Sep 9th - Mummified My Teenage Dreams

[Melissa Castro]

Melissa settled into the cafeteria not far from a group of Institute students, eating her meal by herself, but close enough to overhear their conversations. She did her best not to be creepy, but something about it fascinated her.

((Open))

[Byrna Cooper]

Bear, noticing Melissa was alone, decided to join her.

"Hey, at least now, you have a better eavesdropping cover," she said, quiet and smiling.

"You're Mellissa from Miami, right? I'm a big fan."

[Melissa Castro]

"The Closer," Melissa said with a smile, "It's an equal honor."

[Byrna Cooper]

"Please, I'm only The Closer when the uniform is on. Right now, I'm Byrna. But you can call me Bear."

She also turned quickly, gaining a quick look at the younger students before turning back.

"Anything good? Any juicy gossip spilled, or hearts broken yet?" She asked, with a smile.

[Melissa Castro]

"Bear it is then. No hearts broken yet. Mostly who's got the hots for who," Melissa said, keeping her voice down. "I get the sense that one of them's trying to cause trouble, but I can't tell which one. There's just an undercurrent to the emotions that's hard to put my finger on."

[Byrna Cooper]

"An undercurrent, hmm? I bet they don't even realize it themselves."

Bear giggled, trying to pick out the troublemaker.

"Him, I bet."

[Melissa Castro]

She focused for a minute and replayed the conversation in her head, "Trying to break up another couple to move in would be my guess, but that's purely a guess."

[Byrna Cooper]

"Scandalous. Simply scandalous."

Bear smiled, turning back.

"But, kids will be kids, feeling out how things work like that. The girl looks wise, I bet she sees right through him."

[Melissa Castro]

"And if she doesn't, she'll learn anyways," Melissa said with a nod. "I can't say that private tutors really prepared me for the social environment, but I had other things that helped me adapt."

[Byrna Cooper]

"Other things?" Bear replied, prodding gently.

[Melissa Castro]

"Mother was involved in society so I had plenty of 'friends'. It's a wonder I'm as well adjusted as I am."

[Byrna Cooper]

"I think I get it. I grew up on a commune, but my boyfriend grew up.. In Society? Lots of formality, people doing things for appearances.."

[Melissa Castro]

"Yeah, that about covers it. Glad to be out of it for the most part."

[Byrna Cooper]

Bear smiled.

"I'm sure we could find some, if you ever get homesick. We're not that far from London," she said, joking.

[Melissa Castro]

"That's quite alright. I think I'll be just fine without it. So what's keeping you busy these days?"

[Byrna Cooper]

"Oh, throwing things, then throwing more things, the usual."

She grinned.

"I'm trying to help the younger kids as well, take more of a mentoring role. I've been getting mixed results."

[Melissa Castro]

"Mixed results? I'm curious because Dr. Bowen suggested it might be something I should do."

[Byrna Cooper]

"Well, the mixed results was, I showed the kids how to use the danger room, to delve lop their powers. One of the kids decided to develop their powers instead by destroying a car."

Bear shook her head.

"But I think it's working for most of them. A lot of the kids, they didn't know they were mutants even six months ago. They just need someone who's been through it to guide them. I bet dr. Bowen is right- you'd make a good mentor."

[Melissa Castro]

"I imagine there are always setbacks, but it sounds like you're getting through to the majority."

[Byrna Cooper]

"I imagine there are always setbacks, but it sounds like you're getting through to the majority."

"Yeah, I think I'm ahead with the score right now."

Bear smiled, looking over Melissa.

"You know, I don't think I ever realized you were telepathic- I guess the news reports focused on the part that makes better visuals."

[Melissa Castro]

"Can't do both at once and shimmering skin and wrapping bumpers around bad guys makes for better visuals."

[Byrna Cooper]

"Don't I know it! TK sisters for life."

[Melissa Castro]

"Yep," Melissa said, holding her fist up for a fist bump. "There are days I wish I could fly too, but we live with what we've got."

[Byrna Cooper]

"Flying so overrated. Besides, if you need to, someone will just carry you."

Bear smirked.

"Or, borrow a jetpack."

[Melissa Castro]

"I've got the strength to make some fun leaps, but it's not the sort of travel for getting places quickly."

[Byrna Cooper]

"That must be impressive to see! I'd love to do a training session or two with you sometime."

[Melissa Castro]

"Other than classes, my schedule's pretty open, so anytime you're free, I'd be happy to do some training. I need to get used to working with other people anyway."

[Byrna Cooper]

"We can be a duo, then. I found an old WWII program made from old captain America and Bucky newsreels."

She didn't appear to be kidding.

[Melissa Castro]

"So I get to be Bucky?" She was grinning.

[Byrna Cooper]

"Hey, either or. Cap was strong and athletic too. He wasn't just about chucking the shield!"

[Melissa Castro]

"We can just go with Bear and Melissa and see how we do," she said, obviously liking the idea.

[Byrna Cooper]

"It's a deal!"