Private Lesson. [Tyler]

[Tyler Martin]

Tyler couldn't rat out his source; he promised that he wouldn't and he was not about to break that promise. He would just have to go around it and hope Chase didn't ask.

"I'd rather not say how I know you are into guys. Even before I knew for sure, I hoped you were. There's nothing worse than going after a straight guy." It was true, going after a guy only to find out he's straight is horrible.

"Why does age matter? I'm of age; I'm an adult. Why can't you just look past how old I am?"

[Chase McKinney-Jackson]

Chase was afraid of that, that he wouldn't tell him. He had a feeling he knew who told him. They were in the same house and year, and Chase had only told one person. And obviously that person hadn't kept his promise and had clearly told someone. If not more people.

"I'm not just gay.... I'm bisexual. And I didn't even know you were gay." Chase didn't really know what to say, so he was kind of just saying the things that popped into his mind. It was a bad habit. But one he couldn't break.

"Tyler... I know you're of age. But you're still a student. You're young. You've got your entire life ahead of you. You should find a lucky guy your age and not some old fart like me. I'm not healthy for you." Chase joked to try and lighten the mood, even though he didn't think that could happen.

[Tyler Martin]

Tyler was a little surprised. Everyone knew he was gay; he was as out of the closet as someone could be. "Um...how did you not know I was gay? I thought the entire school knew by now. It's not like I keep it secret from anyone."

He was not happy that Chase was letting some little thing such as his age stop him from being with him. That is, until he realized something. "Wait, you didn't say that you find me unattractive. You just said that I'm your student and that it's not right. Does that mean that you do like me, just don't want to do anything while I'm in school?"

[Chase McKinney-Jackson]

"Tyler, I don't pay attention to student stuff... I don't pay attention to who's gay or not, because it doesn't affect me!" Chase didn't understand why Tyler wasn't comprehending the fact that he was a teacher and Tyler was a student. It could never work.

"Tyler... I have never thought of you that way. Nor will I because you are a student and I am a teacher. So I will not answer that question." Chase just shook his head. he couldn't understand how things went from a perfectly fine lesson, to Chase having to tell Tyler why it wasn't possible they date. Chase didn't want to hurt Tyler's feelings when he so clearly barely plucked up the courage to tell Chase this.... but he didn't know what else to do. Chase didn't have many options left to him.

[Tyler Martin]

Tyler was hurt. He knew that it was a long shot that Chase would even share his feelings, but he wasn't expecting him not to even think about it. He could feel himself wanting to cry. It's not everyday that the man you had a crush on for 3 years states that he will never like you.

"I'm sorry to have brought it up professor. You seem to be the only person in the castle to not at least know my orientation. I promise to never bother you with this again. If you'll excuse me..."

Tyler didn't even bother waiting for Professor Jackson to answer, he just left. He didn't want the man to see how hurt Tyler was. Ty wasn't sure how things would be from now on, but that can wait. For now, he needed to go before something worse happened.

[Chase McKinney-Jackson]

Chase tried yelling for him to come back. He tried getting his attention so that Tyler wouldn't be hurt... but he couldn't. He was going to run after him, but he thought that maybe it was best if he just let him go. Tyler needed to know that there was nothing between them. Chase admits that yeah, he is kind of cute. And sweet and stuff, but the student/professor barrier was just too strong for Chase. It wasn't a good idea.

So Chase let him walk away. He let the poor boy that was so interested in Care of Magical Creatures just walk away. Chase was probably stupid. He probably should have made sure he was alright... but he couldn't get himself to do it. He didn't know why. But he just couldn't. It wasn't in him.