Chapter Text
The loud chimes of the tall clock tower in the middle of the university resounded through the hall. Jaskier counted the bells and cursed. He glanced at his watch to confirm the time. “Melitele’s tits,” Jaskier huffed as he quickened his pace. “Why are the buildings for these classes so far apart? I feel like my counselor should have warned me the distance of the classrooms when I signed up for the courses.”
He adjusted his messenger bag on his shoulder and regretted not purchasing the digital copies of his textbooks. This segment of classes was going to be the death of him. The door to one of the classrooms was open as Jaskier speed walked by. His heart jumped when he caught something out of the corner of his eye.
Walking backward a few steps, Jaskier leaned back and peeked into the classroom he previously passed. His eyes widened when he confirmed what he had only managed to capture a glance of before. The most gorgeous man he had ever seen was standing at the front of the room lecturing students. Jaskier found himself transfixed as he watched the way the teacher’s muscled arms fought against the fabric of his tight fitting dress shirt.
Jaskier licked his lips as he snuck into the classroom and took a seat at the back. His previous concern of being late for class was forgotten. He rested his chin on a propped hand as his eyes followed the instructor around the room.
The instructor’s bright fiery hair was pulled back into a bun, his beard neatly trimmed but still a wonderful match next to his long hair. His demeanor exuded confidence as he presented the health statistics to the students.
Jaskier smirked as he thought to himself, ‘A physical education teacher… guess that explains the jacked body. Not that I’m complaining.’
“To review,” the instructor’s sharp gaze examined his students, “what is the first thing you should do if you come upon an accident and find someone injured?”
A student raised their hand. The teacher motioned for them to respond. “Call emergency authorities if they haven’t already been informed.”
A small smile formed on the instructor’s lips as he nodded his head, “Correct, what next?”
He called on the next student to raise their hand. An intelligent looking young woman answered this time. “Introduce yourself to the injured person, informing them that you are trained in first aid and are there to help.”
Jaskier’s hand immediately shot up before he could give his action any more thought. The instructor raised an eyebrow at Jaskier, “That was the correct answer. Did you have more to add?”
Jaskier beamed as he leaned forward, “Julian Alfred Pankratz, Capricorn, and I know it’s cliche but I do enjoy long walks on the beach and watching the sunset while snuggled against my lover.”
The class of students and the instructor seemed equally baffled at Jaskier’s response. The instructor frowned, “...why are you telling me this?”
Jaskier smirked, “Well, you said to introduce ourselves to an injured person, and you must be injured. How could you not be when you fell from heaven to grace us with your glorious presence?”
Jaskier definitely didn’t expect the instructor to get any more gorgeous than he already was, but he was pleasantly surprised when a red blush formed over the older man’s cheeks.
The instructor sputtered as he wasn’t quite sure how to respond. The students were whispering questioningly to one another as they examined Jaskier. Jaskier grinned, clearly pleased with himself. And why shouldn’t he be? It was quite a wonderful adaptation of a famous pick up line.
“I… that’s…” he huffed as he turned from Jaskier to look at his other students. “What do you do if the person is unconscious?” he growled his question. The sound sent a shiver down Jaskier’s spine. He so wanted to hear that voice growl in his ear.
After a few more questions, the instructor wrapped up class and dismissed the students. Jaskier maneuvered around the people exiting the classroom as he made his way to the front of the room. The instructor was busy cleaning off the whiteboard when Jaskier approached.
Jaskier gently tapped his shoulder to get his attention. The instructor jumped in surprise as he spun around. He frowned when he saw it was Jaskier, “W-what do you want?”
Jaskier pouted, his lower lip sticking out as he stared up at him with big blue eyes, “Is that anyway to talk to your student?”
The instructor crossed his arms over his chest. Jaskier couldn’t help but admire the way his muscles moved under the fabric. He wanted to see what they looked like without a shirt.
“I glanced at the roster,” the instructor started, “I don’t have a ‘Julian Alfred Pankratz’ enrolled.”
Jaskier shrugged his shoulders. He wasn’t bothered that he had been found out. “I’m auditing?”
The instructor sighed and shook his head. Jaskier loved watching the way his curls bounced with the motion. “Fine, but don’t be disruptive,” his tone was firm.
A heat pooled in Jaskier’s stomach at the command. He would listen to anything he told him if he spoke to him in that tone of voice. Jaskier shuddered at the thought and smiled, “Yes sir.”
The instructor looked him over for a moment longer before turning away. Jaskier wasn’t quite done with the conversation though. He tip-toed closer to him, his hands behind his back, “By the way, what’s your name?”
“Lambert,” his reply was gruff as he gathered up his papers and shoved them into his bag.
Jaskier hummed, “Professor Lambert… I like how that sounds.”
Lambert raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming on his lips, “I consider myself more of a coach than a professor.”
“Oh?” Jaskier followed after him as he moved to leave the classroom, “You teach sports too? What kind?”
“Not a sport. I teach personal fitness to students,” Lambert glanced back at Jaskier. He noticed the younger man having a difficult time keeping up with his long strides and slowed down. “I show the athletes how to properly train without hurting themselves.”
Jaskier’s eyes lit up, “Really? Is it just athletes you train? Or can any student seek your advice?”
Lambert stared warily at Jaskier, “...my gym hours are limited to a certain time, but if you are really serious I can give you some pointers.”
“Thanks!” Jaskier hopped excitedly next to him. He flexed his arm and grinned, “I’ve been wanting to work out my biceps some more.”
Lambert examined his arms. He reached out and wrapped his fingers around Jaskier’s upper arm, giving a gentle squeeze. “You seem to have a decent start. It shouldn’t be too hard for you to build up some more muscle.” He glanced up to see a red faced Jaskier. He let go of his arm, starting to feel self conscious himself. He cleared his throat, “Tuesday and Thursday, from 2-5pm is when I am in the gym.”
Jaskier nodded, his cheeks still tinted, “Thanks… I’ll keep it in mind.” Jaskier had a hard time quieting his heart. He hadn’t expected him to grab him like that. He smiled and waved, “I better go or I’ll be late for class.” He was already late, but Professor Lambert didn’t need to know that. He patted his chest where his heart refused to stop beating forcefully against his ribcage.
He glanced over his shoulder after he walked a ways away from Lambert and saw the professor resuming his previous path down the hall. Jaskier bit his lip and shook his head bitterly, “Of course he’s not looking back at you. Stupid.” He huffed a sigh and shook his head, “I’ll just have to work harder to romance him.” He grinned as a plan started to form. It wasn’t hard to get what he wanted when he really put his mind to it.