1400/Seeking Professerly Advice

Seeking Professerly Advice
Date of Scene:	27 April 2020
Location:	Charles' Office / Classroom
Synopsis:	Warren goes to Charles for some advice and comes away with it feeling a bit better about the future.
Cast of Characters:	Warren Worthington, Charles Xavier

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Warren Worthington has posed:
It's late afternoon or early evening depending on how one wants to consider the time. A knock comes at the door to the Professor's Office and once hearing his mentor's voice, Warren will open the door and slip in, closing the door behind him. As per his usual these days, the young mutant is wearing some designer business suit made in Italy but customized to fit his particular mutation.

"Professor." He says, nodding to the man and smiling. "It's been a while since I've come seeking some words of wisdom, but I'm trying to settle myself on a few issues and I was hoping you might have some advice." He takes a few more steps into the room and puts a hand on one of the chairs students sit at, perhaps recollecting a time he sat in one of these when he was younger.

Charles Xavier has posed:
Xavier looks up from his reading, the book in hand being set aside and the fatherly man brings his eyes up towards Warren when he enters. Having just returned not long ago from a recruitment trip and lecture circuit, the Professor smiles at the familiar face and gestures to the chair that Warren is touching. "Of course Warren, please, have a seat and why don't we see what answers you have?"

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren looks up from the sea and nods, "Just like old times, eh?" He flashes the Professor a quick grin, turns the chair around so the back is facing the Professor and sits down. "Well, you know that after my father died I took a bit of a sabbatical from the X-Men to see to the family business. I'm back and enjoying my time with the others and the team, but a few folks have told me that I should consider doing more. That because my mutation is, ah, not very stand-off-ish that I can be a public face for the mutant cause." He runs his tongue along his lower lip and lets out a breath. "I think I could do it, but I worry about messing up and hurting the cause. It's the thought I struggle with when thinking about this. I'm no saint, and certainly not any angel that kids should look up to, you know? I like expensive things and pretty ladies, but that can get me into trouble when trying to push for mutant causes, right?"

Charles Xavier has posed:
Xavier listens and then a small smile touches his lips, "There is a very common misconception that people hold. That to be a leader, or to be a representative of people that you must only reflect the traits that they hold in high esteem. But that would hardly be representative would it? Mutants, just like anyone else, come from a wide variety of backgrounds, of challenges and carry with them their own vices and prejudices, do they not?" Charles tilts his head, that kindly smile still on his lips.

"So your concern is that others on the outside would view you as a poor reflection of the mutant cause. Is this something that has been voiced to you by others? Or do you voice it to yourself, in your own heart and mind?"

Warren Worthington has posed:
"Vices? Check. Prejudices? Eh, I'd like to think anyone who has spent time here is more welcoming and accepting of others than just about anywhere else in the world." Warren smiles, "Though I know we're not perfect, I'm not perfect. The Pro Humana people put a shiver in my spine when I think about the messages they put out there."

There's a brief pause and he runs a finger along the top of the seat. "It's more my own heart and mind. Scott is someone who has said he thinks I can do it, so has Lorna. There have been others too. These friends of mine are the ones who has given this thought life, and reinforced it through positive feedback." He looks back up and points his thumb at himself. "No, it's all in my own head, but I've been trying to do more in smaller steps. I told Dr. McCoy I was interested in teaching a class or two in the fall for example."

Charles Xavier has posed:
"That's a good step," Xavier says nodding, "Teaching in the fall would certainly be beneficial I think for you, and for the students. But that still is staying within the mutant family." Xavier wheels back a little bit, turning himself to face Warren more directly. "Warren, if all we do is stay within our own circle of mutants then what chance is there of ever being a part of a unified society? This place, and each other, this is where we should draw our strength from to face the challenges of being among others. Then one day, we won't need that strength anymore because they will no longer be strangers to us."

Smiling, Charles folds his hands, "You already knew that your insecurities about being a role model were self generated. If your friends and those you trust are encouraging you, and you believe an action is right as well, then what you are looking for is someone to perhaps fall back to. You see, if Charles tells you that it is a good thing, and something goes horribly wrong, then there is a way to avoid that sense of responsibility personally." Xavier smiles, "And I can't do that for you, not because I am unable to carry that burden, but to do so would deprive you of the wonderful opportunity to grow from it. Because like all of us, you will stumble, you'll mis step and need to learn the courage to straighten back up in the public eye and address it. Through that, my friend, you'll grow."

Warren Worthington has posed:
"Huh. I... I didn't even think about it like that, but that's an excellent point." Warren says, head tilting slightly as he continues thinking it over. "I mean, yeah, this is a safe space for us all isn't it? Free from any bigotry that may come from our mutations, out gifts, but yeah I see what you mean. It's like putting ourselves into one of those bubbles they talk about." He rubs his chin with his thumb and nods.

"I don't know that I would say it was anyone's fault but my own if I messed up, I've at least grown past that stage this past year and some change. The business world is pretty quick to open your eyes to that sort of thing. What is the quote? 'Buck stops here'?" He laughs a little at that, "Still though, making a mistake at Worthington Industries sends the stock price down a few bucks, which effects people, but we can recover from it."

He considers it all a little longer and then nods, "Alright, well, I will certainly give where to start some serious consideration. Maybe I can help Dazzler put on some concerts or something to start off with."

Charles Xavier has posed:
Xavier nods and smiles, "I think that's an excellent idea, or any idea really, that allows you to feel like you are pursuing this avenue through your own gifts. I lecture and give seminars, those are where my strengths lie. If we were all to do that, we would definitely be lacking in the ability to reach others with our message. It takes all kinds, all sorts." Pausing, he adds, "Is there anything else on your mind Warren?"

Warren Worthington has posed:
"Cool, I'll talk with her. I know she's writing new songs right now, so maybe we can do some brainstorming." Warren rises to his feet and smiles. "That's actually it really, Professor. I guess I just needed to get this stuff off my chest. I love Piotr, Scott, Hank and the others like brothers, and Hank is certainly one of the smartest people I've ever come across, but sometimes just getting something out to you feels better." He runs a hand through his short blond hair. "I guess I should ask if there's anything I can help you with? If the school needs anything, please let me know. I certainly do not mind spending the money my family made on my fellow mutants."

Charles Xavier has posed:
Charles grins and then shakes his head, "I will keep that in mind Warren, but more than anything I'd like to see you work on your path, which it sounds like you are doing. And to know that there's always a friendly set of ears to listen to you get things off your chest if you need to."