breathing but he soon started to speak:

"As I gaze into you,
I see the sea, all so blue.
Never would I have thought,
That beautiful you are not."

He then let out a few coughs, as if clearing his throat.

"Something like that... I guess I can still rhyme a little..." he let out a shy chuckle.

[Kansai Lai]

She chuckled nervously along with him. She was growing rather flustered. "*ahem* I was right, you still got it." Lai wondered if she should have left at that time, but it didn't seem right. She lingered, still swinging her legs lazily as she sat on the desk.

[Nicholay]

[Don't forget about the open one as well]

Nick didn't know why but he started to feel attracted tot he girl, probably cause she listened to his complains. He walked to his able and took out a piece of paper, a wide smile appearing on his face.

"By the way, I wanted to show you this. It made me both flattered and happy."

As he showed the paper to Lai, it became visible that it was a anonymous note, left by someone, hopefuly a girl. The note contained nothing bt Nick's name surrounded with hearts, rather cute, if really.

[Kansai Lai]

The bear gave a giggle when she saw the overabundance of red and pink. "Cute," she cooed. "I think it would be more creative if they did the Indiana Jones thing. You know, where the female student writes 'love you' on her eyelids." Still smiling, she handed the paper back to Nicholay.

[Nicholay]

Nick put away the paper and started to rub behind his neck. He thought about the situation ad it accured to him that this looks like more that a teacher-student talk.

"I wonder, if someone entered right now and saw us like this... We surely don't looks like we're having a serious talk. By the way, since you are a closed person, as you say, does that mean that you don't care much about your own reputation?"

[Kansai Lai]

"I don't have much of a reputation at all. Besides, once I graduate it's like hitting the reset button." She wondered what he was getting at. "I don't think teachers and students have to always be serious around each other. At not after classes."

[Nicholay]

"You think so? Wouldn't it e nice to leave a good memory about yourself after you leave? Teachers tend to remember their students, you know."

Nick smiled and put his paw on his chest.

"Some memories are sweet, some are not but we still love the students we have taught," he suddenly shook his head, " There I go again... All emotional..."

[Kansai Lai]

She smiled and giggled. She enjoyed his emotional self. It was a nice change. "I was mostly referring to how my classmates view me. I just know I'm gonna be remembered for not being memorable. PAradoxical in a way, but true nonetheless I think." So far, Lai was beginning to think Nicholay would be the only one to really remember her.

[Nicholay]

"Oh, come now," Nick lightly touched her nose with his finger, "you have a creative mind, you just need to show the teachers how good you are at learning."

He chuckled and looked at the clock, it was rather late. They were probably the only people, aside from janitors, who are still in school. How long did they talk?

"Anyway, I think your parents are going to get worried, you also need to get prepared, it's another day tommorow."

[Kansai Lai]

"Yeah, I guess you're right." She knew her parents wouldn't mind how late it was when she returned. She was too much of a goody-goody to do anything bad. Lai hopped off the desk and put her cup down wear she sat. "Thanks again for the tea. I'll see you tomorrow then." She didn't really want to leave since conversing with him was so much fun. Nevertheless, she turned to leave.

[Nicholay]

"I shall gaze upon you then, beatiful one," Nick chuckled and returned to his papperwork after he pt away the cups and kettle.

Since he didn't have anyone waiting at home, he could stay at his classroom as much as he wanted, kind of like a privilige.

[Kansai Lai]

She softly cooed, "bye" as she went through the door and returned home. All through the night she kept thinking about all the new things she'd learned about her teacher. She almost feared that she would become like some of her classmates, drawing silly little hearts around his name. No, she'd never become like that simply because she respected him so much.
The next day at school, Lai acted no different from how she usually was. She stayed in the back of the room, raising her hand only every so often, keeping out of trouble with the rest of her peers.

[Nicholay]

[Let's show another part of my char... The story is getting long anyway]

The bell rang and the break started, the students running out of the classrooms and enjoying the rest. Most students did the usual- changed their books [Let's imagine the school has those neat lockers], talked about gossip or joked around. But there was one thing not so good.

Two bullies were walking down the hallway, looking for someone to bother. They didn't have much of a preference, just wanted to feel all strong and mighty. They even dressed in leather jackets with spikes and all.

[Kansai Lai]

((Story's still good though ^^ ))

Lai was simply standing at her locker, exchanging books. She loved the way her classes were scheduled, if only because she needed less books after the break. Made her day seem like less of a chore. Hearing the jingling of chains, she knew who was coming. Not today, not today, not today, she silently begged. She was in a fairly good mood and didn't want to be teased. The bear just hoped they would move on past her.

[Nicholay]

(Gotta agree with you there. Hope my RPing abilities aren't too bad)

The two boys grinned, as they saw Kansai at her locker. The girl who has no one to back her up, just perfect. With a chuckle, they approached the bear and slammed their hands against the lockers, preventing her from evading them.

[Y'know, the usual 'cool way' of meeting a girl, 1 hand against the wall?]

"Hey, Lai, you looking as lonely as ever. How about hanging out with us?" One of them let out a laghter.

[Kansai Lai]

((You're RP skills are fine. You're very literate ^^ ))

"Bite me," she snarled, ducking under his arm. She wasn't stupid enough to believe anybody who gave her attention. Especially these two. She only hoped she could scurry away fast enough that they'd give up on her.

[Nicholay]

The tallest bully, mainly the jackel, showed his teeth, as he grabbed Kansai's paw and pulled her to himself. He was the type to do his job to the end.

"Maybe I will. You shouldn't get too stuck up, you don't have much of a defen--"

The bully was interupted by a strong black paw, which grabbed the jackal's one firmly and clenched it strongly enough to free Lai. As the bullies gaze a little higher, they met the cold gaze of their literature teacher, Nicholay. His normally soft feautures were gone, he looked more like a cold-blooded killer.

"I always despised guys who can't treat a lady correctly."

The jackal tried to pull out, his face in fear. Finally, Nick let him go and the bullies quickly retreated away from the teacher, as Nick's soft face started to return.

"Are you alright?" he asked with his usual voice again.

[Kansai Lai]

Lai actually got scared when she got grabbed, her fear stemming from not knowing what he might do. But as soon as she was released, she quickly stepped back; not quite standing behind her savior, but enough to dodge a second volley. Her pounding heart slowed once they left, adrenaline ebbing. "Yeah. I'm okay. Thank you for helping me." She looked up at her teacher, truly thankful for his help. No one else would have come to her aid, she just blended in too much to matter.

[Nicholay]

Nicholay nodded with a smile and went on his way, not spedning much more time with Lai. The bell rang at the moment and it was time to go to class. Nick acted, as if nothing happened.

[Kansai Lai]

She stood rooted in the spot for few more moments. "Yeah," she muttered to herself. She really had no idea what she was saying 'yeah' to, but it seemed like the right thing to whisper. Shaking herself out of her stupor, she followed after Nicholay. It was his class she had next. After that was gym and then heading home.

[Nicholay]

Class sarted and everyone sat at their seats. Nicholas smiled to the crowd, it was rare for so many people to come. He chukled and raised the paper he showed to Lai, the one with the hearts.

"First off, I would like to thank this young lady for making my evening brighter, I was flattered."

Some students chuckled and started whispering at the thing, no one seemed to be embarressed, maybe it was just a joke?

[Kansai Lai]

The she-bear smirked, one corner of her lips pulling up. After this, she doubted anyone else would be drawing hearts around his name. Not with the risk of public display. She glanced about, wondering if anyone would be caught. In the meantime, she pulled out her homework and notebook, ready for whatever he was about to teach.

[Nicholay]

The class went at its calm pace, Nick teaching the children what he knew about poems adressed to the author's loved ones. For some it was boring, for some it wasn't. He then loudly closed his textbook to get some attention from everyone.

"Now, I want to check your creativity, you are to think of a poem adressed to someone you know. The best poems will get a double-mark."

[Kansai Lai]

Her ears perked up at the assignment. Raising her paw, she asked, "What kind of poem do you want us to write? What sort of theme?" She hoped he wasn't thinking love poem. She might not be able to hold herself back if she had that opportunity.

[Nicholay]

The cat let out a purr. As he played with his whiskers, he thought for a minute. He then turned to Kansai and with a smile said:

"Have it describe how you feel that person. Poems were meant to show feelings. Okay, class is over, good luck with your poems!"

The bell rang, freeing the students from the bonds of literature.

[Kansai Lai]

Lai sighed as she gathered up her books. Could she actually write that kind of poem? As she made her way out of class, she gave Nicholay a lingering glance, heading off to gym class.

((I'm stalling for time to think up a poem XD ))

[Nicholay]

[Sure, sure, no hurry]

Nicholay prepared for his next class to come. It rarely came fully, so he had no worries about crowds. A chuckled escaped his lips, as he remembered about the assignment again.

[Kansai Lai]

Through the day and into the night Lai panicked about the poem. How could she write something that wouldn't completely embarress her? She didn't want to be like those heart doodlers. In the end, this is what she passed in, not meeting Nicholay's eyes, too embaressed:

Never will there be,
In all eternity,
Common bodies becoming one,
Holding on till the day is done,
Outsiders in the common world
Love burning for a girl
Always you will write and cry
Your laments for a heart that will never die


((This is has to be one of the lamest poems I've ever done. I'm terrible at acrostic ><)

[Nicholay]

[Dunno, I like it. Seems cute :3]

The day came and literature came with it as well. Nick sat at his desk and checked some papers, as the class was still filling up with students. He didn't show much interest in the surroundings, at least it seemed that way. At times you could see his ears twitching, like kittens' ears usually do.

[Kansai Lai]

(( Nyaa~ XP ))

Lai fidgeted in her seat, wondering how he'd react to seeing the poem, but at the same time not wanting to know at all. This was painful and she merely attempted self distraction with the various papers. Her tail was tucked and her ears were pressed hard against her crown.

[Nicholay]

The class started and Nick stood up, greeting his students. He walked in front of his own desk and said in a loud but friendly tone:

"Please, take out your poems. Do you want to read them or should I just take them?"

He snickered and awaited for the 'vote', which consisted of both read and take votes.

[Kansai Lai]

Lai threw out her vote of taking it. Please god just let us pass it in, don't make us read it out loud. She tried to keep her blushing under control

[Nicholay]

The majority voted for not reading it and Nick shrugged. He didn't ind, if really. He thought that a poem is always worth reading, so why the fear? He walked around the class, collecting the paper. When he was taking Kansai's paper, he showed he a gentle smile. He then put away the papers and continued his lesson.

[Kansai Lai]

When he walked away, Lai buried her head in her arms. She was doomed now. No turning back. The rest of the class went on with no incident, but there was a faint pinkness in her cheeks, the lingering thought of how he would react to the poem clinging to her mind tightly.

[Nicholay]

After he took the papers, he put them into his desk and went on with his class. As the bell rang, he let everyone go but someone, a feline girl, walked up to him and started to talk about something. Nick's face showed chuckles and slight smiles.

[Kansai Lai]

Having been seated in the back of the class, it took Lai longer to get out of the room. She saw the female talk to Nicholay and it took all her power not to blush again. But her tucked ears betrayed how she felt, and she refused to look at them as she left. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Lai was just another student, why would the bear feel they had a 'special connection' just cause they enjoyed poetry? Lai tried to stop her way of thinking, knowing it wouldn't lead her anywhere good.

[Nicholay]

After a while the girl left the class giggling in an embarressed. Nick noticed how Kansai looked as she left, so he decided to check on her. Luckily, he had no more classes today, so he had the time. As he walked around the school, he searched for the bear with his golden eyes.

[Kansai Lai]

Lai decided to skip lunch and instead go to the library. She needed just a quiet place to be. She quickly grabbed some books from her locker and went in. The bear found a soft chair near the back and pulled out a small paperback.

[Nicholay]

Having searched most of the school, Nick was passing by the library and noticed a glimse of Kansai with the side of his sight. He quickly took a peek inside and looked at Kansai. She was looking nervous, her ears showed it. Worried, he walked to her and sat just next to her. He remained silent for a brief moment and finally spoe:

"Is something troubling you?" he tilted his head, trly not understanding what was wrong.

[Kansai Lai]

She jumped slightly. She was so engrossed in her book that she hadn't noticed him come in. After getting her heartrate back to normal, she said, "N-no, I'm okay." She wasn't going to ask about the feline. In fact, the more she thought about it, the more stupid she felt. They could have been discussing something innocent. Why did females always assume the worst in things like this???

[Nicholay]

"I don't quite believe you right now. I've seen how girls react in my life and I'm sure you are nervus about something. Please, don't make me feel untrusted," he showed a little frown, "Does it have something to do with my class? Did I say something?"

[Kansai Lai]

If her ears pressed any closer to her head, her skull would absorb them via osmosis. "It's nothing really. You didn't do anything wrong. I'm just being stupid. Please don't worry about it." Great, now she made him feel bad.

[Nicholay]

"What do you mean, how can I not worry about you? One of the few girls who actually come to my class to enjoy it. Tell me everything that bothers you. It will make you feel better, I promise," this time he showed a gentle and reassuring smile, just what a nervous girl needs.

[Kansai Lai]

Her whole face went hot. "Well, that cat girl you talked to ... you were smiling so much, I got jealous. I don't know why, I told you it was stupid." She buried her face in her paws, traumatized.

[Nicholay]

The teacher put his paws on her shoulders and hugged the girl. He found the situation a little funny, if really but he understood that it wasn't a time for laughter.

"Well, she confessed that she was the one to draw thos hearts around my name, she even said that she was attracted to me. I laughed, because I never heard a confession, because I was the one that confessed to my only love all those yaers ago... I was flatted and found it quite amusing but I didn't share her feelings, so she left the class in embarressment, if really."

The cat sighed, was it a good idea to tell her about the talk, maybe...

[Kansai Lai]

Lai could swear her heart stopped when she felt his arms around her. But it coaxed her out from hiding. "Oh." She still felt really stupid about before. And now she couldn't think of a single thing to say.

[Nicholay]

The teacher let out chuckle and let go of the girl, looking into her eyes and smilling gently. Looks like he calmed her down a little.

"Please, next time you get nervous about something, just talk to me. It will make me happy as well." He pecked her fore head and stood up, about to leave Kansai in the library.

[Kansai Lai]

Was it possible to get heat stroke from your own blushing? Lai had not been expecting the little kiss, but it sent her heartbeat skyrocketing. "Okay. I will." Quickly she racked her brain. She needed some reason to stay with Nicholay. Could she say she wanted to talk about poetry some more? Misc. literature? Then she got it. "Um, Nick? I didn't do very well with my poem last night. I was hoping you could teach me to write poetry a little better."

[Nicholay]

"Really? Well, I don't see a reason why not. Come to me once you finish your classes, okay?" the cat smiled once more and left the room.

That eveining Nick was working with the poems the students made. Some made him chuckle, some impressed him. The only sound in the classroom was the ticking of the clock.

[Kansai Lai]

Classes came and went and soon the bear was again knocking on the door as she entered it. "Hi," she said as she came in. "Thanks again for helping me." She was actually a little surprised to not see any others there. Knowing how popular (or at least getting more aware of it) Nicholay was, there should have been others with a crush on him vying for his attention.

[Nicholay]

The cat smiled and raised a piece of paper. He had a happy smile on his face and it was obviously thanks to the poem on the paper.

"I've just read your poem. It's really quite good, just a little disorganised. But with a few tweaks, this is an A+ for sure."

[EDIT: YAY, finally active mamber!]

[Kansai Lai]

She tried her hardest not to appear embarressed about it. "Really? I thought it was far worse." She pulled up a seat and sat near Nicholay, leavign about two feet of space between them.

[Nicholay]

"You see, you have these jumps in the lengths of the lines. One line is shrt and the next one is twice as long. This can someties break the rhythm."

Nick pointed out the few flaws in the poem, showing that in overall it was quite good. He smiled all the time, glad to be reviewing a good poem for a change.

[Kansai Lai]

"Ahh, I see." She no longer became embarressed or flustered around him. Now they were just teacher and student. "I never really paid attention to rhythm before. I just try to focus on the rhyming."

[Nicholay]

[We could go to the Yiff section, once they start a relationship, if you don't mind]

The teacher soon finished the review and put the paper away. He was a tad tired and took out the same kettle as last time. He filled it with water and put it to boil.

"Tea?" the cat didn't stop smilling all this time.

[Kansai Lai]

((I do not mind at all. I was actually wondering when they'd hit that point ^^ ))

"Please," she replied with a smile of equal cheerfulness. Lai still berated herself over how she acted earlier, but now she felt she was making up for it. She wondered if she'd be able to write poems like Nick could someday soon.

[Nicholay]

Soon the tea was ready and the two calmly enjoyed the liquid. Nick let out purrs after each sip and his ears twitched as well. He obviously loved the thing. H didn't start no conversation, thinking that maybe Kansai would be the provoker this time.

[Kansai Lai]

Lai gave a small giggle as she had some tea of her own. "Do your ears always twitch like that when you have tea?" She thought it was rather cute. She didn't mention the purring, knowing that it was a cat thing.

[Nicholay]

"Oh, it's a habit I had since my childhood. Everytime I feel joy, my ears would twitch. My mother would say that I could fly, if I feel happy enough," Nick let out a laugh and took another sip, followed by a ear twitch.

He took out the paper with hearts around his name, it was lying on his table a long time now.

"To think that someone really likes me, I feel yyoung again," he chuckled, "Too bad that I had to disappoint the girl. But it looked like it wasn't too serious for her."

[Kansai Lai]

She giggled again, watching those ears flit about. Seeing the paper, she felt a little upset again, but she didn't let it show. "I'm sure she'll get over it. She probably only liked you for your looks. You just need to wait for someone who'll appreciate you for who you are on the inside." She barely registered what she just said, not knowing how strange it would be for a student to say that.

[Nicholay]

"Maybe... Still, it feels nice to be attractive...Oh, I'm just dreaming. Who would like a guy like me? I'm just a jeezer who only knows about poems," he let shook his head and let out an angry (but cute) purr.

[Kansai Lai]

She could not stop herself from saying what came out of her mouth next. "Well, I like you. And I think you write great poetry. And you don't look old at all, no where near being a geezer."

[Nicholay]

Nick raised an eyebrow. What Kansai said was a great surprise for him. 'I like you'... The same words that cat said. Does that mean Kansai is attracted to him as well? It was getting confusing and Nick shook his head.

"Excuse me?" he implied for a repeation of the words.

[Kansai Lai]

Her ears tucked, thinking she had said something wrong. "Well I said that I like you. You're really great and cool and umm, I'm gonna stop talking now." He must've thought she was weird, maybe even like that girl with the hearts. Geez, why'd she have to open her big fat mouth?

[Nicholay]

Nick put his hands on Kansai's shoulders and seriously looked into her eyes. His gaze wasn'tmad or cold, it was... Curious. He held her firmly and said:

"Do you like me for my 'looks' or for what is 'inside me'? Tell me sincerly, please..." the last word sounded like he was begging.

[Kansai Lai]

"What's inside you. I'm not shallow enough to only like superficial traits." Her mind was abuzz as to where this was going...

[Nicholay]

In a quick move, Nick pulled Kansai into a tight hug, purring like a motor and not showing any signs of letting go. A tear drop ran down his cheek.

"And I was afraid that no one would like a literature teacher..."

[Kansai Lai]

After getting passed awkward it seemed to be hugged by a teacher, Lai gave in to how warm it felt in his arms. Shyly, she wrapped her arms around him as well, returning his hug. "I'd like you even if you taught math. And I hate math." So long as he had such a passion for poetry and was a gentleman.

[Nicholay]

"T-thank you, Lai... I..." the teacher was in an emotional extacy and just plain happy, even his ears twitched like mad, "I love you..." he fianlly said those words again.

[YAY, hope the guy didn't confess too spontainiously?]

[Kansai Lai]

((Nope. My female instincts tell me that it was the best opportunity ^^ ))

Her heart skipped a beat and she felt that old butterfly in the stomach cliche. She blushed violently. She couldn't think of anything to say so she did the next best thing. Lai kissed him. She didn't know why, but her just made her so happy. Just knowing that he loved her and she liked, no she loved him back

[Nicholay]

http://i44.tinypic.com/2uzz6ah.png

[Kansai Lai]

((Hmm, which way to go, which way to go? XD ))

With that kiss, their relationship of teacher and student vanished from her mind. Now they were just a male and female, sharing an intimate moment. Perhaps because this was her first love, Lai gave in to it all. The bear held onto him tightly, small noises murring from her throat as she enjoyed his touches.

((Thisa way ^^ I hereby appoint you maker of the yiff thread since it is your turn. You made the school thread, I did this, now you must make one ^^ ))

[Nicholay]

EDIT:
OOPS, didn't notice the last OOC

[Kansai Lai]

((I hereby appoint you maker of the yiff thread since it is your turn. You made the school thread, I did this, now you must make one ^^))

Lai had stopped thinking about the consequences of this once he confessed his own feelings for her. She was truly happy, but shed no tears. Her heart fluttered as though her chest was filled with feathers