the past is certain,

Professor Dominic Thorton. Old enough to teach, young enough to still get carded at bars. History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.

[itsleahbeck]

Oh no.. it’s not super obvious, is it?

[profdominicthorton-blog]

Maybe? I mean, I might just be good at noticing. Besides, if everyone else is drunk, I doubt anyone would care or remember.

[landonken-deactivated20160329]

“Then why are you…? But since you are, mine as well get drunk. I’m sure that will make you forget all about being old.”

[profdominicthorton-blog]

“I don’t really know what compelled me, to be honest. I could, couldn’t I? It’s the weekend... Is it weird if I haven’t been drunk in a while?”

[rhiannon-stone-blog]

A Little One On One || Rhiannon & Dominic

Rhiannon checked her watch for what seemed like the hundredth time before returning her attention back to her reflection in the mirror. She had spent nearly all of her lunch break in the university toilets and now it seemed that she was going to be late. God, why did it even matter? No one but her professor was going to see her and yet she had spent almost a full hour reapplying her make-up, adjusting her clothes, brushing back her hair so it fell the right way. It wasn’t like there were going to be any cute guys in there studying with her. She rolled her eyes at herself as she closed the cap on her lipstick and tossed it into her bag. It was these hacker attacks; they were driving her crazy.

She removed everything she would need for her study session with Professor Thorton and zipped up her bag. The last thing she needed was for one of her teachers to know that she had been looking into the attacks. Scooping everything up into her arms, and having one last look at herself in the mirror, Rhiannon finally exited the toilets and made her way to Professor Thorton’s office. “I’m late, I know. I just- There was a thing.” she spoke quickly upon entering the room, running her free hand through her hair and hoping that she hadn’t messed it up. “Hey.” A smile found its way on to her lips, “Please don’t be mad.”

@profdominicthorton

[profdominicthorton-blog]

Dominic didn’t exactly get the time to check his appearance before Rhiannon arrived - not that he necessarily changed his appearance for anyone in the first place. His usual work clothes were nice, and his hair was as tamed as it could, or at least it was when he left his home that morning. Between the end of his meeting and the time Rhiannon was scheduled to arrive, he had gotten his lunch, and now busied himself in his office grading papers. He guessed that if he were to die later in life, and looked back upon the life he lived, the majority of his memories from this moment until retirement would be grading papers. At least he didn’t have to bother with two papers already from students who didn’t think he’d notice their awful attempts at plagiarism. He was exhausted already from staring at the same boring thesis statements, and was beyond excited to hear the door open and see the redhead step inside.

It was so, so wrong, but Dominic couldn’t help but be infatuated with Rhiannon. To start, she was beautiful - probably the most beautiful person he had ever laid eyes on. She was also one of the brightest students he had ever met, and though she was struggling in his class, Dom saw her potential, and knew with a little direction, she would succeed how she wanted to. Perhaps part of his attraction also stemmed from the forbidden nature of his crush - he felt so childish thinking of it as a crush - but he tried his hardest not to think of that as he offered a friendly smile in return. “Of course I’m not mad. Things happen, I know.” He wasn’t sure what “thing” kept Rhiannon a few minutes late, but he was typically understanding for his students who showed effort. Besides, he doubted history was most students’ top priority. “Have a seat,” he offered as he stuffed the papers he was grading back into his folder before dropping the folder in a drawer. “You ready to get started?”

[itsleahbeck]

Not drunk.. but you’re blurry.

[profdominicthorton-blog]

I’m pretty sure that means you’re drunk... sorry to break it to you.

[profdominicthorton-blog]

“... I’m definitely too old for this.”

[lisawazowski]

“Earlier I was reading about that psychology study, “To Fall in Love With Anyone Do This” and basically you sit with someone and ask each other these specific questions back and forth and then after you’re done you stare into their eyes for four minutes. Apparently it develops a sense of intimacy super quickly because of how personal the questions are or something. Like it sounds cool and everything, but imagine how awful it would be staring into someone’s eyes for four minutes? I think I’d cry. It’s too much eye contact for me.”

[profdominicthorton-blog]

“God, I don’t think I’ve ever made eye contact with anyone for more than a few seconds at a time... I don’t even think I can keep myself from blinking for more than like 10 seconds.”

[abi-bish-deactivated20160617]

“Actual pumpkins wouldn’t be as cute. And thanks for saying that. It’ll be couture.”

[profdominicthorton-blog]

“I’m not exactly the expert on what’s ‘cute,’ so I’ll take your word for it. I’m also definitely not the person to ask if you want to be couture.”

[profdominicthorton-blog]

rhiannon-stone:

Well, I’m just grateful that you’re not some old dude droning on and on about life when he was a kid. I mean, even on your boring days, you’re still pretty easy to listen to. -putting on a fake offended look- College kids? Professor, I think you’ll find that I am a legal adult. -laughs- You just remember you said that when I show up at your house at 2am the night before the final exam. Two thirty. Okay. I could just bring my food to your office though. Like… if you don’t mind me eating in there?

Nice to know that I’m not just “some old dude.” -laughs- Oh, I’m aware, but many of your peers don’t exactly act very adult. I might be a little grumpy, but I’ll let you in - I also might question how you know where I live, but I’ll still help you. Yeah, I don’t mind, go right ahead. I didn’t know if you’d prefer to sit down and eat before working or anything.

[maxbellerose-blog]

Max hadn’t expected anyone to actually try and help him, so when he heard the deep voice of an adult in his ear, he let out a small sigh of relief. The laughter had quieted down and he finally dared to look up, a small blush on his cheeks that were wet with tears. He carefully reached up to where his head had collided with the locker, flinching as his fingers touched his skin. There wasn’t any blood, it seemed like, but he felt dizzy, still. “I– I’m sorry.” He blurted out. He didn’t know what he was apologizing for and also realized it wasn’t a proper response to the question the teacher had asked him, but his brain was still trying to process his surroundings with his personal space invaded by someone with a pleasant smell and a normal body temperature.

He managed a small smile, though he held the books tighter against his chest, still waiting for the strength to return to his legs so he could get off of the cold floor. “I, um… I must have gotten distracted..” He mumbled vaguely, his eyes avoiding the man’s gaze. He felt like a freak show, the way he was displayed – especially with the teacher by his side, although something about it felt comforting. “Could– Could you help me get up?” He shyly asked.

[profdominicthorton-blog]

“No need to be sorry,” Dominic responded softly, looking down at the student. He didn’t seem to be bleeding, but there was a definite chance he would have bruises develop soon enough as well as a potential concussion. He was glad the hallway cleared before anything else bad happened, but he was disappointed in the notion that high school was forever, and some people still proved to be trapped in that immature mindset. He was also disappointment in society’s pressures on adults, especially males, that they shouldn’t respond to pain, that they should get up as if nothing happened. Sometimes it was alright just to feel pain, and it was alright to express that.

“Happens to the best of us,” he answered with a small shrug, hoping the student wouldn’t feel ashamed for getting hurt. He simply wanted to help Max, whether that meant clearing the hallway, helping him up, or sending him somewhere to deal with the more serious injuries that my have occurred. “Yeah, of course, right, sorry,” Dominic sputtered, offering his hand to Max.

[rhiannon-stone-blog]

Well, hey. At least I stay awake. I mean… there was that one time where I felt myself drifting off, but that was due to one hell of a party the night before that-… that you don’t need to know about. Point is, I pay attention. Yeah, maybe. Good to know. You’re probably going to regret saying that, but good to know. My last class finishes at two, so then? I might need to grab some food though. I don’t have a break in my classes all morning.

[profdominicthorton-blog]

You do, and I’m grateful for that. And you’re right, I don’t need to hear about that, but it’s not like I’m stupid and don’t know what college kids do on the weekends. I doubt I’ll regret it. How about two thirty? That way you can get something to eat.

[abi-bish-deactivated20160617]

“God, you really don’t understand sarcasm, do you? I mean accessories.“

[profdominicthorton-blog]

“I do, but it didn’t sound like sarcasm, it sounded like you were being serious. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with pumpkin accessories.”

[maxbellerose-blog]

Max was making his way through the University’s hallways like a ghost – silent and pale, thin fingers holding on to the books in his frail arms, pressed tightly against his chest, as if they were supposed to keep him from falling apart. With every set of eyes that noticed him, he could hear the voices in his head, telling him they were judging him, telling him how disgusted they were by his appearance, how annoyed they were with him taking up all that space in a hallway that felt like it was suffocating him. Every time he looked up from the floor, the walls seemed to have come in closer. His head was spinning, caused by a mixture of panic and severe malnutrition throughout the weekend. Starving was so much easier during the weekends, when he was distracted by his work all day. But being in school made him so anxious, he often felt the urge to lock himself up in a bathroom stall and attempt to get rid of the small amounts of food that he consumed and made his stomach hurt.

When he walked past a group of boys, he automatically recognized them as some of his former tormentors, making his heart race and his fingers tighten around the books in his hands. He could hear the whispering and laughing, but he couldn’t tell if it was real or in his head. Clenching his jaw, he started to walk faster, wanting to just get away from the people who turned him into the shell he had become. He turned his head to see if they were still there, saw them looking at him – then walked head-first into an open locker door. As he fell he could hear the laughter getting louder and all he could do was try to get up on his knees as quickly as he could manage, hastily gathering his books and making an attempt to get back up on his feet. But his body refused, his legs tired and sore, leaving him no choice but to stay on the floor in that hallway that made him feel like he couldn’t breathe. As the area around him started to spin, he could feel the tears building up in his eyes. The laughing echoed through his hurting head, while he curled up into himself and wished the world away.

[profdominicthorton-blog]

Dominic liked to arrive early to his classes (well, those he could arrive early to), simply because it was nice to have some time to himself, even if that time was spent setting up lecture materials in an empty lecture hall. There was something that felt empowering yet shrinking about standing in front of a room of empty seats, chairs that had been filled with life and learning mere hours prior. It wasn’t something he gave much thought to, but he let out a soft sigh as he stood in front of the podium to a room of emptiness, taking a long sip of tea from his travel mug after he did so. It was quiet, save for the muffled chattering outside, making things feel even more disconnected than they really were. However, a loud clang brought Dominic back to reality, and he pulled open the door to see what had happened outside.

He had rarely noticed the University’s lockers, really there for commuters to have a place to store books during the day, until an open one had caused the pain of a student, now lying on the ground. He felt his heart sink at the laughter around the halls, wondering why these students felt schadenfreude rather than compassion for the student, who was clearly injured to some degree that could not be brushed off. However, as his presence stepped into the hall to approach the student, he heard the laughter turn to muffles. Dominic wasn’t generally a threatening person, but his authority combined with the difficulty of his assignments likely gave students the impression that he was not one to be on the bad side of - though, really, his bad side was more passive-aggressive than anything. He squatted on the ground near Max, softly asking, “Hey, are you alright?” He knew the question was ridiculous, but Dominic saw it more as a way to announce his presence and allow Max to address the situation.

[rhiannon-stone-blog]

I suppose. True, but if all of those students lost their sanity because of one professor well… doesn’t paint you in the best of lights. -smiles and nudges him a little with her elbow- Maybe. I’ll try to look at it from that angle, but I’m not guaranteeing a breakthrough. I guess you’re right… Well, so long as I’m not taking up too much of your time and other students don’t need you more, I’ll take all the help I can get. What about tomorrow?

[profdominicthorton-blog]

Yes, but it seems you’re the only one thus far. The others seem very sane when they’re sleeping through my class. [smiles sheepishly in return] A breakthrough isn’t necessary, but at least it may help you understand it a little better. You’re never taking up too much of my time - I always have time to help my students when they need it. Tomorrow I have a meeting until about 1:30, but I’m free after that. What time works for you?

[cecilia-meadows-blog]

Cecilia took the strangers hand and slowly got to her feet, self-consciously adjusting her cannula. “Well, that was embarrassing. I wish I could say that this doesn’t happen often, but that would be a total lie.”

[profdominicthorton-blog]

Dominic raised the girl to her feet before dropping his hand back to his side. “Did someone make you fall? Or did you lose your balance? ...Did I make you fall? Because, if I did, I am so sorry, and I’ll definitely do whatever I can to make it up to you.”

[cecilia-meadows-blog]

“Oh no, I’m perfectly fine. See? All in one piece.”

[profdominicthorton-blog]

“Are you sure? Here, let me help you up.” Dominic bent closer to the ground and held out his hand, hoping she really was alright.

[professorcalen]

“Does it count if I find it interesting?”

[profdominicthorton-blog]

“It does, and it really is appreciated. I just wish more students had your attitude.”

[profdominicthorton-blog]

headcanons 01-04

Dominic has a tattoo on his left forearm, something that would surprise many. It’s nothing flashy, just a flower and some quote about history he had written all over his notebooks when he couldn’t pay attention in class (yes, even he zoned out more than once during his own time as a college student). It’s often covered up by the sleeves of his button-downs or blazers, but it’s visible on those rare days when the AC is broken and he has no choice but to roll up his sleeves. He got the tattoo before entering grad school as a motivation, and he doesn’t regret it – he just wishes some students would focus more on the lesson than on whether or not they can see his tattoo through his shirt sleeve (Come on, it’s not that important. It’s ink on skin.)

For someone who looks like he was born to spend his life reading obscure history books in coffee shops, Dom hates coffee. The bitterness was something he never acquired a taste for, and no matter what he put in it, he still couldn’t tolerate the drink. He’s likely to have tea in the thermos he has on him at all times, because it’s unrealistic to believe that there’s a professor out there who isn’t reliant on caffeine to get them through the day – and if there is someone like that out there, it sure isn’t Dominic.

With reading new historical findings and grading papers for assignments he’s taught over and over, Dominic has very little free time. However, in the small amount of free time he does have, he enjoys playing guitar. His roommate sophomore year of college taught him how to play (granted, the guy was stoned half the time and could barely teach), and soon enough, Dom picked it up on his own. It was refreshing to find a hobby that was relaxing and made him forget about the papers he had to write (and later on, grade), and he’s stuck with the skills ever since. But, don’t expect him to play for anyone any time soon – he’s much too shy to admit his musical abilities are anything more than average  

This semester, Dominic is teaching five courses – Ancient Civilizations, Civil Wars Throughout History, The French Revolution, Modern American History (the only intro course he teaches), and Empires and States in East Asia. He’s aware as to how random these classes seem, but he’s glad to take them on, because it’s less likely he’ll mix up assignments – though, he knows many students who would be glad if his slip-up postponed a test.