AN: University!verse

R/J

Poli Sci 101 (Honors)

He was informed the Senator's daughter would be in his course before the semester began. She wouldn't be his first 'celebrity' student; he'd lectured to important personalities during his career. To him, they were just people and he didn't treat them - or grade them - any differently than his other students.

Of the few things he retained from his childhood, the belief that everyone was created equally was one of the most fundamental. The second of three sons, Jack Spellman had diligently worked his way up from blue color beginnings in a nothing town. It took three jobs to put himself through the Ivy League college he'd been accepted to. During his undergrad experience, he'd befriended various individuals from different backgrounds. However, the strongest connections had been those with young men and women of similar upbringings to his own. While he enjoyed the benefits that went with his wealthier friends, there was always an unspoken disconnect he was unable to find an explanation for.

He'd been attracted to government from an early age. There was nothing more exciting than learning about the roots of democracy and the history of his great nation. He knew there were problems with the system, but ultimately, for better or worse, he loved his country. After graduation (a dual MBA and history major, along with a Spanish minor), he went to work for a national campaign. Once a successful November had rolled past, Jack decided he wanted to inspire other young minds – to try and put back a spark into the next generation of leaders. Given his experience and undergraduate pedigree, acceptance into academia had been easy.

A few years into his teaching career, he thrived in the pace of a college town. An overachiever, Jack taught mostly Tuesday / Thursday sections, allowing him to contribute to various political forums on his off days. While he had started with articles, there was no denying his on camera charisma. In the genetic lottery, Jack had been blessed with undeniably attractive masculine features. Although a television career hadn't been in his original plan, he was starting to get used to the idea. Late at night, sometimes he wondered, what would it take to launch him into the national spotlight?

On the first day of the fall semester, Jack walked into his classroom, immaculate in tailored black trousers and a royal blue button down shirt rolled up to reveal strong and capable forearms. As the Dean of the department had a bit of a soft spot for him, Professor Spellman was awarded an honors lecture course for undergraduates. The political science credit was required for all underclassmen, but, as always he hoped to make the class one they would remember.

Due to the honors distinction, the class size was limited to 20, and Jack looked forward to their time together. Although the secret service posted at his door tipped him off to her presence, he was inexplicably and instantly aware of Rei Hino's presence in the room. Firmly controlling his expression, he wondered what type of student she would be. Unlike most political offspring, he knew she purposely chose to remain out of the spotlight. Leaning on a desk, in a friendly tone, he began telling the students about the political systems that governed their nation. As the weeks went by, he had a chance to study her. The relation to her father was undeniable – the way she carried herself, she was a commanding presence at the age of 19. And yet, there was more to her. She had a warmth and depth her dad did not possess. Where he came off as a bit fake, her generosity of spirit was undeniable. She was smart, but didn't always apply herself.

"Could you please explain this grade to me?" She asked, politely, but firmly, hands on her hips, and he suddenly had an interesting mental image of her commanding armies, bathed in flames...

Looking around, he saw her usual muscle was not present. Perhaps they were waiting in the hallway, either way, it was the first time in the semester they had been absolutely alone. When marking papers over the weekend, he knew the C- was sure to attract the young woman's attention. She deserved the grade, but he would be lying if he didn't want to spend some time in her company. There was an unexplainable attraction.

A relationship with the senator's daughter would open doors and fast track his career in a way almost nothing else could...

From what he could glean in the classroom, she was well traveled, but still a bit naïve. It wouldn't be the first time he got involved with a younger woman… And yet, his interest in her went deeper than some semester fling.

Looking up, he answered, "You did not adequately complete the assignment."

"There are only five grades the entire semester – it will be impossible for me to get an A!"

"You should've thought of that before you turned in the paper," Jack said and turned back to his laptop, marking talking points for his latest press opportunity the following day.

"Are you sure this isn't about something else?"

"What are you implying?"

"Oh, I can see the headlines now 'Senator's Daughter Fails Political Science.' Those would get some people interested… Grab the attention of a national show?"

"The thought never occurred to me."

"Really? And now, how's this conversation going to go – let me see if I might be right, 'Yes, Professor Spellman, in return for the grade I deserve, I'd be happy to introduce you to my father.'"

"Get out of my office."

"What did you just say?"

"Leave. Whenever you decide to grow up, we can have an adult conversation."

Speechless, in a flurry of jet black hair and flashing purple eyes she left his office and slammed the door.

Jack leaned back in his worn chair and said to the empty room, "Way to go, Spellman. You just wrote off any future hope of getting help from the senior Senator. What other bridges do you want to blow up today?"

She was in class the next day, but refused to make eye contact with him. She participated - politely - in class. They continued a similar pattern until the first test of the semester. Over the weekend, Jack graded the results and was surprised to see the obvious attention to detail that went into her exam.

As he handed out the results on the following Tuesday, he looked directly at her as he said, "I was very impressed by all of your efforts. Great job."

He hid the smirk when she followed him out to his office after class and asked, "What the hell is this?"

"Language, Miss Hino. I believe I said I wanted to have an adult conversation with you."

"Fine. What is this supposed to mean?" She thrust the A marked paper into his face.

"This is not satisfactory?"

"How am I supposed to know why you gave this to me?"

"You earned it."

"I earned it?"

"Yes. As with your previous grade, I mark papers accordingly."

"Hmm." She walked off, her short plaid skirt swishing effectively.

It was late. He had stayed well after office hours, hammering together an essay for Slate. Most of the others in the department had left already. The nights had grown longer, and he wasn't looking forward to the cold walk to his car. The campus had launched itself into Finals mode, and he was a bit melancholy that his undergraduate Political Science section would be over. After her 'A,' Rei had applied herself to the course, often leading discussions and challenging others opinions. Jack had watched her come alive. Ultimately, this was why he loved teaching - the spark of knowledge and interest inspired and motivated his own actions.

There was a knock at his door. He looked up and saw the Senator's daughter standing in the doorway.

"Yes?"

"I just wanted to say thank you."

"For what?"

"For treating me like everyone else."

"My pleasure. I think your Dad would be proud."

She looked away and said, "I can introduce you, if you'd like."

He considered her offer, and then answered, "No, if I'm supposed to meet him, I will. Although you can give him a message."

"What's that?"

"Tell him he needs to really get campaign finance reform - it's out of control."

"I will. Anything else?"

Before he had time to think his actions through, Jack licked his lips and stood up, gathering his things, and moving closer to her, said, "You can tell him..."

"Yes?"

Jack leaned down and whispered in the perfect pink shell of her ear, "Tell him I think his daughter is one of the most beautiful and incredible women I've ever met."

AN: And yes, there will be Part II on all of the Uni stories. And just a moment for me to pimp some of my other SM fics - if you like what I do here, check out some of my other stories.