Surprise, surprise {Teddy}

[OAKLEY JAMES]

Why had she even come here in the first place?

Doubt ran through the pour brunette's mind as she sat in an empty seat inside  the quiet music room. It was rather morbid, going to the place where she first met Teddy, knowing she'd never see him again. Though, Oakley was a morbid person, so it all sort of made since she would do this. Looking around, everything seemed a bit...off.

It looked as though everyone had continued their same routine. Instruments crowded around the room, sheet music scattered the desks of some. Shouldn't the class stop if they didn't have a teacher? God, everything was weird now. Biting her lip, Oakley glanced over at the piano in the corner. 
She had taken lessons for a few years back when she was young, something she never really stuck to for herself, but rather for her parents who wanted her out of their way as many days as possible.

Sighing, the girl crept toward it, sort of wondering if she could still play. After all, if someone walked in, they might just think of her as a student practicing, instead of a creeper mourning all alone for someone that no one even knew she associated herself with.

Sitting at the seat, she placed her hands on the keys, before playing a terrible chord. "Damn it." she muttered, hoping no one had heard. If teddy were there, he would've laughed at her. A tear rolled down her cheek at the thought of him, and she brushed it away as quickly as it had come with a sniffle, but they kept coming. Putting her face in her hands, she let her elbows rest on the keys, another terrible noise escaping the big instrument.

Get him out of your head, Oakley.

[TEDDY MUNROE]

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Teddy had been on vacation, back home to England for a week or two to see the family - or what was left of it. To get out of America and sort his head out. How could he have been so stupid to sleep with a student, did he really want to risk his entire career on it? No. He had talked it over with his ex-band mates who all agreed he needed to go back and clear the air. But could he really do that to Oakley? Someone he had really connected with - the only person he had really connected with.

He returned to America, but remained mostly in his classes, logging on to the chatroom every now and then but never saying anything. He had seen Oakley a few times, but never been able to talk to her about the things running through his head. So he had all but faded into obscurity until he began hearing rumours of his death. What was that even about? Maybe because he wasn't out any more, that he had refined himself to his office and his room. Nothing else.

And with the death toll rising in Vegas he wasn't surprised to find people actually believed it. Which was stupid. If he had died it would have been a whole front page spread - or so he liked to think. But he had brushed them off as harmless and gone about his work, correcting enough people that he was sure the rumours of his death had stopped.

Gathering his books together he walked to his class room, stepping almost soundlessly on the floor in his smart black shoes. The last person he expected to be sitting in his class haunched over a piano was Oakley herself. Can I help you? he asked, frowning slightly and placing his books down before moving a little closer. Oakley? Whatever's the matter? he said, trying not to scare her.

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[OAKLEY JAMES]

As Oakley sat there, crying, she honestly couldn't hear anyone enter the room, nor did she notice the sound of papers being shuffled on a desk. All she could hear was her own soft sobs and the echo of the piano, which was still going considering her foot had been on the piano. It wasn't until someone got closer to her that she knew she wasn't alone.

Jumping at the familiar, yet unrecognized voice, Oakley removed her face from hiding to wipe her fallen tears, turning her head in shame. Someone had caught her crying. Shit "Can't you see I want priv-"she began angrily as she turned to face the guy, but stopped with a gasp when she realized who it was.

Sliding quickly off the stool, she backed up towards the opposite wall, shaking her head violently. "fuck....this...this CANNOT be happening. You...You're not here. I-I can't be crazy." she said, staring at Teddy now back from the supposed dead. "You're supposed to be at the bottom of a river...What are you d-....Oh Shit. I am crazy." she rambled, tears still streaming now, but more out of fear. Should she scream? Run away? There weren't such a thing as ghosts! Why was Teddy suddenly here? Biting her lip, she slid down the wall and let her head rest on her knees. you had too much to drink. If you just take a minute, he won't be there. 

After a moment, she sheepishly raised her eyes once more to look at Teddy's "spirit". "Teddy....Why are you haunting me?" That sounded odd...

[TEDDY MUNROE]

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Teddy was shocked to see the poor girl in tears, but he became even more surprised when she almost fell off her stool in a rush to get away from him. He frowned slightly, more confused than anything but willing to fight through her tears to find out what her problem was. His eyebrows raised slightly when she mentioned that he should be at the bottom of a river. Maybe she had been trying to kill him off? But then, why on earth would she? He stepped a little closer, not wanting to scare her. She was clearly already distressed.

But at the mention of haunting, Teddy had to laugh. He couldn't help himself. Pressing his hand over his mouth to stop himself he shook his head, smiling as he took another step closer. You think if I died I would spend my time following you around? No offence, Oakley, but you're not the most flamboyant of people, I'd much rather follow around Gene Simmons, or Ozzy Osbourne. he smiled softly, shrugging his shoulders at her, Sorry, love, you're still stuck with me.

He slipped down the wall next to her and put and arm around her shoulder pulling her a little closer. Letting her use his chest as a pillow, Come on now, no need to cry. he said soothingly, twirling her hair in his fingers, trying his best to calm her down.

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[OAKLEY JAMES]

Even though she was beginning to realize her utter stupidity for thinking Mr. Munroe was killed, she was still skeptical. She had seen ghost shows. They looked pretty real, and she'd heard of accounts where people honestly believed their family members and friends were actually there in the flesh, when in reality they were just a figment of their own imagination.

This being known, Oakley came to the conclusion that she should still keep her distance, so when he came over toward her, she sort of flinched at his arm around her shoulder, but when she realized he wasn't going through her, she eased up a bit. Oh my god...I'm such a fucking idiot. WHy did she believe some stranger on the chat room? WHo knows. All Oakley knew was that she was pretty damn stupid.

Letting her head ease over onto his chest, she let out a big huff, and with it came more tears. More like happy tears, due to the stress being lifted off her shoulders. After a minute of silence from her as she listened to him talk, she began to feel a bit sad. Even if he was a ghost, he wouldn't haunt her? Letting her frown turn into more of a pout, she lifted up suddenly and looked at him. "Ozzy Osbourn? Gene Simmons? I'm much better than those two." she said, attempting a smile. She had to redeem herself. He'd just seen her at her lowest point. Shrugging it off, she nodded at his next comment of being stuck with him. "I don't mind."

Then, scratching her head, she turned to look at him, sort of nervously. He probably thought she was an idiot, too. "So, if you weren't at the bottom of a river...Where were you, exactly?" she asked, curiously.

[TEDDY MUNROE]

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Teddy bit his lip, waiting for her to catch her breath and stop crying. You're right, he admitted, nodding his head slowly, You are better than those two, and you certainly look nicer in a dress.

He smiled softly glad that she didn't mind being stuck with him. He continued to run his hand up and down her back, trying to think of an answer to her question. It would have been easier just to say he had been 'around' and not say anything more. But he had vanished for a reason. He looked down at her and smiled, brushing some hair from her face.

I went home, to England. Saw my parents, my old band mates just stuff like that. I felt a little homesick after we... he indicated between the two of them, y'know. I just needed a little time to myself, I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I just thought it would be better if I went off quietly. I hope you haven't been here looking for me, I wouldn't have wanted to waste your time.

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[OAKLEY JAMES]

Sighing contentedly, Oakley smiled up at Teddy, happy the rumors weren't true. Although, all she could think about was how pathetic she was, telling Danny how she had felt about Teddy, and how she couldn't do anything about it, yet here she was able. Biting her lip also, she avoided his eyes and listened to him talk.

She hadn't exactly gone looking. Really, she just silently wondered, carrying on with her usual routine of life, day by day. It wasn't until she talked to jimmy that she had worried about him, having reoccurring nightmares of his face staring at her from under the river water. Chills ran up her spine at the thought.

Snapping back to reality, she gave him a look of curiosity again. "Homesick? After me and you? What do you mean?" she asked. He needed time alone. Of course, she understood, but why after their encounter?

[TEDDY MUNROE]

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Teddy leant back, away from Oakley while he thought about a proper answer for her. He looked away, eyes glazing over the music posters he had put on the walls - quotes from Slash, or Kurt Cobain - people his students could look up to. God knows they couldn't look up to him. He sighed and ran his hands through his hair getting slowly to his feet, pacing the room.

It's just...we shouldn't...but it happened...and He frowned, leaning against a table, arms crossed over his chest. I just have a terrible record when it comes to...girls...I just needed to make sure I was doing the right thing - for you, I mean. It's all very well hooking up once or twice, but would you really wanna hang out with a teacher? he said, smiling somewhat sadly before pushing off the table and making his way back over to Oakley.

I just I just went for some advise, but my band mates were no help and my mother told me I'd be an asshole whatever I did...so really it was a wasted journey. he said, a little more humour in his voice.

I guess I'd just like to know what on earth we're doing...and if you wanna go on from here or stay how we are or just stop?

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[OAKLEY JAMES]

Oakley's eyebrows furrowed in protest as Mr. Munroe stood to his feet and walked away, avoiding her eyes, but suddenly let her own eyes drop to the floor to hide her emotion as he began speaking. 

He was right. It shouldn't have happened, but when had that stopped her before? The fact that it shouldn't have happened only made her want him more. He was a teacher. Actually, not just a teacher, he was a professor It was ILLEGAL to do what they were doing, whatever you call it. However, doing the wrong felt so much more right.

Adjusting herself as he paced the floor, she sat up agains the wall and listened to him as much as a James' was able, and contemplated his question. It actually made her uncomfortable because he had asked her if she wanted to move on or keep what they had going. Inside, she felt like she wanted to stay around him longer. She had gotten sort of attached; well, as attached as she could get, which was hardly anything. Biting the inside of her cheek, she looked up at him slowly and after a brief moment, she shrugged. "What do you think we should do? How do you feel about us?" she shivered at the word. Shit just got real. All she knew was she was confused and for a moment, it didn't matter what she thought. He was the wiser of the two after all.

[TEDDY MUNROE]

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Teddy offered her his hand and gently pulled her to her feet before dropping his hand. I like you, Oakley, I like you a lot. But this, he indicated between the two of them, this is, he paused, shaking his head, this is...wrong...and...and... he stopped looking over to her for a moment.

But he couldn't do it.

Walking over to her, he slipped a finger under her chin making her look up at him. He smiled for a moment before leaning down to her and kissing her on the lips. He didn't bother wasting time, his hands dropping to her hips so she couldn't run from him. He continued kissing her for another moment when he suddenly heard the clicking of heels down the corridor. He pulled away immediately to focus on the sound. Letting out a breath he didn't realise he was holding when the sound started to fade away again.

I want you, in my life. I just don't know...how. You're so beautiful...and stunning and talented - look at me - twenty-seven, almost broke, I...I'm not good...for you, at all, by any stretch of the imagination - but for some reason, he took a step towards her again and slipped a hand onto her waist, I can't stay away from you.

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[OAKLEY JAMES]

Oakley could already begin to feel the sinking feeling people talked about when they remembered passed breakups. Here she was already losing Teddy to a false death, and now he was breaking it off. Of course, she had to remind herself they weren't dating, but still, she felt completely miserable. Wiping away one stray tear before it crawled down her face, she crossed her arms across her chest and avoided his eye. This couldn't be happening. She had never exactly been dumped before. 

Before she could say anything in objection, however, he was suddenly pressing his lips to hers. She wanted to push him away. She wanted to just run  off, but she couldn't. All she could do was close her eyes and enjoy what was happening, her hand running through his hair. That is, until those damn footsteps began sounding. Cursing to herself, she pulled away from him just as he had, acting as if nothing had just happened until the sound quieted down.

Turning back to him, she walked closer and listened further. She wanted him in her life, too. That mere though scared her. She had never really wanted anyone in her life before. It wasn't in her blood to be dependent on another being, but she couldn't help but feel like Teddy was the exception. She liked him a lot. She missed him when he was away, no matter how much she tried ignoring that feeling. She didn't want this to end. But he was sort of right, it needed to. How could they keep whatever they had going with their situation being what it was?

Rubbing the back of her neck nervously as he put a hand to her waist, she had no words for him. She wanted to say she wanted nothing to do with him. He put her through too many emotions for her taste, but on the other hand she wanted to make it work. So what if he was wrong for her? She was wrong for everyone else. "I...We have to do something. I like being around you." she said, a shy smile creeping onto her face as she tousled his hair playfully. 

[TEDDY MUNROE]

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Teddy blew out a sigh, unable to hide his smile when she played with his hair. He's thought about what he could do for a while, about her, about their relationship. It seemed like whatever he did something would end up going horribly wrong. But if they wanted to make it work, they had to make sacrifices and take risks - he knew he would do that all for her. Taking a step towards her he pushed a strand of hair from her face and smiled softly, running his thumb over her cheek. After a moment of silence he looked away briefly, wanting to find the right words to make her stay, not to have her leave him.

Well, I mean...if you're serious, I could quit...I mean, there's other jobs going at the casinos, or at Styx. I know it would be a struggle for a while, but this could work out. You're more important than a silly job, you know that, right? he let his words hang in the air for a moment, keeping the smile on his face. It would be a big change for them both, and it might make seeing each other a little more difficult - but it wasn't illegal and it wasn't like they had any other choice.

But you have to be serious about this, about us. You can't allow me to quit my job for you to find a younger more good-looking model. I want this, you know I do. But if you don't you need to tell me, he said, his voice had never been so serious, even telling off pupils in class. He just wasn't that type of person. But this was a serious situation, he was prepared to give up everything for this girl and he needed to know, for sure, that she would do the same for him.

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[OAKLEY JAMES]

A year ago, Oakley would have laughed at the poor sap's face. It had always been funny when someone thought that they had a chance at a real relationship with her. What, did they think they were different? That they had changed her? It made her laugh. But, Teddy WAS different. And maybe he did have a chance at a real relationship with her. But did she have a chance at a relationship with him, was the true question.

She had gone through her life accepting the fact that she wasn't cut out to be like other girls, meeting someone and being there for them. She didn't ever see herself holding hands and giggling along the road. She didn't see herself meeting parents or any of that. Then again, she never thought she'd be falling for a professor at a college in Las Vegas either. So, maybe she could be that girl. Maybe, just maybe.

After all, he was willing to drop everything for her. That was a big deal, and who was she to reject someone that would do that for her? Especially Teddy. Her heart was going  a mile a minute, and her smile faded to an also serious expression. She wanted this. She wanted him. This had to happen. But. She hated to see him lose his job, the one thing he loved to do, music, all for her. All for me

Letting her hands fall from his hair to his shoulders, she pulled him in for another kiss before pulling away and nodding. "Teddy, I-I don't know why I'm saying this, but, I sort of want this to work...But you giving up your job? That's...That's huge. And, what if it doesn't work? What if I mess up?" she said, the thought of Ryan passing swiftly through her mind, a stinging in her chest. Teddy, Oakley, Teddy. "I hope I don't, but it's me...And you...You're willing to risk that? For me?" She Said, swallowing the knot in her throat as she looked into his eyes. 

[TEDDY MUNROE]

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Teddy smiled as they kissed, lingering for a moment before pulling away slowly. His smile faded a little as she spoke. Looking down at the floor he bit the inside of his cheek, suddenly feeling a little disappointed. Sort of wanting it to work isn't enough. he said quietly, not looking up at her. Maybe he had been wrong about her, maybe she didn't want him at all. Teddy sighed to himself, running a hand through his hair, trying to make himself more presentable. I'd risk anything for you, Oakley. But if you're already worrying about messing up then, maybe you're not as committed as I thought you would be, he added, looking up at her.

Leaning forward slightly he pressed his lips to her cheek, not wanting to throw himself back into some downward spiral of messed up love. He sighed and crossed his arms over his chest, shrugging slightly, Is there someone else? please be honest...I just need to know.

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[OAKLEY JAMES]

She had hoped he wouldn't get mad at her answer. Didn't he understand? Didn't he know that she wanted so bad to be his and only his, to her, that was the hardest thing to be? A tear fell down her cheek as she watched his smile fall to a sad expression and as his head fell, she felt her heart almost stop. Damn. Biting her lip as her eyebrows furrowed in absolute hurt, she shook her head in protest. "It's not that I don't want to be committed. I want to...." she paused, wiping another tear. How could she tell him what had been going down?

Feeling her cheek begin to get warm at the feeling of his touch, she did her best to smile, like there was nothing wrong. But there was something wrong. Was there someone else? Was Ryan that someone? She didn't know. All those feelings of jealousy towards the people he was with, all the times she'd fought for his attention, no matter how much she wanted to ring his neck, all of it pointed to him being the other man. But, she didn't want to tell Teddy, and him leave her. She really really liked Teddy. He couldn't leave. So, what would she say?

Taking a deep breath, Oakley finally nodded. "There was. There was someone...." she began, looking everywhere but at him. She couldn't see his face. Not now. "His Name's Ryan. We have something going on, HAD something going on. But, I don't know, you...You make me want to forget about him. It's just, it's hard for me to be with one person." she said stroking his face now. "I want to try though. And, with you. Specifically.." She said, Scared to death what he'd say.