The urge to loiter around the empty school grew stronger the longer Claude stayed outside the SCB's office. He just took a trip to the bins to dispose of the trash bag from last night. Most were wrappers and paper bags, so Claude's nose was safe from the piercing, spoiled stench. On his way back, he saw the office door barely closing. Another student from the SCB must have arrived.
"It's seven on the mark. Could it be Keller?" Clause murmured to himself before walking to the door. He slightly opened the door and peered inside, catching a glimpse of a familiar broad back. "Len?"
"Oh, Lavallee, you're back. Can you help me with the mop, please?" The glassed maiden beckoned Claude closer and gestured at the mop leaning against the wall.
Instead of ignoring the other person, Len smiled at Claude. His arms were fully engaged with lifting the long and heavy conference table, allowing the maiden to sweep underneath it. When Claude followed up with the mop, Len chuckled. "Hurry, baby. My arms are getting tired."
Claude frowned at him, unamused. "Are you planning to drop that table on me? Don't make me stab you with my mop."
"I'm kidding. I can lift this table with one arm and hold you up with the other." Len laughed, attracting a longer scowl from Claude. However, he quickly stopped when Claude moved the mop to hit him with the handle as Claude mopped the floor. He indeed kept the table up with one arm, keeping the mop from stabbing him.
"You can play later. Ryan will be here soon." The maiden giggled at the quiet banter happening steps away. She finished sweeping the floor, so she was just sorting through the documents she had hidden earlier. She said, "Lavallee, can I call you Claude?"
"Sure, but I haven't caught your name yet." Claude stopped threatening Len with the mop's long handle.
"My name's Charity, but my friends call me Ritzy. Even the teachers here in the SCB call me that. Feel free to copy them." Ritzy chuckled before gesturing at the table. Len slowly lowered it, and Ritzy put the tablecloth on it.
Claude dealt with the mop and washed the floor where Ritzy pointed. He didn't have problems doing menial tasks as he was there for a sanction. He just didn't know why Len was there to help out. He watched Len speak to Ritzy in hushed voices, the maiden giggling.
A silent click of Claude's tongue came in response. He turned away. Claude continued working on the floor and subsequently cleaned the mop. The SCB's office had an ensuite bathroom and sink, letting Claude dispose of the dirty water.
Shortly after, Len went inside to wash the cloth Ritzy used to wipe the windows, table, and seats. Claude glanced at the other person, but his gaze didn't remain for more than a second.
"You quickly got quiet," Len said when Claude rose to store the mop. "Are you hungry? I can get someone to bring breakfast for us."
"No. I don't want to intrude on you two. I should have gone here a little later." Claude glanced at Len, noticing his raised brows. It made Claude angrier inwardly. He just turned away and made sure his annoyance wouldn't translate to his actions. "Why don't you tell me about her?"
"Okay." Len smiled, but Claude didn't catch it through his eyes or Len's reflection in the mirror. "She's a senior from Psi Saint Alpha's female faction. They're known as a sorority called the Knights of Diane. Since they are only a faction, like our Wolf Faction, their VPs have no real standing. That's why Ritzy devotes most of her time to the SCB."
Claude glanced at the strangely smiling Len. He snorted. "Yeah, that's some background. But I mean more personal things… What does she like? What makes her eyes glitter in glee?"
Len turned to Claude, who met his gaze through their reflections. The former looked confused despite his smile. Len said, "Claude… Why are you asking about a woman? Does she pique your fancy? I thought you were into men. I thought you were into me…"
"What?" Claude flicked his gaze at Len's face. "What are you talking about? How did this suddenly become about my interest? Was I the one whispering and giggling with a girl here?"
Claude caught the exact moment Len's eyes lit up. In response to Len's laugh, Claude sighed and lightly massaged his forehead. The violinist groaned. "Dammit… I was baited…"
Len dried his hands on the towel hanging from the side. He then stood closer to Claude and leaned down, prepping his chin on Claude's shoulder. "Don't be too jealous, Claude. I do like making friends with the people in the community. I won't know when they will be very likely to be of help to me. Don't be sad. If you like, I'll give you a kiss."
"No, I don't want your kiss. This is hardly a place for kissing." Claude shrugged his shoulder and hid his blushing face. He took the wrung-out pieces of cloth from Len's basin. His hand reached to the side to pick up the multi-layer hanger designed for towels. "Hang the washcloths properly."
"So, where is this kissing place you know of?" Len leaned on the sink and watched Claude finish his job. "When are we going there?"
"Shut up." Claude hooked the hanger in its designated drying spot next to the window. As if the distance he had gained gave him clarity, Claude turned to Len without leaving his spot. "Wait a minute. You knew Ritzy that much. So, this isn't your first day in the SCB. Am I right?"
Len nodded. "Psi Saint Alpha sends a few freshmen to shadow their seniors in the SCB. You'll run into Courtney and James later at noon. If you only come in the morning, you will only run into me."
Claude sighed in his heart. He heard that familiar name again. "Why do I have to get shoehorned where she exists? I'm not trying to meet her. Can you tell her that? I don't want to get in trouble. I already got in one, and it landed me here."
"I think she can only deal with your presence. This is not the last time you will cross paths with her." Len's smile tamed. "Regardless, I'll do what I can if she harms your body."
"We both know what might happen to her if she harms my body." Claude chuckled and raked his hand through his hair. "Sorry. I thought you were stalking me. You're everywhere I go."
"I could be…" Len smiled. "Even the universe wants us to be together."
Claude brought his hand and glared a little at Len. "Aren't you one arrogant bastard? No matter. I can't stop things from happening if I draw you and that girl without effort. Let's just have a few rules… or favors from me to you. Please don't kiss me in public. I'm scared of drawing more hostility from other people. If I want to get kissed, you'll find out."