the media will / in the absence of real facts / settle for fake ones

[roc_on]

Beila shows up for her next lesson the following afternoon, having gotten some ocean-wading practice in that morning, and wearing one of her new firebending outfits (white sleeveless shirt, snug blue leggings, hair braided back; she looks more water than fire like this, but that's just cosmetic.)

Comments

[alicornucopia]

"Oh, come now, I'm sure you must have something to say about her. Is she going to be studying with you for the foreseeable future? How is her progress?"

[fiery_delights]

"She's going to be studying with me as long as she wants to be," he says, raising his eyebrows slightly. "Is that all? I'm a busy man."

[alicornucopia]

"I'm sure you have a few minutes. Are you and your new student getting along? She's moved on to her last element very quickly; do you think she's ready for it?"

[fiery_delights]

"But what if there's something else I'd rather do with my few minutes?"

[alicornucopia]

"I won't take much of your time. Isn't there anything you can tell me?"

[fiery_delights]

"That shirt looks terrible on you. You should wear warmer colours."

[alicornucopia]

The reporter glances at his sleeve. "About your student," he clarifies.

[fiery_delights]

He shrugs eloquently.

[alicornucopia]

"What sort of teaching style are you employing?" the reporter tries.

[fiery_delights]

"You're not a firebender, so it's hardly going to matter to you, is it?"

[alicornucopia]

"Just out of curiosity."

[fiery_delights]

He shrugs again.

[alicornucopia]

"Are you planning to teach her to use lightning?"

[fiery_delights]

"You know, if you insist on talking to me, I really think we could find a much more interesting way to pass the time," says Jun.

[alicornucopia]

"What did you have in mind?" asks the reporter obliviously.

[fiery_delights]

He laughs and shakes his head.

[alicornucopia]

"Is there something you're reluctant to share about the details of your relationship with your new student?" asks the reporter.

[fiery_delights]

"Why, whatever could you mean by that?" he asks innocently.

[alicornucopia]

"It's not unheard of for students and teachers - especially Avatars and teachers, like your new student's ancestor - to develop closer associations," insinuates the reporter. "Given your own reputation, it's natural to wonder if something like that might be developing here."

[fiery_delights]

"Oh," says Jun, with a flirtatious smile, "so this is about my reputation? Well, why didn't you say so?"

[alicornucopia]

"...It does have people wondering, yes, care to shed any light on its relevance?"

[fiery_delights]

"By people," he inquires, "do you mean, specifically, you?"

[alicornucopia]

"On behalf of readers and listeners everywhere, yes."

[fiery_delights]

"But readers and listeners everywhere aren't the ones who are currently staying late after my show to ask me personal questions," says Jun. "So - given my reputation - I have to wonder if there isn't a little more to it. Hmm?"

[alicornucopia]

The reporter blinks. "I'm just looking for a little information on how things are going with your student," he says.