Winging It - Robbie tags Dalton, May

[Robbie Wilkes]

Robbie had been cracking his brain on what to do for his English finals. Of course it didn't help that he'd been cranking old blues on his MP3 player the whole night instead of actually writing a thesis for his paper. Tossing and turning on his bed, he finally decided to go to the man that doled out the punishment in the first place. Of course, Robbie didn't really think it was punishment, despite it being a week to his favourite holiday and he was worrying about his finals.

Switching off his MP3 player, Robbie tossed it on his bed and slipped out of his dorm room and eventually his dorm to find Professor Dalton. The halls were eerily silent but Robbie slipped and slid across the stone floor, humming a song from his favourite ACDC album of all time. A couple of air guitar and headbanging later, Robbie bumped into a wall. "Bloody-" he rubbed his sore shoulder before continuing to do his little performance.

After about ten minutes of walking, he realised that he didn't know where he should be going. He backtracked a little and tried to find the classes. There were two lights on from where he was standing and he knew those were classes so he bounded and skipped over to that lit up classroom to find none other than Professor Jacob Dalton, probably grading papers. Well, doing something with a pen and paper.

"Why am I not surprised to see a teacher in a classroom?" Robbie announced his arrival before choosing a seat right in front of his teacher. "I don't have an apple but I do promise I will pass your subject if you could just tell me what I can do to um...pass it." He sat rigidly straight and gave his teacher a huge smile.

[Jacob Dalton]

Dalton glanced up from his contemplation of one of the manuscripts on his desk, and smiled. “Come in, Robbie. Good to see you. I take it you’ve got a case of writer’s block?”

As Robbie elaborated slightly, Dalton’s expression became more pensive. “Is that why you are here, Robbie? To pass a class? Can you tell me what you think the value of a letter grade on your high school transcript will mean to your future?

“I hope you can see my point: that this isn’t so much about a grade as it is about the learning process. My intention is not to sweat one good term paper out of you: it is to train you to be capable of writing such papers as the occasion requires: say, for a professional assignment in a future job.

“I assigned something I thought you might find of interest right now, that it might hold your attention. If my choice in that failed, let us make it a bit easier: what subject would you like to write about?

"My requirement will not be particular subject matter, but the format of the report. Describe any social issue you choose, give the history behind it, a pro argument, an argument to the con, a suggested compromise and a prediction of a possible future. The social issue can be anything from race relations to punk rock to “tweeting:” whatever you like. But you must have those segments, and you must present them coherently, fully and concisely.” Does that work better for you?”

[Robbie Wilkes]

That was a bummer. He would have thought the professor would laugh and just help him understand his project but no matter. Robbie wasn't going to take it too personally. Once the professor was done talking, Robbie produced the little notebook he had stuffed in his pocket earlier and scribbled what the professor had said. "I'm going to write a report on the..." Robbie paused and scrambled about his brain for a proper word to write down. "...AH! It will be on the serious lack of humor retention in educators of today."

Robbie looked up at Professor Dalton and grinned again. "I'm just messing witcha, teach. Although I do have major writing issues. I was actually starting to write on the general indecency that is the human race but it was a bit too broad so I tried to narrow it down to the classism dividing our beautiful Pilot Ridge town but then it would mean serious research, something I can't commit to because well, Christmas is coming up sir so...I needed something easy. So I narrowed it down even further to this institution. You know...conformity versus divergence.

"The idea is that I would write based on things I've actually witnessed myself, you know...like there are certain groups of people with the same power or the same degree of power that clump together while ostracising others who are weaker or different from them. But even with that I'm gonna need some serious research right? So now I'm stumped...which is why I'm here. Do you think I should continue with that with what I have so far or should I like...choose another path?"

[Jacob Dalton]

Dalton listened as Robbie poked at half a dozen possibilities, nodding occasionally. “So: most of the paths you have contemplated, you have come up against a bit of a block. Each one has required ‘serious research.’ So you try a different path, and what do you find? That this one, too, would require ‘serious research.’ So: what’s the purpose of the assignments, again?

“As this is to prepare you for your future, you may have to consider that if you are given an assignment like this by a superior, he will expect you to do more than write a fluff piece on what everyone already knows. Why? Because if he asked you to do it, he wants you to contribute knowledge they don’t already have. And if they don’t already have it and you don’t already have it, then how do you suppose you would acquire it?”

Dalton shrugged. “Sorry, Robbie: I can be very flexible on what material you wish to pursue, but I cannot so adjust the requirements that you fail to learn the skills it is designed to teach. Yes: whatever subject you would pursue in enough depth to score well, you must do ‘serious research.’ Since this is unavoidable, I suggest you try a subject in which ‘research’ doesn’t sound like a four-letter word.

“Allow me to ask: are there any publications you enjoy reading on a regular basis? Perhaps magazines on musical instruments or bands? A favorite sport, or movie series? Anything where you are eager to find out what’s going on, what has changed? Find what you like, Robbie, and we will have found where you already do research… do you follow me?”

[Robbie Wilkes]

Instinctively, Robbie's hand becomes a ledge for his chin as his professor spoke. He had such a soothing voice and his accented lilt made for excellent sense dulling. Robbie's eyes drooped ever so slightly but he woke himself up by pinching his sides. He didn't want to get into more trouble so he sat up straight and nodded decisively.

That was before Professor Dalton uttered the words that made his mind blank. Four letter word? But research was like what...seven letters? No, it was eight. No seven. NO! Eight! R-E-S-E-A-R-C-H. See! Eight! Robbie cocked his head to the left and frowned just slightly. "But Professor Dalton, research is an eight letter word. You're off by four letters." He genuinely didn't understand what Professor Dalton truly meant.

And then when he continued asking about magazines, Robbie swore he heard his ears ring. The only publications he read were from Mirriam-Webster and Oxford. The Old Faithfuls that gave him words and their definitions and their etymology and synonyms and antonyms and everything a word needed to have to exist as a word. Magazines had words that didn't make sense and their pictures were eye sores at best. Professor Dalton ought to know that...did he not?

Then he again nodded even more decisively when asked if Robbie actually followed what he was saying. "Right. Research then. No matter what the topic, I'm going to give you a hell of a night to remember when you're marking my papers. Hell. Of. A. Night. Mark my words Professor Dalton. I will rock your world." Robbie pounded the desk he was sitting at and nodded to indicate he meant it. He had a determined look on his face, something he didn't show many people often.

He was quite determined to wow his professor whatever it took. Even if that meant reading a magazine.

[Jacob Dalton]

(OOC: *chuckles* Very cute, indeed!)

<< Robbie cocked his head to the left and frowned just slightly. "But Professor Dalton, research is an eight letter word. You're off by four letters." He genuinely didn't understand what Professor Dalton truly meant. >>

It was late, and Robbie had disrupted his focus from a term paper with particularly egregious spelling and grammatical errors, so Dalton’s full faculties were not intent on the current conversation. He was a little surprised by the boy's comment, but apparently Robbie was sincere.

"There are many expletives in the English language which contain four letters, Robbie: the 'F' word, for instance, and others you will have heard your classmates use in moments of passion. Referring to something as 'a four letter-word' is a way to say you find it vile." He chuckled. "There you go: yet another four letter word!" He grinned. "I was merely saying that research should not be regarding as the offense your statement suggests it is to you. When you find a subject that interests you, research can be genuinely interesting and exciting.

"Perhaps you could share some of your interests? That might suggest some subjects where I could offer ideas of where to find appropriate, interesting research material for you?"

He nodded, pleased, at Robbie's expressed determination. "I have no doubt you shall far exceed your original expectations, and shall greatly look forward to your paper."

[Robbie Wilkes]

[OOC: I try]

As Professor Dalton explained what he had meant, Robbie's eyes widened and his jaw slacked at the new found discovery. "That's something else now isn't it?" Robbie shook his head in disbelief, mostly because after all of sixteen years of living he just found that little piece of trivia now. Well, it wasn't that big a deal but still, it was awesome that Professor Dalton was the one to tell him.

"Interests? I like girls. And my powers. And did I mention girls coz that's a biggie on my list." Robbie grinned good-naturedly. He knew the professor was asking for something deeper than that but for now, that was all he could offer. To be perfectly honest, Robbie didn't have much interests besides the aforementioned, so trying to answer his professor any further would most probably just confuse and embarrass himself, which would be something new to the weather manipulator, given the fact that his emotions were usually just classified as being happy, really happy and stupid happy.

"I could write about girls and their reactions to my power."

[Jacob Dalton]

Dalton smiled. “I daresay you have hit on a subject of common interest to most men. But also, apparently, one that most men find to be a great mystery.

“We tend to believe that others perceive the world around them much the same way we do. Yet history bears out that there are significant differences between the way men and women interpret so much of life. Understanding how to relate well to women starts with understanding how they perceive what we do and say. Allow me to suggest a good starting point: a book entitled ‘Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.’ I daresay you can snag a copy from the library first thing tomorrow. You may find it a fascinating read, and well worth your while.

“You could either write specifically in regards to your impressions on the book, and your personal experiences as they relate to the author’s conclusions, either to agree or disagree, or take some salient concept from the book and take off with it from there.”

He shifted in the chair, relaxing. “What do you think?"

[Robbie Wilkes]

When his professor smiled, Robbie found himself smiling as well. It didn't really take a lot to make Robbie smile anyway and the older man had such a warm presence about him that even Robbie couldn't help be taken into. And as he spoke, Robbie jotted things down, making sure he got everything down.

"Wait, wait, I'm going to have to..." Robbie cut himself off before he said something stupid. Of course he was going to have to read. He was a student and if he wanted to learn something, he's gonna have to actually read something. If for nothing else but to appease Professor Dalton. "I think I could do that. First time for everything. I could maybe like...if I get anything from the book, I could implement it in real life or something or I dunno...something." He shrugged.

Robbie mimicked his professor and leaned against his chair only he hung his head over the back of the chair to stare up at the ceiling. He started blowing pop bubbles in his mouth as he thought of other ways he could possibly make researching actually interesting. "I'm not bothering you or nothing am I, teach?" he asked lazily, not really wanting to know the answer.

[Jacob Dalton]

Dalton raised an eyebrow bemusedly at Robbie’s consternation.

“Yes: you may actually have to pick up one of those big heavy square things everyone is always toting around to class, and open it,” Dalton teased him goodnaturedly: “we actually intended them to be of value besides building up muscle tone carrying them.”

Then he sighed with a little genuine regret. “Actually, something tells me that in your generation, genuine books and book reading will be going the way of parchment scrolls and clay tablets. What with ‘Mac this’ and ‘Mac that,’ I-phones, I-pods & I-books, you’re all toting around data tools capable of storing the library of Alexandria. If it weren’t for copyright and royalties, half the published literature of the modern world would already be stored on a tablet in your backpack. For the sake of disseminating information, I have no doubt there is a certain advantage. But I personally shall miss the feel of leather bindings, the scent and feel of good paper, curled up on a sofa not worrying when my batteries shall run down.”

His thoughts returned to the present, and he sighed. “Ah, well. The one constant in life is change: it is far preferable to the alternative.”

<< "I'm not bothering you or nothing am I, teach?" >>

Dalton laughed. “Robbie: I teach because I love watching students grow and absorb new knowledge. Seeing those little light bulbs pop on above your heads, the flash of understanding in your eyes: that’s my bread and butter. No, Robbie: you are not bothering me at all…”

[Robbie Wilkes]

Robbie was about to curse the living daylights out of books before he took in his professor's tone and laughed along with him, pointing an accusing finger at him, wagging it lightly. "Oh you're funny, teach. You really are somethin'," Robbie linked his fingers behind his head and listened as his teacher started talking about Macs and I-s whatever.

Yes, he knew what those were but he had never acquired any of it. His laptop was a three year old faithful Acer and his MP3 player had a cracked screen and was four years old and he didn't even like to read books, why would he pay an unreasonable price for something that only lets him read books? It was ridiculous and Robbie didn't buy into that fad. Nor did he buy into the whole actually reading books fad either. He was quite content with his dictionaries and thesauri which remained consistently good, only changing when new unexplored words were introduced.

"You could always like...get a library and fill it with those leather bound big heavy square things." Robbie suggested, his eyes holding not an ounce of sarcasm. Professor Dalton's reassurance that Robbie wasn't bothering him was met with two thumbs up before he started scribbling some idea he already had for his paper. At the mention of bread and butter made him look up. "You want dinner?"

[Jacob Dalton]

Dalton nodded. “I actually have quite a collection stored away. Once I have a home here, and have them all unpacked, you’ll have to have a look.” He sighed. “But that shall probably not be for a while.”

The word “dinner” sparked an interest in Dalton’s mind. Moreso, it apparently sparked an interest in his stomach, which let out a well-timed growl. “Come to think of it, it has been a bit. Lost track of time. What options are available here, this time of night?”

[Robbie Wilkes]

Robbie looked at his professor incredulously. Surely he understood Robbie's whole fuss of not actually reading? No matter. He was sure to find a book about words rather than a book just with words in his collection now. Obtuse as he was, Robbie did notice the sigh emanating from his teacher. Leaning forward on the desk he had been occupying, Robbie frowned slightly in concern. "What's with that then?" He asked.

As was hoped for, Robbie's mention of dinner had the professor moving...and growling. Robbie grinned and sprung out of his chair to bound to the teacher's desk, motioning to Professor Dalton with both his hands. "Come on. I'm pretty sure a couple of strapping men like us can persuade some ladies to give us some sympathy dinners. And if all else fails, I've got Twizzlers in my backpack upstairs. Come on!" Robbie drawled.

When the older man finally got out of his chair, Robbie let the man take a couple of steps ahead of him before he started to walk out of the classroom. They passed a few people who looked at them weirdly but Robbie didn't care or mind. They fell into step in the middle of the walk."So tell meh, why don't you have a home here?" Robbie gave his professor a sideways glance, letting the older man know he was listening.

[Mayu Yoshiko]

Mayu didn’t want to be at school this late; there wasn’t a totally illogical reason for her to stay though. Yet she would definitely rather be at home eating dinner with her family then to be sitting here, at the computer, typing up the last of her article for the Newspaper. Well, a rough draft of what might actually be on the paper. Not to say she actually thought she could get it on the paper itself. Somehow she doubted the other girls would appreciate a “letter” in the paper about what was actually going on outside their walls. It truly was her brother’s idea, but she-being the writer-had to actually sit down and do it. May smiled to herself, finishing up the last line before pressing print. In less then a minute she was cramming the slightly warm paper into her bag and heading down the hall.

Step two in Newspaper Club? Find a teacher worthy of leading them, preferably an English teacher. God knows they needed an editor. Mayu had asked to find a suitable teacher, having one already in mind. All that was left was to actually convince him. She headed down the hallway towards his office, not paying attention to her bearings until she collided with a blonde haired guy. He was taller then her, but then again so was everyone else. “Oh sorry!” the words spilled out before she saw who was standing beside the student. You can’t be serious… Mayu didn’t bother to look around as the words spilled into her brain, she carefully pulled herself back behind her own ‘shielding’ before finally speaking to the professor she had been searching for. “Hello Professor, I was actually just coming to see you. Do you two mind some company?” She winked at the professor, hoping he didn’t mind the basic intrusion to the surface thoughts. Normally she wouldn’t have done that, but then when you collide into someone, powers are sure to pick up things you wouldn’t have otherwise.

[Jacob Dalton]

Dalton chuckled. “If you know of some ladies who are in a position to access the cafeteria or whatnot at this hour, then so be it. ‘Lead on, McDuff!’ But a moment: let me pack these papers in…”

He grinned at the young man’s impatience as it took him a moment to gather his papers into his workbag, then strolled on in the direction of the cafeteria, their presumed destination.

<< “So tell meh, why don't you have a home here?" >>

Dalton smiled. “I have been in town all of three weeks, Robbie. It can take some time to locate a good residence. I’ve started a search, certainly, but – ”

Dalton’s explanation was cut short as a diminutive Oriental girl suddenly collided with Robbie, nearly knocking him over into the professor.

“Ho! Steady, there!”

<< “Hello Professor, I was actually just coming to see you. Do you two mind some company?” She winked at the professor… >>

As Dalton focused on the young lady, he realized she was one of his students in Composition. He was not sure what she intended by the wink, but obviously there was some subject she eagerly wished to discuss.

“Good evening, Mayu. Robbie and I were just en route to see if we might track down a late dinner. Please, do join us. I take it there is some pressing issue on your mind?”