*quiet squee* I have been stalking the internet for weeks trying to find a fic exactly like this one, mostly-but-not-entirely platonic, set within the context of legitimate teacher/student conversations and relying a good deal on introspection. This is not only better than what I thought I'd find, but flat-out PERFECT on every single count.
I love the alternating points of view, and that Rachel is the one with potentially salacious (great word!) thoughts flickering through her head as a result of their interaction. That's exactly how I think it'd go, although I have no idea if it'd be a feasible thing to do/show this in canon, so I love having this option in fic. I REALLY love the last line. Also --
She had to know that sometimes you had to be a back up, that you had to climb your way to the top and things weren’t just offered to you right away without hard work. Sometimes, other people had to shine on the team. There! That, that's what I imagine is the translation of his usual expression whenever she pitches another fit. I could never quite explain it myself; thank you for putting it into words.
And I always worry how much physical contact my daydreamin' brain can let them have before it goes into Wrong, Do Not Want territory, but this was IDEAL. An innocent touch in rehearsal, something not-quite-a-hug when she's upset, and I like that the "lips on her head" is juuuuust vague enough that I can flip-flop on whether or not it really happened or if she'd just wanted to believe it. It all tap-dances quite thrillingly on the line without upsetting my obnoxiously disapproving inner censor (stupid thing; wish I could shut it off).
*exhale* Sorry for the excessive verbosity, it's just that this story wrapped up all the reasons I love their interaction in a shiny gift box.
long comment is long
I love the alternating points of view, and that Rachel is the one with potentially salacious (great word!) thoughts flickering through her head as a result of their interaction. That's exactly how I think it'd go, although I have no idea if it'd be a feasible thing to do/show this in canon, so I love having this option in fic. I REALLY love the last line. Also --
She had to know that sometimes you had to be a back up, that you had to climb your way to the top and things weren’t just offered to you right away without hard work. Sometimes, other people had to shine on the team.
There! That, that's what I imagine is the translation of his usual expression whenever she pitches another fit. I could never quite explain it myself; thank you for putting it into words.
And I always worry how much physical contact my daydreamin' brain can let them have before it goes into Wrong, Do Not Want territory, but this was IDEAL. An innocent touch in rehearsal, something not-quite-a-hug when she's upset, and I like that the "lips on her head" is juuuuust vague enough that I can flip-flop on whether or not it really happened or if she'd just wanted to believe it. It all tap-dances quite thrillingly on the line without upsetting my obnoxiously disapproving inner censor (stupid thing; wish I could shut it off).
*exhale* Sorry for the excessive verbosity, it's just that this story wrapped up all the reasons I love their interaction in a shiny gift box.