Leo

[0_0_7]

Sunday was a beautiful day. Far too nice to be indoors. But Bond had been itching for this opportunity all week and when Sunday arrived he found himself at Rooks Manor with take away lunch at noon. He rang the bell and the butler let him in. Bond barely spoke to him- he was only the help.

When Leo emerged, Bond smiled pleasantly.

"I brought food. I thought we could enjoy a bite and keep this relaxed," he said warmly.

Comments

[0_0_7]

"My own father had secrets," he said. "And he died when I was younger. Younger than you. The house sat for years, and when I finally went through it, it was like I was meeting a completely different person."

[leo_rooks]

"Do you think it was worth it? ...Getting to know him, I mean, do you... Did you gain anything?" Leo asked.

[0_0_7]

"Perspective, I think. And an understanding of a man who should have never had a child. But an heir is important in families like ours."

He took his hand away and offered Leo a box.

"He was a complicated man."

[leo_rooks]

Leo took the box, holding it in both hands.

"Sometimes I wish they'd not had me."

[0_0_7]

Bond nodded slowly.

"You can't undo that, Leo. You can only live the best life you can," he said.

[leo_rooks]

"I suppose," Leo said, sitting down with his food. "It's a hard thing to carry though."

[0_0_7]

"Your father left you quite a legacy. I know...I know it might be unpopular, given what he did. How he died. But your father did some incredible things, Leo. Great things," Bond said. "Perhaps in our search, we'll find something you can feel good about."

Of course, what Bond would deem worthy of feeling good about was probably not the same as Leo.

[leo_rooks]

"That feels very unlikely right now, professor. I hope you're right," Leo replied.

[0_0_7]

"Please, Leo. We're not in class. You may call me James," he said. It was something he offered to only a few.

[leo_rooks]

"...Right, sorry. Thank you, James," Leo nodded.

[0_0_7]

"...But not on school grounds," he said, smiling with a touch of amusement. He couldn't imagine Leo would be so foolish as to try.

[leo_rooks]

"Of course," Leo nodded, his mind suddenly wandering to John.

...Who he definitely needed to remind himself to call professor.

[0_0_7]

Bond saw the look in his eyes, but assumed it was about him and his lips twitched into a tiny smile.

He took up his sandwich and took a bite, delighted to be eating. He'd gone to the shop in town that catered to people with...better taste.

[leo_rooks]

Leo took a bite as well, then looked thoughtful.

"Since we're off campus, can I ask you something personal, James?" he asked between bites.

[0_0_7]

"Of course. What would you like to know?" he asked, wiping the corner of his mouth delicately.

[leo_rooks]

"I know it's taboo, but is it common for teachers and students to... Become involved, for a lack of a better term?" Leo asked.

[0_0_7]

"It's not common, but it does happen," he nodded, paused, then added, "I had no intention of seducing you, you realize. I genuinely mean to help you, Leo."

[leo_rooks]

"Oh, no. I- Sorry. I understand how that must have sounded, but I wasn't thinking about you, James," Leo assured him.

[0_0_7]

"Ah," he smiled. A good thing, too. He wanted Rooks' secrets, not his son.

He had Q coming tomorrow. That thought made his small smile grow.

"Are you considering an ill advised relationship, or boosting your marks?" he asked.

[leo_rooks]

"I... I feel like I might have connected with someone," Leo admitted.

[0_0_7]

"Dare I ask who?" he asked, slowly setting his food back in the box.

[leo_rooks]

"I shouldn't say," Leo admitted. "I just need to know how dangerous that would be."

[0_0_7]

"No one's ever been fired," he said, then thought better of leaving it on a callous note. "And you must consider the danger of a broken heart. There's no future with a professor. Especially not for someone of your standing."

[leo_rooks]

"Why not?" Leo asked. "It's not as though I intend to have an heir."

[0_0_7]

"Leo, lad..." Bond said, kind and yet a bit condescending, "...Your name is going to open opportunities for you. I can help you make connections. You don't need to lose the life you're accustomed to."