Volunteer Victim Come On Down - Tagged

[Mark Wilson]

Mark was stood in the auditorium; he was used to being on show with the military but this. School was different, he remembered what school had been like for him and looking back it wasnt exactly the years he wanted to revisit very quickly but this was different. If just one kid took notice today there was a good chance that they might save a life on day. Well that was if he could do his job right in the first place and not screw it up. An hour of trying to teach classing first aid and what not to do versus what to do, well it was worth a try to see if anyone listened to him today.

He was stood to the side of the auditorium as he waited for the classes to arrive, all the things he needed were either in two bags at the front or by the seat that was at the front of the auditorium for his victim. Victim/ volunteer but it was a fine line, the victim he could wrap up move about and pretend as if they were missing an arm or a leg or really whatever he needed to pretend so he could at least show the kids what to do in an emergency other than call 911.

It was like being on shift but there was no life or death today with his partner that was there stood right beside him. Andrea, yes he had been partnered with another medic for the day other than his usual partner, something about an extra shift and cover and all in all it led to him being on another ambulance that was currently parked up at the front of the school. Off duty as such but still on the clock as he grinned over at his partner, it was fun to play a little show and tell at times and hopefully give people a better understanding or at least the best that they could give.

Tag: @marklewis

[Deleted]

Kids on periods like these were a little bit harder to contain than usual, and as he watched his class gather in front of him, Mark was glad he had his quieter group of the bunch that day. Not that they couldn't be a bit of a handful, like any group of teenagers that ever was, but they were to quiet down faster than most of his other classes. A little thing to be thankful for in this time of trial. The prospect of missing class, and any kind of possible assignment, in favor of a conference always made kids excited, even if not everyone involved was interested in what they were about to see. Always better than class anyway, they probably thought, and then, it sure was harder to make them listen to anything, or anyone. He just hoped they would be able to sit still for more than ten minutes.

"Pour la présentation nous devons partager la salle, donc lorsque vous entrerez allez vous assoir du côté gauche," he had started addressing the class, half-turned their way half-turned towards the door of the auditorium, but as quickly as he opened it the kids started making their way in, leaving him mid-sentence staring at a constant flow of excited teenagers. Well, so much for trying to contain them. With a sigh he followed suit, but not before making sure everyone was there as they went by. Once inside he quickly checked that everyone was in the right place, and once that was done he looked over to the right side, where another class was settling down. They must have been in the same grade as his own, but not many of the kids he did recognise. The teacher, Ms. Crane as he quickly identified her, gave him a polite smile, which he returned, but that was it. She was back to pushing the kids in their seats and he went back to his students, settling down in a seat at the far back of the group.

He could hear them speaking and whispering among themselves, in English more often than not, which he sadly couldn't correct now that he wasn't in his classroom, but his attention quickly left the conversations behind to concentrate on the stage ahead, where two paramedics were waiting for everyone to be ready. He did not know what to expect from this, in all honesty, but he could understand the importance of it. At this age, kids could be quite chaotic if they so desired, so it was nice to know that now they would have a little basic to keep themselves safe if anything were to happen. Maybe he could use it too, although he feared if any dangerous situation ever happened to him he would be too petrified to do anything. That wasn't good, but before he could put more thought into it he saw Ms. Crane's last student sit down, meaning that everyone was ready for it to begin, so he hushed the closest students and turned their attention towards the stage with a nod.

- For the conference we have to share the room, so when you'll go in go sit on the left side.

[Mark Wilson]

Mark glanced at the students as they started to file into the room, this had seemed like a great idea earlier that morning when the thought of cleaning up all sorts out of the back of an ambulance versus getting a day of quiet was a great choice. Now however seen the excited bunch of teenagers he was struggling to find what part of ‘great idea’ had even crossed his mind as he simply prayed that they didnt have any eggs to throw at them. He had seen a few of these go badly wrong though fingers crossed this wasnt one of those times.

He felt Andrea nudge him as they climbed onto the stage seeing the last student on the right hand side of the room sit down. Well this was it, the final final count down to either impending doom or a pretty good hour of trying to teach teenagers. Really what could go wrong as he stood there and smiled at the room hearing Andrea clear her throat as she nudged him and set about pulling a chair to the front of the stage. “So welcome everyone. Thank you for making time in your busy day.” Mark said taking a breath, give him an accident any day he thought, “Class conferences are great aren’t they? A chance to kick back and just forget about the time you’re supposed to be in class. Well not today because today we need you all to pay attention because after this you might just be able to save a life.”

True he had a few of those in his time though there wasnt usually any kicking back and relaxing involved. Then again if one person knew how to save a life and used it if they could, it was worth the hour there today. “Today ladies and gentlemen we hope to teach you a little about first aid and emergency responders. How we work, what we do and what we would need you to do as members of the public to give us a hand.” Mark added as he glanced around wondering who would be brave enough for his next question. This was the strangest part of the day figuring out who would be willing to play the volunteer victim for them, sure sometimes they had to work it out between themselves but it was always more fun when there was a volunteer.

“To make this work we need a victim...” He said as he coughed slightly, “Or a volunteer whichever you’d like to think of it as. Andrea promises to get you back in one piece... me not so much.” Mark stated with a grin as he looked around the faces, “Now who will be brave enough to venture up here and enter into our world and let us work our magic?” Mark said chuckling as he waited to see who would be the person that would be chosen. It was always fun when it was teenagers, you never knew if it was the class clown that would be shoved to the front, the quiet one of the class, a teacher or even just the guy who wasn’t listening and put his hand up because his friend had jabbed him in the side.

Tag: @marklewis

[Deleted]

He had forgotten just how uncomfortable the seats of the auditorium were, but it wasn't that much different from his own chair back in his classroom, so he did not find the strength to complain once he sat down. At least, such a thing would prevent the kids from getting too comfortable, and maybe they would have no other option but to listen, then. The thought elicited a smile out of him. It was worth to hope. Although, seat being comfortable or not, he knew he would listen, as best as he could when he had to contain his class at the same time. Still, it was with curiosity that he watched the two paramedics on the stage, and then with understanding as he caught glimpse of the young lady nudging her partner for him to start. The man seemed a little nervous, and Mark couldn't blame him, although he couldn't say he was certain of the reasons for which the man was nervous the first place, but he could imagine. An audience of teenagers, and teenagers one did not know, and in quite a high number, wasn't an audience that everyone could play with and be comfortable doing so. He sure knew if he had to teach that many kids at the same time, he wouldn't be as comfortable than he was with his already existing groups.

But then the man spoke, and Mark couldn't help a small laugh at his first words. He should be thanking the direction, they had been the ones to organise the presentation, but he knew the students would be glad to say their own 'Thank you' in return, for he and his partner were giving them the opportunity to skip class without getting in trouble. Or at least they thought, it only meant the would have to do twice the work in their next French class, a thing Mark knew wouldn't please a lot of them, but he couldn't do much about it. Then again, if the two paramedics were giving them a little work to do now, he knew the kids would far more prefer that than another run at conjugating verbs and trying to differentiate feminine and masculine words, so the man's warning, if he could call it that, wouldn't upset them too much. He glanced over to the right side, going through the students that were there. For them it was math class that they were missing. That one he wouldn't be sorry for skipping, had he been in their place. Well, he had been, some years ago, and he still felt the same. It was nothing against Ms. Crane, she was a good teacher, but maths had never really been his favorite subject. 'How typical,' he thought, shaking his head before turning back to look at the paramedics.

Ladies and gentlemen, how... unusual and unexpected, yet not unappreciated. A small smile escaped him before he could do anything, and it did not leave as he watched the man's gaze travel around the room. A volunteer. He hadn't expected that as well, and surely it would be the same for the students, but he knew a few of them were bold enough to propose themselves. The word victim caused him to raise an eyebrow, however, and it caused the row in front of him to laugh, which he may or may not have joined in as the paramedic finished his sentence, he wouldn't say. He would like his students back in one piece, yes, thank you kindly. So as the question was asked Mark watched the students around him turn to each other, starting debates as to who should go. He glanced to the side again, immediately seeing that Ms. Crane's group was far less enthusiastic about the idea then his own was. He felt a little bad for them. As he turned back to his student he heard from up front 'Maybe Carl should go' which was immediately followed by 'No, he can't even stand still for more than a second.', a statement that had him agree with another soft laugh. And then the thought 'That is a distinctive lack of French being spoken right now, I'll have to scold them next class.' wandered into his mind, but he allowed himself to push it aside.

That's when he heard it, spoken loudly, and very close to where he was sitting, a tone clearly amused. "Mark devrait y aller." He would give the girl points for using French, absolutely, a sticker on her work, but the idea, not truly something he was particularly fond of. Before he could interject, however, he swear he saw the whole class turn to him, grins blinding from how big they were. Oh no. From further up the rows he heard Carl shout his name, following it with a clap, which immediately gained momentum, and as quickly as the idea had been generated the whole group was clapping and calling his name. He saw from the corner of his eyes Ms. Crane raise an eyebrow at him, and her group looking a little lost as they watched the French class next to them. This wasn't happening, couldn't be. "I- Je pense qu'il voulait parler d'un étudiant, pas d'un professeur." Je l'espère. He almost slipped and spoke to them in English, but caught himself at the last second, hoping no one had noticed. They still kept clapping, not interrupting themselves for his interjection, so it was with pleading eyes that he looked up at the paramedic, silently asking him to confirm that he was looking for a student, and not him.

- Mark should go.
- I think he was speaking of a student, not a teacher. / I hope.

[Mark Wilson]

Public speaking, yes Mark wasn’t the type for that the parading in front of people sure it was different when he knew the people. The fire house was a big kids playground with some serious work occasionally involved but still it was nothing like facing an auditorium full of teenagers who probably wanted to be anywhere but there. It was a break from regular class yes but then it was still serious in a sense though with a seven year old he was on that level most of his day, teenagers yeah he hadn’t had practice with that other than the patients he met and usually they weren’t too bothered about what he had to say other than ‘it’ll all be okay’.

School hadn’t really been a great thing for him, he wasnt the straight arrow academic that his father wanted. The whiz kid at being a lawyer, nope he worked with his hands and did what he knew and he was a pretty good engineer for the Navy and now a paramedic for the city. It was the same rush just in his job he had living breathing patients hopefully, not pieces of metal to fit into a puzzle though sometimes there was a little of that if he needed to be creative though that was usually left for home when he messed about in the garage.

Yes he was the project type that always had something on the go to build, at the moment it was an engine though what he was going to use it for he had no idea. Maybe a super powered lawnmower or if he had time he could turn it into the bat mobile but then again maybe it would just sit and gather dust until he came up with something more realistic. Mark was trying to be polite he knew what it felt like to be called a kid when he was a teenager and it didnt exactly go over too well. Mini adults was one option but he figured he would stick with the general way of working at least for now as he asked for his volunteer victim for the hour.

Mark stood there and smiled at the group as did his partner Andrea as they watched to see if they would need to bribe someone to come up onto the stage. The debate started as they waited to see who would be the chosen one for the day, one side of the room seemed less enthusiastic as Mark figured that the right side of the room was going to be the best bet for anyone offering themselves up. Mark was about to ask where Carl was when he heard that Carl couldnt stand still, well for a victim he wasnt about to run all over the stage pretending to bandage the kid up.

It was then he head a name, well his name but he hadn’t said that yet had he? “Who’s Mark?” He asked grinning, “Because that’s a great name for our volunteer as it’s my name too.” He stated grinning to see who it would be though from the stage it was clear to see that the class was turning to one person as he heard the same name again. Then the clap started as Andrea almost doubled over with laughing seeing that it seemed to be the teacher they had picked to be their volunteer for the hour, well that one was a new thing to him he thought though when the language he had no idea about started to be spoken.

Wait wasn’t it an English speaking class? Oh this was about to go all kinds of wrong if it wasnt he thought, was it French? It sounded French ish he thought but then again he didnt have much in the way of knowing things beyond the usual hello, goodbye and my name is. Listening to the clapping Mark figured that the kids weren’t about to give up on throwing their teacher to the wolves on this occasion as he saw the pleading eyes looking at him. Could he swap it to a student, likely but then again if it got the teenagers on side then if their teacher was there they might pay more attention.

Andrea walked over to their bag and pulled out the bar of chocolate they had as their grand prize for their volunteer as she chucked it to Mark who caught it and set off down to find the other Mark. “So students, you’ve made your choice for the volunteer today?” He asked just to be sure as he approached the teacher grinning. “So here is your grand prize for putting up with us today.” Mark said grinning as he bowed slightly and held out the bar of chocolate to him. “If you could join us up on stage Teacher Mark, or what would you like us to call you today?” He asked not too sure what the man would be comfortable with.

He couldnt take his eyes off the man who seemed to plead to not be picked but then again it might work out better if it was a teacher. Better vantage point from the stage, students more interested maybe though a chocolate bar seemed silly but then again maybe they could get the guy lunch for putting up with them. Well if this was French class he thought, “S'il vous plaît, come to the stage avec, me Mark. “ He said trying his best not to entirely screw that up though French mixed with English, how could he not do.

- Please come to the stage with me Mark.

Tag: @marklewis

[Deleted]

It hadn't been something he had always been comfortable with, public speaking, if you could consider what he did as such. As a kid, and even now he wouldn't hide, he had always been the quiet one, more so tails than heads and rarely ever the center of attention, so it had taken a little bit of work to be able to stand in front of people and speak, but he had made it. He had also been lucky to teach French, in a sense, because it provided him with smaller classes, less students for each groups than say, math or English, so it made it both easier to get to know everyone faster, and it gave him less, well, less stress if he ever did embarrass himself. He could also say that having coached his daughter's baseball team and having played hockey with friends had greatly helped with that, but the whole situation had had a different vibe then, almost, and coaching felt more natural, in a way. Still, he liked what he did, never the same and always stimulating, if ever a little stressful. It was hard to think of ever changing it.

Carl, yes, had a bit of a 'all over the place' personality, so having him be the volunteer might have ended up making it more of a spectacle than an informative presentation, so the addition of one of his friends had been more than welcomed. Mark wouldn't have wished to see the paramedics try to control him and teach at the same time. Poor man did not need that, especially when he remembered how nervous he had seemed at the beginning. Yet, when he heard the man pronounce his own name, he couldn't help but think that HE did not need that. Oh God. He had tried to hide in his seat, when the man, along with the whole class, had turned to look at him, but the following comment from the paramedic, and the smile with which he had said it, had stopped him halfway through sinking into his seat, eyes wide and still on him. His name was Mark? Really? What were the odds of that? But before he could linger too long on the thought, and the echo of 'that's a great name' still floating around in his head, the clapping of his students had filled the room, his name being repeated once again. He had only half-caught the lady on stage erupting into laughter at that, but he could feel a little heat rush to his cheeks.

Please tell me you are looking for a student, he found himself thinking again, knowing full well the man, Mark, couldn't read his thoughts, but still trying to plead for himself. It sadly appeared to have been a fruitless effort as he saw the lady paramedic walk over to a bag, pulling out of it, wait, a chocolate bar? "Chocolate? Had I known!" One student near the front row had immediately protested, looking at said chocolate bar with a regretful expression as he watched it being tossed over to Mark. A few other expressed the same feeling, but for his own, from far away in the farthest row, he did not know how to react at all other than stare. He had even less of an idea of what he should be doing when he saw Mark walk down the stage and make his way up the room, a straight line for him. The question he had asked as he moved was met with an uproar of enthusiasm, students shouting 'Yes!' from left to right, which made Mark sink a little further into his seat. He truly wasn't walking out of this one, was he? The matter was made even more apparent when he finally had the man beside him, the latter... bowing down? Was he truly bowing? He couldn't even care to look at the chocolate bar that was held out for him to take, a little taken by the man and his... demeanor.

It took a second before his brain could process the question, and even longer for it to think of answering it, the only sign of it being registered being Mark blinking at the paramedic, mouth half opened in surprise. "M... Mark is just fine, or-" He was about to suggest that they use his middle name, to make it a little less confusing for everyone, but before he could say anything else the voice of Carl was heard above every other, tone both teasing and shocked, if that was even a thing that could be. "Hey! Et le Français alors?" Mark froze, hearing a few other students follow up the question with words and shouts of approval. Would the man even understand him if he spoke French? Or again, would Ms. Crane's class? Anyone? But they were right, he had made a point of telling them to speak French even if they were out of the classroom, it would be wrong of him to do the opposite, no? Still, Teacher Mark was a French teacher, he couldn't do much else, even if he had no wish to confuse the man before him. "Mark devrait aller..." He smiled weakly at the other Mark, hoping he had understood the meaning of his sentence if not the words. He still wasn't sure he wanted to join him, however. He understood the importance of it, really, and it wasn't anything against the man himself, far from it, but to be thrown into the spotlight like that was definitely not his element. Would he make a fool of himself? If he did, it wouldn't help Mark and his partner at all...

But with those eyes on him, and not just Mark's, he knew, although they were the only ones that he could see at the moment, he found it harder to refuse. It became even harder as the man spoke again, taking him by surprise with his words, or more so, the language that they were from. Enough to have him laugh a little nervously. It wasn't that entirely, but it was a charming attempt, truly. He greatly appreciated it. "Hum... Je crois bien en être obligé." He conceded in a sigh after a quick glance at his students, all of them looking at the two men with eager attention. He caught a glimpse of some of them whispering among themselves, but the eyes were enough to make him forget about it almost instantly. That is when he remembered Mark was still handing him the chocolate bar. With a nervous hand he reached out to grab it, quickly putting it away in his bag in the seat next to him. "Merci." He thanked him, for the chocolate, but also for trying to speak French, which he knew was hard. He could have said something about that, but as he rose from his seat the whole group immediately exploded into applause, not allowing him to place a word in-between his name being shouted and the thunderous clap no one showed sign of stopping. So that is how he found himself standing next to Mark, fidgeting with the sleeves of his sweater as he waited for the man to lead the way.

- Hey, and the French then?
- Mark should do.
- Hum... I think I am obligated to.
- Thank you.

[Mark Wilson]

Mark knew how to work a room full of adults, yes he could do that but he chose not to. It wasnt really his thing to the life and soul of a party at least not unless he had a reason to be. Everything had been drummed into him as a kid, how to talk to people, how to twist things, how to get what you wanted from them and although he could do it Mark hadn’t ever been a great fan of using it unless he absolutely needed to. Like a patient that was refusing medical care, if he needed to be pushy or charming then sure he tried his best to bend them to get the treatment they needed but even that sent shivers down his spine remotely thinking he had a taken a step to what he considered the dark side of life.

Above all Mark was mostly what you see is what you get, with one or two surprises along the way. Everyone has secrets to keep he figures so to him, his secrets are simply that part of a life that he left long ago. He just hopes it stays that way. Two Marks, well that was going to be interesting he thought smiling as he could see Mark the teacher trying to hide in his seat. He felt a little sorry for the man given that the class had all but willingly thrown the guy to the wolves, he didnt exactly seem comfortable in being the centre of attention but then with what they were doing it was a little tough to avoid that part of the day.

Mark laughed when he heard one of the students talk about chocolate. “If you snooze you lose, besides you guys picked the volunteer.” Andrea called out as Mark made his way toward the other Mark. It was nice to see that the students were enthusiastic about it all hearing the uproar and the clapping, at least it sounded like they genuinely seemed to like their teacher though he hoped it wasnt done out of spite. Mark was trying to be polite and his usually weird funny self, ask the seven year old he had how embarrassing he could be and on a ten scale he was maybe about a twenty. Bowing well if it helped make the man feel at ease at all it was worth it though how well that was going given that Mark wasnt even looking at the chocolate bar for a moment.

A second or two and Mark considered that perhaps the man was suffering from nerves or he just didnt want to go at all or that he was about to drag Carl up to the stage instead of the teacher. Seeing the man’s mout half open in surprise Mark just nodded, “Mark it is then, fine with me.” He said grinning as he heard a voice and the unfamiliar words in French spoke. He should have paid more attention in class he thought wondering if it would have even been possible to do.

Seeing the teacher smile Mark couldnt help but smile back at the man despite the fact he hadn’t a clue what he had just said other than his name or teacher Mark’s name or, his head was starting to confuse itself over the matter as he just nodded. “Me Mark, you Mark... we can work this out.” He said grinning hoping he had the right end of whatever stick this was as he considered added his Russian into it too but then it wasnt a Russian class though if anyone got what he meant then he would be amazed at the entire thing.

Seeing him laugh Mark grinned though yes it was likely in reply to his awful French mixed with English that if anyone understood it would be a genius on a whole other level. Hearing the second set of French Mark furrowed his brow for a moment before he tried to make any connection to any word in the sentence that he knew of. “Bien... that’s positive for a yes then?” He asked just to be clear as he grinned, Bien was a good word or was that Tres Bien or well at least the students seemed to be whispering among themselves. Not throwing eggs or trying to escape just yet so all positive signs so far he figured as he glanced at Mark who hadn’t taken the chocolate bar.

Mark was relieved when the man reached out to grab the chocolate bar. Well it saved it from melting in his hand he figured as he grinned when he thanked him for the chocolate bar. “Merci beaucoup.” He stated hoping that was the right words and not the rather strange ones he and half the other kids in class had learned. “See ladies and gentlemen, French helps you in later life.” He stated deciding it was a lesson that was well learned or at least he could barely just scrape but with a lot of help from the English side of things to fill in words he didnt know.

Mark grinned at the applause as he joined in too to clap the teacher taking part, he kept clapping as he truend to face him for a moment seeing the man fidgeting with the sleeves of his sweater. “You’ll be great, trust me. Your class seem to really like you.” He stated grinning at him for a moment. “We’ll not let anything bad happen to you I swear and if you’re uncomfortable at any point just say stop and we will okay?” He asked not wanting the guy to be too utterly terrified as he waved for Mark to follow him to the stage as he kept clapping the man whistling a few times as well. “Big hand for Mark here.” He called out as Andrea clapped as well as he made his way up onto the stage as he looked to see if Mark was following as well.

- Yes
- Thank You Very Much

Tag: @marklewis

[Deleted]

The students had picked him, there was no denying that, but even if he had known about the chocolate, unlike some others who had already expressed their regret, it would still have taken this for him to be the volunteer. It was indeed nice to see his students be so invested in an idea, and all together as well, but he wasn't as much as they were, or as much as the other Mark seemed to be as well. So no, he hadn't looked at the chocolate bar but at the man that hadn't stopped smiling since all of his had started, the one that had bowed to try to convince him to accept. His happy attitude was encouraging the group, he could see that, and his politeness was telling him that he's wasn't mocking him, but he sure seemed amused by the situation. He couldn't blame him, but all of the attention was hard to withstand, so it was hard to smile and laugh in return when he felt like disappearing into his seat.

Surely it would be easier to work it out if they had another option, which he knew they had, but it was hard to communicate it to the younger man with all of these eyes on the both of them, forcing him to speak a language that was unknown to the paramedic. Yet, from their current position, retired at the back of the room and with Mark still leaning over him, he could probably escaped their watchful eyes if he too leaned in a little, slightly hid himself behind Mark's figure. They wouldn't be able to tell what he was saying, then. He felt a bit bad for having the idea, however, having un-officially promised his students that he too would be speaking French outside of his class, but Mark appeared to be profoundly disoriented because of all of the unknown words that were spoken to him, and he did not wish that, even after having been scolded by his own students. So he leaned in, slowly, pushing himself a little further up his seat and bringing himself close enough so that Mark, and only Mark, could hear him.

"Maybe it would be preferable to use my middle name, I wouldn't want to confuse you, or anyone." He felt a little nervous as he whispered, looking at the side of Mark's face before turning to truly look at him, sorry eyes and fidgeting hands. He strongly hoped none of the students had caught what he was doing, rather thought that he was trying to hide and was looking at the floor instead. It felt strangely like déjà vu. A long time ago, a Mark from a family that he wasn't sure he could still call his own, but a familiar scene nonetheless, which is why he had proposed that they do the same now as they had back then. The use of his middle name wasn't something that was unusual, it wouldn't be a problem at all for him to answer to that name, even for just an hour. Then again, it would surely help if he did tell it to him. "Lewis. It's Lewis." He could use it if he wanted to, he wouldn't force him to, he simply had wanted to let him know that there was a way to avoid any more confusion. At least, in those regards, he still had very little opportunity to speak to him in a language he knew.

It hadn't been awful. An attempt, at any degree of success, or not, was still worth honoring, and Mark was very glad that he had tried. It had caught him a little off guard however. In a good way, but he still had felt unsettled with all of these eyes on him, and that had translated into his nervous laughter. The grin it had been rewarded with had made it even harder to say no as he had considered the ordeal, surveying his class at the same time. He couldn't have escaped the French then as he agreed, sadly, and seeing Mark furrow his brows in an attempt to understand what he had said was both funny and, if he could allow himself to think that way, adorable. He could understand the confusion, however, and when Mark grinned at him with his answer, he, for some reason, felt slightly more at ease. "I-" Another soft laugh escaped him, not too loud for he was still leaning close to the other man. "I did not exactly meant it in that way, but... yes." He smiled in return, nodding so that people would notice that he had answered the question, but didn't think that he had done so in English, still hidden behind Mark.

He wasn't entirely sure what he was being thanked for as he grabbed the chocolate bar, maybe for saying yes and sparing the man from having to look for someone else, or for preventing the chocolate to melt from being held too long, but to be hearing him thank him in French, and with the appropriate phrase, brought another small smile to his face. He had wanted to say something in return, but before he could do it he saw Mark turn away and heard him address the room. French helps you. That caused a few students to laugh, others to raise a dubious eyebrow at the paramedic and then another few to turn and whisper to each other again, but all of it had quickly made way for the applause. So Mark had found himself standing, feeling small even though he knew he wasn't. It was clear that he couldn't hide behind the paramedic anymore, the latter standing just a little below him, but he still had no wish to confuse him so he placed himself behind him and he tilted his head downwards, making it seem as if he was staring at the floor again. "I do hope they do." He whispered, leaving his sleeve behind to look at the man. He knew nothing of this was retribution, they had always been that kind of a group, but that was in part why he liked them. He wasn't too worried.

At least, on that front. Was he truly looking this terrified? Or had he somehow upset Mark by seeming so uncomfortable? That was even more worrying than anything else, so before Mark could leave towards the stage he stepped forward, intercepting him by putting a hand on his arm. "It is not that that I fear, I did not mean for it to... appear as if I am untrusting of you or your work." He shook his head, removing his hand from Mark's arm. "It is in no way that, I promise, I am simply... unaccustomed to being so... observed." He was still hiding behind the paramedic then so as he looked up to glance at his group, the last word escaping his mouth, he saw that it was still the case, and his hand found his sweater again. And then Mark was gone, waving him to follow before being back to clapping with the students as he made his way to the stage. There was nothing else to do, so he followed, but he could feel his legs turning shaky under him. The steps leading up seemed like a mountain to climb, but early enough he was up there, the thunderous clapping of his students echoing in the room. Just breath.

[Mark Wilson]

It was never easy to be the centre of attention, he had backed away from it with his family and entirely run away from it when he was old enough to do so. It had earned him the black sheep status but then again given what had happened to his family, getting as far away from the spotlight as possible had been the best thing he had ever managed to do. Still looking at Mark it was strange to think that the man wasnt comfortable given he taught classes but when he glanced around the auditorium there wasnt every going to be a class that size. Given that he actually wanted to sink into the stage earlier it was entirely understandable that he didnt want to do it though it was encouraging that his class seemed to want him to.

Mark had never considered that there was going to be a slight language barrier there, though he had to admire the man for getting his students to speak French and doing so himself. That took guts and from what he had seen he was a pretty good teacher to do that. Mark knew well below a basic French, he had learned it but then he hadn’t really had chance to practice it beyond the scope of school and in Chicago well beyond a tourist or two he wasnt really up to date on his languages other than his Russian. Mark watched as the other mark pushed himself a little further up in his seat, was this the ‘thanks but no thanks, find a student’ talk he wondered as he waited to see what was going to be said.

Hopefully in English where he would have a better chance of understanding. Mark raised his brow at the man, it was thoughtful what he has said though did a teacher really want their students knowing their middle name? Mark made sure that he kept his voice quiet as he saw the man’s sorry eyes and fidgeting hands. He seemed nervous or worried or both as he wondered if picking the teacher had been the best thing, not for him view point but just for the fact that the man seemed so uncomfortable. “Thanks for the English but you’re okay, I’m not sure you want students knowing your middle name? I mean when I was at school... a middle name was gold dust. Teacher Mark, it will give your students something to chuckle at so as long as you’re alright with Mark I’m good with Mark besides we’re kinda like the musketeers just missing a third Mark.” He said grinning as he pulled away a little.

Hearing the nervous laugher Mark smiled, well at least it was something laughing was always good no matter what was going on. If anything and if they could if his patients could laugh then it was better than hearing the pain or it gave a pretty good indication if they were particular susceptible to painkillers. Mark smiled as he heard the soft laugh as he grinned again still leaning close, “Oh, I just... well as you can tell French isn’t my strong suit but as long as you’re alright with this.” Mark didnt want to go dragging the man onto the stage if he was going to terrify the guy, he knew it was a tough thing to do as he had to stand there and hope to teach someone even if teaching wasnt something he usually did.

Mark just nodded as he heard the laugh when he spoke about French helping, well if he had practiced and paid more attention then he wouldnt have the language barrier he had now. “Trust me, paramedics don’t lie about this stuff. At least I am able to tell a patient yet if I get a French speaking one... still need to learn no though so that could be a small issue.” He stated deciding that well there was no point in trying to act like he knew what was being said if he didnt have a clue for most of the sentence. The height difference was something he thought as usually he would have no issue in hiding someone behind him but when they were taller, yeah it left a little bit of an issue with that. “I’m sure they do, didnt you hear them clapping and calling your name.” He said quietly as he looked at the man for a moment.

He was far from upset he just wanted to make the man feel a little more comfortable with what was going on. It wasnt an easy thing to go and do and he respected the guy for it he just didnt want to scar the guy for life with the experience. Feeling the hand on his arm Mark turned to face the other Mark for a moment smiling. Listening to the man explain Mark nodded and smiled, “It’s okay I didnt think you were untrusting of my work, I mean you’d have every right to be so if you are then that’s okay too.” He said knowing that paramedics rarely hung around if there wasnt an issue or a problem and usually that mean bad things were happening to someone. Being untrusting of his work he was used to that, when people panic they became expert paramedics though he was used to it given that generally it was their worst day and he was usually a stranger rolling up poking and prodding them.

When he heard the word observed he understood that, being observed was something he was used to in the form of the onlookers at an accident site but rarely were there auditorium sized classes full of them. Mark glanced as he saw the man’s hand find his sweater again as he smiled. “You’ll be fine trust me on that. You’re a great teacher and I’m not used to this either so you’re not in the boat alone.” Mark said as he went toward the stage waving him to follow. Mark was usually full of energy but today it was more the nervous kind as he tried to figure out a way to make Teacher Mark more comfortable as he watched him climb up to the stage.

Andrea smiled as she joined in the clapping echoing in the room. Mark went to stand directly in front of the other Mark for a moment as he smiled. “Okay so quick question for you. Does French help you relax?” He asked deciding that he didnt want to torture the guy if he wasnt used to being so observed then he would do the best he could to fix that without emptying the entire room. “Only reason I ask is because if it does then feel free to speak it if it helps you okay, the only other thing I can think of is imagining them all in silly hats?” He offered as he moved away to one of the bags as he pulled a fire department cap out of it. “Or I have this for you, not sure it will help but it’s a hat for you if you want.” He said as he held it out to Mark smiling.

[Deleted]

He would admit to it, teaching could be a stressful job, even more so for a person that did not do too well under pressure or attention, but the simple idea of teaching without all of the administration behind it, and the love for a language that had been part of his life since he was a kid had been enough to push him onto this career path. It helped that he particularly enjoyed getting to know people, learn of the little details that made a person who they were, so he found great pleasure in getting to know his students, although it was a relatively long and anxious process. It went hand in hand, the more he knew his students the less distressed he was, but this group that the paramedics had to work with now, filling a whole auditorium, it was a whole other story. He only know half of the room, the other a total mystery to him. One on one, a mystery he had no trouble with, rather enjoyed unraveling it, but only so many eyes that he could take.

The language barrier he found to be an obstacle only in the halls of the school, but mostly because of his own doing. As a teaching method he had elected to solely speak French to his students, and that meant doing the same around them even outside of the four walls of his classroom. It took the other teachers by surprise, mostly because they did not understand him as much as any other first year student would, but immersion like this, and he could count himself as a proof it, worked wonders when learning a new language. Still, for it to be an issue now had not been expected at all. It was understandable that Mark the paramedic did not speak French, he wouldn't blame him even remotely, but to be the one selected to participate in the presentation was far more a surprise. And the first complicated the latter, but enough that he could make an exception to his unwritten rule. He simply hoped his students would forgive him, and that he wasn't confusing the paramedic even more.

The raised eyebrow to his proposition he wasn't sure if he should attribute to him suddenly speaking in English or to the nature of the proposition itself. Maybe to both? Yet, he did not wish to make it any more complicated for the paramedic than it already was. "My middle name is already known to a few, it is no problem to be sharing it with you, or anyone." He shook his head slightly, still hiding behind Mark. He had wanted to share the fact that the situation wasn't so unfamiliar but before he could Mark went on and he had to refrain a laughter he knew would have been loud, and suspect. Teacher Mark, a ring to it that made it funny, yes, but not as much as what the man had said next. "The Three Mark-sketeers." His voice shook, a giggle he found hard to contain, but a smile he found he did not want to hide. "Although, to my knowledge, they did not share a common name." This, although unprompted, made him feel more at ease. Diffusing a situation with humor did not work on all occasions, but this did not feel so bad.

It was better than the constant feeling of being observed and the incapability he had of stopping his hands from fidgeting because of it. It also helped that the other Mark was still shielding him from his curious students, and was kindly trying to converse in a language he did not know only to put him at ease. "It may not be, but any attempt, even with little to no knowledge of the subject, is to be recognised, and encouraged." Mark nodded to the paramedic, hoping he could convey just how grateful he was that he had tried, and encourage him to do so again. If he so pleased, of course he wouldn't force him. Yet, he seemed eager to point out the importance of it to the rest of the room, which made Mark smile again, a few of his students doing the same. The example he had given, of meeting a patient that spoke French, sure, may be something he doubted would happen often, especially here in Chicago, but it was a valid one. Showed just how important it was to know more than one language, if not French.

Oh he had heard them alright, but even if he did think that they at least liked him a little, he still was a teacher, and them, students. This kind of relationship could go as well as it could go badly. It wasn't something he was too worried about at the moment, however. The answer he was given to his expressed concern surprised him enough to tear his attention away from the situation, his worry for the man's comfort growing heavier. "Why shouldn't I be?" He hadn't asked for it to sound like 'Is there something I should be worried about?' but more so for it to mean 'What kind of nonsense is that?'. In kinder words, and he hoped, a more reserved tone. The man, for a living, did everything in his power to save people, and was here, right now, to teach people to do the same. How could he not be trusting of that? It was very honorable of him to be doing this, it was something to be immensely grateful for.

Not to mention that he was trying to calm down someone who, objectively, had very little to be worried about for the time being, and, was somewhat succeeding. Although the situation seemed to be making him nervous as well, which Mark felt a little to blame for. Still, nervous or not they had made their way onto the stage, and the paramedic had once again surprised him with a question. "I do think the silly hats would be a better suited option for you, but I do think my students would prefer the former option." With Mark standing in front of him, offering him another opportunity to hide to prevent his class from scolding him, which, he found to be very considering of the young man, he, however, elected to not hide and turned to address the room just as he spoke to Mark. As he had predicted his class immediately protested, both to hearing him speak in English and to the silly hats option. It brought a smile to his face, but before he could appease them he found a cap being put into his hands. His eyes grew wide, first directed at his new hat and then at the paramedic. "Paired with the chocolate, this is... You do not have to shower me in gifts to gain my cooperation, Mark." He considered him for a moment, but slowly his surprise subsided to make room for gratitude. "But, I appreciate it. Merci." With his last word his expression turned apologetic, because from then on, neither of them could escape the language barrier, with the watchful eyes of a group of thirty students on them at all times

[Mark Wilson]

Mark had never officially set out to be a paramedic, if he had listened to his family he would have been a lawyer and towed the family line which was never going to happen. He had joined the navy becoming a mechanical engineer which he loved, the working out of how things went together and the fixing things was like a dream come true. Then the nagging of his sister to be home more required him to make a change and then came the job for the paramedic. There was no more international travel, no more ships to live on for months or years at a time it was just one city and the people in it.

He had been taught how to be the people person, how to work a room and understand it but he was far from the Russian family Gusev name as he could get with that. He had never forgotten it he just chose not to practice it opting for the pushing and less life and soul of the party way. He rarely got to practice his Russian mostly because it wasnt the languages taught in school and ‘I’ve picked it up in the Navy’ didnt much work out either, he had a few basic Herbrew and Arabic phrases but it was mostly in the event he was working out there so he had a basic yes no, help, please and thank you. He doubted today even that would help with the language barrier already there.

Mark smiled and nodded when the conversation turned to his middle name, “Thanks for that, Teacher Mark Lewis. We might be able to work this out yet.” He said though adding in his first name Markov yes well he wasnt even supposed to be that person anymore let alone tell anyone. Mark chuckled, the three Mark-sketeers well he couldnt deny that was good as he saw the man smile which was good thing. “No they didnt but if we came in saying we were both called Porthos, Athos or Arimis, great names though I don’t think they would believe us.” Mark added grinning for a moment, it was nice to see the man a little more at ease given the situation.

He knew he was never going to be able to hold a conversation in French, more like a very basic jagged few words that with a bit of imagination could be made into a sentence where as he only have five out of the ten words required for it. Even then that was going to be a struggle if it didnt revolved around things in a house, pets, colours or week days and a few other things he had learned in school. This one was one those ‘should have done more’ moments when he thought about it, not that he had pictured this moment ever happening but it had and he was way under the mark with his language.

“Thanks for that, but I will try my best with it just promise not to laugh if it goes entirely wrong... or you can laugh just stop me before I say something weird or odd.” He added deciding that if he went into a word he had no idea about and started saying something awful then yes he needed to be cut off right then. Not that he knew enough French to do that but still he would attempt to be as French as possible to see how far he could get with this. It was nice to know that the man was grateful and encouraging him when someone might have just said ‘give it up as a bad job’. He had yet to meet a French patient well one that just spoke French so he guessed if he did he could ask them more than what day of the week it was or what was their name.

Mark had been surprised when he stayed in the city how diverse it was, the languages spoken and the people there. He wasnt too sure what he had expected but it wasnt what he had found which made his desire for travel a little less given he could go to different part of city and find himself within what felt like a different country at times. It was good he guessed for his niece too given that he might be able to teach her a few things beyond not screwing her up as a child though he had gotten this far without breaking things or forgetting her at a supermarket. That had to count for something at least.

Mark chuckled and shook his head, “No you can trust me that is okay but I know some people dont tend to do that. I can promise you I went to school for this and i’ve even got certificates to prove it so you don’t need to be worried or not trust me.” Mark knew that a few didnt trust the paramedics, it wasnt that he was used to that but over the last few years he had seen the reasons why. A few bad eggs in the bunch, a bad experience there were a lot of things but he just wanted peopled to be comfortable or given what they were doing as comfortable as possible.

“French it is then and don’t you worry had this class be about eight years younger we have the silly hats to go with it.” Mark said with a grin, well each age group was different and each class well he could hardly expect an eight year old to do what he was about to ask this class to. Getting them to call the emergency services could be a battle enough at times. Mark stood there chuckling as he heard the entire class protesting about the French option and the hats option, it wasnt a bad crowd he thought or Mark had a really good handle on half of the room anyway which was even better.

Hearing Mark speak about showering him in gifts he grinned, “It works for the students so it might work on the teacher but thanks for the option. Though you deserve it.” He said grinning at the man as he saw the surprise change to gratitude, usually the chocolate and hat were the bribery options for someone to come up on stage bar dragging someone up though he hadn’t had to do that one before. Mark smiled and nodded for a moment, “Spaseeba.” He said before he winced; nope wrong language he thought for a moment. “Merci I mean.” He added great now he was adding in language two. “Plus the only other option I’ve got for showering you with gifts for cooperation is a spin in Ambulance 74 with lights and sirens?” He stated grinning, so he knew the man was alright for doing this but then that was about all he had in the way of bribery.

Tag: @marklewis

[Deleted]

It wasn't what he had had in mind when he had proposed the alternative, but if Mark was more comfortable with 'Mark Lewis' than simply Mark, or Lewis, Mark wouldn't stop him. It still worked with the initial idea of differentiating the two of them, and it had the merits of making the both of them laugh, he wasn't one to say no to that, even if it was a bit of a silly thing. Still, it hasn't been as entertaining than the idea of the three musketeers, although much like Mark had pointed out, was just as silly. Then again, as he had in turn pointed out, the two of them introducing themselves as both Mark could be as unbelievable to anyone than introducing themselves as any of the musketeers. Not to mention that he did not have any sword-fighting knowledge to support the latter option if they preferred to go with that one, which he had shared with a soft laugh before they had had to leave all conversation behind in favor of climbing onto the stage. Still, he had made sure to assure Mark that he had no intention of laughing at any of his attempts at speaking French, and that, even considering the possibility that some people did not, he did trust him. He still had a hard time believing why anyone shouldn't.

So they had climbed onto the stage, and Mark was still doing his best to comfort him, which he greatly appreciated. Had the class been eight years younger, well he wouldn't have been teaching them, but to think of younger versions of his students with silly hats was an adorable thought, not that the class thought the same of it if he based himself on the new waves of protestation Mark's comment brought about. Yet it did not seem to upset the paramedic and Mark caught himself staring as the man laughed. He did that a lot, it was... nice. "Je... vois mal en quoi je mérite autant de présents." He could understand the tactic, the chocolate would definitely have worked on a few of his students earlier, but he truly did not need such a demonstration to wish to help. And to hear that he deserved it, he felt himself shifting on his feet, his cheeks, he knew, a little more pink than usual. He couldn't really see how having agreed to this meant that he deserved gifts, and the added attention was a bit much, but now that they had been given to him, he couldn't say no.

So he had thanked Mark, couldn't have done otherwise after all of it, but the answer he got in return caused him to arch an eyebrow. In the moment he couldn't determine which language that had been, but, in his surprise, he hadn't missed Mark wincing before correcting himself. With that he couldn't bring himself to ask, even if he was curious, but without thinking his hand reached out for the man's arm, to reassure him that it was perfectly okay. Was it just the accidental use of another language, or something more, that had the paramedic react this way? He hoped it wasn't something too bad, because now, even if he did not know French, the young man knew something else, and Mark found that very impressive, and intriguing. "Oh, non merci. Je... Oh mon Dieu, non." The ambulance tour proposition immediately widened his eyes, gaping mouth and frenetic head shake as he declined the offer, his hand quickly brought back to his side. Just the idea of flashing lights and echoing sirens made his head dizzy and his stomach twist slightly.

"Hum..." For a moment he wondered what he should do of the cap, the fabric somewhat harsh against his fingertips as he turned it around in his hands. It would probably be wiser to set it aside, lay it down on the side of the stage while Mark and the other paramedic directed him for the time of the presentation, but wouldn't it appear rather ungrateful to not wear it, or at least, try it on? Yet the thought that it would simply make him look silly stopped him from doing it. Well, that was most likely a point he had already passed, with making such a fuss for trying to escape the situation... After a moment of more consideration he slowly placed the cap on his head, adjusting it slightly before looking back at Mark, hoping it wasn't too foolish of a look that he was now sporting and waiting for further directions from the man.

- I find it hard to see why I deserve that many presents.*
- Oh, no thank you. Oh my god, no.

[Mark Wilson]

Silly was what he had to work with, it was the plus points of living with a person under ten. For adult conversation work was the only place for that but home, his conversations revolved around Captain Crunch, kids TV of which now he had to be an expert and figuring out what traps he was about to fall into. Then again if it made Mark laugh then it was worth it simply because it wasnt exactly the least stressful thing to do with a day try and explain this to an auditorium full of teenagers and adopt their teacher as the volunteer for the hour.

A French teacher no less which meant a language barrier too to overcome, there were days like this when life was just well life though he was glad to see the guy smile and have a little fun even if it was about musketeers and what name to call each of them. Mark was glad to know that his French wasnt going to be laughed at even if it was laughable the amount he knew. He only hoped that this class managed to remember more of it than he did because right now it was a life skill he could have used a lot of had he managed to figure it out more.

Mark did laugh a lot, he had always been that way sure there were days when he was a lot more serious but then given what he did and his history there was a lot that could be laughed at being sad or just not laughing. Well he figured he would go insane if he didnt do it, sure there were those inappropriate times he laughed but then again that was more about his odd sense of humour but put a few years into ambulance work and what was inappropriate to others became a way to get through a day to him. “You want to give my aunt a present?” Mark asked for a moment before he went over what Mark had said again in his head.

Nope, oh he had gotten that wrong from the start as he tried to figure out his response. “Vous êtes un bon enseignant, vous aidez et en vaut la peine.” He said not entirely sure that it made sense but then again it had the basics of what he was trying to say he thought as he waited to see what the class thought to that or if he had insulted anyone. The gifts were the simply to help things along and so if anything the volunteer got to take something away other than teaching people how to hopefully save a person. They weren’t exactly great things but chocolate and a hat, it was something to show for an hour’s work that teacher Mark appeared nervous or unsettled about which in his head made sense.

Mark glanced at the man’s touch that reassured him; he smiled and nodded a thanks which made him feel a little less awkward for reverting back to the first language he learned. Russian, English, French if he could call the last one learnt or more a case of scrape by in an absolute emergency. He cursed himself for forgetting what he was doing for a moment, he knew it happened occasionally but usually when he was tired though maybe it was just nerves he thought for a moment.

He was pulled out of his thoughts by a lot of non’s which to his mind meant that an ambulance ride wasnt a good idea. “Non, tout va bien, c'était juste une offre.” Mark said shaking his head for a moment as he tried to smile wondering if he had just caused the man another world of nerves. Great he was trying to help and caused the man to react like that then again he should have figured that sirens and lights weren’t everyone’s thing and Mark wasnt under the age of ten so yeah he needed to work on that.

Watching Mark with the hat for a moment he grinned when he put it on, “Je vous présente très bien.” Mark said nodding as he grinned as he clapped Mark for a second. “So first thing first, the number one rule of emergencies is never put yourself in danger. If the only thing you can do is call 911 then that’s great and helps a lot.” Mark stated as he glanced out at the classes. “You can’t help anyone if you’re hurt too and only one injured party is less paperwork for me. However if you can help then this is what you’ll need to do.” Mark then glanced at Teacher Mark for a moment, “And Teacher Mark, if you’d be okay, if you can please collapse on the floor for me that would be great.” He said grinning as he stood back to let the man have some room. “You can use as much dramatic licence as you like.” He stated standing back to watch for a moment.

- You are good teacher, helping me out and worth it.
- No, its okay was just an offer.
- Looks great on you.