Crimes and Punishments [N.H.] (AU) #Wattys2022

III

Three
Song Selection:
'Blue Monday' New Order
'Be My Baby' The Ronettes

'It takes something more than intelligence to act intelligently...'

Time was almost up and he wanted to wait just a little bit longer, but he was exhausted and finished grading papers. All the students came in and out, but there was still no sign of Delilah's paper. He decided one minute before his end time to start packing. Once he was packed, he heard some heavy panting and turned to see the green eyed woman he wanted to see again.

'I'm sorry I'm late. I got distracted by the petting zoo on campus. It reminded me of home.' She lied and stepped forward with the paper in hand extended outward. 'Here you go.'

'I can't take it.' His face remained serious and her face hardened.

'What do ya mean you can't take it? Here!' She pushed it forward again. He knew it was probably going to sound like he was holding Delilah's grades over her, but he wasn't.

'I said that it's due before my office hours ended and they ended two minutes ago. After that, it's an F.'

'So, you're going to fail my best friend on a technicality?'

'As I told you last time, I am very precise on my time. She's lucky I even gave her an extension at all.'

'And why did you do that, hmm,' she asked, furious with this man that she had a fucking crush on. He infuriated her so much. 'Why, if you're just going to fail her anyway?'

'First of all, I didn't expect you to be late because of some farm animals and secondly, to see you, of course.' He stepped closer to her. 'I'll take the paper and let it pass, since I did get to see you....also wearing the jumper that I gave you as well, if you come to my place with me. I'll make dinner.' She blushed as he took the paper from her hand and pulled her toward him. They were oh so close, just like last time.

'I-I'm not ready to go over to anyone's house. I would have to freshen up a-and—'

'So, then, I'll pick you up tonight.' His hand cupped her chin, like last time and her heart started to race. Just as he was about to kiss her, he heard noises and looked at the clock to see that lunchtime was almost finished. That's usually when a lot of the TA's headed back. He pecked her lips instead and backed away in the nick of time. 'So, I'll let this one slide, but next time you deliver the paper late, it's an F and there's no negotiatin'.'

'Um,' she blinked a few times and had to get back to reality when she looked around to see that other people were coming into the room. Her face hardened at the realisation and she looked up at him, emotionless. 'Yes, well, delivering my best friend's paper wasn't top priority at the time since I thought I could handle these other errands real quick.'

'And that's your big mistake, dude,' one of the TA's interjected. Both Niall and Roisin turned their heads to him. 'If my best friend entrusted me with something like that, always make it your top priority. Even if these other errands I think could be completed in like two seconds, still.'

'Well, thank you, Jeremy for enlightening Roisin with that expert advice.'

'It's okay, I've had Roisin before in class. She's very smart and you'd be lucky to have her in your class. She tends to challenge a lot of things and even the teachers also. Just be aware of the sly insults.' Niall's mouth twitched into a smirk again as he and Roisin looked at each other. 'I'm pretty sure she would account for an honour student if she applied to be one.'

'Well, I think I have to go to a late lunch,' Roisin interrupted.

'And I have to go home and enjoy some Golf since I'm done with these papers,' Niall continued. They both left out in a hurry and it was that giddy feeling the filled Roisin up again. She was going to get ready to leave when she bumped into someone. 'Why didn't you text me?' Niall grabbed her arm before she fell to the floor and pulled her up.