Chapter 1: I want to lick the science
Alfred sighed dreamily, leaning forward on his desk. There, next to their chemistry teacher, was Ivan Braginsky, professor Munch's junior assistant. Ever since he'd first entered the classroom, Alfred had fallen for him. Hard. He wanted to tussle up those snowy platinum locks, drown in those pools of violet, slowly undress him and reveal more marble skin, "Alfred," he wanted to kiss him breathless, tickle his feet, lick his cheek —
"Alfred!"
He shot up, startled. His best friend Kiku sat next to him, eyebrow cocked and arms crossed before his chest. Alfred slowly let his gaze wander back to the front of the class. Everyone was staring at him, including the professor (but with pain in his heart he noticed, not including Ivan, who was still immersed in the experiment).
"Ah, so mister Jones has finally decided to re-join us," professor Munch dryly commented, making Alfred frown. It wasn't like he was a bad student—on the contrary. He excelled at the classes that truly interested him, and scored above average on everything else. Studying had never been difficult to the boy, being gifted with eidetic memory and all that jazz. Professor Munch seemed to think otherwise (despite knowing his name which clearly meant he was famous among the teaching staff).
"Now then, let us continue without any further interruptions. We still have an experiment to conduct!"
Ivan had already finished the preparations, and now took a step back so the prof could explain what he was about to do. Alfred only had eyes for the assistant though. Watching Ivan watching professor Munch with hooded eyes, an expression that oozed disinterest. But Alfred knew it was to change soon, and waited with beating heart. And right then, when the liquid in the test tube boiled up to create a dense foam, Ivan's eyes lit up like the Fourth of July, sparked oh so beautifully at knowing the experiment was a success, and Alfred fell for him all over again.
The love-struck young adult slumped over his desk, holding back a small moan as he drank in that focused expression, eyes smouldering before snapping away from the test tube once all interesting effects had faded away. Alfred wished with all his heart Ivan would look at him that way, as if he was the most fascinating object of desire, wanted to be handled with care and—
"Alfred, class is over."
He pouted as Kiku poked incessantly at his shoulder. "Geesh Keeks, let a man dream for a little while."
Kiku looked at Ivan, who was currently putting away equipment while Munch answered a student's question, and then back at Alfred, still sprawled over his desk like a content kitty. "You have issues."
Alfred sighed pathetically and got up once Ivan left the room, there being no point left in staying here. Kiku wanted to leave to, since he still had a class after this, while Alfred had the rest of the day off. Before he could leave though, the professor beckoned for him to come closer. Alfred groaned, already knowing what storm was hanging over his head.
"I swear I was paying attention."
"You didn't look like you were," Munch replied, giving him a look that left no room for protest. "Alfred, I know you're a smart kid, but if you don't come to my classes to pay attention, please, just don't come at all. You're bothering the others with your constant sighing and whining."
Alfred felt his cheeks flare. Had he really let out all those sounds he thought had been held back or perfectly disguised by coughs?
"You excel in science classes. We all know you love chemistry. So why doesn't it show in your behaviour?"
"I do love it Harold—" "It's still professor Munch for you." "Yeah, yeah, sure mister M, what I'm saying is that I do love it, but I've already seen and/or done most of this stuff. When are we getting to the really interesting bits?"
"Look, it isn't my fault I have a curriculum to follow," Munch sighed, stuffing his laptop into his bag, "but every student deserves to learn about these subjects. I know you're far ahead of most others, but you still have to do your best. Maybe, if you truly think this is all so easy, you could try helping out next time? I'm sure Bragomsky—" "Braginsky, sir." "Yes, him—I'm sure he wouldn't mind having a partner. Or maybe someone to take some work-load off of him, as he also helps me correct essays and exams all the time. Go talk to him, you might like him. I certainly wouldn't mind the extra help. And don't worry Jones, more difficult subject matter will come further along your educational career."
Alfred stood frozen as professor Munch exited the classroom. He and Kiku were the only two left in there now, his friend having overheard the entire conversation.
"Alfred, I do not think you should—"
"No freakin' way," Alfred breathed, a huge grin slowly making its way onto his face. "No freakin' way! Keeks, did you hear that?"
"Loud and clear," Kiku groaned, rolling his eyes. Now Alfred's obsession was only going to grow. Grow and grow and grow, evolve into some monstrous infestation.
Alfred jumped in ecstasy and fist-pumped the air.
"CAN I GET A HELL YEAH?!"
