[pre-story]Hey there, squish here, with a new chapter in the Project Stud story, commissioned by the eternally patient Iceman77. I'm not sure what it was about this story, but it just flowed so beautifully from a writing perspective. Like, I never got stuck on a line, never agonized over a decision, I wrote average or above-average word counts each day I got to actually sit down and write... It was really, really satisfying to see it just pour forth from my keyboard like that. Anyways, you got a nice big ol' chapter to read, so enjoy!
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Chapter 2: The Confession
Jessica narrowed her eyes as she leaned forward, hands planted on the table, staring intensely down at the scroll before her, carefully inspecting each and every line of ink. Andrew hovered nearby, the hulking minotaur standing back and to the side, his hands folded behind his back as he chewed his lower lip anxiously. The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife, the usually-quiet workshop dead silent. Even ever-diligent Alexandra found her attention drawn away from the crystal she was infusing to await the verdict with baited breath.
Finally, the silence broke when Jessica let out a sigh, straightening up once again and turning on on her heel to face Andrew, brow furrowed. “Your air runes are still too rigid. You have to let the brush flow, you can’t write every element like you do earth…” She chided, then paused, her shoulders relaxing a fraction. “But... you’re getting much better. I know it’s hard to work against your affinity, and you’ve made a lot of progress.” She added, reassuringly, before turning back to the scroll and giving it one final look. “This will work, though it won’t last as long…” She muttered, suddenly grabbing the scroll and giving it back to Andrew. “Go set up the scribes, and then you’re dismissed for the evening.” She ordered.
Andrew’s face split into a grin as he visibly relaxed, wordlessly taking the scroll and spinning on a hoof, heading over to the scribing tables lined up against the wall. Jessica watched from afar as he laid carefully laid out the scroll on the first one, then blank scrolls on all the others. The corner of her mouth curled into a satisfied smirk. He really was making good progress, particularly since they’d come to their little ‘arrangement’, which she was also pleased to note, didn’t seem to diminish her authority in his eyes. Her gaze lingered on him, slowly drifting down until she realized she was ogling his tight butt through his trousers and abruptly spun back around, tearing her gaze away. Her eyes fell upon Alex, the ashen-skinned dark elf’s own gaze swiftly pulling away from Andrew as well, only to meet her teacher’s. Her eyes widened in a moment of panic, and she swiftly spun around in her seat, suddenly completely focused on her infusion. Jessica smirked once more, striding across the workshop to stand just behind her elven pupil.
“See something more interesting than your assignment? Jessica asked, a teasing lilt to her voice, leaning over the girl’s shoulder.
Alex stiffened, then slumped a bit in her seat as she realized she was well and truly caught. “I’m sorry, Miss Springs, I got distracted…” She tried to explain.
Jessica straightened up, shaking her head and holding up a hand to cut her off. “You’re not in trouble, Alexandra. You’re free to work at your own pace, as long as your assignment gets done.” She explained, pausing for a moment, a look of concern flickering across her face. “...But if there’s something distracting you, it would be wise to address it.”
“I’m all finished with the quills, Miss Springs!” Andrew called from across the workshop, drawing a glance from both girls as he headed for the door. Behind him, the scribing tables were already busy, six floating brushes moving in unison, tracing the lines of his completed scroll onto blank sheets. “I’m heading out!” He added, giving a small wave as he ducked his horns through the doorframe, disappearing out the door with surprising speed, considering his bulk.
Alex stared at the empty doorframe for a moment, her hand slowly sinking back down after waving goodbye. She glanced up at Jessica, then sighed, looking down again. “...Can I ask you something?”
Jessica arched an eyebrow, curious. “Of course.”
Alex looked up again, meeting her teacher’s eyes. “What did you do to Drew?”
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