Chapter Text
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“Professor, I must be honest, If you continue glaring at the students this way, they’re definetly failing the next oral exam.”
Anaxa didn’t bother looking up immediately, although the familiar chirpy voice echoing throughout the lecture hall doorway told him enough to know who exactly had decided to interrupt his moment of peace. Slowly, he slid the final exam paper into a neat pile atop his desk before lifting his eyes, his eyebrows raised in question.
“Considering the average quality of work submitted to me this semester,” he said flatly, beginning to grab his messenger bag before elegantly pulling it over his head, “I believe I have the right to look dissapointed.”
Across the room, Hyacine laughed at her former professor, her light-hearted voice filling the empty room as the sun began to set out the windows, shining onto the courtyard of the Grove of Epiphany university. The sunlight spilled across the wood floors and hit the now-empty rows of desks that the students had only moments ago occupied while suffering another one of Professor Anaxagoras’s unforgiving examinations.
“Professor, half the first year’s were in tears by the time they were out of the exam room, won’t you have some mercy?” Hyacine said, a bright smile on her face as she stepped away from the doorway to let Anaxa exit before falling into step beside him as the two exited the classroom together.
“If that’s the case, they need to study harder.”
“They really are doing their best though, have you considered extra credit?”
“…”
“Professor, they are all honest and hardworking students, I would have definetly failed this examination when I was a student.”
“…”
“Even if you can’t change the questions, at the very least, maybe let them off?”
While Hyacine continued to insistently pester the silent Anaxa, they stepped and turned into a wide university corridor, the soundless commotion behind them immediately caught Anaxa’s attention.
The sliding of a door could be heard as the duo turned back to see several students—definetly Anaxa’s, lingering akwardly near a lecture hall entrance, shoulders slumped in collective defeat while one first-year appeared to be wiping his face as though the examination had completely shattered his future and aspirations.
How ridiculous….
Nearby, another student had already buried their face into their friend’s shoulder as quiet sounds of sobs and muttered comfort could be heard through the hall. What seemed to have been a collective group meeting on the answers after the exam seemed to turn more into a sob circus, each and everyone of their face’s slowly turning red as the tears began to fall.
“…Were they always this fragile?”
The moment the words left his mouth, Hyacine let out a deep sigh, exasperated at her professor, before she turned away from him, walking towards the group. Clasping her hands neatly behind her back as she offered her signature reassuring ‘Kind Asst Prof. Miss Hyacine’ smile.
“What’s the matter?” To her sweet words, the students immediately beamed, several head snapping upward as though an angel had descended from the heavens. One even going as far to launch herself towards the assistant professor before clenching the hem of her long fluttering skirt as tears streamed down the young girl’s eyes
“Miss Hyacine! You need to convince Prof A for a retake!” the student cried, sounding genuinely devastated.
To that, Anaxa’s face immediately darkened, before he could recorrect the rebellious student’s honorific, Hyacine immediately hugged the student, embracing them in a warm hug as she continued to sob into her chest.
“Oh dear…” she murmured sympathetically, gently crouching down and wrapping both arms around the distraught girl fully, allowing her to now fully bury her face against her shoulder.
“You all did wonderfully,” She tilted her head and responded with a soft voice , addressing the whole group as she continued to hug the young girl, “Professor Anaxa simply has…. Ambitious expectations let’s say.”
One of the students looked deeply unconvinced while the other visible mouthed something that was either I’m ruined or I’m dropping his class. Likely both.
“But he means well for all of you,” Hyacine continued gently. “Trust me.”
A boy near the back of the group, still comforting his crying friend beside him suddenly jerked upright at the comment before giving Hyacine a rather confused yet offended look.
“With all the respect I can muster, Miss Hyacine, Prof A has already failed 10 of my assignments and told me he’ll fail my next.”
At that, the rest of the students visibly seemed to recoil as though the memory alone had collectively reopened old wounds, several exchanging sympathetic glances with eachother while another quietly muttering something under their breath that sounded suspiciously close to I told you not to switch majors. Truthfully, Anaxa’s reputation within the Grove has never exactly been forgiving. Brilliant, yes, respected, definetly, but he was still infamous for maintaining standard so high that even top-ranking students found themselves leaving his lectures.
Unfortunatately, to Anaxa, there had never been room for mediocrity within education, nor had he ever beieved in the rather absurd notion of rewarding effort for effort’s sake alone. The professor’s brilliance was rivaled only by his complete inability to sugarcoat criticism, earning him a rather unfortunate reputation of being one of the most admired scholars and one of its most terrifying professors.
“Is there a problem with that?” came Anaxa’s flat voice from behind them.
The entire group froze, many visibly paling and another jumping out of their skin. The girl currently clinging to Hyacine slowly lifted her head, eyes widening in horror the second she realized Anaxa had apparently been standing there for quite a while, a thousand words crawling up her throat as her heart skipped a beat at his stern look.
“I deeply apologize, Professor!”
Then, another voice spoke, before another until the group of students began to offer pleas towards the standing professor.
“I studied prof, I swear!”
“Please don’t lower my grade…”
“I can still recover academically, right Prof? Right?”
Anaxa stared blankly at the group, looking entirely unimpressed, “You all are being unecessarily dramatic. If you cannot challenge yourself, what will all of you do when the time comes where the world needs your intellect? You all are students of the Grove, no?”
To that, a chorus of groans could be heard, immediately being interrupted by Hyacine.
“Now, now” she chimed, stepping slightly back from the group as she gently pried the student’s hands off her, before whispering in a low tone out of Anaxa’s hearing range, “How about we all do our best to study for the next exam while your assistant professor convinces Professor for some credit?”
The student blinked, letting the words fall into their ears before Hyacine pressed one finger gently against her lips, Anaxa giving a puzzled look behind them.
Almost immediately, several relieved nods followed while the student who had just bawled her eyes out to Hyacine seemed close to tears again.
“Miss Hyacine, you’re an angel.” A student whispered back, followed by mumbles of agreement from others, making a warm smile creep up Hyacine’s lips.
Truthfully, if Professor Anaxa had somehow earned the reputation of being the Grove’s most feared teacher, then Hyacine had long since become the unfortunate remedy students naturally graivtated towards whenever his demanding standards began crushing them. It was hardly uncommong to find undergraduates crowding around her office hours in search of comfort after brutal lectures, nor was it unsual for her to stay well beyond working hours patiently walking students through concepts Anaxa had only explained once under the assumption every understood immediately. While Anaxa was busy criticizing, Hyacine had somehow balanced it effortlessly with an absurd level of patience and kindness, leaving many students clinging to her presence whenever they can.
“What are you all discussing about?,” Anaxa interrupted sharply, already turning towards the end of the corridor with horribly concealed irritation, “If any of you have enough energy for theatrics in my classroom, I suggest redirecting that towards studying for the next exam.”
Yet, instead of the usual protests that would follow, no one argued. Several even straightened their posture and gave a stiff nod with an odd smile creeping up all their faces.
Stunned yet satisfied by the outcome, Anaxa adjusted the strap of his bag and began walking away, fully expecting Hyacine to continue remaining behind and comforting the group of students for atleast another 10 minutes until…
“Alright everyone,” Hyacine said brightly, stepping away from the group and smoothing the wrinkles from her skirt. “No more tears for today. Go get dinner, rest well, and all of you better be alive for next week’s lectures.”
A chorus of defeated goodbyes followed, while some began to giggle, relieving a tight knot in Hyacine’s heart.
“Bye Miss Hyacine…”
“Thank you, Miss Hyacine….”
“Bless Miss Hyacine!!”
Hyacine laughed softly, waving once more before turning on her heel and quickly jogging several steps to catch up with Anaxa, easily falling stubbornly back into place beside him. As they continued to walk in silence, by the time they reached the exit, Hyacine turned towards him, an expectant look on her face as she continued where their conversation was last left off.
“As you can see , professor… you have to atleast… “
“I’ll consider it.” He finally sighed, resigning to his fate as Hyacine instantly brightened, her smile growing wider with a fond look.
With all honesty, Anaxa had long since accepted that whenever Hyacine decided to involve herself in matters concerning his students, there was no point in resisting her requests. For reasons beyond his understanding, she possessed the ability to soften even his judgements and although he wouldn’t admit it, part of him did pity the unfortnate students suffering beneath standards he himself understood were rarely easy to meet.
“Thank you, prof A!”
“It’s professor Anaxagoras.”
“alright…” she giggled.
The two continued out the exit before reaching the courtyard, the abundance of bright plants and flowers encompassing them with a few gazebos visible from the distance as they walked. Students wandered lazily between pathways lined with cypress tres, the campus slowly settling into a quiet comfortable silence as the sounds of birds could be heard.
Then, after a few more steps, Hyacine broke the silence.
“How are your ear’s doing?”
The question came casually enough, though Anaxa immediately recognized the concern buried beneath it due to Hyacine’s insistent gaze during the lectures towards his newly made hearing aid covered by his mint green hair away from student’s view. Even after graduating, Hyacine still found ways to care for her sickly professor after taking up becoming a doctor and willingly deciding to stay beside him as an assistant professor. Without missing a beat, he adjusted the frame of his glasses and continued walking forward.
“Perfectly fine.”
Hyacine hummed softly,
“I see…”
Anaxa kept his gaze fixed ahead as he let Hyacine ponder about the answer, though immediately something felt… off. The courtyards stretching before him seemed to blur faintly around the edges, the outline of passing students softening for a split second before sharpening again.
He blinked harshly a few times. Strange. perhaps grading papers for 3 consecutive hours had simply strained his eyes more than usual. Nothing worth mentioning, although it probably didn’t need to be as the girl beside him seemed to be too distracted to notice the insistent batting of his eyelids.
Before she could press further, Anaxa shifted his bag against his shoulder and slowly stopped near the univeristy gates.
“Well then, Hyacinthia, I will be off now.”
Hyacine looked over immediately, concern stil etched into her features.
“At this hour? Professor, its dangerous for— “
“I’m going to the nightmarket before heading home, I have nothing left to cook at home.”
Hyacine simply blinked, realizing any sort of protest now would only leave her with trying to restrain Anaxa herself. However, she was well aware that if she were to advise Anaxa to not go, he would inevitably forget to restock his kitchen and skip several more meals through the week. So, now, all she could do was accept.
“Oh… I see..”
Yet before Anaxa could immediately be left off the hook and be left alone, she narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
It was a look he had grown rather used to over the years, the exact same expression Hyacine wore whenever she noticed something concerning far long before he wanted to acknowledge it. Far too perceptive, this student of his.
“Are you changing the subject again, professor?”
“What subject is there to change?”
“Professor.”
“What?”
A brief silence passed between them before she finally sighed, clearly unconvinced but letting her poor professor go to grab whatever vegetables he needed unless she wanted him to continue eating instant noodles after catching him at the dead of night, grading papers, with the rather modern lunch he had been recommended by a few students of his.
“Fine... But Professor, if there is anything wrong with the new aids, or you feel some sort of— “
“Yes, I know.” Anaxa quickly cut her off before she could continue with another hour lecture. She studied him for another second before finally relenting.
“I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
Anaxa gave a small nod before stepping beyond the gates, the warm evening air wrapping around him as the bustling streets below began glowing beneath the amber light. Behind him, he caught one final glimpse of Hyacine lingering near the marble pillars, watching him for several moment longer that needed until he saw her finally turning back towards the campus, no doubt going back to grading the leftover papers he had left in the classroom without his consent.
As he descended the familiar stone pathway, the narrow streets began to stretch endlessly while the balconies of white buildings overflowed with flowers of springtime with buds that swayed lazily beneath the cool breeze. Somewhere ahead, the marketplace was beginning to open as merchants made their way past him with their stalls, a few kids running across the alleyways ahead of him as he walked ahead. The day was rather peaceful today until a dull ache began to surface in his ear, gesturing him to take out his aids and stuff them in his pants.
Now, the silence came, as he briefly let his ears rest from the rather uncomfortable aids, the streets silent and seemingly safe for a deaf person to walk about. Ever since that day, silence had become his one and only companion, his ears failing and leaving him with emptiness, and recently it seemed determine to test his patience by disturbing his vision as well.
How troublesome….
A group of passing ladies brushed carelssly past him, forcing him slightly towards the edge of the crowded sidewalk. He frowned faintly, steadying himself before continuing onward, eyes narrowing at the distant storefronts that seemed… strangely blurried than they were a moment ago..
Again?
The blur remained for a few seconds longer before gradually settling back into place. Perhaps he had truly overworked himself today dspite Hyacine’s protests. Making a mental note to avoid grading any more papers tonight, he exhaled quietly and continued onward towards the growing crowd ahead, the entrance of the marketplace making itself seen paired with the golden lights flickering warmly against the pavement.
He’ll have to check his eyes out another time, perhaps when he’s done with his work, though it’s definetly nothing too major.
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The police department, for once, was unusually quiet. Although it wasn’t necessarily the silence that screamed to be a terrible sign nor the silence that indicated mourning. Phainon usually prefers departments with actual sounds of work as the newly appointed deputy chief, determined to encourage everyone to work hard. However, despite the odd silence in his own office corners, he could manage to hear the rhythm of paperwork shuffling, officers yawning, and distant phones ringing at the reception, his body finally beginning to relax from the tiring shift until…
At the far end of the row of desks lining infront of him, an officer had already abandoned a report they were supposed to be finishing in favor of attempting to balance a pen vertically ontop of an open folder. Two younger officers nearby were quietly placing bets on how long it would stay upright before tipping over and near the front desk, visible through the glass door, Castorice was desperately trying to explain something to a rather old-looking civilian who had mistaken the police station for the tax office.
Leaning back against the doorway after he made his way to the exit, he loosened the collar of his uniform with one hand, rolling his shoulder as the dull ache sitting near the base of his beck reminded him that perhaps sleeping for 4 hours over 2 days was infact, not healthy.
As much as Phainon wanted to discipline the fresh new officers under him, he had to admit that through today’s work, they did deserve a break.
Except a certain officer.
Across the room, a loud groan broke his train of thought.
“I’m starving…”
Phainon didn’t even bother turning, the voice already recognizable by heart.
“Did you guys not eat yet?”
Cipher, currrently sprawled across one of the waiting benches near the reception desk, staring at the ticking clock indicating the end of their shift, lifted her head just enough to give the chief a mischevious grin.
“Chief… Any spare change for this poor old officer?”
Mydei, who had been standing near one of the filing cabinets sorting through case folders with his usual expression of indifference shut the drawer with more force than necessary at Cipher’s chirpy tone, immediately making the woman flinch and sit upright.
“She skipped lunch,” he muttered. “don’t mind her.”
Cipher pointed at Myde immediately with a frown at the statement
“Hey! You didn’t eat too!”
To that, Phainon raised his eyebrows, despite his rather tired expression, the surprise was still visible from the fact that even his officers were tired to not even eat. As much as he usually sometimes skipped lunches, that was rarely, and expected once he became chief. But his officers? He hadn’t realized they’d worked through their breaks too, a rather warm pang in his chest beginning to bloom.
Straightening slightly, he folded his arms, coat hanging loosely from one hand as his gaze shifted between the two officers who had stayed by his side his entire career and willingly supported him at every moment.
“Have neither of you eaten yet?” he asked, looking genuinely concerned, “What were you all doing?”
Cipher let out at another dramatic sigh at her chief’s question, throwing herself back against the bench once more with one arm lazily draped over her forehead.
“Blame Mydei.”
Mydei looked up immediately, “Why me?”
“You were the one who insisted we spend two whole hours tracking down that stolen motorcycle.”
“And weren’t you the one who chased the suspect into traffic? The only reason it took longer than usual was because we were trying to get an old lady off of the cart we crashed into.”
Phainon pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaustion already seeping in at the two bickering. The sight of the two officers fighting in front of him like children was enough to make him want to shut himself with paperwork once more.
To think these were the very same officers the department praised as some of the most capable officers under his command.
Cipher pointed an accusing finger at Mydei once more, looking at Phainon as though he would support her side,
“First of all, I almost caught the suspect.”
“You didn’t.”
“The old woman just happened to be in the way. It wasn’t on purpose, nor was she injured.”
“Her cart was destroye—”
“I paid for the damages with my lunch money anyway!”
To that, Phainon stared blankly at Cipher, an utter look of disblief overtaking him. “You… what?”
“It was a sacrifice for justice, Chief.” Cipher responded with her arms crossed, a genuine proud look on her face as Mydei sighed and continued organizing the folders.
To that, Phainon couldn’t help but laugh quietly, though the amused expression lasted only a second beore he shook his head and glanced around the area. Now that he was actually out of his office, most of the officers scattered around the station looked as miserable as the veterans, some already taking a quick nap and even Castorice who had finally returned from escorting the civilian inside, slumped against the wall.
Had they all seriously worked through lunch? Phainon thought before he exhaled, No wonder everyone’s so tired today.
Hence, without another word, he reached over towards the coat rack near the entrance and properly slipped on his dark black coat hanging from his arm, fingers adjusting the gold insignia stiched near the collar before reaching for the car keys sitting abandoned atop the front desk.
Immediately, Cipher perked up, “Chief?”
Phainon didn’t answer, instead he grabbed his wallet deep from his coat, peered inside revealing generous decks of cash before sliding it back into his pocket, glancing over his shoulder at the star struck Cipher.
“The night market should still be open.” He said with a smile.
Immediately, all the remaining officers froze, anticipating Phainon’s next word, Cipher practically shooting up so fast the bench behind her screeched loudly against the floor.
“No way.”
Mydei finally turned back and closed the last drawer, giving Phainon a questioning look.
“…You’re paying?”
To all of the looks of eagerness fro mthe officers in the room, Phainon gave a grin.
“You’ve all been working since morning, I ought to treat you all to something.”
The entire room went dead silent, as though no one could truly believe the words coming from Phainon’s mouth until chaos erupted, a younger officer near the desk shooting up so fast the stacks of reports beneath his hands tumbled straight onto the floor.
“Chief, really?”
“No way—“
“Does this mean actual food?”
Near the front desk, even Castorice had visibly straightened, the exhaustion in her expression immediately turning into disblief as several officers abandoned dignity and began crowding closer toward Phainon. The room immediately filled with laughter and excitement before another officer cautiously raised his hand.
“…Deputy Chief, is this coming from the department budget…?”
Slowly, another small smile creeped up his lips, “Of course not.”
Then, he reached into his coat pocket once more and pulled out the wallet, casually flipping through neatly folded bills before seperating them into smaller stacks.
“…Oh, he’s serious.” Cipher leaned forward
One by one, after sorting out the cash under everyone’ stares in silence, he began handing the money out to the nearest officers.
“…Chief, this is way too much. This could buy us dinner for 3 days…”
“Then buy dinner for 3 days.”, he smiled.
Nearby, Castorice slowly accepted her share with a stunned look Phainon rarely ever saw on her face.
“…Deputy Chief.”
“Yes?”
“…Thank you.”
He gave Castorice a fond smile, his heart warming at the sight, “It’s the least I can do as Chief. Though, this wil definetly be the first and last time before Lady Aglaea finds out.”
To that, a chorus of laughter followed behind him. Cipher had already shamelessly shoved herself directly infront of him now, both hands extended outward, palms up expectantly. Phainon sighed before placing several folded bills into her hand. Mydei stepped forward next, though unlike the others, he made no move to take the offered money.
Phainon tilted his head, “Not hungry, Mydei?”
“I have money, and you’re already paying for everyone.”
Phainon stared at him before taking his wrist and physically pressing the folded cash into his palm, the man stared at his hand, trying to give it back before the other sternly held it in place.
“Take it, I already have enough saved up for myself.”
Then, after watching Mydei reluctantly take the money, Phainon leaned casually against the front desk, watching the sudden burst of energy spread through the department with quiet satisfaction. The officers who looked half-dead minutes ago were suddenly alive again, voices overlapping as several began discussing their destinations, some argueing for grilled meat while others proposed something sweet. Two rookies were already debating on the best noodle stalls for dinner with excitement glimmering in their eyes, the sight settling something warm in his chest.
He hadn’t realized how much everyone needed this.
Cipher suddenly turned back towards him, already halfway toward the door with the other handful of officers already outside.
“Chief!”
“Yes?”
“Are you coming with us?”
Phainon looked onward towards the darkening sky visible beyond the station, the sun still visible as reddened hues covered the sky. The nightmarket would be crowded now, normally not where he would go to wind down yet seeing the exicitement written in every one of his officer’s faces, he couldn’t help but smile and give in.
“Alright, make sure not to spend recklessly.”
Several cheers erupted through the station as Cipher pulled on Mydei and Phainon’s sleeves, “C’mon let’s get going! If we’re late the bakery’s gonna sell out first!”
“Pastries? At this time of day?” Mydei tugged back.
“What? Have a problem?”
“…”
Phainon shook his head softly before grabbing his keys from the front desk and following behind them as laugher and overlapping voices surrounded him. They stepped onto the glowing evening streets towards the nightmarket, unmistakable joy and relief written over all of their faces.
To the sight, Phainon truly felt grateful to have them by his side.
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By the time Anaxa had weaved his way through the crowd at the entrance, he had reached the lower district with warm amber laterns flickering awake on by one beneath the crowded storefronts, the soft light shining onto the narrow stone streets now overflowing with the usual rush of people. Somewhere nearby, a flower vendor was in the middle of packing away the last of their morning buoquets, cluster of pink and white belnding softly in the already crowded blur of movement filling his vision.
It seemed to be busier than usual.
Perhaps he should’ve listened to Hyacine.
After adjusting his bag to swing infront of him, preventing any possible thieves, he carefully stepped between groups of pedestrians moving in opposite directions around him, his eye narrowing asthe slightly familiar storefronts ahead shifted frustratingly in and out of focus. From there he could see a bakery with blue shutters, the one he was searching for. Then, his eyes landed on the fruit stand near the fountain, two stalls further than usual and—
Wait.
Anaxa stopping walking, blinking before his brows furrowed. Something felt… wrong.
Not wrong…
Missing.
Instincitvely his hand shot up towards the side of his head and froze, his ears empty and his hearing aid no where to be seen despite the insistent digging into his bag and pockets. Perhaps he had left it at the entrance or on a bench, or dropped it to the ground, or maybe even had it stolen —the thought shooting another pang of anxiety into his heart.
No wonder it was much quieter than usual.
A wave of irritation immediately overtook him as he glanced around himself. Tt was extremely difficult to assess his surroundings when the increasingly unreliable blur of movement moved past him, paired with the
How troublesome…
Exhaling sharply through his nose, Anaxa turned around and began walkng carefully back through the crowd with his eyes narrowed with little to no focus as the familiar landmarks that seemed perfectly recognizable now seemed much less visible.
Wonderful.
First his vision, now this.
A passing shoulder brushed roughly against him as he continued to walk, then another, then someone stepps directly across his path, forcing him to bump into them then quickly move aside until—
He felt his bag slip sharply from his shoulder, Anaxa reacted instinctively with one hand pulling out to catch it yet before he could, the bag had struck the stone pavement with a dull thud, blotches of white flooding in his view as all his paper scattered.
“…Seriously?”
Dropping carefully into a crouch, Anaxa reached downward, fingers brushing uselessly against loose pages beneath the movement of passing feeet around him. He gave another deeply irritated sigh as he tried to grab whatever he could see. Perhaps if fate continued humiliating him publicly, he could simply dig a hole and dissapear here to save himself the inconvience. Before he could consider it, he felt a strong gust of wind rush through the narrow street and before he could react—-
Something light shifted against his face, the thin metal frame resting against the bridge of his nose caught akwardly against his collar, then slipped.
No—!
His hand shot upward, grabbed air, until he could somewhat sense the glasses hitting the pavement somewhere ahead of him, the world now completely dissapearing.
Everything ahead of him dissolved into a watercolor state, the lights and movement bleeding one into another until people stopped resembling people and became nothing more than moving shapes. Hence, for the first time in the evening, Anaxa felt genuine panic settle low in his stomach, his breath catching as he reached forward blindly.
Nothing…
Nothing.
And…
Nothing.
After a few more meager attempts, he felt someone brush hard against his shoulder from behind, nearly knocking him sideways before he quickly steadied himself, pushing himself upright as he blinked uselessly against the blur overtaking his vision while desperately trying to compose himself.
Then, he took a small step forward, the crowd shifting around him as he tried to sense the direction his glasses went to with little to no avail.
Perhaps a left… No.
Right..?
Wait..
Was that the road?
Suddenly, there was too much movement. Somewhere ahead, lights moved increasingly faster, a large bright shape seeming to approach him. A carriage?
No..
A car.
Anaxa instinctively stepped backward—
Wrong direction.
The sudden vibration against the pavement beneath his feet made him realize all too quickly.
He had stepped directly into the road.
Shit.
Then suddenly—
A hand caught his wrist, a broad palm firm and warm against his, strong enough that before Anaxa could react, his body was sharply pulled sideways, momentum carrying him directly against solid warmth as another arm steadied itself against his back, the warmth now far more prominent.
His shoulder pressed against unfamiliar fabric, a broad chest beneath it as the stranger didn’t let go immediately, one hand remaining securely wrapped around Anaxa’s wrist and another stabling him at his waist, making sure he wouldn’t fall again.
Anaxa stood frozen, realizing how close he brushed against death with the uncontrollable erattic heartbeat in his chest, before he felt the pressure on his wrist shift, the large fingers, rough yet warm carefully overturning his palm and pressing something small in, a smooth lightweight plastic.
Ah.
His hearing aid.
Then, the stranger paused, before he turned around and saw the blurred sillouette tilt slightly, almost as if observing him more carefully now. Then, lithe fingers turned his other hand over, his palm opening instincitively as he stiffened, a single finger brushing carefully and tracing a single line against the center of his hand. Then another, tracing shapes.
Letters?
Oh, the stranger was writing.
The finger moved again.
A-R-E Y-O-U—
No, wait.
The crowd jostled beside them, bumping lightly into the stranger’s shoulder causing the movement on Anaxa’s palm to shift akwardly halfway through, the letters blurring together as he realized he missed half of it, the stranger probably noticing it too as he tried again, the tips of his fingers tracing gentler this time.
C-A-N Y-O-U
The finger paused, before continuing
H-E-A-R M—
Anaxa stared downward blankly,
Of course I can’t. Why else would you be returning a hearing aid?
Then, he let out the deep sigh, reaching upward and tapping lightly againt the side of his own ear before shaking his head once, the stranger freezing immediately as understanding seemed to click inside of him. Then, resisting the overwhelming urge to collapse out of embarassment, Anaxa took the hearing aid in his palm and lifted the device back into his ear, fingers adjusting it into place with familiarity as a low static wave buzzed, eventually sound flooding back all at once.
The distant chatter of crowds, footsteps on stone and vendors shouting all filled his ears before he could hear a voice infront of him, deep and boy-ish.
“…Can you hear me now?”
The voice came from the broad man infront of him, a blob of white and black with hints of blue and… a police uniform? Yet, the man seemed strangely familiar, the sound seeming to be oddly nostalgic yet Anaxa couldn’t pin point it. Had he become acquainted with an old police officer with whitening hair..? No… he would never with that woman… Yet as he continued to get badgered by the man, he could atleast tell that he was definetly not that old, nor that young.
“A bit.”
Relief visibly (not for Anaxa) washed over the man standing infront of him as he quickly let out a sigh
“Good— hold on, please allow me to check for injuries.”
Before Anaxa could register what exactly the stranger meant, warm hands were suddenly on his shoulders, firm fingers pressing lightly against the fabric checking wether he had injured himself or not during the near collision. The man was absurdly close now, and despite himself, Anaxa’s body stiffened as the large hands moved downward, brushing against his upper arms, his elbows, then at his wrists. Anaxa couldn’t help but feel it was akin to a puppy pawing at him more than a proper check.
“Did the car hit you anywhere?” the stranger asked quickly, voice full of urgency.
“No.”
“Any dizziness?”
“No.”
“Any aches?”
Well, definetly the akward beating of his heart but he wouldn’t tell the stranger that.
“Officer, unless you see me unconcious without me noticing, yes I am quite certain.”
The stranger fell silent, and for a moment neither of them moved, yet before Anaxa could take back the asumption that the man infront of him was not infact an officer and quickly flee, the hands gripping at Anaxa’s arms froze, long enough to make Anaxa’s head tilt in question. The man had even stopped speaking altogether.
“…Officer?” Anaxa muttered. “Is there a problem?”
He was given no response but the brief sounds of buzzing cars behind him and the sound of chatter around. Then a voice spoke, a quiet almost disbelieving voice.
“…Professor?”
Anaxa blinked, the voice suddenly seeming much more familiar at the address, there must be too many former students wandering this city for that title to really narrow anything down.
“I believe you have the wrong person—“
“Professor Anaxa?”
The certainty in the voice immediately made Anaxa stiffen. Great. So they really are a former student of his. That narrowed things down to several hundred former students. Yet before he could say something he heard a rustling of clothing, then the broad palm encompassing his pale wrist pulled it to bring it upward, directly infront of what he assumed to be the man’s face which was rather high up, considering he must be much taller than Anaxa.
“Professor, do you remember me?”
To that, the man rested Anaxa’s fingers onto his face, gesturing him to take a hint to which Anaxa, with a gulp, attempted. As much as he didn’t want to accidently invade a stranger’s privacy for the chance of reuniting with a former student, he had to atleast ensure he was safe around this man, reluctantly brushing first against the stranger’s collar before moving higher until skin met skin. Immediately, he felt a warm sensation on his fingertips as he trace along the line of a jaw, smooth and young. Then he felt against his cheekbone and temple, soft strands of hair brushing against his knuckes.
Hm. So it’s not a retired old officer.
Yet while Anaxa was attempting to figure out who this student was, the stranger had gone rigid. Anaxa’s brows furrowed as he felt the skin beneath his fingertips warm further.
“…You feel feverish.”
The reaction was rather violent, the stranger jerking backward so suddenly, Anaxa’s hand slipped uselessly though empty air.
“Y-you must be imagining things professor.” He could hear the stranger quickly swallow, “..So does professor know now…?”
After that, there was a long, painful silence, then infront of him, he heard a sharp exhale before the the man spoke once more.
“…You don’t remember me, Prof?”
Now that definetly narrowed down the few of his former students who dared to call him with that title. However, he decided to at the very least play dumb before he could figure out who exactly the man was.
“…Shoud I?”
“Prof…”
“You must be one of the several unfortunate students I was forced to teach a long time ago.”
“…Forced?”
“Yes.”
The stranger laughed, and the second the sound reached him, his memory clicked. The warm light spilling into classroom windows, an impossibly bright student sitting confidently in the far window with white pure hair and blue deep eyes. With persistent questions and a smile that glowed, a boy who always found excuses to linger after lectures.
Ah… so it’s him.
“….Phainon?”
The silence that followed was an answer enough, he could then feel the hand return once more to his fingers.
“…Took you long enough Professor.”
Anaxa stared vaguely at the blob of color, now noticing just how much his student had grown since the last time he saw him in the early stages of youth.
“You truly have grown.”
To that, Phainon laughed again, the warm sound filling his ears as he giggled at Anaxa’s astonishment
“I got taller right?”
“Don’t get too high on yourself.”
Hearing his former model student laugh so freely after all these years, Anaxa found himself relaxing almost immediately, the tension that had settled in his shoulders finally beginnning to ease as he now understood who had been responsible for dragging him out of danger.
And that, being none other than Phainon.
Truthfully, Anaxa had not expected too much from the boy when he first entered his classroom. He was bright, definetly, but far too loud for his liking, and definetly not as obedient as many of his other star students. Yet, he couldn’t help but remember the boy’s constant lingering after lectures under the excuse of asking pointless questions. However, as he grew older under Anaxa, he began to slowly learn humility and was beginning to become diligent as he was always someone who cared deeply about others, yet Anaxa couldn’t help but want to criticize at the selflessness that seemed to encompass his whole life. Perhaps that was why he let him stay in office hours longer than necessary. Or perhaps it was the insistent clinginess he was forced to tolerate.
Yet somehow, despite all of the boy’s flaws, he had become one of the few students Anaxa truly regarded as precious.
“I was an excellent student right, Prof?”
“It’s professor Anaxagoras and no.”
“That’s not what Hyacine says.”
At the mention of his assistant professor, Anaxa tilted his head slightly,
“You’re still in contact with her?”
“Well…” Phainon rubbed the back of his neck, “I do occasionally visit the university.”
Except Phainon didn’t exactly mention the countless times he had went to and fro through the Grove to find the young girl in order to get updates on his dear professor, which he was definetly not telling him unless he wanted to get a restraining order.
“I see.”
Now that Anaxa thought about it, Phainon’s warm voice remained familiar as ever, more grounded than the bright teeneger Anaxa remembered. Perhaps it was just the fact that he had successfully become an officer or his height that seemed to now tower over his own, he couldn’t help but feel strangely comforted at his growth, or possibly relieved at the sight of him, though Anaxa would definetly not tell him that as well.
Yet, while Anaxa pondered, Phainon had gone quiet again, making him frown.
“…Phainon?”
No answer, except the faint rustling of fabric. Then—
“…Professor..”
Ah. That tone. The type Phainon always had before he would ask another ridiculous question that had nothing to do with his academics nor should have been any of his business.
“What?”
For several seconds, Phainon said nothing, until he spoke once more, yet the warmth that once filled his voice was nowhere to be found.
“…When I saw you earlier…” he began slowly, hesitant, “I didn’t realize it was you at first.”
“Well, I would hope not, considering the car that could’ve hit you.”
“That’s not what I mean.”
Anaxa went quiet.
“…Back when I studied under you, I already knew your hearing wasn’t very good.”
At that the professor stiffened immediately. Of course he remembered. There had been muliple moments years ago where he occasionally missed students speaking too quietly during lecture despite his usual strict demeanor, and as much as it was passed of as him simply going easy on them for others, those who paid close attention would notice, such as Hyacine.
And apparently, Phainon had noticed as well.
“…Recently,” Phainon continued quietly, “I ran into Hyacine.”
Anaxa sighed internally, that girl truly must have been badgered far too much to have been forced to tell such things.
“She mentioned your hearing had worsened.”
“It has.”
There was another silence before Phainon spoke once more, yet the concern in his voice had grown so deeply that even Anaxa found himself surprised.
“She told me you’re deaf now.”
The words settled heavily between them. The night market continuing to buzz around with people brushing past on either of their side while merchants continued shouting over one another several stalls away, yet despite all of it, Anaxa couldn’t help but feel that the world had become much more quieter at Phainon’s words.
“But…”
Anaxa already knew what came next.
“…She never said anything about your eyes”
To Phainon’s observation, Anaxa did not give a response. He didn’t particularly feel like answering , especially not helplessly in the middle of a crowded street while half blind and missing his expensive glasses Hyacine herself had helped prescribe him. Yet, unfortunately, before he could retort, he already knew Phainon was far too observant.
“…Professor, you couldn’t recognize me.”
“I was simply feigning, Phainon.”
“No —professor, you were searching for something on the ground.”
“Yes, my glasses.”
“But… to walk into an open street….”
Anaxa pulled away from the grip that was holding him, the pain in Phainon’s voice feeling far too familiar. Afterall, other than the present, there were multiple times in the past that Phainon had pestered him on his hearing, supposedly insisting that there were definetly problems in them despite Anaxa’s constant denial and even sometimes going as far to provide him nutritious meals for the sake of his health that he constantly neglected when he firststarted his career. Yet, he had no idea why everyone insisted on reacting this way. First Hyacine now him.
The next thing he knew, the warm fingers returned gently around his wrist again, the voice coming much quieter now, and closer.
“How long has it been this bad?”
For several moments, Anaxa said nothing.
Truthfully, he had already known by the time the conversation began, the unmistakable concern buried within Phainon’s voice had already wanted him to end the conversation before it could begin, As much as he wanted to simply run away and head back to grade papers, he knew with the younger man’s tendency of being a caregiver, he knew he couldn’t escape it.
“You ask rather invasive questions, Phainon.” Anaxa muttered at last, folding his arms lightly across his chest making little to no effort to hide the dismissal in his tone. “Besides, I hardly see how my health concerns you.”
The younger man exhales, though unlike the amused laughter from mmoents ago, the sigh caried the exact same exhausted resignation Anaxa remembered hearing ctountless times after refusing Phainon’s endless pestering back in his schooldays.
“But… I figured your hearing was definetly worse but this… this…”
“My vision has simply worsened from work, it’s a natural phenomenon.”
“Professor…”
Anaxa exhaled quietly. Seriously, why did everyone insist on reacting like this? First Hyacine ohovering all over him In the afternoon asking whether his prescriptions had worsened again, now Phainon somehow standing before him carrying that same unbearable tone.
“It is managable.” He finally answered, voice flat “I can lecture, walk home, and grade papers. I have lived comfortably for years now if that eases your heart.”
Despite the blurriness, he could tell Phainon was clearly not at ease, yet before he could continue, he heard the rustling of papers, most definetly his as Phainon neatly tucked the sheets into his bag that fell to the ground and gently nudged it towards Anaxa’s side
“Fine… but prof…” Phainon muttered after a moment, most likely mustering the best puppy eyes he could to convince his professor a rather odd request, “At least let me walk you home.”
Anaxa’s brows immediately furrowed.
“No.”
“Professor, you can’t see. Don’t be stubborn now.”
“I have walked these streets for years, Don’t be dramatic.”
“You—“
Phainon let out another breath somewhere infront of him before suddenly came the soft vibration of a phone being pulled from fabric. Anaxa tilted his head slightly at the sound,
“…What are you doing.”
Ignoring him entirely, Phainon began typing rapidly, fingers moving quickly over the device. Moments later, Anaxa could hear a ping of a sent message as Phainon muttered beneath his breath, half reading aloud as he typed another.
>>Phainon: Mydei, smth came up and I’ll be going now. Tell Cipher to not spend too much money and let the others know to return home early as well.
>>Mydei: Understood.
Anaxa frowned, “Are you serious…?”
Before Anaxa could retort again, he suddenly felt warmth shift lower until Phainon carefully turned his palm upward beneath his own, large fingers waiting patiently as though the gesture itself carried an invitation. Anaxa stared vaguely below, attempting to make out the pale color.
“I’ve cancelled my plans. Now, let me walk you home.”
After several moments of internal protest, Anaxa finally exhaled sharply before allowed his slender fingers to lower against Phainon’s waiting palm, immediately feeling warm fingers curl securely around his own as he swore he could hear a giggle come from the younger man. Then, Phainon took the bag that was hooked around Anaxa’s wrist and carried it himself, Anaxa giving little to no protest at the stubborn gesture.
“Let’s go then Prof, what’s your address?”
‿̩͙⊱༒︎༻𖤓༺༒︎⊰‿̩͙
The walk itself remained quiet at first, occasionally Phainon nudged him slightly towards the inside of the sidewalk or carefully steadied his feet during a path that led upward by pressing a hand against the small of his back. Guiding him through the quiet sunset streets, the lanternlight reflected softly against them as darkness came and Anaxa’s vision continued to be covered in watercolor-like hues.
Eventually, Anaxa spoke first.
“So, you became deputy chief.”
Phainon hummed, “Word must’ve travelled fast.”
“No, Hyacine simply likes to insist on having occassional updates for you. Although, the deputy chief part I had only found out just recently from a newsletter.”
A quiet laugh.
“Well… after graduating from the Grove, I entered the academy. Then spent a few years in patrol units… then investigations…” His grip shifted slightly as they turned another street. “Then got promoted faster than I expected. The previous chief retired last year so…”
“..Deputy Chief.”
“Deputy Chief.” Phainon repeated softly.
“Impressive.”
To that, Phainon suddenly turned silent as Anaxa gave him a questioning look from the lack of response yet through the darkness, he could only make out a slight redness to the pale skin next to him.
“….Are you proud?”
The question caught him slightly off guard.
“…You were always competent, Phainon.” Anaxa considered it for a few more moments, “I expected nothing less.”
Beside him, Phainon stopped walking altogether, heat radiating strangely stronger from the younger man now. At the change of temperature Anaxa frowned.
“You seem feverish again. Are you sick?”
Immediately, Phainon choked on air, quickly turning into a coughing fit as he mustered a response. He had definetly forgotten just how much his professor’s sense of touch had improved after the loss of his other senses, though it was pretty disadvantageous for Phainon’s side.
“What?”
“You’re warm.”
“No—No. I’m not sick, just a bit surprised.”
“Hm.”
They resumed walking shortly after, though Phainon remained suspiciously quiet afterward. Eventually, familiar stone steps came beneath Anaxa’s feet, signalling the arrival to his home. Hence, without waiting, he slipped his hand free.
“I can manage from here.”
“Professor—“
Ignoring him, Anaxa stepped towards the staircase leading upward toward his apartment. One step, then another, until his foot caught against the uneven edge of worn stone.
Shit.
The world lurched violently sideways, yet before the impact came…
Strong arms wrapped instantly around his waist, his body colliding against solid warmth as he grunted at the force, Phainon catching him entirely before his knees struck the stair case. The younger man’s breathing sounded alarmingly uneven now, and much too close…
“Professor, are you okay?”
“…Yes.”
The answer came far too quickly, and judging by the sharp exhale Phainon let out abve him, it was clear neither of them believed it for even a second.
Yet in the silence, Anaxa could feel it now —the akward reality of their position. One of Phainon’s arms remained firm around his waist and the other braced against his side to keep him steady, their bodies pressing far closer than either of them had intended, the warmth radiating from Phainon bleeding straight through the layers of clothing.
“You’re gonna get hurt…” Phainon muttered after a moment, his voice noticably lower now, carrying the same restrained frustration Anaxa remembered all too well.
“I’ll be alright. Do you not have any duties to attend to? It’s getting late.”
To that, Phainon let out a breath that almost sounded like a laugh, though it was far too exhausted to truly be one. Slowly, he helped Anaxa straighten fully, though his hands lingered at his arms as if expecting him to collapse the second he let go. However, before Anaxa could quickly fumble for his door key, Phainon grabbed his wrist and spoke.
“Professor.”
Anaxa frowned immediately at the tone.
“No.”
“I haven’t even said anything yet?”
“I know you all to well Phainon.”
Phainon was stunned silent, crimson blush nearly creeping up his cheeks before he stubbornly continued.
“I’m staying the night.”
“….Absolutely not.”
“Professor you—“ Phainon let out a frustrated sigh as his grip around Anaxa’s sleeve tightened faintly, “You’re alone, you can’t see, and your glasses are gone. At least let me stay until morning, I can help you get another pair then.”
Anaxa exhaled slowly at the puppy pawing at him as Phainon insistently stayed rooted on the ground, not letting go. So, after several moments of silence, he finally relented.
“…One night.”
The relief in Phainon’s breath was immediate.
“But.” He jotted a finger towards what he assumed to be Phainon’s chest. “Do not touch anything in my home nor disturb me.”
A laugh escaped the younger man, warmer this time.
“Alright prof, you can count on me.”
Great.
Troublesome Phainon, even after all these years.