ROLEPLAY HQ - forbidden-feelings

Aspen entered the familiar classroom and made her way towards the far end of the room. She enjoyed it when the rooms were empty. It was one of the reasons she liked coming in so early. There was no one to bother her in the early morning and she could simply pull out her computer and focus on an assignment from a different class. As usual trying to get ahead on everything so she didn’t worry about it later. She enjoyed a little life without distractions. She could get things done in a timely manner and have the free time she wanted. Reaching inside her bag she pulled out her computer and began typing on it. Fingers moving swiftly across the computer as she finished an essay she had started last night. She almost didn’t notice the professor step inside the room. Her eyes lifted and head turned just a bit to see an unfamiliar face. It took her a moment to remember there was a rumor that one of the professors had been replaced with someone else due to retirement. Yet she hadn’t expected someone to look so young. Most of the women and men who taught here were older. Either in their late 40s reaching their 50’s or just a bit older than that. Her eyes ventured back to the screen, ignoring him all together. The sounds of students and car doors shutting could be heard and Aspen braced herself for a friendly and familiar face. “Aspen!” Ariel's voice boomed throughout the room, calling for Aspen's attention. Her eyes stayed glued to her screen, typing away, pushing a piece of hair behind her ear as she leaned forward. Ignoring the blond that had stepped inside the room yelling for her. Ariel sat down beside her and pushed Aspen's shoulder with her own. “Did you even see the new Professor?” Aspen looked up from her screen and turned her head to look at ariel. “I did.” “Ooookay isn’t he hot or what?”

16:07

Aspens brows furrowed and she looked over at the man, standing at his desk. He was leaning against the desk, looking down at a piece of paper in his hands, brows furrowing. Lips moving and reading whatever was on the paper. She moved her attention back to the computer and shrugged her shoulders. Ariel only sighed and shook her head. “Channing tatum could be in front of you and you’d shrug your shoulders.” Aspen closed her laptop when hearing the professor clear his throat.

“Good morning everyone.” The interim professor said, his voice masculine, yet calm and confident as if not particularly bothered having to now be front and center before a whole lecture room full of new faces. “As some of you might have already heard Mrs. Simmons has faced some complications and currently is directed by her physician to take some time off to recover. Hopefully her time off isn’t permanent, but in the meantime I will be filling in. The man was dressed in typical professor attire, khaki slacks, brown loafers, and a blue sweater. Clean cut and standing at attention he very smoothly made his introduction to the students, making eye contact with a few as he spoke. “So, a little about me. I’m Benjamin Carter, you can just call me Mr. Carter, Ben, Professor, whatever. You guys are adults, so let’s just be civil with one another, right? Now, I get it. Not that long ago I was in your seats too. I know sometimes you think just because there’s a substitute that the rules will be slacked, the coursework won’t be as relevant, and I’ll just be giving you guys a bunch of preordained busy work to get through the curriculum. Well.” He opened up a water bottle from his lectern and took a sip before continuing. “Unfortunately I can’t let you guys get off that easy. I am a registered medical doctor, although I do not practice currently. I know for some of you this is just another credit for your general education, but the truth of the matter is I’m very passionate about health and the human body, and I think, even if it isn’t your area of focus that you guys too can find it just as interesting. After all, in many ways, you’re just learning to better understand you-“ And so he continued, filling the students in on a little bit of his history. Enlightening them that he too had went to this college for his undergrad, however, had only recently moved back into the area. Ultimately, after ten or fifteen minutes of what was to just be some light-hearted and genuine introduction, Ben showed a bit of humility as he held up the class roster. “So, you all have probably heard the old phrase that doctors have terrible handwriting? Well, that is true, but on top of it, I’m also terrible at pronunciation of names. So, for this morning, and to take roll, I’m going to go up to each of you, and if you could, please tell me your name. I promise… within the next few weeks I’ll probably have it down pat.” He was joking at the end, hopefully it wouldn’t take him more than a couple days, but bit by bit the professor walked up to each of the students. Asking their names, checking them off the list, and generally stating that he’s happy to meet them. He didn’t seem to take notice that several pairs of eyes were on him from some of the females in class. He didn’t necessarily consider himself anything more special than just another person. All the same, the tall, dark haired man made his rounds. A subtle, very subtle, scent of cologne on his person as he would find himself stepping before Ariel, and then turned to the girl sitting beside her. “Morning there. What’s your name?” Ben said, with a warm smile.

08:12

Outfit

08:13

Benjamin Carter Face Claim

Aspen leaned forward until her chin was placed in her hand, her eyes drifting off from the Professor to other places, occasionally looking at Ariel who seemed to be speaking with a group of other girls, whispering amongst themselves about only god knows what. She turned her head and as she did so couldn’t help but wince at the pain in between her neck and shoulder. She closed her eyes and moved her neck around a bit whilst moving her shoulders subtly. She had gone too far last night. Pushing her body past limits as she twirled around an empty room, her dance instructor critiquing her every incorrect move. The stiff stances, falling, stretches, leaps, holdings, all burned throughout her body, aching every muscle within her. “Are you okay?” Aspen opened her eyes and saw that the professor hadn’t been in his usual spot but instead was at the other end of the room checking names. She looked at Ariel through the corner of her eyes for a split second before fully turning her head again. “I’m fine. Just tired.” She mutters, placing her hand down from her cheek and both arms rested on the desk. “You sound like a bull, with all the sighing you’ve been doing.” Ariel comments. Aspen only lightly chuckled. “Am I distracting you from the gossip,” Aspen lifted her finger and pointed it between her and the group of girls behind her. “you guys seem to be carrying on?” Ariel rolled her eyes and nodded. “Yes, you actually are.”

08:49

Aspen rolled her eyes and looked away. Her eyes focused on the door in front of her. She yet again closed them as she made her back straighter. She wondered what exactly the professor for today had planned for them all. Maybe he could take the course somewhere else and throw around a few tips on pain and how to deal with it correctly. As if on cue aspen felt a hand on her arm and she fluttered her eyes open, turning her head to look at Ariel once again. “What.” She spoke through her teeth, sounding a bit more annoyed than she intended. Ariel pointed her manicured finger up and aspens eyes followed. The professor stood there in front of her, eyes looking down at her, a smile on his face and aspen couldn’t help the confusion that formed on her own face. She had been so lost in thought, she forgot for a second what he’d actually been doing before. “Name.” She heard Ariel whisper. Her eyes widened and she spoke. “Oh, Aspen… Aspen Fei Mcalester.” She said and sent him a small smile of her own.

08:49

Face claim.

08:50

Wearing.//

“Ms. Mcalester, nice to meet you.” His green eyes warmly rested upon her for a moment before moving to the roster and checking off her name. “Carry on ladies-“ As if he knew he had been interrupting the gossip that was taking place. Not that he particularly minded, they weren’t actually learning anything as of yet. Soon Mr. Carter stepped back towards the center of the lecture room and began to go over a bit of the coursework and syllabus. “So, as you guys could likely guess, it will be impossible for me to walk you through each and every intricate facet of the human body within one semester, although, you’re all welcomed to come during office hours if you’d like to get some recommendations for further learning, but that said we’re going to do the best we can with the time we’re given. Now, a lot of this may be covering some topics you’re already somewhat familiar with, however I am hoping to expand and deepen your understanding of the various systems within the body. From the tiniest cells within us, to the more complex localized tissue groups, the organs, and all the way up to the complex systems that span throughout our very bodies, working diligently beneath the surface and many times unnoticed and unthanked.” And thus Ben rolled into a light introductory monologue of the various systems within the body. Some of this involved the easier ones, the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular systems within the body. Digestive tract, the nervous system, and of course even that of the reproductive systems within the body. It was for the most part systems the majority of them would have at least heard of. “Sure, some of these systems might be more interesting than others, but they all play a very critical role in our health and wellbeing. A lot of you are involved with school sports, or at the very least are going to the gym for physical exercise, which in itself is great for the body, however, we tend to forget that our muscles, our joints, undergo quite a lot of physical strain. Neglect for a system that may develop into an injury, and if left unchecked, may become chronic. So-“ He certainly did talk a lot. “That brings me to everyone’s favorite part of the semester, where your professor inevitably informs you guys that yes, there will be a project due in this class, and yes, it’ll be done in pairs.” He paused so that if there was any groaning the students could work it out. “I know. It’s no one’s favorite. But the fact of the matter is we do gain a lot by learning to work with others, especially those we have no formal experience with. It helps round you as an individual, promotes the necessary skills in communication so as to be able to work with others, as well as a responsibility to your fellow student and peer group. Now, before you get on me for the pairing, do know Mrs. Simmons arranged this prior to me taking over. I’m going to be calling the pairs up, so when you hear your names called, please come down to see me.” And with that Ben took a seat at his desk and started at the top of list, calling down the pairs at random. Some pairs would be of the same gender, some mixed. Ultimately Ben would go down the list until falling upon the names. “Mcalester & Andrews.” He called out, only not realizing Melissa Andrews had dropped the class.

Aspen watched as he walked away, heading towards the next row of students to finish names. Ariel pushed her shoulder playfully and once again a small pain made itself noticed in her arm as the girl shook it. “Ariel, stop.” She says, turning her head to look at the blond, her blonde brows furrowing a bit as she leaned back, hands shooting up in playful surrender. She muttered a little sorry before turning and finishing the conversation with others. Aspen wasn’t keen on Ariel's playful behavior. Especially since she barely knew the girl but she did keep her around because despite her appearance. Ariel was smart and good in many things which helped when she decided to be in small study groups with her when invited. Aspen turned in her chair and leaned back, watching again as the professors stood in the middle of the room. Talking about the human body and what not. Aspen was more interested in the human brain than anything but the body would do for now. The more he spoke, a small interest in the subject peaked when he mentioned how some could be in sport. She was in something that could be considered a sport. Oftentimes, as he said, she’d push her body hard and neglect her pain after practice or training, which now that she thought about is what is happening right now. The mention of groups caught her attention and the room filled with small groans. No one was a fan of doing groups they couldn’t pick. Aspen was one of those people, afraid she’d be paired with someone who wouldn’t take anything as seriously as she did. She listened for her own name and when she heard it, followed by a student that had dropped out, she took it upon herself to stand and make her way over to his desk. Aspen stood there in silence for a second before placing her hands in her jean pockets. “Melissa isn’t attending anymore.” She says, slightly leaning in so he could hear her over the talkative students in the back.

09:57

“I would gladly do the project alone if there isn’t another plan for me to group with anyone.” She suggested, her hand coming down to rest on his desk a little. @OhRyæn

Initially Ben looked up, his green eyes smiling to see her heading his way. It wasn’t just for her, he was rather warm with the welcoming and greetings for all the students. However, his right brow did raise subtly as it was only Aspen who was making her way towards his desk. As if she could read the slight confusion upon his face she soon filled him in on what was the matter. “That’s-“ She actually threw him for a bit of loop as he glanced back down at the roster. Indeed, Melissa’s name wasn’t checked off, and a further glance confirmed for him that there wouldn’t be anything other unfilled pairs. Lifting his eyes back to Aspen, Mr. Carter drew in the inside of his cheek to bite upon for a second as he considered her idea. “While I do appreciate the offer-“ And he did, not many would just openly volunteer to take on the entire assignment themselves, others would potentially push to make a threesome. Once more his eyes drifted from off of her and towards the other students in the classroom. “Ultimately you’d be missing out on what I believe to be a critical learning experience for the assignment. I’ll tell you what, I’ll be your partner for the project-“ He said, waiting a couple of seconds before he would assume anyone would find that highly unnecessary. “I know what you’re thinking, but I’m serious, and no it won’t be that bad. I’ve got some free hours during the day, or if need be we can stay a little late after class. I’m just not much seeing a better alternative, would you… be alright with that?” He cocked his head curiously, furrowing his brows, knowing he was kind of putting her on the spot.

Aspen's eyes slightly widened when he mentioned doing the project with him instead. Would that really be okay? She turned her head and looked back at the students and for a moment thought about if she were to join one of their groups. The thought made her squint her eyes. The idea wasn’t really a bad one; she'd be working with someone who’d take the project seriously and she’d be doing it in a timely manner, she wouldn’t have to worry about anyone slacking off. Her eyes landed back on him. “It’s not such a bad idea.” She lifted her hand up from his desk and pointed her thumb back at the students behind her. “They’d probably find a problem with it. They’ll think it isn’t fair.” She chuckled and crossed her arms. She stepped back and thought for a moment. She’d probably stay after class for a moment so she could talk with him about scheduling when they’d be able to meet and work on the project. This project definitely clashed with her ballet classes but she wasn’t too worried about it. She outstretched her arm towards him, hand ready to shake his. “I’m for the idea.” She simply said. @OhRyæn

He could see she was mulling the idea over, and of course he didn’t want to put her on the spot, or leave her in an uncomfortable position, but as far as he was concerned this was the best solution. Besides, considering this was the start of his teaching career, it was important for him to be accessible and there to go the extra mile for his students. It was the kind of professor he wanted to be. He let out a silent exhale as she come around to say it wasn’t such a bad idea, and an amused smile crossing his face as she commented upon what her classmates might think of the situation. “Oh, don’t you worry-“ There was almost the faintest hint of something ominous upon his voice, but in a purely playful manner. Ben reached out to take her hand in his, his as one would expect, a fair bit larger and warm to the touch as he stood and shook her hand. “I’ll take care of that.” And she would soon see what he meant. As soon as they finished shaking hands, and while she was still at his desk he called out to get the class’s attention. “Alright everyone, so the pairs are concluded. Everyone should have their assigned system.” Although he’d neglected to inform Aspen yet of theirs. “Unfortunately I guess I came to class a little unprepared today in not knowing that one of your fellow classmates has in fact dropped the course. As such, Miss Mcalester here is without a partner, however, in an effort to maintain the spirit of the assignment I have selected to step in and be her counterpart in this project. And no, if you’re thinking she’s getting an easy A then you’ll have to think again. I have the utmost confidence that Miss Mcalester will perform to the full extent of what his assignment calls for, however, you could say I’m going to make certain she’s thoroughly familiar with the system.” He alluded to, likely meaning that she and he would be having a fair number of meetings and likely after class lectures. Being paired with her professor might actually make this assignment a little more difficult. “So that’s that. For the remainder of the period I’m going to let you guys get acquainted. Exchange some contact details. Again, you do have three weeks before these papers are due, however, I implore you all to start early. I know I’m not the only course you guys have, and given it is the beginning of the semester you’re probably not loaded up on work and assignments yet, but you should take advantage of that while you can.” With that, the taller male turned back to Aspen who was standing at his desk. The rumble of students talking behind them filled the background. It wasn’t necessarily a private conversation between then, but it was unlikely anyone would be able to listen in, unless really trying to. “Speaking of contact details. Is email alright with you?” It’s not that he necessarily had an issue texting his student, but he wasn’t going to be the one to suggest that.

Aspen took notice of the difference in their hands. It was almost funny to her. His hand almost engulfed her own as she shook it. Aspen stepped back, letting go of his hands and facing towards the students. Most seemed unfazed by the announcement and few others shared looks, which she halfly expected. Her eyes drifted up towards the clock and she saw that it was almost time for their class to end as he was speaking. She took it upon herself to leave his side for a quick moment to grab her things. Swinging her bag over her shoulder she was stopped. “Me and the girls are having a small study session at amys. Do you want to come?” Ariel removed her hand from Aspen's arm and she only nodded. “I have a few things to do after school. I’ll raincheck.” She says and makes eye contact with a few of the girls, nodding her head and leaving to stand by the professor. After a while he had finished speaking and Aspen set her things down beside his desk. She chuckled when he mentioned email. Most of the students now didn’t even bother using it. “You wouldn’t feel too uncomfortable using messaging would you?” She leans on his desk a little, the weight she was putting on a certain leg caused her a bit of pain. “I find it easier that way. I don’t check my emails often.” She adds and digs down inside her bag. @OhRyæn

Truthfully the class seemed to take the news of Aspen’s pairing rather well, all things considered. Then again, there was really not much to consider. Real life was largely much more mundane than any soap operas or dramas would suggest. Pleased with how the first day had gone, Ben himself was packing up some papers, as ultimately he’d be heading over to his office for a bit while another class would soon funnel into this lecture hall. His green eyes flicked up towards Aspen as she approached. He knew very little of the woman, quite literally just meeting her for the first time less than an hour ago. People joke that they don’t like being friends with psychologists due to feeling like they’re always being psycho-analyzed, and to a similar extent that too translated towards being in the medical profession whereby Ben’s eyes couldn’t help but notice certain things. He’d been a general physician, with a focus upon the more physical systems of the body. Musculature, skeletal, joints, the more tangible systems of the body. A person’s gait was one of the more easily distinguishable traits to a trained eye. Person favoring one foot or leg while in their movements. In a way this type of discerning was hardcoded into many species across the world. After all, predators for instance will look for even the smallest and subtle clues as to what prey might be injured and therefore make an easier target. “Like text messaging?” His brow rose, almost feeling foolish for asking, but there were so many messaging services these days. Whatsapp, kik, discord, among others. He didn’t use them, but knew of them. He wasn’t that old, but it seemed every year there was some new messaging service. “No, that’s fine. And noted, if I want to get your attention don’t go emailing you about upcoming homework assignments.” It was a joke as he pulled out his phone and began getting ready to put in her number. “So listen, I know being paired with your professor isn’t likely a dream come true, but you don’t need to feel like you have to be on your best behavior, or like, you’re in front of your boss. Obviously in-class is a little different, but outside of it, we’re partners.” He said, just trying to help ease any anxiety the girl might have. “So realistically, what’s typically the best time of the day for you? And I’m just going to quietly hope it’s something before 10pm.” Again, he chuckled, purely good naturedly, holding back from asking about the subtle limp she seemed to have. At least for now.

Aspen nodded as she looked through her phone, scrolling through her calendar app and looking for available days and good times for herself. “I think anything before 10pm is good for me too.” She answers and straightens her posture. “Normal old messaging. None of that weird app stuff.” she adds and lifts her head up. “Definiety don’t email me.” She chuckles at his small joke and looks back down at her phone. When she finally located the contacts app she looked up and handed him her phone while she took his in her hand, slowly making sure that it was okay that she was reaching for it. She stayed silent for a moment, listening to him speak as she entered her number. She liked how thoughtful he was trying to be but this was more of a score to Aspen. She had the chance to get better experience and learn on a different level than the others. When it came to projects like these back in highschool she often was the leader…the only one actually doing work. This was an interesting idea. She had questions for him anyway. Things she’d probably ask once they get more into the project. “So can I call you Ben…After class?” She looked up at him for a split second through her lashes. “Or is Mr. Carter better?” She asks and finishes up entering her number. She’d probably have to get used to it herself. Calling a teacher by their real names. She never even did that with teachers she considered herself close with. Both in highschool and college. Aspen finished entering her name and outstretched her hand to give him the phone. “I wouldn’t want to be too informal.” She adds. @OhRyæn

It was definitely a new experience for the professor, being handed his student’s phone to enter in his details, however it honestly was the most convenient means either could use to get ahold of the other. Lifting his own eyes from her phone he can’t help but wear a genuine smile on his face. It was still a bit surreal for someone to ask permission on how to address him. “Ben is just fine.” He said, reaching out similarly so the two of them could swap back phones. “I guess the real question will be whether or not you want me to continue calling you Miss Mcalester? Y’know, I wouldn’t want to be too informal.” Briefly taking his eyes off from her he quickly looked over their surroundings. The students had cleared out, but that would necessarily last too long. “So, as much as I don’t mind my office, it can be a little cramped there. If you’re free after this class, would you want to grab some coffee at the café in the library? My treat, and then we can go over some of the specifics of the assignment. But only if you’re free… Aspen?” He said, trying out her first name.

The idea of getting coffee right now sounded like a good one. Aspen enjoyed the library's cafe anyway. She went there often when she worked alone, studying or just simply reading a good book or scrolling through media on her computer. She was one of those people who liked doing it there rather than on her phone. “Please. Call me aspen.” She nodded and placed her phone inside her pocket before grabbing her green tote bag. “And coffee sounds great right now so I don't mind.” She says and slings the bag over her shoulder. She needed a little something to wake her up, distract her from the small pains coursing through her body. She could use a warm bath to soothe her muscles right now but decided against it. She thought going over details of their assignment was better and a good idea. She stepped ahead of him and made her way to the door first, opening it and keeping it held open until he made it to the door and when they were both out there was a bit of silence as they both walked side by side. Aspen slightly ahead of him. Her brown eyes trained ahead of her as she spoke. “Is everything on gray's anatomy true?” She asked, only half joking. She knew things there were only for the entertainment of viewers but she was curious about the situations dealing with the patience. @OhRyæn

“Perfect-“ Ben said, packing up his own belongings and stuffing them inside a satchel before slinging it over his shoulder. His mobile ‘office’ complete with his laptop given he would be scattered about the campus in various lecture halls. Walking in lockstep with her he didn’t particularly mind being seen with her. There was hardly anything wrong with walking or having a cup of coffee with a student, especially given it was related to coursework. Of course Mr. Carter didn’t know he had caught some attention or the rumors that circulated with him being among the more handsome professors on campus. Walking nearly side by side the two made their way towards the library as he couldn’t help but to chuckle at the random question posed at him. “Now there’s a show I haven’t heard of for a while.” He paused to consider a bit, as he had watched probably a good few of the earlier seasons. “Yes and no. On the face of it things are much more boring in real life, and you’ll be relieved to know that doctors and nurses are not quite getting involved with one another at such a frequency and level as shown in the show. It kind of does a disservice to the industry to depict them like that, but at the same time I suppose they wanted to get across the point that doctors and nurses are people too. They have the same issues as many others do with life and relationship issues. I would say though that the frequency of odd and rare diseases is, by the very nature of being so, incredibly rare. You’re definitely more likely to just see injuries from accidents. Having cuts and lacerations from a vehicle or accident at home as opposed to some of the more extreme cases they dug up in a medical journal.” Before they knew it they were at the library, Ben opening up the door for her as they were ushered in to stand in line at a knock-off Starbucks. Which was fine, the coffee was still good. “Anything special you want?” Ben asked, preferring for himself just a black coffee, but he didn’t mind in the least if she wanted something else. “And you can grab us some seats. Can’t help but notice you’re favoring one leg. Stubbed your toe or something?” He cocked his head and rose his brows, just trying to think of what would be the most realistic reason for her to be injured.

Aspen smiled as she listened. Knowing the show definitely exaggerated a few things but understood the idea of showing the viewers that doctors were just like everyone else. “Never thought of it like that.” She mumbled as they both arrived at the library. She looked up at him for a second muttering a quick thank you as she stepped in first. Passing by him it was only now that she realized the small height difference. Aspen was tall for a woman, she stood at about 5’7 and because she didn’t talk to men much she wasn’t completely used to actually looking up. Eyes were suddenly on them both as they walked in together, which Aspen ignored as she walked further inside. Only looking for the cafe and when she spotted it she turned her head and looked behind her to be sure Ben had still been following her. He was. She grabbed the small green scrunchie from her bag and grabbed a handful of her long brunette, curly hair and placed it in a messy ponytail, a few strands falling in front of her face to frame it.. She always liked to keep her hair out of her face when doing anything like working, eating or even simple drinking. It often got in her way. A boy who knew she was a regular placed a nervous smile on his face as she stepped in front of him. “H-hello aspen.” He says and she sends him a little smile. “Derek.” She says back. He leans down a little and looks up at her. “Are you getting the usual Americano or will you actually get something sweet?” She shook her head. She wasn't really a fan of anything sweet. She absolutely hated extremely sweet coffee, she found small comfort in something bitter and warm. “You know what I want, loser.”

05:28

He chuckled and nodded his head. “Of course.” He mumbled, eyes for a second looking behind her before saying the price and taking her money. It then clicked, she had forgotten for a second she wasn’t alone. Her head turned and she leaned against the counter. “I could pay for both of ours?” She questions. She thought it would be easier to just do that. “No need to make it separate. You can take it as a small thanks for doing the project with me.” @OhRyæn

It was a little humorous to see her interaction with another student. He was young once too so it’s not like he was going to judge something when it was all in good fun. “Wow, come here often enough to have them remember your ‘usual’?” While Ben had completely intended upon treating her he wasn’t going to make a fuss if she wished to cover for the both of them. “I’ll have a plain dark roast, no cream or sugar-“ He said to Derek and then thanked both of them. “Hope you’re not considering bribing me for a good grade.” He chuckled, purely teasing. He’d make it a point to treat her next time, or get some take-out in the event their schedules dictated that the two of them would need to work on the assignment later in the afternoon or early evening. As they would wait for their coffees to be brought out Ben took to a small two person table as he sat across from her. So, after getting situated and checking a couple emails on his phone until the coffee could be brought out, he eventually decided to get a start with going over the topic that was left for them. “So, according to Mrs. Simmons, you and Miss Andrews were going to be tasked with having to put together a report on the arterial network in the body. It’s probably one of the networks people are vaguely familiar with, and yet take for granted. Most people, even if not properly trained, know to check one’s pulse they can depress some fingers along the radial artery-“ Ben placed his left hand on the table, turning his palm to face upwards as his eyes moved to her own. He was about to tell her where that was, but he was curious to know how much she knew herself. “So, as part of the assignment, naturally it would be up to us to have a thorough understanding of the arterial network within the body, so for starters, and don’t worry if you don’t know, but where would you go to check one’s pulse along the radial artery?” His eyes steadied upon her own, it’s not like she had anything to lose if she selected incorrectly, the whole point of this assignment would be for her to learn about a new topic, or to deepen one’s current understanding.

Aspen nodded and only shrugged. “What can I say? I'm a sucker for libraries and coffee shops.” She says simply and grabs her wallet. “It has crossed my mind actually.” She joked as she paid for their coffees and she sent a quick wink to Derek and uttered a thank you before leaving. When they arrived at a two seater table near a little window she set her bag down beside the chair and sat down, crossing her legs. For a moment of the silence between the two she let her eyes wander outside the window, staring at the fall leaves falling from trees and people running to get to their classes or cars. She turned her head upon hearing him speak. The aetry, something she wasn’t completely unfamiliar with. In this moment she remembered many movies or shows that had people checking pulses in this specific place. She looked down at his hand that was turned over and lifted her own hand, placing two fingers along his Forearm. Just to insure him she wasn’t yet completely lost on what he was talking about. She looked up at him, her brown eyes searching for his green ones, just in case she was wrong. “Right here?” She questioned. @OhRyæn

He gave her a light smile, after all he had made it fairly easy on her given he had set his hand on the table and gestured that the artery in question was more than likely somewhere along that body part. “You’re not wrong.” He said, letting her rest her fingers against his skin. “Now the question is more so do you know how to search and feel for that artery enough to derive and check for a person’s pulse?” Depending on what health courses she took in High School would determine whether or not she was skilled enough to check one’s pulse. Most people knew that the wrist and along the neck were common spots to check a pulse, however, for someone untrained, just placing one’s fingertips around the area wasn’t enough. It would take someone to know what exactly they were searching for, to know how the artery laid beneath the skin, and to guide one’s fingertips to rest over the lifeline so that a person’s beating pulse could be subtly felt. Ben’s pulse itself was of a slow, yet strong quality. He wasn’t as athletic in his college years, but made it a point to stay physically active to the point of having a relatively low resting heart beat, yet despite the low bpm, his heart was strong. “And if you’re not familiar with checking one’s pulse, believe me when I say by the end of this assignment you will be as familiar as a doctor would. The arterial network can be very much so thought of as the lifeline of our bodies. The pathways by which we can transport the oxygen rich blood to every corner of our bodies. There are many throughout the body, as one would expect, though most people can’t name more than a couple, much less be able to say where those arteries are.” His eyes stayed steadied upon her own as her fingers would be allowed to try and search for the man’s pulse, or if not, he would likely instruct her how.

08:23

@CasperLazuli

Aspen sat back for a moment so she had time to think. She knew where to point and feel but didn’t know exactly what he was looking for. She brought her finger up to her chin as she thought for a second. Staring at the skin where she had touched. She leaned forward again and placed her fingers back in the same spot. “Would I press deeper?” She questioned. Speaking more to herself than to him. She let her fingers press a bit harder to search for anything moving against her fingers. Her eyes lifted and looked at him once again. “Maybe. I mean I do have a doctor as my partner so I feel I’d become an expert after this project is finished.” She says and looks back down at his arm. “Am I right?” She knew she probably wouldn’t be. If anything she was definitely not a professional on the body. She neglected her own when it came down to it so she only knew little. @OhRyæn

There was a glint of amusement in his eyes as he watched her expression and for her to try and sort this little problem out. It wasn’t that he was making fun of her, rather he found it interesting and enjoyable to be able to teach others, which was a large portion of the reason he wanted to switch his focus towards being a professor. “It’s a little funny isn’t it? How we’re born into our bodies, how they are completely and utterly part of us, they are us, and yet, we know so little as to what’s going on beneath the surface. All the various functions and chemical reactions that take place without our conscious input.” Glancing down as her fingers tried to search for his pulse he couldn’t help but smile as she spoke about pressing harder. Sure maybe that would solve it, but there was more nuance to it than simply pressing harder, which she would learn in time that it wasn’t always necessary to have a firmer touch, but rather, the need to simply find the right spot. “You tell me, do you feel a pulse?” He said but ultimately decided he’d help her out. “It’s okay, most people need to be taught such things, and like you said, by the end of this I’ll have you being an expert-“ He turned his hand over, making contact with her own hand and maneuvering her hand such that it was the back of her hand that was against the table, her palm and wrist exposed as he rested the tips of his two fingers from the center of her palm, and then traced gently along towards a little past her wrist. His touch was light, but skilled enough to subtly press just in the right spot to massage and get down to the underlying radial artery. “It can get confusing. Look at your wrist and you’ll see a whole network of veins. Press a little more deeply and you’ll feel some tendons. There’s a lot going on there, even in a relatively ‘simple’ location. But that just goes to show that even simple spots are really quite complex.” He kept his fingers against her, feeling her pulse beneath. “And that’s largely going to encompass most of the work here. By the time we’re done my hope is that I can name a particular branch of artery and you’d be able to find it upon the body, and where applicable, know how to take one’s pulse. Believe me when I say there a many more spots one can measure a pulse, it just so happens the wrist is largely unintrusive. It was probably near a minute of his fingers resting upon her wrist, feeling the subtle pulse beneath the skin before he withdrew his touch entirely and went to sip on his coffee. “So what do you think? Did Mrs. Simmons give you an easy network, or a difficult one?” He asked, just merely curious of her own thoughts on the subject. @CasperLazuli

She was in slight awe watching as he spoke. It was hard for her to be in awe of anything other than dance and art. She watched as his fingers glided from her palm and past her wrist a slight chill crawling up her arm. She wasn’t used to being touched, his hands were gentle as they looked for her pulse unlike her own demonstration. She just roughly dug into his flesh. She stayed still, interested in where exactly he’d stop. “Foolish people, some of us are.” She says under her breath. She was one of them. She sighed for a moment and lifted her arm from the table. Crossing both of them as she let them rest in front of herself. What did she think? He was right about there being many pulses in the body but she wasn’t familiar as to where those were other than the two that everyone knew of. “Not hard but interesting for sure.” She says and looks down at her coffee. Picking it up and taking a quick sip. “The idea of there being more than one pulse is interesting. Not to mention the idea of how those can be affected are interesting as well.” She set her cup down and looked down at her forearm. “I think it’s maybe a little too easy. I’m quick at learning unless you prove me to be wrong.” @OhRyæn

Of course Ben didn’t show too much hesitation in touching her skin, after all he was a doctor and so some of this was just natural for him. On another hand, he’d stopped practicing within a hospital for a couple years now, opting instead to round out his teaching degree, so it had been a little while since last he was a doctor for anyone. His eyes had drifted towards the subtle blue veins that shown against her toned wrist before the two broke contact and she took her arms back. “I’m glad to hear you say that. The uhm, part where you said it’s interesting and made a further nuanced observation about how one’s pulse can be affected. It’s fairly telling that one’s pulse is a window to peer inside and gain a better understanding as to what is going on beneath the skin. So, indeed, upon being able to take a base reading and understand a person’s resting heartrate, it is equally interesting to see how one’s heartrate might be impacted by various forms of stimuli. We’re reactive beings and our bodies react constantly with our surroundings. We take that for granted throughout the day, but when something occurs in our environment that is unexpected our bodies, and notably our pulses are amongst the first responders. This in turn plays in very intimately with the fight of flight response, but those are shades we can explore a little later after you are a little more familiar.” Ben sipped more on his coffee before smiling at her confidence. “I hope that turns out to be the case, Miss-.” He paused to correct himself. “Aspen. But I have a suspicion that this is going to be a little more advance than what you were expecting. So, I think it would be in your best interest to maybe familiarize yourself with the main arteries of the body this evening as next time we meet we’ll be going into this a bit thoroughly and I might quiz you on a couple. Not that… you have to know, as I’ll be sure to teach you anyway.” @CasperLazuli

Aspen only nodded, understanding already the things she knew she would have to do to prepare. She made a note in her head to look up all she could about the main arteries in the body. Even if he didn’t pressure her on knowing, she still wanted to at least try to be prepared and have a better idea of what he’d show and teach her. She turned her neck and closed her eyes, letting that same pain from this morning course through her as she watched some students pass by casually talking to friends or couples holding hands. “So where would you prefer to meet?” She asks, eyes still trained on a few people outside. She usually liked quiet places to be when doing anything. She would hate to be in the library though and disturb all the other students from their reading and going out to cafes or anywhere else would probably be too loud. She grabbed her cup and sipped from it. “The classroom after hours sounds more like a promising idea.” She suggests as she sets her cup down. @OhRyæn

His eyes rested upon her, noting again she appeared to be casually trying to work out a kink in her neck. As someone who was familiar with and oriented towards muscular and sports related injuries he couldn’t help but wonder what this girl may have gotten herself into. Then again, he knew very little of Aspen’s life outside of the classroom, especially considering he’d only just met her today. Biting his tongue his attention was turned instead to her question as to where they should meet. Initially he thought maybe his office, however, it was honestly fairly cramped there and not conducive towards working on a project, especially one involving the body, so when she brought up after hours in a class room his eyes lit up as if believing that would be a perfect venue for their studying. “Actually that sounds fantastic. I’ll need to put in a reservation, which is no big deal, but I’ll reserve one of the smaller medical rooms for us.” Rooms equipped with fairly common medical supplies and tables. More so for groups under six whereby hands-on training would be preferable than to a larger lecture hall where the course material is more intangible. “Not to put you on the spot, but would you happen to free this evening?” His brow peaked. Honestly, at least for the time being, Ben’s nights would be fairly empty. With the semester just starting out it wasn’t as if he had much in the way of grading to be done at home, and given the lack of a ring on his finger it could be assumed he wasn’t married. Although, it was entirely possible his still had a significant other. @CasperLazuli

She thought for a second. Her brows coming together, thinking about her day. Did she have anything planned for today? Her ballet class had been canceled for today due to her teacher wanting her to rest and she had turned down aerials study group idea. So she was fairly free. After this she had only planned to go home and maybe rest for a while Before starting some studying or finishing work. “Actually I am oddly enough.” She says and takes another sip of her drink before setting it down. She hasn’t been inside the medical rooms before even though she knew they’d existed. She wondered what they’d look like. She grabbed her cup from the table and looked around. There was a trash ben near them so she stood up and quickly placed her cup inside. “What time? Now or a little later?” She sat back down and placed her arms on the table. @OhRyæn

“Perfect-“ Ben too took a sip from his coffee before she came back to sit down. “Unfortunately you’re not my only class so I’m a little full today. That said, right after this I can go and fill out some reservation papers and get us a classroom to borrow say around 5pm?” He lifted a brow to see how that time would suit her. It wasn’t as if it was that after hours. The campus did have some evening classes, although in general most of the shops and the majority of the classrooms in the different buildings would be shut down. “In case you’ve not been before-“ It was very possible she hadn’t after all those rooms were reserved for students on a more medically oriented course, usually the advanced classes, as opposed to the current general education one she found herself within currently. “It’s the Westbury building’s science/medical wing. I’m going to guess the wing will be locked, but that’s fine I’ve got a card, so if you don’t mind waiting for me to check us in then it should all be good. Are you far from campus?” He asked, not to necessarily inquire too deeply as to where she lived, but a part of him did wonder if she commuted, and if so, how big of a deal it might be for her to leave campus and come back later in the day, if she was indeed free for most of the day. @CasperLazuli