Note: I am not a real fanfic writer. I hope my humor isn't too obscure. There is authorial sarcasm.

On a day that the sun was thick, rolling over the earth and falling before me in filtered strips across my desk, I was tormented by its heavy warmth as I faced a chalk board and an old man I didn't understand. This was summer school, the last place I hoped to find myself during my break. They didn't like my grades last semester, ok, but did they think any of this would help? My grades have always proudly dipped and raised in accordance with my fancy. And this snoozefest was supposed to bring them up?

I guess I had three options: one, to repeat my second year; two, drop out, work a job; three, to pass this summer course through persuasion (e.g. be the teachers pet, slip them some cash(?), slick talk: "I promise I'll do my absolute best next year, so can we just get through the basic ideas and then go home?" or "Sir, you're just too handsome to be spending your summer here with only me! Don't you have a lover you want to spend time with? I won't say a word if we both go home now..." or even "Wow, sir, you're incredibly intelligent. I aspire to reach the heights of wisdom which you have obviously mastered. But to do that, I need to do my best in my last year! How about you just give me a few cheat sheets, test me, and then I'll be off to study for the upcoming year."). Those were decidedly my only options, since sitting here, by myself, in the heat (we were in one of the few old classrooms without AC), without sun, and with a teacher I couldn't even pay attention to by will, was not exactly going to allow for the "tough it out" method. I stood up. The old man actually noticed and turned to me.

"Yes, Nice?"

"Could I visit the lavatory, sir?"

"I did tell you to go during your last break. Well, I understand, though. We can't always control when nature calls," he finished by cracking a smile of yellow teeth.

"Thank you."

I sped out of there with the faint feeling that I wasn't planning to return, but I figured that wouldn't work out. As I walked toward the nearest bathroom, I observed the school in its most dignified state. The halls were soaked in the glow of the summer sun, the floors shined in relief of all the usual traffic, and silence was all to be heard across the building. Even the main office worked with quiet diligence. When I signed in, no one spoke a word.

(murmuring)

I heard a voice as I turned a corner and opened the bathroom door.

"...oh yes... quite well actually... are you sure about that?"

There's someone on the phone in a toilet stall? As I entered a stall of my own and did my business I heard "I have to go now. Thank you for calling. I look forward to seeing you." Really man? Talking that politely in a bathroom stall? I stepped out and started washing my hands, glancing to the side to see a very pale, light-haired guy about my height. He was young, but not a student? I didn't recognize him as a classmate or a teacher.

"Hello," I greeted as he stepped up to wash his hands. "What's your name? I haven't seen you at this school before."

He just looked at me for a second while drying his hands. Not until he disposed of his paper towel did he turn to me and smile. "I am a new teacher here starting this year. Art Hatfield, pleased to meet you." He extended his hand and asked, "And what is your name?"

"Oh! I didn't think I would be speaking to a teacher when I saw you. I'm Nice, a senior this year," I replied, only slightly upset that I was now shaking hands with a teacher in the bathroom. "Do you mind if I ask how old you are?"

"You're not a senior yet," came the voice of my summer school teacher, Mr. Tamahiro or something like that. He walked in with a strained expression and holding a phone to his ear. "Yes. I'll figure something out. Tell my wife I'm coming."

"Mr. Tamashiro-" Mr. Art was interrupted.

"Mr. Hatfield, are you here for the summer session?" Mr. Tamashiro* hurriedly inquired, throwing a glance at me as though I had done something wrong. "Can you take care of this student for the rest of the day?"

"Do you want me to teach a class?"

"If you can, yes. And Nice is the only student in summer school for this curriculum. The current lesson book is on my desk, along with a binder of notes, handouts, tests ...and Nice can tell you the rest," The old man patted Mr. Art on the shoulder and then confessed, "My wife has been in the hospital recently for minor issues, but apparently her condition has greatly deteriorated. I have to be there with her. Please."

Mr. Art Hatfield stood up very straight after hearing this, appearing moved possibly by either Mr. Tamashiro's circumstances or his passionate speech, and reassured him, "I've got it from here. You two have my blessings!"

Immediately Mr. Tamashiro bolted for the door yelling statements of gratitude and apology. I imagined I could make out the clunking of his rushed steps on the stairs until he reached the first floor. Mr. Art now turned to me with an air of seriousness as he said, "Please follow me." I did, and he led me to his office and collected some things before instructing me to show him the way to my designated classroom.

"Too bad, it's so cool down here," I complained. "And the room upstairs isn't even air conditioned."

"You have to be here during the summer, ha?" he smiled, almost condescendingly. "How did you find yourself in summer school?"

"I guess I got distracted," I sighed. "And how did you end up a teacher?" I looked him up and down carelessly. "You're not student teaching or something? Are you full time?"

"I am full time." He tilted his head and locked eyes with me, adding, "And I promise my age won't degrade your learning experience."

His voice was determined. This guy was either overly sincere or extremely tense. And then we entered the melting heat.

"Is there a fan in here we can use?" There was a hint of distress in Mr. Art's question.

"Not in here, maybe in the supply closet down the hall." The nut was wearing long sleeves! I sat expectantly atop a desk while he was over there popping his buttons, loosening his tie, rolling his sleeves, etc. "I'll go look for one," I announced as I hopped off the desk.

He instantly rose to assist me. We found a fan. I guess it helped. I sat for a long moment in silence as he poured over the material he was about to teach.

"Alright," he finally announced. "So you were looking at..."

There were a daunting two more hours left of class at that point, yet by the time he started getting deep into the lesson, I forgot all about my impatience. I listened carefully to the information he delivered unexpectedly throughout his engaging discourse. He was smart. I appreciated it. I wanted him to be my summer school instructor.

"What do you teach?" I asked once the lesson concluded.

Pulling hair behind his ear, Mr. Art looked up in surprise. "I can teach quite a few subjects, actually. And I was hired for math."

"Excellent," I put my hands together as I spoke, crossing the room toward him. "You're amazing. It's like you can really teach! You're the one I should be spending time with this summer... I think... if the school wants me to pass."

"Kfff-"

I think my last sentence made Art laugh? I'm funny!

Art looked at me sideways in amusement before closing his eyes to gain his composure. He sounded serious now, "So, you find it hard to learn unless the teaching... meets a certain standard?"

"In this place? There are flies in here louder than Mr. Tamashiro. And they're actually engaging because as their speed changes their pitch does too. I think his speech is monotone!"

"I doubt there's anything you could learn from me that you can't learn from him as well," Art replied so softly I nearly missed what he said. He rose, having gathered his belongings, and added more loudly, "I'm sure you're very bright yourself. You can make it. ...You are dismissed now. Have a good summer evening, Nice."

"I am." (I'm very bright, actually.) I went after him. "And where are you going, Art?"

"Ah, I'm still here. I don't get off for another hour. And you may address me as Mr. Hatfield."

"Oh?" I thought for a second about what I could do with my freedom for the day while smiling as politely as possible. "Can I see what you're doing?"

"For work?" He shook his head shortly. "It's all paperwork. I recommend you do something more enriching."

I followed him to his desk and confirmed that it was all indeed paperwork he was conducting. After five minutes I asked, " Do you live around here, or is the city as new as the job?"

(pluck, pluck, pluck, pluck, staple)

"You're so curious," He paused what he was doing and turned his chair to look straight at me."If you weren't a student I might be worried you... well even as a student that... worrisome..." his utterance grew indiscernible as he turned back to his work.

"Do you want to do something with me after this?" I might have crossed my fingers. "I can show you around if you are unfamiliar with this area."

Art coughed, appearing somehow concerned or displeased, focusing his attention on the papers before him. There he continued for the rest of the hour while I sat nearby texting Hajime. I informed her of the cool guy I had just met and of my plans to possibly ace summer school. After a while I think we were just texting in TV and videogame references. I was relieved when, at long last, Art rose before a neatly stacked pile of papers and distributed them into their designated folders and desk drawers. He subsequently donned his bag and headed for the door.

Again he smiled, prodding, "Isn't it time you should be getting home?"

"I don't have a curfew, if that's what your asking," I asserted in disapproval. Is he looking down on me?

"I am new to this area, but navigation is no big feat. I appreciate your offer, but I have something planned soon." He departed swiftly, but I caught up with him anyway.

"Well what do your plans involve?" I pressed on. "Can we talk on the way there?"

"We can if you want." Art's eyebrows were raised unenthusiastically as he released a silent sigh. I did see that my intrusion was causing him some sort of discomfort, but I didn't exactly have a reason to feel bad about it.

"Do you think Mr. Tamashiro will take leave? You know, to be by his wife's side?" My eyes shifted expectantly in Art's direction. "If he does, I guess they'll find someone else to take his place for my class, huh?"

"If her condition doesn't stabilize I'm sure he'll be with her until the end," Art's tone was strained. I figured. "There are plenty of teachers who can teach you, though. You want a new teacher right? You'll see who you get tomorrow."

We were approaching the gate to one of the school's pools. I watched as Art lifted a ring of keys to unlock it.

"Are you going in there?" I watched him expectantly as he entered and set down his bag.

"I'm allowed to swim here now," his answer was cold.

"Right, so you just like to come here by yourself and swim?"

"Excuse me." He brushed past me and escaped into the pool house, leaving me to answer my own questions.

Situating myself by the edge of the pool, I dipped a hand in to test the temperature. It felt incredibly warm. On most summer days it would be warm like this. This pool was a find! Apparently since it was smaller and designated for the use of teachers or some such, nobody knew about it, until now. If Art was a frequent visitor, maybe he would allow a student or two to enter under his supervision? With this in mind, I trotted in Art's direction. Inside the pool house I heard running water from the bathroom, so I waited outside until approaching footsteps brought him into view. He jumped slightly upon noticing me, and I was just as surprised by the youth exuding from his bright, exposed skin.

I must have stared too long because he promptly asked "What?" as he brandished a towel before his chest.

"Am I allowed to swim if you're here?" I tilted my head as I inquired, craving the warmth of the water in the back of my mind.

"You don't have a swimsuit. And there are none here-"

"Regardless, can I swim?" I spoke enthusiastically as to express my earnest intentions.

"This time, I suppose." His voice was reluctant but his face reflected some different emotion. "But I'm not yet acquainted with the school's policy so I'd appreciate if you don't get me in trouble."

As I stepped beneath the weight of the sun, I undressed to my briefs and hung my feet from the side of the pool. Across the water, Art stood beside the diving board stretching his lithe body. I realized how beautiful it was to see him as he positioned himself and dove into the pool. For someone like him to be a teacher, it was no shock that student-teacher scandals have occurred throughout history. Half the battle is lost when a teacher is hopelessly attractive. When the other half relies on the judgement of said young teacher, not to judge Art, but, people often identify better with those in their age group. When I looked at him, I felt that Art was much more of me than he was of his employers. He burst from the water with such exuberance. Then he witnessed me in my underwear and grew very still.

"You're not swimming in your underwear are you?" Fuck yeah I am.

I hopped into the water to prove my point and swam over to join him. "It feels so good!" I hummed. "Completely worth it."

"It is..." He immersed himself further. "Water is always relaxing, especially after a long day." He was sighing and swirling his limbs in the water and I floated around for a while just listening to the sound of his movements in the water.

"Art?" I was standing on the diving board as I demanded his attention, stretching my arms and silently taking pride in my body.

His eyes met mine, but then he averted his gaze without reply. I jumped in. Emerging for air, I met more silence and so proceeded with my inquiry.

"Why did you choose to teach?" I drifted nearer as I spoke.

"That's..." He spun in the water and stopped to face me. "Because I am adequate for the job as well as motivated to help others learn. And I think teacher's have vital jobs. To be a good teacher is to help create a better world."

I wasn't prepared for that. Of course he would describe his cause ethically. I kept a straight face and considered whether or not to mention my earlier opinion on his being a teacher. "And what would you do if your teaching yielded less positive results?" I grew closer and by the time we were inches apart I whispered by his ear, "What if you were to seduce a student?"

Art's violet eyes were wide as he digested my words and he shifted away from me as if in repulsion. "I would never do that," he retorted. "What are you trying to say?"

"No, no. I'm not suggesting anything about your intentions. I am simply observing your disposition." The heat in his face betrayed him. "You're going to be popular with the ladies of this school. And probably the guys, too."

"Well it's not my concern if it's one-sided. You don't have to warn me- I think I'll be able to teach without having inappropriate contact with my students." His jaw was tight but as he spoke his voice grew calmer.

"I think you're overlooking how strong people's feelings can really get." I wrapped my arms around his neck and assumed my most desperate expression, breathing onto his mouth, "'Sensei, I think I'm completely and undeniably in love with you! I'd do anything, so please...'" I looked up at him, and I was only mildly surprised that his face had assumed such a shade of red. "Things like that, are you prepared to face them?"

"I'm sorry, but I love someone else," he replied unexpectedly, pressing his hand hard against my chest to put distance between us. "Isn't that the best way to handle confessions?"

I stared at him in thought for a long moment. It was true that in the first few seconds I was processing his words, but after assessing his statement, I couldn't help but look at him harder. I wondered if he believed a word he was saying. He kept giving these fast, certain, idealistic answers that were making me question my own reason for asking them in the first place. Was this to be the rest of my life?

And then it struck me! I was still staring directly into his eyes. He was a teacher! There was a water droplet at the tip of his nose. He was talking down to me!? His lips parted, and I sensed another long, silent sigh. What were his real feelings and how were they affecting the answers he gave me? He broke eye contact much later than I thought he would, but as suspected, he did it at all, and with a snippy turn of his head, too. How much of his soul was still intact after learning to teach? He was swimming to the ladder opposite me now. Why do teacher's think they can properly work with students without being real people? He was leaving the pool-

"You're leaving?" I asked with one eyebrow raised as to show him that I've won. I didn't actually win anything, I felt nothing rewarding either, but if he believed there was something left for him to prove as an individual with pride and patience (values I guessed he might align with), I might have a better chance at getting through to him.

"Definitely."

Oh? Well there was one thing I believed he was honest about and that was his temper. Not that he had the shortest temper, but he was "definitely" more volatile when provoked than he would prefer to reveal. Alright, got it. Was he a moody character then? A gloomer in _'s clothing? Fair clothing with a purple wig? I was stretching in the sun now, and upon ascertaining Art's entrance into the pool house, I stripped, dried (with his towel), and started throwing my clothes on like it was the morning after because there were sporty teams in the fields beyond and those students could walk around a corner at any minute to find my naked butt staring at them from over here by a pool I wasn't supposed to be swimming in with a teacher I probably shouldn't be swimming with naked(?). It looked bad. Not that I feared peers checking me out or anything, I just didn't want to get in trouble with-

Footsteps behind me? My ass was just half way in my (uber tight) pants, but I didn't flinch when Art stepped up to my side, still in his swimsuit, and picked his towel up from the ground where I left it. He took one good look at me, junk and all, and then returned to the pool house in silence. His poker face in the moment was impressive, but I heard this strange sound as he disappeared... It was repressed laughter? Being laughed at, even for me, can occasionally be a difficult experience.

By the time I accomplished dressing myself, I was comfortably aware of the limitations of wearing my pants without underwear. Especially my pants. There was a faint smile struggling on my lips. I sat and hung my legs in the pool coming upon the sudden urge to just jump back in and take back the discomfort I previously inflicted on myself. I was thinking these thoughts while my eyes blinked listlessly at the school grounds beyond me. Movement drew my eye to a nearby tool shed where I spotted a thoroughly suspicious person clad in grey escaping toward the school from which they most likely came.

"You're still here?" I jumped at Art's sudden arrival. "Do you need me to take you home?"

I resisted the urge to joke. "Tell me, who am I supposed to think you are?"

"Excuse me?"

"Are you seriously planning on communicating with your students this way? I have only known you a day and I can tell you're not being real with me! Do you think creating unrealistic ideals for your students will make their lives easier? People learn from people. The experience of living is more valuable than the kind of living, you know?"

Chap 1 finito.