forum Pheasant Brook School for Academically Gifted Boys // OxO // CLOSED

Started December 08, 2019 by @GoblinKing

tune

A fire seemed to ignite in Kalen’s eyes as they entered the library. He had never seen so many books in one place, let alone any old books. His fingers twitched, eager to get their hands on a book and become lost to the real world, but he maintained his composure, though the fire in his eyes and the grin didn’t want to fade. “It’s amazing in here! I feel I will spend days at a time just reading.”

“You wouldn’t be the first. I don’t, but it’s a nice place to study from time to time. Assuming you don’t find your dorm a better place, of course.” Claude noticed the passion in Kalen’s expression, and God, it was attractive. “It’s a small fiction section, but we have miles on miles of nonfiction and research materials.”

“I would expect nothing less from a school like this.” Kalen turned to Claude, beaming up at him. “I take you for a philosophy kind of guy, so I’d imagine there are a few books in here that pique your interest?”

“Well, you’d be right. My favorite book in here is Paradise Lost. Not exactly philosophy, but I appreciate the different take on Satan- or Lucifer, I suppose. The first time I read it it took me ages, almost a year. It’s so difficult to read, but it’s worth it.” Claude tightened the low, short ponytail his hair was in, shrugging. “Lots of references, but luckily I got a pre-annotated copy from my father.”

“Wow, that’s nice of him.” Kalen rubbed the back of his neck. Claude was lucky to have a generous father like that, his own wasn’t so nice. Kalen scanned around until his eyes fell upon a blue hardback book that just looked interesting. Though it was higher up, getting it would require for him to go up on his tiptoes… Holding back a sigh, he made his way over to the shelf and reached up for the book. Even on his tiptoes his fingers would only just brush the bottom of the book. There had to be a ladder somewhere, right?

Claude walked behind Kalen, raising his eyebrows curiously. “Do you.. do you want help getting that down?” The book was easily within reach of the Dutch boy with minimal effort. “What book is it? Do you know?” He studied the cobalt blue spine, head tilted slightly.

“I have no idea, just looks interesting.” Kalen fell back flat onto his feet, his toes were beginning to hurt. He looked up at Claude with a weak smile. “Help would be appreciated.”

“Yes, it does..” Claude plucked the book off of the shelf, delivering it down with a rather grand flourish to Kalen. “Let me know how it is, won’t you?”

Kalen’s dazzling grin appeared once again across his lips as he gently took the book. “Thank you, I will!” his grip around the book tightened, simply the thought of reading it sent his imagination spinning. What would it be about? Would there be romantic connotations? It was all very exciting.

Claude returned the smile, his much softer as he looked at Kalen. “I’ve got to return my books soon. Flirted my way out of a late fee last time, but that librarian got sacked and this one hates my guts.” He shrugged nonchalantly, thinking over how many books he had to bring in. “I have.. three out right now..” Claude was thinking out loud at this point, voice a low mumble.

“You flirted your way out of a late fee?” Kalen tilted his head, his next sentence was supposed to be teasing but it didn’t sound like it. “I can’t imagine you being flirtatious.”

“Yeah, me neither, but it worked well enough, evidently.” Claude laughed, shooting a quick glance at the librarian’s desk. “You see her? If looks could kill, Kalen, I’d be dead where I stand.”

“Oh no that would be a shame.” Kalen rolled his eyes, the same bright smile still on his lips. “She doesn’t seem that bad if you ask me, kind of reminds me of a jealous lady at a ball when the man of her dreams is dancing with another woman.”

“Well, now, who’s the other woman? The previous librarian? Or perhaps, somebody else?” Claude made eye contact and gave Kalen a sly grin, before shaking his head and laughing. “Ugh- that was godawful, I’m sorry.”

Kalen paused for a moment before having to turn away, chuckling, covering his mouth. A laugh threatened to disrupt the silence of the library and he didn’t want to be banned on his first day——not without reading all those books. Was that Claude being flirtatious? Well it was certainly charming.

Claude knew it wasn’t good whatsoever, but seeing Kalen’s reaction was amusing enough for him. He gave him a stupid, doggish grin, before looking back up at the librarian- who was watching them like a beady-eyed hawk.

Kalen regained his composure and cleared his throat, a lopsided grin was plastered on his lips. “Do I have to speak to her if I want to take this book out?” His eyes went from Claude, to the librarian, to the book, then back up to Claude. He didn’t exactly like the idea of having to talk to the lady at the desk.

“Afraid so. Just give her your full name and student ID number, and then you’ll be on your way.” Claude kicked at the hardwood floor with the heel of his dress shoes. “You’re probably fine, though, considering your clean slate and all. Don’t worry about it.”

Well that was reassuring. Kalen dragged himself over to the librarian’s desk and gave her the information she needed. It was a tedious process but soon enough Kalen was hurrying his way back over to Claude with the book in his hands, and a bright smile on his face. “So! Shall we continue the tour?”

“I believe so. Where did I say we were going next? Did I say a ‘next’?” Claude thought for a moment, but he couldn’t remember. “Well, let’s just go outside, then. You’ve got a sweater or something, right? December air’s real cold, especially here. Not a lot around to block it.”

“I don’t I’m afraid…” Kalen wasn’t exactly the type to wear jumpers, even in the winter. “I’ll be fine though, I’m from the north so cold is pretty much what I’m used to.”

“Oh? Well, alright. If you get cold, just let me know, okay?” Claude patted Kalen’s shoulder before letting his hands fall to his side. “The garden isn’t too nice right now- winter and all, it’s dead- but it looks impressive in the spring.”

“Just because it’s dead doesn’t mean it won’t look pretty…” Kalen murmured, his smile faltered for a moment. While gardens usually were at their prime during spring and summer, winter gave nature a new kind of beauty——one that it would appear only Kalen appreciated. “I’d still like to see it, if it’s okay?”

“Yeah, if you want to. It’s huge, an Italian Renaissance Garden I believe? Or, rather, inspired by one, anyway. That’s the style.” Claude shrugged, leading Kalen outside.