The holidays felt like they had swept her up and taken her along without her consent. October managed to fight through her classes without fighting any people, having a breakdown, or her body (completely) giving out, so she called it a win.

However, the masquerade was...less so. It was a wonderful time of dancing and joking about stupid things and admiring outfits, but once more, it felt like the universe was taunting her.

She and Jamie had found a quiet corner so Tobi could breathe. Her back was pressed to the wall as she peered up at Jamie, her cheeks flushed and a smile touching her lips despite her exhaustion. He looked handsome as ever in the lower lighting, his cologne washing out the conflicting smells of people and foods around them. Tobi's gaze was fixed on him, still grinning like a fool. "You look good, but I think you look better in your cranky professor get up," she teased, breathless. He had looked at her, his expression familiar, a mirror of how he'd looked at her back in her apartment before her brother barged in. It didn't matter if she was imagining it or not, because another professor had come to check on them. An evening cut short.

Today was the first day of the new semester, and Tobi had fallen right into old habits. She gently knocked on the door but didn't want for a response, sliding into the small gap between the door and the doorframe and absently using her hip to shut it.

"Old man!" She greeted, grinning wildly as she moved towards him. Tobi leaned forward, resting her palms against the edge of his desk so she peered at Jamie. Her dark green eyes were a mixture of affection and mischief.

"Missed you. How was your winter recess? Don't tell me you partied too hard without me. Can't have that." She smirked, rocking her weight back and forth on her heels.

If anyone asked whether or not she thought about their moment at the dance, she would lie until she hit the grave. That didn't stop her thoughts, and it didn't stop her flushing a little as the thought process hit her. Tobi bit her lower lip.

"First day, any new candidates for favorite student, or do I still hold the title?"

@pacificgrims