013 ✤ closed

[akito]

Characters: Tiny Nerd #1, Prof. Big Nose, and Burnt Cinnamon Roll
Date: March 18th
Location: Metal Sector
Situation: Tiny Nerd #1 is getting his tiny nerd lessons from Prof. Big Nose and Stuff Happens and they both run into Burnt Cinnamon Roll.
Warnings/Rating: PG-13; likely to be references of an abusive childhood


--


Akito doesn't trust Callaghan - not entirely, at least. But it's enough that he visits the man every second afternoon to be tutored in the subjects he should have learned years ago (at least in his mind). Basic mathematics and physics were both a breeze to complete, and Akito has now moved on to advanced calculus and advanced physics, though his previous knowledge of physics is making it fairly easy to learn as well.

Sometimes he wonders if it's only because Callaghan is a good teacher (something he's never had before, no offense to Miss Tomita), or if he actually is the genius everyone at home claimed he was. Compared to Tony he's nothing but a moron, Akito knows. But some days, when he looks at a question and instantly just knows the answer, he feels like he lives up to the title. His brain absorbs the information like a sponge, and it doesn't take long for him to master whatever Callaghan throws at him.

Today he has a notebook filled with what he's pretty sure are correct answers to the questions he was given the other day. They'll go through them together, making sure he was doing everything correctly (because he has to show his work, which is super annoying when your brain tells you the answer is X or Y before you can even go through the steps. but it's important for trouble-shooting and so does so without complaint), then Akito will copy down another one-hundred questions to answer for the following lesson and learn a new concept if deemed ready for it.

He thinks today will be a new concept day. At least, he hopes it will be.

Akito knocks on Callaghan's door politely, shifting his weight from one foot to the other as he waits for an answer. He's bundled up more than usual; shivering despite the extra layers.

"Hey! Professor Oyaji! It's really cold today, so please answer quickly!"

Comments

[pushtheboundaries]

Robert Callaghan has been insistent that his students don't just understand the answer to X minus Y; he wants them to understand how that happens. How completing the square plays in to further concepts, because if they can't grasp the basics, when they do eventually get stuck on something he'll only be able to help them so much. The goal of a teacher, at least to him, is to render the student capable of spreading the knowledge yet further- and if they're just regurgitating what he says, then he hasn't succeeded at all.

So, yes, he has Akito showing the work. He has Akito repeating answers to him, and he has Akito doing the same sort of problem over and over with only minor adjustments. He is, in this regard, merciless - but at the same time, the honest smiles Akito gets when he proves himself competent make what frustrations he endures all the worthwhile. And he honestly does look forwards to Akito moving on, and to moving up.

He hasn't really realized how much he missed it all, until he's come across it again.

Even so, the past few days have been a bit...hectic. With the reintroduction of a certain man he hadn't missed, he finds himself only so able to focus on the lesson plans. And when Akito knocks on the door, he's tempted to ignore it, brush whoever it is off-

-and then he remembers. School day. Robert grimaces despite himself, the brief thought of calling in sick crossing his mind; then he sighs and pushes himself out from his desk, calling out a 'Just a moment' as he moves for the door.

When he reaches it, he can at least fake a thin smile, quickly moving aside to let Akito in. "Don't let all the warm out," he says, the home-made heater off to the side merrily humming away as it works at the air. It's only so efficient, but at least it's better than burning firewood.

[akito]

Akito knows a fake smile when he sees one. It doesn't make him nervous, per se, but it does make him instantly decide to be cautious. Something is obviously bothering the man enough to fake cheer (faked smiles always turned his blood to ice more effectively than even the cruelest of glares) which is worrying, but Callaghan didn't call off the lesson, meaning he's at least in a good enough mood to teach him.

Even if Callaghan was angry, Akito thinks he would still want a lesson no matter how nervous he was. He likes to learn. Loves it, even. Almost as much as Air Trecks.

He enters as quickly as possible, kicking off his boots and placing them carefully by the door before pulling his indoor flats out and stepping into them. With that done, he grabs his things and moves to 'his' seat, setting up his pencils and notebook.

"If you want to finish early you could just give me some more questions to work on. I think I understand this pretty well, but more questions is always good practice."

[pushtheboundaries]

If Callaghan can tell the edge Akito is nearing, he doesn't show any sign. Instead he shuts the door behind the youth, taking a moment to ensure he's fine it seals before turning back to the main room. It's rather sparse, as apartments go, practically a studio; all that said, he's made use of the space as best he can, with his personal desk small and by the futon that works equally well as a couch or actual bed. The actual table in the center doubles as a place to eat meals and, well, as a wider work area- and, in this case, a place to teach and go over work.

Maybe he'll feel better once he gets in the groove. "We'll start with a few, just to make sure you understand what I gave you- but let me see what you've gotten done. Did you have any problems or questions?"

[akito]

There isn't much Akito can say about Callaghan's apartment considering it's more furnished than his own. A futon is an investment he could make now, if he scrimped a little bit, but he hasn't slept on a proper bed in a long, long time and doubts it would be comfortable anymore. There's an actual bed in the bedroom, but he's never had his own bedroom before and the first night he tried sleeping in there he had the worst night terror yet. So it's stayed closed off ever since.

But Callaghan's layout is cozy; small without feeling cramped. And warmer than his own, with the heater. Though Akito still feels cold for some reason. He tugs his jacket off anyway, knowing that it will be worse if he doesn't before going back out into the cold.

"Oh, um..." He shakes his head, sliding his notebook across the table. It's filled with meticulously written equations; the small, square printing of an architect making sure everything is legible. "I didn't have any trouble. If there's something I don't know... I dunno what it is yet?"

[pushtheboundaries]

Callaghan takes the notebook and looks it over with calm criticism; this, at least, is familiar-comfortable. He's still a bit tense, but there's less falseness in him as he looks it over...partially because that smile fades as he already finds a few needs for clarifications.

"You still don't know how to properly demonstrate ODEs."

He knows Akito knows the answers. But does he know how he got them? The notebook is set back down, and Robert's eyes fall to the small frame sitting before him; his frown deepens further, and he sighs, sliding the notebook back.

"Five, twenty-two, and thirty-one - work them out for me. I'm going to make something warm to eat."

Darn right, he's feeding the kid while he's at this. For all he knows, with how skinny Akito is, it's the only time he gets something decent. And not that Callaghan is a particularly good cook, but after you've raised a child on your own, you tend to get a feel for what's necessary.

[akito]

Akito nods quickly, retrieving the notebook and promptly beginning to re-write the requested equations on a new page, tapping his foot against the leg of the chair every ten seconds exactly to make sure he spends at least five minutes on each question to get it right. When his left hand cramps up on him - his preferred hand - he switches to his right with a small frown, but ignores any further discomfort in favour of focusing on his mathematics.

Aside from the precise taps every ten seconds, Akito stays silent. To make sure his mind can't go faster than his ability to demonstrate what he knows, he mouths the solutions out step by step.

[pushtheboundaries]

The questions aren't overly difficult, but they can take time- and that time gives Callaghan time to ready something basic for the both of them, and split it to a pair of bowls. He keeps light conversation, but it's more of a check to see where Akito is, and to offer a reminder to work out the steps in his proofs.

By the time Akito's finished, he's setting the bowls down on the table. Off to the side where they're not in danger of spilling on the paper, but easily within reach.

"Ready for me to check it?"

[akito]

After two more taps Akito nods again, putting his pencil down and sliding his notebook across the table.

"Yes. Thank you."

The scent of the soup makes his stomach curl uncomfortably, but he knows how stubborn Callaghan can get, and doesn't want to be rude and refuse a meal. It gives him something to do anyway, while the man checks over his work. He takes it slow, giving himself time between spoonfuls, but it still is too much for his protesting stomach.

The chair he sits on clatters as he jumps to his feet. Akito knows he won't be able to make it to the toilet, but he can at least try.

He only makes it one step away from the table when the small bits of food he ingested throughout the day come back up - thankfully on an empty floor, well away from anything he could have ruined. Tears sting at his eyes as his body curls in on itself when he heaves a second time, though nothing comes up save for bile. It burns his throat, but Akito isn't focused on that.

His limbs are all shivering uncontrollably even once he manages to straighten himself back up. If he had been pale to start with, now he is absolutely devoid of colour save for the flush on his cheeks. Too frightened to look at Callaghan just yet, Akito grabs his coat and stuffs himself back into it, hoping to make the shivers go away as well as facilitate a quick escape if need be.

"S.. Sorry! I can clean it up in, um- A minute. Okay?"

His voice is strained, throat burning, and tone just shy of pleading.

[pushtheboundaries]

Akito's protested before, so it's not thought much of. Were Callaghan paying more attention as opposed to trying to focus on the problems, he might have caught the expression; as it is, it's not until the stool trembles that he looks up, and is blinking in surprise.

"Akit-?"

And there it goes.

Callaghan's immediately on his own feet, making a sound of surprise and alarm- then everything else takes over, and the soup is forgotten. He slings off his own jacket, moving around to take Akito from the shoulder and at least try and pull him away from his mess-

"Don't worry about it- you should have said you weren't feeling well, did you come over here feeling sick?!"

If he sounds a bit angry, it's only because he really, really doesn't like the thought of Akito pushing himself so.

[akito]

Akito visibly flinches as Callaghan nears, but doesn't make a move to pull away (pulling away always made things worse). "I- I, ah... Um, it's. If I make a mess I have to clean it. That's... That's how it works. I'll clean it up! Just..."

His concentration is shot, meaning when he tries to Bend the watery fluid not much happens apart from minimizing the range it's tainted. The failure just makes him even more anxious, which ruins his concentration even more. It freezes over a moment later, along with the rest of the soup in range on the table (an unintended casualty) and at least neutralizes any odour.

"Sorry! I'm really- I'm sorry! Being sick is... It's not a good reason to not work!"

Especially because, if he didn't do things because he wasn't feeling well, Akito would never get anything done.

[pushtheboundaries]

Normally, Callaghan would agree with that sentiment. There are, however, exceptions to everything. "Sit down," he orders, pulling Akito away even further. And if he wasn't already sitting, he's being pushed in to one now. "The only thing you should be sorry for is not speaking up earlier- we're done for the day, and you are going to go lie down."

He takes another look at the fluid, and- oh, now it's frozen. More magic, or what is this one called, Bending-? He grimaces, either way, turning back towards Akito with an unhappy - if concerned - expression.

"There is no reason to push yourself when you're in this sort of state- I'll help you move, come on."

Gruffness aside, he is worried. It says many things, the way Akito's still trying to work, and none of them good.

[akito]

His instincts are screaming at him to run away while at the same time to just listen because otherwise he'll just make things worse. Fear is clearly written on his face - it's obvious that he wants to leave, but is scared to.

He stands up again as soon as Callaghan's attention is divided, taking this chance to pull away and move closer to the door.

"I... This is fine! I'm okay. I'm not pushing myself!" Distantly, Akito is aware enough of himself to know that he's babbling. But he's too far away to care much about it. "I'm just- This is... Even if I'm a piece of trash, I can still do things! Like... It's- I can be a useful piece of trash."

[pushtheboundaries]

Despite a quick grab, Akito's able to slip his grip- and Callaghan's trying to get to his feet, concern warring with anger warring with abhorrance warring with stress-

"Akito, stop!"

Stop moving, stop talking, stop-

Who would do this to a child!? Callaghan's blood is boiling at whatever's led up to this, he knows Akito has had a rather nonstandard childhood, but this-!

[akito]

Akito stops in an instant, body rigid and limbs shivering perceptibly even when swaddled in warm layers. He looks at Callaghan, visible eye wide; pupil so clearly blown with fear that only a tiny sliver of gold is visible.

[pushtheboundaries]

Well, he asked for that, and he got it. But he didn't want Akito looking at him like that, either. That rage within cools instantly, solidifying to ice in his veins; still present, but more important is the need to not stress Akito.

"Listen to me- I'm not going to hurt you. You're fine, Akito, just focus on my voice-"

He straightens, slowly, hands up by his chest and palms towards Akito. See, he hasn't a weapon, he's not- making any quick gestures...

"You're not trash, and you're not in trouble. Just- breathe, okay? Come on, we'll clean this up and you can lie down and-"

-what else are you supposed to do in these sort of situations? He steps forwards, slowly, feeling as though he's trying to wrangle a stray kitten.

[akito]

It's that one last step that is finally one step too many for Akito, his body finally choosing flight over fight as a response to the situation. He's off like a shot, through the door and heading down the steps, barely paying attention to much beyond just getting away.

this icon isn't foreboding at all

[pushtheboundaries]

"Akito!"

To his credit, Callaghan does not again yell 'stop'. He does, however, immediately rush after him, because if Akito was sick inside recovering from the cold- what will more cold do to him?

On the bright side, his jacket's still in hand, and he's moving in to it as he rushes out. On the down side, he's leaving his door wide open, though he's at least got a device in that auto-closes. He's a bit more intent on catching up with the terrified child than locking it behind him, though.

nope not even a little

[anewangle]

Tadashi moves quickly through the streets, hat tugged low and his shoulders hunched against the cold. He should be looking into finding a place to stay. Maybe the hotel that the people at the Welcome Center had mentioned. He'd need to find work, too. He can't be sure of just what sort of jobs might be available, but anything will do to start with. Being able to support himself is the important part, and he can't live off of the kindness of the Welcome Center forever. He can look for something better later if necessary.

He should be doing these things, but he's not, because no one can be expected to focus on such practical things so soon after being dropped into an entirely different world from the one they're used to. Instead? He's looking for other Foreigners. People with crystal jewelry like the new ring he's thumbing at in one of his pockets. People whose eyes don't automatically seem to label him as an outsider. Someone who's been in this place a little longer than he has, who can really confirm things for him. Maybe quell some fears and offer some advice, a little guidance.

So that's where the new day finds him, following up on passing mentions and vague references from the few locals he dared to ask for direction. There should be a Foreigner in the area. An older man who mostly keeps to himself, or so they said, and Tadashi can't help but wonder if he'll even be wanted. He has to try, though, because what else is there to do?

Lost in his own thoughts, Tadashi doesn't notice the body barreling toward him until he's already got an armful of small child. He takes the hit with a quiet 'oomph', body automatically curling a bit to absorb the impact and keep himself and the rushing stranger upright. Concern is obvious in his expression when he smiles down at the... boy?

"Hey, hey, slow down a little. Are you okay?"

w o w

[akito]

Akito knows, somewhere in the back of his mind, that he isn't in any danger. It's been years since the last time he was sick and subsequently punished for it (been so long that he doesn't know if Papa would still punish him for it if he were here), and he's not afraid to defend himself anymore. But his body screams for him to run to hide. To avoid the man so much taller than himself, with a gruff voice and angry hands. His body convinces his mind that he's going to be locked up until he's no longer a burden. It scares him so much he can barely breathe.

When he hears his name being called behind him it's scary and confusing and makes his heartbeat pound in his ears and behind his eyes - so distracting that he doesn't notice his route of escape is blocked until he's run head first into a sturdy chest. It's enough of a shock that Akito stills long enough to look at who he's crashed into. An unfamiliar face, but even in his frenzied state he can recognize an honest expression when he sees one. It's enough to give him a chance to take a breath and try to gather his thoughts, at least until he remembers he's still being chased. He glances up at the stranger, pupil still blown so wide his eye looks devoid of colour; pulls out of his grasp because he doesn't want to be touched. Everything aches and the pressure hurts in addition to making him feel confined.

"I- I, um. I'm sorry! Sorry-"

There's no time to run again so Akito takes a risk and plants himself behind the young man he's run into, hoping it's enough to make Callaghan leave him alone.

i don't have another 'callaghan running in to another terrible situation' icon okay

[pushtheboundaries]

"Akito, stop!"

In the past few months, Callaghan has kept his fitness. He's no longer in his prime but he is not feeble by any means- still, Akito is far more agile than he. Even with him trying his best to catch up and thread his way through what crowds there are, he's losing ground, and tries calling out again in a vain attempt to get the kid to slow.

"Akit-"

And he cuts himself off, all the blood draining from his face as he takes in the young human male that the boy's run to- because (it isn't him, it can't be him) the sense of familiarity is so overwhelming it's as though someone's thrust a fist in to his gut.

Impossible.

Callaghan all but skids to a stop, eyes wide and looking- terrified? Aghast? Overwhelmed.

i have some, but they're all tadashi about to run into a big fire :|a

[anewangle]

"No, it's okay..."

Tadashi lets him pull away, leaving his arms spread to the sides and his palms open. He doesn't know what's got the kid so upset, but he knows fear when he sees it, and there's no suppressing the protective instinct that rises within him when he does. The boy's so small. Smaller than Hiro, even...

It's not until the boy ducks behind him that Tadashi really hears the calls over the general hubbub of the street. Is that who the kid (Akito, by the sound of it) is running from? And if so, why? The voice is strangely familiar, but figuring out the who or from where comes second to the shivering boy at his back. Tadashi tenses as the voice draws nearer, shoulders squared and eyes sweeping over the crowds and clusters of locals in search of the source.

He doesn't have to search for long, and what was a thin-lipped wariness quickly turns into cautious hope.He'd been half hoping to find people he knew; people who knew him, but at the same time? He hadn't. Meeting people he knew would mean that they'd been pulled from their proper place as well, dropped in a new world with naught but the clothes on their backs.

"... Professor Callaghan?"

I have one but it's not into a dangerous situation and he looks ecstatic /cries

[akito]

So this stranger knows the Professor, and the reverse seems to be true as well given that the man appears to have stopped. They're both distracted, which gives Akito the perfect opportunity to slink away and he doesn't waste it. He won't be able to make the run back to his apartment but there's an alley two blocks away he knows is fairly safe. And quiet.

Akito lurches forward, thrown off by vertigo at the sudden movement that leaves his motions stilted and awkward. It's not enough to keep him from running though, so he does. Non-stop until he reaches the - as expected - empty alley. He feels moderately more safe now. Enough that, after heaving again from the exertion, Akito tucks himself into a tiny ball with the sturdy wall against his back.

Confined enough area he doesn't feel agoraphobic. Open enough to keep claustrophobia away. Safe enough for him to work through his panic attack the best he can.

let's use none of those

[pushtheboundaries]

Akito is, for the moment, forgotten. Callaghan's focus is solely on the taller boy - man, he's a young man, even if he is still a kid - who redoubles that sense of familiarity as he looks up. Not only that, he has an expression that's familiar as well, the sort that's a nearly painful reminder of- how long has it been, since?...

And then he says his name.

Robert swallows.

"...mister Hamada."

If Alistair's here, then it's no surprise others can be, but of all people...how?

i make no promises

[anewangle]

Tadashi turns briefly to watch the boy run away. In another situation he might try following after to be sure the kid found himself a safe place to be, but he hadn't exactly prepared himself for... this, and considering the look on Callaghan's face? Neither had he.

With Akito quickly moving out of sight, Tadashi lets that wary posture drop and moves forward, open relief spreading over his face.

"Professor! You're here! Are you okay? How long have you been here?"

[pushtheboundaries]

And Robert takes a single step back.

He's not even aware of doing so, eyes still locked on Tadashi, pupils dilated from stress- and then he blinks once, twice, managing to pull himself out of his shock. It may be impossible, but-

-so are a lot of other things. He exhales shakily, reaching up to run a hand through his hair, maybe giving it a bit of a grip to make sure he's not dreaming. "A- few months. I didn't..."

What he didn't, trails off in to nothing as he briefly looks around Tadashi, pressing his lips together- no Akito. Lost him. And yet- with his attention returning to Tadashi, Akito and his panic and his words pale in comparison to this.

"I'm sorry," he manages, closing his eyes for a long blink. "I...didn't expect to see you. Again."

Ever.