User Error [Cee]

[Cee Cohen]

Cee was not the kind of guy to turn any ideas off out of hand. That was stupid. You never knew what was going to come in handy, you never knew who could come up with good ideas, and when Cee had been in programming, he’d never hesitated to think over a few ideas and figure out what would apply best, even if they had come from students or interns. It was always best to be open to new ideas. Plus, it was all worth it to see a smile on the young boy’s mouth. He suspected that wasn’t an expression often seen—especially on his face right now, when he’d been taken away from everything he’d ever known.

He sighed. “Yes and no. They like muddling with the blind instructor’s computers. Some of them think it’s funny, although I always manage to catch them.” So what was the point of it? Cee didn’t understand. He’d never been the pranking type in high school, being too busy with working or studying or something like that. But that was no surprise. “They enjoy having fun. Typically, the harm isn’t that severe, so I don’t fret on it.”

Cee laughed. “I admit, I tend to favor just the way the words roll off the tongue. And I enjoy discovering what words mean. But I have never involved myself in the study of how their usage changes over time. It might have to be something that I look into, thank you.” He smiled at the boy. It was good to see him getting into a topic. And as it was one Cee enjoyed as well, he saw no harm in it. He listened, intrigued, to the ongoing description, and his lips curved up.

“No, please. I was quite enjoying it. It isn’t often we get students interested in—what did you say? Etymology? It’s very impressive. Have you thought about studying languages or linguistics in college? Mind…” He coughed. “I suppose it is a bit early for it.”

Seb was looking at the computer warily again, and after a moment of hesitation, he leaned across and turned it off. “There. So you aren’t feeling like it’ll bite.”

He nodded. “Don’t worry about it. Also, feel free to request assistance. I keep it in good repair usually, and I know its function well even though I have not used it in a very, very long time.” 

[Sebastian Bolstad]

A slight frown crossed Sebastian’s brow and he tucked a long lock of hair behind his ear. “I do not understand why they might find it funny. It is clear even to me that you find it distressing; why should they want to cause that?” The blonde sighed softly, blue eyes sad. It was just yet another symptom of the sickness inherent in society, a sickness that a place like this encouraged. If you grouped together freaks en-mass like this it was no wonder that disgusting behaviours thrived, even ones that caused upset to a man as seemingly nice as Mr Cohen.

Seb tried not to think about how long it might be until even he fell under the influence of this awful plague. Would he too one day find himself causing mischief just for the delight of watching an innocent man struggle to protect the things that he clearly held close to his heart?

Language had always been a true fascination to Sebastian; not so much foreign languages but the usage (and sometimes abusage) of English and how it evolved over time. It was something he had picked up from his mother, when she had taught him little word games and encouraged his book studies, and it was something he took great pride in. He had never been in an actual fight before but he had a few times managed to baffle the other person enough that he could get out of a potentially horrid situation, and his mind was the closest he would ever get to having a weapon.

As Mr Cohen commented that his understanding of etymology was impressive a bashful look crossed Sebastian’s face and a light blush coloured his cheeks. “Thank you, Mr Cohen. It is something that I enjoy greatly; I am glad I am not the only person here with such an interest in language.” The question regarding college caused Seb to momentarily falter, however, and he looked down at his shoes for a moment before glancing back up at the teacher. “I have never considered it, Mr Cohen. Before I was unwillingly brought here my mother taught me at home… This is my first actual school experience.” Sebastian had always just assumed that he would continue helping out in his fathers store, and then one day maybe take it over when he was old enough. The boy who could glance into the future suddenly realised he was blind to his own, and he paled slightly as the weight of that uncertainty dawned on him.

Giving a polite nod as the teacher explained about the typewriter, Sebastian stood and gathered up the carrying strap of the bag. He needed time to think, to organise his thoughts, and he could not do that in a room he was so uncomfortable in. “Thank you so much for your assistance, sir. And for the water. I shall come to you if I have any questions regarding the machine.” After shifting the gerbil to his other jacket pocket so it wouldn’t get squashed, Seb hauled up the heavy device and began to awkwardly make his way to the door with it. “Thank you again, Mr Cohen. I hope you have a pleasant day.”

[Cee Cohen]

Cee stared at Sebastian, then beamed. “Exactly! Exactly. Very few students seem to comprehend that. But they think it’s funny, so I suppose that’s their reasoning behind their oddities.” However, Cee just viewed it as kids being kids. It didn’t really trouble him that they did it. He could usually fix what they did. After all, purposefully trying to mess something up through the programming was easier to fix than fixing a motherboard that was covered in milk. Which happened. A lot. That was also the main reason that he had a whole list of things taped to the door that students couldn’t bring in. If he caught them, then he gave a stern lecture—so much as possible—and set them to typing exercises until he was certain they learned their lesson.

Or Mavis Beacon. That was equal amounts of torture.

Cee had always been more interested in—well, the way words tasted. That was a weird way to describe it, but it was true. He liked how certain words could seem so weird but some out so cool. He enjoyed experimenting with saying them and seeing how they came out to be. It was…fun. It was delightful, actually, and just different to try things out and see how they came out. Kind of like programming, but aloud.

And yes, he was aware that this was a weird way to think of things. But he liked it anyways, thank you.

He smiled at him. “No, you’re certainly not. One day I’ll have to introduce you to Jack Maguire. He’s a wonderful man and an English instructor! I think he’ll be happy to discuss language items with you as well. Your first…?” He stared at him, then smiled. “Well, welcome to Hammel once again. I hope you’ll start to enjoy school.”

“You too, Sebastian. Take care, and let me know if you require any assistance.” He watched him go, then tapped a pen against his lips and made a note in his files.

And then, because he was Cee, made a note in his computers before going back to looking into zombies. Old habits died hard.

 
((Annnd wrap!))