Interesting...
Well, a few new things have happened lately. Had a few very interesting chats with Noren the last few days, and it has been concluded that we both like each other. Now, I'm still confused as to if that qualifies as 'dating' or things like that or if we're just a little more than friends. Then again, I'm really confused about a lot of things lately...
First, it all started with a chat we had with Sophie in the rec room the other day, which ended with Sophie using telepathic powers (which I just realized she had the other day) to ask Noren to stop running away from me. So Noren apologized and asked to talk to her the following day...
And so yesterday, I met her in the library later in the day and had a nice, long chat about some things. Again, it was very...interesting. Although I'm still trying to convince Noren to stop seeing her powers as a curse! It's so frustrating...I know things haven't been great for her, but while my own x-ray vision isn't exactly a blessing, I don't despise having it--and my x-ray vision is what may still turn out to be the instigator of my mother's leukemia! Bah.
So, yeah. Interesting is the word of the day. Have fun! I better get going...back to sleep. Just had those things on my mind. o_O
<> Recreation Room - Lv1
It's big. That much is beyond all shadow of a doubt. Designed for any number of people to relax in here, big windows, reaching all the way to the high ceiling, brighten the room, making it warm and inviting. Several couches are present here dotted all over the room, including two facing a large TV set, along with an armchair or two for individuals. Occasionally there are low tables, arranged with accompanying furniture. Against walls are tall green leafed plants. Fake or not? It's hard to tell. Exits leading away from here lead to either the great hall or the hallway, or even the classroom.
[Exits : [H]allway, [C]lassroom and [A]rboretum, and [G]reat [H]all ]
[Players : Rogue, and Norenvalei ]
The tv on a pool match on espn2, just cut to commercial. Noren is sitting in a recliner curled up in the seat, watching.
Rogue looks like, well, crap, essentially, being in the early stages of the flu. She's curled up in a chair under a blanket, her head on a pillow, watching TV, just here to visit.
Quark enters the recreation room with a slight yawn; apparently the combination of stress and late-night studying might actually be bothering him. Nevertheless, he still carries a Chemistry textbook in his hand, as if the idea of studying -while- talking to friends instead of doing both at different times might help him save some time. He spots Noren and hesitates only slightly, grinning sheepishly and looking for a seat to rest in. He mentally shrugs, however, and heads over to her, sitting down on the couch next to her. He sees another girl, too, but he doesn't really know who she is and says, "Hello..."
Norenvalei looks over at Quark and waves, "Bon jour, Chris. Looking to study some more today?" She tries to play it off casually, but her heart jumps a little. She smiles a little, her attention seeming to be on the tv, while focused towards Quark. The film of air around her reaches the upper limits of her power and virtually throbs at 70ish degrees fahrenheit as though trying to go higher, but unable to.
Rogue turns slightly as she hears Quark enter, and nods. He must go to the school, fine by her. She just sits and watches the TV, offering a pleasent nod towards Quark.
Quark gives in to his curiosity and turns towards Rogue with a smile, greeting politely, "Hi, I'm Chris Parker. Or Quark, if you prefer. I don't think we've met before...if I may be bold enough to ask, what is your name?" He tries to flash one of those award-winning smiles, but probably fails. He's not award-winning smile quality. Well, not really...Anyway, he arches an eyebrow at Noren and wonders why she's been acting so funny lately. He wouldn't know she's been acting funny if the temperature didn't suddenly keep changing whenever he showed up...he sighs and reclines in the couch, opening his chem book as he idly wonders what's up with Noren. Could she like him, too....?....Nah, probably not. "Oh, I'm just doing some light reading," he jokes.
Norenvalei ohs and nods, focusing more fully on the TV, or at least, trying to. "Where is Windsor in Ontario?"
Rogue shrugs. "Dunno, ask Logan," she offers, before the pallid woman turns to look at Quark. "Rogue," is offered simply, only name she uses any more.
Quark smiles, wondering if Rogue is always like this or she's just not feeling well. Trying to inspire some actual conversation, he replies sweetly, "That's a nice name, Rogue. I like it." He also smiles at the question about Canada and says, "You know, I've never really been to Canada before. Once or twice when I was little, maybe, but nothing big. It's funny...quite a few people at the school here are from or know a lot about Canada. Maybe we should have a road trip or something just so I can get in on all the inside jokes," he laughs.
Norenvalei twitches, the thin film of air gracing the surface of her skin shifting in temp before steadying back off again. Heal, girl, don't even know if he likes you, just curb the jealousy a bit. He can't help it if he's a flake and doesn't know when to speak up. "Sounds like fun, if we head out 167 far enough past Mistissinni, might could show you where I grew up at. Though, I don't know if the customs agents would let some of us through."
Rogue chuckles. "Thank you, I like it," she gives, of course she likes it, she picked up. "I've been there, once," she offers. "Dead of winter, right around Christmas, I didn't stay long," is given with a shrug by the young woman as she remains curled up underneath the blanket. "Though a road trip would be fun..."
Quark laughs at Noren, replying, "Well, you're right there. All those physical mutations might be a little...unsettling....for those customs people," he chuckles. Still, he's slightly confused as to -why- Noren keeps acting weird! Her body language keeps changing every time he shows up. Hmm...maybe she really -does- like him? He doesn't want to seem hopeful, but maybe he should ask her about it some time.
Norenvalei chuckles a little, "I remember when I came through on the path to New York City. The customs agent let me through, but then he commented about 'not wanting my (your) kind there (here) in any case'. Though, I imagine that our professors have ways around customs agents and to get things done. I mean, take Dr. Grey for instance. She can read thoughts at a whim."
Rogue nods. "If Jean so chooses too..." Rogue offers quietly, letting the two converse as she 'watches' the billiards game.
Norenvalei changes the channel again, to avoid listening to stupid people. well, sportscasters anyhow. She flips it onto TNT in time for Law & Order to come on.
Quark nods and replies with a grin, "Jean has a way of getting around just about anything. At Lennox she helped get my mother out of Dr. Bradford's medical 'care'. If you know anything about the man, he's the biggest mutant hater the hospital has to offer. Even though he's somehow extremely popular there...I guess that's where money comes in," he sighs. "Still, you're right. There are quite a few mutant teachers here at the school that have extremely useful powers. I suppose -I- could just teleport past customs, if I wanted," he jokes.
Rogue eyes Noren, but it was sports, and they where just gonna get to hockey, right? Well, of course! But, then, this is the US and not Canada, things are a tad bit differant here, right... So so Rogue, hockey fan, Logan's fault (yes, it is...)
Norenvalei chuckles at Quark's idea. "Never heard of a Dr. Bradford, Chris, sorry." Norenvalei misses Rogue's look, having already flipped the channel and not paying much attention to everything else, more focused on controlling her own reactions.
Rogue falls asleep, dozing off... in her chair, you, buhbye, night night... shh.... don't wake up the dozing little Rogue.... all curled up in her chair with a blanket pulled up to her chin.
Quark turns to Rogue to ask her something, but stops when he realizes she's fallen asleep. Oh well...hey, now's a good time to talk to Noren in private! Being quite so as not to wake Rogue, he asks her quietly and sincerely, "What's up with you, Noren? Really. I don't mean whether or not school's going fine...I want to know why you've been acting...strange...lately. If I'm allowed to ask," he adds concernedly. Well, at least he's to-the-point. Sighing, he adds in an attempt to clarify himself, "Every time I've walked into the room in the last few days, your body language changes. Did I say or do something that offended you, or are you just not comfortable around me?" It's funny, but he's sincerely worried that he's somehow done something to harm their relationship, not help it. Poor Quark...clueless sometimes, really.
Norenvalei blinks, but shakes her head, and blushes a little, "No, you haven't done anything to offend? me." Ok...what to do, what to do...ah yes, turn the question back at him. "What do you mean by my 'body language' changing?"
Quark blinks himself, quite confused. But she had to be offended at him, hence the body language. She's not lying even now, is she? Bah. "First off, the temperature change is a good sign something's wrong. But from a non-mutant perspective, you keep looking at me out of the corner of your eyes like you're afraid of me, you subconsciously slide away, and you can't talk straight. I don't mind that you're hiding something from me, as long as you're willing to tell me what it is about me that bothers you!" Again, way off. Quite sad that, while he's usually good at this whole empathy thing, he's aiming at the wrong direction from similar observations. You'd think someone with his eye for detail would make the write conclusion...but unfortunately for him, life is usually quite more complex than science labs. Sigh.
Sophie wheels herself into the recroom, intending to watch one of her favorite TV shows, but she is happy to see Quark and Noren there too, though as she picks up their vibrations she shows a puzzled frown. "Hi?"
Norenvalei looks up at Quark, "Chris? Nothing about you bothers me." Under her breath is added the 'not in a bad way.' "What do you mean about temperature changes, though? How has it been changing?" She sees Sophie and promptly changes the subject, /very/ glad to see her. In fact, excited about it. Sophe just saved her from a conversation that she didn't want to have at the moment, cause she isn't sure what's going on with her, herself. She waves from her curled up spot in the recliner, with Law & Order clicking into commercial, 'Hi, Sophe! GREAT to see you!'
Quark hears Noren mumble, but can't hear what it is. So he assumes she's complaining about him...great. Shrugging, he replies, "Like on the roof the other night, for example, when I came up to think and you were sleeping there. You were mumbling and I thought you were in distress, and when I came by to ask if you were alright, it was 70 degrees fareinheit anywhere within a yard of you. And everytime I'm sitting by you, it gets slightly hotter in the room. You told me yourself you only make things warmer when you're angry, so don't tell me it's nothing." Although now he's slightly confused...she -did- say hotter meant bad feelings, right?...Right?? He turns to Sophie with a puzzled smile on his face, due to being glad to see her but confused as to what's going on in the conversation. He signs with a slightly better, more Quark-like grin, "Hello Sophie!"
Sophie looks back and forth from one to the other, then signs, "Have I interrupted something?"
Norenvalei shakes her head, fingerspelling (signing what she can) out, "no, not at all. Chris is just saying that at some point in time I told him that I make it warmer when I get angry, but that's not right. If it was, the guy that was accosting Chindi wouldn't have been frozen through in that alley in Clinton. The air around me gets warmer when I'm happy or content or in a /really/ good mood. And... and..." Her mouth and fingers pause as she realizes she was talking the entire time as she was signing. "I'm... a... yes... right... to my room... yes..." She stutters the last out in french as she stands and walks out. She doesn't say a word towards Quark or Sophie as she heads out.
Quark blinks, explaining to Sophie at the same time as Noren, "Nothing's wrong. I'm just very confused." And then he stops and blinks some more as Noren starts talking and explaining for herself. The funny thing there is that he, too, knows sign language; even if she hadn't spoken it, he knew what she was saying. Apparently she forgot he knows some of that, now...? He's most confused about the whole getting warmer when happy thing...It just doesn't make sense. And then *snap* it does, and Quark goes beet red in embarassment. Oh...oh dear. Whoops. So she isn't angry at him. Quite the opposite, in fact...oh boy. He blinks again as Noren runs off and turns towards her and pleads, "No, wait Noren, don't go...! I'm...sorry." He's a little tongue-tied at the minute, however. You know, the whole discovery that she actually likes him instead of hating him is obviously quite shocking to him...poor Quark.
Sophie decides to apply her newly learned Mutant Ethics skills to this situation. Concentrating hard, like she has been taught, she reaches out telepathically to Noren. <> Unconsciously she is signing at the same time, though she also has a very odd expression on her face, comprised of equal parts determination, resignation and a strange sadness.
Norenvalei sighs and mumbles to herself, having already gotten to the elevator. And now she has to wait on it to go back down and thinking to herself, and thinking it rather loudly, -+WHY IS THERE AN EXTRA VOICE IN MY HEAD?+- Nevermind the process of the pictures flying through her head as the English is translated to French so that she can understand it, and then her French translated back to English...A thought hits her for half a moment, -+SOPHE?+- The thought makes perfect sense to her. Sophe was the only other person in there with her and Chris. Though...I never knew she could do that...Cool
Quark sighs and decides to rest down on the couch and read his chemistry book. Actually, he's hoping the book will hide his extremely red face. He glances over the book cover to glance at Sophie, however, as he realizes she's signing to Noren. Even though Noren isn't even in the room right now...Weird. He's even more confused when he observes Sophie's face, as if she's trying to concentrate on something. Asking in slight concern, "Sophie...? You alright?" Apparently he's never seen Sophie do her mind thing yet either.
Sophie waves to Quark, showing she's listening to him. But she's still got her focus on somebody else. . . Noren. She smiles a little sheepishly. <> To Quark, she signs hurriedly "It's new." New?? What's new? Apparently she's talking about this facet of her telepathy.
Norenvalei is meanwhile leaning back against the wall of the elevator thinking to herself and whoever's listening, -+Drat it all, he ne was pas supposed to figure it out, and then I just came right out and told him.=-=What am I going to do now? I didn't know my own curse would tell on me. Stupid stupid curse. I hate it. I hate it. I hate it.+- She hits her palms against the side of it, fairly sure that life as she'd known it is over.
Quark nods slowly, as if that answered his question. And then he blinks, catching what she actually said. "Wait...what's new?" he signs to her, hoping she'll actually be looking in his direction when he signs. Looking around the room, he adds, "Who are you looking for?"
Sophie is looking at Quark, and she manages to hold a conversation with him, though she seems fairly abstracted. "IT's Noren. I'm trying to get her to come back. With my powers. The telepathy is better. . . I can talk to my friends in their head, if they'll let me." Then she closes her eyes and concentrates. <>
Norenvalei growls, and leaves the elevator, coming back into the Rec Room. She pauses, blushing a bit at the sight of Chris again, then continues to Sophe, and taps her arm with her left hand. "Yes? What are we to talk about, Sophe?" She signs it, but doesn't say it, turning her back towards Chris so he can't see what she's signing.
Quark blinks even more, quite thoroughly shocked. "Telepathy? I don't think you ever told me you could talk to people mentally..." And then he cuts himself off and sticks the book back in front of his face as he becomes embarassed, too when Noren enters the room again. Apparently Sophie has succeeded? After a minute when Noren is facing the other way, he lowers the book and manages quietly, "I'm sorry, Noren." Maybe that will help...
Sophie nods to Quark. "I can't. Or, at least, I couldn't. Now I can, but only the people who are really good friends of mine, and who are open to it." There's a lot she doesn't know about this yet. "I don't like using it unless I have to." Then, she turns to Noren, looking up at her earnestly, signing. "Noren, you *have* to tell him how you feel. He thinks you hate him, and he *likes* you. Don't throw it away."
Norenvalei sighs and shakes her head, 'Sophe... I.. can't... I don't even know how I feel. How can I tell him something I don't even know. Yeah, he's cute, and charming, and so clueless sometimes that it's absolutely adorable, and brave, and very... right.' -+Nevermind that he's been invading my dreams left and right for the past week.+- She pauses and blinks... 'Hold up... You mean that /he/ likes me... like, likes me likes me?' She turns her head and looks over her shoulder at Chris, blushing a bit. "It... It's Okay, Chris." She turns her head back and looks at Sophe, 'What makes you so sure?'
Sophie smiles to Noren before flashing a quick grin at Quark. "It's the vibrations." That explains it all. She turns back to Noren, with an exasperated look on her face. "This isn't Romance To Last Through Time, Noren. Ask him out. Go ice skating, or to a movie or something. Tell him he's cute and that you're interested, because *that's* true at least, right?"
Norenvalei blushes from head to toe. Norenvalei sighs, "Ok, yes, it is true. I do like him, ok? As if my curse hadn't given it away."
<> 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.
[Exits : [M]ain [C]omputer [R]oom, [X]avier's [O]ffice, and [G]reat [H]all ]
[Players : Norenvalei ]
Norenvalei is sitting in her usual perch. Though not very focused on anything in particular. The book in her hands, seems like it could be collecting dust as she fails to turn the page, not even reading it, but thinking about something else altogether. She blushes every now and then at a thought and tries to cover it with a smile and playing with her hair.
Quark enters the library, looking specifically for his friend Noren. He also wears an unusually perplexed look, as if he's partially embarassed and partially pleased. Last night's conversation was quite embarassing, but today's is most likely to be even more awkward. He walks up to Noren from the side and stops a few feet away, a sheepish grin on his face. He waves awkwardly and asks, "Umm...you said you wanted to see me?"
Norenvalei blushes a little, and then realizes she hasn't been reading her book. "Well, yesterday was... awkward? different? interesting? One of those words, I think. But I thought you might want to talk, and frankly, I was so... 'caught by surprise'? yesterday that thinking wasn't working very well, and I thought you might want to talk today." She seems to somehow rattle the words out a bit more quickly than usual, and as a result can feel the beginnings of a headache from thinking too hard.
Quark nods enthusiastically, sitting across the table from Noren. "Yes, I would like that very much." He hesitates as he thinks of what he'd like to say first, and then finally begins, "First, I want to apologize for yesterday. I know it wasn't all my fault, but I still shouldn't have accused you of hating me. I completely read your emotions wrong...it happens, but it must have been very awkward and stupid of me." He pauses again and adds, "Second, I like you a lot. I mean, 'like you' like you. I just didn't say anything because I thought you didn't feel the same. Which, as I realized last night, wasn't entirely true..." He stops there with an embarassed cough, finishing with a simple, "There. That's what I wanted to say."
Norenvalei seems to be turn more red with every word Chris says. The film of air around her is fluctuating wildly, before finally shattering her control of it and flaring to try and heat the full extent of its power. Fortunately, being inside, in a well heated mansion, when her curse reaches out to shift the temp to 70ish fahrenheit and try to raise it higher, beyond its ability, the shifting barely noticable... If you know what you're looking for. She finally nods, before replying, "Ye... yes. I.. I... feel... the same... way"
Norenvalei blinks and adds to that, "I think..."
Quark smiles embarassedly, and shakes his head with a sigh and what might almost be a chuckle. "Don't worry about it, Noren. If you don't feel comfortable saying anything, you don't have to. I don't want to force you to respond if you don't want to do so." Pausing awkwardly, he adds, "I do appreciate it, though. If you...mean it?" That's more a question than a comment, however, as he's not sure what she means by "I think." And no, he didn't catch that temp change. Not that he would make such a correlation anyway, as it wouldn't have felt like a big change to him.
Norenvalei nods. "Want to go do anything? I'll have to be careful of my hand until it's healed, but..."
Quark blinks and brightens up considerably, some of the embarassment disappearing. As long as she feels comfortable..."Yes, I would really like that myself. If you want to, that is. I mean, if you still want to do stuff. I mean, date-stuff, not physical--I mean--" he blinks and facepalms, embarassed feelings back again. Whoops...take a chill pill, boy. Coughing slightly, he asks simply, "Umm...what exactly did you have in mind?"
Norenvalei shrugs, "Well, Mickie /is/ getting married this weekend."
Quark smiles weakly, still trying to act much less embarassed. "That's very cool." He pauses and adds, "I don't think I've met that person before. Is Mickie a friend of yours? If you want to go, we could. I always like meeting new people." He smiles, and then blinks and grimaces. "I mean, not the kind of 'new people' that implies I'm not interested in you, because I am! I mean...oh hell," he mutters under his breath with a sigh and a roll of his eyes. Appparently he can't do -anything- right today...
Norenvalei giggles.
Quark sighs and shakes his head, chuckling again. "I'm sorry. I guess I'm just not sure what I'm supposed to do in a relationship like this. Typically, I just try to make everyone my friend." Leaning back with another sigh, he ponders for a moment and adds as he rolls his eyes, "Actually, I don't think I've ever tried to have a personal relationship with someone I'm not related to. Not like this...not with...dating." He hesitates only slightly at that word now, because he's not trying to rush this too much. He sits and thinks in quiet for a minute and then looks back up at Noren, chuckling yet again and apologizing, "Nevermind that, this isn't all about me. Go ahead, tell me. Who is this Mickie person? And those other people you were talking about the other night, when you were discussing those plans with Sophie about Toad?" He frowns and tilts his head, adding questioningly, "Which reminds me...what did the Professor say about said 'plans'?"
Norenvalei chuckles a little, but nods, "The others, well...Just people that I know. As for the plans, they were shot down pretty easily. The Professor gave me the virtually impossible task of having to come up with a foolproof plan that would end with no one getting hurt. Though, I think I'm glad it was shot down. I don't want to kill someone, as much as I do think I want to hurt Toad. But it's only hurt now, not so much kill." She shrugs, "Mickie is a good 'normal' friend of mine. She helped me after that... incident... that precipitated my arrival here. She runs a book store slash coffee shop in town named the 'Nest Egg'. I think it was her talking to the police that got them to accept that what I did, I did in self defense... and that I wasn't entirely myself at the time either." She smiles, hopping down from the ladder and moving to sit at the table across from Quark.
Quark nods, and laughs at the explanation. "Yes, that definitely sounds like something Professor Xavier would suggest. Now that you mention it, though, I suppose Sophie feels the same way. Well, she does want revenge on Toad, but I think deep down, she knows trying to kill him would bring about nasty repercussions. He brightens up even more at the mention of the Nest Egg book store and replies, "Really? I've never met her, but I really like that shop. I've been there a few times...the coffee and obviously the books are very good. She sounds like a good person," he smiles. And he smiles again when Noren decides to sit next to him; makes for easier conversation, really.
Norenvalei noddles, "Yes, she is a great person."
Quark smiles and reclines in his comfortable chair. Still, he arches an amused eyebrow at Noren...he was hoping for a little longer explanation. Oh well. "So, do you visit the Nest Egg often? Or do you not believe in buying books, since the library is more cost effective for your reading tastes?" he jokes.
Norenvalei shakes her head, "Haven't left the grounds since I got here, Chris. As for visiting the Nest Egg, well...Before the incident in the Park, yes, I went quite often. Stopped going to the local library after I finished their collection, though. It was...rather small." Does she know it's a joke? Nope.
Quark nods sadly, "I'm sorry that you keep getting into...trouble...with the local authorities. I don't really like the police, myself. Maybe we should sneak out some time, it really is a fun place. Although you already know that," he smiles. Nodding in agreement, he adds, "Yes, size is an issue. Smaller libraries just aren't as satisfying to someone's tastes like yours. But, as you also already know," he waves at the table and around the room they're sitting in, "this school has the biggest to offer from anywhere around." For a moment he nods serenely, and then blinks and blushes again as he does realize the reference. And then he thinks Noren was mentioning it on purpose, which makes him turn even redder. So he looks around the room, particularly the wall behind him so she won't see his face, and adds simply yet quietly, "Yep. Nice library..." God, he hopes she didn't think he was trying to hit on her like -that- or anything...! Doh.
Norenvalei shrugs, watching Quark, then she looks closer as he turns red. "Something wrong, Quark?" She hasn't had sex ed, nor has she learned anything in that area, so, clueless she be. She leans over a little, watching him closely.
Quark turns back to Noren with a slightly embarassed smile, laughing weakly, "Oh, no...It's just an American thing, I suppose. Ehh..." He stops there, not really wanting to explain it. She'll get exposed to the lame jokes and bad ideas when she -does- take Sex Ed. So there. Trying to change the subject, he coughs slightly and asks innocently, "So...I don't know if I've asked you or not, but what kind of books do you like the most?" For his sake he hopes he hasn't. Or else that would be quite bad, as well...
Norenvalei shrugs, "I like them all. Though, I prefer the... science fantasy and fiction? err... science fiction and fantasy... What about you?"
Quark grins at that, nodding enthusiastically and a touch less embarassedly. "I love sci-fi and fantasy, myself. I used to love the Wheel of Time books the most, but I found that I really like Terry Goodkind's work the most. Very interesting stuff, you should check it out."
Norenvalei noddles, "Already read that selection, though there may be a few new ones in place that weren't there before."
Quark nods and shrugs, forgetting for a moment that she's probably already read every book he's ever really thought of reading or has already read. Go figure...she's sweet, charming, -and- a better reader! Maybe he's in over his head? "Hmm...well, I also like reading books about culture. Especially if it has anything to do with the subjects here I'm studying. Like Japanese culture, for example," he smiles. "I love everything about Japanese culture and history, hence the reason I'm taking the language. I love it."
Norenvalei grins a little, "I'll have to remember that when I get to it. My personal favorite thing to do is to fight."
Quark grins at that, and is reminded of a vivid memory including a certain Morlock--or at least what he's assuming was a Morlock. Chuckling, he asks, "Remember that time a few months ago when I ran over to help someone who was getting attacked by a fiend with a knife and you ran after me? I ended up getting stabbed in the knee and hospitalized at the school for almost 5 days, and you ended up saving the day." He laughs, and adds with a nod, "Yes, you do like to fight. Any particular favorite style of fighting? Martial arts, maybe? Or do you just....fight?"
Norenvalei giggles a bit, "It depends on the opponent and what I have on me at the time. Should start wearing a rope belt if only for the availability of the weapon. I perfected using my dagger when my curse manifested. Two months underwater with nothing available to eat but fish. That particular instance, used a bola and almost had to use a... how do you say fist of monkey? Don't know what martial arts are, I just learned to immitate the animals when I hunted. Sometimes it helps in fights, but whatever works at the time."
Quark nods at that, replying with a grin, "Well, if the boot fits..." He blinks, wondering if she actually understands that cliche. Oh well...He laughs at the martial arts comment, though, adding, "Fist of monkey? Noren, martial arts don't necessarily require you to mimic the actions of animals to be effective. As far as I know, Chinese kung fu is the only one with stances named after animals. Although I could be wrong," he shrugs. He blinks again and frowns slightly, unnerved by something he's noticed lately. "Just to ask, but...why do you keep referring to your mutant power manifestation as a 'curse'?" He was happy before, but now he is all serious. This isn't really a funny matter; all mutants should be confident in themselves and their powers, not regretful.
Norenvalei sighs, watching Quark, "Chris, it's just...I not know how explain it. It's... I couldn't have survived that winter without it, but I... Chris, I just view it as a curse. It isn't something that I wouldn't willingly get rid of in an instant if I had the opportunity... In fact, I think I probably would."
Quark sighs, shaking his head slightly. "Noren, I know you often have reasons to hate your powers, but that doesn't mean they're a curse upon you. I often think of how I may have ruined my mother's life just by looking at her too much the last few years, but that doesn't mean I hate having X-ray vision. It just means that I have to take time to develop my powers, to discover through time how effetive they can be." He sighs, trying to think of a way to explain this to her. "You know Professor Kurt Wagner, or 'Nightcrawler" as he's often called? Well, he can't see through walls. To a teleporter, that's a bad thing. It limits them to only being able to teleport to within a visible line of sight, or risk juding the jump wrong and ending up halfway through a wall or ceiling. A.k.a. death." He says that word with emphasis, and continues, "But because of my x-ray vision, I -can- see through walls. Most of them, anyway. So I can see where I'm going to jump. If I just kept my x-ray vision on all the time when I'm in the process of making lots of short 'jumps', I'd never have to worry about having a line of sight to my destination. So, while I care about my mother's leukemia, I still don't think of my x-ray vision as a curse. Isn't there -some- situation in your life where you've been glad to have it? And I mean recent things..." He looks down at the table for a minute and then his eyes flick back towards her face, adding quietly, "If I hadn't sensed a temperature change when I was around you recently, I probably wouldn't have known you...I wouldn't have known you cared for me the way I do you. And we wouldn't be sitting here, having this conversation." A pause, and then he adds with a slight tinge of sadness, "You don't think that's a curse...is it?
Norenvalei shakes her head, slowly. "I... umm... need to go to class. We'll talk again later." With that she stands and goes to class.
First, it all started with a chat we had with Sophie in the rec room the other day, which ended with Sophie using telepathic powers (which I just realized she had the other day) to ask Noren to stop running away from me. So Noren apologized and asked to talk to her the following day...
And so yesterday, I met her in the library later in the day and had a nice, long chat about some things. Again, it was very...interesting. Although I'm still trying to convince Noren to stop seeing her powers as a curse! It's so frustrating...I know things haven't been great for her, but while my own x-ray vision isn't exactly a blessing, I don't despise having it--and my x-ray vision is what may still turn out to be the instigator of my mother's leukemia! Bah.
So, yeah. Interesting is the word of the day. Have fun! I better get going...back to sleep. Just had those things on my mind. o_O
<> Recreation Room - Lv1
It's big. That much is beyond all shadow of a doubt. Designed for any number of people to relax in here, big windows, reaching all the way to the high ceiling, brighten the room, making it warm and inviting. Several couches are present here dotted all over the room, including two facing a large TV set, along with an armchair or two for individuals. Occasionally there are low tables, arranged with accompanying furniture. Against walls are tall green leafed plants. Fake or not? It's hard to tell. Exits leading away from here lead to either the great hall or the hallway, or even the classroom.
[Exits : [H]allway, [C]lassroom and [A]rboretum, and [G]reat [H]all ]
[Players : Rogue, and Norenvalei ]
The tv on a pool match on espn2, just cut to commercial. Noren is sitting in a recliner curled up in the seat, watching.
Rogue looks like, well, crap, essentially, being in the early stages of the flu. She's curled up in a chair under a blanket, her head on a pillow, watching TV, just here to visit.
Quark enters the recreation room with a slight yawn; apparently the combination of stress and late-night studying might actually be bothering him. Nevertheless, he still carries a Chemistry textbook in his hand, as if the idea of studying -while- talking to friends instead of doing both at different times might help him save some time. He spots Noren and hesitates only slightly, grinning sheepishly and looking for a seat to rest in. He mentally shrugs, however, and heads over to her, sitting down on the couch next to her. He sees another girl, too, but he doesn't really know who she is and says, "Hello..."
Norenvalei looks over at Quark and waves, "Bon jour, Chris. Looking to study some more today?" She tries to play it off casually, but her heart jumps a little. She smiles a little, her attention seeming to be on the tv, while focused towards Quark. The film of air around her reaches the upper limits of her power and virtually throbs at 70ish degrees fahrenheit as though trying to go higher, but unable to.
Rogue turns slightly as she hears Quark enter, and nods. He must go to the school, fine by her. She just sits and watches the TV, offering a pleasent nod towards Quark.
Quark gives in to his curiosity and turns towards Rogue with a smile, greeting politely, "Hi, I'm Chris Parker. Or Quark, if you prefer. I don't think we've met before...if I may be bold enough to ask, what is your name?" He tries to flash one of those award-winning smiles, but probably fails. He's not award-winning smile quality. Well, not really...Anyway, he arches an eyebrow at Noren and wonders why she's been acting so funny lately. He wouldn't know she's been acting funny if the temperature didn't suddenly keep changing whenever he showed up...he sighs and reclines in the couch, opening his chem book as he idly wonders what's up with Noren. Could she like him, too....?....Nah, probably not. "Oh, I'm just doing some light reading," he jokes.
Norenvalei ohs and nods, focusing more fully on the TV, or at least, trying to. "Where is Windsor in Ontario?"
Rogue shrugs. "Dunno, ask Logan," she offers, before the pallid woman turns to look at Quark. "Rogue," is offered simply, only name she uses any more.
Quark smiles, wondering if Rogue is always like this or she's just not feeling well. Trying to inspire some actual conversation, he replies sweetly, "That's a nice name, Rogue. I like it." He also smiles at the question about Canada and says, "You know, I've never really been to Canada before. Once or twice when I was little, maybe, but nothing big. It's funny...quite a few people at the school here are from or know a lot about Canada. Maybe we should have a road trip or something just so I can get in on all the inside jokes," he laughs.
Norenvalei twitches, the thin film of air gracing the surface of her skin shifting in temp before steadying back off again. Heal, girl, don't even know if he likes you, just curb the jealousy a bit. He can't help it if he's a flake and doesn't know when to speak up. "Sounds like fun, if we head out 167 far enough past Mistissinni, might could show you where I grew up at. Though, I don't know if the customs agents would let some of us through."
Rogue chuckles. "Thank you, I like it," she gives, of course she likes it, she picked up. "I've been there, once," she offers. "Dead of winter, right around Christmas, I didn't stay long," is given with a shrug by the young woman as she remains curled up underneath the blanket. "Though a road trip would be fun..."
Quark laughs at Noren, replying, "Well, you're right there. All those physical mutations might be a little...unsettling....for those customs people," he chuckles. Still, he's slightly confused as to -why- Noren keeps acting weird! Her body language keeps changing every time he shows up. Hmm...maybe she really -does- like him? He doesn't want to seem hopeful, but maybe he should ask her about it some time.
Norenvalei chuckles a little, "I remember when I came through on the path to New York City. The customs agent let me through, but then he commented about 'not wanting my (your) kind there (here) in any case'. Though, I imagine that our professors have ways around customs agents and to get things done. I mean, take Dr. Grey for instance. She can read thoughts at a whim."
Rogue nods. "If Jean so chooses too..." Rogue offers quietly, letting the two converse as she 'watches' the billiards game.
Norenvalei changes the channel again, to avoid listening to stupid people. well, sportscasters anyhow. She flips it onto TNT in time for Law & Order to come on.
Quark nods and replies with a grin, "Jean has a way of getting around just about anything. At Lennox she helped get my mother out of Dr. Bradford's medical 'care'. If you know anything about the man, he's the biggest mutant hater the hospital has to offer. Even though he's somehow extremely popular there...I guess that's where money comes in," he sighs. "Still, you're right. There are quite a few mutant teachers here at the school that have extremely useful powers. I suppose -I- could just teleport past customs, if I wanted," he jokes.
Rogue eyes Noren, but it was sports, and they where just gonna get to hockey, right? Well, of course! But, then, this is the US and not Canada, things are a tad bit differant here, right... So so Rogue, hockey fan, Logan's fault (yes, it is...)
Norenvalei chuckles at Quark's idea. "Never heard of a Dr. Bradford, Chris, sorry." Norenvalei misses Rogue's look, having already flipped the channel and not paying much attention to everything else, more focused on controlling her own reactions.
Rogue falls asleep, dozing off... in her chair, you, buhbye, night night... shh.... don't wake up the dozing little Rogue.... all curled up in her chair with a blanket pulled up to her chin.
Quark turns to Rogue to ask her something, but stops when he realizes she's fallen asleep. Oh well...hey, now's a good time to talk to Noren in private! Being quite so as not to wake Rogue, he asks her quietly and sincerely, "What's up with you, Noren? Really. I don't mean whether or not school's going fine...I want to know why you've been acting...strange...lately. If I'm allowed to ask," he adds concernedly. Well, at least he's to-the-point. Sighing, he adds in an attempt to clarify himself, "Every time I've walked into the room in the last few days, your body language changes. Did I say or do something that offended you, or are you just not comfortable around me?" It's funny, but he's sincerely worried that he's somehow done something to harm their relationship, not help it. Poor Quark...clueless sometimes, really.
Norenvalei blinks, but shakes her head, and blushes a little, "No, you haven't done anything to offend? me." Ok...what to do, what to do...ah yes, turn the question back at him. "What do you mean by my 'body language' changing?"
Quark blinks himself, quite confused. But she had to be offended at him, hence the body language. She's not lying even now, is she? Bah. "First off, the temperature change is a good sign something's wrong. But from a non-mutant perspective, you keep looking at me out of the corner of your eyes like you're afraid of me, you subconsciously slide away, and you can't talk straight. I don't mind that you're hiding something from me, as long as you're willing to tell me what it is about me that bothers you!" Again, way off. Quite sad that, while he's usually good at this whole empathy thing, he's aiming at the wrong direction from similar observations. You'd think someone with his eye for detail would make the write conclusion...but unfortunately for him, life is usually quite more complex than science labs. Sigh.
Sophie wheels herself into the recroom, intending to watch one of her favorite TV shows, but she is happy to see Quark and Noren there too, though as she picks up their vibrations she shows a puzzled frown. "Hi?"
Norenvalei looks up at Quark, "Chris? Nothing about you bothers me." Under her breath is added the 'not in a bad way.' "What do you mean about temperature changes, though? How has it been changing?" She sees Sophie and promptly changes the subject, /very/ glad to see her. In fact, excited about it. Sophe just saved her from a conversation that she didn't want to have at the moment, cause she isn't sure what's going on with her, herself. She waves from her curled up spot in the recliner, with Law & Order clicking into commercial, 'Hi, Sophe! GREAT to see you!'
Quark hears Noren mumble, but can't hear what it is. So he assumes she's complaining about him...great. Shrugging, he replies, "Like on the roof the other night, for example, when I came up to think and you were sleeping there. You were mumbling and I thought you were in distress, and when I came by to ask if you were alright, it was 70 degrees fareinheit anywhere within a yard of you. And everytime I'm sitting by you, it gets slightly hotter in the room. You told me yourself you only make things warmer when you're angry, so don't tell me it's nothing." Although now he's slightly confused...she -did- say hotter meant bad feelings, right?...Right?? He turns to Sophie with a puzzled smile on his face, due to being glad to see her but confused as to what's going on in the conversation. He signs with a slightly better, more Quark-like grin, "Hello Sophie!"
Sophie looks back and forth from one to the other, then signs, "Have I interrupted something?"
Norenvalei shakes her head, fingerspelling (signing what she can) out, "no, not at all. Chris is just saying that at some point in time I told him that I make it warmer when I get angry, but that's not right. If it was, the guy that was accosting Chindi wouldn't have been frozen through in that alley in Clinton. The air around me gets warmer when I'm happy or content or in a /really/ good mood. And... and..." Her mouth and fingers pause as she realizes she was talking the entire time as she was signing. "I'm... a... yes... right... to my room... yes..." She stutters the last out in french as she stands and walks out. She doesn't say a word towards Quark or Sophie as she heads out.
Quark blinks, explaining to Sophie at the same time as Noren, "Nothing's wrong. I'm just very confused." And then he stops and blinks some more as Noren starts talking and explaining for herself. The funny thing there is that he, too, knows sign language; even if she hadn't spoken it, he knew what she was saying. Apparently she forgot he knows some of that, now...? He's most confused about the whole getting warmer when happy thing...It just doesn't make sense. And then *snap* it does, and Quark goes beet red in embarassment. Oh...oh dear. Whoops. So she isn't angry at him. Quite the opposite, in fact...oh boy. He blinks again as Noren runs off and turns towards her and pleads, "No, wait Noren, don't go...! I'm...sorry." He's a little tongue-tied at the minute, however. You know, the whole discovery that she actually likes him instead of hating him is obviously quite shocking to him...poor Quark.
Sophie decides to apply her newly learned Mutant Ethics skills to this situation. Concentrating hard, like she has been taught, she reaches out telepathically to Noren. <> Unconsciously she is signing at the same time, though she also has a very odd expression on her face, comprised of equal parts determination, resignation and a strange sadness.
Norenvalei sighs and mumbles to herself, having already gotten to the elevator. And now she has to wait on it to go back down and thinking to herself, and thinking it rather loudly, -+WHY IS THERE AN EXTRA VOICE IN MY HEAD?+- Nevermind the process of the pictures flying through her head as the English is translated to French so that she can understand it, and then her French translated back to English...A thought hits her for half a moment, -+SOPHE?+- The thought makes perfect sense to her. Sophe was the only other person in there with her and Chris. Though...I never knew she could do that...Cool
Quark sighs and decides to rest down on the couch and read his chemistry book. Actually, he's hoping the book will hide his extremely red face. He glances over the book cover to glance at Sophie, however, as he realizes she's signing to Noren. Even though Noren isn't even in the room right now...Weird. He's even more confused when he observes Sophie's face, as if she's trying to concentrate on something. Asking in slight concern, "Sophie...? You alright?" Apparently he's never seen Sophie do her mind thing yet either.
Sophie waves to Quark, showing she's listening to him. But she's still got her focus on somebody else. . . Noren. She smiles a little sheepishly. <> To Quark, she signs hurriedly "It's new." New?? What's new? Apparently she's talking about this facet of her telepathy.
Norenvalei is meanwhile leaning back against the wall of the elevator thinking to herself and whoever's listening, -+Drat it all, he ne was pas supposed to figure it out, and then I just came right out and told him.=-=What am I going to do now? I didn't know my own curse would tell on me. Stupid stupid curse. I hate it. I hate it. I hate it.+- She hits her palms against the side of it, fairly sure that life as she'd known it is over.
Quark nods slowly, as if that answered his question. And then he blinks, catching what she actually said. "Wait...what's new?" he signs to her, hoping she'll actually be looking in his direction when he signs. Looking around the room, he adds, "Who are you looking for?"
Sophie is looking at Quark, and she manages to hold a conversation with him, though she seems fairly abstracted. "IT's Noren. I'm trying to get her to come back. With my powers. The telepathy is better. . . I can talk to my friends in their head, if they'll let me." Then she closes her eyes and concentrates. <>
Norenvalei growls, and leaves the elevator, coming back into the Rec Room. She pauses, blushing a bit at the sight of Chris again, then continues to Sophe, and taps her arm with her left hand. "Yes? What are we to talk about, Sophe?" She signs it, but doesn't say it, turning her back towards Chris so he can't see what she's signing.
Quark blinks even more, quite thoroughly shocked. "Telepathy? I don't think you ever told me you could talk to people mentally..." And then he cuts himself off and sticks the book back in front of his face as he becomes embarassed, too when Noren enters the room again. Apparently Sophie has succeeded? After a minute when Noren is facing the other way, he lowers the book and manages quietly, "I'm sorry, Noren." Maybe that will help...
Sophie nods to Quark. "I can't. Or, at least, I couldn't. Now I can, but only the people who are really good friends of mine, and who are open to it." There's a lot she doesn't know about this yet. "I don't like using it unless I have to." Then, she turns to Noren, looking up at her earnestly, signing. "Noren, you *have* to tell him how you feel. He thinks you hate him, and he *likes* you. Don't throw it away."
Norenvalei sighs and shakes her head, 'Sophe... I.. can't... I don't even know how I feel. How can I tell him something I don't even know. Yeah, he's cute, and charming, and so clueless sometimes that it's absolutely adorable, and brave, and very... right.' -+Nevermind that he's been invading my dreams left and right for the past week.+- She pauses and blinks... 'Hold up... You mean that /he/ likes me... like, likes me likes me?' She turns her head and looks over her shoulder at Chris, blushing a bit. "It... It's Okay, Chris." She turns her head back and looks at Sophe, 'What makes you so sure?'
Sophie smiles to Noren before flashing a quick grin at Quark. "It's the vibrations." That explains it all. She turns back to Noren, with an exasperated look on her face. "This isn't Romance To Last Through Time, Noren. Ask him out. Go ice skating, or to a movie or something. Tell him he's cute and that you're interested, because *that's* true at least, right?"
Norenvalei blushes from head to toe. Norenvalei sighs, "Ok, yes, it is true. I do like him, ok? As if my curse hadn't given it away."
<> 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.
[Exits : [M]ain [C]omputer [R]oom, [X]avier's [O]ffice, and [G]reat [H]all ]
[Players : Norenvalei ]
Norenvalei is sitting in her usual perch. Though not very focused on anything in particular. The book in her hands, seems like it could be collecting dust as she fails to turn the page, not even reading it, but thinking about something else altogether. She blushes every now and then at a thought and tries to cover it with a smile and playing with her hair.
Quark enters the library, looking specifically for his friend Noren. He also wears an unusually perplexed look, as if he's partially embarassed and partially pleased. Last night's conversation was quite embarassing, but today's is most likely to be even more awkward. He walks up to Noren from the side and stops a few feet away, a sheepish grin on his face. He waves awkwardly and asks, "Umm...you said you wanted to see me?"
Norenvalei blushes a little, and then realizes she hasn't been reading her book. "Well, yesterday was... awkward? different? interesting? One of those words, I think. But I thought you might want to talk, and frankly, I was so... 'caught by surprise'? yesterday that thinking wasn't working very well, and I thought you might want to talk today." She seems to somehow rattle the words out a bit more quickly than usual, and as a result can feel the beginnings of a headache from thinking too hard.
Quark nods enthusiastically, sitting across the table from Noren. "Yes, I would like that very much." He hesitates as he thinks of what he'd like to say first, and then finally begins, "First, I want to apologize for yesterday. I know it wasn't all my fault, but I still shouldn't have accused you of hating me. I completely read your emotions wrong...it happens, but it must have been very awkward and stupid of me." He pauses again and adds, "Second, I like you a lot. I mean, 'like you' like you. I just didn't say anything because I thought you didn't feel the same. Which, as I realized last night, wasn't entirely true..." He stops there with an embarassed cough, finishing with a simple, "There. That's what I wanted to say."
Norenvalei seems to be turn more red with every word Chris says. The film of air around her is fluctuating wildly, before finally shattering her control of it and flaring to try and heat the full extent of its power. Fortunately, being inside, in a well heated mansion, when her curse reaches out to shift the temp to 70ish fahrenheit and try to raise it higher, beyond its ability, the shifting barely noticable... If you know what you're looking for. She finally nods, before replying, "Ye... yes. I.. I... feel... the same... way"
Norenvalei blinks and adds to that, "I think..."
Quark smiles embarassedly, and shakes his head with a sigh and what might almost be a chuckle. "Don't worry about it, Noren. If you don't feel comfortable saying anything, you don't have to. I don't want to force you to respond if you don't want to do so." Pausing awkwardly, he adds, "I do appreciate it, though. If you...mean it?" That's more a question than a comment, however, as he's not sure what she means by "I think." And no, he didn't catch that temp change. Not that he would make such a correlation anyway, as it wouldn't have felt like a big change to him.
Norenvalei nods. "Want to go do anything? I'll have to be careful of my hand until it's healed, but..."
Quark blinks and brightens up considerably, some of the embarassment disappearing. As long as she feels comfortable..."Yes, I would really like that myself. If you want to, that is. I mean, if you still want to do stuff. I mean, date-stuff, not physical--I mean--" he blinks and facepalms, embarassed feelings back again. Whoops...take a chill pill, boy. Coughing slightly, he asks simply, "Umm...what exactly did you have in mind?"
Norenvalei shrugs, "Well, Mickie /is/ getting married this weekend."
Quark smiles weakly, still trying to act much less embarassed. "That's very cool." He pauses and adds, "I don't think I've met that person before. Is Mickie a friend of yours? If you want to go, we could. I always like meeting new people." He smiles, and then blinks and grimaces. "I mean, not the kind of 'new people' that implies I'm not interested in you, because I am! I mean...oh hell," he mutters under his breath with a sigh and a roll of his eyes. Appparently he can't do -anything- right today...
Norenvalei giggles.
Quark sighs and shakes his head, chuckling again. "I'm sorry. I guess I'm just not sure what I'm supposed to do in a relationship like this. Typically, I just try to make everyone my friend." Leaning back with another sigh, he ponders for a moment and adds as he rolls his eyes, "Actually, I don't think I've ever tried to have a personal relationship with someone I'm not related to. Not like this...not with...dating." He hesitates only slightly at that word now, because he's not trying to rush this too much. He sits and thinks in quiet for a minute and then looks back up at Noren, chuckling yet again and apologizing, "Nevermind that, this isn't all about me. Go ahead, tell me. Who is this Mickie person? And those other people you were talking about the other night, when you were discussing those plans with Sophie about Toad?" He frowns and tilts his head, adding questioningly, "Which reminds me...what did the Professor say about said 'plans'?"
Norenvalei chuckles a little, but nods, "The others, well...Just people that I know. As for the plans, they were shot down pretty easily. The Professor gave me the virtually impossible task of having to come up with a foolproof plan that would end with no one getting hurt. Though, I think I'm glad it was shot down. I don't want to kill someone, as much as I do think I want to hurt Toad. But it's only hurt now, not so much kill." She shrugs, "Mickie is a good 'normal' friend of mine. She helped me after that... incident... that precipitated my arrival here. She runs a book store slash coffee shop in town named the 'Nest Egg'. I think it was her talking to the police that got them to accept that what I did, I did in self defense... and that I wasn't entirely myself at the time either." She smiles, hopping down from the ladder and moving to sit at the table across from Quark.
Quark nods, and laughs at the explanation. "Yes, that definitely sounds like something Professor Xavier would suggest. Now that you mention it, though, I suppose Sophie feels the same way. Well, she does want revenge on Toad, but I think deep down, she knows trying to kill him would bring about nasty repercussions. He brightens up even more at the mention of the Nest Egg book store and replies, "Really? I've never met her, but I really like that shop. I've been there a few times...the coffee and obviously the books are very good. She sounds like a good person," he smiles. And he smiles again when Noren decides to sit next to him; makes for easier conversation, really.
Norenvalei noddles, "Yes, she is a great person."
Quark smiles and reclines in his comfortable chair. Still, he arches an amused eyebrow at Noren...he was hoping for a little longer explanation. Oh well. "So, do you visit the Nest Egg often? Or do you not believe in buying books, since the library is more cost effective for your reading tastes?" he jokes.
Norenvalei shakes her head, "Haven't left the grounds since I got here, Chris. As for visiting the Nest Egg, well...Before the incident in the Park, yes, I went quite often. Stopped going to the local library after I finished their collection, though. It was...rather small." Does she know it's a joke? Nope.
Quark nods sadly, "I'm sorry that you keep getting into...trouble...with the local authorities. I don't really like the police, myself. Maybe we should sneak out some time, it really is a fun place. Although you already know that," he smiles. Nodding in agreement, he adds, "Yes, size is an issue. Smaller libraries just aren't as satisfying to someone's tastes like yours. But, as you also already know," he waves at the table and around the room they're sitting in, "this school has the biggest to offer from anywhere around." For a moment he nods serenely, and then blinks and blushes again as he does realize the reference. And then he thinks Noren was mentioning it on purpose, which makes him turn even redder. So he looks around the room, particularly the wall behind him so she won't see his face, and adds simply yet quietly, "Yep. Nice library..." God, he hopes she didn't think he was trying to hit on her like -that- or anything...! Doh.
Norenvalei shrugs, watching Quark, then she looks closer as he turns red. "Something wrong, Quark?" She hasn't had sex ed, nor has she learned anything in that area, so, clueless she be. She leans over a little, watching him closely.
Quark turns back to Noren with a slightly embarassed smile, laughing weakly, "Oh, no...It's just an American thing, I suppose. Ehh..." He stops there, not really wanting to explain it. She'll get exposed to the lame jokes and bad ideas when she -does- take Sex Ed. So there. Trying to change the subject, he coughs slightly and asks innocently, "So...I don't know if I've asked you or not, but what kind of books do you like the most?" For his sake he hopes he hasn't. Or else that would be quite bad, as well...
Norenvalei shrugs, "I like them all. Though, I prefer the... science fantasy and fiction? err... science fiction and fantasy... What about you?"
Quark grins at that, nodding enthusiastically and a touch less embarassedly. "I love sci-fi and fantasy, myself. I used to love the Wheel of Time books the most, but I found that I really like Terry Goodkind's work the most. Very interesting stuff, you should check it out."
Norenvalei noddles, "Already read that selection, though there may be a few new ones in place that weren't there before."
Quark nods and shrugs, forgetting for a moment that she's probably already read every book he's ever really thought of reading or has already read. Go figure...she's sweet, charming, -and- a better reader! Maybe he's in over his head? "Hmm...well, I also like reading books about culture. Especially if it has anything to do with the subjects here I'm studying. Like Japanese culture, for example," he smiles. "I love everything about Japanese culture and history, hence the reason I'm taking the language. I love it."
Norenvalei grins a little, "I'll have to remember that when I get to it. My personal favorite thing to do is to fight."
Quark grins at that, and is reminded of a vivid memory including a certain Morlock--or at least what he's assuming was a Morlock. Chuckling, he asks, "Remember that time a few months ago when I ran over to help someone who was getting attacked by a fiend with a knife and you ran after me? I ended up getting stabbed in the knee and hospitalized at the school for almost 5 days, and you ended up saving the day." He laughs, and adds with a nod, "Yes, you do like to fight. Any particular favorite style of fighting? Martial arts, maybe? Or do you just....fight?"
Norenvalei giggles a bit, "It depends on the opponent and what I have on me at the time. Should start wearing a rope belt if only for the availability of the weapon. I perfected using my dagger when my curse manifested. Two months underwater with nothing available to eat but fish. That particular instance, used a bola and almost had to use a... how do you say fist of monkey? Don't know what martial arts are, I just learned to immitate the animals when I hunted. Sometimes it helps in fights, but whatever works at the time."
Quark nods at that, replying with a grin, "Well, if the boot fits..." He blinks, wondering if she actually understands that cliche. Oh well...He laughs at the martial arts comment, though, adding, "Fist of monkey? Noren, martial arts don't necessarily require you to mimic the actions of animals to be effective. As far as I know, Chinese kung fu is the only one with stances named after animals. Although I could be wrong," he shrugs. He blinks again and frowns slightly, unnerved by something he's noticed lately. "Just to ask, but...why do you keep referring to your mutant power manifestation as a 'curse'?" He was happy before, but now he is all serious. This isn't really a funny matter; all mutants should be confident in themselves and their powers, not regretful.
Norenvalei sighs, watching Quark, "Chris, it's just...I not know how explain it. It's... I couldn't have survived that winter without it, but I... Chris, I just view it as a curse. It isn't something that I wouldn't willingly get rid of in an instant if I had the opportunity... In fact, I think I probably would."
Quark sighs, shaking his head slightly. "Noren, I know you often have reasons to hate your powers, but that doesn't mean they're a curse upon you. I often think of how I may have ruined my mother's life just by looking at her too much the last few years, but that doesn't mean I hate having X-ray vision. It just means that I have to take time to develop my powers, to discover through time how effetive they can be." He sighs, trying to think of a way to explain this to her. "You know Professor Kurt Wagner, or 'Nightcrawler" as he's often called? Well, he can't see through walls. To a teleporter, that's a bad thing. It limits them to only being able to teleport to within a visible line of sight, or risk juding the jump wrong and ending up halfway through a wall or ceiling. A.k.a. death." He says that word with emphasis, and continues, "But because of my x-ray vision, I -can- see through walls. Most of them, anyway. So I can see where I'm going to jump. If I just kept my x-ray vision on all the time when I'm in the process of making lots of short 'jumps', I'd never have to worry about having a line of sight to my destination. So, while I care about my mother's leukemia, I still don't think of my x-ray vision as a curse. Isn't there -some- situation in your life where you've been glad to have it? And I mean recent things..." He looks down at the table for a minute and then his eyes flick back towards her face, adding quietly, "If I hadn't sensed a temperature change when I was around you recently, I probably wouldn't have known you...I wouldn't have known you cared for me the way I do you. And we wouldn't be sitting here, having this conversation." A pause, and then he adds with a slight tinge of sadness, "You don't think that's a curse...is it?
Norenvalei shakes her head, slowly. "I... umm... need to go to class. We'll talk again later." With that she stands and goes to class.