-- THE FINISH LINE [Josh]

[GRAYSON TUCKER SCHULTZ]

"Why on earth would they do something like that to you?" His voice was barely above a whisper as he spoke, his eyes focused directly on the pages below. There was a slashing of pen marks across the paper, a few of them drawn to look like a curly mustache on the face of some famous scientist who had been placed there for the sake of the topic. Grayson was affronted, his eyes narrowed as though staring at it hard enough would erase the marring of the man's face. What he did not realize was that he looked as though he were having a conversation with a book, asking it a question that would have surely instilled an answer in whomever was part of the conversation. Paper couldn't speak. The man had a doctorate in Biology...and he was conversing with processed wood.

At least the library was quiet enough and no one could witness his quiet ramblings. Grayson was taking the chance to catch up on a little reading while he took his brother Trent out for the afternoon. Trent was keeping to himself in the Youth section, his knees pulled up to his chest on a small bean bag in the corner. He was an easy person to entertain, really, and never complained about much. Intelligent, yes, but his mental disability hindered him from displaying that to others. His older brother was insanely protective of him, and Grayson took a moment to glance away from the vandalized book to check on him. So far, so good. He quickly flipped the pages to the following section in the book to try and avoid dealing with the mustache.

Soon he found himself engrossed in the book once again, lifting his head to check on Trent every now and again. Whenever his brother was around it was hard for him to become completely lost in his readings. About that time he heard someone approaching. Grayson pulled away from the text to glance up and see a familiar face. There was a faint twitch of recognition on his lips but nothing more. "Ah, Joshua," Grayson greeted, voice kept low for the sake of the library. This was like his sanctuary, a place that needed to be respected. "I would ask what brings you here but the answer would be obvious." It was a library. Libraries had books. If you weren't there to read them you were there to check them out and take them home to read later. Even so, the man gestured to the seat beside him if Josh was interested in joining him. "How is your break going? Well, I assume?" Had the Fire graduate been a complete stranger Grayson would have kept to himself, but as he considered the other man a friend of sorts he was willing to go past his comfort zone and inquire about his well being.

[JOSHUA DONOVAN DALE]

The library was one of Joshua's favourite places in Maple Hollow and as a soon-to-be medical student it was not hard to figure out why. He owned a lot of books and textbooks concerning biology, anatomy, and whatever else he could get his hands on over the years but he was nowhere near an expert. He had not read all of the books that there were to read. Operating on a few recommendations from his trusted contacts from the hospital he had come to the library to get some decent holiday reading before he launched himself into the hectic ride that would be his first semester of medical school in January. He was equal parts terrified and excited as he realised that it would mean the beginning of everything that he'd ever wanted. He could hardly wait to step inside the doors of Maple Hollow University and start down his new path. And in another four years... The mere thought of getting his doctorate caused a pleasant fluttering in his stomach and he smiled briefly to himself as he perused the shelves. He found a good deal of the books he'd came here to get but he hesitated as he realised that he only had four of the five desired volumes. Damn it. What was that author's name again? As brains often do, his taunted him by dangling the answer just out of his reach. Shit. What did it start with? N? No... M? Ugh, fuck.

"Ah, Joshua."

Normally a fairly attentive person, the sound of his name caught him off guard and derailed his thought process faster than he could blink. So on edge was the Fire graduate after his recent run-in with the mob that the slightest disturbance made him jump out of his skin. He flinched visibly and snapped his head around to the sound of the man's voice, a small part of him recognising it while the rest was in panic mode, fight or flight. His entire body tensed and he actually found himself holding his breath before his gray eyes locked onto those of an older man, a familiar man. He released the breath in a shaky exhale and chuckled to try and diffuse any attention away from his odd reaction. "Gray," he said, shaking his head. "Ah, I was... thinking, sorry about that." So hasty was he in diverting the subject that he even let an apology of sorts slip past his guard. The attack had messed him up bad—not just physically, as displayed by the cast on his wrist and the newly reopened scar on his face, but emotionally and mentally as well. It felt like the picture of calm neutrality that he usually pulled off so perfectly could shatter like glass at any moment. He was fragile.

Glad to be away from the possible subject of his paranoia he nodded and untucked the four books from his arm in an explanation that had not really been needed. He had come here to read and obtain knowledge like most other library patrons. His ex-Biology professor gestured in an invitation for him to sit down and the shaky Joshua couldn't be more glad for an excuse to get off his feet. He resisted the urge to look behind him, knowing that it was stupid to feel the chills down his spine and the prickling on the back of his neck. They're not gonna find you here, dumb ass. He didn't feel safe anywhere any more. The question was one he would normally answer with a smile and a comment about how he was enjoying the holidays and the time away from school that could be spent with his family. His parents, his wife, his sister, even his close friends. Instead his mind jumped to the mob. Ha. Funny story, actually. But he wouldn't tell it. Instead he smiled. "It's been fine, yeah. Been glad for the reprieve from school, especially since I know I've got to get geared up for next year." It was not the complete truth but it wasn't a flat-out lie, either. He brought up school because it was a comfort zone. It was something that no one, not even the god damn mafia themselves, would be able to take from him. "Oh, I didn't get a chance to tell you, did I?" he realised after a second or two, brows arching with surprise. His lip twitched. "I did it, I got accepted. The letter came in October, just after the honeymoon and all." Paranoia aside, the happiness burned like a fire in his gaze. It was genuine, real, and it brought him out of his shell for a moment. Passions were funny like that.

[GRAYSON TUCKER SCHULTZ]

Grayson, who found himself more attentive to detail than he'd sometimes like to be, did not miss Joshua's knee jerk reaction when his name had been spoken. The older man watched with interest but did not display it outwardly. He merely blinked. He did not think that he had said it too loud, and assumed that perhaps Josh saw him which was why he said his name in the first place. Apparently not. The guilt of startling the Fire graduate did not quite reach a level worthy of apologizing. "It's fine," Grayson waved it off, finger pressed to the page so he would not lose his place. "I assumed by your reaction that I might have disturbed you." He was completely unaware of the run-in with the mob, and such an incident would never willingly cross his mind without instigation so there was not even a flash of concern or an inquiry. He was a man of privacy and knew that others appreciated respecting boundaries and by default he hardly asked extremely personal questions. Even though the injured wrist and mark on Josh's face were concerning he was not quite sure if it would be right of him to ask after them.

In all honesty, he could not wait for school to come back around after the holidays. Work gave him something to do and helped him to feel like he was giving his knowledge and experience to others. Grayson was not social by any means and, outside of what he knew, there was a huge void full of uncertainty when it came to making conversation beyond academics or subjects he found he had in common with others. "Breaks are always nice," The man concurred with a brief nod. They were nice, just a bit too long for his liking. He supposed the students were glad for them, though. "Next year?" The question sort of slipped past Grayson's lips before it could be stopped. Fortunately, Josh clarified his statement. "I don't believe so, no." If he had been notified of something he probably would have remembered, especially if it was something of importance. Grayson's demeanor altered slightly, just enough to portray the pride he felt towards his former student.

"This is marvelous," The man said, his voice still low. There was a tint of happiness, of pride lingering in the words. "Congratulations on your acceptance, Joshua. You deserve it." Not one for affection--more or less because it was awkward, not because he feared touching--he still gave his friend a clap on the shoulder and actually smiled, a response that even he could not control. To see someone strive as hard as he did in school and get to where they wanted to be was admirable. It was a huge feat, and took a lot of work and dedication. "If you need anything for your classes or need second opinions, you know where to find me." If not the office, then at home, and that was not very frequent during the week. "Do you know what you're wanting to do after you graduate?" Grayson asked, the light of excitement still in his eyes even after his smile faded.

[JOSHUA DONOVAN DALE]

The moment logic kicked in and Joshua was able to bring himself down from the panic he began to regret his reaction. Great. Now he's going to wonder what the fuck's up with you. Whether or not Grayson thought anything was out of the ordinary, however, Josh could not tell. "Nah, it's all right," he said quickly. "Was trying to remember a name was all." A mixture of truth and lies, that was how the Fire graduate pulled off his frequent deceptions. He had been trying to recall a name so it wasn't a lie, he simply wasn't telling the whole truth. It eased any sign of guilt and it meant that no one could accuse him of being a liar unless they backed him into a corner with a personal question that he couldn't evade without raising some kind of alarm.

His former professor—it was weird to think about it like that, former—seemed puzzled when Joshua mentioned the stress of the upcoming year and so the Fire backtracked and amended his words. He had told a lot of people about his acceptance into medical school and while his brilliant memory would normally save him from slip-ups like this one, his mind was no longer in the right place for that. He'd been startled and grown flustered from the mere sound of his name and he was embarrassed at his own fragility. This was the man who could sit through the most atmospheric and frightening horror movies without batting a lash and yet he was so jumpy that a friendly greeting was now his undoing? Damn it, he hated Jane.

Pride swelled up in his chest as he detected the same in Gray's tone, small smile lingering on his lips. He didn't have a whole lot of people he respected enough to consider role models but the Biology professor who was not only a mentor but a friend could definitely count himself among those small numbers. It was the reason that Josh had been grateful for the reference letter and all the support the man had given him when it came to his goals. Though it was mainly Joshua's intelligence and drive that had helped him to prevail, he counted Grayson and Avery as two of the key players in helping him get into medical school. He wouldn't forget that in a hurry. "Thanks. And I mean to thank you for writing that reference, too, Doc." There was a tinge of amusement in his gray eyes when he used the affectionate nickname. "I could have wrote a letter and all but that seemed a little impersonal." Oh, letters would do for the people he didn't know very well or that hadn't contributed quite so much to his education. But Grayson had done a lot for him. His lip twitched and he dipped his head. "Of course. You're my go-to for anything when it comes to Bio." Grayson knew a lot more than he did on the subject and Josh idolized him for that. He wanted to be on that level one day, albeit working in a hospital instead of an academic facility.

He was more than happy to discuss his plans for the future with Grayson—anything to stay away from other, less sunny topics. There was a brightness to his gaze, an excitement in his expression that could not be masked or dulled even by the vicious scar on his cheek that marred his appearance. "I'm caught between a couple of different choices for residency. There are a lot of good programs and it's kind of hard to commit to the one you'll do for the rest of your life, y'know?" Did he want to go for something really respected like neurosurgery or cardiology or did he want to aim for something more widespread like general surgery or family medicine? Of them all, the lifestyle of a general practitioner did not much appeal to him. "Surgery seems really interesting but that's another five years in residency and then possibly a fellowship... ahh, I figure I might wait until rotations before I make my decision for sure." That was what the clinical rotations in medical school were for, after all. A little experience in a lot of fields. "I figure whatever happens, though, the Academy might have my back. I got hired for a job there once term starts." It would only be a few hours in a day thanks to the fact that he'd be devoting the rest of his time to medical school but it was finally the kind of job that he wanted to do. "You and I are going to be coworkers, how about that?" He laughed and shook his head, finding it amusing. How far I've come. He could remember being eight years older and wide-eyed as he tagged after his father and asked numerous questions about life as a doctor at the hospital. He'd been so young then. And look at me now.

[GRAYSON TUCKER SCHULTZ]

"Ah," Was all Grayson said, his expression not even hinting at the curiosity he felt tugging at his mind. Perhaps Joshua was telling the truth and he was actually startled by being drawn from his reverie. No matter, the professor was not willing to dwell on it for too long. So long as the Fire graduate was not breaking down into tears or spilling his life story, then there was no need to intrude. Grayson knew that if there was something he wished to keep from others, he would do what he could to tuck it away. A defense mechanism. What he did not realize was that he and Josh were quite similar in that aspect.

When Josh thanked him for the letter, he offered him a smile and a nod, the smile twitching upwards a little more when he heard the word 'Doc'. While it was a fairly generic nickname for someone with a doctorate of any sort, he still appreciated that a former student felt comfortable enough to offer the nickname. Former student. That would take a bit of getting used to, considering this particular graduate was actually a friend. He was always glad to do things for those he deemed a friend, especially something that would help them further their career. Josh was one of the few students he enjoyed having in class, enjoyed talking to. It was obvious he cared about his studies and that made it easy to talk to him. "Anything to help." He dipped his head a little before glancing down at the book and realizing that he had lost his place. Oh well. Grayson allowed his finger to slip away from the glossy pages. He could find his spot later after he was done catching up with Josh.

Despite how quiet the man was, he had great interest in his friend's plans for the future. Growing up in a world of science and spending a good deal of his time alone, he did not have many friends and those he did have he lost over time because he had never been good at keeping communication. Michaelangelo was the only person who stuck around all these years. Now that he was twenty-nine and had reached the doctorate he so ardently wished to achieve, Grayson wanted to try and make more time for people he felt were important. Trent was always important, but there were others he wanted to add to the list. "Mmm, I'm sure you'll find the one that suits you the best. Don't they allow rotations for certain areas of work?" He inquired, raising an eyebrow as he leaned on the table with an elbow. The hospital was not a place he would choose to take up an occupation but he knew a few random tidbits simply because of his choice of degree. Josh then confirmed his question with the following statement and merely tilted his head back slightly in understanding. "Unfortunately the life of a scientist or a doctor is long and sometimes grueling before you reach your goal. But I'm sure you'll find what you want and need and you'll do fine." He had a great heap of confidence in Josh and was not afraid to state so aloud. If anyone understood how time consuming school could be, it was Grayson.

The man blinked, eyebrows slightly raised in interest when there was mention of a job at the Academy. "Oh?" He seemed genuinely happy about this news and again it was difficult to keep him from offering a smile of admiration and congratulations. Josh was one of the few people who witnessed the professor in a state outside of sheer focus in his books and studies, or teaching at the head of a classroom full of college students. "Well, I think that is a great bit of news," Grayson said. His voice was still at a low octave but no matter how hard he tried to keep the happiness out of his voice it was difficult. He took pride in his students, the ones that made something of themselves and knew what they wanted in life. "And where are you working?" The medical wing, probably, but there were other jobs that would be available. Like teachers' aids or something of the sort. "I think any experience at the Academy will be good for the resume." Any work experience was helpful for that, he supposed. "Do you--" Grayson was briefly interrupted by a small fit of laughter, and instantly his head swiveled around to lock eyes on the form of his brother. Something in the book greatly amused him, his smile bright as he flipped to the next page. Good, he was good, the man assured himself before turning back around. "Do you have other experience? Well, medically I mean."

[JOSHUA DONOVAN DALE]

Though he did not express it in any way, Joshua was internally grateful when Grayson chose not to push the subject any further. Whether he actually believed the Fire graduate's excuses or whether he was simply choosing to stay out of his business, Josh was glad for the lack of lies he had to tell. He was good at lying but that did not mean he was very fond of doing it. It was a breach of trust and while it was safe to say that he was a paranoid and mistrusting person, there was something different when it was a friend. He did not forget when Skye had caught him out in his lie about the car accident and how he'd awkwardly explained his way out of it in the only way he'd known how—the truth. Part of it, anyway. He didn't want to tell the truth in this case and so the fact that he was not asked about it in any way was a relief.

He nodded before verbally confirming that there were indeed rotations in medical school. "The hospital and the school have an agreement," he said with confidence. "After all, it's usually us med students that end up populating their staff." His father had assured him of the partnership between MHU and the hospital and coming from the man that owned the place, Josh was quite sure he could be confident in the accuracy of the information. The word 'unfortunately' made Joshua's lip twitch with amusement. "I don't mind so much. It takes a lot of skill to be a doctor, I wouldn't want them to let anyone near me without adequate experience." It was his response to anyone that mentioned the length of time it took to become a doctor. Josh had went into his dream knowing exactly how long it was going to take him before he became a licensed doctor. He would be in his thirties or very close to them when he finally left residency and that was completely fine. As long as he reached his goals eventually, he was fine. He figured he and Nell might have a family by then and even the thought of the future comforted him.

He was flattered that Grayson sounded so happy for him. The older man's praise and approval meant more than he could put into words. Joshua was academically driven and while he did not fish for compliments, he aimed to catch the attention of those who taught him. He had always liked positive feedback on papers he wrote or projects he worked on. It meant he was doing the right thing. Grayson was no longer his professor but the same principles applied. "Medical wing," he replied. "It's not much more than I've been doing as a volunteer—helping with burns, supervising, menial stuff, but it's experience." Paid experience. He didn't need the money but he sure as hell wasn't going to turn down a paycheck. Who would? It felt nice to make his own money on top of the money that his parents gave him access to. "That's what I'm hoping. The Academy has a good rep." They dealt year-round with injuries that regular hospitals didn't usually see, of course, but they also dealt with sprains, cuts, bruises, illness, even broken bones and more serious injuries on occasion. They even had a pharmacy cabinet to make sure any students that needed medication didn't go without.

He blinked when the laughter distracted them both, following Grayson's gaze. His lip twitched fondly and he turned his attention back to his friend as he reiterated what he'd previously started to ask. Josh nodded. "I've volunteered at the hospital on and off since fourteen, my father helped me get in there. Had a job at a retirement home for a while until I quit to focus on studying for the MCAT." Unlike a lot of people, Josh did not need to hold down a job and so he had been free to first lower his hours and then quit entirely when he'd realised how much studying he'd need to do. It had paid off when he'd scored near the top percentile and he didn't regret it in the least. He'd parted on good times and his old boss had been more than happy to help him with references and she'd offered to help him make connections in the future. It was nice to have people he could count on. Glancing over at Trent for a moment, he asked, "So how've you and your brother been?" Not only was it polite to ask but Josh genuinely wanted to know if they were doing all right.

[GRAYSON TUCKER SCHULTZ]

Grayson nodded, learning bits and pieces about the life of a medical student as he went. Sure he partook in many biology classes and spent time in the hospitals for research and other class requirements but that was different from doing medical work and functioning in rotations. The man only knew from what he heard from others who worked in the field. "You'll find your niche well enough. I'm sure of that." He understood that Josh was confident and more often than not confident people did well in making decisions. There was actually a faint laugh in Grayson's throat, amusement lighting up his pale eyes as he looked at his friend. "Agreed." Even professionals made mistakes and they were well educated with a lot of experience. He could not imagine how hospitals would be if they weren't. "I would like to wake up from my surgeries. And avoid finding scalpels in my stomach." There were a great many horror stories associated with instances like that and, while he had had very few surgeries in his lifetime, he knew that others had many. "The rewards are definitely far greater than the long hours of work put into the job." They were for Grayson, at least. He may not have many friends but he was a solitary creature. He did not need human contact to thrive and be inexplicably happy. It was nice though, when someone was around. Like right now.

He was not aware how flattered Joshua was. Grayson was merely giving the other man the praise he deserved and offered up his congratulations. They were well earned, he thought. It pleased him to know when others thought highly of him or complemented him on his work if it was deserved, and made sure to give the same to his friends or other students. It was good to take pride in your own work and accomplishments, and to hear it from others made everything that much sweeter.

"Experience is the most valuable tool for any career," The man concurred, pushing a few stray hairs from his face. He needed to give it a trim; when he started needing to fold hair behind his ear, it was time to take off about half an inch. "They can pay you twenty dollars an hour to do the work but if you gain nothing from the work then it is useless. I'm glad you are taking up all the experience you can get." Grayson liked money, as did most people--hell, his family was quite wealthy though he did not use any of it now, except for Trent--but it was not as valuable as what you knew and could offer to others in knowledge. He nodded in agreement about the Academy. They had a very good reputation and the professor hoped that Joshua would get everything he needed out of it. So enthusiastic he had been about the medical work his friend was going to get and his progression with his career, Grayson did not even realize how much he had been babbling. It was not a common thing with him. Once again he blinked, looking impressed before leaning back in his chair. "Damn." A man of few words and few curses, but this instance was deserving of it. "You have a lot of experience behind you. It'll serve you well in the future." And Josh would probably not be without a job, ever.

Unfortunately, it seemed their conversation went from a topic of comfort and enthusiasm to something slightly more personal. Something that Grayson did not discuss with others often because of how sensitive it was. Josh knew of Trent, knew of his disability, and he was one of the few at the Academy who did other than his superiors for work-related reasons. It was proof that he trusted the Fire graduate more than most. Still, he shifted a little in his seat and glanced over at Trent once again. It was as though he were in his own little world. "Fine," The man replied simply. At first he hesitated saying much else but quickly reminded himself that sometimes going beyond basics was okay. His social skills sucked. "He is doing well with his schooling, and his teachers are saying that he might be able to graduate next year. As for myself, I'm the same as always." Trent's disability was a bit more severe than others with Down Syndrome; he was intelligent but his issues prevented him from utilizing it to the fullest extent. The only downfall was that those with the syndrome did not live nearly as long, but fortunately Trent received the best care he could receive and Grayson hoped he could manage to get past fifty-five. The man clasped his fingers together. "Thank you for asking." Was it necessary to thank Josh for inquiring about their well being? Not really, but he felt it was polite.

[JOSHUA DONOVAN DALE]

Of all the traits Joshua would consider valuable, his confidence was one of his most helpful. He rarely doubted himself or his actions and he looked to the future with excitement, feeling reassured that he would get exactly what he wanted from life. Good things didn't always come to those who waited, they came to those who knew when to reach out and seize the moment. He was good at that, at taking action in his own life. He flashed a smile and dipped his head in agreement. He was not the modest sort who would turn down a compliment if he felt it was deserved.

Grayson brought up a form of medical malpractice that had always baffled the Fire elemental. "You know, I wonder about that," he admitted. "How do you accidentally sew a surgical instrument into someone's gut? You'd think you'd notice." He shook his head in obvious disapproval. He had little respect for the idiots that somehow managed to pass the hell that was the MCAT and get all the way through medical school and residency only to make a fool's mistake in accidentally leaving a scalpel in someone's abdomen. "I certainly hope that for all my training in the medical field I'll never come under fire for something like that." Doctors could be sued left and right for the silliest of reasons by patients who simply didn't approve of their bedside manner but Josh felt that you had a right to take someone to court if they left their tools inside of you. Hurr hurr. There was a chance that he would never have to cut someone open if he didn't take the surgery route but it was one of the paths he was considering. It seemed rewarding, saving lives like that. He didn't think he could be a family doctor—they didn't have the pressure on their job that he felt attracted to. He wanted that rush, that feeling that he was being depended on. That he was important to someone's life or death. "Agreed. I wouldn't take my chances if it didn't appeal to me." Eleven plus years was far too many to throw away on a whim.

He had a thirst for experience in his field and so he was not going to argue with Grayson on that subject. The agreement was in his expression despite his lack of vocal concurrence and he listened as his friend and former professor went on. He blinked slowly and considered the words. "I've never looked at the money, but then, that's never been my motivator." It was not hard to figure out why when the white Aventador was visible in the library's parking lot through one of the wide windows that allowed the sunlight to pour in over the shelves and tables. He lived in a mansion and had rich parents, a full bank account, a car that was fully paid for. He wanted for nothing except something to occupy himself when he applied for a job. He supposed it could be considered selfish, taking the job from someone who could use the money a lot more than he, but he wanted to become a doctor and so the experience was just as valuable to the Fire. "My previous job taught me a lot. I was sad to leave it but I knew it was for the best. The MCAT is certainly one of the most difficult tests I've taken in my life." He was not shy to admit this. It was a test that assured you were ready to go into the medical field, it was nothing to be laughed at. "That's what I'm hoping. It certainly looks good on applications, if nothing else." He valued it because it stayed with him and hospitals and jobs in the future would value it because it showed them he was dedicated.

As Josh himself was so used to closing himself off and refusing to open up about his personal life, a simple 'fine' would have not seemed offensive or out of the ordinary to him. Still, he appreciated when Grayson amended and went beyond that, listening with interest. "That's good to hear," he said genuinely. "About you and Trent both." He cared for his friend and he was an older brother himself. He knew how it felt to care deeply for a sibling. Granted, apart from Bryce there was nothing wrong with his family, but the protectiveness was the same. Bryce had never gained the sort of sympathy from Joshua that Trent probably got from Grayson. Josh didn't even acknowledge that he had another sibling, for the most part. "You're a friend," he said simply with a twitch of his lip. "It'll be weird, I think, going to the Academy as anything but a student. Was it strange for you in the beginning?" He was honestly curious. It was where he'd gained his education, working there felt odd. In a good way, at least, but odd all the same.

[GRAYSON TUCKER SCHULTZ]

The man thought on Josh's question, then proceeded to shrug his shoulders shortly after. He never could fully understand the human mind and the intricate inner workings that tagged along with it. That was one of the many reasons Grayson struggled in society; he was not adept at reading others and how to respond to certain things in certain situations. "I would say it could be forgetfulness, but due to their line of work there is really no room for such error." And potentially fatal errors at that. If the scalpel were angled the wrong way and the patient sat down or twisted in a certain direction they could have the lining of their organs torn to shreds. The thought caused the professor to inwardly cringe at the pain that would cause but outwardly shook his head and appeared to be lamenting over their lack of intelligence. Grayson pushed air through his nostrils, a sort of strange, quiet laugh, before saying, "Don't worry. I don't believe that will happen." And if it did, it would be on the patient, not Josh. They would probably try and sue for compensation. People loved money. At least his former student had a lot of work experience under his belt, and seemed more determined to get this job and be an asset to the hospital. Many did it to make a high paycheck and others preferred an occupation that made them feel like a contribution to society. It was why Grayson took up teaching at the college; sure, his credentials and experience in the field of biology could surely place him in a world beyond making a simple salary and grading papers all day, but that was his calling.

It seemed that Josh had the same mind-set that he did, and it made the man feel warm inside. To see someone else who truly loved what they did was an encouragement. The world is not going down in flames, after all, He thought happily, passing Josh a nod and a faint flicker of a smile. "Nor for I," Grayson agreed, running his hand over the book with strange affection. "Passion and helping others is far better for me." The Fire graduate sitting before him was proof of his love for teaching; to see his students take from his classroom something valuable meant more than he could even express. Some of them could have cared less; the younger underclassmen were normally required at least one science class and sometimes Grayson had the unfortunate opportunity to teach them. And they normally hated him because he was a no-nonsense professor. If you fell asleep in his class there were consequences. Even his syllabus listed all of said consequences if you disrespected him or his classroom, the lobbing of the dry erase board eraser at the student's head being among them. "I don't doubt it," He commented, nodding a little. Grayson liked tests but he had heard a bit about the MCAT and was grateful for being able to avoid it. "That it does. They will like to see it on the resume, I'm sure."

The Academy was a reputable place, so he had no doubt that it would be beneficial to add onto the list Josh already had from years prior. Then again, even if Josh did not have it, all of his previous experience would probably be more than enough to get him where he needed to go.

When you spent a good portion of your life practically friendless, you rarely had anyone ask after your family, your well being, or anything personal. While Grayson did not particularly mind avoiding those questions he did grow to enjoy that he had one or two people who genuinely cared. His lip twitched into a brief smile, one that portrayed happiness and contentment. They were not exactly elusive but he did not smile all that often. He was not incapable, but he never felt any particular need to do so. And since Josh did not ask any further questions, the professor did not see any need to add information to keep the conversation afloat. The 'friend' label still felt new, almost like hearing a foreign language for the first time. "It was," He started, appearing to drift off into the past. "But you grow accustomed to it after a time. For me, being a high school teacher felt strange because with some students there was only a four year difference in age." Then, when college courses came into play and he became a professor things seemed to feel the same way all over again. Having only been a part of the college for almost a year, the strange-ness had yet to wear off.

[JOSHUA DONOVAN DALE]

He shook his head, still looking nonplussed. "Yes, but how do you forget something like that? It's a surgery, not a Math test." With a memory to be proud of, perhaps it wasn't Joshua's place to scoff at the idea of forgetting a scalpel in someone's abdomen. It was hard for him to forget things that he wanted to remember and so it was equally difficult to imagine letting something so crucial slip his mind. He was sure any of his future patients wouldn't begrudge him the disdainful attitude, however. After all, it would be those patients who went home from the hospital without surgical tools sewn into their gut. That was if he decided to become a surgeon. He really didn't have a clear idea of what path he would take just yet. "I don't think so either," he said without shame. He could be confident enough in himself for that.

Joshua felt that Grayson was one of the few people who could truly understand him on certain matters. They both had a passion for helping people but as neither were particularly good at expressing that passion, people tended to assume the opposite. They thought Josh was frightening and unapproachable because of his stoic demeanour and Grayson's low social skills granted him labels such as awkward or strange. They got along well enough with each other, though, and that was what counted. "That's what should always motivate people, I think. No use breaking your back if you're miserable." Yet again displaying his ignorance to the conditions of the poor, Josh did not always think about how some people were forced into jobs they didn't want because of money. He'd even been forced into a situation himself and it hadn't wizened him up. For someone born with a silver spoon in their mouth it was hard to shake the mindset.

It was clear that he was listening by the way his gray eyes were fixed on the professor's, interest kindling in their depths. They may not have been student and teacher any longer but that did not mean he respected Grayson's opinions any less. It was strange to consider Grayson as a teacher all those years ago, a younger and less experienced version of the man he'd come to admire. One day he would be in the same position and he wondered if anyone he treated in ninth grade would reflect upon the changing years once they were in college if they crossed paths again. A strange thought. "Did they ever underestimate you? In the beginning, I mean. I've got a friend I went to school with working as the Math teacher." He was speaking of Christina, a good friend of his from earlier years. He liked to tease her about her job in good fun. "I figure it might be weird to be taught by someone you might well have gone to school with, you know? But if you've got the intelligence I suppose no one should doubt you." He was not talking about Grayson in particular but about anyone who took on a teaching position young.

[GRAYSON TUCKER SCHULTZ]

"The human mind is a deep, intricate thing," Grayson replied, his eyes taking on a bit of a glazed over look as he spoke. "I don't exactly know what causes people to forget, but it seems to remain a consistency in the populous of the world. Thus the phrase 'to err is human', I suppose." The mind had a lot of nooks and crannies still yet to be explored, some things left unexplained and some barely scratching the surface. Everyone was different based on personality and mental growth, which was also heavily varied. Amazing how the brain used almost one hundred percent of itself throughout the day and yet people still fell short, even with the most important of tasks. Fortunately Grayson was no psychologist so his pondering did not have to delve too far into the subject. Still, he might find a book or an article to read later. The library was useful for that sort of thing. He did give a twitch of a smile at Josh's confidence, glad that it did not waver. People like that were difficult to find.

Grayson believed in following your passions and doing what you loved, because to be miserable was to create a tangle of problems that could indefinitely harm your reputation with others. He, like Josh, had always been comfortable in a monetary sense and never knew what it was to struggle all his life. The silver platter was always available. Now, even with both parents absent, he and Trent did not have much room for want. It was hard for him to comprehend that some people did not have the luxury of doing what they loved because some talents and passions did not cover nearly enough. He made a hum of agreement in his throat. "Better to be content with life and live happily." Sure, there were other things Grayson could have done with his skill sets, such as research and lab work, but that would not have made him nearly as happy. He'd much rather share knowledge.

The professor had an excellent memory, but even so age dilapidated a great many things. Things faded or became less clear. When it came to the negative things, though, he never seemed to struggle keeping them close. Bitterness or resentment had a funny way of working. His lips dipped into a half frown. "Of course they did. But I think that tends to be the norm when first starting out with anything." Being young, new to the field, and in Grayson's case a bit of an awkward turtle did not make the first year or so a walk in the park. Some students even went so far as to call him "Gawky Gray" behind his back. They thought he was unaware, but he knew. Thus the bitterness. "The respect did come eventually. I'm not quite sure how my best friend handled his first year. I never thought to ask." While Josh was referring to Christina, Grayson was referring to Michaelangelo. They had been friends for years. Even so he never pried too far into the lives of others. He expected the same respect in return. He nodded. "It was strange to see a few underclassmen as upperclassmen in my lectures after I received the job, so I'm sure they felt equally strange." The exchanged glances between bits and pieces of lecture felt calculating, as though the student was waiting for him to mess up or say something wrong, taking his personality into account. It did not shake the professor all that bad of course, but the stares were still annoying at best. "And for you, you'll be working with people who might have bandaged you up in years past."