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"Where's Professor Natan?"
The librarian pointing at the direction of the corner, history section.
"Thank you"
Aamon kept his voice lower than when he normally spoke, leveling it to a comfortable, hushed sound for the study section of University Eurodito's library. Towering bookshelves bursting with thick tomes and old journals lined one entire wall, while an array of small tables scattered around them were crammed with texts or piled high with unopened mail. The room was silent as Aamon approached Natan in a quiet corner near the back, where the professor standing in front of a tall bookshelf was immersed in a massive volume on Greek history.
Natan didn't moved, his eyes flicking from Aamon to another man in the vicinity who Aamon did not recognize. When he finally looked at Aamon, Natan's expression softened slightly, though there was no visible hint of recognition.
"Mr. Paxley" he speak quietly. "What brings you here?" Natan glanced briefly behind him before turning back to face Aamon.
"I just wanted to meet with you to discuss something that might interest us both," Aamon said.
"And what would that be?" asked Natan.
"It involves the research project regarding the Ancient Egyptians," answered Aamon. "I need someone else's perspective on how my findings have been interpreted. Would you consider to discuss it with me?" Natan nodded, gesturing for Aamon to follow him into a more secluded part of the library. They settled into an armchair, Natan resting his hand atop the book he had been examining.
He gave Aamon time to take a seat before beginning. "So, tell me what you found about this Ancient Egyptian projects" he inquired after several minutes of silence.
Aamon began by outlining the general gist of his findings, describing the theories and reasoning behind various hypotheses that he had come up with during his last semester, including the idea that the ancient Egyptians may have used hieroglyphic writing to describe events beyond their physical sight. Natan listened intently as Aamon outlined the theory behind each hypothesis and explained how it related to the other. He seemed genuinely interested in hearing any further information, and the way his brows furrowed together when Aamon presented some new ideas made it clear that he was paying attention. Natan also expressed his excitement over Aamon's discoveries, occasionally asking a few pointed questions. It took nearly an hour of talking until the two men realized they had spent quite the amount of time talking.
"I'm sorry, I lost track of time..." Natan mumbled sheepishly after catching his breath. Aamon shook his head.
"No apologies necessary." he responded, smiling slightly. "It is my intention to discuss this matter with you, thank you Natan for willing to gave me new insight." He paused, searching for the right words. "There are many things I still do not understand about this topic, and the fact that you have given me the means to continue working through such questions is... well, inspiring," Aamon trailed off. For a moment he thought he could see Natan eyes widen ever so slightly, before the professor smiled softly.
"I look forward to talk with you again, Mr. Paxley." Natan said, extending a hand.
"Please, call me Aamon," Aamon replied, shaking the older man's hand firmly. His heart jumped in his chest as their hands clasped tightly.
"Aamon, then," said Natan. "Perhaps we should get coffee sometime, you are the only students who have such enthusiasm towards my lessons." He laughed lightly.
Aamon smiled. "Maybe I'll try to convince everyone in my class to pay you a visit. I know most people find your lecture on Ancient Egypt boring; maybe you will change their minds."
"You'd better hope so," Natan replied with a laugh. "Now if you'll excuse me, I am supposed to start teaching a couple of classes soon." He rose from the chair and extended a hand once again. "I suppose I shall see you next week then."
"Definitely," agreed Aamon. "Thank you for helping me here Natan, it truly is appreciated."
Natan smiled and bowed slightly, taking his leave. After watching the professor walk away, Aamon let out a sigh, trying to calm his racing heart. He tried to shake himself from the brief encounter and turned to return to his own study. He needed to get his work done for the day, and he would definitely need the rest now if he planned on staying awake through Professor Rooney lecture tomorrow.
The next week passed quickly, much to Aamon's pleasure. Natan's class was a fascinating topic to him, and he always enjoyed listening to the professor's lectures as they became progressively more interesting. He even managed to spend an hour alone in Natan's office after his morning lecture one evening. They spent hours discussing different aspects of the topic, often arguing about certain points and theories. They even discussed possible solutions to certain problems, but Natan never suggested anything particularly concrete. As far as Aamon could tell, he simply offered suggestions on which questions were best suited to be considered, and whether the answers he gave satisfied everyone present. Despite the differences between them, Natan's class was one of Aamon's favorite classes. Natan was passionate about what he believed was important, and he had a sharp mind. Aamon found that conversation flowing smoothly between them left him more relaxed than if the conversations were conducted in a professional setting, and he actually enjoyed having Natan's advice. They often ended their discussions with either a friendly joke or a promise of seeing each other the following week.
After the final bell rang the next day, Aamon walked out of the university building and immediately spotted a familiar figure making its way down the street.
"Natan!" shouted Aamon, jogging to catch up to him. "Where are you heading to?"
Natan smiled at Aamon as he drew closer. "Home, i'm about to catching up my train."
"Are you going home right away?" Aamon asked hopefully. He felt his cheeks flush at the question, but hoped he wasn't too obvious in showing his eagerness.
Natan raised an eyebrow. "Why? Do you want to discuss something else with me? I thought we were done about the discussion of my class study today."
"That isn't why i called you," said Aamon, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. Natan wait patiently as he smiled and tilt his head slightly "We haven't get around to have coffee together"
"Oh," Natan chuckled. "You're right. I can catch up next train, i believe my usual cafe might be open"
Aamon's heart soared. He bites his lips to held his smile back and nodded eagerly. "Great!"
When the pair arrived at the cafe, they sat opposite each other at a table in the middle of the small shop. Aamon ordered a cappuccino while Natan picked up the menu and scanned the contents silently.
"So..." Aamon started.
"Hmm? Oh, sorry" Natan apologized. "I got distracted reading the menu. What were you planning to say?" he added, putting his menu aside and crossing his arms over the edge of the table, his elbows digging into the wood surface.
Aamon smiled. "How's your other class going for you?" he asked.
"Good enough," answered Natan. "Some of the students are a little difficult, especially the ones in my philosophy class who think the Greek gods and goddesses are deities themselves," Natan rolled his eyes at the thought of the students. "But i'm getting along very well with all of them, although most of them are really impatient and pushy." he shook his head and grinned. "Still, at least they are learning to listen to me instead of interrupting."
"Ah, yes, the rudeness of youth," Aamon joked. "They don't seem to get that professors have to teach, so they have no sense of respect for others." said Aamon shaking his head. He leaned forward in his seat, resting his chin in the palm of his hand.
Natan chuckled "You're not as far as them, how could you say so?" he questioned, a knowing glint in his eye. Aamon shrugged nonchalantly, leaning back against the chair. "I'm simply better than them" he stated confidently.
Not so long after, Aamon drink arrived and Natan finally able to decided what he wanted. The pair began to sip on their drinks quietly for a few moments before Natan spoke. "Did your boyfriend wouldn't be mad if you take me here?" Aamon almost choked at his drink, coughed and spluttered for a few moments before clearing his throat and replying,
"Pardon?"
"Your... boyfriend," Natan repeated slowly, raising an amused eyebrow at the blushing student. "You date the young man with blue and sapphire eyes aren't you?"
"Um...No– he's my friend...," stammered Aamon. He looked like he was about to bolt from the cafe, or jump out of the window, or both. Because he apparently thought Xavier his best friend was his boyfriend when in fact he tried to flirt with the Professor himself for the past two year's.
"My apologies for assuming" said Natan with a soft chuckle. "I did not mean to make you uncomfortable."
"No, it's fine," Aamon replied with a relieved sigh. "You just surprised me that's all..."
"Well, I apologize again. I shouldn't have assumed." Natan replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"It's fine, really," Aamon reassured the older man. Aamon cleared his throat. "How about you? Did you have any... lovers?" he asked hesitantly, avoiding the word 'girlfriend'.
Natan raised a curious eyebrow "Excuse me?" he said with a grin.
"I'm sure you must have someone special, someone that you've dated before..," Aamon explained nervously. "Someone who has taken interest in you."
"I assure you Aamon," Natan said seriously. Aamon took another sip of his coffee, waiting for him to continue. "I do not have time for such things. Besides, I'm afraid there are some things that even I cannot bring myself to commit to. I am not interested in romancing anyone right now; I'm too busy dealing with my research."
"Oh." Aamon frowned. He wondered why that was, and hoped Natan did not see it in his face.
"Do you have someone in particular you're interested in?" Natan asked curiously, picking up a fork and poking at his food absentmindedly.
Aamon's cheeks flushed red as he fiddled with his cup. He only smiled leave the question hanging in the air, unsure how to answer without revealing too much. Natan accept the silence treatment and continued eating. It was not the first time Aamon do so, sometimes in some discussion he would shrug off the question he was about to ask or not answer at all, leaving Aamon to wonder whether or not he had offended Natan somehow.
Eventually, both of them finished their food and drink. Aamon paid the bill, placing his money into the tip jar. After collecting his phone from the table, Aamon followed Natan towards the station. They walked in comfortable silence, before Natan stopped and smiled at Aamon.
"Thank you for today, it was great" he said genuinely. Aamon nod in reply and smiled back at Natan.
"I would say the same thing," replied Aamon. He paused and then spoke up once more "If you ever have another time, we could... do this again."
Aamon saw the small smirk that appeared across Natan's features. "As always, i look forward to meeting you next time" Aamon watch Natan walk away from him, waving as he went.
"WAIT!!" Aamon shout, he jumped over the curb and ran towards Natan, reaching the older man by a few seconds.
"For the question you asked before," he exclaimed, breathlessly. "Yes, I have someone special, I've been interested in." He hesitated for a moment before connect his lips to the other man. His hands rested on Natan's shoulders, pulling him closer. When Aamon pulled back for air he noticed that Natan stared back at him with wide eyes and a flustered expression.
"Well... that was..." Natan started, but broke off when Aamon cut him off by kissing him again. This time Aamon placed his fingers through Natan's hair and pulled him closer. When he pulled away he noticed that Natan's face was bright pink and he had stars in his eyes. "Wait– wait a minute i–," he stuttered shyly.
"You liked it," Aamon teased. Natan glared at him. The train came into view and Aamon gave him one last kiss to his cheek before pulling back, grinned ear to ear. "See you tomorrow." Natan watched until Aamon disappeared into the crowd. When the train ride arrived he made his way onto the train, feeling the warmth of Aamon's gaze on his back.
"Maybe i would consider one person."