A Time of Learning (Closed For Calyxxx and Myself)

[chronicle_tenko]

Dominic was a classic overlooked college student. His name he took as some cruel joke because he never felt Dominating in any aspect of life.

He was a born second place. His classes, Second. His music, back-up vocal. His workouts, His friends always outlifted him.

And his Lovelife, It seemed everyone could take someone home from the bar but him, he was always the runner up. He had to console himself in the fact there really was nothing wrong with silver. He had excellent grades, and he was in good shape. His band was popular and attracted a good deal of attention from local spots. But it always seemed he was the runner up. Second place.

It was only in Wexler Library where he worked, that he felt like a winner. The head librarian always treated him well, and he loved to work with her. She was very pretty, A real beauty in his eyes, and he had some fantasies about her every now and again. But sadly he thought none of that would come to pass. He was sure she was married or seperated or had a boyfriend. After all how could a woman as gorgeous as her not. And even if she didn't, What would she want with a second place like him?

 

[Calyxxx]

Ann sat at her desk in the library, reading over a boring form. Why she wasn't allowed an assistant to do all the boring work, she'd never understand. So, she sighed deeply, ran her hands through her long, chocolate colored hair, and removed her glasses. Her hazel eyes squinted to read the form in front of her before she put it down again.

Wexler Library was always boring until the college kids began filtering in. Always some bit of excitement gave her an excuse to stretch her legs and wander over to shush them, always books to be checking out, checking in, or repairing. Yes, it seemed her day never began until after 3:00 PM.

It was also when Dominic started his shift. Although he was younger than her 29 years, Ann had always enjoyed Dominic's company. He was quite good looking, a toned, muscular body, those lost puppy dog eyes. Ann often made excuses for Dominic to have to work directly with her.

She spun in her chair before slipping off her shoes and lifting her feet to rest on her desk. Leaning back, she wondered just what she could have Dominic do today for her. Maybe some filing here in her office. Or maybe she'd just let him study today, as she sometimes did when there wasn't too much to do. She knew he could use the money, so why send him home?

She checked her watch before again picking up the silly form in front of her and attempted to concentrate on it's text.

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Dominic

It was three. Time for the only really good part of monday. Work. Dominic strolled into the office and waved at Ann. She had her own office where everyone checked in. The door was almost always open, not just to staff but to anyone who needed help. Dominic really liked that about Ann. She was kind.

"Good afternoon Ann. Looks like another fun filled monday ahead of us. So what should I be doing, Returns or did you have something else for me."

Ann was sitting feet up on her desk with a form for something. She wore strockings today, and a tight skirt. She often did mondays he had noticed. And she looked incredible in them, like always. Maybe it was something about starting the week looking excellent. And to be honest Dominic like to look at her. He walked over to greet her and look at her form.

Another of those useless requisiton forms. They made him want to be a better forger because she always handwrote them, and she always hated reading them. Dominic had read them before too, and the technical MumboJumbo in ordering a book, was just stupid. Who cared if the Literary Society was honoring the newer edition of a Brief History of Space and Time and thusly it required to be on shelf. Why couldn't they just order the damn book? Did Chapters have to deal with all this crap?

"So how was your weekend Ann." He wanted to make a comment about those legs, Or put his hand on them, and ask more than just what she did, but he kept professional. Keeping those thoughts for later. "Do anything spectacular?"

 

[Calyxxx]

Ann smiled up at Dominic when he entered her office. He leaned over to glance at her form, inquiring about her weekend.

"Same ol' stuff I always end up doing on the weekend. Ordered Japanese take out, watched an old movie on the TV and spent the majority of my time wrinkling in the bathtub with a book. How about you?"

She grinned at him warmly and when his eyes locked on hers, she felt the familiar flip-flop of her stomach dancing inside her. Dominic always seemed to do something to her, her mind flashed images in her head that she tried to push out. Not only was she his boss, but she was older than him.

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Watched an old movie, ate take out. Pretty much his weekend but without the studying. Oh and she likely had a man to watch the movies with, He managed to sit through 'Bed of Roses' alone.

"Well sometimes you just unwind I guess. Can't have the glamourous like in the library all the time." Dominic felt daring today and put hand on her shoulder to pat it. She never wore those pads that were the fashion years ago. he had the suspsicion that they drew her shirt too tight across her chest. And she always wore loose shirts. He'd had more than one fantasy about her mystery sized chest.

"So do you want me to do the returns or work till? Doesn't look like there's much to do here. Never is mondays."

His hand left her shoudler and he didn't want it to. But he had too. He put on the till belt and filled it. Either way he'd be ready for whatever he was doing today.

 

[Calyxxx]

She frowned a moment, thinking what she could have him do for the day.

"Hmm... maybe start with the few returns there are.. there's about ten or so books to be checked back in and put away. Then come back here, maybe I'll get you to do a bit of filing." She smiled at him and shooed him away with her hand.

"I've got to get through this stupid form." She grinned and stuck her tongue out before again, picking up the form.

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Dominic was diligent in that. And there really only were about ten books or so needing a check-in and re shelf. He wandered and made his way about, Returns never took long anymore. he knew where everything went. And he was sure that the copy of Story of O was leaving the shelf the moment he put it back.

All in all he liked the library. It was a good job. And Ten books was barely a ten minute walk to look at girls and be paid. there was almost no one here, really and the till was already covered. Maybe there was filing. He walked back to take annother look at Ann's face in those glasses.

"So this filing you say." Dominic sat down and began to over the figures for late fees and the over dues. Logging them in the computer and hard books. he glanced over at Ann doing her forms, he liked just working with her, and he didn't know why but he wanted to ask something a little daring today.

"So what do you have planned for tonight then? Meeting a boyfriend? Hot date, or more takeout?"

 

[Calyxxx]

Ann laughed and almost fell out of her chair.

"Ah.. if only. I don't think I've been on a date in..." she bit the end of her pen and looked skyward, thinking. "oh... almost 2 years?"

"No it will be left over take out and who knows what tonight. Nothing interesting." She smiled over her shoulder at Dominic, raising an eyebrow.

"What about you? Studying? A date of your own?"

 

[chronicle_tenko]

No dates. Wow, that was kind of depressing. If someone as hot as her couldn't get a date, His chances were likely the same as they'd been the last, yeah two years. Since High school, when he'd left to come out here.

"I wish. Probably be studying for a midterm where I'm sure I've memorised half my textbook. Or practicing my chords in an empty house. My house mates all left to do some gig up at a ski resort for the school trip. I would have liked to go and scope ski bunnies, but no money."

Dominc laughed with her. "Tell you the truth I wish I had a date, I've been single about as long as you." He continued his chuckling before he shook his head and settled back to work for a moment or two as the tension settled down. It must have been something in his coffee or his Powerade today. But he felt he could presson, actually talk, and confront something. Dominic was sure she'd say no but what harm was there in asking. Other than losing his job of course.

"Um. Ann. If you're really not doing anything after work, the coffee shop on campus has an open mike. And I hate going alone but maybe if you wantedtogetcoffee,I'dgowithyou. You know if you wanted to. But I'd understand if you didn't want to. I'd understand."

That was a lot harder to get out than he really thought it should be, But he felt a lot better for saying it. He sat a little straighter in his seat as he looked over and waited for what Ann would say.

 

[Calyxxx]

Ann smiled over her shoulder at him. Was he asking her out? Or was he taking pity on the fact that she was painfully single? Either way, she thought it would be nice to get out for a night.

"Sure, I'd love to go. It beats sitting on my couch all night." She grinned at him widely and stuck her tongue out. "That is, if you can handle being in public with such an old lady."

 

[chronicle_tenko]

He was incredulous. Ann had said yes, and seemed to mean it. Was he dreaming, Did the gorgeous, highly desired, head librarian at wexler agree to go to watch people butcher songs and drink overpriced coffee? If he thought she would have he'd have thought up a better date. somewhere in his mind he knew he could get some time off from her, and go change. get his suit and brush up, Clean himself to a shine and be someone she deserved, and take her somewhere nice.

That part wasn't functioning. "Ann I can think of no better company than you. I'll be the envy of every guy there." A little joke came to his mind for the stuck out tongue. "Well At least every guy with A MILF fetish." he stuck his tongue back out at her and smiled. When did this place close? Not soon enough that was the answer.

 

[Calyxxx]

Ann giggled. "MILF? What does that mean?" She laughed and pushed him away from her. "Go finish up, and then see if they need some help out front."

She stood up and stretched her arms above her head before wandering out of her office.

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Go finish up, and then see if they need some help out front."

"Sure" Dominic went back to his Filing, there really wasn't much and helped Tom. It really was slow and Dominic finished up the customers while Tom organised the return books.

Sure enough someone rented Story of O again. Like the College kids never learned. It'd be back tomorrow unless someone really had a dominant or a submissive side. Tom eventually went home and Dominci Locked down the entrance Keeping the study hall open but the Kiosk and registers locked. he took the tills in to count.

"Once this is done and signed I guess we're gone. Still looking forward to that Coffee?"

Dominic couldn't belive the luck he seemed to be having. he counted his tills down and Signed off befor he grabbed their coats.

"Almost done Ann?" Dominic asked as he held Ann's jacket out for her to put on.

 

[Calyxxx]

Ann smiled at him before taking her coat.

"Yes, all set. Thanks." She pulled it on and let the pins out of her hair, letting it fall down around her shoulders.

"Ahh... Ok! Where is this place?"

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Dominic smiled at her. it was pretty close, so the walk would be short.

"Oh just on campus. It's only a block or so from here. they have some god music there, usually it's pretty soft. I actually like going mondays, but I never have anyone to go with."

He held the door for her to go out and waited for Ann to lock it. He got the Next door as well, holding it for her as he grinned sheepishly. Her smile was so warm. And he offered his arm one more time. Determined not to have to tear it away this time.

"Shall we?"

 

[Calyxxx]

Ann smiled and slipped her arm through his. She put her keys in her purse and let him lead her down the street.

"Wow, its a gorgeous evening isn't it?" She turned her face to feel the warm glow of the sun as it slowly sunk below the horizon. The evening air was cooling, but the concrete sidewalks and the roads held the heat, creating a lightly warm updraft around them as they walked.

"So why do you need to be spending time with your boss instead of with pretty young girls your own age? Where are your friends?"

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Why am I not out with girls my age? Well because half of them only date athletes, and a third only Date money, And most of them if not all aren't even a tenth as hot as you.

Of course Dominic didn't say any of that, but he thought it while he looked at her. Her hair tucked behind her ear, and how she looked in those glasses. She looked so good, and he had that quick thought he always did, that memory of her biting the end of them. So sweet and sinful. he almost didn't want to hit the coffee shop.

But it was in sight. He finally noticed in some off way that he hadn';t answered her question and blushed. "Yeah it is a gorgeous evening, But my company is better. And most of my freinds all took off to a ski trip. Left me behind, to my studies. Can't party all the time."

 

[Calyxxx]

Ann chuckled to herself.

"Well, I'm lucky for your company then. You must thank your friends for me. I haven't been out in quite a while." She smiled and let her hand fall from his arm down its length to his hand, taking it in her own. Much better, she thought, to be holding his hand than to be escorted around like an old lady.

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Dominic blushed as she mentioned thanking his friends. He thought he really might when she swithced to hold his hand. Her hand on his was so warm. And the night was really gorgeous out here. He really didn't want the walk to end but the coffee shop was in sight. Sounds of tuning guitars could be heard over the chatter of patrons and the door was open in a welcoming fashion.

As they walked inside he scanned for a good table and taking her to one, Dominic smiled and pulled a chair out for his boss finally letting go of her hand.

"So can I take your coat Ann?"

 

[Calyxxx]

Ann smiled and shrugged out of her coat.

"Yes, thank you!" She handed it to Dominic and took the chair he offered her. She looked around the room, taking in the people sitting around her. Chatting with coffee in their hands, listening as musicians tuned up for their performances.

"This is a nice place. Do you come here a lot?"

 

[chronicle_tenko]

She bought coffee, despite his protests. But she let him et it. A balm for his male pride. they sat and sipped and someone played couple strains of tool as a start-up before settling into a jazzy form of Bobby Darin, on guitar. It sounded good he had to admit, made good background.

"I come here to play occasionally, get away from the rock and other things my buddies and I play. End up going here when I want to hang out, or when I have a date. It's a nice safe place. You know "

Dominic blushed one more time, he brought dates here, now she was going to laugh at him. Was this a date, or was this coffee with the boss. He was still sure that she was pitying him but she looked so serene. And so happy. Almost like she was enjoying sitting and talking with him.

"So what do you enjoy listening to?"

 

[Calyxxx]

She looked at him and smiled warmly.

"Me? I like all kinds of music. Right now my mixed CD of choice is a selection of good classical piano solos, some Bach and Mozart, but it has some good Coldplay and Jack Johnson on it too. Some Spoon on there as well. I like all kinds of music. I never really learned to play an instrument though."

She sipped her coffee and leaned back in her chair.

"Mmm.. this is nice! To get out and relax instead of sitting at home alone. Thank you!"

 

[chronicle_tenko]

She had really good taste. Actually he'd been wanting to do some acoustic stuff of Johnson's. In particular he was thinking of trying to play banana pancakes. it was a very simple Guitar piece and he thought it would go well.

And he would love to make her Banana Pancakes in the morning after.

He shook his head and sipped his coffee it was good stuff, but where had that thought come from. She'd never be interested in him that way. Or maybe she would. She certainly seemed to be enjoying herself, even thanked him for taking her? But that was just freindly boss talk.

"I'm glad you like it, I really like coming here, with someone. It's a great hangout especially on Amateur night. Actually I think I'm gonna puit my name on sign up you can hear me play something. Would you like that?"

Secretly he hoped she would, his mind conjuring images of playing songs for her, as she clapped. Cheering his performances of music he wanted to do. Not the canned rock his band was currently trying to push.

 

[Calyxxx]

Her eyes lit up and she nodded her head.

"Yes! Please! I'd love to hear you!" Ann smiled widely at Dominic and put down her coffee cup. "You only have to put your name on a list and they let you play, huh? I'd very much like to watch you play."

 

[chronicle_tenko]

Dominic smiled, No one wanted to hear him play things. he'd actually sing Banana Pancakes, for her. Smiling he excused himself clumsily to go write his name down for amateur night. They'd get to him quickly when he came people usually knew, and most of the indie guys knew he he was by now.

"Alright so lets have a quick question? Something that's confusing me to all hell. why no boyfriend? Because, and I'm just being honest. I have to say you're gorgeous. Why don't you have a man? Or do you? and you just never go out."