Office Hours, Tuesday Morning

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

Welcome to Professor Chaucer's office hours. He's sitting at the desk, writing, but he's more than happy to talk to anyone who'd like to stop by.

[Chaucer will be in until his 1:00 class.]

Comments

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

Nothing Geoff...I just had to get that out...to someone who wouldn't be scared of me. Other people don't feel comfortable around me when I'm like this. I figured...I guess I didn't think you'd judge me.

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

"I don't CJ, not at all. Trust me, I understand how cathartic words can be. But...are you sure there's nothing else I can do?"

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

No, Geoff. There's nothing else. Shane's not getting in this term...Marty's being terrorized, and the Dean, who I thought respected me, just seems like he's patronizing me half the time. [She sighs] This is the part of the job I hate. [She leans forward and puts her elbows on his desk, and her face in her hands.]

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

Coming around from behind the desk, Geoff crouches next to CJ's chair and puts his hand on her arm. "I hate to hear that about Shane -- and about Marty, as well. I'll...hunt him down and talk to him, see how he's doing. And I don't know the Dean that well, but I suspect he's that way with everyone." He reaches up and strokes her hair. "You're not in this alone, my lady. Whatever we can do to help, you know we will."

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

[She presses her head against his hand in her hair] that's enough, Geoff, really...to know you would if I asked.

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

"What else can I do right now, CJ?" he asks softly, still stroking her hair. "To help you?"

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

[She closes her eyes and smiles, laughing lightly] I don't know, Geoff. I've never done this in front of anyone. Generally, my fish just wanted fed. What do you think I need, post-catharsis?

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

He looks a bit puzzled by the figure of speech, but imagines he can understand enough of it's meaning to not mention it. "I don't know. For myself, I usually like a walk or a good nap. But...you know better than I how you feel. Would you like me to walk you home? Or...buy you a coffee or a beer? Or just shut up and leave you be?" he adds, the grin evident in his voice.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

[The corner of her mouth curls up in a half smile] No...don't leave me alone. Give me a verse. Can you do that?

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

"Of course I can, my lady." Geoff moves to sit on the edge of the desk, facing CJ. He's quiet for a few moments, his focus directed inward. Then he smiles, and looks at CJ again.

"Ma dame, ye ben of al beaute shryne
As fer as cercled is the mapamonde;
For as the cristall glorious ye shyne,
And lyke ruby ben your chekys rounde.
Therwyth ye ben so mery and so iocunde
That at a reuell whan that I se you dance,
It is an oynement vnto my wounde,
Thoght ye to me ne do no daliance.
For thogh I wepe of teres ful a tyne,
Yet may that wo myn herte nat confounde;
Your semy voys that ye so small out twyne
Makyth my thoght in ioy and blys habounde.
So curtaysly I go, wyth loue bounde,
That to my self I sey, in my penaunce,
Suffyseth me to loue you, Rosemounde,
Thogh ye to me ne do no daliaunce."

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

[She smiles, closing her eyes and letting the words wash over her.] That was beautiful, poet. Thank you.

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

He gives her a little bow, and a smile. "My pleasure, my lady."

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

[She stands, clearly calmer. Her eyes sparkle with affection.] I'll go now, Geoff. Thank you..for everything. [She kisses him softly.]

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

Geoff kisses her back, and pulls her into a warm hug. "Call me if you need anything at all, CJ. All right?"

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

[She hugs him back, then steps back, a wicked look in her eye.] You know how to use a phone?

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

He laughs and pulls a small cellular phone from the pocket of his coat. "I even own a phone, my lady."

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

Then I will...at the least convenient times, even. [She walks to the door and flips the lock.] I'll see you Geoff.

[geoff-chaucer.livejournal.com]

"I'll see you, CJ." He returns her wave and smiles.