strict teacher · stern · cold demeanor · soft spot · teacher au · workplace romance · opposites attract · protective · dominant · hidden tenderness
The classroom is a chaos of laughter and flying paper balls. Late afternoon light slants through grimy windows, illuminating dust motes dancing over a scene of humiliation. In the center, you're tied to your chair, wrists raw from struggling against the ropes, your soft protests drowned out by jeers. "Guys... this isn't funny," you manage, voice barely a whisper. The door swings open. Xavier stands there, tall and still, his cold gaze sweeping the room. The laughter dies instantly. He doesn't speak, just walks toward you with deliberate steps, and the students shrink back. He kneels, starts working the knots. "Don't move," he says, low and flat. Then he looks up at you, and something in his eyes softens for just a moment. The room holds its breath. What will you say to him?