He dreams of her.

Constantly walking away.

Waking life is no different.

From strolling through the halls to idle chatter, Rose always manages to leave before he wishes her to go. He takes comfort in the fact that everyday he faces, she's still there in his life.

Her presence is a gift only he seems to understand, for the others question the friendly behavior of a teacher and his maid. He would ask if they've ever truly spoken to her to question that, then fears they would take advantage of her kindness if they did. Steal what little time John has with Rose. So, she's his secret.

Yet of all times, it is now he questions that gift.

"Gone!?" John shouted at the Matron.

"Yes. No need to fuss." Matron Redfern reprimanded him. "The girl fainted of exhaustion. To better herself, Rose only requires a bit of bedrest. So when she awoke, I asked she free my bed here in the infirmary by napping in her quarters."

"You sent Rose away," he nearly growled. "Walking, with no energy. Did you at least assign her an escort?"

The Matrons eyes hardened. "Rose assured me she was fine on her own, and Mister Smith considering where you stand, I ask that you leave her as such."

He scoffed, leaving the Matron's warning as if it were dust swept off his shoulder.

John intended to head straight to Rose. Treading the school grounds with an expression that just dared onlookers to stop him.

Then he caught her. Not tucked in bed, but heading down that confounded path on the outskirts of the school grounds. Why? Why why why, would she have a tryst with that pretty boy -whomever he is- when she should be doing anything but!

"ROSE!" John thundered.

Rose hopped from the ground out of fright, stumbling for her footing against a tree.

"M- Mister Smith! I was-" Her eyes widened upon the sight of his ire. "...hello."

"Yes. Hello." He stuffed his hands in his pockets, mock-cordial, as he spoke through clenched teeth. "How are you?"

Rose cleared her throat, pushing from the bark to show she had no use for it. "Gooood," she prolonged the word, perplexed by his words to expression ratio. "Thank you for asking." She curtly bowed her head as if nudging the air between them. "And you, Sir?"

"Oh, I am simply brimming with energy." He enthused. "The evening is quite promising, perfect for a long excursion to fulfill a decent amount of exercise, wouldn't you agree?"

She patted his arm, "take a few laps 'round the school for me," and left.

John took the broad steps necessary to stop before her. "I'd much rather have company."

"Okay."

Still she brushed past. So he repeated the movement.

"Rose, where are you off to?"

"Places."

"Really?" He questioned, breathing deeply to refrain the urge to yell. "And whom, may I ask, is waiting at these places?"

Rose looked him square in the eye and blinked. True to her namesake, she bloomed to life with a smile overtaking her lips. And soon she curled into herself laughing. "You think I'm-?" Rose could no longer speak over the joy swallowing her whole. John's fury fled at the sight.

She wiped a tear. "I'm promised as your maid, John, and yours alone. 'Sides, you can't seriously," she waved a circle at the school. "No bloke in this boring little area is even worth fancying, ta."

Anger washed clean, a manly pride within John swelled at her statement. Then as if expecting such an internal reaction Rose nodded, self approval of a job well-done, and began to walk away.

"But where is your destination?" He stopped her, concern coloring his voice a gentler shade. "Surely you cannot find a breath a fresh air meaningful when you must be resting."

"It's not I'm," she bit her lip. "I'll only be a tick. Trust me, that bed has been calling for hours. I don't plan on ignoring it." Over his shoulder she smiled. "Besides Mister Smith, I do believe the Headmaster wants a word with you."

John felt his stomach hit the dirt. The class he released early, of course consequences would follow. He traced Rose's line of sight and saw Headmaster Rocastle moving with purpose toward them. And as John stood frozen, Rose turned away.

Ill at ease by her departure, John called out, "My word still stands, you must rest, Rose!"

To which Rose giggled back, "I am resting. Fetch your own dinner!"

A/N

Confession. This is my "I'm slacking off" fic. Ya know, if that ingenious title wasn't anything to go by. Haha, I should be doing work...

Curry: Thank you! I hope it continues to be so.