Quentin Coldwater (magicianking) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2015-01-04 07:44:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, quentin coldwater, riza hawkeye |
Who: Riza and Quentin
When: Mid-December
Where: UCI Campus
What: Random Encounter
Rating/Warnings: Low/None
Status: Complete
Riza had a regular contract with UCI to provide flowers to their reception and staff areas, usually her delivery driver completed the drop offs but he’d decided to go away for the holidays early so this time Riza was doing it herself.
She was currently wandering around a little lost, which was embarrassing since she had thought she’d followed the signs correctly. Sighing she looked around, boxes full of flowers in her arms.
The snow had given Quentin a reason to pull out his colder weather clothes. It made him feel more at home or at ease wearing a thick coat and scarf. Perhaps because he honestly just wanted to hide from the world. Perhaps because the style and colors suited him. Either way, he was crossing the grounds in the snow, bundled up against the cold, and going over the things he had to do this afternoon. Grading papers, mostly. He wasn’t a senior enough professor to have TAs to help him with it. Finals were upon them, and he had work to do.
He paused, though, when he saw a woman looking fairly lost. His step hitched, and he turned to look. One eyebrow quirked. “...you look lost,” he said, hoping it came off as friendly and not stalker-y. “Can I help you find something?”
Riza had a long sleeved top and a waterproof puffy jacket on, it wasn’t exactly warm but then she’d just expected to do a quick delivery and be back in the heated car. She had a while to go before she felt too cold though, even if her nose was getting a little red.
Turning at the voice she gave a grateful smile, it definitely came off as friendly. Though Riza could handle stalker types no problem anyway. “Oh, hello. I’m looking for the main reception. I thought I was following the signs but then they kind of disappeared” she admitted.
“Main reception? You’re on the wrong side of campus.” Quentin said, eyebrows raised. He lifted the hand holding his briefcase so he wouldn’t have to pull his opposite one out of his pocket and motioned. “It’s back that way, but you have to go around Turner Hall--” Beat. “Why don’t I walk you? It’s too cold to get lost, and I really should check my mailbox anyway.”
“Really? Damn. Are you sure? I don’t want to be an inconvenience if you’re busy but I would appreciate the help. I think I’d be wandering around for the rest of the day. You need maps around this place” she smiled.
“Yeah, it’s no problem.” Quentin said, turning to walk with her down the sidewalk between the buildings. “There should be an app for that. GPS and everything.” Like Google Maps. That was probably the extent of his technological knowledge on that subject, though. “I bet it’d help a lot of people. Incoming Freshmen especially.”
“Thank you so much” Riza said with a smile, “There should be an app, you’re completely right” she agreed. Because while she did know about google maps she also knew some universities had their own apps, Irvine could definitely do with one. “So how long have you been teaching here?” she asked conversationally.
Glad for the change of subject, as Quentin’s smartphone was a lot smarter than he was when it came to technology, he led the way down another sidewalk between the grassy plains. “This is my first semester, actually.”
“Are you enjoying it so far? It seems like a nice place to work, if a little big” Riza commented, she hadn’t attended university instead she had entered the military straight from school so she had little experience in actually attending such an establishment. Though she imagined it was less regimented than military school.
“It’s huge, but that’s one of the better parts,” Quentin said. He didn’t mind getting lost in the crowd. He knew his own worth, and those closest to him in his department were starting to learn it. “Less spotlight. More room to explore.” He shrugged one shoulder. “Did you go the college route?”
“Ah I see. Well that sounds fun” Riza said, she could understand the appeal after all. “I went the military school route actually. Found my calling as a weapons specialist rather early on”
Quentin raised both eyebrows. “...and now you… deliver flowers?” That seemed like a non sequitur.
Riza laughed, “I know it seems strange but after my last mission I decided I needed to take a break. And I’ve always loved flowers so it seemed logical. At least to me”
“Well, as far as second careers go, this one seems relaxing.” Quentin said, nodding once. “I did something similar. My friend and I were living in Palo Alto, sold our start-up, and I had no idea what to do next. So I went back to school, got my Masters, and applied for teaching jobs.”
“It seems we’ve both started over somewhat then” Riza commented, “Though I can’t imagine teaching is quite as relaxing. Or at least it wouldn’t be for me” she smiled.
“A bit.” Quentin nodded once as they walked. “...well, it’s definitely different from what I was doing before. A few years ago. Though, so far so good. I’m sort of flying by the seat of my pants.”
“Well I am sure you’ll do great. You already seem to know your way around” Riza grinned, “What subject is it you teach?”
Quentin chuckled a bit. “I’ve been here for six months so far. I had to study the map the first week or so.” He turned down the sidewalk toward the building where they were headed. “Religious Studies.”
It was still impressive to Riza, she hadn’t realised the college campuses were so big. “Oh wow. How interesting. I can’t say it’s a subject I know much about I’m afraid”
“Not a lot of people do. There’s not a whole lot of money in comparing and contrasting world religions,” Quentin admitted with a shrug. “It’s pretty interesting if you like studying people and what makes them tick.”
“Who doesn’t like that? I mean people are fascinating aren’t they?” Riza said with a smile.
“I like to think so.” Quentin nodded once. He held open the door to the main reception building--the one she’d been looking for--and let her walk in first. “Well, I hope you find who you’re looking for.”
“Thank you and thank you so much for showing me where I needed to be” Riza said, “Good luck with settling in”
“Thanks.” Quentin said, giving her a small smile. Practically nonexistent. “And you’re welcome.” He nodded once, then turned to head over to the faculty mailboxes.