C-Mage: Konnichiwa, minna-san! *waves at readers* How do you like it so far? I hope that we can post new chapters at regular intervals.... Here's chapter two! Yay! ^.^'
T.Anjel: Thanks for the reviews~! They were great!!!!! This fic will be one of slow progress so please don't be expecting anything drastic anytime soon. We're getting to the good parts! Patience is a virtue!
Disclaimer: CCS does not belong to us. Imagine that....
Summary: As a strict teacher, Li Syaoran always had it his way or no way. But with his newly assigned student teacher in the picture, the school year won't be as neat and perfect as he planned. The same goes for his life.
~*~Learn To Love Me - Chapter 2 - Syaoran's New Student Teacher~*~
After I dismissed Kinomoto and gave her my standard curriculum book, I returned to my desk to continue work on my notes. The next two class periods would be blissfully quiet, and I would be able to work on in peace.
Or, so I had thought. About five minutes into fourth period, Kinomoto creaked the door open and peered in, green eyes nervously traveling up to my desk. I glared at her for invading my privacy, and she gulped as she stepped into the room.
Her worn-out backpack, sloppy ponytail, and dark suit looked odd and disorganized to my critical eye, and I scowled at her again for it. I had a dislike for student teachers, especially obstinate ones.
She stepped up to my desk, and I heard the slight squeak of tennis shoes, almost prompting a smile from my stern lips. She cleared her throat feebly, then spoke. "Mr. Li," she started, accent scarcely noticeable, "I'd like to discuss some things with you. About the curriculum...."
I stared at her pointedly. "I gave you the book, Ms. Kinomoto, as I do with each of my student teachers. I expect you to read that book, then address any questions about it to me, understood?"
"Yes," she responded, then continued. "However, I'd much rather have you explain your curriculum to me personally, not through an impersonal book. I do have some questions I'd like answered."
"Have you read the book?" I asked, full well knowing her impending answer.
"No." Her eyes flickered, but she forged on steadily. "But I'd like to know just what exactly you'll be teaching this year from the textbook, and what chapter I'll be assigned to teach to the classes. It would also be helpful to know when I'll be teaching the chapter, so that I could have sufficient time to prepare myself." She looked me straight on, clearly expecting me to give in. This, however, only served to annoy me further.
"Look, Ms. Kinomoto, you have already wasted" - I glanced at my watch - "fifteen minutes of my valuable time. I have already stated that I will not answer your questions until after you read the book, and will not do so again. Now, if you will excuse me, I have more important things to take care of," I pronounced, looking pointedly at the stack of papers upon my desk.
She looked taken aback for a second, then nodded briskly and marched out of the room, one hand clutching a backpack strap. I watched her leave; then, once again, I returned to my desk to continue with my papers and notes.
I was relieved at her departure, yet vaguely disappointed. I didn't interact much with others, and the discussion, heated as it was, had been interesting. It disgruntled me that she had given up without much of an argument - I had thought higher of her persistence. Perhaps my previous judgment had been a fluke.
Thankfully, I had no more interruptions until the beginning of fifth period, when students started to once more trickle in. I put aside my papers and took out my notes for the period, gazing over them earnestly for a few seconds.
By the time the tardy bell rang, all of the students were in their seats, but Kinomoto wasn't present. After waiting a bit impatiently for a short amount of time, students shifting in their seats, the door flung open, and Kinomoto burst in, looking harassed.
"Mr. Li, I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, pausing at the door to bow profusely. Apparently she had forgotten that she wasn't in Japan for a moment. She rambled on with her explanation, saying that she had gotten lost on her way from the school library.
"Ms. Kinomoto, I suggest that you learn your way around this building soon," I said coolly, eyes hardening. "To be late to a class is to set a bad example for the students, which must never happen. Now, please take your seat, and we may begin."
Kinomoto nodded jerkily and hurried over to an empty desk in the corner - I had reclaimed my chair - and pulled out her notebook and pen in her annoyingly hurried manner. She smoothed her skirt, brushed loose hair out of her face, and turned to face me, barely smiling, appearing to be ready to take notes once more.
The class continued on smoothly as I gave my usual speech, explaining grading procedures, what I expected of the class, etc. As soon as the bell rang, the students jumped up from their seats, chattering away as they filed out of the room to the cafeteria for lunch or heading off to their next class.
Kinomoto stood up awkwardly and looked around, evidently wondering what to do. I started to gather together my papers and answered the unspoken question without looking at her. "This is my lunch period, Ms. Kinomoto. I suppose I'll be seeing you next period."
I briefly looked up to see if she was still confused, but didn't see her. Offended that she had left, I picked up my papers and exited the room, locking the door safely behind me. I had just gotten to the end of the hall, and was turning into the hallway that would lead me outdoor school grounds, when I heard a voice calling out to me.
"Li-kun," said a familiar voice. I looked up to find its owner and saw Hiiragizawa-san. The dark-haired man was not only the youngest principal I had ever met, but also the strangest.
"Hai, Hiiragizawa-san?" I asked, slipping into Japanese. It was his preferred language, so I spoke it in his vicinity. Daidouji and Kinomoto were also fluent speakers, so I'd heard.
"I have a request, actually," he said, pleasantly enough. "Would you mind joining me for lunch in the teachers' lounge? You hardly ever take the opportunity to mingle with the others, and I have a few things to talk over with you." He smiled eerily; his mouth curved properly, but his eyes stayed the same, glimmering steadily. I automatically felt uncomfortable by his unflinching gaze. What was that man up to?
"Of course," I replied skeptically.
"Aa, good. Now, I'd like to stop by the cafeteria briefly...." He smiled again, and it was just as creepy as the previous one. Obligingly, I turned around and headed to the cafeteria with Hiiragizawa-san. He liked to eat the same food as his students, claiming that it gave them a stronger bond. Secretly, I thought that he just ate the school lunch to save money, but I would never tell him such a thing.
When at last we reached the teachers' lounge, Hiiragizawa-san's tray full of cafeteria food, there were already two occupants: the dark-haired Daidouji and the lighter-haired Kinomoto, happily eating away at their lunches. Hiiragizawa-san, of course, just waltzed right on in and sat down next to Daidouji, greeting the duo cheerfully. "Konnichiwa, Tomoyo-san, Kinomoto-san. Ogenki desu ka?"
"Genki desu," replied Daidouji, smiling at her boyfriend.
"Good. And, are you the same?" he asked, facing Kinomoto.
"Hai," she responded, much more lively now that she was speaking her native tongue and around her second cousin.
Hiiragizawa-san inclined his head at her, then turned to face me. "Li-kun, please sit down," he suggested, gesturing to the empty seats at the table. Returning to the women as I sat down at the far end of the table, he said, "I finally convinced him to come and eat lunch with the rest of us. Much better than his normal, ne, Tomoyo-san?"
Daidouji nodded, eyes lighting up, and answered, "Hai." Seeing the confused look on Kinomoto's face, she explained. "Li-san is normally found up in the large tree outside during lunch. Eriol-san's been trying to get him to eat in the teachers' lounge since Li-san started here." Kinomoto giggled at this, and I could feel my face slightly heating up.
"Li-kun," said Hiiragizawa-san, "why don't you sit closer to us? You can't expect us to have a conversation with you down at the other end of the table. There's a lovely seat next to Kinomoto-san, if I'm not mistaken." His eyes glinted again, and I moved down a few seats to sit next to Kinomoto, who smiled at me with a childlike innocence.
"Now," started Daidouji, violet eyes alight, "why don't we begin our meal, now that everyone is seated together?" Hiiragizawa nodded his agreement, and the three all chorused, "Itadakimasu."
Daidouji, Kinomoto, and Hiiragizawa-san all began talking to each other, and I just sat there, eating my bento and drinking in their light-hearted conversation. For once, I almost felt as if I belonged, yet still as if I didn't. Eventually, their talk went to after school clubs, and I was forced to join in.
"I do think that a photography club would be wonderful, Tomoyo-san, but I was actually thinking about a self-defense club.... It would do the students some good to know how to defend themselves. What do you think of leading it, Li-kun?" Hiiragizawa-san asked me, and all three heads turned to face me.
"Well," I began, thinking it over quickly, "it certainly would be good for students to have some training, provided they had equipment. I wouldn't mind teaching, either, if it doesn't take up too much of my time."
"Good," stated Daidouji. She then turned to Kinomoto and asked, "And you, Sakura-chan, would you mind helping out, as well? You had some training yourself when you were younger, and I heard that you were quite good at it."
Kinomoto flushed before replying. "I don't think I've had near enough training to teach yet, Tomoyo-san. I hardly remember what I learned, anyway." I glanced over towards Kinomoto, not being able to picture her fighting or doing anything violent in any way.
"Oh, that's fine, Kinomoto-san," reassured Hiiragizawa-san. "Li-kun has been training in fighting techniques since before he could walk - I'm sure he wouldn't mind taking some time out of his schedule to help polish your moves. Right, Li-kun?"
"H-hai," I said, knowing that I should follow what the principal requested of me. It couldn't be that bad, right?
"And you, Kinomoto-san, you'll train with Li-kun?"
"H...hai...," came her reply. "But only," she added, "if it wouldn't be any trouble for Li-san." She looked at me as she said that, emerald eyes wary of every move I made.
Before I had the time to respond, however, Hiiragizawa-san cut me off. "Of course he wouldn't mind! He lives to teach, after all." I could have sworn that he winked at me from behind his glasses after that statement. He quickly glanced at his watch, then looked up at us. "I hate to break this up, but it's nearing time for sixth period, and you should all probably go if you're to make it to class on time." Kinomoto and I nodded and set about collecting our things, and I headed out the door, barely hearing Hiiragizawa-san's "Sayonara."
After I reached my room, I unlocked the door and placed my bag at my desk. Kinomoto entered, flicking on the lights and retreating to the back of the room. There were still a few minutes until students would start to come in, so I sat down at my desk to wait.
"Um...Mr. Li," began Kinomoto, going straight back into English. "About the self-defense club."
"Yes?" I replied, gazing at her sharply.
"Well, about you helping me polish up my training…could we set up a certain time to do it?" She looked at me from by her desk, emerald eyes beseeching.
"All right," I conceded. "I'm free after school today at five. Meet me in the school gym with suitable clothing. I'll bring equipment." She nodded. "Don't be late, though, because I'm a very busy man." My answer baffled me. I never gave into such petty requests so easily.
"I won't be," she said, right before the first group of students entered.
After that, I was busy telling the next class all that they'd need to know. Never mind that they didn't pay attention; I was required to lay it on them the first day of school. I'd repeated my spiel so often that I could probably say it in my sleep. Halfway through, though, I was interrupted.
"And so, you'll -" I paused as I saw a hand raise into the air. "Yes?"
"Mr. Li, could I please go to my locker? I need my coat...." The student's eyes were pleading. My eyes narrowed.
"No, you may not. I expect you to come to class every day prepared, as you would know if you had bothered to pay attention to my regulations and everything else I've been discussing for the past twenty minutes. If you forgot your coat, that is your own problem. Deal with it." I abruptly continued on with my speech, as miscellaneous students glared at me from their seats, angry that I had been so rude to one of their own. The student I had been talking to huddled down in his seat and sulked for the remainder of the class period. Kinomoto, herself, was confused by my snappy response, and I made no motion to clear give her a reason for it.
At the end of that period, Kinomoto stood up and walked to my desk. I could've only imagined what she would say to me about this time. Looking at her, I inquired, "Yes, Ms. Kinomoto?"
"Mr. Li, why wouldn't you let that student go to his locker?" she asked, sounding passive as she asked her question.
"Because he didn't come to class prepared. If he isn't prepared, then he shouldn't come."
"What if he was cold? He couldn't have known that the classroom would be cold enough that he would need a coat, could he? What if he had gotten sick?"
"No, he couldn't have, but he could have at least had the foresight to think of the possibility." I glared at her, and then said, "Now, please stop telling me how to teach my class and discipline my students. It's almost time for seventh period to start, and I don't want to be debased in front of another class."
"I may not have the right authority to tell you how to discipline your students, Mr. Li, but sometimes reason comes before training your kids like they're an army in a history class," she said, speaking her words with a true passion. Without waiting for my stuttered response, which I'm glad she didn't hear, she turned around and went back to her desk. She brought out her notebook once more, for note taking. I noted, though, that she hadn't written anything on it since first period, with exception to the coat incident in the previous period.
Eventually, after seventh period, it was eighth period, our scheduled seminar time. Students once more poured in, but this time my speech was different, and Kinomoto had more notes to take. I spelled out that I expected them to study and do their homework during this hour, visiting other teachers if need be. If they weren't working, they were to be reading, bettering their minds further. Absolutely no notes, sleeping, music, or food would be allowed. They would be graded on how much they studied instead of with assignments, as there weren't any in seminar classes.
I ignored the evident mumbling under the breaths of students and the rolling of eyes at my strict policies and rules.
The bell rang for the end of class for the day, and the students left, hefting backpacks and talking loudly of what they would do when they got home. I sat at my desk and quickly scribbled some notes down about this class, then stood up to bid Kinomoto farewell. She was standing by the door, watching me.
"Gym, five o'clock, appropriate clothing," I stated, looking at her. "And, remember - don't be late." She gave a small smile, then left the door, presumably to hook up with Daidouji and head home.
Going back to my desk, I gathered together my notes, ready to head to the office. I slung my bag over my shoulder and left, locking the door after me. Then I turned and went down the hall to the office.
You see, Hiiragizawa-san had an odd practice on the first day of school. He asked teachers to take notes on the classes, noting who appeared to be troublemakers, who seemed interested, and the general feeling of the classes. Teachers dropped these off in the office in a special box at the end of the first day, and that's where I was headed. Of course, my notes weren't the most optimistic ever, if I even wrote anything in there at all.
As I entered the office, I nodded to the secretary, who smiled up at me. I went over to the box, located right outside Hiiragizawa-san's door, and paused. The door was open a crack, and I could hear voices faintly.
"Please, Mr. Hiiragizawa, you have to do something!" exclaimed a voice I easily identified. It was none other than the student who had asked to get his coat during my sixth period, complaining to the principal himself.
"And, why is that?" asked Hiiragizawa-san politely.
"Because! During my history class, I asked Mr. Li if I could get my coat from my locker - raising my hand and everything - and he said no! I could have frozen to death!"
Hiiragizawa-san chuckled slightly. "Well, I don't know if you would have frozen, but I imagine you would have been uncomfortable. Go on."
"Also, I heard that during first period he almost made a student sit on the floor! Just because they were a little late! I mean, it's only the first day...."
"Why did the student have to sit on the floor?" asked Hiiragizawa-san.
"It was because the student teacher - Ms. Kinomoto, I think her name was -"
"That is correct," said Hiiragizawa-san. "Continue, please."
"Anyway, the new student teacher said that he shouldn't let the kid sit on the floor, and that it was cruel. So, she made to sit on the floor instead, giving up her desk, and Mr. Li had to give up his desk chair so that she could sit on it."
"Ah," mused Hiiragizawa-san. "Thank you for coming to me. This matter shall be dealt with as soon as possible...." He sounded amused, oddly enough, that a student should come and complain about one of his teachers. Honestly, to my ears, it sounded too amused. "Now, hurry along. You might miss the buses."
Taking this as a cue, I shoved my notes into the box and quickly left the office, thinking that the secretary had been giggling at me. I quickly pushed these thoughts out of my head and set out for my car.
Upon reaching my car, I unlocked it and drove to my house, getting together the supplies I would need for a practice session with Kinomoto. I couldn't believe I was actually going to help that dense woman train. Various items of importance, such as mats, blocks, and guards, along with a set of clothing. After I stuck them all in my car, I drove back to the school and parked near the gym entrance.
Entering the gym was simple, as I used it nearly every morning during the school year for training. I had my own key for convenience's sake, and unlocked the side door. Dropping my supplies off in the main gym, I went into the males' locker room, which I unlocked, and changed into my clothes. Then I arranged the mats and supplies in the gym and sat down to wait for Kinomoto.
Just before the clock struck five o'clock, and just as I was thinking that Kinomoto would be late again, the side door creaked open and Kinomoto entered, hair braided back, wearing old clothing suitable for training. She looked nervous, and with good reason.
Standing up, I said, "Good - you showed up. Now, let's begin."
TBC.
C-Mage: Arigatou for reading! R&R, please! We've only 14 reviews! How do you like the idea of Sakura and Syaoran training together? ^.~
T.Anjel: You finished the chapter! Congrats! How about you leave a little review to criticize or whatnot? It'll make me smile whether the review's good or bad~ ^^ Thanks a bunch for reading! Ciao!
T.Anjel: Thanks for the reviews~! They were great!!!!! This fic will be one of slow progress so please don't be expecting anything drastic anytime soon. We're getting to the good parts! Patience is a virtue!
Disclaimer: CCS does not belong to us. Imagine that....
Summary: As a strict teacher, Li Syaoran always had it his way or no way. But with his newly assigned student teacher in the picture, the school year won't be as neat and perfect as he planned. The same goes for his life.
~*~Learn To Love Me - Chapter 2 - Syaoran's New Student Teacher~*~
After I dismissed Kinomoto and gave her my standard curriculum book, I returned to my desk to continue work on my notes. The next two class periods would be blissfully quiet, and I would be able to work on in peace.
Or, so I had thought. About five minutes into fourth period, Kinomoto creaked the door open and peered in, green eyes nervously traveling up to my desk. I glared at her for invading my privacy, and she gulped as she stepped into the room.
Her worn-out backpack, sloppy ponytail, and dark suit looked odd and disorganized to my critical eye, and I scowled at her again for it. I had a dislike for student teachers, especially obstinate ones.
She stepped up to my desk, and I heard the slight squeak of tennis shoes, almost prompting a smile from my stern lips. She cleared her throat feebly, then spoke. "Mr. Li," she started, accent scarcely noticeable, "I'd like to discuss some things with you. About the curriculum...."
I stared at her pointedly. "I gave you the book, Ms. Kinomoto, as I do with each of my student teachers. I expect you to read that book, then address any questions about it to me, understood?"
"Yes," she responded, then continued. "However, I'd much rather have you explain your curriculum to me personally, not through an impersonal book. I do have some questions I'd like answered."
"Have you read the book?" I asked, full well knowing her impending answer.
"No." Her eyes flickered, but she forged on steadily. "But I'd like to know just what exactly you'll be teaching this year from the textbook, and what chapter I'll be assigned to teach to the classes. It would also be helpful to know when I'll be teaching the chapter, so that I could have sufficient time to prepare myself." She looked me straight on, clearly expecting me to give in. This, however, only served to annoy me further.
"Look, Ms. Kinomoto, you have already wasted" - I glanced at my watch - "fifteen minutes of my valuable time. I have already stated that I will not answer your questions until after you read the book, and will not do so again. Now, if you will excuse me, I have more important things to take care of," I pronounced, looking pointedly at the stack of papers upon my desk.
She looked taken aback for a second, then nodded briskly and marched out of the room, one hand clutching a backpack strap. I watched her leave; then, once again, I returned to my desk to continue with my papers and notes.
I was relieved at her departure, yet vaguely disappointed. I didn't interact much with others, and the discussion, heated as it was, had been interesting. It disgruntled me that she had given up without much of an argument - I had thought higher of her persistence. Perhaps my previous judgment had been a fluke.
Thankfully, I had no more interruptions until the beginning of fifth period, when students started to once more trickle in. I put aside my papers and took out my notes for the period, gazing over them earnestly for a few seconds.
By the time the tardy bell rang, all of the students were in their seats, but Kinomoto wasn't present. After waiting a bit impatiently for a short amount of time, students shifting in their seats, the door flung open, and Kinomoto burst in, looking harassed.
"Mr. Li, I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, pausing at the door to bow profusely. Apparently she had forgotten that she wasn't in Japan for a moment. She rambled on with her explanation, saying that she had gotten lost on her way from the school library.
"Ms. Kinomoto, I suggest that you learn your way around this building soon," I said coolly, eyes hardening. "To be late to a class is to set a bad example for the students, which must never happen. Now, please take your seat, and we may begin."
Kinomoto nodded jerkily and hurried over to an empty desk in the corner - I had reclaimed my chair - and pulled out her notebook and pen in her annoyingly hurried manner. She smoothed her skirt, brushed loose hair out of her face, and turned to face me, barely smiling, appearing to be ready to take notes once more.
The class continued on smoothly as I gave my usual speech, explaining grading procedures, what I expected of the class, etc. As soon as the bell rang, the students jumped up from their seats, chattering away as they filed out of the room to the cafeteria for lunch or heading off to their next class.
Kinomoto stood up awkwardly and looked around, evidently wondering what to do. I started to gather together my papers and answered the unspoken question without looking at her. "This is my lunch period, Ms. Kinomoto. I suppose I'll be seeing you next period."
I briefly looked up to see if she was still confused, but didn't see her. Offended that she had left, I picked up my papers and exited the room, locking the door safely behind me. I had just gotten to the end of the hall, and was turning into the hallway that would lead me outdoor school grounds, when I heard a voice calling out to me.
"Li-kun," said a familiar voice. I looked up to find its owner and saw Hiiragizawa-san. The dark-haired man was not only the youngest principal I had ever met, but also the strangest.
"Hai, Hiiragizawa-san?" I asked, slipping into Japanese. It was his preferred language, so I spoke it in his vicinity. Daidouji and Kinomoto were also fluent speakers, so I'd heard.
"I have a request, actually," he said, pleasantly enough. "Would you mind joining me for lunch in the teachers' lounge? You hardly ever take the opportunity to mingle with the others, and I have a few things to talk over with you." He smiled eerily; his mouth curved properly, but his eyes stayed the same, glimmering steadily. I automatically felt uncomfortable by his unflinching gaze. What was that man up to?
"Of course," I replied skeptically.
"Aa, good. Now, I'd like to stop by the cafeteria briefly...." He smiled again, and it was just as creepy as the previous one. Obligingly, I turned around and headed to the cafeteria with Hiiragizawa-san. He liked to eat the same food as his students, claiming that it gave them a stronger bond. Secretly, I thought that he just ate the school lunch to save money, but I would never tell him such a thing.
When at last we reached the teachers' lounge, Hiiragizawa-san's tray full of cafeteria food, there were already two occupants: the dark-haired Daidouji and the lighter-haired Kinomoto, happily eating away at their lunches. Hiiragizawa-san, of course, just waltzed right on in and sat down next to Daidouji, greeting the duo cheerfully. "Konnichiwa, Tomoyo-san, Kinomoto-san. Ogenki desu ka?"
"Genki desu," replied Daidouji, smiling at her boyfriend.
"Good. And, are you the same?" he asked, facing Kinomoto.
"Hai," she responded, much more lively now that she was speaking her native tongue and around her second cousin.
Hiiragizawa-san inclined his head at her, then turned to face me. "Li-kun, please sit down," he suggested, gesturing to the empty seats at the table. Returning to the women as I sat down at the far end of the table, he said, "I finally convinced him to come and eat lunch with the rest of us. Much better than his normal, ne, Tomoyo-san?"
Daidouji nodded, eyes lighting up, and answered, "Hai." Seeing the confused look on Kinomoto's face, she explained. "Li-san is normally found up in the large tree outside during lunch. Eriol-san's been trying to get him to eat in the teachers' lounge since Li-san started here." Kinomoto giggled at this, and I could feel my face slightly heating up.
"Li-kun," said Hiiragizawa-san, "why don't you sit closer to us? You can't expect us to have a conversation with you down at the other end of the table. There's a lovely seat next to Kinomoto-san, if I'm not mistaken." His eyes glinted again, and I moved down a few seats to sit next to Kinomoto, who smiled at me with a childlike innocence.
"Now," started Daidouji, violet eyes alight, "why don't we begin our meal, now that everyone is seated together?" Hiiragizawa nodded his agreement, and the three all chorused, "Itadakimasu."
Daidouji, Kinomoto, and Hiiragizawa-san all began talking to each other, and I just sat there, eating my bento and drinking in their light-hearted conversation. For once, I almost felt as if I belonged, yet still as if I didn't. Eventually, their talk went to after school clubs, and I was forced to join in.
"I do think that a photography club would be wonderful, Tomoyo-san, but I was actually thinking about a self-defense club.... It would do the students some good to know how to defend themselves. What do you think of leading it, Li-kun?" Hiiragizawa-san asked me, and all three heads turned to face me.
"Well," I began, thinking it over quickly, "it certainly would be good for students to have some training, provided they had equipment. I wouldn't mind teaching, either, if it doesn't take up too much of my time."
"Good," stated Daidouji. She then turned to Kinomoto and asked, "And you, Sakura-chan, would you mind helping out, as well? You had some training yourself when you were younger, and I heard that you were quite good at it."
Kinomoto flushed before replying. "I don't think I've had near enough training to teach yet, Tomoyo-san. I hardly remember what I learned, anyway." I glanced over towards Kinomoto, not being able to picture her fighting or doing anything violent in any way.
"Oh, that's fine, Kinomoto-san," reassured Hiiragizawa-san. "Li-kun has been training in fighting techniques since before he could walk - I'm sure he wouldn't mind taking some time out of his schedule to help polish your moves. Right, Li-kun?"
"H-hai," I said, knowing that I should follow what the principal requested of me. It couldn't be that bad, right?
"And you, Kinomoto-san, you'll train with Li-kun?"
"H...hai...," came her reply. "But only," she added, "if it wouldn't be any trouble for Li-san." She looked at me as she said that, emerald eyes wary of every move I made.
Before I had the time to respond, however, Hiiragizawa-san cut me off. "Of course he wouldn't mind! He lives to teach, after all." I could have sworn that he winked at me from behind his glasses after that statement. He quickly glanced at his watch, then looked up at us. "I hate to break this up, but it's nearing time for sixth period, and you should all probably go if you're to make it to class on time." Kinomoto and I nodded and set about collecting our things, and I headed out the door, barely hearing Hiiragizawa-san's "Sayonara."
After I reached my room, I unlocked the door and placed my bag at my desk. Kinomoto entered, flicking on the lights and retreating to the back of the room. There were still a few minutes until students would start to come in, so I sat down at my desk to wait.
"Um...Mr. Li," began Kinomoto, going straight back into English. "About the self-defense club."
"Yes?" I replied, gazing at her sharply.
"Well, about you helping me polish up my training…could we set up a certain time to do it?" She looked at me from by her desk, emerald eyes beseeching.
"All right," I conceded. "I'm free after school today at five. Meet me in the school gym with suitable clothing. I'll bring equipment." She nodded. "Don't be late, though, because I'm a very busy man." My answer baffled me. I never gave into such petty requests so easily.
"I won't be," she said, right before the first group of students entered.
After that, I was busy telling the next class all that they'd need to know. Never mind that they didn't pay attention; I was required to lay it on them the first day of school. I'd repeated my spiel so often that I could probably say it in my sleep. Halfway through, though, I was interrupted.
"And so, you'll -" I paused as I saw a hand raise into the air. "Yes?"
"Mr. Li, could I please go to my locker? I need my coat...." The student's eyes were pleading. My eyes narrowed.
"No, you may not. I expect you to come to class every day prepared, as you would know if you had bothered to pay attention to my regulations and everything else I've been discussing for the past twenty minutes. If you forgot your coat, that is your own problem. Deal with it." I abruptly continued on with my speech, as miscellaneous students glared at me from their seats, angry that I had been so rude to one of their own. The student I had been talking to huddled down in his seat and sulked for the remainder of the class period. Kinomoto, herself, was confused by my snappy response, and I made no motion to clear give her a reason for it.
At the end of that period, Kinomoto stood up and walked to my desk. I could've only imagined what she would say to me about this time. Looking at her, I inquired, "Yes, Ms. Kinomoto?"
"Mr. Li, why wouldn't you let that student go to his locker?" she asked, sounding passive as she asked her question.
"Because he didn't come to class prepared. If he isn't prepared, then he shouldn't come."
"What if he was cold? He couldn't have known that the classroom would be cold enough that he would need a coat, could he? What if he had gotten sick?"
"No, he couldn't have, but he could have at least had the foresight to think of the possibility." I glared at her, and then said, "Now, please stop telling me how to teach my class and discipline my students. It's almost time for seventh period to start, and I don't want to be debased in front of another class."
"I may not have the right authority to tell you how to discipline your students, Mr. Li, but sometimes reason comes before training your kids like they're an army in a history class," she said, speaking her words with a true passion. Without waiting for my stuttered response, which I'm glad she didn't hear, she turned around and went back to her desk. She brought out her notebook once more, for note taking. I noted, though, that she hadn't written anything on it since first period, with exception to the coat incident in the previous period.
Eventually, after seventh period, it was eighth period, our scheduled seminar time. Students once more poured in, but this time my speech was different, and Kinomoto had more notes to take. I spelled out that I expected them to study and do their homework during this hour, visiting other teachers if need be. If they weren't working, they were to be reading, bettering their minds further. Absolutely no notes, sleeping, music, or food would be allowed. They would be graded on how much they studied instead of with assignments, as there weren't any in seminar classes.
I ignored the evident mumbling under the breaths of students and the rolling of eyes at my strict policies and rules.
The bell rang for the end of class for the day, and the students left, hefting backpacks and talking loudly of what they would do when they got home. I sat at my desk and quickly scribbled some notes down about this class, then stood up to bid Kinomoto farewell. She was standing by the door, watching me.
"Gym, five o'clock, appropriate clothing," I stated, looking at her. "And, remember - don't be late." She gave a small smile, then left the door, presumably to hook up with Daidouji and head home.
Going back to my desk, I gathered together my notes, ready to head to the office. I slung my bag over my shoulder and left, locking the door after me. Then I turned and went down the hall to the office.
You see, Hiiragizawa-san had an odd practice on the first day of school. He asked teachers to take notes on the classes, noting who appeared to be troublemakers, who seemed interested, and the general feeling of the classes. Teachers dropped these off in the office in a special box at the end of the first day, and that's where I was headed. Of course, my notes weren't the most optimistic ever, if I even wrote anything in there at all.
As I entered the office, I nodded to the secretary, who smiled up at me. I went over to the box, located right outside Hiiragizawa-san's door, and paused. The door was open a crack, and I could hear voices faintly.
"Please, Mr. Hiiragizawa, you have to do something!" exclaimed a voice I easily identified. It was none other than the student who had asked to get his coat during my sixth period, complaining to the principal himself.
"And, why is that?" asked Hiiragizawa-san politely.
"Because! During my history class, I asked Mr. Li if I could get my coat from my locker - raising my hand and everything - and he said no! I could have frozen to death!"
Hiiragizawa-san chuckled slightly. "Well, I don't know if you would have frozen, but I imagine you would have been uncomfortable. Go on."
"Also, I heard that during first period he almost made a student sit on the floor! Just because they were a little late! I mean, it's only the first day...."
"Why did the student have to sit on the floor?" asked Hiiragizawa-san.
"It was because the student teacher - Ms. Kinomoto, I think her name was -"
"That is correct," said Hiiragizawa-san. "Continue, please."
"Anyway, the new student teacher said that he shouldn't let the kid sit on the floor, and that it was cruel. So, she made to sit on the floor instead, giving up her desk, and Mr. Li had to give up his desk chair so that she could sit on it."
"Ah," mused Hiiragizawa-san. "Thank you for coming to me. This matter shall be dealt with as soon as possible...." He sounded amused, oddly enough, that a student should come and complain about one of his teachers. Honestly, to my ears, it sounded too amused. "Now, hurry along. You might miss the buses."
Taking this as a cue, I shoved my notes into the box and quickly left the office, thinking that the secretary had been giggling at me. I quickly pushed these thoughts out of my head and set out for my car.
Upon reaching my car, I unlocked it and drove to my house, getting together the supplies I would need for a practice session with Kinomoto. I couldn't believe I was actually going to help that dense woman train. Various items of importance, such as mats, blocks, and guards, along with a set of clothing. After I stuck them all in my car, I drove back to the school and parked near the gym entrance.
Entering the gym was simple, as I used it nearly every morning during the school year for training. I had my own key for convenience's sake, and unlocked the side door. Dropping my supplies off in the main gym, I went into the males' locker room, which I unlocked, and changed into my clothes. Then I arranged the mats and supplies in the gym and sat down to wait for Kinomoto.
Just before the clock struck five o'clock, and just as I was thinking that Kinomoto would be late again, the side door creaked open and Kinomoto entered, hair braided back, wearing old clothing suitable for training. She looked nervous, and with good reason.
Standing up, I said, "Good - you showed up. Now, let's begin."
TBC.
C-Mage: Arigatou for reading! R&R, please! We've only 14 reviews! How do you like the idea of Sakura and Syaoran training together? ^.~
T.Anjel: You finished the chapter! Congrats! How about you leave a little review to criticize or whatnot? It'll make me smile whether the review's good or bad~ ^^ Thanks a bunch for reading! Ciao!