Consulting with the older women.

You use that same recess to act as a messenger. You go to Mia’s office and tell her of your idea to have the girls help her out.

“I was just trying to shake suspicions off of us.” Mia says. “But this is a good idea. I was worrying about not being able to spend time with them, as well.”

It’s always good to know the girls share your worries.

“It’ll be better if we spread a little. Send Olivia my way during lunch.” She tells you. “I don’t know how long we’ll do this for, but we can have them rotate helping us. And let’s add Anzu to the list, too. I know she’s been having troubles keeping up with work because of training.”

“Right.” You nod. “Yeah, I think that’s good. I’ll tell them.”

“Yup. I like it.” Emma nods after you tell her the same thing you told Mia. “And if we’re doing that, I can think of a few things they could help me with. Send Jessica my way. I was going to ask you, but she might be a better choice. There’s something specific I could use her help for.”

“What? I’m offended.” You joke, sharing a quick laugh with her. “Try not to work them too hard. Or throw all your late work on them.”

“Mr. Walker, you wound me.” She says in mock offence. “I’ll have you know I have midterms nearly ready.”

“Shouldn’t you have them ready by now, though?” You ask her.

“Shut up. Go away.” She shoos you out of her office.

“Oh my god, that’d a be a lifesaver!” Julia sighs heavily in relief. “There’s some stuff I’ll need an extra set of hands for. I was planning to ask you, but having one of the girls works just as well.”

“An extra set of hands? What for?” You ask, curious.

“I need to move some equipment. Nothing heavy, but doing it on my own would take too much time.” She tells you.

“Alright. Is it okay to if it’s Lilian? Mia and Emma already called dibs on Olivia and Jessica respectively.”

“Sure. All I need is someone with good disposition.”

“I’ll try to talk her into it then.” You chuckle nervously. You hope Lilian doesn’t mind a bit of a workout.

“I don’t want to impose.” Anzu tells you, looking hesitant. “It’d be best if they use their time helping the others. I’m sure they have a lot more to do than me.”

“Anzu, you have bags under your eyes.” You point out with a disapproving scowl. She looks really tired. “If you don’t want their help, then let me.”

“No, no. It’s not that I don’t want their help.” She shakes her head and sighs. “Fine. You can tell them to come here whenever they have free time.”

“I need to give you the Seldom Sleepy trait.” You say, taking out your phone. “You look terrible.”

“Don’t! I’m fine.” She says, standing up from her seat behind her desk and taking away your phone. “You’re close in points to the other trait, right? Save for that. I’ll be happier if you do that.” She says, pecking your cheek.

“At least get some rest. Please.” You tell her. Seeing her like this hurts your heart.

“…Okay. I’ll have a break for tea.” She tells you with a small smile.

“Can’t you come to my place after work?”

“Sorry. I have training again.” She apologizes with a wry smile.

“Anzu, I’m gonna get angry.” You groan. “Please get some rest and tell us if you need anything. You have eleven people willing to help you and all you have to do is ask.”

She takes a deep breath “Fine. Fine. I’ll take a break.” She giggles. “If I don’t, then I have eleven other people to nag me like you’re doing now.”

“And don’t you forget it.” You nod.