View source for 2062/Self-defense for dummies

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2020/06/11
|Location=Washington Square Park
|Synopsis=Clarice visits ESU with her friend Rollo where they meet up with Alexander.
|Cast of Characters=488,598
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Canton Athletic center for Empire State University is just a block away from the campus proper. Not part of the facility near Washington Square Park, but separated by one large parking garage worth of a building that offers alternating parking for the school during the week and for the sports exhibitions on the weekend. Yet it's still a bit of a hike from the Park subway stop that deposits people out near the university. So for those heading off to that large athletic building, they tend to need to stroll along the sidewalk for a good ten minutes or so.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which gives Rollo enough time to grimace as he walks alongside the elfen woman nearby. Not as obviously a mutant as she, Rollo's mutation gave him a heightened sense of perception contingent on the way his crystallized, almost insect-like, eyes perceived the world. He could easily pass for human during the day when he'd wear those dark sunglasses that hid the strangeness of his gaze, much easier than her. But in some ways he over-compensated for that... often by trying to be more stern than the others around him, more intensely for the cause.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But that might well advance him to be considered for the Brotherhood.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You got my number, right?" He asks, for the third time, eying her sidelong and frowning as those myriad eyelets blinked at her in the sunlight. "I got yours, I know you can get back in a flash, but if things go down wherever we should stay in touch."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>Was it mostly a coincidence that Blink would be finding herself out here at Empire State university today? Well, it had been partially due to setting a meeting point with Rollo around here, but also because she was curious about this place after the talk with Alexander, maybe wondering if she actually could have some kind of future out here, studying. Probably not, but it didn't stop her from trying it out.<br><br>She was sporting a simple black t-shirt today, along with some jeans. A pair of sunglasses on her face to cover her unnatural green gaze and her purple hair left loose so as for hear ears to not been noticeable so easily. They still poked out from time to time, but at a glance she wouldn't exactly be screaming 'mutant!' right out.<br><br>She took a turn on the sidewalk, hands in her pockets, a faint smile up to the other mutant. "I do." she waving her phone up momentarily.<br><br>"No worries on that front. I know Bushwick has been a powder keg as of late, even more than normal. Counting on you to keep me informed on what is going on there too."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rollo's expression is a little different as he strolls along. He's got the vibe of a man walking with a chip on his shoulder, turning his head this way and that trying to pick up on second glances sent their way, or odd looks angled at them subtly. Whatever normal people do when they're confronted with the strange. Sure Blink could pass for a cyber goth wandering off to a dance rave, but whenever they're beyond the bounds of Bushwick his tension ratchets up big time.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet another aspect of his enhanced senses, however, lets him get a feeling for those around him and the occasional glance spared towards Clarice... it makes him cock an eyebrow curiously. "So." He starts.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Just out here to see me off?" His lip twists a little as he strides along, "Or there some other reason you brought me along?" Since with his sense of perception, he'd always been good for getting an angle on people, catching a plant or a liar, someone not really down with the cause. He could sniff a falsehood a mile off and that suited him just fine. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As far as Rollo was concerned he was one of the few people who saw the world as it really was. And despite all of that, however, with all he'd seen... he still thought of Clarice as one of the good ones.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>Clarice knows that look well, it was one she had been trying to get done with ever since she had settled more permanently on Genosha before the attack. Trying to get over her own resentment. In part she had done so but there were still some remnants. So she certainly can't go judging on that look on Rollo's face, her own shoulders somewhat tense. Now more than ever there was resentment from both sides of the fence. It made her tense just the same.<br><br>"Not just." No point in shrugging it off, she knew the man's powers well enough. "I was curious about ESU too, you know?" her eyes straying to look towards the direction of the university. "Do you think our people may be able to study here any time in the future? Together with them?" she questions, her eyes turning up to Rollo again, watching his expression before turning ahead. Though in truth she knew Alexander should be around too. He had told her about the self-defense class thing and while she hadn't confirmed she'd come to watch it or not she was curious on that too.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah?" Rollo's eyebrows climb behind those sunglasses as he walks along with Clarice, lifting his head to look at the place anew as his gaze twists to consider the area around them. Before he had just considered it some meeting place, some group gathering with the college students around them being decidedly... of the 'other'. People that had no connection to them.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But now his insect-like eyes swept the area and he looked back at her, strolling along. "I mean, technically there's no law against us, and..." He looks back, "Stark did have that... that program thing right? So I mean, sure. Just..."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She can see this gets close enough to unsettling Rollo that he frowns, "But who has time for all this shit, right? With everything we gotta deal with." Since for the Brotherhood... there's a war to be fought.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They walk along and for a time he observes her, then adds. "I mean if you decided to. I suppose I could see it." He offers, perhaps trying to cheer her up.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But then they round that last corner and get to the Canton athletic center, where Alexander had told her he'd been spending the last week and some every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. It served as a place to get away from the day's efforts and from the look of the ultra modern facility... it looked pretty damn good.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You want to go in here?" Rollo asked, lifting a hand to gesture.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>"I mean, if we want to live together in this earth we will need to eventually learn how to get along, right?" Yes, Clarice knew that Rollo may be all about the fight, but there was also the future to look towards. And maybe this would help. She gestures with her hand towards one of the public gym areas. <br><br>"Lets go there, yea." A brow rising up at how modern it all looks. "Does seem like they have the funding at least right? Looks good." it was quite the contrast with Bushwick and how little they had to go around. But it didn't stop her from smiling faintly.<br><br>"But you are right, I may not really have the time for all this ..." maybe it was the contrast with this ultra modern facility that brings her back to reality. Did she really belong here? Hardly. But at least she was willing to check it out.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Through the door they go entering easily. No security visible, nobody to check to see if they're actually students or the like. It's an open reception area, with many students present and wandering around. A group of attendants are standing at the desk and some are available to hand out towels if needs be. There's a giant glass wall to one side where the basketball court can be seen, and up on the tall rafters there see to be signs that point to various areas. Squash courts, tennis courts, volleyball, basketball all have arrows pointing the way. There are posters for fencing and training and spin classes, all sorts of things. It's really quite nice.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But Rollo seems to be a little more uncomfortable in there, as if knowing that technically maybe they shouldn't be there. Self-consciousness a rare thing she's seen in him. "If you put your mind to it, Blink." He starts to say, but then shrugs a little...<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even as down the hall she'll see what she might be looking for. An open door leading into a weight-training area that proclaims prominently, 'SELF-DEFENSE 3:15-4:15' and with an arrow pointing inwards.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>Not belonging has never stopped Clarice from going anywhere. Known to be quite the locksmith in fact! Because she can't even get into places if she hasn't seen them before... So she needs to find other ways. And her natural curiosity has always won out. Her thin eyebrows do arch up at the inside of the place though. Very nice indeed and lots of sports to choose from. It makes her nod at it. "Well, you know where my focus is." she says, giving Rollo a sideways glance. With the Brotherhood, as it's always been. But it never harms to check what's around them, and the more they know about humans the better.<br><br>A chinjerk points them towards the self-defense classes. "Let's go check that out. Think I got a friend that teaches those classes, maybe they are around." well, the time is right, being close to 4pm. So still some time to look it over. She approaches, opening the door leading to the training area and then gesturing for Rollo to come in.<br><br>"You know, we -should- get you into some classes like this sometime you know? Maybe I can give you some pointers." assassin training!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Following along after her, Rollo still seems a little on edge, his expression distant as he pushes those sunglasses back up the bridge of his nose to hide his eyes. He stuffs his hands into his pockets and follows along in the wake of Hurricane Clarice and makes a face after a moment. Then she mentions she has a friend there, "What?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That gets him to do a doubletake as he walks with her down the hall. "A friend like back home?" He asks, but then he also asks, "Or a friend friend?" The emotion goes out of his voice in those last few words, as if implying that anyone not from back home... couldn't possibly be a real friend.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But he still follows along, down that hallway with his expression carefully cultivated to a neutral aspect. He coughs a little and adjusts his stride to fall back into step with her.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Only for them to round that corner and come to the open door where within she'll see that gym with its myriad of weight machines and padded floor. For now the weights are left alone, but across the way on a thirty by thirty section of the gym she'll see about a dozen students all standing around, watching as one of the young men grabs hold of a slightly taller one. It's the one being grabbed that she likely recognizes before she even sees his gace, that shock of blond hair, that lanky frame, though now he's wearing sweat pants and a t-shirt. But then she'll hear his voice.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So from here he's holding your arms by your sides. You push back with your bum." He does so, "Reach down and grab his ankle, pull forward through your legs,"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thump the grabber falls onto the mats.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Turn his leg like this and twist... and he's not happy." The fallen youth taps his leg a few times. "You can hurt his leg pretty bad here, then you can, like, run away. Cool?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>"No, not from back home." Clarice replies, one eyebrow quirking at the change of tone, studying Rollo's face, or at least what she can see through those glasses. But no more comment is done along those lines. Sure, she knows he isn't particular fond of people not from their home.<br><br>When they take that turn around the corner it makes her inspect the surroundings, the open room. Quite nice and modern indeed. They enter the room, boots on the padded floor but she steps to a side of it, arms folding together, one foot tucked back against the wall, content to simply watch for the moment. The grab and disable is looked over, she critically observing. Would she do the same? Run away?<br><br>No, her whole training tells her it'd be time to disable in a more permanent fashion.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The handful of college-aged students are an eclectic bunch. They're a cross section of university life with a few young women, some young men, a couple with glasses, a heavy set youth, and a few girls that seem to be giggling now and then as they observe the lesson. Alexander's partner is a slightly shorter brown-haired young man with wide eyes who seems nervous and on edge but he's doing well during the examples. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's really easy when you break it down," Alexander says as he steps clear of the fallen student, offering him a hand to help him up. "Push, pull, twist, run. Right?" And as he says that he motions for the other young man to come up and they run through the sequence again, faster this time and ending with Alex taking a few quick strides away as he feigns flight.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Alright, split up into pairs and practice with each other?" His eyes flit to the side and only then catch the green-eyed gaze of Clarice as she stands there, not easy to miss the gal with the pinkish streaks in her hair. He holds up a hand, "I'll be right back."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And as quick as that he starts to half-jog away from the class toward where Rollo and Blink recline and await him. He's bare foot for now, wearing those sweat shorts and t-shirt, slowing to a short stop as he arrives. "Hey." His greeting is given warmly and looks like he might go in for a hug, but then pauses as he looks to Rollo and gives him a nod. "Heya."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rollo's reaction, however, is to look at this kid. Then to look over at Clarice, then back at the kid. "Hey, man."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>Sure, Clarice is patient enough to watch them go through the sequence again, just a faint smile to her lips, hands out of her pockets and folded across her waist in a loose manner. As for Rollo though, not as much patience on that one, as if he'd be trapped here, eyes turning here and there, taking note of all he can see and what he cannot, the man's senses stretching out to feel the surrounding. It pays to be paranoid sometimes.<br><br>But eventually the whole focus is on the young man that approaches. Clarice smiles more deeply when Alexander does come closer and she lifts her chin in a greet. "Hey." she replies, doing a lazy salute with a couple of fingers.<br><br>"Wasn't sure if you were the trainer or trainee when you told me to come by. Been doing this for long?" she asks, looking past the man's side and to the students that are beginning to line up to begin going through the training motions.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This," Alexander's smile is easily given as he looks between the two of them, "Is my third class, sort of... informal." He starts to offer but then he focuses more on Rollo and says, "Hey. I'm Alex, Clarice's friend." He makes the introduction and extends his hand to the slightly taller mutant comrade who returns the smile... the Blink sees it's the thin one that Rollo wears when he's humoring someone.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sure man. Alex." He seems like he might leave it at that, but then shoots a glance at Clarice and then /takes/ Alex's hand with a slap of flesh to flesh and starts to shake it vigorously. "S'good to meet you, call me Rollo." And as he says that he lifts his free hand to his glasses and pulls them down abruptly shining his eyes right into Alexander's...<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's seen him do that before, trying to spook a normie, get them to flinch when they see the bug-like crystal-facets of his eyeballs. Trying to get them to turn away or misspeak.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though, to Alexander's credit, he just shakes Rollo's hand and sort of furrows his brow while he looks at the guy, then smiles just the same as he did moments before. "Cool to meet you, Rollo."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>There is that moment in which Clarice sort of regrets having brought Rollo here. He knew how abrasive the guy could be. Abrasive enough to make even Clarice to roll her eyes at it. A subtle exhale leaves her lips as they go about exchanging greetings. The vigorous handshake that attempts to be so alpha.., ugh.. <br><br>"Alex is a friend. We met during those protests a few days ago at Bushwick." and sure enough Rollo had been there, even if not immediately visible. And then the little 'move' comes. Did Clarice expect it? Not that she seems to care too much, she already knows Alexander doesn't feel fear, or at least that's what he claims.<br><br>So when that last exchange is made she just crooks the side of her lips up into a smile. She just shakes her head up at him. "Really..? Thought you were going to behave this time. But Alex isn't the guy to get spooked easy." but then her attention goes to Alex.<br><br>"It's good what you are teaching, everyone should know how to defend themselves."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Wha?" Is Alex's response first as he still shakes Rollo's hand a little more but the two young men disengage and the Olympian turns his hazel eyes back over to Clarice to smile, "Oh yeah," He glances back over his shoulder to where the other college students are going through the motions, pushing, pulling, twisting, running and all.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I mean, I was at this get together and people were talking about some of the weirdness going on."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rollo had been listening with his arms folded over his chest, then pipes up. "What you mean like the mutant weirdness?" Evocatively, quirking an eyebrow as he fixes his glasses and shifts his weight to the other foot.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Only for Alexander to respond, "No man, there were those goblin things in the park the other week?" The way young Phobos just sort of looks at Rollo it's clear he's a little confused, surprised at the aggression but not exactly taking offense at it. "It was, you know, weird."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, yeah." Says Rollo but he gives a nod toward Clarice, "I'm going to get on going where I'm going. We'll talk more later, Clarice." And as he says that he turns, pushing his glasses back fully into place and starts stalking toward the door behind them.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which leaves Alexander to sort of look after the guy curiously, then back to Clarice. "Was it something I said?" Once Rollo's stepped on outside into the hall.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>"Alright, later." Clarice retorts back to Rollo when the man motions to go. She knows better than to try to stop him. And they did exchange numbers soooo.... But she shrugs when he's gone, turning her attention back to Alex. "Goblins? What?" It's her turn to sound a touch confused about whatever it is that the young man is talking about. "Is that a thing over here?" she normally is too worried about mutant affairs to really know much about what else happens about.<br><br>"And no, he sort of doesn't like being here too much." She makes a vague gesture with her hand to the surroundings. Though by her tone she doesn't sound too happy with it.<br><br>Though then she sorta changes the subject. "So..., how have you been since last we met?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ehn," Alexander says with a small smile, "There was a thing in central park, some weird creatures and stuff. It like... it happens in New York now and again. Sort of like a strangeness magnet in some ways I imagine." He tells her even as he glances over his shoulder at the students still doing their own thing.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But then he looks back, "I've been good, classes and all. Went to this Ethiopian place the other night for dinner and it was really good."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course over by the mats one of the students turns and yells, "Hey, Alex! I think we're done!"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which causes the young blond man to turn and yell, "Alright be right there!"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he looks back at her, "It's good to see you, you wanna hang out a lil bit? We should be done in about ten fifteen minutes?" As he says that he's walking backwards. But then he seems to only remember something. "Oh and, hey." He steps back quickly and touches her hand with his just enough so she'll meet his eyes as he steps in for just a small quick kiss to the curve of her cheek before he's already stepping back.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'll be done in a sec!" He calls over his shoulder even as he runs back toward the students.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And hopefully... she'll wait for him.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>"Ethiopia..?" That makes Clarice perk up. Has she been there? In truth it's not as if it's -that- far from Genosha.. OR well, nowhere is really too far for this mutant. "Lots of archeological places to explore." a faint grin to her expression, speaking almost as if she had been there. But then she corrects herself. "At least from what I have seen on TV and so.." not that she watches much TV at all.<br><br>"Sure we can hang out, was hoping you could show me the university a bit." She says, her grin growing when the young man steps closer to place a kiss on her cheek, making her reach up to squeeze his shoulder.<br><br>She will watch for a time though, hands slipping down to the back pockets of her jeans, taking a look here and there at the gym, then out onto the corridor. Sure, she isn't the type to stay put for long, but she hasn't yet left the premises at least!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It doesn't take long, to be fair. Another ten minutes where he shows the another technique for someone trying to choke them from various positions, and he gives them a simple counter that is easy to remember involving twisting the wrist or the thumb or even a shoulder throw. But once they go through that a few times and 4:15 rolls around finally they start to break up.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She'll see the other students there gathering their things together, taking drinks from water bottles as they wrap things up. There's some laughter and a few wry comments made but then they begin to filter out. One of the girls that had been giggling before she's got her backpack on her shoulder and as she passes near Clarice her eyes narrow and she shoots /daggers/ at her as she wanders past, something definitely possessive about her.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet it all leaves Alexander there to put everything away and to fold the mats and shove them against the wall. Until finally they're left alone and he comes walking over, smiling. "So you want to take a look around the campus?" He asks as he slings his own backpack over his shoulder. "We can do that and hit the food court too if you want."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>Hey! Clarice was only testing those weights a bit, holding one up. No need to get all angry! At least that's what she thinks it's all about when the girl passes her by and stares at her. Some people ... She sighs, putting the weight down next to the other and stretches up. Seems like they are starting to gather up to leave. Good.<br><br>She turns back to where Alexander is, wandering along to help with the rolling up of the mats and setting them aside. Because she is a helper. "Food court?" she does look amused at the name. "Will we be seeing royalty there?" yay for lame jokes!<br><br>But she smirks at it before she nods her agreement. "Sounds like a good afternoon plan. Hopefully you can keep the .., goblins at bay too." one eyebrow arching. She walks to where the exit is. "Come on!" maybe she should remember it should be Alexander showing her things, not the other way around.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Strolling after her he calls out, "Ohmigod you are so impatient." As he trudges along, perhaps /deliberately/ taking his time to slooowly walk after her and even enjoying if he can make her tap her foot at some point. But once he gets near he gives her a one-armed hug from the side, just squeezing her shoulder as he grins and walks along.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You know I might be tired, I did just do energetic stuff for like an hour. You should be nicer to me." His lips twist with a smile as he strolls along but he shakes his head as if she was being oh so cruel to him and his innocent efforts.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But then he murmurs, "But yes, food court. Tons of fast food and like some home cooked dishes depending on what the cafeteria people decide to throw out there. It's usually pretty good." He walks along though his eyebrows lift, "Though, to be fair, I've mainly been just getting taco bell lately." That said he gives a small shrug as he walks with her.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But now what have you been up to lately?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>"It's one of my best traits..." Clarice replies, lifting her shoulders briefly in a resignated, 'deal with it' kind of way. She doesn't seem to mind the one-armed hug, though at the closeness her nostrils flare briefly. "My super power is heightened sense of smell. I can detect it from here." she says of him. Because training for an hour makes one smell! Though she continues along, being helpful in her own manner. "So you may need a shower eventually, mmm?" a crooked expression on her face and she finally steps out onto the afternoon sun.<br><br>When Alexander mentions taco bell and eating it often she looks him up and down. "I noticed." the elven one retorts. Though the question makes her mmm, some of her smile fading.<br><br>"Helping some friends going through a rough time. Hopefully things will begin to improve now.." She murmurs.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Again he reiterates, "Oh my god." His eyes widened in disbelief at her meanness but his smile belies his words and tone even as he walks along beside her. "First you say I'm slow, then you say I stink. Is this negging? Are you negging me?" He bites his lower lip and points at her accusingly as if she were being a butt.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which she is.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But he settles into an easy pace beside her, walking out into that afternoon sunlight, though ok she does catch him taking a quick sniff of his underarm, and ok so a shower might be in the offing. But he crinkles his nose at her.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But then she mentions her friends and he nods, "Ahh, that stinks. That they're going through a rough time. But good of you to help them as you can." He smiles a little wanly sidelong to her, then lits his head as he ponders...<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So where would you like to see?" He asks her. "Or should we head home first so I can shower so you don't have to smell my stinkiness?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>"Is negging a word..?" Because by Clarice's look she doesn't believe it to be one. So she just shrugs. "But sure, I can be a negging one." she makes way across the sidewalk to wait, pondering on what to go watch. Then she shakes her head, "You'd take ages going back home for shower, etc.. I will just have to endure." she says in a joking manner, her eyes rolling in an overly dramatic fashion.<br><br>"Let's go take a walk around campus first, show me the fun places there. And then I suppose we can go eat?" She suggests, not particularly hungry at all. Eyes do glance about the street, as if looking for Rollo if he may still be around. She would want to say goodbye if he still was.<br><br>But if not it will be time to go. She at least is aware where the campus is so she begins to lead her way there. "Least I can do, helping them. But there's only so much I am able to do." a frown, as if she wished she could do more.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's sorta... when you flirt meanly. Is negging." So when he says that he nods at her as if she was totally doing that to him. But he keeps on walking with her and then rolls his eyes at when she hassles him again for the slow walking. His answer is a low 'harumph' but he strolls with.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well ok first, over there see that four story glass building, like even glass floors in places right?" He gestures with a nod as they walk towards that building, past the parking garage they strolled by before. "That's the library, it's huge and is super modern. We could run around inside there and get shooshed at by the librarians."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They continue along and as they get toward the corner of the building he'll start pointing out others, "Over there are the freshman dorms where most people will be staying. Kinda gross, but I'm told essential for the college experience, but I dunnooo."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He stuffs his hands into the pockets of his shorts and looks thoughtful, "Oh, over there is the Mason statue, kind of a landmark thing. We're supposed to learn what he did in one of the classes I'm taking next semester." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As he walks he sort of stream of consciousnesses his thoughts to her as he motions to various points of interest. "That's the health center, got my immunizations there. Umm, also an urgent care place in case people get hurt." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh that's the Bryant center, a lot of the bigger lectures are given there. It's right next to that old timey building that's called the Rathskeller, which is a student gathering lounge sorta thing."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>"I think you are imagining things.." Clarice's brows remaining quirked up when Alexander goes and explains what negging is. She continues on down past the place, hands in her pockets, gaze sweeping here and there while the various places are being shown.<br><br>"That's something you do often? Running around inside the library?" She questions, giving Alexander a side-glance, then moving along. The statue doesn't seem to tell her much so she simply shrugs but at least her attention is still there, watching the large health center.<br><br>"Everything seems real big and modern over here. I am glad for that. ESU got a lot of funding, mmm?" she then taking note of the Bryant center. "But I like these bigger places. Not that I am claustrophobic but ..."<br><br>She opens her arms to her sides, taking in a deep breath and looking about. "One of those places where one can just open their arms and walk around you know?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mmmhmmm," Is said as to his imagining things, but for now he keeps his opinion on that to himself. But then she suggests something towards his misuse of the library and he replies, "Sometimes. I like libraries." His eyes distance a little, "For some reason. Just kind of neat when a bunch of books are all in one place, though they also have a ton there electronically as well. To be fair."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He rests his hands on his hips as he strolls along, looking around slowly. "Over there is where the food trucks come in during lunch and dinner." He motions with a nod toward the park area nearby and one of the small inlets for the parking lot. "Sometimes it's good to get something different there than the usual fare."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He strolls along and looks at her sideways, tilting his head to the side. "And yah, something about the place. It's so big and seems so official. Like there's a measure of safety in it. I wonder why I feel that way." His eyebrows lift thoughtfully. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he seems to recall something and adds, "Oh there's also a rock garden that's kind of nice, and it has rose bushes outside of it. It's very pretty."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>"You like libraries so you run around inside them or you like libraries and so you actually read in there?" Clarice asks. Because the distinction is important! She casts a look towards the park when food is mentioned, looking amused. "So you go and steal some for yourself or...?" a smile coming to her lips. "..., give them a pouty look to ask for some of it?"<br><br>While they going through the campus she comes to a stop near a bench, hopping up on it and sitting on the back of it, legs extended down and crossed by the ankles. "Not a lot of people around, large spaces. I understand why you'd feel safe. Certainly a contrast to mutant town."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Both?" Alexander offers as he joins her on the back of that bench, hopping up and setting his backpack down on the seat between them. He leans forwards, resting his elbows on his knees and interlacing his fingers as he smirks sidelong at her. "I'll go in and read sometimes, or check out a book, but also it's kind of fun to just walk around some. Perhaps not exactly /run/ around, but maybe walk quickly. Also it's big enough I always feel like I find something new when I'm there."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He settles in and then tilts his head toward her, giving thought to the last few words she tells him. He looks away, then back as he murmurs, "You know there's a library in Bushwick too?" He offers that small insight as he looks around them. Still quiet since it's the Summer semester, but at least a handful of students are wandering around.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Used to be a church. But it's kind of neat."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His nose crinkles a little, "Lots of old books, smells different than this one. Kind of nice."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he casually nudges her shoe with his and looks sidelong at her. "And I'll have you know my pouty look is my mutant power, it is the downfall of kings and the very reckoning of mankind, such is my super powerness."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>"Yes, I know about it. Visited only once or twice though." Clarice replies, letting her head hang back while she looks lazily up at the sky, her hands supporting her on the back of that bench, balancing herself there. "Never been really the reading type. Not a lot of time for it if I am to be honest." what with being a slave and all that!<br><br>At the mention of his superpower being the pouty look it makes her watch Alexander in a rather doubtful manner. "Sometimes you talk as if you are royalty or something." she states with a laugh, sounding amused. "Downfall of kings, reckoning of mankind. Not the usual words for the typical university student."<br><br>"Was it your father that taught you those self-defense moves you were showing back at the training session?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What?" Alexander feigns a hurt look as he lets his gaze drift across the quad, looking at the peaceful decor of the campus, the few status in view and the places where the park encroaches upon the school itself. "Can't I have the occasional poetic turn of phrase?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His eyes lift up toward the sky and the clouds above as a slightly greyish one passes in front of the sun, giving them a hint of shade even as he turns to consider her. "No, those I sort of picked up from other instructors at points." The techniques he was showing the other students.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"My dad..." He lifts a hand to rub at the back of his neck, "He's more like the guy that would say, 'ok knock the guy down, now step on his throat until he's dead, then walk away without looking back.'"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a moment where he chews on his lower lip thoughtfully, something about this line of thought making him turn a little introspective, but then he looks back to her and shrugs a little. "I figured these guys who were wanting to learn didn't need to know that version of the lesson." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A beat then he adds, "Not yet at least."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>"So you consider yourself a poet? That's even more unusual." Clarice continuing along with her amused tilt to both voice and expression, now having taken out her sunglasses and resting them on a pocket. With it being so empty at least there are no looks given in her direction. Only from afar if that much, and most likely only due to the hair. But that's a normal color now! Her frown grows when Alexander mentions the type of man his father would be, turning her eyes back to him.<br><br>"Sounds like a few people I know." as if she'd have close contact with that kind of people. And by her tone she doesn't seem to think well about those.<br><br>"And no, self-defense doesn't mean we should answer with -everything- we got. That's what fosters more hatred. I have been learning that, slowly, but still learning that lesson." she letting out a sigh.<br><br>"Where do you stand about those things?" She then finally asks.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Looking back at her he crinkles his nose a little more at her since she's teasing him and he murmurs, "Well, maybe not a poet. But a little splash of it now and then?" <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But then she comments about his father's philosophy and he just nods his head at her first comment, but then his eyebrow climbs up slowly as she offers her own insight into matters. But when she asks him his own opinion his eyes widen a little as if surprised at the question then he looks away.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I... don't know." He uncurls a hand toward her as he speaks, just a gesture as if trying to conjure forth the words, "I mean. If I felt threatened, or if someone I cared about was threatened, and there was a situation... I could see myself being more serious and using those techniques my father taught me. I don't think I'd go out of my way to kill someone. But in the moment it would be about... making sure people were safe first, and letting the chips fall where they may?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He then looks back at her, "Since if something is going down, you don't have time to really hesitate."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A breath, then he says, "But. I mean like a serious situation, if people were in danger of being killed or the like. I don't mean like if Chad gets a little drunk and takes a swing at me. I wouldn't really feel threatened by that. Does that make sense?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>Clarice's own expression appears a bit conflicted, her lips pressed together, considering what Alexander tells her. She nods her head mostly in agreement to what he tells her, even if not entirely sure on her own answers to it just yet. Or at least not definitive ones. She takes in a breath. "Yes, I understand. If those I care for were threatened ..., I am not entirely sure the lengths I'd go to keep them safe. Hesitation is a luxury we can't afford during those times." as if she'd be talking from experience. ".. Doesn't mean we shouldn't try to be better, right? Because what makes us different from those that threaten us if not answering in the same manner?" <br><br>Her musings spoken while she looks up at the sky, lips jerked to the side, "If Chad gets drunk and takes a swing at you hit him between the legs. It works wonders." again, she seems to talk by personal experience!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As she talks he nods along with her, agreeing with the words given, his eyes seeking hers near the end there when she seems to be speaking from her experience. But then he looks away as he takes a deep breath and gives a small shrug to her as if unsure as to his own answer in that situation. Or perhaps holding a different one.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But then she offers that hypothetical with the evil Chad and his smile broadens as he looks away. "What are you talking about? I figure if Chad comes at me you'll totally protect me." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He nods his head a few times, "I am a delicate beautiful flower that must be cultivated. If he gets past my pouty look then it's all on you to save me from a whuppin." His lips twist into a smile, wry as he looks back at her.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>With the topic shifting to evil Chad and ways to protect one another Clarice can't help but quirk a dubious brow at Alexander about being a delicate flower. She has seen him teach him a self-defense class! "Sure, I will kick them all where it counts I s'ppose." a soft laugh escaping her lips and she shaking her head at Alexander.<br><br>"Remember to do what you were teaching about during class though. Running away is always the best choice." She tells him but then jumps out of the bench, stretching her arms up, getting up on tiptoes.<br><br>She perhaps considers testing Alexander right now, that subtle shift of tension on her shoulders, eyeing him but then appears to decide against it, just shrugging. "Or lets just hope no Chads come by, mmm?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:488|Alexander Aaron (488)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a slight narrowing of his eyes as she hops down and sort of gives him a once over, and she'll see a sort of twitch to his smile as if on some level... soooome level he realized what she's doing. "You're right," He says, nodding slooowly as he looks to the side, then back at her.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I would totally not be afraid to run away from you." Again his head bobs as if in assurance that would be the best course of action.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But then he hops off the bench seat as well and lands in front of her, and for a moment his smile is a little playful. "You know..." He looks down at her lips for a moment, then back into her green eyes, his own hazel ones gleaming with a hint of wry amusement. "We could wander back to my home. I could take a shower, and you could hang out, by that time it'd be dinner time maybe you'd be hungry enough..."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He takes a step closer and lowers his voice subtly, "We could go get dinner together. If you'd like."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:598|Clarice Ferguson (598)}} has posed:'''<br>"Sounds like you are the type to take an hour in the shower then." Clarice teases when Alexander mentions she'd be hungry by the time he was done. But then she offers a nod. "Sure, let's go have dinner. Could be fun." she replies in agreement.<br> <br>
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