Not Too Bad

Cailean was beginning to wonder when Rosalind would open up about what was bothering her. He'd been tutoring her for the better part of the year now, and while she'd been coming faithfully, and even managed to pull her grades up enough to graduate, he could tell something had been bothering her lately. It wasn't as if he didn't know, he was staff after all. He heard whispers not meant for his ears. He knew what had happened to the young girl, or about as much as he could by discerning rumor from fact.

He thought they were close enough by now that she would tell him at least a bit of what was going on. But so far she had been silent, focusing on her work or making sure he was okay. The fairy was so selfless sometimes it hurt. Today he was going to get to the bottom of this no matter what. 

So when Rosie slipped into his office that afternoon, instead of having her pull out her books like he usually did, he stopped her, folding his arms. "Rosalind, 'ow long have I known ye now?"

"E-er...I don't know. Five years?" Rosie was naturally confused at this sudden question. 

"An' in those five years, do ye not think we've become rather good friends?" She nodded and he smiled lightly. "If'n you think we're such good friends, why is it ye wont tell me what it is goin on with ye?"

"I-I'm not...I don't..."

"Rosalind, it's not like ah don't 'ear the rumors. It's not like ah can't see how upset ye are, all the time." He folded his arms on the table, leaning against it. "Why? Deimos?"

Rosalind looked down, a frown on her lips. Of course it was because of Deimos. But she couldn't say that. The two already didn't get along, if he knew the source of bullying was her relationship with the hybrid, he would never let it go. It was a shame really, that they hadn't become friends. They had so much in common, and Rosalind knew if they could get past whatever they held against each other they could be really close. 

"Rosalind. I know it's because of Deimos."

"That's not--!"

"Ahm not sayin' anythin' against the boy. I don't think he's that bad, really."

Rosalind was surprised to hear those words. It seemed like Cai lived to cause Deimos grief with the way the two went at each other. When it seemed like Cailean was about to speak, Rosalind decided to project his words to Deimos.

"Honestly, I only pick on the kid because I get some weird enjoyment from it. But I don't think he's bad. A bit moody, and severely misunderstood, but not bad. Never bad. Even back when we were students, roommates, the only thing I had against him was that he had all yer attention." Rosalind seemed surprised at that, but Cailean continued. "I know what people say 'bout ye aint good. And I know it's 'cause of yer relationship with Deimos. But I also know Deimos is happiest when he is with ye. Ah know that ye are happiest when ye are with him. It's been that way since ye met years ago, and its that way now. Ye are good for each other, and ahm glad ye ne'er gave me the time o' day. Honestly I think the pup would be lost without ye there to hold his hand."

Cailean grew quiet for a moment, and Rosie chewed on her lip. She hadn't expected him to say all of that, but she hoped Deimos heard it. Actually, after a few moments of quiet she frowned a bit. Deimos I know you heard that.

....shut up.

She smiled at that response and Cailean nodded. "Awright then, let's get this math done."