Lennox said nothing, her blue eyes barely registering him as he sat beside her. She said nothing as the rest of the class moved around and the assignment was further explained. And as the professor moved away, and students started to speak again, to each other, Severian looked over at Lennox, her bright eyes wide with the panic she couldn't hide at being paired with him. Which hurt Sev more then he wanted to admit. Which was the only excuse for what came out of his mouth next.
"I wouldn't worry too much, Lennox," he started, voice dark with his own hurt sarcasm. "Your reputation should be fine, its not like you chose me yourself." He looked away and snatched up the paper that had been dropped on his desk with the details of the project. For a few long minutes he said absolutely nothing, his own dark eyes on the words, as he tried to regain just a little of his self composure. "It's only for a week, Lennox," he said, his voice cold and empty of any real emotion. "I'm sure a week won't kill you."