Chapter Text
Through the high-pitched screams of children and the absolute mess of colorful papers flying around, some crumpled pieces and airplanes were made to throw in all directions. They were all excited for their current science lesson on how to make a Paper Rocket and Hawke was doing his utter best to have a hold of their short attention span without having a mere breakdown from being ignored 80% of the day.
And that’s pretty much a generous percentage.. Positively speaking, usually it’s higher.
He clapped his hands.
“Alright kids! That’s enough! I-” Garrett began, but was caught almost losing his balance after two little ones started some sort of tag you’re hit and hit his legs throughout their way and frantically apologised. It didn’t sound that genuine.
He wondered all his life decisions and why had he chosen to become a teacher for an elementary school, out of all the educational institutes he could’ve picked… Not that he would be lucky enough to be picked by a university. He sighed. There was only one way to get through these kids and it was giving what they want. A small bribe, a very formal negotiation.. Or one would say it’s just like a pact with the Devil. Hawke could recall Merrill, their art teacher and also one of his dear friends, pronouncing these words with a frightening daily occurrence.
With gritted teeth Garrett proceeded. “Don’t worry. Just stay put for the time being, please!.. Now, who’s in for extra recess time at the playground?!” What once felt like the busiest market street in Vancouver now was the sweet relief of a complete silence. That question quickly got the attention of every soul in the classroom, even Waffles, the bearded dragon they have as a collective pet caught on his words.
Satisfied with the reaction, he then continued.
“All I need to ask you is to behave, okay? And follow my lead. Of course! Who wants to see their mighty rocket reach the moon?!”
A set of “me!” With raised arms on repeat spread through the mass, but this time with more control as Hawke made a gesture with his hand like he was a leader conducting an orchestra to quiet down before it got too noisy again. He let a huge smile plaster his face.
“Perfect!! Go on, pick all the needed materials I listed on the blackboard and let the journey begin!”
The procedure was undoubtedly messy. If the classroom was in a mild state of disarray now they reached the extreme levels of complete chaos. From cut pieces of papers on the floor to straws and scissors that have started their own adventure in the most unimaginable places ever. Some rockets managed to survive their horrible state and work. Those might not have reached the moon, but it was a progress worth noting. Other rockets did not have the same fortune, which led to some kids crying and left Hawke in a panicked state trying to calm them down.
“Now, now kids, it’s totally okay.” He said as he patted one of their heads for comfort and crouched to reach their height. “Sometimes first times end up not being what you wanted, and it’s completely fine. You have to simply use it as something to learn and improve. Remember! Mistakes are good as long as you learn from them, okay?”
He got up after the crying kids had started to calm down and nodded, and he could swear to his dear sweet dog that he saw someone by the door. But after a second glance there was no one. It left him frowning. Before he could process what just happened the bell went off.
It signaled that it was lunch break and with that children started screaming with excitement like they did earlier ago, damaging Garrett’s eardrums once again. He could become deaf before even reaching his 40s! It was a scary thought for the poor man.
The children gathered their lunch and ran away to the playground in the small courtyard of the school. Only one kid was left alone in the class, well, almost alone. He was still in company of Garrett, and Waffles, of course.
At the sight of that child playing with a bunch of rocks decorated by chromatic swirls of crayons all by himself left an aching feeling in Hawke’s core.
“Sandal,” He began as he kneeled down. He remembered how often this little child was left alone in group assignments and that left Hawke asking to himself what could have happened for causing such isolation. Sandal wasn’t very talkative as he often found immense difficulty in articulating his words well, which one would suspect to be a normal thing considering he’s 5/6 years old, but in reality most of the children at his age were past that or, for the ones who were still catching up, it wasn’t much of a struggle.
In fact, Sandal more than often resorted to making sound effects, especially explosions. The kid had quite a knack for blow-ups, and rocks. He really loved rocks. He was a specialist! It wasn’t just any rocks. He had a very keen eye in selecting fine stones and had a vast knowledge in petrology. Vast was a big word, although some of the things he learned would never stay for that long in any other child’s brain. It was very impressive, but in all honesty scary for Hawke.
He had thought why this kid turned up in solitude. He has suspected it was due to a barrier in communication, a difficulty in understanding one and another. But on the other hand, children supposedly don’t care about obstacles. Hells! They would invent a new language just to communicate. It’s true! Hawke remembered seeing an article about it some time ago.
That being said, like a true scientist, after all that deep thinking it was time for the synthesis.
Hawke supposed that the reason these kids weren’t all so convinced to befriend children ‘different’ than them had to do with how the parents taught them. Adults served to be an example, or better yet a mentor for the little ones.
Sandal looked content, but Garrett felt sure he could use a friend. After all, the kid did wonder to his teacher why no one wanted to talk with him. He still remembered feeling completely devastated on his way home. That poor cub. Hawke made sure that this kid received both care and attention. No child deserves to be ignored.
Hawke moved onto one of the chairs in front of the student across the table. The small chairs were undeniably made for little humans and certainly not for someone who was six feet tall like Hawke himself. It felt more like squatting rather than sitting.
Putting discomfort aside he leaned forward, placing his arms on the table to have a better look of what the other was doing.
“So! How’s the runecrafting going? Ohhh, I don’t recognise this one, is this new?” Hawke pointed to the big round rock. It had a very intricate white pattern, clearly drawn by a pair of kid’s hands. Still, very impressive looking. It made you wonder what went on in children’s heads, their creativity and huge capacity of imagination must be bursting everywhere.
“This one goes Boom!” Sandal beamed, putting emphasis on the word ‘boom’. His hands went mid air motioning an explosion and Hawke chuckled.
“Ahh you will make a fine student for chemistry class. That’s the spirit!” Garrett paused for a moment, entering on a more serious topic, still, he maintained the humorous tone. “It’s lunch break, you should join the others. Maybe show them what you have created. Y’know what goes along with good adventures? explosions!”
At first Sandal seemed to have a doubtful expression, but as Hawke went on and mentioned the use of explosions his eyes lit up, smiling with all his 20 teeth.. Or less, some at the front were missing. He nodded and got up in an instant, then he collected all his rocks and ran away very quickly.
After seeing the kid leave he decided that it was time to tidy up the place. He stood up with some difficulty as his knees screamed in pain.
In the meanwhile of contemplation on where to start first he was startled by a deep raspy voice.
“Maybe inciting kids to go off with explosions shouldn’t be the stuff you’re supposed to teach, Hawke.”
“Varric!” Hawke grinned as he turned around and put the palm of his hand on his own chest. “Why! I’m wounded! I’m just doing my best to be a very good teacher. After all, why learn science if not to be at least a tiny bit chaotic.”
Varric laughed and shook his head, but he looked convinced. “Alright, you got me there. Wanna come with us?” He gave a small nod with a tilt, suggesting to go to the playground and meet the others.
“Absolutely! Let me grab my lunch and feed Waffles.”
As soon as Hawke got his lunch and made sure Waffles was well fed he joined Varric. On their way to the outside they chatted for a bit. The hallway was almost deserted, saved from some kids and janitors that were around. It felt quite peaceful, he loved lunch breaks.
“So, how was your day?” Varric asked.
“Oh.. you know, the usual. Kids almost starting a ritual, kids screaming, kids making the absolute mess of my poor and perfect class.” He sighed, pinching his nose. What a day. But it was all good and fun. “What about you?”
“I’m almost convinced Daisy influenced them… Then again, I don’t think she would. I think it’s a natural part that comes with being a tiny human being. Do you think they exclude that stuff from your science books? We can make a fortune as discoverers. You can make a fortune as the scientist who looked into this new part of the human body.” Varric suggested, charisma always by his side while he gave his opinion on the ritual matter, then he answered. “I made them write their own stories. Oh you have to read one of those. I genuinely believe we’re brewing masters here. Not that they’re ever going to reach my levels when they grow up, of course! I’m being modest here.”
Hawke gave a hearty laugh and nodded. “You’re making very compelling observations. Do you have those stories with you? I’m sure the others would love to hear about them as well.”
By this point, they both reached the courtyard. Ignoring the crowd of children goofing around at the playground, it was quite a lovely place.
Quickly after, the duo joined their group of misfit teachers with the addition of a secretary who wasn’t supposed to be here as her role required her to stay behind a desk, but she was welcomed enough to stay with them. Though, Aveline, one of the gym teachers, has made the effort to remind her several times about her job. Sometimes even a nurse would join them, but unlike Isabela, he did try to keep the true nature of his job. However this time he made an exception.
They were greeted by the others and sat down at the bench.
“There you are!” exclaimed Isabela who threw her arm around Hawke by his shoulder giving him a side hug and winked at both of them. She was about to kiss the cheeks of the two, but was stopped by the glare of Aveline who held the rules of working in a school very close to her heart. “We were talking about the new hot teacher. Have you heard?” She said instead.
“New hot teacher?” Hawke asked, his eyebrows raised in surprise and curiosity grew steadily.
Varric responded. “Oh, yeah. I heard someone was coming to replace that history teacher. Rumours say she found a better school… Well anyway, I’m frankly relieved that she’s not working here anymore... I think she hates me.” His voice lowered almost in a whisper as he reached the end of his words, like the old teacher was still here and could hear their conversation, but a hint of playfulness was still perceived somewhere.
Isabela swatted her hand in the air looking quite dissatisfied by the waste of their breath on someone like that woman. “Bah! Who cares about her. She was so boring! I bet the kids loathed having to listen to her. And she always had to complain about my work and my fashion sense! I mean, at least Big Girl right here happens to be tolerable.“
“...Thanks.” Aveline gritted her teeth, gratitude never met her word.
“Ohh! I found her quite lovely actually! She had very scary eyes I hate to admit, but she was very keen in discovering history, and that’s very admirable! I will miss her, I think.” Merrill chirped in, already enjoying her lunch that consisted purely with greens. She did sound genuinely sorry to hear about her leave. Quickly after her tone was back to cheerful. “Though I can’t wait to meet the new teacher! I hope they’ll be as delightful as the previous one!”
“You sure do hope so Daisy.” Varric chuckled. Merrill truly had a pure soul, even though some of the things she would say might sound concerning, so far today her words were not on that path. “So Rivaini, what’s up with this new teacher?”
“Ugh, I don’t get the appeal.” The nurse, also called Anders, joined the conversation. “He’s just a regular guy.”
“Why Andy? Did he dare not to look at your view, you poor sod?” Isabela mocked and pouted, clearly making fun of him. “Or did he decide not to waste his time on your daily complaint?” She batted her eyes like tears would form around the corners, then she shook her head and let out some ‘tch’ in the way. “You’re being very unfair today, give him some credit! He just got here, and he is very hot.”
Anders rolled his eyes, he thought about answering, but he decided not to give in and instead busied himself with his granola bar paired with black coffee, no sugar at all. The secretary had a smug look on her face, satisfied in his silence.
Hawke was simply sitting here and didn't even think of opening his lunch box that he hastily made this morning simply because he was about to be late and forgot to make it the day before.
Throughout all the bantering from his friends he was deep in his thoughts, wondering about this mysterious teacher, and he’s hot! Supposedly, Isabela was very adamant on this aspect. Which left more room for the curiosity to seep in. At the mention of this newcomer Garrett was snapped back to reality.
“Well? Go on Bela, I think you’re keeping every one of us on our toes.”
“Oh you bet I will.” She smirked, it was a sneaky innuendo that only the grown ups would understand. Sometimes it felt jarring having conversations with her at the school giving her nature, but she did show composure when children were near her, and right now no kid had approached them nor were they in range to listen. Thankfully.
“Like Varric said he’s going to replace the old one. I don’t know much. I’m very skilled in getting my information, but somehow there isn’t a lot. I think I have to ask the librarian… Oh! and on to the more important part he has striking tattoos! I just know they’re all over his body.” She smirked.
“And how would you know?” deadpanned Aveline, not exactly questioning with pure genuineness. She might have known the answer. Though, Isabela was about to open her mouth, seemingly keen to respond and Aveline caught on and quickly shut her up “Don’t.”
“...Well, anyway, he looks quite an interesting sod, might be worthy to have him around us.” Isabela shrugged.
Hawke, while listening, kept glancing at the door leading to the inside of the school, in hopes of seeing the curious man with tattoos, but sadly, no one appeared. Except for the already known people. He was rather impatient as he checked his wristwatch and saw that lunch break was almost over.
“How come he isn’t showing up? Our so needed and very important break is about to finish. No teacher should lose this chance.”
He might have sounded needy, at the end of the day it was not like he knew the man or even had a close relationship. Perish the thought! Let’s not go over the daydreaming stage before laying eyes on him. But curiosity was practically eating him alive and he truly couldn’t wait to meet him. On Hawke’s behalf, Isabela did paint him in a very intriguing way, anyone would wish to see him by now.
“Ohhh! Maybe he’s shy!?” Merrill proposed. “We should go meet him! Make him feel welcomed! Where is he Isabela, do you know?” Her big doe eyes were sparkling from excitement and clasped her hands, looking expectantly at Isabela across the table.
“Hmm, well last I saw him was in his new class, I guess he’s setting up the place. But he didn’t strike me as someone who’s shy.” The other responded, sounding thoughtful.
“Oh! Okay.” Merrill nodded in understanding and then frowned. “Though we should still do something to make him feel welcomed.”
“You’re right Daisy, if we want him in our merry group we could invite him to the Hanged Man. Maybe tonight?” Varric chimed in, already onto the planmaking.
“Ohhh!! Yes yes!!” She clapped her hands happily. “That would be perfect!! Are you guys okay with it?”
Hard to say no to an adorable face like hers. She was the only person Hawke has seen that children actually listen to and had never made her feel exasperated. Maybe she was more successful with the pacts. Who knows.
Either way it wasn’t like Hawke was going to object, unlike Anders who had a remark to say, but couldn’t resist the power Merrill has on them.
“Of course we are!” Garrett responded, Isabela nodded profusely.
The bell went off and their dear lunch break was over. It was time to return to the terrible trenches. But the kids that Garrett and his friends shared weren’t moving, or well they were, but not back to their next class and rather kept playing at the playground.
They were supposed to have P.E. classes and Aveline shot a deadly yet knowing glare at Hawke. With a threatening voice she called him out.
“Hawke.”
Hawke swallowed. Looking to the left and to the right, leaving a nervous laughter. He checked his clock. “Oh.. Look.. uhh! I really need to get back to teaching, my students are missing me terribly by now! I’m in high demand you see..” He was slowly backing away while facing Aveline and then he sprinted away.
On his way back to the school he clearly looked like he was on a rush. Even though recess had just ended some minutes ago and there was no way children were already back in their respective classes. (Knowing them, they were probably taking their sweet time getting there.)
Hawke was way too busy to pay attention to his surroundings as he tried to get back in his room before Aveline could even manage to spot him. That muscular redhead only left wonders on the many capacities she could do with her arms. Sometimes that left Hawke jealous. Not that he was any less muscular than hers. He just had softer spots.
Distractingly he almost ran over a poor child that was minding their business with a friend. He looked down at the kid so he could apologise. All in the meanwhile he was on the move, and thus what felt like a classic high school movie of the frantic girl bumping into her crush happened in real time.
Hawke muttered a very, very small curse, careful not to say it too loud to avoid the kids learning something they shouldn’t and causing Hawke to risk his job.
“Oh god, I’m sorry. I-” He began and quickly stopped upon seeing that white coloured hair and he could’ve sworn that he was hearing a melodic tune in the background, specifically the instrumentals of Poetica sung by Cesare Cremonini and rose petals appearing around the stranger.
Some of the bangs at the front were slightly covering his right eye. Oh, the eyes! They were as big as Merrill’s and just like hers his were green, but darker.
He was tanned like Isabela, and he was in formal attire, not something you’d see in an elementary school for sure. He was wearing a white shirt with a black tie and black trousers. He was holding some sheets of paper. From Garrett’s point of view It was unclear what was written or drawn on them, but he could guess it was something the kids would love to see.
The man looked surprised, angry maybe, there was something in his face that Hawke thought was slightly scary. Probably because his black eyebrows were furrowed and his mouth partially open. Or perhaps he simply didn’t want to make a bad first impression… Especially to this stunning guy. Which he probably did already.
What clicked in Garrett’s head were the tattoos visible on his chin and down to his neck. The ones that Isabela had mentioned before. She called them striking. She wasn’t wrong.
He blinked. “Oh wait! You’re that new h-” He stopped himself before he could even complete the word ‘hot’. Damn you Isabela. Instead he went: “...history teacher!” Smooth recovery. He hoped.
Hawke beamed. He finally saw the mysterious man, and once again, Isabela wasn’t wrong. He was quite handsome.
“It appears so.” His lips gave the smallest quirk and responded with a deep husky voice that could send shivers down anyone’s spines. Oh, Hawke would absolutely become four years old just to listen to his lessons… Actually, no. That came out weird. But he would absolutely love listening to this man for a very prolonged time.
Fortunately, much to Hawke’s gratitude he no longer looked angry and seemed less surprised.
“I am terribly sorry for bumping into you! So much for first introductions..” Hawke scratched his beard, feeling a bit embarrassed and smiled sheepishly. Quickly enough he put his shameful feelings aside. “If I knew you were coming I would’ve set up a nicer presentation.” Hawke gave the other his hand to perform a handshake.
The man glanced down. Hawke was almost sure he could’ve noticed a small smile forming on his face. Looking somewhat amused, the latter took his palm with his free hand.
“No hard feelings.”
He noticed that this guy, Fenris, had tattoos even on the back of his hands. They had the same pattern of the ones he got on and near his face, which made Isabela’s take suspiciously relevant. Maybe it was better not to question it. Hawke, just like Aveline, really didn’t want to know as he could just feel something breaking deep within him…
…Dramatics tucked away, he had to keep the convo lively.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you! I’m Garrett, but everyone calls me Hawke. May I know your name?”
He nodded. “It’s a pleasure. I’m Fenris.” He had such an elegant way of pronouncing words. It was a feeling that Hawke couldn’t describe, but gods, that made this guy so captivating.
Ahh, a very handsome name for a very handsome man. It was what Hawke’s mind instantly ought to respond as.
Instead, to avoid further embarrassments he said. “Fenris! Got it…”
He was about to open his mouth when he got interrupted by a cheerful voice leaving both him and the shorter one surprised. Oh yeah, he was pretty short compared to Hawke. Not too much, surely a head shorter than him.
“Hawke!!” Merrill called him out between sets of giggles, on her side there was Isabela and Varric. Aveline thankfully has busied herself by handling her students and keeping them in check, though Garrett could still feel her stern look in his own direction.
Anders instead got in the infirmary room, probably filling the hours to play Word Blast on his phone or taking care of coughing children.
Merrill had a lunchbox in her hands. It looked very similar to the one Hawke owned. Then again, he remembered he hadn’t even touched his food which made him realise he could’ve discarded making lunch and wouldn’t have risked being late. (Spoilers, he would’ve.).
Well, he also forgot to take back his lunch.
Merrill, you’re a saint.
“Well? Cat got your tongue? Save room for us as well! You can’t have him all for yourself.” Teased the smart secretary, with a smirk forming on her face. She kept glancing at the two joined hands of Garrett and Fenris.
With that, Hawke looked down at their supposedly handshake which had stopped for some time which looked like they were holding hands for the pleasure of it and Fenris, much to Hawke's disappointment, snappily let go. Like Hawke’s hand suddenly went bursting hot and the other got a 4th degree burn from it. Upset was all over his face and was avoiding Hawke’s stare. The latter, to say the least, was surprised by the rapid movement. He had no idea what just happened, but he felt like he had done something wrong to this guy. Oh come on. He really wanted to save his good impressions.
“Oookay.” Varric with a single motion clapped his hands to bring the attention to him so he could ease the awkwardness that was creeping in the hallway. It was getting unusually quiet… Not counting the screaming of children, of course. It came to a point that after years and years of working there your ears will stop perceiving even the highest shrieks.
“So, Fenris, right? Just to bring it to your attention we are going to celebrate your first arrival at Kirkwall elementary school. Congrats! And no excuses. It’s tradition.” He quickly added, a half smile was forming on his lips. “Oh and I’m Varric Tethras, at your service.” Varric gave him his hand for a handshake, but it seemed like Fenris had enough of being in contact with other people so he just stared at it, his eyebrows still frowning.
Then, he looked up at Varric and nodded. He paused for a moment to think about the proposition. “I see. When and where is this taking place?”
“Today’s Friday, right? Every Friday we organise a small outing at the Hanged Man. You’re free to come whenever you’re pleased. But remember, today’s your special day. You’re gonna have free booze! It’s a chance that should never go amiss, I tell you.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Good man. Tonight at 8 pm, don’t forget! Now, I shall go into my cave and meet my sweet batlings, have fun.” …Batlings..? That was new. It used to be youngsters. Today was full of surprises, it seemed.
“I should go as well. Have a good day.” Fenris went past Hawke and the others to reach the teacher’s room so he could print the papers he was holding. Seeing that man turn his back on Hawke made him feel incomplete. Please stop being a douchebag Garrett.
“Byeee Fenris! It was good to see you!!” Merrill waved her hand, enthusiasm still with her. “It’s a pity I couldn’t speak with him. Hopefully we’ll know better at the party. Ohh! I hope he’ll be there!!”
“Oh also! Here Hawke, don’t forget this again! Lunch is important.” She handed him his forgotten lunchbox.
“Thank you Merrill. I’ll do my utter best to never forget it ever again.” Hawke smiled at the precious woman and placed a fist on his chest as a promise. He gained a chuckle from Merrill.
“Alright, I’m going back to my class as well. Bye!!” She trotted away.
It was just him and Isabela now, directing all his attention to her he began. “So… That, was something.”
“Told you he was an interesting sod, hearing the bird chirping beautiful melodies yet?”
Hawke opened his mouth to object, but actually, she was… half right. That made her terribly scary, not a single lie detected in all her statements today. Isabela laughed.
“You’re very easy to read, Garrett Hawke. Be grateful for your looks, it can be a turn down.”
Garrett blinked dumbfounded. He then pinched the bridge of his nose and muttered. “Thanks, Bela. What can I do without you.” He tried to suppress a smile.
“Of course! You, kitten, need all the advice I can offer. Be very grateful!” She squeezed his arm, winking and sighed after letting go, placing her hands on her hips instead. “I have to return to my place. Bran must be squirming from happiness. Well, see you tonight, yeah?”
“Absolutely!” Garrett put a thumbs up, giving her his best grin.
As a cherry on top, Isabella got on her toes to whisper in Hawke’s ear. “A little birdie told me he’s open.” She smirked once more and went back on her heels. “Have fun with your kids.” She waved a hand while walking back to her place.
Okay. That was something. Again.
Garrett covered his face, letting out a deep sigh and decided to get back to his class for his math lesson. Open? What does that even mean? And who’s he!?! But Hawke thought best not to dwell on it. He just had to mentally prepare for tonight… And right now too. He opened the door to his class, fully regretting it as he was instantly hit by a swarm of kids screaming and making the utter mess of this room than it already was.
But the kids upon seeing Garrett started beaming from happiness and kept greeting him, saying. “Mr. Hawke!!” and that warmed his heart, already forgiving each one of them.
All he had to think now was how he could fix the unclear mistake that happened earlier between him and Fenris, and the math lesson. But now more than ever, he needed to save this possible friendship with him starting tonight.
