Thread: You Again? (rpfiend_123 & AnnaBeth Belle)

In the moment between Tony walking off and Brooke looking up at Mr. Stevenson, he pushed his chest out a bit, still reveling in his small victory. He was just about to recommend he take Brooke to get an after-workout smoothie to make it up to her. After all, he figured she'd be a little miffed, but he was ready to get their day back on track. That's when he she reminded him not-so-gently that he wasn't her dad. He opened his mouth, about to speak in protest, but she was on her heels and out the door before he could say anything. Even the prime view of her skin tight pants didn't provide him much solace as he watched her leave. He knew he was in for it. After all, he had a daughter and a wife, but neither of them had ever reacted to anything he'd done like that before. After all, he was generally very sweet and giving with them. Not to mention that Sam and Claire both preferred to just give him the silent treatment. Not tell him when things were bothering them. Dammit. he said under his breath, grabbing the things Brooke had left behind and following her out to the parking lot. He pressed the remote on his 4 Runner and saw her disappear inside the door half a second later. He wasn't in the wrong on this, was he? There was no way he was going to let her go out on a date with a grown man, not on his watch. He was her best friend's dad, her vice principal and her... 'No, nothing more than that.' He had to remind himself again. Still, 2 out of 3. He got in the car, wondering if the storm out was enough for her to cool off. He was wrong. The minute the door clicked shut, he heard her remind him that he wasn't her dad, and that he wasn't her assistant principal. Once again, he opened his mouth in protest but she continued, capping off her frustration with a curse word. His brow furrowed and his expression grew more disturbed he brought up a hand, wagging a finger as if to start in on her, but she continued - he sat back, mouth shut, breathing heavily, as she said the rest of her peace. This was one thing he was actually used to at the school - except usually the kids in his office for disciplinary action didn't go on to tell him about their preferences in age difference and their sexual history. Older guys? Kissing? Nervous when... when you what?? His curiosity was piqued, but quickly extinguished again as she ended the rant telling him she hated him. It was clear that nothing he could say in that moment would satiate the situation. He may have thought Brooke was the sweetest young lady, but right now he thought she was being a total brat. He tugged his own seat belt on, one hand gripped the top of the steering wheel as he turned on the car and threw it into reverse. He had to put his hand on the back of her chair to turn around and watch as they backed up. Her scent still sweet even after her jaunt at the gym. 'Damn it.' He thought to himself. 'Don't let her get away with this one.. She may be Brooke but.' His thoughts bubbled out into actual words as he threw the shifter into Drive. I may not be your dad. Or your vice principal right now. his voice was stern. He stared straight ahead, his jaw clenched as he continued to speak in a steady, yet intense tone. But you're still my responsibility this summer and I'll be damned if you think I'm going to let you go out with someone that old. Besides, he shouldn't have had his hands on you like that. He realized that was probably the first cuss word he'd ever let a student hear from him, but he figured it was warranted. His forearm muscles tensed as he drove the rest of the way home in silence - full aware she was still fuming- his stomach in knots that they'd had an argument at all. Back at the house, one slammed car door and one slammed bedroom door later - courtesy of Brooke, he stepped into the shower. He took a longer one than normal - not only because he had pushed it harder than usual at the gym and needed to release the tension in his muscles, but also because he wanted to reflect on what the hell just happened. His summer of self-indulgence was already derailed by this whole strange relationship with Brooke. Is it even worth it? I should have just had the 'propriety' talk when this all started and she wouldn't have even gone to the gym with me and we wouldn't be in this mess. He was frustrated - slightly with Brooke, but mostly with himself. He stepped out and dried off, donning a slim fitting maroon dress shirt and signature well-cut jeans for his thighs and butt. Whether or not he was able to get his summer plans back on track, he knew he needed to make it right with Brooke. That was him, though, a peacemaker to a fault. Besides, his stomach was still in knots from the thought that Brooke was mad at him. He busied himself with some housework, trying to put off the inevitable apology he would owe, but a an hour later, he knew it was time. He walked upstairs to Sam's room and knocked on the door, leaning against the frame as he spoke through the closed door. Hey Brooke? His tone had softened considerably since their conversation in the car. Listen I.. he paused. He knew that he needed to apologize for the last hour, but he didn't actually prepare what he was going to say. I shouldn't have embarrassed you like that at the gym. I'm sorry. And later on in the car, I lost my tempter, so I'm sorry for that too. He sighed I know you probably don't want to talk to me, but I promise I'm just looking out for you. Feeling his talking points insufficient, he thought back to their conversation in the car. And listen.. If you want to go out and find a guy who thinks you're pretty and funny and wants to take you on a date, we can literally go anywhere in this town and there will be 10 of them down every street. Seriously. But I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't vet them a little first. He waited, nibbling on his lip and wondering if he should just turn and go and give her space to hate him indefinitely.