Episode 43: After Hours — The Teacher is Off the Clock

I close the door behind me.

“…The teacher is off the clock.”

The words come automatically.

They always do.

Beckett is already there.

Waiting. Quiet.

Safe.

I remove my blazer. Loosen slightly.

The tension fades.

He hands me tea without being asked.

“…You’re late,” he says softly.

“Meetings,” I reply. “…Idiots.”

I sit beside him. Close.

Closer than necessary.

He doesn’t move.

He never does.

I tilt his mask slightly.

Just enough.

“…Diana,” he murmurs.

“Relax,” I whisper. “…I’m not going to bite you that hard that is heh.”

Pause.

“…Hard.”

He goes still.

Flustered. Predictable.

I rest my head lightly against his shoulder.

Calm. Content.

“…Better,” I say quietly.

He nods.

“…Yes.”

No performance.

No audience.

Just us.