Meeting With the Mentor
((XS)) Library - Lv1
Vitreous plastic dust jackets gleam from their snug positions over an assortment of books, whilst older volumes left unprotected resemble multicolored alligator skins shuffled in tetragonal lines on rows and rows of oak shelving. A few marble headed busts lie around the room. Various elongated tables support coasters for the drinks that may be set there while couches and chairs with soft dark leathers and fabrics lie at odd angles around the room. Overhead, bright lighting (asides what is given by the large bay windows at one wall.) casts transparent gold light along the room, sent to bounce off various objects. A large ladder is set up on a railing system along the queued shelves, supplying the residents with many types of books.
"Jean!" Threads of exasperation wittling at any real force behind his chiding use of her name, Xavier can do little more than that - lest he risk passing under the mistletoe to persue her when she's likely to turn right around to take advantage of it. "I'm putting Henry in charge of decorations next near!"
Xavier's shoulders sag into a light sigh as he turns back away from the door, pacing further into the library only once he's sure that Jean really has made her exit. His walking stick clicking along at every third or fourth step, he simply stands between two shelves for a moment - his forehead wrinkling as he seeks to focus more intently upon a familiar mind within the school that's been absent for some time, now...
Tis the season for the bizarre! While one person leaves what should be a quiet library scene, another enters, although this person should be completely unexpected by all present. Sherlock Holmes pushes past the library doors with a magnifying glass over-enhancing one side of his face. "The game is afoot, Watson," he declares as he puts his nose almost to the ground, following clues that aren't even there. "I have followed the trail of the elusive Professor, and all points lead...." It's amazing how someone can walk forward while they're bent halfway over, but that's exactly what Sherlock is doing.
Xavier's first expression is one of relief upon seeing that Sherlock is bent too low to have noticed the mistletoe, but that relief shifts into bemused recognition quickly enough as he turns, Santa hat and all, setting his walking stick aside on a table before moving to meet the unlikely character currently investigating his way through his library. "Here, I'm afraid. It's wonderful to see you, Sydney."
As Sherlock stands upright, he meshes back into the natural form of Sydney Jones. A big, child-like smile adorns his face as he stares at Xavier, feeling awestruck at the very sight of him after so many years. "Professor..." He looks his aged mentor up and down, noting the fact that he's not in a wheelchair. "You really ARE walking! Jean said so, but, since I'm not a mind-reader, I didn't know if she was yanking my chain or not." He thinks for a moment, his expression becoming unsure. "Can I... touch you? Or will you fall over?"
"I can assure you that I will not...I have been walking for some time, after all. I have found some measure of balance and strength. In fact, I..." Hesitating as the hat edges a little further down over his brows, Xavier seems to realize that it's still there with a measure of surprise - reaching up quickly to sweep it off his head with a smile that borders on sheepish. "I apologize. Jean put that there. How have you been?"
With stability established, the first thing Sydney does is rush forward to give Xavier a hug. He's a 90s man, he cries when he has to, and he's certainly not afraid to fully embrace someone... Much to the chagrin of others. "Professor, I have missed you like a kid misses that gift-giving uncle who only visits during his birthday! How have I been? How have YOU been? You don't look a day over however old you were the last time I saw you! How old were you back then? Or should I ask how young?" Sydney, the master of the unknowingly insensitive question.
"Oof!" Not quite expecting that, Xavier manages not to stiffen up too much at being embraced - returning and then easing out of Sydney's grasp with a weak chuckle for the younger man's energy. "Old enough, I dare say...and I have missed you as well, /Mr. Jones/. It's always a pleasure to have graduates return from time to time. I like to keep tabs on how my past students are fairing out in the real world."
Sydney laughs at the 'Mister Jones'. "Yeah, I guess I'm not the little Flowerchild I used to be. Time catches up with all of us eventually." He rubs the back of his head sheepishly. "Oh, the real world's been pretty good to me. I've been on the road, doing what I love all this time. What about you? How's the Institute doing? I see business is booming as usual." He looks around the library for some vacant seats. "Would you like to sit down? Or do you have time? Everyone says you're busy as ever, so I'd understand if you had to get back to work or something..."
"Of course, of course...Make yourself comfortable, and so will I. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before some poor empath gets caught under the mistletoe that Jean has pinned up throughout the school and embarrasses himself along with any classmates within a fifty foot radius, but until then, I have time to spare." Turning to seat himself in the nearest leather armchair, Xavier gestures for Sydney to do the same once he's settled in a bit. "I'm glad to hear it - and the Institute is fairing well, all things considered. No major accidents...grade averages are on the rise..."
Sydney wastes no time sitting in a chair closest to Xavier, though afterwards he looks in the direction of the mistletoe. Hmmm, opportunity for later mischief, noted. "Good, good! Grades are good. And the fact that this place is getting a lot of students is good, too. Professor, I can't even tell you how glad I am that I went here. The things I've seen over these past seven years have really made me feel privileged." He rubs the back of his head. "It's also kinda made me realize that my parents are deadbeats living in a dreamworld, but what're ya gonna do?"
"Come now, Sydney. I would hardly describe them as 'deadbeats'. They raised you well enough while they had you, after all." Smiling to himself at that, Xavier twines his fingers into the santa hat in his lap. "And I'm sure they are proud of you now. I certainly am - and you have no idea how reassuring it is for me to hear that."
Sydney hehs. "Well, deadbeats, no, but they certainly have the wrong ideas about the cause and solution to the world's problems. And yeah, they're proud of me for being such a free spirit, although if they ever found out I'm celebrating Christmas, there'll be no end to the lecture." He grins as he looks down at the Santa Hat. "Now, Professor, why'd you go and take that off? It suits you! Makes you look quite jolly!" Then he shifts into a Santa Claus image. "Though not as jolly as me, ho ho ho!" If any children happen to run by, this would be quite a surprise for them.
Xavier chuckles once more, although the sound is a little more forced than it was before. God knows all he needs is for one of the younger students to stumble in upon Santa Claus turning into someone else entirely. "I'm afraid 'jolly' isn't the image I want to project, particularly when we have as many new students as we do. Perhaps...once Christmas draws a little nearer, I will relent."
Well thankfully, Sydney does revert back to himself before any wide-eyed scamp comes skipping into the library. "Actually, I'm glad I got here in time for the holidays! Think I could do a little Santa Claus come Christmas Time? Could be a treat for all the little kiddies... Although I wouldn't want to offend anyone who doesn't actually celebrate X-Mas." He rubs the back of his head again. "And I think a Channukah Harry impression would definitely be pushing it."
"I don't think it could hurt, really." Xavier submits after a moment or two of thought, his brows lifting as he looks back from the mistletoe to settle his gaze upon Sydney. "And if anyone is bothered, I'm sure you're more than capable of making a graceful exit."
Sydney nods eagerly at the Professor. "Hey, it's all acting, and that's what I'm good at!" His expression straightens for a moment. "But seriously, Professor X, I didn't just come to New York because I wanted to try my hand at Broadway. I saw a lot of things in the Americas alone that showed me I should be doing more with what I have. I'm no licensed teacher, or certified psychologist, but I would like to help out at the Institute if I could." He thinks for a moment. "I met your school's new doctor, Hank McCoy, and he told me there was a student or two with powers similar to mine that could use some encouragement?" His smile returns partly. "And you know I'm always good for a morale booster."
"I see." Xavier begins - his faint scowl thoughtful more than it is an indication of him being in an ill mood. "Well, you do have a point, and as things are, I am always looking to expand upon the classes we already offer...Perhaps, if there is interest enough, we might put together a small theater arts...'club' for you to take care of."
Sydney puts on his eager face, but mentally he's quite shy and uncertain about running something along those lines. "Well, we'll see, Professor. For now I might just hang around a bit--if that's okay with you, of course? I mean, I am going to do some auditioning, and if I get some parts, I don't want to be so unavailable that I can't take care of something like a club or a class."
"Well, there certainly isn't any rush." Xavier smooths over his own enthusiasm easily, his faint scowl replaced by a vague smile within a minute or two. "You are welcome to visit the school as often as you like, Sydney. I understand that you might find yourself otherwise occupied, and leave it in your hands to decide when or if you would like to put a formal group together."
Sydney feels more at ease with Xavier's current response, and his full smile returns. "Maybe I can research some easier pieces and put together some short plays with the students later on. I mostly only know Shakespeare and the rest of the classics, and I still don't feel worthy enough to try and direct one of them." Seems Sydney's confidence has been waning as of late, but there's far too many reasons to go over right now. "Say, Professor.... About your walking..." He looks around to make sure no one's visibly eavesdropping. "I'd understand if you didn't want to talk about it publicly, but Jean gave me the impression that it came under rather dubious means. She also made it sound like there'd be quite a bit I'd need to be filled in on if I'm to have anything to do with the Xavier Institute at all. Is your school in some sort of trouble?"
"Ah...heh. Well. I suppose 'dubious' is an accurate means by which to describe it...It involved a mutant who I really wish I had never gotten involved with. Unfortunately, I didn't have much of a choice in the matter initially." Sighing, Xavier allows his cool gaze to slide off to the side - briefly lost in his own thoughts before he manages to catch himself. "For now, l'm afraid I would rather leave it as a long story to be discussed some other time...Perhaps after the holidays. You can also rest assured in the knowledge that the school is not in any immediate danger."
Sydney nods twice slowly, deciding not to press the issue. "Okay. Well, just don't keep me in the dark for too long, Professor. If anything's wrong, I'd definitely like to help." Suddenly he looks around the room, then at his own wrist, mentally cursing the fact that he doesn't wear a watch. "Do you know what time it is? I need to go! I met this homeless Mutant in Central Park and said I'd try to meet her again to help her out."
Xavier doesn't, but an instant later, he's able to give the answer nonetheless. Fortunately, there are clocks throughout the school - and people paying attention to them. "It's approximately...2:18, actually. And this is something that occurred long enough ago that it doesn't immediately effect anyone here at the school, Sydney. There is no cause for worry - but if you're going, do make an effort to be careful."
Sydney rises from his seat almost in a jump, and immediately his outfit shifts from comfortable indoor wear to more suitable outdoor winter apparel. "Right! Gotta go, then!" He rushes four steps away, stops, then turns and steps back close to Xavier. "You know, my parents may have planted the seeds of peaceful thinking in my mind, but you're the one who really nurtured it, Professor. I've seen so many Mutants misuse their powers, simply because they didn't have someone to teach them when and how to use them." Like that boy in the mall... He could just kick himself for not getting his name. "What you do here is so important... You probably hear that all the time, though. But if I didn't get to say it at least once, I'd feel like such an ingrate. So thank you, Professor Xavier. That's what this needless, dramatic rant is widdling down to. I don't think there's anyone in the world who deserves thanks more than you, at least as it pertains to what's done to help Mutants cope with what they are." There's more to Sydney's speech than meets the eye, but he hasn't the time to explain it.
Xavier pushes himself up out of his chair once Sydney has finished, unable to suppress a more genuine smile at the various compliments he's been paid. "I don't get told as often as you might think, and I cannot immediately express how wonderful it is to see and hear that one of my former students has grown up to be such a capable adult after being taught here." Offering a hand - perhaps to avoid another hug, if he thinks one might be coming - Xavier simply continues to smile. "I also wish you the best of luck with your auditions. If you find that you cannot stop by as often as you would like, please make an effort to keep in touch."
Fortunately for Xavier, when Syd's in a hurry he opts for the handshake rather than the full hug. "Hey, if there's anyone who's left this school and didn't take your teachings with them, it's their loss, not yours." He reaches into the pocket of his pants and pulls out a little business card with his name, address and other contact information on it. "Here's where I'm living from now on. I just got the phone turned on, so if you give me a call I'll be able to reach it, or my voice mail will pick it up. I hope I can catch you again like this, Professor! It's been great talking with you!" And he's off!
Vitreous plastic dust jackets gleam from their snug positions over an assortment of books, whilst older volumes left unprotected resemble multicolored alligator skins shuffled in tetragonal lines on rows and rows of oak shelving. A few marble headed busts lie around the room. Various elongated tables support coasters for the drinks that may be set there while couches and chairs with soft dark leathers and fabrics lie at odd angles around the room. Overhead, bright lighting (asides what is given by the large bay windows at one wall.) casts transparent gold light along the room, sent to bounce off various objects. A large ladder is set up on a railing system along the queued shelves, supplying the residents with many types of books.
"Jean!" Threads of exasperation wittling at any real force behind his chiding use of her name, Xavier can do little more than that - lest he risk passing under the mistletoe to persue her when she's likely to turn right around to take advantage of it. "I'm putting Henry in charge of decorations next near!"
Xavier's shoulders sag into a light sigh as he turns back away from the door, pacing further into the library only once he's sure that Jean really has made her exit. His walking stick clicking along at every third or fourth step, he simply stands between two shelves for a moment - his forehead wrinkling as he seeks to focus more intently upon a familiar mind within the school that's been absent for some time, now...
Tis the season for the bizarre! While one person leaves what should be a quiet library scene, another enters, although this person should be completely unexpected by all present. Sherlock Holmes pushes past the library doors with a magnifying glass over-enhancing one side of his face. "The game is afoot, Watson," he declares as he puts his nose almost to the ground, following clues that aren't even there. "I have followed the trail of the elusive Professor, and all points lead...." It's amazing how someone can walk forward while they're bent halfway over, but that's exactly what Sherlock is doing.
Xavier's first expression is one of relief upon seeing that Sherlock is bent too low to have noticed the mistletoe, but that relief shifts into bemused recognition quickly enough as he turns, Santa hat and all, setting his walking stick aside on a table before moving to meet the unlikely character currently investigating his way through his library. "Here, I'm afraid. It's wonderful to see you, Sydney."
As Sherlock stands upright, he meshes back into the natural form of Sydney Jones. A big, child-like smile adorns his face as he stares at Xavier, feeling awestruck at the very sight of him after so many years. "Professor..." He looks his aged mentor up and down, noting the fact that he's not in a wheelchair. "You really ARE walking! Jean said so, but, since I'm not a mind-reader, I didn't know if she was yanking my chain or not." He thinks for a moment, his expression becoming unsure. "Can I... touch you? Or will you fall over?"
"I can assure you that I will not...I have been walking for some time, after all. I have found some measure of balance and strength. In fact, I..." Hesitating as the hat edges a little further down over his brows, Xavier seems to realize that it's still there with a measure of surprise - reaching up quickly to sweep it off his head with a smile that borders on sheepish. "I apologize. Jean put that there. How have you been?"
With stability established, the first thing Sydney does is rush forward to give Xavier a hug. He's a 90s man, he cries when he has to, and he's certainly not afraid to fully embrace someone... Much to the chagrin of others. "Professor, I have missed you like a kid misses that gift-giving uncle who only visits during his birthday! How have I been? How have YOU been? You don't look a day over however old you were the last time I saw you! How old were you back then? Or should I ask how young?" Sydney, the master of the unknowingly insensitive question.
"Oof!" Not quite expecting that, Xavier manages not to stiffen up too much at being embraced - returning and then easing out of Sydney's grasp with a weak chuckle for the younger man's energy. "Old enough, I dare say...and I have missed you as well, /Mr. Jones/. It's always a pleasure to have graduates return from time to time. I like to keep tabs on how my past students are fairing out in the real world."
Sydney laughs at the 'Mister Jones'. "Yeah, I guess I'm not the little Flowerchild I used to be. Time catches up with all of us eventually." He rubs the back of his head sheepishly. "Oh, the real world's been pretty good to me. I've been on the road, doing what I love all this time. What about you? How's the Institute doing? I see business is booming as usual." He looks around the library for some vacant seats. "Would you like to sit down? Or do you have time? Everyone says you're busy as ever, so I'd understand if you had to get back to work or something..."
"Of course, of course...Make yourself comfortable, and so will I. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before some poor empath gets caught under the mistletoe that Jean has pinned up throughout the school and embarrasses himself along with any classmates within a fifty foot radius, but until then, I have time to spare." Turning to seat himself in the nearest leather armchair, Xavier gestures for Sydney to do the same once he's settled in a bit. "I'm glad to hear it - and the Institute is fairing well, all things considered. No major accidents...grade averages are on the rise..."
Sydney wastes no time sitting in a chair closest to Xavier, though afterwards he looks in the direction of the mistletoe. Hmmm, opportunity for later mischief, noted. "Good, good! Grades are good. And the fact that this place is getting a lot of students is good, too. Professor, I can't even tell you how glad I am that I went here. The things I've seen over these past seven years have really made me feel privileged." He rubs the back of his head. "It's also kinda made me realize that my parents are deadbeats living in a dreamworld, but what're ya gonna do?"
"Come now, Sydney. I would hardly describe them as 'deadbeats'. They raised you well enough while they had you, after all." Smiling to himself at that, Xavier twines his fingers into the santa hat in his lap. "And I'm sure they are proud of you now. I certainly am - and you have no idea how reassuring it is for me to hear that."
Sydney hehs. "Well, deadbeats, no, but they certainly have the wrong ideas about the cause and solution to the world's problems. And yeah, they're proud of me for being such a free spirit, although if they ever found out I'm celebrating Christmas, there'll be no end to the lecture." He grins as he looks down at the Santa Hat. "Now, Professor, why'd you go and take that off? It suits you! Makes you look quite jolly!" Then he shifts into a Santa Claus image. "Though not as jolly as me, ho ho ho!" If any children happen to run by, this would be quite a surprise for them.
Xavier chuckles once more, although the sound is a little more forced than it was before. God knows all he needs is for one of the younger students to stumble in upon Santa Claus turning into someone else entirely. "I'm afraid 'jolly' isn't the image I want to project, particularly when we have as many new students as we do. Perhaps...once Christmas draws a little nearer, I will relent."
Well thankfully, Sydney does revert back to himself before any wide-eyed scamp comes skipping into the library. "Actually, I'm glad I got here in time for the holidays! Think I could do a little Santa Claus come Christmas Time? Could be a treat for all the little kiddies... Although I wouldn't want to offend anyone who doesn't actually celebrate X-Mas." He rubs the back of his head again. "And I think a Channukah Harry impression would definitely be pushing it."
"I don't think it could hurt, really." Xavier submits after a moment or two of thought, his brows lifting as he looks back from the mistletoe to settle his gaze upon Sydney. "And if anyone is bothered, I'm sure you're more than capable of making a graceful exit."
Sydney nods eagerly at the Professor. "Hey, it's all acting, and that's what I'm good at!" His expression straightens for a moment. "But seriously, Professor X, I didn't just come to New York because I wanted to try my hand at Broadway. I saw a lot of things in the Americas alone that showed me I should be doing more with what I have. I'm no licensed teacher, or certified psychologist, but I would like to help out at the Institute if I could." He thinks for a moment. "I met your school's new doctor, Hank McCoy, and he told me there was a student or two with powers similar to mine that could use some encouragement?" His smile returns partly. "And you know I'm always good for a morale booster."
"I see." Xavier begins - his faint scowl thoughtful more than it is an indication of him being in an ill mood. "Well, you do have a point, and as things are, I am always looking to expand upon the classes we already offer...Perhaps, if there is interest enough, we might put together a small theater arts...'club' for you to take care of."
Sydney puts on his eager face, but mentally he's quite shy and uncertain about running something along those lines. "Well, we'll see, Professor. For now I might just hang around a bit--if that's okay with you, of course? I mean, I am going to do some auditioning, and if I get some parts, I don't want to be so unavailable that I can't take care of something like a club or a class."
"Well, there certainly isn't any rush." Xavier smooths over his own enthusiasm easily, his faint scowl replaced by a vague smile within a minute or two. "You are welcome to visit the school as often as you like, Sydney. I understand that you might find yourself otherwise occupied, and leave it in your hands to decide when or if you would like to put a formal group together."
Sydney feels more at ease with Xavier's current response, and his full smile returns. "Maybe I can research some easier pieces and put together some short plays with the students later on. I mostly only know Shakespeare and the rest of the classics, and I still don't feel worthy enough to try and direct one of them." Seems Sydney's confidence has been waning as of late, but there's far too many reasons to go over right now. "Say, Professor.... About your walking..." He looks around to make sure no one's visibly eavesdropping. "I'd understand if you didn't want to talk about it publicly, but Jean gave me the impression that it came under rather dubious means. She also made it sound like there'd be quite a bit I'd need to be filled in on if I'm to have anything to do with the Xavier Institute at all. Is your school in some sort of trouble?"
"Ah...heh. Well. I suppose 'dubious' is an accurate means by which to describe it...It involved a mutant who I really wish I had never gotten involved with. Unfortunately, I didn't have much of a choice in the matter initially." Sighing, Xavier allows his cool gaze to slide off to the side - briefly lost in his own thoughts before he manages to catch himself. "For now, l'm afraid I would rather leave it as a long story to be discussed some other time...Perhaps after the holidays. You can also rest assured in the knowledge that the school is not in any immediate danger."
Sydney nods twice slowly, deciding not to press the issue. "Okay. Well, just don't keep me in the dark for too long, Professor. If anything's wrong, I'd definitely like to help." Suddenly he looks around the room, then at his own wrist, mentally cursing the fact that he doesn't wear a watch. "Do you know what time it is? I need to go! I met this homeless Mutant in Central Park and said I'd try to meet her again to help her out."
Xavier doesn't, but an instant later, he's able to give the answer nonetheless. Fortunately, there are clocks throughout the school - and people paying attention to them. "It's approximately...2:18, actually. And this is something that occurred long enough ago that it doesn't immediately effect anyone here at the school, Sydney. There is no cause for worry - but if you're going, do make an effort to be careful."
Sydney rises from his seat almost in a jump, and immediately his outfit shifts from comfortable indoor wear to more suitable outdoor winter apparel. "Right! Gotta go, then!" He rushes four steps away, stops, then turns and steps back close to Xavier. "You know, my parents may have planted the seeds of peaceful thinking in my mind, but you're the one who really nurtured it, Professor. I've seen so many Mutants misuse their powers, simply because they didn't have someone to teach them when and how to use them." Like that boy in the mall... He could just kick himself for not getting his name. "What you do here is so important... You probably hear that all the time, though. But if I didn't get to say it at least once, I'd feel like such an ingrate. So thank you, Professor Xavier. That's what this needless, dramatic rant is widdling down to. I don't think there's anyone in the world who deserves thanks more than you, at least as it pertains to what's done to help Mutants cope with what they are." There's more to Sydney's speech than meets the eye, but he hasn't the time to explain it.
Xavier pushes himself up out of his chair once Sydney has finished, unable to suppress a more genuine smile at the various compliments he's been paid. "I don't get told as often as you might think, and I cannot immediately express how wonderful it is to see and hear that one of my former students has grown up to be such a capable adult after being taught here." Offering a hand - perhaps to avoid another hug, if he thinks one might be coming - Xavier simply continues to smile. "I also wish you the best of luck with your auditions. If you find that you cannot stop by as often as you would like, please make an effort to keep in touch."
Fortunately for Xavier, when Syd's in a hurry he opts for the handshake rather than the full hug. "Hey, if there's anyone who's left this school and didn't take your teachings with them, it's their loss, not yours." He reaches into the pocket of his pants and pulls out a little business card with his name, address and other contact information on it. "Here's where I'm living from now on. I just got the phone turned on, so if you give me a call I'll be able to reach it, or my voice mail will pick it up. I hope I can catch you again like this, Professor! It's been great talking with you!" And he's off!