A Feeling You Don't Want To Fight

[Akeem Ten-Amen]

“I believe you’ll find that I’m a very live and let live kind of guy,” Akeem added. Was that true? Maybe not. At least not in the way people would normally express that. He had no problem using those around him. But it did imply that as long as she was leaving him alone, he saw no reason not to do the same with her. If she wanted his help in any way, it would have a cost. Just like he expected asking a favor out of her would cost him. But Elsa Bellefonte was definitely the kind of person you wanted on your side and not against you. He thought they might get there. It would need more work on his part to call her a friend and he would have to be very careful she did not read into any ulterior motive he might have. For now, he could go for a mutual agreement of not going after one another.

He was amused as she talked of a school project. “I hate those and understand what you’re talking about. But I’m not really surprised we don’t exactly have the same classes. It made sense, when I’ve been in college for longer than you have.” And that he could not recall having any history to do. Law could be complicated enough as it was without having to add something else you needed to cram in that head of yours.

He nodded at her. “I’m sure we’ll find some other occasion to get better acquainted. If that is all?” Akeem asked her before going anywhere. Did he do good? He believed so but this one knew better than to trust his words and he couldn’t quite shake the feeling she was able to read through everything he was saying. He’d have to be careful. This only made it even more interesting.

((wrap?))

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Why is it that Elsa had some difficulty believing Akeem when he said he was live and let live? Perhaps it was what Ellen had told her about the young man. or perhaps it was what she'd gleaned from this meeting. Or perhaps she just never believed someone when they said that phrase. The reason really didn't matter: the result was very much the same. But she did agree with his assessment: they should be on the same side. If at least pretending to take that attitude is what it took then, well, she'd go along with it.

They seemed to be in agreement regarding assignments too. Elsa gave Akeem another wry smile at that, nodding. "Careful, that almost sounded like bragging, and age is such a poor thing to boast about," Elsa said. This was particularly true when dealing with the Bellefonte who'd taken advanced classes and could effectively rank herself as a Sophomore despite her relatively young age. She didn't see any reason to point that out to him. Let him be surprised.

Instead she smiled. "I believe that's it for now. I'll make sure to have another lecture memorized for you on our next meeting," she nodded then walked away, waving at him slightly as she wandered off. At least she knew of him now, and knowledge always helped in these matters...