[OH NO... NO!!! SHE IS TALKING TO HIM??? the prETTY girl has breACHED the bounDARY and is ATTEMPTING 2 cum municate. MAYDAY, MAYDAY-]
W-wha... Huh?
[His cheeks turn a bright pink immediately, but fortunately for him (actually, probably more fortunately for Grace), there's nothing lewd in his recent browser history. Sure, it's chock full of reconstructed medieval-era swords that just happen to be life-sized, and of course those tattoos and piercings he had been mentioned previously. He's not ashamed of his nerdy hobbies, damn it, but um. At least he's not the kind of teenage boy who's always looking at titties.
Simon runs a hand through his hair, expression souring just a tad. She knows who he is, right? Ugh. Rude.]
No.
[huffily and puffily... he pulls his phone away, shoving it in his pocket.]
[ Does she know who he is? Probably not, but he's the first guy she's sidled up to that hasn't blatantly checked out her legs in a long time. Everyone says 'People of the opposite sex can just be friends' but tell that to a dancer that isn't ashamed to wear leggings as pants. At least her oversized sweater compensates enough that she hasn't been sent home for breaking dress code yet.
She grins at his reaction and makes a show of peering over at the phone before it's safe in the depths of his pocket. It gives her a chance to read the text on his hoodie better and that grin spreads into an amused smile. ]
Is it because you're the prettiest girl in rehab?
[ Fucking RIP. ]
I've seen you around but I never caught your name. I'm Grace. [ And because... she's not shy, and she's kind of unskilled in NORMAL socialization herself, she adds. ] Wanna help me out a little?
[At that, he has to laugh. The shirt was the Wildest thing he'd been able to find in the bargain bin at Goodwill, and honestly? The irony of it is just hilarious.]
Yeah, and I happen to be off my meds, so uh.
[jesuS chriST don't speak so casually about that??? NOT FUNNY NOT COOL]
Tread carefully.
[She will catch right away that he's all for being as irreverent as possible.]
The name's Simon. Hiya.
[He doesn't want to go home and, hey, he's got nothing better to do. Homework's piling up, but that stuff is really no sweat for him.]
And sure, whatever. Not like my night's booked anyway.
[ She should be concerned but it's not like she hasn't seen the medicine cabinet in her parents' bathroom. An eyebrow raises anyway as she speculates on how to tread carefully. And what she was going to ask him.
Hiya, though... Her head ducks and she purses her lips. And then blows out. It's a habit her mother has always scolded her over. ]
Well -- [ She's stalling for a moment, dragging out that word. Maybe honesty would be best? ] Listen, I need an excuse as to why I stayed so late. OH!
[ Grace pauses to grab her phone, seeing several messages from her mother. And one from her dad. Her cheeks darken with a blush and she looks at him. She raises a hand up to somewhat apologetically hold him up.
tl;dr Get gud at Franch u have a study abroad that just got confirmed as a go.
The scheming has begun. Letting out a breath she put on a brave face and ...we're back. ]
Laurent? Are you French? Do you know French?
[ That sure did all come out in one rushed breath. Doe eyes. She's throwing the Hopeful Doe Eyes. ]
[ Her expression scrunches in confusion before the relief hits and she pretends to wipe her brow. It's just a bit of theatrics but for a moment she seems to visibly relax.
She repeats his last name with the corrected pronunciation, although it tips up at the end as if she's questioning it. Did she do it? ]
I'm obviously... not. [ Her lips twitch and wow, it looks like it pained her to admit she wasn't perfect at something straight out of the womb. ] It's my weakest subject and my parents are kinda pressing me to raise my grade.
[ Reel it in, lady. ] I'm supposed to study abroad in Paris this summer for my ballet but I just don't get it. How am I supposed to study ballet in Paris if I can't even understand the criticism they're giving me behind my back?
[ Okay that last bit was a little sarcastic. Grace adjusts her bag on her shoulder. ]
It's kind of weird but maybe this is a good opportunity. Do you think you could tutor me? I'd pay you for your trouble... [ And oh boy will it be trouble. God, her first world rich girl problems are RIPE. ]
[Simon's used to keeping to himself, and other than the rag-tag AV club members who also double as the Chambers and Centaurs crew, he has never had an abundance of friends to talk to. At first, especially when he was an overly precocious and academically successful child, it had really bothered him. Over time, however, you get used to it. You start to understand that people are just going to continue to ignore you, no matter what you choose to do, and for a long time Simon had struggled and tried everything just to get the others to look-]
Whoa, for real?
[But then his deadbeat dad had finally decided to kick the bucket and he had to show up to that stupid funeral, where all of their annoying and gossipy neighbors had showed up with casseroles and he had been forced to stare his absent parent's corpse in the face, suddenly realizing that the one that existed in the recesses of his fractured and troubled psyche just didn't look the same.
And that had made him angry.]
Yeah, sure, I can teach ya. Um, what level are you?
[Simon doesn't say it outright, but he is thankful for the company.]
I know that French 2 usually has those assignments due every week. You finish it yet? I saw you scratchin' around on your pad over there.
Yeah! I'm really good but I think I could do some serious work studying there. [ She sounds as if she genuinely enjoys it, dancing that is. It's just the pressure to perform that somehow sullies it but hell if she isn't competitive. ] You'd honestly be doing me a huge favor.
Maybe I'll even dedicate a performance to you if you can perform miracles.
[ Oh, that bravado. Her smile is still present but there's just the barest hint of an underlying insecurity there. Offhandedly she realizes that he was probably like every other teen boy wanting a little extra pocket money for work that wasn't hard on the body, but of course she'd gone in talking about her coveted trip to Paris. Read the room. ]
I am in French 2. My mother insisted that I take it. [ She would have rather taken ...anything else. ] You did? Well, maybe you might want to see what you're getting yourself into first before you agree.
[ Grace nods over to a bench where she plops down, rummaging about in her bag for the assignment she'd been struggling with. Just. Gonna hand that on over, bucko. ]
[Oh, so she's talking about dance and not French, good. Quietly, he takes that paper from her as she goes on prattling nervously, although he does not fault her for it. He shares that habit with her despite her differences, and while he glances over her paper, he notices quite a few errors.]
Oof.
[He pulls out a mechanical pencil from his pocket, clicking the tip and looking at her answers.]
Aren't you, like, halfway through the semester? Well, I guess it's a lot harder if you weren't just hearing this stuff all around the house growin' up... And if you're used to American English, the pronunciation is pretty funky.
So, I think you got the general idea, here? Like, most of the words are right, you're just havin' a little trouble with conjugation and vowel placement.
[Simon's brow quirks upwards.]
Why does it matter what your Mom thinks? She sounds like a real drag.
[Is that the price of growing up rich... He wouldn't know.]
[ Okay, she knew it was bad. She's barely holding on to that B- as it is. Grace gets cozy, crossing her legs and leaning in just slightly so she could spy on his corrections in real time. She's not even aware of it, but the comment about her being halfway through the semester colors her cheeks once more. ]
I have a very full schedule right now. My other classes are fine... it's just French. I'm not bad at dictation. I can at least keep up writing down what's being said.
[ His appraisal makes her laugh. Genuinely. ]
My mom is very invested in my future. She's pretty high maintenance. She's always been that way though.
I think this trip was the first thing I was honestly excited about for myself for once, but of course she has to have her hand in it.
[ She claps a hand on her leg and leans back with a sigh, head tilting to look at him sideways. ]
What do you think? Is it worth $120 for an hour of your time after school? [ Her voice takes on a rather sing-song quality to it. ] I could drive you home.
Well, sure you are. My folks might be French, but I've never been to Paris.
[His brows both shoot up at the prospect of the hefty sum, and just for one hour? Once a week? And all while spending time with a very pretty girl and schooling her at a language he's great at... What are the odds she's keeping a flesh eating moth person in her basement, because there's got to be some kind of catch here.]
Whoa, ch'yeah, sure, no problem. For that much I might even be able to throw in a backflip and a handstand.
[His tone is nonchalant, but he is joking, obviously.]
[ She's had a passport since she was twelve when she was deemed old enough to go on the international vacations her family took, but Grace isn't about to admit to that. The reality of her excitement revolves around being on her own, pursuing a passion of hers without them looming in the shadows.
Not that they ever were physically looming.
She shrugs off that particular line of thought to think about the good that's come of her detention. Grace has procured a fluent tutor. With nice hair. She's kind of tempted to flick it when she stands but she settles for holding out her hand. For the homework, so she could put it back in her bag. ]
Cool, I'm glad. [ What a winning smile. Gross. ] I mean, we could always use a room or we could go back to mine. There's snacks and my parents wouldn't bother us. [ She shifts her weight to pull the bag up on one shoulder, looking thoughtful. ] I mean, if you're comfortable with that.
Did you need a ride home tonight? I mean, I'm already going to get an earful from my dad so I might as well be helpful with what freedom I have.
[ Don't feel bad Simon. She sounds more playful than anything. Once she mentions having spent time with a tutor they'd probably get off her back anyway. ]
All his years of campaigning, of telling stories as a Dungeon Master and even amateur novelist, have yet to prepare him for this. Never once has he actually had to hold a conversation with a Real Human Woman who wasn't over the age of 40, and while Simon is a bold and respected warrior in his own little fantasy world, even then... Save for the occasional tavern wench, he really has no clue how this is supposed to go down.
What if she uses her feminine wiles to get out of providing him with proper payment? Although, it's not as if he would object-]
Okay.
[Shoot, shoot, shoot-]
Would it be weird if I asked you to pay me upfront? Or, actually...
[ She is no tavern wench. She is the final boss. Luckily, Grace isn't picking up on her new tutor's dilemma. No, she's having herself a casual stroll in the direction of the exit closest to the student parking lot. She stops with her hand on the push bar, eye brow raising. ]
I'm fine paying upfront, Simon. How'd you like it? Cash, Venmo... PayPal?
[ She's just listing off options to make this easy for the blond, really. She opens the door, holding it for her awkward boy. She's kind of surprised by the addition and shakes her head, rummaging about for her keys. ]
Listen, if you're taking time out of your day to help me I'm going to pay you. It's on me to actually perform as far as my scores. My ballet classes are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. What days are you good for?
[ She's more than comfortable in carrying a conversation, so Simon can just warm up to the idea of talking to a girl under 40 gradually. Also, how thorough. There aren't many cars remaining so her vividly red Audi stands out. The bag goes in the back and she slips in, patting the passenger seat with a playful grin. ]
My parents refused to get me a convertible.
[ GRACE. Honey. To be fair, she is aware that her life is a privileged one, but she still works hard! It's weird to be suddenly self-conscious about having an expensive car. What is interacting with people outside her circle of gratuitously wealthy acquaintances she doesn't...really...like? Hm. ]
[Simon is so unused to being treated like a person that this all feels rather strange. He got picked on a lot as a child, but leaning into your creepy, maybe potentially school-shooter vibe as a gangly almost adult is enough to get even the bullies to stay the hell away from you.]
Ummm, probably Tuesday? When I... Don't have detention.
But I guess I could reign it in for a few months.
[For you, Grace.
Is the implied tone of well, that.]
You're not gonna kidnap me and sell me to one of those child slaver guys, are ya? 'Cause uh. You might wanna go with someone prettier.
You want to meet me at the exit? You can just give me your Venmo info before we go back to mine so you can make sure you get the transfer.
[ She honestly thinks he's a little socially awkward, and maybe sad... but he's oddly enough easy for her to talk to. He looks horribly gangly in her passenger seat though, but stranger danger is a thing. She smirks at his comment about detention and starts up her navigation. She has a feeling she's not going to have a clue about getting home. ]
I'm flattered that you're going to try and curb your enthusiasm for what I'm guessing is anarchy? You look like the anarchy type.
[ It's clear she's teasing. She would be a little more hesitant to invite him over to her HOUSE if she got genuinely bad vibes from her blond companion. She pauses to glance over at him, leaning off to the side of her seat so that she's facing him from her spot against the driver-side door. A hand goes to settle dramatically at her chest. ]
You caught me. [ Her lips purse and she gets a better look at him. Just sitting there. So blond. So French. Grace's head tips to the side. ] I don't know. If you shaved and let your hair down I'm sure I could fetch an okay price. Your attitude is holding you back.
[ Let's just fucking ignore that she told him that he wasn't half bad looking and get to business. ]
Put in your address while I text my mom letting her know I'm alive. [ A side glance. ] For now.
[Re: the anarchy thing. Replace it with apathy, and there you go!]
Y'know what they say! There's someone for everyone.
Don't really care what the creeps who'd pay for me would look like. Just hope they've got plenty of dough and that I get to keep all of my fingers.
[He may be socially awkward and sad, but at least he's not hiding it. He stops to wonder if, behind all the glitz and glam, she is lonely too. Come to think of it, he's almost never seen her with the same person twice. Maybe this will be just like that. Perhaps she will use him until he is no longer shiny to her too, like one of her many expensive toys, but he's curious.
She seems like she wants company. Their highschool is pretty run-of-the-mill- A bunch of vapid and self-obsessed blowhards who are too concerned about their instagram likes and twitter feeds, or the overly competitive academic types, constantly focused on keeping their scores perfect and their records squeaky clean.]
My venmo's L0rd0fE$m0r0th18. Capital L, no spaces, and replace all the O's with zeroes and the S's with dollar signs.
[She says something that catches him off guard, and it's almost enough to make him blush.
Almost. She wants him to help her with school so she can go on her fancy trip and dance with other hot people, so she'll probably say anything to keep him tethered here. Finally, he slumps into the car seat and clicks in the seatbelt, typing his address into her car GPS.]
Uh, if you do end up droppin' me off, no need to get out of the car or nothin'.
Simon, Simon, Simon... I'm not a monster. Of course you get to keep your fingers. [ Her tone dips, going into something a little more... sinister. But uh, she's just a hs student so not too sinister. ] I wouldn't let them see your toes though. Real feet people.
[ She shrugs, biting back a laugh. Once the text to her mom is sent she opens up her app to add his account for future use. Not before turning her phone to get his approval that she'd typed it correctly. ]
I respect that... [ Grace trails off as she throws it into reverse to exit the parking lot. There's the general "new person" vibe check going down where she's debating on how chatty to be. It's not as uncomfortable as it could be. ] I mean, we did just meet in detention. You probably have stuff to do.
[ Yes, she's lonely. Honestly, his assumptions of how she might have shiny syndrome weren't far off. Grace had just wrangled him in as her alibi for staying so late after school. She doesn't expect this to last beyond the semester anyway, but maybe she could at least try to enjoy herself a little.
When she pulls up to his house it's a little more obvious that their backgrounds are different. She doesn't comment on it. Wise. ]
Give me your number! [ She sounds unbothered. Once she has it she sends off a simple text his way: 💖 PRETEND THIS IS THE FRENCH FLAG EMOJI JFC
Does this mean that Simon just got a hot chick's number, with a heart emoji being the first message? Yes. ]
I'll see you Tuesday, then. [ Insert pleasantries, but she's kinda sad to see him go? He was amusing company. ]
[When he does make a move to step out of the car, he tips his head back and lets out a loud laugh. It's true, it's true! Forget boob or buttt men, it's all about those little piggies that went to the market, apparently.]
Guess I'm gonna have to start becomin' a pedicure kinda guy. Betcha the little old ladies who work the nail salon would be happy to see this handsome face every once in a while.
[Don't strike a pose like that- Didn't you just say you were ugly, smh-]
See ya around, Grace! I'll letcha know if anything else comes up. Text me your address before I show up, btdubs.
[please don't mind him he will be staring at that text from Grace all week wondering how to reply and not actually sending anything ASDFKLJ]
[ Here are a few things that happen during the next week:
- She happily buries herself in a routine of dance and AP coursework. Her parents are dicks and anything less would be a disappointment.
- Around Thursday, she remembered that Simon needed her address. Hunting him down had led to her peeking her head into the AV room and finding him with 'the boys'. Had she needed to wink when handing over the slip of stationary that somehow picked up the scent of her perfume? No. But she had before slipping away nonchalantly. The resulting fuss from said boys could be heard out into the hall. No regrets.
- Her uh... looking at his name in her text inbox and wondering if she should send him a meme or a little hello. And never acting on it.
The only perk of driving to school meant that she inevitably beat him to her house after the bell rang, which gave her time to rearrange her room a little, to clear off her desk of all the notes she'd had and obsessively check out her window to see if he was here yet. She'd debated if she should change her outfit -- but she had resisted that urge when Grace had the very valid thought of what he'd think if he'd seen her during the day unnoticed by her. She's not weird. (She is, lowkey. LISTEN, SHE DOESN'T HAVE COMPANY OVER.)
When she spots him coming up the driveway she scrambles to beat the maid before she could answer the door, a quick "I'm going to be in my room for awhile studying" shot over her shoulder before the door is flung open with all of the bravado she can muster. ]
Hi! [ She looks at his outfit and laughs, reaching forward to try and get him inside. ] Hold on, did you end up getting that pedicure too? [ Is that a sweater vest? It's a far cry from his usual get up. She closes the door behind him and fidgets for a moment. ] Did you want anything before we head upstairs?
Oh! Check your account. I'm not about to go back on our deal before it starts.
[ Grace's house is er, sizeable. Tall ceilings, expensive light fixtures. It's the kind of homestead you would expect to entertain ambassadors; beautiful, but no personality that would ever tie it to a particular family -- but it's what she knows. It's weird feeling all too aware of the mass of pricy woods and marble behind her, but she grins hopefully anyway. ]
I was joking, by the way. That's a nice color on you. Uh. My parents are out right now but the staff can get us anything. [ She's rambling. Save her. ]
[God, the AV Club reaction was WILD af. Those guys are chirpy and chattery in general (and double, nay, triple, las the Mathletes and Robotics team), but this time? He will never hear the end of it. Not only did one of their pasty brethren score a date with a girl, he got to spend time with none other than Grace Monroe? A bonafide dance hottie who, for the most part, really wasn't very close to anyone. Her mystery totally upped the cool factor.
Oddly enough, Simon really didn't give a rats ass who she was or how anybody at school perceived her. It must be nice to have a whole bunch of positive superlatives attached to your name and a guaranteed glamorous future, especially in comparison to the grim, dimly light sewer tunnel of a life that he seems to be living, but there was something about her that felt just so lonely. It was relatable, really. He may not be the most extroverted fuck in the universe, but he was able to pick up on a few things.
Grace's manner of speaking is... Charismatically awful, a surprise, considering her polished background. Probably some act of rebellion. He knows full well what it's like to feel trapped. She's friendly and pulls you in, but only reveals just enough about her intentions to keep you guessing. That and for someone who so clearly loves attention, she is almost always alone.]
No, but after this I just might.
[His brows rise sky high when he sees that total in his stupidly named Venmo account, and his eyes widen as he takes in all the splendor of Grace's home. It's clear from the way his jaw hangs that he's never seen anything like it.]
Oh. I thought it'd be better if I snazzed it up a bit, 'specially since your folks sounded pretty judgey, buuuut...
Are they even here?
[He snorts.]
Wow. Totally gave myself a wedgie for almost nothing. Well, whatevs.
[ She's well-aware of how people regard her at school. She's heard the whispers that follow her wherever she goes. The AV club's reaction was normal. Expected. She'd been amused by the idea of them speculating about Simon's involvement with her. Being thrust upon a pedestal implied untouchability, something she was fine with too; Grace didn't much make a habit of letting people too close. It was kind of fun to be mysterious and it meant that she didn't have to get emotionally attached to someone she'd undoubtedly have to leave in her lofty life goals.
They've been pushed on her the moment she could get off of her mother's hip (but let's be real; it was always the nanny). ]
Oh good. It went through.
[ It's the eyebrows. God are Simon's eyebrows super telling and she's unable to stop the tiny grin at his reaction to everything. Her expression falls the moment he mentions her parents and she shakes her head. Clearing her throat, she gestured to the stairs with a tiny bow. Very ballerina. Much Grace. Even her name. Thanks, Dance Moms. ]
They're at a fundraiser... or a gallery opening. Or something else where dry white wine and h'orderves are handed out on shiny platters.
[ Ah. She sounds a little bitter about it but it's a flash and that smile is back. A foot is already on the stairs. ]
See, I told you that I could drive you here. No wedgies in the Audi. Your fault, really, for not taking up my lovely offer.
[ YEAH YEAH GRACE. Just ascend the stairs like the goddess you are and drag the av nerd to your room. At least it looks like it's lived in. She looks over at her ~tutor~ before daintily sitting on one of the chairs she's put by her desk. Come hither. ]
Help me not be a laughing stock in France, will you? [ Her book sits open on her lap. She's gotten to the point where they were combining words with using 't's. She's peeked ahead and watched youtube videos with Americans griping about French things they never knew. ] I kind of feel over my head here. There are just so many rules.
[As Grace ascends the stairs gracefully, Simon stubs his toe on a few. He lives on the first floor, okay? Give him a break.]
Whoa-oh, oh!
[Simon wiggles, sure, but he desperately tries to gain his balance again. He hesitates at the door to her room, feeling a bit shy.
Simon meekly looks on for her permission to enter, nodding and... Um, is that a curtsy? It is. He does that before entering. People's rooms feel like itttle kingdoms. Or, at the very least, that's how he feels about his own.]
Hate to break it to ya, but most Europeans are pretty snobby when it comes to foreigners. Maybe try to laugh it off, and um, enjoy the wine and cheese? Pretty sure we're legal to drink over there, too, so if that's the kind of fun you're after...
[ She does have a canopy bed but for now, out of respect that they're almost perfect strangers, the desk will be where they conduct their business. Grace makes a face at his comment about Europeans being snobby and she leans back a bit, pouting. ]
This isn't a trip that I want to spend hungover. I have a scholarship, remember?
[ Oh, she's aware that everyone knows. It must be kind of a slap on the wrist to know that someone like her is riding out on something like that -- but that's just how the world works. ]
I'm already at a disadvantage. A lot of the girls I'll be studying with focus primarily on dance with everything else coming as a second. I have AP courses and an inability to conjugate, apparently. So.
[ She breathes in. She breathes out. Okay. Her attention drops to some of the work she's already completed. There are certain things she felt she understood better but, the future assignments were kinda rough. Her syllabus is also fetched and put on the desk. ]
I don't know if this is enough to kind of help structure these sessions. Maybe?
[He looks up. It's clear that Grace's distress is palpable, and hey, guess who's always wanted to play hero for a beautiful damsel in "distress" (disgusting, I know).]
Right! Okay.
This isn't gonna be a normal procedure.
[crise about infinity train dialogue echoing]
Let's try and be analytical about this.
Objective numero uno- Get your grades up so that you start feeling more confident. Honestly, a lot of the stuff they dock ya for is really just technical, and it doesn't have much to do with the actual speakin' part. It's still fall, so, hey! You've got plenty o' time to improve.
Objective two... Once your grades start getting better, I think we should try to hold a few conversations. Let's start with tryin' to talk about somethin' for five to ten minutes, no English. It might be a good idea to round out our sessions with that.
[Wow, look who is um. Surprisingly academic. Old spelling bee champ habits die hard, I guess.]
[ Her disbelieving expression and tone lasts for roughly 5 seconds of suspended silence before she laughs. Just let her have this corny shit. She calms herself and sighs, but some of the tension has worked it's way from her posture. ]
I'm sorry, I'm sorry! That sounds...good. No, great. You know, you're kind of good at playing teach. You sure this isn't your secret side hustle outside of the AV Boys?
[ oh la la please have a conversation with her in French you wirey little thing you. ]
I am all yours, then. Even if it weren't for the trip my massive ego might take a beating by not getting straight As for the first time in my life. So, thanks.
[Laughter, full-on laughter, and not a snicker at a niche meme is a rare thing for Simon to experience. It fills the room, lacking the rasp of his train counterpart, a warm, honest noise.]
Objectives un et deux, then.
[Counting is easy, but then again for a Simon in any universe, numbers have always provided some form of comfort. It's the false precision that they provide.]
I used to coach.
[He doesn't say for what or why, but the tense he's used implies that something happened. He hasn't been all grunge and dark colors forever, oh no. There was a time when Simon was a shy and timid nerd, someone who just loved school, and had dreamed of one day going to a top college where he could make a name for himself.
For right now, though, he can't say he has any in particular.]
God, I feel ya there. One missed assignment or wacky test and it's like, "Oh, god!" Good grades were the one thing I could count on growin' up.
[ She hums in a show of approval for the correction, grinning at the blond next to her. This is kind of nice. It's a bad habit borne of a wealthy upbringing that allows a critical thought to shadow her good mood; would be be here, acting all nice with his sweater vest and his laughter at her awful jokes if she weren't paying him? It had nothing to do with the fact she'd seen where he lived; she's had well-off acquaintances that had proven to be fare weather friends.
Grace is quick to scold that little voice; she'd been the one to bother him first. She'd offered to pay him for his time and help. He was providing a service. Leave it to her own brain to offer a bit of pessimism to a good thing.
She picks up on the hint and leans over enough to casually nudge their arms together. For once, she wasn't the only one that had a little bit of mystery to them. It's kind of exciting. ]
Hey, if you stay out of detention -- thanks to me -- who knows? Maybe I'm a good influence on you.
[ Unlike her train counterpart. So what if her dismal grasp of the French language is what's really bringing them together? She's totally going to take credit where she can even pretend it exists. ]
Go on then. Work your miracles.
[ Grace, don't slap your work down on the table that hard. Don't sound posh in that phony way. Assume, however, that she actually is a good student and takes whatever he says as serious tutelage. ]
[ Remember that part where she thought this was nice? Simon's whole spiel doesn't seem to be immediately terrible; they were already making a habit in exercising their awful gremlin humor at one another.
But then he keeps fucking talking. About street cred and her affluence. ]
Wow, Simon. You sound like everyone else.
[ Maybe he's just joking around, sure, but this is how Grace weeds out those aforementioned fare weather friends. Shutting her book, she stood and for a moment she looks down at him.
Honestly, she's debating if she was overreacting with her tanking mood but... dammit, she's disappointed. For a hot second she was already thinking of asking him to hang out to study in general. Like friends do. She wouldn't know. ]
Listen, I'm thirsty and I'm all out of the tears of my enemies so I'm going to go downstairs. Can I grab you something? A clue, maybe?
[ Mayday! Pretty girl is pretty upset. She's sounding more firm with every word that comes out of her mouth. Who is going to have an angry cry in the butler's pantry? This boss bitch, that's who! ]
[She runs before he can get a hold of her, and admittedly, it takes him a little time to do so because her house is humongous, but it's clear from all his huffing and puffing that he has desperately been trying to find her.]
Oh, god, I'm sorry-
[He reaches out but avoids touching her. Oh no.]
L-look! I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, honest, I... Don't even know what street cred is.
Have you seen me? Other than the other AV guys, I never talk to anybody. I was joking, I swear to god.
[He considers returning her venmo transaction because wow he fucked up-]
This is the most fun I've had in a long time. It'd be the same if we met in a dilapidated RV. Are people really that crap to ya?
[ Grace is totally taking advantage of how large her house is, but she doesn't actually expect him to come running. She makes an attempt to collect herself. Even if she was hurt, she didn't really like the idea of some guy seeing her cry.
They never understood the catharsis that was The Angry Cry.
Her jaw feels a little tight from the effort to keep her expression neutral when she finally turns but she's quick to look away, leaning a hip against the counter awkwardly. She's a little more subdued than her usual self when she finally cuts in on his rambling. ]
I know... that you definitely have no idea what street cred is.
[ Was that a joke? Possibly a pointed one, but she's trying to pretend she didn't just cry over a boy she was barely friendly with. Pathetic. Taking a deep breath, she shrugged. Not that she's not flattered. What he's saying is... sweet. And she's grateful for an apology that actually seemed sincere. ]
To me? No. They don't usually see me for me, so there's that.
[ Hold on... ]
Did you really say 'dilapidated RV'? How dilapidated?
Like, possible staph infection dilapidated? And I hate germs, so...
[He is unkempt, not unhygienic. That's totally different.]
You should... Probably get your money back. Makin' you cry is definitely a violations of the Terms and Conditions of whatever this is.
[She will notice that he makes no attempt to leave her however, instead maintaining a very respectful but comforting distance between them.]
I'll stay the rest of the time though. I know I can make sure that you understand the homework, at least. And...
I know what it's like to feel like you just can't count on anybody to be there for all the bad stuff. 'Cause things can get pretty bad, sometimes. And even if you're loaded, I'm... Sure there's stuff that even money can't fix.
[The AV club was a good place to spend his time, much like all his little hobbies. But when it came to talking about how his father's death had made him feel, or how hard it was to be the man of the house when he had just barely turned eighteen, they really weren't the best at conversation.
And even with his mother's two jobs, the health insurance they can afford really can't cover therapy.]
[ She's fast to deny the offer to get her money back. He hasn't moved yet, even with the implications. It's something she's not used to; tears were something to be had behind closed doors, away from sight. ]
Let's just press rewind on this afternoon okay? We just had a misunderstanding. It's fine. You're fine. I want you to stay.
[ Pushing off the counter to step closer. She offers her hand for a handshake...
That she probably won't let go of because she's kind of vulnerable and he's... nice. Sorry. ]
Next Tuesday will be better.
[ One day she'll find out about his life and be perfectly happy to listen, but for now she's in a place of just leading him upstairs. By the hand. This poor boy. ]
[ If it isn't it is now. Soft lady hands, my dude.
Honestly, she's offhandedly aware it might be a little weird that she's dragging a boy to her room by the hand (and there's a mortified flash of heat that climbs along her neck she valiantly ignores)... but not weird enough to let it go.
Even with his face going red too. ]
I'm sorry that I took it personally.
[ They're at her room again and she seems a little fidgety. There's a slight grin. ]
I'm also sorry I said you were like everyone else. That wasn't fair. Now that we've established we're awesome, shall we?
[It's not as though either of them know what the rules are for this kind of thing, anyway. And, are there? There is no is one universal code that dictates every deep interpersonal connection between two people. In fact, the terms must be negotiated as both parties see fit.
He smiles at that little vote of confidence. Grace may be used to faking it till she makes it, but Simon has yet to adopt this mentality.
When they both sit down at her desk, he takes one final glance at her homework, and then looks back up at her, smiling.]
Okay! We'll start with what needs the most work- Let's getcha up to speed on all things past tense.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
momijizukamori
no subject
Date: 2021-05-08 04:44 pm (UTC)W-wha... Huh?
[His cheeks turn a bright pink immediately, but fortunately for him (actually, probably more fortunately for Grace), there's nothing lewd in his recent browser history. Sure, it's chock full of reconstructed medieval-era swords that just happen to be life-sized, and of course those tattoos and piercings he had been mentioned previously. He's not ashamed of his nerdy hobbies, damn it, but um. At least he's not the kind of teenage boy who's always looking at titties.
Simon runs a hand through his hair, expression souring just a tad. She knows who he is, right? Ugh. Rude.]
No.
[huffily and puffily... he pulls his phone away, shoving it in his pocket.]
I don't have one of those, god.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-08 05:09 pm (UTC)She grins at his reaction and makes a show of peering over at the phone before it's safe in the depths of his pocket. It gives her a chance to read the text on his hoodie better and that grin spreads into an amused smile. ]
Is it because you're the prettiest girl in rehab?
[ Fucking RIP. ]
I've seen you around but I never caught your name. I'm Grace. [ And because... she's not shy, and she's kind of unskilled in NORMAL socialization herself, she adds. ] Wanna help me out a little?
no subject
Date: 2021-05-08 05:19 pm (UTC)Yeah, and I happen to be off my meds, so uh.
[jesuS chriST don't speak so casually about that??? NOT FUNNY NOT COOL]
Tread carefully.
[She will catch right away that he's all for being as irreverent as possible.]
The name's Simon. Hiya.
[He doesn't want to go home and, hey, he's got nothing better to do. Homework's piling up, but that stuff is really no sweat for him.]
And sure, whatever. Not like my night's booked anyway.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-08 05:59 pm (UTC)Hiya, though... Her head ducks and she purses her lips. And then blows out. It's a habit her mother has always scolded her over. ]
Well -- [ She's stalling for a moment, dragging out that word. Maybe honesty would be best? ] Listen, I need an excuse as to why I stayed so late. OH!
[ Grace pauses to grab her phone, seeing several messages from her mother. And one from her dad. Her cheeks darken with a blush and she looks at him. She raises a hand up to somewhat apologetically hold him up.
tl;dr Get gud at Franch u have a study abroad that just got confirmed as a go.
The scheming has begun. Letting out a breath she put on a brave face and ...we're back. ]
Laurent? Are you French? Do you know French?
[ That sure did all come out in one rushed breath. Doe eyes. She's throwing the Hopeful Doe Eyes. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-05-08 06:06 pm (UTC)[He quirks an eyebrow at that. It wasn't to sound know-it-all-y. Her pronunciation is a little off.]
Yeah, I'm fluent.
[Simon doesn't bother to bore her with his own pathetic life story. Wow, so many differences between AU Simon and train Slimon already.]
Why'dja ask?
no subject
Date: 2021-05-08 06:19 pm (UTC)She repeats his last name with the corrected pronunciation, although it tips up at the end as if she's questioning it. Did she do it? ]
I'm obviously... not. [ Her lips twitch and wow, it looks like it pained her to admit she wasn't perfect at something straight out of the womb. ] It's my weakest subject and my parents are kinda pressing me to raise my grade.
[ Reel it in, lady. ] I'm supposed to study abroad in Paris this summer for my ballet but I just don't get it. How am I supposed to study ballet in Paris if I can't even understand the criticism they're giving me behind my back?
[ Okay that last bit was a little sarcastic. Grace adjusts her bag on her shoulder. ]
It's kind of weird but maybe this is a good opportunity. Do you think you could tutor me? I'd pay you for your trouble... [ And oh boy will it be trouble. God, her first world rich girl problems are RIPE. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-05-08 07:15 pm (UTC)Whoa, for real?
[But then his deadbeat dad had finally decided to kick the bucket and he had to show up to that stupid funeral, where all of their annoying and gossipy neighbors had showed up with casseroles and he had been forced to stare his absent parent's corpse in the face, suddenly realizing that the one that existed in the recesses of his fractured and troubled psyche just didn't look the same.
And that had made him angry.]
Yeah, sure, I can teach ya. Um, what level are you?
[Simon doesn't say it outright, but he is thankful for the company.]
I know that French 2 usually has those assignments due every week. You finish it yet? I saw you scratchin' around on your pad over there.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-08 07:37 pm (UTC)Maybe I'll even dedicate a performance to you if you can perform miracles.
[ Oh, that bravado. Her smile is still present but there's just the barest hint of an underlying insecurity there. Offhandedly she realizes that he was probably like every other teen boy wanting a little extra pocket money for work that wasn't hard on the body, but of course she'd gone in talking about her coveted trip to Paris. Read the room. ]
I am in French 2. My mother insisted that I take it. [ She would have rather taken ...anything else. ] You did? Well, maybe you might want to see what you're getting yourself into first before you agree.
[ Grace nods over to a bench where she plops down, rummaging about in her bag for the assignment she'd been struggling with. Just. Gonna hand that on over, bucko. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-05-08 08:23 pm (UTC)Oof.
[He pulls out a mechanical pencil from his pocket, clicking the tip and looking at her answers.]
Aren't you, like, halfway through the semester? Well, I guess it's a lot harder if you weren't just hearing this stuff all around the house growin' up... And if you're used to American English, the pronunciation is pretty funky.
So, I think you got the general idea, here? Like, most of the words are right, you're just havin' a little trouble with conjugation and vowel placement.
[Simon's brow quirks upwards.]
Why does it matter what your Mom thinks? She sounds like a real drag.
[Is that the price of growing up rich... He wouldn't know.]
no subject
Date: 2021-05-08 09:02 pm (UTC)[ Okay, she knew it was bad. She's barely holding on to that B- as it is. Grace gets cozy, crossing her legs and leaning in just slightly so she could spy on his corrections in real time. She's not even aware of it, but the comment about her being halfway through the semester colors her cheeks once more. ]
I have a very full schedule right now. My other classes are fine... it's just French. I'm not bad at dictation. I can at least keep up writing down what's being said.
[ His appraisal makes her laugh. Genuinely. ]
My mom is very invested in my future. She's pretty high maintenance. She's always been that way though.
I think this trip was the first thing I was honestly excited about for myself for once, but of course she has to have her hand in it.
[ She claps a hand on her leg and leans back with a sigh, head tilting to look at him sideways. ]
What do you think? Is it worth $120 for an hour of your time after school? [ Her voice takes on a rather sing-song quality to it. ] I could drive you home.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-08 11:13 pm (UTC)[His brows both shoot up at the prospect of the hefty sum, and just for one hour? Once a week? And all while spending time with a very pretty girl and schooling her at a language he's great at... What are the odds she's keeping a flesh eating moth person in her basement, because there's got to be some kind of catch here.]
Whoa, ch'yeah, sure, no problem. For that much I might even be able to throw in a backflip and a handstand.
[His tone is nonchalant, but he is joking, obviously.]
Would we be usin' one of the rooms here, or...?
no subject
Date: 2021-05-09 12:31 am (UTC)Not that they ever were physically looming.
She shrugs off that particular line of thought to think about the good that's come of her detention. Grace has procured a fluent tutor. With nice hair. She's kind of tempted to flick it when she stands but she settles for holding out her hand. For the homework, so she could put it back in her bag. ]
Cool, I'm glad. [ What a winning smile. Gross. ] I mean, we could always use a room or we could go back to mine. There's snacks and my parents wouldn't bother us. [ She shifts her weight to pull the bag up on one shoulder, looking thoughtful. ] I mean, if you're comfortable with that.
Did you need a ride home tonight? I mean, I'm already going to get an earful from my dad so I might as well be helpful with what freedom I have.
[ Don't feel bad Simon. She sounds more playful than anything. Once she mentions having spent time with a tutor they'd probably get off her back anyway. ]
1/2
Date: 2021-05-09 04:39 am (UTC)2/2
Date: 2021-05-09 04:50 am (UTC)All his years of campaigning, of telling stories as a Dungeon Master and even amateur novelist, have yet to prepare him for this. Never once has he actually had to hold a conversation with a Real Human Woman who wasn't over the age of 40, and while Simon is a bold and respected warrior in his own little fantasy world, even then... Save for the occasional tavern wench, he really has no clue how this is supposed to go down.
What if she uses her feminine wiles to get out of providing him with proper payment? Although, it's not as if he would object-]
Okay.
[Shoot, shoot, shoot-]
Would it be weird if I asked you to pay me upfront? Or, actually...
Let's see if your scores get better first.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-09 02:53 pm (UTC)I'm fine paying upfront, Simon. How'd you like it? Cash, Venmo... PayPal?
[ She's just listing off options to make this easy for the blond, really. She opens the door, holding it for her awkward boy. She's kind of surprised by the addition and shakes her head, rummaging about for her keys. ]
Listen, if you're taking time out of your day to help me I'm going to pay you. It's on me to actually perform as far as my scores. My ballet classes are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. What days are you good for?
[ She's more than comfortable in carrying a conversation, so Simon can just warm up to the idea of talking to a girl under 40 gradually. Also, how thorough. There aren't many cars remaining so her vividly red Audi stands out. The bag goes in the back and she slips in, patting the passenger seat with a playful grin. ]
My parents refused to get me a convertible.
[ GRACE. Honey. To be fair, she is aware that her life is a privileged one, but she still works hard! It's weird to be suddenly self-conscious about having an expensive car. What is interacting with people outside her circle of gratuitously wealthy acquaintances she doesn't...really...like? Hm. ]
cw: this is just awful but no one is looking
Date: 2021-05-09 06:57 pm (UTC)So maybe just... Pick a favorite?
[Simon is so unused to being treated like a person that this all feels rather strange. He got picked on a lot as a child, but leaning into your creepy, maybe potentially school-shooter vibe as a gangly almost adult is enough to get even the bullies to stay the hell away from you.]
Ummm, probably Tuesday? When I... Don't have detention.
But I guess I could reign it in for a few months.
[For you, Grace.
Is the implied tone of well, that.]
You're not gonna kidnap me and sell me to one of those child slaver guys, are ya? 'Cause uh. You might wanna go with someone prettier.
OH mY GOD.
Date: 2021-05-09 07:23 pm (UTC)[ She honestly thinks he's a little socially awkward, and maybe sad... but he's oddly enough easy for her to talk to. He looks horribly gangly in her passenger seat though, but stranger danger is a thing. She smirks at his comment about detention and starts up her navigation. She has a feeling she's not going to have a clue about getting home. ]
I'm flattered that you're going to try and curb your enthusiasm for what I'm guessing is anarchy? You look like the anarchy type.
[ It's clear she's teasing. She would be a little more hesitant to invite him over to her HOUSE if she got genuinely bad vibes from her blond companion. She pauses to glance over at him, leaning off to the side of her seat so that she's facing him from her spot against the driver-side door. A hand goes to settle dramatically at her chest. ]
You caught me. [ Her lips purse and she gets a better look at him. Just sitting there. So blond. So French. Grace's head tips to the side. ] I don't know. If you shaved and let your hair down I'm sure I could fetch an okay price. Your attitude is holding you back.
[ Let's just fucking ignore that she told him that he wasn't half bad looking and get to business. ]
Put in your address while I text my mom letting her know I'm alive. [ A side glance. ] For now.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-09 09:02 pm (UTC)[Re: the anarchy thing. Replace it with apathy, and there you go!]
Y'know what they say! There's someone for everyone.
Don't really care what the creeps who'd pay for me would look like. Just hope they've got plenty of dough and that I get to keep all of my fingers.
[He may be socially awkward and sad, but at least he's not hiding it. He stops to wonder if, behind all the glitz and glam, she is lonely too. Come to think of it, he's almost never seen her with the same person twice. Maybe this will be just like that. Perhaps she will use him until he is no longer shiny to her too, like one of her many expensive toys, but he's curious.
She seems like she wants company. Their highschool is pretty run-of-the-mill- A bunch of vapid and self-obsessed blowhards who are too concerned about their instagram likes and twitter feeds, or the overly competitive academic types, constantly focused on keeping their scores perfect and their records squeaky clean.]
My venmo's L0rd0fE$m0r0th18. Capital L, no spaces, and replace all the O's with zeroes and the S's with dollar signs.
[She says something that catches him off guard, and it's almost enough to make him blush.
Almost. She wants him to help her with school so she can go on her fancy trip and dance with other hot people, so she'll probably say anything to keep him tethered here. Finally, he slumps into the car seat and clicks in the seatbelt, typing his address into her car GPS.]
Uh, if you do end up droppin' me off, no need to get out of the car or nothin'.
My place is not fancy.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-09 10:18 pm (UTC)[ She shrugs, biting back a laugh. Once the text to her mom is sent she opens up her app to add his account for future use. Not before turning her phone to get his approval that she'd typed it correctly. ]
I respect that... [ Grace trails off as she throws it into reverse to exit the parking lot. There's the general "new person" vibe check going down where she's debating on how chatty to be. It's not as uncomfortable as it could be. ] I mean, we did just meet in detention. You probably have stuff to do.
[ Yes, she's lonely. Honestly, his assumptions of how she might have shiny syndrome weren't far off. Grace had just wrangled him in as her alibi for staying so late after school. She doesn't expect this to last beyond the semester anyway, but maybe she could at least try to enjoy herself a little.
When she pulls up to his house it's a little more obvious that their backgrounds are different. She doesn't comment on it. Wise. ]
Give me your number! [ She sounds unbothered. Once she has it she sends off a simple text his way: 💖 PRETEND THIS IS THE FRENCH FLAG EMOJI JFC
Does this mean that Simon just got a hot chick's number, with a heart emoji being the first message? Yes. ]
I'll see you Tuesday, then. [ Insert pleasantries, but she's kinda sad to see him go? He was amusing company. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-05-09 10:31 pm (UTC)[When he does make a move to step out of the car, he tips his head back and lets out a loud laugh. It's true, it's true! Forget boob or buttt men, it's all about those little piggies that went to the market, apparently.]
Guess I'm gonna have to start becomin' a pedicure kinda guy. Betcha the little old ladies who work the nail salon would be happy to see this handsome face every once in a while.
[Don't strike a pose like that- Didn't you just say you were ugly, smh-]
See ya around, Grace! I'll letcha know if anything else comes up. Text me your address before I show up, btdubs.
[please don't mind him he will be staring at that text from Grace all week wondering how to reply and not actually sending anything ASDFKLJ]
I'll bring my bike.
this is a disaster.
Date: 2021-05-09 11:34 pm (UTC)- She happily buries herself in a routine of dance and AP coursework. Her parents are dicks and anything less would be a disappointment.
- Around Thursday, she remembered that Simon needed her address. Hunting him down had led to her peeking her head into the AV room and finding him with 'the boys'. Had she needed to wink when handing over the slip of stationary that somehow picked up the scent of her perfume? No. But she had before slipping away nonchalantly. The resulting fuss from said boys could be heard out into the hall. No regrets.
- Her uh... looking at his name in her text inbox and wondering if she should send him a meme or a little hello. And never acting on it.
The only perk of driving to school meant that she inevitably beat him to her house after the bell rang, which gave her time to rearrange her room a little, to clear off her desk of all the notes she'd had and obsessively check out her window to see if he was here yet. She'd debated if she should change her outfit -- but she had resisted that urge when Grace had the very valid thought of what he'd think if he'd seen her during the day unnoticed by her. She's not weird. (She is, lowkey. LISTEN, SHE DOESN'T HAVE COMPANY OVER.)
When she spots him coming up the driveway she scrambles to beat the maid before she could answer the door, a quick "I'm going to be in my room for awhile studying" shot over her shoulder before the door is flung open with all of the bravado she can muster. ]
Hi! [ She looks at his outfit and laughs, reaching forward to try and get him inside. ] Hold on, did you end up getting that pedicure too? [ Is that a sweater vest? It's a far cry from his usual get up. She closes the door behind him and fidgets for a moment. ] Did you want anything before we head upstairs?
Oh! Check your account. I'm not about to go back on our deal before it starts.
[ Grace's house is er, sizeable. Tall ceilings, expensive light fixtures. It's the kind of homestead you would expect to entertain ambassadors; beautiful, but no personality that would ever tie it to a particular family -- but it's what she knows. It's weird feeling all too aware of the mass of pricy woods and marble behind her, but she grins hopefully anyway. ]
I was joking, by the way. That's a nice color on you. Uh. My parents are out right now but the staff can get us anything. [ She's rambling. Save her. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-05-10 01:33 am (UTC)Oddly enough, Simon really didn't give a rats ass who she was or how anybody at school perceived her. It must be nice to have a whole bunch of positive superlatives attached to your name and a guaranteed glamorous future, especially in comparison to the grim, dimly light sewer tunnel of a life that he seems to be living, but there was something about her that felt just so lonely. It was relatable, really. He may not be the most extroverted fuck in the universe, but he was able to pick up on a few things.
Grace's manner of speaking is... Charismatically awful, a surprise, considering her polished background. Probably some act of rebellion. He knows full well what it's like to feel trapped. She's friendly and pulls you in, but only reveals just enough about her intentions to keep you guessing. That and for someone who so clearly loves attention, she is almost always alone.]
No, but after this I just might.
[His brows rise sky high when he sees that total in his stupidly named Venmo account, and his eyes widen as he takes in all the splendor of Grace's home. It's clear from the way his jaw hangs that he's never seen anything like it.]
Oh. I thought it'd be better if I snazzed it up a bit, 'specially since your folks sounded pretty judgey, buuuut...
Are they even here?
[He snorts.]
Wow. Totally gave myself a wedgie for almost nothing. Well, whatevs.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-10 02:08 am (UTC)They've been pushed on her the moment she could get off of her mother's hip (but let's be real; it was always the nanny). ]
Oh good. It went through.
[ It's the eyebrows. God are Simon's eyebrows super telling and she's unable to stop the tiny grin at his reaction to everything. Her expression falls the moment he mentions her parents and she shakes her head. Clearing her throat, she gestured to the stairs with a tiny bow. Very ballerina. Much Grace.
Even her name. Thanks, Dance Moms.]They're at a fundraiser... or a gallery opening. Or something else where dry white wine and h'orderves are handed out on shiny platters.
[ Ah. She sounds a little bitter about it but it's a flash and that smile is back. A foot is already on the stairs. ]
See, I told you that I could drive you here. No wedgies in the Audi. Your fault, really, for not taking up my lovely offer.
[ YEAH YEAH GRACE. Just ascend the stairs like the goddess you are and drag the av nerd to your room. At least it looks like it's lived in. She looks over at her ~tutor~ before daintily sitting on one of the chairs she's put by her desk. Come hither. ]
Help me not be a laughing stock in France, will you? [ Her book sits open on her lap. She's gotten to the point where they were combining words with using 't's. She's peeked ahead and watched youtube videos with Americans griping about French things they never knew. ] I kind of feel over my head here. There are just so many rules.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-10 02:19 am (UTC)Whoa-oh, oh!
[Simon wiggles, sure, but he desperately tries to gain his balance again. He hesitates at the door to her room, feeling a bit shy.
Simon meekly looks on for her permission to enter, nodding and... Um, is that a curtsy? It is. He does that before entering. People's rooms feel like itttle kingdoms. Or, at the very least, that's how he feels about his own.]
Hate to break it to ya, but most Europeans are pretty snobby when it comes to foreigners. Maybe try to laugh it off, and um, enjoy the wine and cheese? Pretty sure we're legal to drink over there, too, so if that's the kind of fun you're after...
Maybe you should just make the most of it.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-10 03:02 am (UTC)This isn't a trip that I want to spend hungover. I have a scholarship, remember?
[ Oh, she's aware that everyone knows. It must be kind of a slap on the wrist to know that someone like her is riding out on something like that -- but that's just how the world works. ]
I'm already at a disadvantage. A lot of the girls I'll be studying with focus primarily on dance with everything else coming as a second. I have AP courses and an inability to conjugate, apparently. So.
[ She breathes in. She breathes out. Okay. Her attention drops to some of the work she's already completed. There are certain things she felt she understood better but, the future assignments were kinda rough. Her syllabus is also fetched and put on the desk. ]
I don't know if this is enough to kind of help structure these sessions. Maybe?
[ Poor girl is stressed, Simon. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-05-10 03:12 am (UTC)Right! Okay.
This isn't gonna be a normal procedure.
[crise about infinity train dialogue echoing]
Let's try and be analytical about this.
Objective numero uno- Get your grades up so that you start feeling more confident. Honestly, a lot of the stuff they dock ya for is really just technical, and it doesn't have much to do with the actual speakin' part. It's still fall, so, hey! You've got plenty o' time to improve.
Objective two... Once your grades start getting better, I think we should try to hold a few conversations. Let's start with tryin' to talk about somethin' for five to ten minutes, no English. It might be a good idea to round out our sessions with that.
[Wow, look who is um. Surprisingly academic. Old spelling bee champ habits die hard, I guess.]
Sound good?
Pre work tags man I'm sorry
Date: 2021-05-10 10:37 am (UTC)Uno? Listen even I know that's Latin.
[ Her disbelieving expression and tone lasts for roughly 5 seconds of suspended silence before she laughs. Just let her have this corny shit. She calms herself and sighs, but some of the tension has worked it's way from her posture. ]
I'm sorry, I'm sorry! That sounds...good. No, great. You know, you're kind of good at playing teach. You sure this isn't your secret side hustle outside of the AV Boys?
[ oh la la please have a conversation with her in French you wirey little thing you. ]
I am all yours, then. Even if it weren't for the trip my massive ego might take a beating by not getting straight As for the first time in my life. So, thanks.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-10 05:24 pm (UTC)Objectives un et deux, then.
[Counting is easy, but then again for a Simon in any universe, numbers have always provided some form of comfort. It's the false precision that they provide.]
I used to coach.
[He doesn't say for what or why, but the tense he's used implies that something happened. He hasn't been all grunge and dark colors forever, oh no. There was a time when Simon was a shy and timid nerd, someone who just loved school, and had dreamed of one day going to a top college where he could make a name for himself.
For right now, though, he can't say he has any in particular.]
God, I feel ya there. One missed assignment or wacky test and it's like, "Oh, god!" Good grades were the one thing I could count on growin' up.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-10 11:47 pm (UTC)Grace is quick to scold that little voice; she'd been the one to bother him first. She'd offered to pay him for his time and help. He was providing a service. Leave it to her own brain to offer a bit of pessimism to a good thing.
She picks up on the hint and leans over enough to casually nudge their arms together. For once, she wasn't the only one that had a little bit of mystery to them. It's kind of exciting. ]
Hey, if you stay out of detention -- thanks to me -- who knows? Maybe I'm a good influence on you.
[ Unlike her train counterpart. So what if her dismal grasp of the French language is what's really bringing them together? She's totally going to take credit where she can even pretend it exists. ]
Go on then. Work your miracles.
[ Grace, don't slap your work down on the table that hard. Don't sound posh in that phony way. Assume, however, that she actually is a good student and takes whatever he says as serious tutelage. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-05-11 01:41 am (UTC)[He holds up a hand, as if to imitate a stop sign.]
If we're gonna be spendin' all this time together, let's get one thing straight-
[Look at this smarmy... Neckbeardy motherfucker.]
I'm not interested in any kind of good influences.
I'm just here to have fun. And maybe up my street cred a notch.
[He actually just wants to spend time with you girl.]
It's not every day that I get to spend my time with someone who looks like they belong on the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-11 02:20 am (UTC)But then he keeps fucking talking. About street cred and her affluence. ]
Wow, Simon. You sound like everyone else.
[ Maybe he's just joking around, sure, but this is how Grace weeds out those aforementioned fare weather friends. Shutting her book, she stood and for a moment she looks down at him.
Honestly, she's debating if she was overreacting with her tanking mood but... dammit, she's disappointed. For a hot second she was already thinking of asking him to hang out to study in general. Like friends do. She wouldn't know. ]
Listen, I'm thirsty and I'm all out of the tears of my enemies so I'm going to go downstairs. Can I grab you something? A clue, maybe?
[ Mayday! Pretty girl is pretty upset. She's sounding more firm with every word that comes out of her mouth. Who is going to have an angry cry in the butler's pantry? This boss bitch, that's who! ]
no subject
Date: 2021-05-11 02:34 am (UTC)[She runs before he can get a hold of her, and admittedly, it takes him a little time to do so because her house is humongous, but it's clear from all his huffing and puffing that he has desperately been trying to find her.]
Oh, god, I'm sorry-
[He reaches out but avoids touching her. Oh no.]
L-look! I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, honest, I... Don't even know what street cred is.
Have you seen me? Other than the other AV guys, I never talk to anybody. I was joking, I swear to god.
[He considers returning her venmo transaction because wow he fucked up-]
This is the most fun I've had in a long time. It'd be the same if we met in a dilapidated RV. Are people really that crap to ya?
[Simon begins to blather on, a nervous habit.]
But you're awesome.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-11 03:09 am (UTC)They never understood the catharsis that was The Angry Cry.
Her jaw feels a little tight from the effort to keep her expression neutral when she finally turns but she's quick to look away, leaning a hip against the counter awkwardly. She's a little more subdued than her usual self when she finally cuts in on his rambling. ]
I know... that you definitely have no idea what street cred is.
[ Was that a joke? Possibly a pointed one, but she's trying to pretend she didn't just cry over a boy she was barely friendly with. Pathetic. Taking a deep breath, she shrugged. Not that she's not flattered. What he's saying is... sweet. And she's grateful for an apology that actually seemed sincere. ]
To me? No. They don't usually see me for me, so there's that.
[ Hold on... ]
Did you really say 'dilapidated RV'? How dilapidated?
no subject
Date: 2021-05-11 03:20 am (UTC)[He is unkempt, not unhygienic. That's totally different.]
You should... Probably get your money back. Makin' you cry is definitely a violations of the Terms and Conditions of whatever this is.
[She will notice that he makes no attempt to leave her however, instead maintaining a very respectful but comforting distance between them.]
I'll stay the rest of the time though. I know I can make sure that you understand the homework, at least. And...
I know what it's like to feel like you just can't count on anybody to be there for all the bad stuff. 'Cause things can get pretty bad, sometimes. And even if you're loaded, I'm... Sure there's stuff that even money can't fix.
[The AV club was a good place to spend his time, much like all his little hobbies. But when it came to talking about how his father's death had made him feel, or how hard it was to be the man of the house when he had just barely turned eighteen, they really weren't the best at conversation.
And even with his mother's two jobs, the health insurance they can afford really can't cover therapy.]
Like how much people suck, geez.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-11 03:50 am (UTC)Let's just press rewind on this afternoon okay? We just had a misunderstanding. It's fine. You're fine. I want you to stay.
[ Pushing off the counter to step closer. She offers her hand for a handshake...
That she probably won't let go of because she's kind of vulnerable and he's... nice. Sorry. ]
Next Tuesday will be better.
[ One day she'll find out about his life and be perfectly happy to listen, but for now she's in a place of just leading him upstairs. By the hand. This poor boy. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-05-11 03:56 am (UTC)Okay.
[Welp, nevermind. Simon is just gonna be red as a cherry tomato as she leads him back up the stairs.]
I really didn't mean to hurt your feelings.
I'm sorry I did.
no subject
Date: 2021-05-11 04:14 am (UTC)Honestly, she's offhandedly aware it might be a little weird that she's dragging a boy to her room by the hand (and there's a mortified flash of heat that climbs along her neck she valiantly ignores)... but not weird enough to let it go.
Even with his face going red too. ]
I'm sorry that I took it personally.
[ They're at her room again and she seems a little fidgety. There's a slight grin. ]
I'm also sorry I said you were like everyone else. That wasn't fair. Now that we've established we're awesome, shall we?
[ from the top! ]
end!!!
Date: 2021-05-12 04:42 pm (UTC)He smiles at that little vote of confidence. Grace may be used to faking it till she makes it, but Simon has yet to adopt this mentality.
When they both sit down at her desk, he takes one final glance at her homework, and then looks back up at her, smiling.]
Okay! We'll start with what needs the most work- Let's getcha up to speed on all things past tense.