Post by The Man on Jun 30, 2007 10:22:14 GMT -5
Posted by The Man on May 11, 2007, 10:43pm
::Due to recent events, Xavier had spent little time outside of the mansion. He always had work in his office, or a class to teach, or a training session in the Danger Room. What little spare time he did have had been spent planning with the X-Men.
Finally given a free moment, he had gone outside to enjoy the lovely weather. The sun brightened the sky, the temperature was warm to his skin, and as he wheeled about the grounds, he decided to visit the gardens.
The flowers were beginning to bloom, a result no doubt of Flora's abilities and Ororo's cooperation. He paused by the rose bushes, taking a moment to study the buds.::
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 8:58pm
Kyra had been in the shade of a tall oak, doing what she thought she did best: designing a new tattoo. She had worked in a tattoo parlor, after all. Designing new tattoos and even putting some of them on was something she'd done for nearly half a year.
Sketchbook under her arm, she'd been walking through the gardens to the side door that led to the kitchen when she saw Professor Xavier, looking at roses. He had been angry the last time she'd encountered him; the only time she'd seen him. She had made sure to keep clear of most people since she'd gotten here, to the extent of avoiding mealtimes and just going to the kitchen when no one was around. It wasn't because she was scared, she just...felt so uncomfortable around so many people. It was the same feeling she'd gotten when she had tried to go back to school.
"Um, hello," she said politely. She'd have to walk past him to get inside, so she might as well be polite. He was letting her stay here, after all. Even if he had been angry at Gra- Mystique.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 9:04pm
::Hearing a voice that was all too familiar, Xavier briefly closed his eyes. *Heaven give me strength,* he thought to himself, before opening his eyes. Turning his head, he smiled softly at her. He hadn't seen Strype since her arrival, due partially to his own heavy load. However, it had not gone unnoticed that she had been skipping meal times, as he always knew who came to breakfast and supper.
He picked the closest bud, one that had begun to bloom. He ignored the fact that it was yellow and all of the symbolism, extending it towards her. He was Charles Xavier, mutant activist, teacher, and leader of the X-Men. He could make small talk with her.:: "Good afternoon. It's lovely today, isn't it?"
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 9:15pm
Shifting her sketchbook to her other hand, she accepted the flower with a small smile. It seemed he was in a better mood today than he'd been before.
"Yes, it's a pretty day," she said, nodding.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 9:18pm
"Have you been well?" ::Xavier asked, genuine concern in his voice. He wished her to adjust to the Institute, quickly and easily. It had been difficult with *his* Strype, but she had had their connection to ground her. Kyra had nothing, had seen him at his worst, and had not been able to make friends yet.::
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 9:30pm
"Yeah, I guess," she said, shrugging. She was getting used to being in such a different surrounding; adjusting was never really one of her strengths.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 9:36pm
::She was more difficult to speak to than the Strype he had known. It was a key difference that Xavier felt useful in distinguishing them, but at the same time lamented. He nodded in acknowledgement.:: "Is there something that I can do to make your stay more pleasant?"
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 9:52pm
"You don't have to do anything, I'm just getting used to being in a new place, and sharing space with a lot of people," she assured him. She didn't want him to go out of his way for her.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 9:56pm
"Are you certain? If it's within my power, I'm happy to do anything for you," ::Xavier replied, the truth behind his words deeper than she would ever know. Even though she wasn't the young woman he had come to adore, he still felt connected to her. If he could ease her troubles or help her adjustment, he would without a moment's thought. And much like *his* Strype, she didn't wish to inconvienence him. Much like he had done with Jade, he would find a way to convey that she wasn't a bother, and that any request she had was important.::
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 10:09pm
"Thank you," she said smiling. "Do we have group trips to town, in case we need to pick something up from a store?"
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 10:17pm
"Students are allowed into town or into New York City at their leisure. As well, if you need anything expensive or related to your studies, you simply need to tell me and I'll purchase it," ::Xavier replied with a nod. They had had this discussion before, or at least he had it with *his* Strype. He remembered how long it had taken her to allow him to replace the shoes she had ruined. That day, her first trip to New York City...the last day he had spent in her company with her as the girl he had adored.
He couldn't keep thinking this way, lest it tear his heart in two. With effort, he forced the memories from his mind. He would learn about Kyra, so that he could appreciate her for who she was, rather than as Raven in disguise.::
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 10:36pm
"How far a walk is it to town? Or the mall, to be specific," she asked. "I need to pick up a new sketchpad and pens," she said, indicating the pad and pens she was gripping with her other hand. If there were no buses from here to the mall, she could always walk.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 10:39pm
"It's a rather long walk. Do you have a driver's license?" ::Xavier asked, tilting his head to the side slightly. If she could drive legally, she would be allowed to use any of his cars except for the van. After the fiasco with Gabrielle and Eaglewing, he wasn't going to allow anyone but himself, Raven, and the X-Men to use that particular vehicle.::
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 10:45pm
"No, I don't," she admitted sheepishly. No one had ever offered to teach her, and classes were too expensive. "And I don't mind long walks," she said, shrugging. She'd walked across states before. If she couldn't bus or hitchhike, walking was the only option.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 10:56pm
"At least take the Metro-North; the station is relatively close and the station in the town where the mall is located is across the street from the mall," ::Xavier said insistantly. He knew that this was on some level because of his memories of Jade and her shoes, but he didn't want Kyra to walk such a long distance. There was no need, when they had so many ready vehicles and persons to drive them, or avenues for public transportation.:: "Also, I can teach you to drive, or another instructor can, or we can hire a private driving instructor, if you would like."
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 10:59pm
"Really, you'd do that for me?" She asked, eyes widening.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 11:01pm
"Of course," ::Xavier replied sincerely. No student should be denied the ability to drive, even if having that many teenagers with licenses at the Institute was a disaster waiting to happen.:: "Simply say the word and we can schedule lessons for you."
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 11:07pm
"Thank you so much," she said, giving him a wide smile. That was the nicest thing anyone had offered to do for her in such a long time. And driving meant more freedom for her; she wouldn't be limited to bus routes or hitchhiking if she needed to go somewhere farther away.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 11:12pm
"It's my pleasure," ::Xavier replied honestly, returning her smile. It was his pleasure; he always enjoyed helping students, making their lives easier and better. And although he would always watch over them, he had learned the importance of allowing them independence.
It was quite different from the days when he wanted to keep his students, his children with him for years longer, not wanting them to spread their wings. Thoughts of his X-Men as children flooded his mind, followed by his discussion with Ororo where they recounted memories. Her warning to him, about keeping Jade young forever...Jade.
It would take longer than he had hoped to forget that young woman, all that she had meant to him. But the smile on Kyra's lips let him know that there was a future here; they would simply have to work for it.::
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 11:32pm
About to assure him that she would do her best to learn, her stomach rumbled quite audibly. She flushed with embarrassment, and the hand holding her sketchbook moved up to cover her stomach.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 11:33pm
::The rumbling of her stomach was not lost on his ears, and Xavier regarded her with concern.:: "Kyra, when was the last time you ate?"
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 11:44pm
"Um...yesterday, I think," she admitted, her face bright red as it rumbled again. "I, er... missed breakfast." She'd missed dinner yesterday as well, but she didn't want to say it. In the past, skipping meals was something she had to do; her tight budget demanded it, and when on the road, opportunities for free food didn't exactly come along too often.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 11:46pm
"That simply won't do. What would you like to eat? I'd be happy to make it," ::Xavier replied. She had no reason to skip meals here; there was always enough food for all.::
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 11:52pm
"You don't have to do that," she said, her face still beet red.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 11:53pm
"No, I don't. But I would like to, all the same," ::Xavier said gently. He was aware of her embarrassment, but wished to help her work past it. She needed to eat, he enjoyed cooking, and they both needed to learn to be comfortable with one another.::
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 11:59pm
"I'm fine with whatever you feel like making," she said. To be honest, she had no idea what she was hungry for, and what he could make without getting annoyed at her request.
Posted by The Man on May 13, 2007, 12:02am
"I can make almost anything," ::Xavier replied. Turning his wheelchair, he faced her fully.:: "Would you like to think about it on the way to the kitchen?"
Posted by Strype on May 13, 2007, 12:04am
"Alright," she agreed.
Posted by The Man on May 13, 2007, 12:08am
"After you," ::Xavier said, gesturing towards the mansion.::
Posted by Strype on May 13, 2007, 12:12am
She nodded, and proceeded to head towards the side door that led to the kitchen, slowing so that he could catch up with her.
Posted by The Man on May 13, 2007, 12:13am
::Xavier wheeled from the garden, following her towards the mansion.:: "You don't need to wait, Kyra. I'll always find my way."
Posted by Strype on May 13, 2007, 12:20am
She shrugged. "I thought it seemed rude to go ahead without you when you're going to be making me lunch," she said as she walked.
Posted by The Man on May 13, 2007, 11:48pm
"I appreciate the consideration," ::Xavier replied, wheeling behind her. Soon enough, he had caught her, and wheeled in step with her.::
Posted by Strype on May 14, 2007, 7:10am
Walking next to him, she regarded him closely. He seemed so nice, much nicer than he'd been the day she came. So what had happened between him and Grace? Mystique, she needed to remember that.
"So what do you feel like making?" She asked as they continued towards the kitchen.
Posted by The Man on May 15, 2007, 9:23pm
"I'm versatile; I can make anything that you'd like," ::The Professor replied, taking the opportunity to study her mannerisms. She was quite similar to *his* Strype, but there were key differences. She was surer of herself, more independent.::
Posted by Strype on May 15, 2007, 9:30pm
"Well, I'm perfectly content with something simple, say...mac and cheese?" She suggested, smiling.
Posted by The Man on May 17, 2007, 9:53pm
"If that's what you would like, then that's what I shall make," ::Xavier replied, a soft smile appearing on his lips. A meal would be easy to share with her, and it would be good for both of them. She would eat and learn that the Institute wasn't as frightening as she might believe. And he would learn to adapt to her, replacing his memories of Jade with those of their time together.::
Posted by Strype on May 18, 2007, 1:08am
"Thanks," she said as they reached the door that led to the kitchens. She held it open for him, so she could follow him.
Posted by The Man on May 18, 2007, 1:14am
"Thank you," ::Xavier said, inclining his head slightly. He wheeled through the door, entering the kitchen.::
::Due to recent events, Xavier had spent little time outside of the mansion. He always had work in his office, or a class to teach, or a training session in the Danger Room. What little spare time he did have had been spent planning with the X-Men.
Finally given a free moment, he had gone outside to enjoy the lovely weather. The sun brightened the sky, the temperature was warm to his skin, and as he wheeled about the grounds, he decided to visit the gardens.
The flowers were beginning to bloom, a result no doubt of Flora's abilities and Ororo's cooperation. He paused by the rose bushes, taking a moment to study the buds.::
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 8:58pm
Kyra had been in the shade of a tall oak, doing what she thought she did best: designing a new tattoo. She had worked in a tattoo parlor, after all. Designing new tattoos and even putting some of them on was something she'd done for nearly half a year.
Sketchbook under her arm, she'd been walking through the gardens to the side door that led to the kitchen when she saw Professor Xavier, looking at roses. He had been angry the last time she'd encountered him; the only time she'd seen him. She had made sure to keep clear of most people since she'd gotten here, to the extent of avoiding mealtimes and just going to the kitchen when no one was around. It wasn't because she was scared, she just...felt so uncomfortable around so many people. It was the same feeling she'd gotten when she had tried to go back to school.
"Um, hello," she said politely. She'd have to walk past him to get inside, so she might as well be polite. He was letting her stay here, after all. Even if he had been angry at Gra- Mystique.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 9:04pm
::Hearing a voice that was all too familiar, Xavier briefly closed his eyes. *Heaven give me strength,* he thought to himself, before opening his eyes. Turning his head, he smiled softly at her. He hadn't seen Strype since her arrival, due partially to his own heavy load. However, it had not gone unnoticed that she had been skipping meal times, as he always knew who came to breakfast and supper.
He picked the closest bud, one that had begun to bloom. He ignored the fact that it was yellow and all of the symbolism, extending it towards her. He was Charles Xavier, mutant activist, teacher, and leader of the X-Men. He could make small talk with her.:: "Good afternoon. It's lovely today, isn't it?"
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 9:15pm
Shifting her sketchbook to her other hand, she accepted the flower with a small smile. It seemed he was in a better mood today than he'd been before.
"Yes, it's a pretty day," she said, nodding.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 9:18pm
"Have you been well?" ::Xavier asked, genuine concern in his voice. He wished her to adjust to the Institute, quickly and easily. It had been difficult with *his* Strype, but she had had their connection to ground her. Kyra had nothing, had seen him at his worst, and had not been able to make friends yet.::
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 9:30pm
"Yeah, I guess," she said, shrugging. She was getting used to being in such a different surrounding; adjusting was never really one of her strengths.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 9:36pm
::She was more difficult to speak to than the Strype he had known. It was a key difference that Xavier felt useful in distinguishing them, but at the same time lamented. He nodded in acknowledgement.:: "Is there something that I can do to make your stay more pleasant?"
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 9:52pm
"You don't have to do anything, I'm just getting used to being in a new place, and sharing space with a lot of people," she assured him. She didn't want him to go out of his way for her.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 9:56pm
"Are you certain? If it's within my power, I'm happy to do anything for you," ::Xavier replied, the truth behind his words deeper than she would ever know. Even though she wasn't the young woman he had come to adore, he still felt connected to her. If he could ease her troubles or help her adjustment, he would without a moment's thought. And much like *his* Strype, she didn't wish to inconvienence him. Much like he had done with Jade, he would find a way to convey that she wasn't a bother, and that any request she had was important.::
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 10:09pm
"Thank you," she said smiling. "Do we have group trips to town, in case we need to pick something up from a store?"
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 10:17pm
"Students are allowed into town or into New York City at their leisure. As well, if you need anything expensive or related to your studies, you simply need to tell me and I'll purchase it," ::Xavier replied with a nod. They had had this discussion before, or at least he had it with *his* Strype. He remembered how long it had taken her to allow him to replace the shoes she had ruined. That day, her first trip to New York City...the last day he had spent in her company with her as the girl he had adored.
He couldn't keep thinking this way, lest it tear his heart in two. With effort, he forced the memories from his mind. He would learn about Kyra, so that he could appreciate her for who she was, rather than as Raven in disguise.::
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 10:36pm
"How far a walk is it to town? Or the mall, to be specific," she asked. "I need to pick up a new sketchpad and pens," she said, indicating the pad and pens she was gripping with her other hand. If there were no buses from here to the mall, she could always walk.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 10:39pm
"It's a rather long walk. Do you have a driver's license?" ::Xavier asked, tilting his head to the side slightly. If she could drive legally, she would be allowed to use any of his cars except for the van. After the fiasco with Gabrielle and Eaglewing, he wasn't going to allow anyone but himself, Raven, and the X-Men to use that particular vehicle.::
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 10:45pm
"No, I don't," she admitted sheepishly. No one had ever offered to teach her, and classes were too expensive. "And I don't mind long walks," she said, shrugging. She'd walked across states before. If she couldn't bus or hitchhike, walking was the only option.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 10:56pm
"At least take the Metro-North; the station is relatively close and the station in the town where the mall is located is across the street from the mall," ::Xavier said insistantly. He knew that this was on some level because of his memories of Jade and her shoes, but he didn't want Kyra to walk such a long distance. There was no need, when they had so many ready vehicles and persons to drive them, or avenues for public transportation.:: "Also, I can teach you to drive, or another instructor can, or we can hire a private driving instructor, if you would like."
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 10:59pm
"Really, you'd do that for me?" She asked, eyes widening.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 11:01pm
"Of course," ::Xavier replied sincerely. No student should be denied the ability to drive, even if having that many teenagers with licenses at the Institute was a disaster waiting to happen.:: "Simply say the word and we can schedule lessons for you."
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 11:07pm
"Thank you so much," she said, giving him a wide smile. That was the nicest thing anyone had offered to do for her in such a long time. And driving meant more freedom for her; she wouldn't be limited to bus routes or hitchhiking if she needed to go somewhere farther away.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 11:12pm
"It's my pleasure," ::Xavier replied honestly, returning her smile. It was his pleasure; he always enjoyed helping students, making their lives easier and better. And although he would always watch over them, he had learned the importance of allowing them independence.
It was quite different from the days when he wanted to keep his students, his children with him for years longer, not wanting them to spread their wings. Thoughts of his X-Men as children flooded his mind, followed by his discussion with Ororo where they recounted memories. Her warning to him, about keeping Jade young forever...Jade.
It would take longer than he had hoped to forget that young woman, all that she had meant to him. But the smile on Kyra's lips let him know that there was a future here; they would simply have to work for it.::
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 11:32pm
About to assure him that she would do her best to learn, her stomach rumbled quite audibly. She flushed with embarrassment, and the hand holding her sketchbook moved up to cover her stomach.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 11:33pm
::The rumbling of her stomach was not lost on his ears, and Xavier regarded her with concern.:: "Kyra, when was the last time you ate?"
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 11:44pm
"Um...yesterday, I think," she admitted, her face bright red as it rumbled again. "I, er... missed breakfast." She'd missed dinner yesterday as well, but she didn't want to say it. In the past, skipping meals was something she had to do; her tight budget demanded it, and when on the road, opportunities for free food didn't exactly come along too often.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 11:46pm
"That simply won't do. What would you like to eat? I'd be happy to make it," ::Xavier replied. She had no reason to skip meals here; there was always enough food for all.::
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 11:52pm
"You don't have to do that," she said, her face still beet red.
Posted by The Man on May 12, 2007, 11:53pm
"No, I don't. But I would like to, all the same," ::Xavier said gently. He was aware of her embarrassment, but wished to help her work past it. She needed to eat, he enjoyed cooking, and they both needed to learn to be comfortable with one another.::
Posted by Strype on May 12, 2007, 11:59pm
"I'm fine with whatever you feel like making," she said. To be honest, she had no idea what she was hungry for, and what he could make without getting annoyed at her request.
Posted by The Man on May 13, 2007, 12:02am
"I can make almost anything," ::Xavier replied. Turning his wheelchair, he faced her fully.:: "Would you like to think about it on the way to the kitchen?"
Posted by Strype on May 13, 2007, 12:04am
"Alright," she agreed.
Posted by The Man on May 13, 2007, 12:08am
"After you," ::Xavier said, gesturing towards the mansion.::
Posted by Strype on May 13, 2007, 12:12am
She nodded, and proceeded to head towards the side door that led to the kitchen, slowing so that he could catch up with her.
Posted by The Man on May 13, 2007, 12:13am
::Xavier wheeled from the garden, following her towards the mansion.:: "You don't need to wait, Kyra. I'll always find my way."
Posted by Strype on May 13, 2007, 12:20am
She shrugged. "I thought it seemed rude to go ahead without you when you're going to be making me lunch," she said as she walked.
Posted by The Man on May 13, 2007, 11:48pm
"I appreciate the consideration," ::Xavier replied, wheeling behind her. Soon enough, he had caught her, and wheeled in step with her.::
Posted by Strype on May 14, 2007, 7:10am
Walking next to him, she regarded him closely. He seemed so nice, much nicer than he'd been the day she came. So what had happened between him and Grace? Mystique, she needed to remember that.
"So what do you feel like making?" She asked as they continued towards the kitchen.
Posted by The Man on May 15, 2007, 9:23pm
"I'm versatile; I can make anything that you'd like," ::The Professor replied, taking the opportunity to study her mannerisms. She was quite similar to *his* Strype, but there were key differences. She was surer of herself, more independent.::
Posted by Strype on May 15, 2007, 9:30pm
"Well, I'm perfectly content with something simple, say...mac and cheese?" She suggested, smiling.
Posted by The Man on May 17, 2007, 9:53pm
"If that's what you would like, then that's what I shall make," ::Xavier replied, a soft smile appearing on his lips. A meal would be easy to share with her, and it would be good for both of them. She would eat and learn that the Institute wasn't as frightening as she might believe. And he would learn to adapt to her, replacing his memories of Jade with those of their time together.::
Posted by Strype on May 18, 2007, 1:08am
"Thanks," she said as they reached the door that led to the kitchens. She held it open for him, so she could follow him.
Posted by The Man on May 18, 2007, 1:14am
"Thank you," ::Xavier said, inclining his head slightly. He wheeled through the door, entering the kitchen.::