The professor's touch radiates through his thin sweater. It's a warmth that surrounds him like a blanket—soothing his weary frame by strong hand and soft gaze. Elijah nods his head in janky, stuttered movements. His own eyes now completely unable to meet Professor Reynolds' face.
"That's... okay, professor. I like helping you." He shrugs. "Anytime, really. Outside of my papers, it's not like I'm doing anything else."
The bar isn't too crowded tonight. Who would be out drinking at 9 pm. on a Wednesday, anyway? Elijah. Elijah would be. Tucked in a corner, vodka cranberry in hand, the young redhead is managing to keep to himself. On technicality, he's here early—Eugene is finishing up his latest lab. Though he's been "finishing up" for half the day, so chances are he's actually asleep.
Four unanswered texts make it feel like he's asleep.
Safe to say, Elijah is uncomfortable. Shoulders hunched, head down, glasses slipping down the bridge of his nose. He's half debating shooting the drink down his throat just to leave faster. Elijah has to suck back a breath to steady himself. Elbows on the wooden bar, he does it. Vodka cranberry straight to the back of his throat.
"Bleh." He winces, shaking his head rapidly in a poor attempt to fight off the burning taste.
With that, he's ready to go. The redhead pushes off the bar, swinging himself around with a—
His face smacks into the back of a taller gentleman, nearly knocking his glasses entirely off his face with a frantic yelp. Even with the blurry vision, he can still spot the pink splotches of leftover drink now adorning the loose shirt of whoever is turning around.
"Oh my god, I am so sorry sir, I—" his eyes go wide. "Professor Reynolds?"