Jason earned a chuckle at the retort. The professor knew he was a hypocrite on the best of days. Those little stolen moments made bad days a little more bearable. Once the call ended, Jonathan finished the muffin, found some water and once that was done he and his coffee returned to the lecture hall for the rest of the grueling day.
At least there would be a new episode of Elvira tonight. That always helps, they are so rare these days. Jon didn't pay for his cable, his sketchy neighbor had set him up with it in exchange for helping one of his kids with her math homework when he and his wife got fed up. It wasn't a terrible exchange, the girl was at least smart, her parents? Not so much.
The next morning, when he arrived, his classes always started a little later as he refused to have a class at the crack of dawn. No, he opted to stay later, allowing for some of those students to try to squeeze in that class on top of their others. Seeing the bottle of water, he stared at it a moment like a snake about to strike. What in the world?
Moving the bottle of water and its paper towel into his office as he had a cup of coffee with him, he knew he'd have to keep an eye on whatever that was. He would drink it, though, Jason would likely call later and ask if he had time. This was how his first week back would go, the frightening his new students with how strict he was. Promises of no extra credit, as most of them never cracked the syllabus and learned that was a lie. This was one of those weeks when he wishes he got paid early to call upon his dom, but he had another week before that, and bills due before that as well.
As first weeks went, it wasn't the worst. The crowds weren't nearly so bad without the group activity of the freshmen tour and what people were still around to mill in the halls were usually so involved in their own thing that they barely noticed Jason was there. He didn't look that out of place when he wasn't stacked in with a bunch of literal teenagers, after all. He was closer to thirty than he was to twenty, but he looked young enough.
Sneaking in to place that half frozen water on Doc's podium became a guilty pleasure, a smile on his lips every time he slipped into the quiet lecture hall. He never let anyone see him, didn't linger as he left, and completely left his Doc's office door alone. Just leaving the water was already crossing a bit of a line, if he were to be honest with himself. Hopefully not one that would lose him his favorite client, but instead one that might coax a smile from the other man should he find out.
That was the hope, anyway.
By the time Friday came around, Jason was ready for the weekend. His nerves were a little shot from all the hustle and bustle and people. His schedule was empty, but that wasn't a shock. Once he'd enrolled in the semester, he'd stopped taking most of his casual clients. He still had a small handful of those he'd think about accepting....but mostly, he'd just kept Doc. Not that Doc would be calling him any time soon. They'd had a session just five days before and it was always at least a month between calls. He wasn't expecting a call now.
Even if he really, really wanted one. Getting his hands on his sub sounded like a wonderful way to relax after this hellish week. It was a thought that lingered....and very well may have been the reason he wasn't quite as careful as he usually was as he slipped into that empty lecture hall and set the brand new orange and black Stanley onto the podium. No more condensation and the ice he put in it would last all day, encouraging the man to drink more. He hoped. And, if Jon was particularly observant, there was a thin engraving on the inside of the handle.
The frozen bottles of water were a mystery Crane wanted to solve. He would normally think it was a student trying to earn points, but no. It was too early in the semester for that. Next to none of his coworkers even spoke to him, short of the librarian, or Henry when he wanted to berate some choice of Jonathan's. It was such a shame their friendship had soured. He used to adore that man, but over the years they had become more rivals than anything else.
Though, Jon would never share why.
He had arrived to work late on that Friday, late for him was still before his students would arrive. His messenger bag over his shoulder, a cup of coffee in hand along with a cheap breakfast sandwich as it was a rare hungry morning. Seeing the Stanley cup on the podium he looked at it for a good moment like it was going to attack. What in the hell is this?
He had a few students who he had heard bragging about the prices of the cups like that one. The Professor thought it was mostly stupid, Stanley was a good brand. He had an old second hand vintage one he used on cold days when he wanted his coffee to stay warm, but this? Someone spent money on him, and there was no denying that.
Tempted to throw it away, he fought the urge, as he left it where it was to get ready for class. He had left it there through the first lecture, finally as his first class let out, one of the more chipper students that didn't really fear him bounced over complimenting the cup, letting him know it was a rare one, but one that suited him. Before he could even say anything else she had her phone out showing him all the accesories that could be bought for it.
"It's a cup... why would anyone need all of that?" "It's for style Doc! Come on, you have to know that." "Not really, but thank you, Miss Peterson." "Of course! You really should get one of the pumpkin tops, it would be SO cute." "That's quite enough." He sighed as she finally headed off and waved back to him. He had to fight not to roll his eyes.
It was then, due to how she had shifted the cup that he saw the engraving. "What..." Was all he managed to say. He had less than 10 minutes before his next class, so he couldn't message his scene partner. No, that message was clear. He knew the names and faces of everyone in his class, so he would have noticed Jason there.
When lunch rolled around, a message was sent to Jason.
I believe we need to talk, Jason. Before I cause you any anxiety, I am not terminating our contract, nor am I setting up a session. We simply need to speak. I found the engraving. I know it's you.
Jon was absolutely right. Jason wasn't in any of his classes. In fact, he only walked down the same hallway once, not including his adventures in watering his resident grump. But when that message chimed on Jason's phone, he couldn't help his smile.
Doc was probably at least a little irritated with him....but he'd specifically said that he wasn't terminating their contract and that was the important part.
Full naming me, huh? Yeah, I don't blame you. I should have said something as soon as I found out, but I didn't know how or if you'd break our contract and I wasn't ready to say good bye to you. I won't ask for forgiveness, I crossed a line, but I will dare to hope for understanding?
I'm in my break between my AM and PM classes for another hour, but then I'll be in class until 7. Tomorrow is free, once I sleep until noon. Lunch?
They'd never met up outside of Pandora's Box, but that was bound to change with him attending classes there now. It may as well change on their terms.
He should have put his phone down, but after a moment he smirked around the end of the pen in his mouth and sent a quick follow up.
The doctor knew if he didn't state that, he'd probably send Jason into a panic. As strong as his dom was, he could see cracks all through the other. Ones that his education made easier to help patch without bringing too much attention too it.
Irritated was the right word for it. Furious would have been termination, but many things irritated Dr. Jonathan Crane. That was a fact of life.
Did you expect anything less? Jason, we can talk it over later. As it is, I know you are of age, and you are not my student. That and the years we have worked together are what keeps me from doing what you fear. Crossed a line? Maybe. More, I have questions.
That works, I have grading to do tonight as it is. 2pm, how about that place down in the Bowery, the gentrified place they built in the old cannery?
It had coffee that had good reviews, Jon also slept in on days he was off, so that was fine. If Arkham called tomorrow, he'd say he was sick. Jerry wouldn't bitch too much.
I'm drinking the damn water, stop worrying. Focus on your classes.
Jon's chosen field of profession hadn't escaped his attention. It made sense, his Doc's meticulous nature a boon in such an environment. He was curious to know what his sub's professional mind thought about him and the tells he'd allowed himself to give over the years, but he'd never ask. Not only was it unprofessional, but he was also a little nervous about what the man would say.
The man had chosen to come back to him over the years, so it must not have been too bad, and that was good enough for him.
The suggestion of lunching spots was an interesting one and Jason arched a brow as he quickly pulled the place up on his laptop. It was...a little kitschy, but it looked like it was at least trying to pay homage to the area it was built in.
2 pm tomorrow. I'll answer anything you ask and respect any boundary you have for me. If you want to return the cup, you can, but I will ask you to please keep it. It was a gift, with no strings attached. Not even water flavored ones.
~~~
Sleep was fickle that night, but the next day found him tucked into a little table at 2 PM. He'd specifically requested a table that was a little out of the way, but the space was set up in such a way that Doc would still be able to see him when he came in. They'd have privacy as long as they kept their conversation between them and no one raised their voice.
He was really hoping that no one was going to raise their voice.
Dressed in a simple pair of dark jeans and an old, comfortable band shirt, it was probably the most casual that Jon had ever seen him. Hell, it was probably the best lighting that the man had seen him in, too. Pandora kept her establishment and her workers safe, but mood lighting was still very much a thing. A book and a large mug of what promised to be tea completed the look, though he was flipping the pages considerably slower than he usually did.
While the sub could be very unprofessional at times, and did psychoanalyze his dom often, he didn't voice it. It was not his place. He did randomly still care about the ethics of his chosen profession. Even if he wouldn't say it.
The location might be sketchy as hell, but it was picked due to Jon living down the street from it in a shitty two-bedroom apartment. The professor had long learned that getting along with some of his sketchy neighbors meant that no one really fucked with him. Otherwise, someone else would step up and handle it. He'd not been mugged coming home in a long while. Though, he did still keep his gun in the truck, as one never knew. Gotham was still Gotham, after all.
Jon had managed three hours of sleep, which for him was pretty good. He survived on naps when not put to sleep after an orgasm and a lot of pain. Those nights, he'd sleep like the dead. Making his way towards the door, he stopped to stoke the head of his young bird. "Keep an eye on the place, Nightmare. I'm trusting you." The bird croaked a simple 'Nevermore' as Jon headed out, with the Stanley Cup full of water. Lest Jason worried more.
He arrived about 10 minutes after Jason, he was always late, even to their sessions. Work was the ONLY exception to that rule, but one could set a clock by his tardiness, always 10 minutes, rarely more unless Gotham traffic was a bitch. He usually wore his nicer street clothes to Pandora's or part of a work suit, as he knew he'd be turned away if he showed up ratty. Today, though, he didn't mind. The doctor took a seat across from Jason, sitting the cup on the table, crossing one knee other the other, which brought attention to the holes in his knees. His hair wild and unkempt.
"Don't look so nervous. You have nothing to fear of me. You should know this, Jason." What a greeting, yet, those blue eyes looked amused and annoyed.
Jason wasn't worried about the area. He'd been born here, after all. About three blocks north in Gotham General. These streets were just as much a part of him as he was a part of them and if anyone tried to question it, all one had to do was listen to his accent. It was all Bowery, save for when he bothered to change it.
He wasn't proud of his upbringing, but he wasn't ashamed of it, either. He knew who he was and where he'd come from. And now, as of the week before, he was trying to drag himself somewhere else. Hell or high water, as his mom used to say.
Hell or high water.
He looked over the top of his book as that door finally jingled, taking in the older man with appreciation. The suits he wore at work were okay and the clothes he wore to Pandora's were nice enough...but this suited the man so much better. Which was impressive, because he'd been fairly certain that skinny jeans didn't suit anyone.
He put his book away as Jon settled into the seat across from him, smirking softly at the complete lack of social norms. Some people (most people, honestly) probably found it abrupt or even insulting, but Jason had only ever appreciated the directness.
"I don't fear you, Jon. I fear losing you. There is a difference. Good morning. Just roll out of bed?" He gave that mop of curls a pointed look, his fingers twitching to bury themselves into the strands to tame them a little.
Oh, Jon knew that bowery accent when he first heard it when they were introduced. He had lived in the same rent controlled building since he left the dorms, it was how he knew his neighbors, as much as he wished he didn't. The Bowery was everything Arlen was not, sure it was unsafe, but he hadn't been safe in the country either, so why care?
He lived by the saying of 'don't start none, won't be none.' The few times the cops knocked on his door over any of his neighbors, he denied even knowing them and closed the door. He trusted the criminals he lived around more than the GCPD.
How he was still wearing skinny jeans he bought in college, who even knew, but he was most comfortable in his beat up weekend attire. Jon had always been the type to just start speaking if he wanted too. With this, he wanted too.
He didn't even go get coffee first, he sat the cup on the table and looked at Jason with those tired blue eyes. "Good morning to you as well, and no, I've been up for hours. Now, why would you think you would lose me? So long as you don't join my classes and are over 25. I see no reason for this to change things."
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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At least there would be a new episode of Elvira tonight. That always helps, they are so rare these days. Jon didn't pay for his cable, his sketchy neighbor had set him up with it in exchange for helping one of his kids with her math homework when he and his wife got fed up. It wasn't a terrible exchange, the girl was at least smart, her parents? Not so much.
The next morning, when he arrived, his classes always started a little later as he refused to have a class at the crack of dawn. No, he opted to stay later, allowing for some of those students to try to squeeze in that class on top of their others. Seeing the bottle of water, he stared at it a moment like a snake about to strike. What in the world?
Moving the bottle of water and its paper towel into his office as he had a cup of coffee with him, he knew he'd have to keep an eye on whatever that was. He would drink it, though, Jason would likely call later and ask if he had time. This was how his first week back would go, the frightening his new students with how strict he was. Promises of no extra credit, as most of them never cracked the syllabus and learned that was a lie. This was one of those weeks when he wishes he got paid early to call upon his dom, but he had another week before that, and bills due before that as well.
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Sneaking in to place that half frozen water on Doc's podium became a guilty pleasure, a smile on his lips every time he slipped into the quiet lecture hall. He never let anyone see him, didn't linger as he left, and completely left his Doc's office door alone. Just leaving the water was already crossing a bit of a line, if he were to be honest with himself. Hopefully not one that would lose him his favorite client, but instead one that might coax a smile from the other man should he find out.
That was the hope, anyway.
By the time Friday came around, Jason was ready for the weekend. His nerves were a little shot from all the hustle and bustle and people. His schedule was empty, but that wasn't a shock. Once he'd enrolled in the semester, he'd stopped taking most of his casual clients. He still had a small handful of those he'd think about accepting....but mostly, he'd just kept Doc. Not that Doc would be calling him any time soon. They'd had a session just five days before and it was always at least a month between calls. He wasn't expecting a call now.
Even if he really, really wanted one. Getting his hands on his sub sounded like a wonderful way to relax after this hellish week. It was a thought that lingered....and very well may have been the reason he wasn't quite as careful as he usually was as he slipped into that empty lecture hall and set the brand new orange and black Stanley onto the podium. No more condensation and the ice he put in it would last all day, encouraging the man to drink more. He hoped. And, if Jon was particularly observant, there was a thin engraving on the inside of the handle.
Dearest Doc, coffee is not water -J
no subject
Though, Jon would never share why.
He had arrived to work late on that Friday, late for him was still before his students would arrive. His messenger bag over his shoulder, a cup of coffee in hand along with a cheap breakfast sandwich as it was a rare hungry morning. Seeing the Stanley cup on the podium he looked at it for a good moment like it was going to attack. What in the hell is this?
He had a few students who he had heard bragging about the prices of the cups like that one. The Professor thought it was mostly stupid, Stanley was a good brand. He had an old second hand vintage one he used on cold days when he wanted his coffee to stay warm, but this? Someone spent money on him, and there was no denying that.
Tempted to throw it away, he fought the urge, as he left it where it was to get ready for class. He had left it there through the first lecture, finally as his first class let out, one of the more chipper students that didn't really fear him bounced over complimenting the cup, letting him know it was a rare one, but one that suited him. Before he could even say anything else she had her phone out showing him all the accesories that could be bought for it.
"It's a cup... why would anyone need all of that?"
"It's for style Doc! Come on, you have to know that."
"Not really, but thank you, Miss Peterson."
"Of course! You really should get one of the pumpkin tops, it would be SO cute."
"That's quite enough." He sighed as she finally headed off and waved back to him. He had to fight not to roll his eyes.
It was then, due to how she had shifted the cup that he saw the engraving. "What..." Was all he managed to say. He had less than 10 minutes before his next class, so he couldn't message his scene partner. No, that message was clear. He knew the names and faces of everyone in his class, so he would have noticed Jason there.
When lunch rolled around, a message was sent to Jason.
I believe we need to talk, Jason. Before I cause you any anxiety, I am not terminating our contract, nor am I setting up a session. We simply need to speak. I found the engraving. I know it's you.
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Doc was probably at least a little irritated with him....but he'd specifically said that he wasn't terminating their contract and that was the important part.
Full naming me, huh? Yeah, I don't blame you. I should have said something as soon as I found out, but I didn't know how or if you'd break our contract and I wasn't ready to say good bye to you. I won't ask for forgiveness, I crossed a line, but I will dare to hope for understanding?
I'm in my break between my AM and PM classes for another hour, but then I'll be in class until 7. Tomorrow is free, once I sleep until noon. Lunch?
They'd never met up outside of Pandora's Box, but that was bound to change with him attending classes there now. It may as well change on their terms.
He should have put his phone down, but after a moment he smirked around the end of the pen in his mouth and sent a quick follow up.
Drink your water.
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Irritated was the right word for it. Furious would have been termination, but many things irritated Dr. Jonathan Crane. That was a fact of life.
Did you expect anything less? Jason, we can talk it over later. As it is, I know you are of age, and you are not my student. That and the years we have worked together are what keeps me from doing what you fear. Crossed a line? Maybe. More, I have questions.
That works, I have grading to do tonight as it is. 2pm, how about that place down in the Bowery, the gentrified place they built in the old cannery?
It had coffee that had good reviews, Jon also slept in on days he was off, so that was fine. If Arkham called tomorrow, he'd say he was sick. Jerry wouldn't bitch too much.
I'm drinking the damn water, stop worrying. Focus on your classes.
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The man had chosen to come back to him over the years, so it must not have been too bad, and that was good enough for him.
The suggestion of lunching spots was an interesting one and Jason arched a brow as he quickly pulled the place up on his laptop. It was...a little kitschy, but it looked like it was at least trying to pay homage to the area it was built in.
2 pm tomorrow. I'll answer anything you ask and respect any boundary you have for me. If you want to return the cup, you can, but I will ask you to please keep it. It was a gift, with no strings attached. Not even water flavored ones.
~~~
Sleep was fickle that night, but the next day found him tucked into a little table at 2 PM. He'd specifically requested a table that was a little out of the way, but the space was set up in such a way that Doc would still be able to see him when he came in. They'd have privacy as long as they kept their conversation between them and no one raised their voice.
He was really hoping that no one was going to raise their voice.
Dressed in a simple pair of dark jeans and an old, comfortable band shirt, it was probably the most casual that Jon had ever seen him. Hell, it was probably the best lighting that the man had seen him in, too. Pandora kept her establishment and her workers safe, but mood lighting was still very much a thing. A book and a large mug of what promised to be tea completed the look, though he was flipping the pages considerably slower than he usually did.
He was nervous.
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The location might be sketchy as hell, but it was picked due to Jon living down the street from it in a shitty two-bedroom apartment. The professor had long learned that getting along with some of his sketchy neighbors meant that no one really fucked with him. Otherwise, someone else would step up and handle it. He'd not been mugged coming home in a long while. Though, he did still keep his gun in the truck, as one never knew. Gotham was still Gotham, after all.
Jon had managed three hours of sleep, which for him was pretty good. He survived on naps when not put to sleep after an orgasm and a lot of pain. Those nights, he'd sleep like the dead. Making his way towards the door, he stopped to stoke the head of his young bird. "Keep an eye on the place, Nightmare. I'm trusting you." The bird croaked a simple 'Nevermore' as Jon headed out, with the Stanley Cup full of water. Lest Jason worried more.
He arrived about 10 minutes after Jason, he was always late, even to their sessions. Work was the ONLY exception to that rule, but one could set a clock by his tardiness, always 10 minutes, rarely more unless Gotham traffic was a bitch. He usually wore his nicer street clothes to Pandora's or part of a work suit, as he knew he'd be turned away if he showed up ratty. Today, though, he didn't mind. The doctor took a seat across from Jason, sitting the cup on the table, crossing one knee other the other, which brought attention to the holes in his knees. His hair wild and unkempt.
"Don't look so nervous. You have nothing to fear of me. You should know this, Jason." What a greeting, yet, those blue eyes looked amused and annoyed.
no subject
He wasn't proud of his upbringing, but he wasn't ashamed of it, either. He knew who he was and where he'd come from. And now, as of the week before, he was trying to drag himself somewhere else. Hell or high water, as his mom used to say.
Hell or high water.
He looked over the top of his book as that door finally jingled, taking in the older man with appreciation. The suits he wore at work were okay and the clothes he wore to Pandora's were nice enough...but this suited the man so much better. Which was impressive, because he'd been fairly certain that skinny jeans didn't suit anyone.
He put his book away as Jon settled into the seat across from him, smirking softly at the complete lack of social norms. Some people (most people, honestly) probably found it abrupt or even insulting, but Jason had only ever appreciated the directness.
"I don't fear you, Jon. I fear losing you. There is a difference. Good morning. Just roll out of bed?" He gave that mop of curls a pointed look, his fingers twitching to bury themselves into the strands to tame them a little.
no subject
He lived by the saying of 'don't start none, won't be none.' The few times the cops knocked on his door over any of his neighbors, he denied even knowing them and closed the door. He trusted the criminals he lived around more than the GCPD.
How he was still wearing skinny jeans he bought in college, who even knew, but he was most comfortable in his beat up weekend attire. Jon had always been the type to just start speaking if he wanted too. With this, he wanted too.
He didn't even go get coffee first, he sat the cup on the table and looked at Jason with those tired blue eyes. "Good morning to you as well, and no, I've been up for hours. Now, why would you think you would lose me? So long as you don't join my classes and are over 25. I see no reason for this to change things."