The Tiberius J. Swann Education Facility

Who: Nox and Belle
When: Saturday night
Where: Boston
What: date in the city... and some HOT SMEXIN!

Nox gave Belle's hand a squeeze as he walked with her into the XV Beacon. It was his favorite hotel in Boston. He liked everything about it. The location, the furnishings, and the service was exceptional. Or perhaps the staff was just kind to him because he tipped well, as was probably evident from the smile on the valet's face as he took Nox's car away. Nox was smiling too, beaming because he'd had a wonderful day with Belle. It was relaxing and exciting at the same time. They toured the art museum for hours, engaging in stimulating conversation over a variety of pieces they both enjoyed. Dinner was fantastic as well. Every second spent in her company was better than the last.

As they approached the check in desk, Nox gave a polite nod to the woman behind it. She greeted him, and he said hello in return. "We're checking in. The reservation is under Alekos.. A-L-E-K-O-S." The woman did some quick typing before finding Nox's information. "Here we are. Non-smoking.. corner suite." A paper printed out, and she had Nox sign it. Then the woman began typing some more, and a second later she handed Nox a little envelope with two key cards inside it. Their room number was scribbled on the envelope. "You'll take the elevator over there," and she gestured, "And if you need anything more, please call." Nox nodded and said a polite thank you, before he took hold of Belle's hand once more and escorted her to the elevator.

"They have wonderful views of Beacon Hill," he said casually as they headed up to their floor. "They also have an impressive wine selection. If you're in the mood for some room service later."

Who: Nox and Belle
When: Friday night
Where: in the halls of the single staff building
What: bumping into each other

Nox wiped his face with a hand towel as he made his way back from the recreation center. He entered the staff building, footsteps slow from both exhaustion and melancholy. Right now, he could have been in Boston still, enjoying a night of watching basketball with Belle, rather than being a sweaty mess from playing basketball with a student. It wasn't that he hadn't enjoyed his time spent with Jack. It was always nice getting to know his students, and he loved to play. But now that he was off the court, all the problems troubling him were active in his mind once more. He wouldn't be able to sleep tonight. He was far too nervous to hear from Elle after her doctor's visit tomorrow.

The towel was pulled around the back of his neck, Nox's hands clutching the ends of it as he sighed and approached his apartment. That was when he saw Belle. A week ago, seeing her would have made his heart soar. In fact, at this hour exactly one week ago, his heart was pounding with excitement as they kissed and held one another while reciting Homeric Hymns in his bed. But now, his heart sank. He hadn't been entirely honest with her when he canceled their date this morning. He said 'something has come up'. It was true to an extent, something rather large had come up, but he wasn't unavailable for company, which was what the message implied. He simply didn't think he could spend time with her when something so stressful was weighing on his mind.

Unable to ignore her, he issued a tired, yet polite, "Hello, Belle," as he unlocked the door to his apartment. Knowing it would be rude to end their conversation at that, he held the door open, "Would you like to come in for a moment?"

Who: Nox and Belle
When: Friday night
Where: starting at the school, heading off campus
What: a DATE!

Nox was a little nervous, but not horribly so. The hardest part was out of the way.. asking a woman out. Belle said yes, so that helped erase a lot of stress. Now he could focus on making sure he planned an enjoyable evening. Because he didn't have classes on Friday, he left campus when his office hours wrapped up at noon. He went grocery shopping to get all the supplies for dinner and took care of all the prep work at his apartment in town. Before long, the clock showed 5:30. He had a little more than an hour to get ready before he needed to drive back to school to pick up Belle.

Nox showered and shaved then set to work on figuring out what to wear. He'd told Belle to dress casually, and he planned on doing the same. Nox was a strange man. He'd always been more comfortable in a suit. Dressing casually was difficult for him, because he felt somewhat awkward in relaxed clothing. Even when he finally did find a pair of dark jeans and a black, long sleeve, cotton shirt. He hoped he looked casual enough.

When he was ready and the apartment passed inspection (because he had scrubbed the place, even though it was never dirty), Nox drove back to the school and parked outside the staff building. He rubbed his hands on his jeans a few times as he approached Belle's apartment. Now he was feeling nervous again, and his hands were a bit clammy as a result. He took a deep breath before knocking.

Who: Nox and Belle
When: the noon hour
What: lunch
Where: Belle's apartment

Nox was excited to meet the school's newest professor. His week had gotten off to a rough start, especially considering his conversation with Dante the day before. Nox was worried about his young charge, though he was trying not to let it show in public. If Nox's peers saw that he was upset, they would ask questions, and he wasn't prepared to answer such questions right now, seeing as how he was an accomplice.

He was trying to put that out of his mind right now. Worrying wouldn't accomplish anything, and Nox had no intention of stopping Dante, even though he felt he probably should. It was one of the first times in his life that he had behaved somewhat recklessly, but he really believed that if Dante was successful, everyone would benefit. It was up to chance now.

The thoughts swirled through his head as he left his classroom and headed straight for the single staff residence hall. He was actually so lost in his mind, that he passed by Belle's door and only realized it when he was two doors down. Nox returned to the correct apartment and knocked.