I'm A Believer (Seiji)

[Piper Fitzpatrick]

Trudging through campus, Piper ran a hand through her hair as she scanned the area for a familiar face; That was the issue with being as socially awkward. She didn't get to know a whole lot of people. She mainly only knew the people she had hung around back at Bellefonte, or their friends for that matter. And as they had been spread throughout different colleges, and the timid girl was left more or less alone in the big bad world. Okay, it wasn't as much bad as she was secluded to it. The girl hadn't much experience with people, or things that involved people for that matter. Her parents had made sure of that, even from an early age. They might as well have put a chastity belt on her and sent her to a school for nuns; They probably would have if it weren't for the whole manifestation part, and she had been forced to go to Bellefonte.

Sighing, Piper took another glance around before letting her shoulders fall. Her eyes went to the bright sky; It was rather beautiful this time of the year. The snow had more or less faded entirely, and the sun was warming. She couldn't wait for summer. Piper wasn't really the kind of person who enjoyed cold weather, and even if the summers in Montana weren't the hottest, it was still a lot better than winter. Really, she couldn't stand the cold goo.

When she lowered her eyes, she finally caught sight of a familiar face; Seiji. One of the boys she had been around back at Bellefonte. He was a mutual friend of one of hers; She couldn't quite remember which. All she remember was that his snake had freaked her the heck out, but just with everything else, Piper had learned to deal.

Making her way over, Piper tapped the older boy's shoulder and offered him a sheepish grin, ''Hi there, Seiji!'' she beamed, hoping he'd actually remember her. If not, this could get really awkward, really fast.

[Seiji Lockard]

Seiji had just gotten out of class, packing up his books and making sure to leave his lab coat behind since he tended to end up leaving with it often. Which was bad because of outside contaminations and also because he worked with a wide range of chemicals while at the college and didn’t want to end up taking something back to the academy that would possible leave to some negative effects for a fellow mutant. He didn’t have to go to the academy for work yet, had a few hours to spar to do as he pleased. He tended to head over to the library to gather some books, hang out somewhere to read, and possibly hang out with anyone that felt like hanging out with him. Down here he kept what he was a secret, which was basically a requirement for students that were mutants and attending the college among those who were 'normal'.

Having books already he headed outside to find a nice little place to read, possibly look of some recent information that he was researching on a mutation side effect he had been told to look into for work. It was relatively nice outside, so he figured why not do a little reading in the fresh air. Looking around to find that perfect spot that was secluded enough that Akiko could peek out and not freak out the closest person. She had been sleeping while he was in class but not that he was out and about she was awake and wanted to take a peek at was going on. Hiding between the layers that was the jacket Seiji was wearing and the simple white shirt. I wonder if the strain has the potential to not be as lethal. Seiji was distracted with his thought now about the side effect he would be going to study later on tonight, or he could go in early.

He was warned that someone was approaching, but he still startled just a little at the tap to his shoulder. Looking to said person who tapped his shoulder and immediately had a bright and friendly smile on. It was one of the younger girls from back at the academy, and she still remembered his name. He felt special for a moment, fully remembering her name, because he was not one to forget a name once he established that there was indeed a connection between the two of them and she was not just some familiar face. "Piper Fitzpatrick. It’s good to see you. How are you doing on this lovely day?" Seiji asked her as he turned to give her his full attention. Akiko his Scarlet Kingsnake peeking out a little from under his jacket to say hi. Wanting Piper to say she was pretty and pet her.

Piper would not have met Akiko since she was a recent pet of his, she would have known Ghost, his boa from when they were going to school, but Ghost was too big to be carrying around and hiding. "I'm also surprised you remembered me." Seiji added after a moment, sure how hard was it to forget a pure Japanese looking person who spoke perfect English who always had a snake on him. He still just felt special by people knowing his name.

[Piper Fitzpatrick]

Letting out a relieved sigh at the realization that not only did this boy remember her - he also remembered her full name. Ding, ding, ding. Jackpot. She scored big. Buuuut then the snake came out of hiding and the timid girl was left with her hand hanging in the air and both eyes focused on the snake. Oh boy. She ought to be used to this by now, right? WRONG. It wasn't that she really minded snakes or anything, but the way it just POPPED OUT like Santa Claus pops down the chimney to ravage all the poor cookies, ''I'm eh, doing... Good?'' she offered, turning her attention back to the boy, ''It doesn't expect me to pet it, right?'' she whispered, as if she didn't want the snake to hear it, ''Hi there... Snakey.'' she said awkwardly.

Oh god, she was seriously the worst at human interaction. Like ever. She was such a freaking spass, GOD, STRIKE ME WITH A LIGHTNING RIGHT NOW AND RID THE WORLD OF THIS PROBLEM, and yeah, she was totally optimistic and stuff too. Nawp.

Right. Human. Interaction. Talking. That was what she was supposed to do, not drift into dreamland again. She did that a lot, didn't she? She was random like that, and quite frankly incredibly odd. Heck, who cared, right? Oh yeah, she did. If she could, she'd totally bend down on her knees and cry her cheery little heart out in front of the world and ask 'why me?'. Lame. So lame.

''Oh, yeah?'' she asked, genuinely surprised. ''I guess I'm good at remembering faces. And names. And numbers. I'm incredibly good at numbers, which leads me to this funny story. You know, the math teacher - yeah, such a drag, right. I mean, come on. Can anyone possibly talk any slower? And THAT SHIRT HE ALWAYS WEARS?! Man. So lame.'' she rambled on, ''Oh right, what was I gonna say?''

[Seiji Lockard]

Be nice Akiko. Seiji informed his snake through his mind, which just made Akiko nod her head. She was always nice, she was a friendly snake. She just wanted a nice little pet and told that she was the most beautiful snake that had ever lived. Yes, she was a needed snake and when people didn’t give her those needs then she would be mean, but Seiji told her to be nice so she would behave. "That’s good?" Seiji said but it came of as an asking tone because she had said it as if she was not sure herself. Was she not good after all and just saying it to say it? Or was it more so because she was distracted with Akiko and her bright colors? Piper's follow up question made him figure it was indeed more so based off of the distraction of the snake. "She does, don’t worry, she won’t bite." Seiji informed Piper as he gave a friendly nod, while Akiko moved a little more out of his coat and towards Piper, as if saying 'pet me'.

There was that awkward silence that seemed to happen a lot around Seiji, possibly again because of the snake. Or something specifically to do with Piper. Maybe she was not good with people, what if she was having an allergic reaction to Akiko, what if she was suddenly not feeling well? So many question and so many factors could have been in play that were causing Piper to seem to be off in some other world. She must have been lost in thought, Seiji could understand that. Those who thought a lot tended to get lost in thought which would result in silence. Then words were spoken. She was good at remembering face, names, and numbers. Really good at numbers, which set her off on a rant. Seiji was easily able to keep up with everything she was saying since he often talked really fast as well. She has to be really smart. Seiji figured as she went on, bringing up one of their professors and the fact that he wore the same shirt all the time.

He really does. Akiko remind me to find out if he does shower or not. Seiji requested of his snake because now he wanted to know if their professor did shower or not. He fully agreed with her on how the teacher talked so. Which gave Seiji time to work on homework or read ahead so he could work on other things while the teacher was busy still going over things in a pain staking slow pace. A chuckled escaped Seiji's lips when Piper seemed to be done her rant and ask what she was going to say. She was an interesting girl; he was going to have to talk to her more for sure. "I think you already said it, and then some." Seiji said but not in a mean way, he found her rant and how she talked to be very energized. "Mind if I ask what you are studying?" Seiji asked soon after, he figured something with numbers since she was good at them, but he wanted to be sure. She might be able to help with some research.

[Piper Fitzpatrick]

Scrunching her eyebrows, Piper turned her attention back towards the snake, and reached out a trembling hand. Okay, she could do this. The snake wanted to be petted, and Piper didn't want to piss it off. Nope. Not at all. ''Niiiice snake,'' she whispered as she placed her hand on the snake's head, giving it a few awkwardly pats. Hey, that wasn't so bad, now was it? ''Aw, she's actually kinda cute,'' Piper said surprised, ''What's her name?''

Rubbing the back of her neck, Piper nodded awkwardly, ''Oh, right. Sorry. I tend to ramble a lot,'' she said with an apologetic tone. Pursing her lips at his question, the brunette cocked her head to the side, just like a dog would have, ''I study psychology,'' she said with a shrug, ''Being an empath and all, I guess I figured it was my call!'' she laughed, shrugging again, ''How about you? What do you study?'' Really, Piper was neither good with people, nor interested in psychology, but as long as it meant her being able to use her power for something good, she was content.

But then again, she wouldn't have minded doing something she actually enjoyed.

[Seiji Lockard]

Seiji could not help but to watch as Piper reached out to pet Akiko who was completely thrilled about it all. Seiji was slightly surprised that Piper was up for it that made her go up more on his like scale. Even if he already had a like for the other college girl, she was very smart and Seiji had a lot of respect and admiration for smart minds. Akiko remained as still as possible until she felt the girl's hand touch her head, which caused her to sort of nuzzle into it. Akiko just like went limp as soon as Piper called her cute. Looking like some fake rubbed snake just half hanging out of under Seiji's coat. It was her way of kind of fainting because she loved to be called cute. Seiji was immediately laughing at this such a dramatic reaction out of Akiko. "You just said the magic words; she is going to like you forever now." Seiji said as Akiko just gave something of a nod, recovering from her fainting. "Her name is Akiko and she says it’s very nice to meet you, that she likes you a lot, and....I'm not telling her that." Seiji said giving Akiko a look as the snake just looked away from him and all her focus was on Piper.

Seiji was smiling even more at hearing that Piper tended to ramble a lot; it was like someone else out in the world understood him. "No, no. Don’t be sorry. I tend to ramble a lot as well. I think it’s a cause of our brains over firing thoughts while we are taking, which causes us to going into a ramble as the overflow of thought keeping flowing....I'm doing it now, I'm so very sorry." Seiji said with a bow of his head because he literally just went on a ramble and talking way to fast, only having stopped because Akiko was looking at him out of the corner of his eye. He nodded at hearing what she studies. "Oh that is a good field for you to study in. Do you enjoy it? Has to be a little stressful sometimes right?" Seiji asked, honestly wanting to know because just thinking about it in terms of her power had to be a bit of a pain, feeling how others were feeling in a way.

It took a moment for Seiji to fully remember what he was study since he had a major with a few minors under it. "Well I do a bit of a mix from study DNA, but with a big focus in side effects from various things like drugs, poisons, and how it affects the body. Works well with me having a pretty good understanding of venom and its various effects on people." Seiji said, wanting to point at Akiko, but she was not venomous so that would have been foolish to do. Akiko meanwhile was stretching out her body, trying to reach out so she could get on Piper. Wanting to be close to this oh so nice girl that she practically had something of a crush on.

[Piper Fitzpatrick]

''I'll like you forever too~'', Piper cooed, as if she was talking to a baby. All doubts and memories of ever being afraid of the snake had all but vanished the second the snake nuzzled into her hand. Yep, if it was up to Piper, she and the snake would be best friends for life, ''Hi there, Akiko, it's very nice to meet you too,'' It was a good thing Piper was so gullible and enthusiastic, or else she might have felt stupid for talking to a snake, but then again, she lived in a world where people had superpowers. It wasn't all that odd anymore, ''I like you too~'' the brunette squealed enthusiastically.

She had to ask her parents for a snake, though she doubted they'd let her have one. After all, her parents were religious and the snake had all but tempted Eve to eat the apple. Yadda, yadda, yadda.

Snapping her fingers, Piper nodded, ''Yes! Exactly!'' it was refreshing to find someone else who did the same awkward things as she did. It made her feel less lonely, and less of an outcast, which was new for the empath. She was far too used to people finding her odd, ''Oh pish posh, don't apologize, especially not since you told me the same thing,'' she said, offering Seiji a grin, but her eyes went back to the snake as he continued, ''It's okay I suppose. I mean, I mainly do it because of my power, and I like to help people,'' she shrugged, like doing something one didn't want for the benefit of others was the most normal thing in the world, ''It fills my days with studying, and I love studying, so I guess I can't complain,'' she chuckled.

Cocking an eyebrow, Piper's full attention was directed towards the older boy as he shared what she claimed to be incredibly interesting information, ''Wow, really? That must be so much fun! Do you study side-effects from powers too? Oh! If you ever need emotions into the calculation, just say the word; I'm your gal!'' Reading emotions wasn't something she could turn off anyways. They were always there, prodding at the back of her mind. Piper lifted her hand back towards the snake, Akiko, and gave her head another pet, ''She's really beautiful, you know. You should take her to competitions and watch her win them all,'' she cooed.

[Seiji Lockard]

If Akiko could change her colors or do anything that would give away that she was blushing, she would. However she was a snake and that was not possible and the only reason why she and the other snakes that Seiji owned were not all that 'snake like' was because of that connection with him that made them pick up even more their own personalities. They always had personalities since they were living creatures, animals, but being linked with Seiji just made them more so. Seiji was chuckling still at all the thought he was getting from Akiko, not saying them on purpose because a few of them could come off a bit creepy or worrisome. Akiko was absolutely smitten for Piper now, the sound of the coo just made her want to snuggle the other girl, causing her to stretch more. "She is now your biggest fan Piper. Would you like to hold her?" Seiji asked as her picked Akiko up, fully pulling her out of his coat since she was going to end up falling with how far she was stretching towards Piper.

Seiji had four snakes that he owned, one of which were always on him while the others would stay back home in the school staff dorms. Seiji was honestly elated to hear that someone else was just like him in the rambling and that she didn’t mind that he rambled either. She is really sweet. Seiji thought in agreeing with Akiko who was busy still trying to be held by Piper as she moved around in Seiji's outstretched hands so the other girl would pick her up. "That’s really admirable about you Piper. Still, if you don’t really enjoy it you should find something that you do enjoy. That whole with great power comes great responsibility, but you should actually want to do that responsibility and not feel like you have no choice." Seiji said, yes stealing that first part from a comic but that last part was his opinion. Since he really did like people to have choice, choice offered more outcomes and made everything interesting.

"It is and I do. I got a job back at the academy doing just that." Seiji said with a big smile, even if he was still new there he liked it already. He started to nod a lot at hearing her offer. "Oh would you? That would be so helpful, because I can’t always tell if a side effect is emotional based, I'm only good with it mainly down to a sequence level." Seiji admitted with a slight bashful look as he messed with his hair a little. Akiko was practically dying now, going limp once more at hearing Piper's words about how cute she was. Akiko practically begging for Piper to meet the others and how she just wanted to take her back home and keep her forever. "I'm sure she would like that, sadly not many people like snake." Seiji admitted and shook his head at Akiko, because no, he was not telling Piper that.

[Piper Fitzpatrick]

A little unsure, Piper nodded and reached out her hands for the snake. She wasn't afraid of her, but the brunette had never actually held a snake, and the idea seemed a little odd to her. Luckily the snake had given off a good impression, and the timid girl decided to go against her better judgement and instead jump out into the unknown.

Grinning, Piper replied with a shrug. Honestly, she had already made her bed and paid for her studies, and it wasn't like she actually hated it or anything. It was more her social awkwardness that held her back from actually daring to believe she'd be any good at helping others, even as much as she wished she could, ''It's fine. Really, it's interesting,'' she said with a smile. She wasn't one for being picky anyways, and she had learned to appreciate everything she had and achieved, even if that meant doing something she could have done without, ''It could have been worse.''

''I'd be more than happy to!'' the timid girl said, swaying a little before clapping her hands together; Piper loved nothing more than being useful to others. She rarely felt as happy as when she helped others, or saw others smile. It was probably one of the side-effects of her abilities as it fed off of other people's emotions and more or less merged them with her own. If they were happy - so was she, and if they were sad, so would she be. It was a vicious circle, but not something she particularly hated, ''It would be my pleasure.'' Reaching her hand out further, as if to allow the snake to come closer, Piper gave the creature a brilliant smile, ''That's a shame. I'm sure she'd do really good too,'' she said, a little disappointed.

[Seiji Lockard]

As soon as Piper's hands where within range Akiko practically lunged forward, Seiji having to hold her back and remind her that she needed to move slow unless she wanted to scare Piper. No, Akiko didn’t want that, she liked Piper a lot, this human girl was her new favorite and she wanted to cling to her and never let go, kind of like she did with Seiji. However Piper was cutting in close, Seiji would always being Akiko's number one, but Piper was not right after him and the snake was happy with that. Flicking her tongue at Piper's fingers as if trying to lick the girl, but was also taking in her scent and memorizing it. That way she be able to find Piper again, meaning she planned on many more meeting with this other girl, wither Seiji liked it or not, but she really doubted Seiji would have a problem with it. Her master didn’t really have that many friends and was happy to be around others so it was a win-win really.

"Well so long as you find things that you enjoy about it, I guess that’s what matters." Seiji said with a small nod, not going to argue against her about the matter, since again it was her choice. Plus she did seem fine with it, but he still wondered if she really was. Was she just settling, just doing it because she was already in school, some other factors, combination of them all? So many questions, wonders that he wanted to ask but he had to remind himself to take it a bit easy as to not overwhelm the other girl. He did however move closer to her, bad at understanding personal space and all which was why when he just moved to shift his body weight he ended up closer to the girl, plus Akiko was still practically tugging towards the girl. "I suppose that is true." Seiji said with a nod, agreeing that things could always be worse so it was good to be grateful for the good.

"Thank you, I'll even make sure to give you a cut of my pay for when you help me." Seiji said, absolutely refusing to let her do the work for free. Even if he had to take her out to the movies some form of pay or spending would have to be done in order for him to feel that they were even for her helping him. After all he was getting paid for his work, so if she helped it was only fair that she got some of that pay as well. "She moves quickly, but she won’t hurt you." Seiji warned his snake as he held her out and placed her in Pipers hands. Akiko practically rolling around the other girls hands for a moment before quickly traveling up the other girls arm and nuzzling under Piper's chin, then quickly going to slip down into Piper's shirt. "Akiko!" Seiji said in a slight panic and blushed a little, he forgot to tell Akiko don’t go anywhere personal. Not like Akiko fully went down then, she was just taking a peek, coming back out and nodding her head as if her approved and went back to nuzzling Piper's neck.

[Piper Fitzpatrick]

Nodding with a faint smile playing on her lips, Piper was glad Seiji had decided to put the matter on ice. She didn't enjoy discussing matters such as these as much as she'd like to. Mostly because the sheer thought of anyone pitying her or making her doubt her own choices made her feel uncomfortable. She had had plenty of time doubting it on her own, and she preferred not having someone agree with the doubts - even if she understood why he had mentioned it at all. But she was fine. She was content. And that was all she could ask for.

''Oh, no, no. I don't need your money,'' she said, brushing the idea under the carpet, ''I'd love to do it for free. Besides, it might help me understand my own power further, so it's really a win-win,'' she added quickly with a determined nod. No, there was no chance she'd actually expect or even accept his money. It was a favor she was happy to do for free. Giggling as the snake crept over her skin, Piper remained completely still as she waited for Akiko to make herself comfortable, though let another giggle as the snake decided to molest her upper body, ''Don't worry,'' she laughed, ''I'm not ticklish or anything, so it's fine,'' Gullible and innocent? Correct! She gave Akiko's head a pat before turning her head towards Seiji again.

''She's a lot lighter than I expected her to be - not that I've held many snakes before, and can't really compare it, but... You know.''

[Seiji Lockard]

"No. I refuse to have you aid and not pay you back in return. Even if I have to take you out to the moves, for coffee, or for something to eat. I have to pay you back in some way other than just being a win-win for learning more about your powers." Seiji insisted right on back, because no way was he just going to let her help him for nothing. Even if it was going to help her with her power he felt like he was going to end up studying her in a way. He was curious to understand the side effects on a person who felt others emotions. Did she ever get confused on what were her own? Did she even have her own? Surely she did. Seiji's mind swirled with questions and thoughts on the matter, but he held himself back from asking anything on it. Time and place and all. Not wanting to really discuss too much on mutants and their powers when they were not on academy grounds.

He was blushing pretty bad, not only for the fact that Akiko went into Piper's shirt, basically molesting the girl in a way, but she also nodded her head yes. Saying that she approved and was also proving Seiji with details, details he did not need to know. They were personal, you don’t find out someone’s cup size, that’s a no, no! "Th-thats not what I was worried about. I'm very sorry." Seiji said, words coming out a little bit stuttered because he was trying to block out the thought Akiko was sending to him and trying to calm down his flushing face. Akiko liked her even more; this girl was alright with her going down her shirt, that meant she was going to love Leevi when she met him, since Leevi was big on going down people’s shirts and where he was not supposed to. Akiko only did it with people that she liked and she really liked Piper, the end of her 'tail' giving something of a wag at the pat.

"Well she is still a bit young. Not that long either, plus with her breed they don’t tend to get that big or heavy." Seiji pointed out, snake talk pretty much got him back to normal. However Akiko moves to full disappear down into Piper's shirt to go explore a little. Using her body to measure things out in other words she was finding out different and very personal things about Piper, moving pretty quick, but do to her small body only when she would turn was when things would be felt. Peeking back out with her head at the top of Piper's shirt and remaining there as if she had just made a new home, updating Seiji again which was causing him to blush even more again. "Akiko, no." Seiji ordered which immediately made the snake move out and behave, snuggling close to Piper's neck and avoiding looking at Seiji who just scolded her, but it needed to be done.