school: molly

[shaft]

Comments

[headmt]

I could, I suppose. You think there's anything worth learning here?

[shaft]

In class? I'm doubtful, but I haven't tried the physics class. [ way too much homework ] They might be useful in terms of socialising.

The dorm heads seem very insistent that we get to know each other.

[headmt]

Very insistent, considering they seem to know all about us already.

[His profile . . . . . . the doxxing of his two-year-old-ness.]

So, let's get to know each other. Pretend I've never seen your profile. What's your name?

[shaft]

You may call me Prince Levine Astelo, Heir to the throne of Marquet.

[ He grins, teasing. ]

[headmt]

Oh - Your majesty! Absolutely charmed to finally meet you!

[He twists to turn and give a little bow with a dramatic arm flourish. While still sitting down with his feet in the pool.]

You'll forgive the brief borrowing of your identity, but it was an emergency situation. I'm sure you understand.

[shaft]

Was it now?

[ Claude kicks his feet slightly in the pool, the water splashing as he watches Molly with an amused smile. ]

Explain how, and I'll see how forgiving I feel.

[headmt]

Everyone was being a nosy customer and I want to flick them in the face a little. As a lover of flicking a good busybody in the face, you'd surely agree with me on this.

Also, it was funny.

[shaft]

Hmm, I suppose that's a satisfactory explanation! You are pardoned.

Then, what is your real name?

[headmt]

A somewhat loaded question.

[Now he's just playing coy on purpose.]

Mollymauk Tealeaf. Molly to my friends.

[shaft]

I'll treasure this knowledge, Mollymauk.

[ He makes a show at holding a hand to his heart. ]

You can ask me one question in return.

[headmt]

[Wow . . . the prince is so generous.]

Sure. How far are you [putting on a snooty school voice.] willing to go to reach your goal?

[It doesn't seem like he's expecting a serious answer.]

[shaft]

[ That's good, because he's not going to get one when Claude smiles and says, ] To hell and back.

[headmt]

At least you're planning to head back from hell. Got to have goals.

[That seems good enough to him!]

[shaft]

Of course, I'm not noble enough to sacrifice myself and rot in hell while everyone else has a good time.

[ He lies back against the floor, not minding the way the back of his shirt gets wet. ]

I think that sort of thing deserves a vacation, don't you?

[headmt]

[Nodding along, nodding along. That all seems very reasonable to him.]

Going to hell and back? I should think so. You think this is your vacation?