Yussa plucks up his half-finished cup of tea as Caleb makes his way down from his seat. "You look like you had a long night, Mister Widogast."
There's the barest hint of a smile on Yussa's mouth and a brightness in his eyes that betrays his amusement. This has the potential to complicate things, given the nature of their previous introduction. It doesn't help that his attention flicks to the familiar book harness before he lifts his gaze to Caleb's face again.
"But it is my pleasure to see you again. Do you have another class to get to?" An invitation hangs unspoken, but he will not make it fully if Caleb has somewhere else he needs to be. Whatever his interest, he won't interrupt the younger man's day when the conversation can wait.
That playful quip and the subtle amusement in Yussa's expression serves to put Caleb a little more at ease. "Long, but thoroughly enjoyable," he replies with a subtle but warm curl of his lips. Mister Widogast, he says. Clearly he's glanced over the roster, because Caleb had shared only his first name last night.
Perhaps this won't be quite as uncomfortable as he feared. Yussa was kind to him last night, and it stands to reason that he would be so in this situation as well. Surely they will be able to reach an understanding.
"Not for several more hours." He lets himself feel a little hopeful, though the nerves persist. "I have plenty of time if you would like to, um...talk."
Yussa collects his small file folder of papers from the desk and heads for the classroom door, left open by other students. He receives only a few acknowledgements from passing instructors or administrators - many people know him by name, far fewer know his face particularly well. That will change, of course, the longer he is here. But for now, it allows him a slight anonymity that he prefers.
His office is still somewhat sparse, though there are a few file boxes in a corner that need unpacking. The large window lets in sunlight most of the day and there are a few small crystals dangling on clear wire to catch the light, scattering prisms all over the room at the right hour. It is very much a room that belongs to someone still settling in.
Caleb follows that implicit instruction, shutting the door to Yussa's office behind him. "Ja, tea would be good. Thank you."
Glancing around the room, he wonders what it will look like when Yussa is more settled in. Having been in his home and gotten a sense of his taste that way, he thinks he has a pretty good idea.
But tea apparently was a priority. Given the abandoned cups he'd noticed last night, this doesn't come as a surprise. It's...cute, honestly.
Posture still tense, he hovers near Yussa's desk--or maybe he should call him Professor Errenis? One of a few things he hopes will be clear by the end of this conversation.
Yussa makes a gesture at the kettle to start it heating up again and he takes the lid off of one of the file boxes. He searches through it carefully before he produces another mug. This he sets on the desk, near a small tray with what looks like sugar, honey, and a small bowl of sliced lemons. Condensation on a small earthenware container with a lid suggests something cold inside - possibly cream or milk. From a desk in the drawer, he produces a small wooden box, filled with unlabeled but fragrant bags of tea.
The flurry of energy calms as steam blows out of the spout of the kettle. He pours the hot water and leaves the cup near the box of tea and tray. He'll let Caleb fix it how he likes.
"Sit, please," he says with a gesture at one of the chairs. He intends to replace those as soon as he can, they look uncomfortable. For his part, rather than sitting behind the desk, Yussa leans back against it, remaining on the same side as Caleb.
Caleb sits. The chair is a little uncomfortable, and would probably be hell to sit on for any real length of time. He drags his bag into his lap and looks up at Yussa before glancing away again. His discomfort is probably obvious, and he wishes it wasn't so. But he has been in this position so many times before, and though this is nearly two decades later and a very different situation with a very different man, his damaged brain still makes the connection, and as a result his body isn't quite his own. His heart beats faster, his hands feel sweaty, his arms itch. He hasn't been back in school for very long. It's still hard sometimes, for this very reason.
He waits for Yussa to say something. If they did something wrong, Ikithon had expected them not to speak until spoken to. And though he would like to speak now, though he can acknowledge with logic and observation that there is no reason for him to equate the two, his mind doesn't always follow reason when it comes to these things.
Rather than simply waiting in tense silence, he prepares tea for himself. He is grateful to have something to do with his hands, at least. Yussa has a remarkable selection even here, and Caleb chooses something green and flowery-smelling, a kind he doesn't normally drink, hoping that the taste of something brand new will help him get his head out of the past.
Yussa cannot help but notice the tension that creeps into the way Caleb carries himself. He sips his tea, waiting until Caleb sits back again.
"I found your number this morning," he says, by way of setting the subject at least. "I saved it on my way out the door."
Their position is more precarious now, and Yussa feels the weight of it, as he thinks he should. If Caleb is here, he is a promising student, and the last thing he wants is to stand in the way of that. And this is a position that Yussa has not found himself in for some time, not since he was a student.
He strokes his thumb along the lip of his cup.
"Our... context has clearly changed, and while my interest has not, I am aware that the power dynamic has shifted. I would not want you to feel that you are beholden to me in any way or that my assessment of you as a student will somehow depend on whatever we do or don't do outside of those roles."
As Yussa speaks, something in Caleb shifts, like a mechanism releasing. He holds his mug of steeping tea with both hands to keep himself from touching his arms, but the urge is becoming less prominent. His chest becomes a little lighter, and he feels more...himself, more Caleb, when he looks up at Yussa again and doesn't look away.
He has agency here. He can express his thoughts without fear of reprisal. Yussa is not an unreasonable man; he clearly cares, and he will listen.
There's a little hopeful thrill when Yussa says that his interest hasn't changed. Caleb's hasn't either. If anything, Yussa's candid acknowledgement of the shift in power and how that might impact Caleb has reassured him that his interest isn't misplaced. He liked Yussa last night, and he likes him even more now, once the initial shock has faded.
"You are still welcome to use that number, if you would like," Caleb offers. "Based on our interactions so far, I trust that you would be fair and unbiased about my work, whether we...see one another outside these roles or not." He lifts his tea to his lips without putting anything in it, and it is intensely grassy, with a bitter aftertaste. It certainly does help to clear his mind. "I am very interested in...you," he admits. "But I understand if that is too complicated. I am not sure if there is etiquette regarding personal connections of this sort, or what it might be."
"The etiquette is that they are discouraged. Or should be." Yussa offers a small, wan smile. It's unfortunate that they are making this discovery a day late, but. "If we proceed, we will need to keep things in their separate spheres, at least until I am no longer responsible for your assessment."
Until the end of term. That suddenly seems a long way away, but Yussa is patient and he is private by nature. He doesn't seen it being an obstacle for him. But, ultimately, the choice is Caleb's. Yussa will cede authority and power wherever he can to make up for the differential.
He presses his lips together, trying to suppress a smile when he sees the face Caleb makes after tasting the tea. He clears his throat to hide a laugh.
"Try it with honey," he suggests. "I find that eases the bitterness." Yussa pauses, consider his next words carefully. There are some things he cannot (or will not) control, and he should address his other concerns. "This trust goes both ways. While I certainly have no intention of abusing my authority, I trust that you will not try to ruin my reputation or career."
Caleb is old enough that some of the stigma of a student-teacher relationship is removed, but he is still a student. The blame would go to Yussa for encouraging this, regardless of the reality of the situation, should Caleb choose to make the right waves. While he would be content to disappear back to Nicodranas, he would prefer not to do so after having his name dragged through the mud.
Separate spheres. He nods. That only makes sense. Caleb had assumed as much anyway. He'd assumed Yussa might want that even after the end of term, actually. It isn't as though they are talking about dating, or a relationship more involved than occasional sex. Are they?
He does reach for the honey and add a generous dollop to his tea. The taste is much more tolerable once it's stirred in, and he gives a brief smile, grateful for the suggestion.
The reminder that he could also be in a position to potentially ruin Yussa's new position here, and his standing in general, clearly strikes a chord in Caleb. He shakes his head, frowning.
"I have no interest in making things difficult for you," he says seriously. "Truly, nothing appeals to me less than making accusations about someone who does not deserve it. It was a grueling and painful enough process trying to remove someone who was guilty of abuse. I have had enough of that circus for a lifetime."
The way the school and the Assembly had protected Ikithon for years hasn't left Caleb with a whole lot of confidence that he would be listened to anyway. But then, Ikithon had been entrenched in this institution; Yussa is an entirely new addition, and not even from the Empire besides. It is a delicate thing, but Yussa is right; this trust does go both ways.
"Well," he demurs. "Then I am interested in continuing our... exploration. I should like to know you better, Caleb Widogast. And, at the risk of blurring lines, I do look forward to seeing what you're made of, both in and out of my classroom."
There's something coy there, a smile that's quickly hidden by a sip from his cup. That gives him some relief. He lowers his cup again, golden eyes still bright but his expression more placid.
"In that event..." He looks down and plucks a pen up from his desk. In an elegant hand, he writes something on a sticky note, then passes it to Caleb. A phone number. "I know you were perhaps hoping to avoid this, but I leave the ball in your court, as it were."
Caleb is grateful that Yussa doesn't press him any further on that matter. The challenge he presents is much more exciting. "I look forward to impressing you in the classroom. And continuing to impress you out of it."
The bright, flirtatious glint in his eye is dimmed a little when Yussa hands over his own number, putting the next step of this, whatever it is, in Caleb's hands. He is right, of course. He'd put this choice in Yussa's hands originally to take it out of his own, and perhaps avoid a little embarrassment due to his own over-eagerness. But they are a little past the point of embarrassment now. It takes him only a moment to memorize the sequence of digits before he tucks the note into his bag with a look of resignation.
"If you leave this to me, you will be getting a message today," he warns, while they're going for honesty.
"I should hope so," he answers lightly. "I am finished on campus at six o'clock, and I have nothing planned for this evening."
That, at least, is entirely true. Yussa had planned for a quiet dinner and perhaps some lesson planning, but he would welcome company for the evening. He finds Caleb agreeable so far, even if they do not know each other well. Something about the younger man's bearing, his way of moving through the world. Yussa is intrigued to know more about him, but that may take time, and for good reason.
From the way Caleb's eyes widen, it's clear that sounds to him too good to be true. But there is no catch. Yussa not only welcomes the idea of speaking to him again today, but possibly even seeing him again tonight.
"I--ja, my evening is free also," he agrees. "Would you...like some company?"
Technically, he is making the first move. But Yussa has made it easy for him, for which he is immensely grateful.
Yussa lowers his lashes, almost like the way a contented cat might slowly blink, and finishes his cup of tea.
"I would enjoy that. Take some time, let me know when you wish to come by after your classes are through for the day."
He thinks it would be best if Caleb gets through his day first before making any extensive plans for the evening, but Yussa does find himself hoping that the young man will still be up to it.
Caleb nods, earnest. "Yes. I will message a little later."
He sips at his tea again, thinking it would probably be rude to leave it unfinished after Yussa went to the trouble of offering it.
"I am also looking forward to knowing you better, Yussa. Very much." His smile is somewhere between earnest, bashful, and playful. They talk a little more before they have to go their separate ways--though not for long, Caleb hopes. It is a strange situation to be sure, but he finds that he is oddly grateful for it. He programs Yussa's number into his phone and texts it several hours later, when his last class is finished. After a short exchange, they agree to meet at Yussa's home at eight-thirty, after Yussa gets held up a little longer than anticipated. He mentions having drinks, and Caleb readily agrees.
Maybe it is a little too much effort, but Caleb changes his clothes before he goes over. If Yussa is going to invite him into his home, he can at the very least wear a shirt that doesn't have threadbare holes at the elbows and pants that actually fit him--for the portion of the evening he remains clothed, anyway. The warm light grey sweater and black jeans he saves for slightly nicer occasions are passable, he thinks.
Tonight he sees Yussa's kitchen, and he gets to impress him a little by making their first round of drinks: a bourbon, orange, and ginger cocktail that Yussa compliments immediately after the first sip.
They talk about Caleb's studies, his change in focus from evocation to transmutation, how he returned to the Academy only last year after a long absence to pursue an advanced degree, making him quite a bit older than most of his peers (the human ones, anyway). Yussa seems surprised and intrigued by how much Caleb has been able to learn in the intervening years through self-study alone. He wonders what he would think if he told him that he filled most of his spellbook in only a year, but keeps that to himself for the time being.
Helped along by a little booze, the conversation is easy and enjoyable, and Caleb very much enjoys Yussa's insights, his thoughtful questions, and his dry humor. Even if this was to be the extent of their evening, he would be fine with that--though with how much they've been flirting, he doesn't think that will be the case.
Yussa is annoyed that he's stopped on his way out of his office, but he endures an impromptu faculty meeting with as much patience as he can muster. He was looking forward to seeing Caleb anyway, but now he has even more reason to want to unwind with agreeable company.
By the time Caleb arrives, Yussa is still dressed in what he'd taught in earlier that day, save for one key difference: the black turtleneck he'd worn beneath the white blouse is gone. The simple binder he wore beneath it and his warm skin are quite evident beneath the thin fabric. And he finds himself quietly delighted when Caleb mixes the first round of drinks. He loves the warmth of the ginger, and between the cocktail and the company, he's in a far better mood before long.
He is fascinated by Caleb's apparent skill - self-study is not easy, and to be accepted into the program Caleb must have made his talent clear. Yussa itches to ask him more, but reserves some of his curiosity. He can parcel it out - he isn't interested in interrogating the younger wizard tonight.
Yussa makes the second round of drinks with rum, ginger beer (to stay on theme), and lime. His part of the conversation involves a bit of well-earned complaining about the last minute meeting that delayed his night, a little bit about how he got this job in the first place - or rather, how it was offered to him - and some about his time in Nicodranas. The story of the Open Quay is usually good for some amusement.
By the end of the second round, Yussa is feeling pleasantly warm, and he's ended up sitting much closer to Caleb on the couch. He is very handsome, somehow moreso now that Yussa's been able to see him in the daylight. Or perhaps it's his intelligence and dry wit that's added to the attraction.
When there's a natural lull in the conversation, Yussa says:
"Should we discuss... I don't know, boundaries? Expectations?" Perhaps he should have brought that up earlier. He's far more interested in kissing Caleb right now, but he feels he should at least make the attempt.
The more Caleb drinks, the more difficult it becomes to pretend he isn't spending a lot of time looking at Yussa's chest. The white blouse isn't quite sheer, but near enough to it that what's beneath is more than hinted at. Last night, Caleb found Yussa devastatingly attractive, somehow he has only become more so over the course of the day. Not only is he sexy, smart, and powerful (and rich enough to own an entire district in Nicodranas, apparently?), but he is also witty, considerate, and very endearing as he complains about the last minute meeting that kept him late.
Despite this morning surprise, Caleb is incredibly happy to be tipsy on his couch together, close enough that they could nearly be cuddling. In a moment of quiet, he considers finally putting his arm around Yussa properly, though that's interrupted when he speaks again.
"That is probably wise," he agrees, though the topic makes him nervous. He does have boundaries when it comes to sex that he needs to enforce for his own safety. But it is always expectations that ruin a thing like this. Admitting to wanting something the other does not tends to make things awkward. Caleb, who's found that he usually wants too much, has learned to just agree with whatever is on the table.
His second drink is nearly gone, so he finishes the rest with a long gulp and sets the empty glass aside. "So what do you want from me, Yussa?" he flirts, bracing an arm against the back of the couch to lean closer to the elf with a warm smile and a suggestively raised brow. He is not going to let this conversation sap away the good mood he's established, he decides.
"Oh, sweet boy," he murmurs, more relaxed and more open with a bit of liquid help. He brushes his fingers along Caleb's jaw. "I want many things."
Yussa saw the brief flash of uncertainty or tension at the start of this conversation. Caleb has more nerves than he might have imagined last night. He'll try not to exacerbate them.
"I want you to be clear if there is anything you do not want. And I want you to be exceedingly clear when there is something you do want." There's a flash of wickedness in his grin. "Even if you must beg."
He doesn't think he's read Caleb wrong, not after what he's seen so far.
Oh, gods. The soft flush turning Caleb's pale skin pink deepens, and he feels a stab of heat in his gut. The way his lips part with a sharp inhale and his eyes widen by a fraction has to give him away. But what could he possibly want more than to be Yussa's sweet boy and beg for the privilege? Yussa's fingertips rake lightly through his beard, and he swallows hard.
"Ja," he agrees, a breathy husk to his voice that wasn't there before. His gaze can't seem to leave Yussa's face. "I can do that."
He wants to ask (beg, even) to kiss Yussa right now, but that would cut this conversation rather short. Which might not be such a bad thing, except that Yussa has asked him to be clear.
"I--I want to give you pleasure, primarily, even if it excludes my own. I want to earn your approval, and whatever you may see fit to reward me with should I do well. I enjoy praise, but only if it is deserved. I like to be told what to do. But I do not enjoy, um...when the goalposts shift midway, so to speak, or being set up to fail. I do not like being tied down to things, and I cannot do leather restraints at all, but other kinds are okay with pre-negotiation. I do like a little pain--pulling my hair, biting, scratching, slapping. I would probably enjoy more intense pain as well, on a case-by-case basis. Punishment is good, as long as I am allowed to make up for whatever displeased you. Teasing is welcome, and I like to be told what I am good for. You can be mean, but not, ah...cruel, if that makes sense?"
Red-faced, Caleb lays out his own desires and limits as well as he knows how to. There is probably more, but he feels like he has spoken so much already.
Yussa wants to lean in, to close the scant space still left between them, but he tries to wait. He wants to hear Caleb out, even if every word enflames his desire. Some of the things Caleb says, the limits he sets, sound like they are in place due to bad experiences, and Yussa finds himself annoyed that anyone could use this man with cruelty, in any context.
He finally gives in and presses a kiss to Caleb's slightly parted lips.
"I do not enjoy setting up anyone to fail." Not if he is invested in him. "And while I think I might like being mean to you, I will never be cruel. I will bear all this in mind, but it remains my requirement that you speak up should anything be heading in a direction you do not want."
If Caleb is putting himself in Yussa's care, then honesty is the only way forward for both of them. He kisses Caleb again, aware that he will be the reason for the breakdown of the conversation at this rate. He breathes a soft sigh and it almost sounds like longing. He should hold up his end of this.
"I don't mind rough handling, may even encourage it if I am in the right mood," he says, still quite close. "But there is a difference between that and inflicting pain with no other purpose. I am not interested in the latter. There will be days when I have no interest or energy to wield authority once I am off the Academy grounds, I hope that will not be a disappointment. If it will be, we'll simply not make arrangements on those days."
Caleb tries not to melt after that first kiss, but it is difficult to resist. He manages to at least nod in earnest understanding as Yussa continues speaking, absorbing and remembering his words. When it seems a verbal response is required of him to ensure he understands and knows he is expected to say something if his comfort is encroached on, he murmurs, "I am not here to be hurt. If my boundaries are being pushed, I will tell you."
He thinks perhaps that will be all, because Yussa kisses him again, and Caleb allows himself to lean into it fully this time, sliding his arm down from the back of the couch to curl behind Yussa's back--but he pulls away again with a sigh that Caleb feels in his bones. Gods, he wants him. But that can wait, because Caleb wants to know Yussa's own limits as well. Gently, his hand rubs up and down in short motions against the small of the elven wizard's back as he explains.
That Yussa encourages rough handling ignites Caleb's interest in a way he hadn't expected it to. He's never had a lover so much smaller than him, and he hadn't imagined it would appeal to him particularly. Apparently he was wrong about that. Last night, having to stretch Yussa open so thoroughly for his cock was incredibly arousing. Caleb is average at best for a human man, but to Yussa he is big, and there is something undeniably appealing in that. It makes him feel just a little more special, a little more capable of giving Yussa what he wants. But pain is something he is very much not interested in inflicting, and he nods gratefully, glad that they are on the same page there.
While incorrect, that Yussa thinks it is possible he might only be interested in his ability to take control is understandable, given what Caleb has outlined so far. But he shakes his head at once when he voices the idea that seeing him on days that he does not feel up to that might be a disappointment. That could not be further from the truth.
"No, no," he assures quickly, "I certainly do not expect that from you every time we meet. I understand that it can be exhausting, especially if you are already tired. I would be happy to see you even without that dynamic in play." Lifting his hand to Yussa's face and brushing his thumb lightly along his cheekbone in an exceptionally tender gesture, Caleb offers a soft smile. "For example, I am enjoying your company now quite a lot."
Yussa had complained of his last-minute meeting draining his energy; Caleb sees no reason to make him do anything tonight except relax and feel good.
Yussa relaxes more into Caleb's arms as he offers that reassurance. Well, that's good to know. He appreciates the candid response and the fact that Caleb is interested in more than power dynamics. Good. That opens a lot more doors for them and Yussa enjoys exploring. Even if he has been through them before himself, it's always different with someone new.
"I think we've sorted things out for now," he murmurs against Caleb's mouth. "We can discuss more as it comes up."
That said, he kisses the younger man again and slides closer until he's nearly in Caleb's lap. After all he's learned so far, Caleb's mouth is utterly distracting and he realizes it may be best to blow off steam so that he doesn't think about it - even in passing - while they share a classroom. Yussa does not worry about keeping his interests separate, but having an outlet will make it easier still.
Yussa breaks the kiss somewhat abruptly, but he still doesn't pull away very far. Enough to allow both of them to speak.
Very agreeable, Caleb's arm grows tighter around Yussa the closer he gets, keeping him there as they kiss. Already he wants more, wants to feel him splayed over his lap, his weight settled over his groin. But Yussa doesn't quite get there before the kiss stops again quite suddenly. Caleb nearly groans in frustrated disappointment.
"Nein, no," he breathes urgently, eyes sliding open and growing darker as heat builds under his skin. "We have covered the important things."
Boldly, his hand slides down Yussa's back to cup his ass. Caleb's head tilts and his mouth wanders away from Yussa's for just long enough to tease his earlobe with his tongue, then a light scrape of teeth.
"Though I should ask what you are up for tonight," he concedes. Long, gracefully tapered arcanist's fingers follow the curve of his ass down until they can dip between his legs and rub lightly over his cunt through his dark trousers. "Are you sore from yesterday at all?"
Yussa gets into a better position with Caleb's help and wandering hands. He closes his eyes as the other man's warm mouth finds his neck, and he breathes in sharply as clever fingers tease between his thighs. He's certainly already feeling sharp arousal and the teasing pressure sends a jolt right through him.
"Some, but I so no reason why that should stop us," he murmurs, voice heavier as he moves his hands. One tries to get beneath Caleb's sweater while the other slides over the front of Caleb's jeans, wondering if the conversation excited him. "I will tell you if anything is too much."
Of that Caleb can always be sure. Yussa lifts his head to guide Caleb into another kiss, this one more demanding as his tongue sweeps into his lover's mouth.
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There's the barest hint of a smile on Yussa's mouth and a brightness in his eyes that betrays his amusement. This has the potential to complicate things, given the nature of their previous introduction. It doesn't help that his attention flicks to the familiar book harness before he lifts his gaze to Caleb's face again.
"But it is my pleasure to see you again. Do you have another class to get to?" An invitation hangs unspoken, but he will not make it fully if Caleb has somewhere else he needs to be. Whatever his interest, he won't interrupt the younger man's day when the conversation can wait.
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Perhaps this won't be quite as uncomfortable as he feared. Yussa was kind to him last night, and it stands to reason that he would be so in this situation as well. Surely they will be able to reach an understanding.
"Not for several more hours." He lets himself feel a little hopeful, though the nerves persist. "I have plenty of time if you would like to, um...talk."
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Yussa collects his small file folder of papers from the desk and heads for the classroom door, left open by other students. He receives only a few acknowledgements from passing instructors or administrators - many people know him by name, far fewer know his face particularly well. That will change, of course, the longer he is here. But for now, it allows him a slight anonymity that he prefers.
His office is still somewhat sparse, though there are a few file boxes in a corner that need unpacking. The large window lets in sunlight most of the day and there are a few small crystals dangling on clear wire to catch the light, scattering prisms all over the room at the right hour. It is very much a room that belongs to someone still settling in.
"You may close the door. Tea?"
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Glancing around the room, he wonders what it will look like when Yussa is more settled in. Having been in his home and gotten a sense of his taste that way, he thinks he has a pretty good idea.
But tea apparently was a priority. Given the abandoned cups he'd noticed last night, this doesn't come as a surprise. It's...cute, honestly.
Posture still tense, he hovers near Yussa's desk--or maybe he should call him Professor Errenis? One of a few things he hopes will be clear by the end of this conversation.
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The flurry of energy calms as steam blows out of the spout of the kettle. He pours the hot water and leaves the cup near the box of tea and tray. He'll let Caleb fix it how he likes.
"Sit, please," he says with a gesture at one of the chairs. He intends to replace those as soon as he can, they look uncomfortable. For his part, rather than sitting behind the desk, Yussa leans back against it, remaining on the same side as Caleb.
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He waits for Yussa to say something. If they did something wrong, Ikithon had expected them not to speak until spoken to. And though he would like to speak now, though he can acknowledge with logic and observation that there is no reason for him to equate the two, his mind doesn't always follow reason when it comes to these things.
Rather than simply waiting in tense silence, he prepares tea for himself. He is grateful to have something to do with his hands, at least. Yussa has a remarkable selection even here, and Caleb chooses something green and flowery-smelling, a kind he doesn't normally drink, hoping that the taste of something brand new will help him get his head out of the past.
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"I found your number this morning," he says, by way of setting the subject at least. "I saved it on my way out the door."
Their position is more precarious now, and Yussa feels the weight of it, as he thinks he should. If Caleb is here, he is a promising student, and the last thing he wants is to stand in the way of that. And this is a position that Yussa has not found himself in for some time, not since he was a student.
He strokes his thumb along the lip of his cup.
"Our... context has clearly changed, and while my interest has not, I am aware that the power dynamic has shifted. I would not want you to feel that you are beholden to me in any way or that my assessment of you as a student will somehow depend on whatever we do or don't do outside of those roles."
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He has agency here. He can express his thoughts without fear of reprisal. Yussa is not an unreasonable man; he clearly cares, and he will listen.
There's a little hopeful thrill when Yussa says that his interest hasn't changed. Caleb's hasn't either. If anything, Yussa's candid acknowledgement of the shift in power and how that might impact Caleb has reassured him that his interest isn't misplaced. He liked Yussa last night, and he likes him even more now, once the initial shock has faded.
"You are still welcome to use that number, if you would like," Caleb offers. "Based on our interactions so far, I trust that you would be fair and unbiased about my work, whether we...see one another outside these roles or not." He lifts his tea to his lips without putting anything in it, and it is intensely grassy, with a bitter aftertaste. It certainly does help to clear his mind. "I am very interested in...you," he admits. "But I understand if that is too complicated. I am not sure if there is etiquette regarding personal connections of this sort, or what it might be."
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Until the end of term. That suddenly seems a long way away, but Yussa is patient and he is private by nature. He doesn't seen it being an obstacle for him. But, ultimately, the choice is Caleb's. Yussa will cede authority and power wherever he can to make up for the differential.
He presses his lips together, trying to suppress a smile when he sees the face Caleb makes after tasting the tea. He clears his throat to hide a laugh.
"Try it with honey," he suggests. "I find that eases the bitterness." Yussa pauses, consider his next words carefully. There are some things he cannot (or will not) control, and he should address his other concerns. "This trust goes both ways. While I certainly have no intention of abusing my authority, I trust that you will not try to ruin my reputation or career."
Caleb is old enough that some of the stigma of a student-teacher relationship is removed, but he is still a student. The blame would go to Yussa for encouraging this, regardless of the reality of the situation, should Caleb choose to make the right waves. While he would be content to disappear back to Nicodranas, he would prefer not to do so after having his name dragged through the mud.
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He does reach for the honey and add a generous dollop to his tea. The taste is much more tolerable once it's stirred in, and he gives a brief smile, grateful for the suggestion.
The reminder that he could also be in a position to potentially ruin Yussa's new position here, and his standing in general, clearly strikes a chord in Caleb. He shakes his head, frowning.
"I have no interest in making things difficult for you," he says seriously. "Truly, nothing appeals to me less than making accusations about someone who does not deserve it. It was a grueling and painful enough process trying to remove someone who was guilty of abuse. I have had enough of that circus for a lifetime."
The way the school and the Assembly had protected Ikithon for years hasn't left Caleb with a whole lot of confidence that he would be listened to anyway. But then, Ikithon had been entrenched in this institution; Yussa is an entirely new addition, and not even from the Empire besides. It is a delicate thing, but Yussa is right; this trust does go both ways.
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There's something coy there, a smile that's quickly hidden by a sip from his cup. That gives him some relief. He lowers his cup again, golden eyes still bright but his expression more placid.
"In that event..." He looks down and plucks a pen up from his desk. In an elegant hand, he writes something on a sticky note, then passes it to Caleb. A phone number. "I know you were perhaps hoping to avoid this, but I leave the ball in your court, as it were."
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The bright, flirtatious glint in his eye is dimmed a little when Yussa hands over his own number, putting the next step of this, whatever it is, in Caleb's hands. He is right, of course. He'd put this choice in Yussa's hands originally to take it out of his own, and perhaps avoid a little embarrassment due to his own over-eagerness. But they are a little past the point of embarrassment now. It takes him only a moment to memorize the sequence of digits before he tucks the note into his bag with a look of resignation.
"If you leave this to me, you will be getting a message today," he warns, while they're going for honesty.
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That, at least, is entirely true. Yussa had planned for a quiet dinner and perhaps some lesson planning, but he would welcome company for the evening. He finds Caleb agreeable so far, even if they do not know each other well. Something about the younger man's bearing, his way of moving through the world. Yussa is intrigued to know more about him, but that may take time, and for good reason.
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"I--ja, my evening is free also," he agrees. "Would you...like some company?"
Technically, he is making the first move. But Yussa has made it easy for him, for which he is immensely grateful.
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"I would enjoy that. Take some time, let me know when you wish to come by after your classes are through for the day."
He thinks it would be best if Caleb gets through his day first before making any extensive plans for the evening, but Yussa does find himself hoping that the young man will still be up to it.
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He sips at his tea again, thinking it would probably be rude to leave it unfinished after Yussa went to the trouble of offering it.
"I am also looking forward to knowing you better, Yussa. Very much." His smile is somewhere between earnest, bashful, and playful. They talk a little more before they have to go their separate ways--though not for long, Caleb hopes. It is a strange situation to be sure, but he finds that he is oddly grateful for it. He programs Yussa's number into his phone and texts it several hours later, when his last class is finished. After a short exchange, they agree to meet at Yussa's home at eight-thirty, after Yussa gets held up a little longer than anticipated. He mentions having drinks, and Caleb readily agrees.
Maybe it is a little too much effort, but Caleb changes his clothes before he goes over. If Yussa is going to invite him into his home, he can at the very least wear a shirt that doesn't have threadbare holes at the elbows and pants that actually fit him--for the portion of the evening he remains clothed, anyway. The warm light grey sweater and black jeans he saves for slightly nicer occasions are passable, he thinks.
Tonight he sees Yussa's kitchen, and he gets to impress him a little by making their first round of drinks: a bourbon, orange, and ginger cocktail that Yussa compliments immediately after the first sip.
They talk about Caleb's studies, his change in focus from evocation to transmutation, how he returned to the Academy only last year after a long absence to pursue an advanced degree, making him quite a bit older than most of his peers (the human ones, anyway). Yussa seems surprised and intrigued by how much Caleb has been able to learn in the intervening years through self-study alone. He wonders what he would think if he told him that he filled most of his spellbook in only a year, but keeps that to himself for the time being.
Helped along by a little booze, the conversation is easy and enjoyable, and Caleb very much enjoys Yussa's insights, his thoughtful questions, and his dry humor. Even if this was to be the extent of their evening, he would be fine with that--though with how much they've been flirting, he doesn't think that will be the case.
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By the time Caleb arrives, Yussa is still dressed in what he'd taught in earlier that day, save for one key difference: the black turtleneck he'd worn beneath the white blouse is gone. The simple binder he wore beneath it and his warm skin are quite evident beneath the thin fabric. And he finds himself quietly delighted when Caleb mixes the first round of drinks. He loves the warmth of the ginger, and between the cocktail and the company, he's in a far better mood before long.
He is fascinated by Caleb's apparent skill - self-study is not easy, and to be accepted into the program Caleb must have made his talent clear. Yussa itches to ask him more, but reserves some of his curiosity. He can parcel it out - he isn't interested in interrogating the younger wizard tonight.
Yussa makes the second round of drinks with rum, ginger beer (to stay on theme), and lime. His part of the conversation involves a bit of well-earned complaining about the last minute meeting that delayed his night, a little bit about how he got this job in the first place - or rather, how it was offered to him - and some about his time in Nicodranas. The story of the Open Quay is usually good for some amusement.
By the end of the second round, Yussa is feeling pleasantly warm, and he's ended up sitting much closer to Caleb on the couch. He is very handsome, somehow moreso now that Yussa's been able to see him in the daylight. Or perhaps it's his intelligence and dry wit that's added to the attraction.
When there's a natural lull in the conversation, Yussa says:
"Should we discuss... I don't know, boundaries? Expectations?" Perhaps he should have brought that up earlier. He's far more interested in kissing Caleb right now, but he feels he should at least make the attempt.
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Despite this morning surprise, Caleb is incredibly happy to be tipsy on his couch together, close enough that they could nearly be cuddling. In a moment of quiet, he considers finally putting his arm around Yussa properly, though that's interrupted when he speaks again.
"That is probably wise," he agrees, though the topic makes him nervous. He does have boundaries when it comes to sex that he needs to enforce for his own safety. But it is always expectations that ruin a thing like this. Admitting to wanting something the other does not tends to make things awkward. Caleb, who's found that he usually wants too much, has learned to just agree with whatever is on the table.
His second drink is nearly gone, so he finishes the rest with a long gulp and sets the empty glass aside. "So what do you want from me, Yussa?" he flirts, bracing an arm against the back of the couch to lean closer to the elf with a warm smile and a suggestively raised brow. He is not going to let this conversation sap away the good mood he's established, he decides.
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Yussa saw the brief flash of uncertainty or tension at the start of this conversation. Caleb has more nerves than he might have imagined last night. He'll try not to exacerbate them.
"I want you to be clear if there is anything you do not want. And I want you to be exceedingly clear when there is something you do want." There's a flash of wickedness in his grin. "Even if you must beg."
He doesn't think he's read Caleb wrong, not after what he's seen so far.
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"Ja," he agrees, a breathy husk to his voice that wasn't there before. His gaze can't seem to leave Yussa's face. "I can do that."
He wants to ask (beg, even) to kiss Yussa right now, but that would cut this conversation rather short. Which might not be such a bad thing, except that Yussa has asked him to be clear.
"I--I want to give you pleasure, primarily, even if it excludes my own. I want to earn your approval, and whatever you may see fit to reward me with should I do well. I enjoy praise, but only if it is deserved. I like to be told what to do. But I do not enjoy, um...when the goalposts shift midway, so to speak, or being set up to fail. I do not like being tied down to things, and I cannot do leather restraints at all, but other kinds are okay with pre-negotiation. I do like a little pain--pulling my hair, biting, scratching, slapping. I would probably enjoy more intense pain as well, on a case-by-case basis. Punishment is good, as long as I am allowed to make up for whatever displeased you. Teasing is welcome, and I like to be told what I am good for. You can be mean, but not, ah...cruel, if that makes sense?"
Red-faced, Caleb lays out his own desires and limits as well as he knows how to. There is probably more, but he feels like he has spoken so much already.
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He finally gives in and presses a kiss to Caleb's slightly parted lips.
"I do not enjoy setting up anyone to fail." Not if he is invested in him. "And while I think I might like being mean to you, I will never be cruel. I will bear all this in mind, but it remains my requirement that you speak up should anything be heading in a direction you do not want."
If Caleb is putting himself in Yussa's care, then honesty is the only way forward for both of them. He kisses Caleb again, aware that he will be the reason for the breakdown of the conversation at this rate. He breathes a soft sigh and it almost sounds like longing. He should hold up his end of this.
"I don't mind rough handling, may even encourage it if I am in the right mood," he says, still quite close. "But there is a difference between that and inflicting pain with no other purpose. I am not interested in the latter. There will be days when I have no interest or energy to wield authority once I am off the Academy grounds, I hope that will not be a disappointment. If it will be, we'll simply not make arrangements on those days."
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He thinks perhaps that will be all, because Yussa kisses him again, and Caleb allows himself to lean into it fully this time, sliding his arm down from the back of the couch to curl behind Yussa's back--but he pulls away again with a sigh that Caleb feels in his bones. Gods, he wants him. But that can wait, because Caleb wants to know Yussa's own limits as well. Gently, his hand rubs up and down in short motions against the small of the elven wizard's back as he explains.
That Yussa encourages rough handling ignites Caleb's interest in a way he hadn't expected it to. He's never had a lover so much smaller than him, and he hadn't imagined it would appeal to him particularly. Apparently he was wrong about that. Last night, having to stretch Yussa open so thoroughly for his cock was incredibly arousing. Caleb is average at best for a human man, but to Yussa he is big, and there is something undeniably appealing in that. It makes him feel just a little more special, a little more capable of giving Yussa what he wants. But pain is something he is very much not interested in inflicting, and he nods gratefully, glad that they are on the same page there.
While incorrect, that Yussa thinks it is possible he might only be interested in his ability to take control is understandable, given what Caleb has outlined so far. But he shakes his head at once when he voices the idea that seeing him on days that he does not feel up to that might be a disappointment. That could not be further from the truth.
"No, no," he assures quickly, "I certainly do not expect that from you every time we meet. I understand that it can be exhausting, especially if you are already tired. I would be happy to see you even without that dynamic in play." Lifting his hand to Yussa's face and brushing his thumb lightly along his cheekbone in an exceptionally tender gesture, Caleb offers a soft smile. "For example, I am enjoying your company now quite a lot."
Yussa had complained of his last-minute meeting draining his energy; Caleb sees no reason to make him do anything tonight except relax and feel good.
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"I think we've sorted things out for now," he murmurs against Caleb's mouth. "We can discuss more as it comes up."
That said, he kisses the younger man again and slides closer until he's nearly in Caleb's lap. After all he's learned so far, Caleb's mouth is utterly distracting and he realizes it may be best to blow off steam so that he doesn't think about it - even in passing - while they share a classroom. Yussa does not worry about keeping his interests separate, but having an outlet will make it easier still.
Yussa breaks the kiss somewhat abruptly, but he still doesn't pull away very far. Enough to allow both of them to speak.
"Do you have anything else to add?"
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"Nein, no," he breathes urgently, eyes sliding open and growing darker as heat builds under his skin. "We have covered the important things."
Boldly, his hand slides down Yussa's back to cup his ass. Caleb's head tilts and his mouth wanders away from Yussa's for just long enough to tease his earlobe with his tongue, then a light scrape of teeth.
"Though I should ask what you are up for tonight," he concedes. Long, gracefully tapered arcanist's fingers follow the curve of his ass down until they can dip between his legs and rub lightly over his cunt through his dark trousers. "Are you sore from yesterday at all?"
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"Some, but I so no reason why that should stop us," he murmurs, voice heavier as he moves his hands. One tries to get beneath Caleb's sweater while the other slides over the front of Caleb's jeans, wondering if the conversation excited him. "I will tell you if anything is too much."
Of that Caleb can always be sure. Yussa lifts his head to guide Caleb into another kiss, this one more demanding as his tongue sweeps into his lover's mouth.
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