Between the Text (Seiji)

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Feet moved and eyes roamed as Violet looked over all the books on the shelf. She had finished the last one she rented out from the library. Now she wanted to try and find another one.

They've really expanded some of their collection.

A smile formed as Violet thought back to when she had gone to school at the Academy. So much had changed since then, for better or worse. Violet liked to think it was for the better. Although now the students had to deal with the world knowing mutants existed. Concern grew and sympathy followed as Violet gave a little sigh.

It must be hard for most of them.

Ears caught and thoughts broken, Violet glanced over at footsteps approaching her. Smile grew and head turned, Violet glanced over the books again. "Recommend anythin'?" She asked, voice gentle and friendly. If the person didn't answer, that was fine.

[Seiji Lockard]

Seiji had been here to look for some more books related to genetics, even if he really should not have. He had been told that he needed to take it easy and take at least a few days to a week off of work. Yet, it was really hard to just not work when there was so much to work on. SPRITE had made peoples powers change, go away, and all sorts of other things. There was so much more to learn, to study, and prevent. How was he supposed to just ignore all of that and leave it be in order to take a break?

He didn't want to die from working himself to death at any early age, but he also didn't want to feel useless so figured some reading would not have been too involved with work. It was in his search that he came across Violet, who had always been someone he was more than happy to see. She was so kind and caring; like a female version of him, so pretty and with a power that more people would welcome then his. Still, she never seemed to fault him for that and that was why he had a huge smile on his face when she addressed him.

"If you are looking for something about horses, I would say Black Beauty. If you want something on genetics, I have a few here in my hands." Seiji said, chuckling slightly. He held up the few books he had been carrying to read and study from, even if they would only help to a certain degree since these were all on normal human genetics. "But more importantly, how have you been Violet." Seiji asked, since he liked to know how his friends were doing.

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Gaze turned and recognition registered as Violet realized she knew that voice. Smile widened and head nodded as she was genuinely happy to see the man. Soft laughter and body turned. Violet faced him and shrugged. "I've read it a few times, but I wouldn't mind readin' it again." She said, voice kind and soft.

"I've been doin' mighty fine lately. Thank you." She said, tone kind. Gaze dropped and eyebrow raised as she took in the books he was holding. Seiji always liked to overwork himself. Concern grew and hand moved as Violet gently took one of the books from him to look it over.

"Ain't you supposed'ta be relaxin'?" She asked, words teasing but worried. "I don't want you hurtin' yourself Seiji. You care a lot, but you're going'ta to run yourself sick if you keep up this rate."

[Seiji Lockard]

Seiji's chucked widen a bit as he ruffled his hair a bit on the nervous side when she revealed that she had read it a few times. He should have guessed as much given her job and it was a pretty good book if you loved horses. "It is a pretty good read. Have you ever seen the movie adaptation?" Seiji asked. He had seen it and thought that they did a pretty good job at touching on bits of the book to really hit home the feels. Then again, the times where he read the book and watched the movie were split so far apart that he was not really sure if he could recall the difference between the book and movie.

"That is good to hear." Seiji responded, giving a few small nods. He was very happy to hear that she was doing well. It was also an important note that he loved the way she talked. There was just something so down to earth and soothing about it. Perhaps that was just another aspect of her power, but he doubted it. It could be a side-effect, but it was more likely that the fact that she was always so kind to him that he felt that way. "...yes, but you know how hard it is for me to not work." Seiji responded back. Yes, there was the playful tease, but he could also tell she was a little worried.

She was right; he was supposed to be relaxing. He figured reading was okay, but perhaps the kind of books that he was reading was the problem. "I understand. I just...I feel so useless if I'm just sitting around doing nothing." Seiji explained as she looked at his books. He would end up sick if he did keep pressing himself too much. Who better to help with his problem then a person whose power could help him settle down? Not that he felt worked up, but still. "Any suggestions, doc?" Seiji asked in a teasing tone but was serious at the same time.

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Eyes caught as Seiji seemed to ruffle his hair nervously, and Violet could only smile sweetly. Surprise grew and curiosity followed as Violet shook her head. "I haven't. That any good?" She asked, voice questioning and soft. She'd heard about the movie, but never watched it herself. She was surprised Seiji seemed to know it.

"I know, but you've got'ta rest some." She said, words concerned and gentle as she looked up from the book. A light scoff and hand moved as she lightly pushed his shoulder. "You ain't useless n' you know that." She responded, tone playful but serious. "You're doin' everyone a favor by restin' up so you can be at your best'ta help them more."

Question contemplated and slow smile formed, Violet handed him back his book. "Well, hows about we watch that movie? I've never seen it, n' you need a break. A real break." She emphasized, voice teasing and a soft laugh.

[Seiji Lockard]

"I think so. Normally book to movie adaptations are hit or miss but I found that they did a good job at least having the two be pretty similar. It made me cry a few times." Seiji admitted blushing a little at the last bit of his words. He was kind of surprised that he had actually let it slip that he cried a little while watching the movie. It was not outright crying, but he had a tear or two leave his eyes. It was just hard not to cry at certain parts in that film when he could understand what it was like to love an animal.

His animals just took the form of reptiles and not horses, but they were all still animals. As for her words about hos he needed to get some rest, he could not even argue against it. He really did need to get rest, but it was just hard to not at least try and work a little when there was so much to do. There was a light scoff and a push on his shoulder that had Seiji giving a sheepish look and ruffling his hair again. Violet was right, he did need to take it easy and he was not useless.

It did feel good to hear someone else say it, and it just showed he needed to work on his confidence a bit more. "You are just saying that because we are friends." Seiji responded, teasing of course and he grinned a bit more to show that. "But, I do understand what you mean. I'm no good to anyone if I end up getting sick." Seiji responded as he gave a small nod. Yes, he did need to rest. The question was how to do such a thing when he really just wanted to do at least a little bit more work. Violets suggestion seemed like the perfect solution, which was why Seiji was quickly nodding yes to her words.

"That would be perfect actually. If you don't mind taking time out of your day to view a film with me and take this ‘real break’, as you call it." Seiji responded. He really didn't want to be a bother for her and if she had things to do, he didn't want to get in the way of them.

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Ears listened and smile grew as he explained how the movie did in comparison and made Violet smile. “Cryin’ is nothin’ta be ashamed or embarrassed of, Seiji.” She said, voice calm and kind. Violet knew it was pretty rare of a man to admit something like that; her brother acted much the same way.

Motion noticed and smile formed, Violet shook her head at Seiji’s little hair ruffle and his response. “I say that because I mean it. You bein’ one of my good friends has nothin’ta do with it.” She insisted, words firm but warm. She was glad, however, that he at least understood.Violet knew how hard Seiji worked himself.

He’ll really be no good to anyone if he hurts himself over this. Some men are just too stubborn for their own good.

Words registered and approval grew, Violet nodded and chuckled before once again patting Seiji on the shoulder, shaking her head. “Course I’d be fine with it. What’re friends for if not lookin’ out for each other n’ watchin’ movies?” She stated, tone playful and friendly. “If you have the movie we could head back’ta your room, or get it n’ go’ta mine. It’s your choice.”

[Seiji Lockard]

"I know but with how society still views it for men who cry...you know what I mean. I will admit that society is getting better at allowing men to express their feelings." Seiji responded back. He personally was not really one for crying but that was how he was raised. He never really showed any emption besides happiness or concern around others. That was just how he was and while it was easy to admit that he cried it would be hard for him to actually do it around someone.

Thus, it was likely not a tear would be shed from him from now viewing the film with Violet. Even if he did trust her and clearly knew she would not judge him poorly if he did in fact end up crying. "...thank you." Seiji managed to response, still blushing a little as he looked down towards the ground. Violet was always so nice and one would think he would have been used to it by now but he could not help but feel a little embarrassed from time to time with how flustered he would get from her kind words every so often.

There was a pat on the shoulder followed by her informing him what she was fine with for the arrangement of the two of them viewing a movie together. "True." Seiji responded to her question on what friends were for. "We can view it at my place then. Just give me a moment to set things up and have everything ready. See you at my room in about fifteen minutes or so?" Seiji asked. By cleanup he really meant just put his snakes away and get out snacks. Even if that mean he had to cook something to be the snack.

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Head shaking, Violet offered Seiji a small, but understanding smile, if a bit sad. "I do." She confirmed, voice soft. "It's a shame they expect you men'ta always be tough all the time." She added, tone a little sad. She could remember back to her brother at home. He always hide himself up at the top of the barn where only Violet knew where to find him. Memories seared firmly into her head, Violet could remember almost everything from those sad moments she'd find Austin.

He was so scared of showing Pa and Ma how stressed he was. He only let me see how bad things were getting to him.

Thoughts threatening to cut too deep, Violet focused back on Seiji and smiled a little at his minor embarrassment. Hand moving and power subdued, Violet lightly ruffled his hair with a soft and warm chuckle. "No need'ta thank me for that, Seiji." She insisted, words matching her chuckle. Hand retracted, she let it fall to her side and listened while he responded.

"Sounds like a plan. I'll be over in a 'lil bit then." She agreed, tone kind.

[Seiji Lockard]

Of course she understood, she was a very understanding person. Seiji wondered sometimes why she picked a job with horses when she could do so much more working with just people. Then again working with horses and people is what she did and that was doubt the help for a person. Since horses were supposed to be therapeutic and make people feel better. It was all really fascinating when Seiji thought about it and quickly understood why she possibly had the job that she did. "It is, but things are getting better bit by bit." Seiji responded.

No one could ever expect change overnight and it was progress that really matter in his mind. As long as there was some change being made bit by bit, he had hope that it would be better altogether. He could not help but to blush a little at her ruffling his hair. It was nothing odd when he did it but it made him feel fuzzy or something along those lines when she ruffled his hair. Then again, he tended to feel different when others would touch him since he was not really used to human contact all the much. "I can't help it. I want to thank you for so much all the time." Seiji pointed out as he moved to start heading to his room.

She agreed with the plan and with the out of the way he waved good bye and quickly headed to his room. It didn't take long to get all of his snakes and lizard where they needed to be. All he had to do was given them the order and then he focused on just making sure that everything looked in order and did not smell like reptiles. After that he was already putting some cookies in the oven around the time she should have been showing up. Why he made cookies, he was not sure but they seemed like a good snack to have with a movie. "You can come in, it’s open." Seiji called out when he would hear the knock at his door.

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Smile expanding, Violet nodded her head in agreement. "I'm happy it is. You boys'ave got feelin's too." She said, voice kind and calm. She really was glad for that, having seen the side-effects in her own little brother. Attention gladly shifting, she noted the blush when she ruffled his hair and couldn't help but smile softly.

"I could say the same'ta you, n' so could a lot'a others." She pointed out, tone sincere and sweet. Violet sometimes wondered how no one had picked up such a nice man yet, but she knew a certain blonde would argue the same thing about her.

Hand waving, Violet watched him go before finally choosing a book at random and heading back to her room. After putting her things away, Violet stopped by the cafeteria's kitchen to steal some parfaits. Feet moving, Violet was soon at his door and smiled as he answered. Body entering and smile widening, Violet nodded to Seiji in greeting. "Howdy Seiji, n' howdy to ya'll too." She added, tone sweet as she extended her greeting to his pets.

"I got some parfaits too. Might bit strange, but I was in the mood for 'em." She admitted, words calm and soft.

[Seiji Lockard]

"Indeed and we should be able to express them without feeling weak about it...even if I still do." Seiji admitted with a half chuckle. He figured that applied to well everyone because who really liked to cry. It just didn't feel good and after you were just so tried but then later you did sometimes feel better. He supposed it really all depended but he honestly preferred to just stay as happy as he could and think about what good he had in his life whenever he felt like he was starting to feel down.

Seiji blushed even more at her words and held back saying anything more on the matter. He felt like they were going to end up going back and forth giving one another complements and just making him feel all kinds of special. Not that he had a problem giving someone a compliment, because he meant every word. He was just not so good at receiving too many himself, it just felt weird and sometimes he could not help but feel like he did not deserve them. Not that it mattered now that they were going their separate ways only to meet up a few minutes later.

When Violet would enter the room, Ghost would be the first to go up to her for some snake nuzzles and snuggles. Ghost was getting up in his years by now, another foot or so longer then he was three years ago and now he was now blind in one eye. Thankfully not being able to see out of one eye didn’t change his personality at all, which made sense considering he did a lot of his 'seeing' with his tongue. Akiko was in the middle of eating, Levi was digesting, and Sapphire as always showed no interest as she remained in her tank. His pet lizard was...Seiji didn't actually know.

"Everyone said hello back." Seiji informed her, since everyone; but Sapphire said hi and he swore his lizard said hi as well but he was still establishing a bond with that reptile. "Oh, that is perfectly fine...I uh actually have some cookies baking in the oven right now if you want any when they are done. Feel free to get anything you need or want out of the fridge and make yourself at home." Seiji informed her as he quickly moved over to the TV to get the movie going. Ghost was waiting for Violet to grab a seat so he could snuggle up around her.

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Smile widening and softly chuckling, Violet nodded and pat Seiji on the shoulder one more time. She could understand his way of thinking since Austin had been the same. Head nodding, Violet headed off once they had decided to meet up later. Excitement growing, she was glad to be able to spend the day with a friend, especially one so kind like Seiji. it was part of the reason she decided to get some frozen treats for the two of them.

Body entering and eyes moving, Violet smiled widely as she noticed Ghost. "Well howdy there, Ghost. Good'ta see you're still doin' well n' lookin' as 'handsome as ever." She complimented, voice sweet and warm. Violet never minded Seiji's reptiles, considering they were to him what Beau was to her in a way.

Everyone has different kinds of friends. Snake or horse.

Softly chuckling and relief calming, Violet was glad Seiji didn't mind her grabbing them some treats to eat. "That's mighty kind'a you, Seiji. Thanks." She said, words sincere and soft. "I would love some cookies when they're ready." She added, tone calm. Feet moving, Violet got them both utensils for the parfaits before returning to the couch. Smile widening, Violet pet Ghost fondly with one hand after giving Seiji his parfait.

[Seiji Lockard]

Seiji was personally happy to spend any time that he could with the people that he considered his friends and viewed him the same way. It made him feel important, cared for, and it was also a way for him to not be so absorbed with his work. That was why this was a good thing and Seiji would never really complain not matter what was done or brought for him. While he did still have a hard time accepting gifts from people, he was not going to make a big fuss over the frozen treat his friend brought for them. After all, they were pretty good and Seiji did have a bit of a sweet tooth from time to time.

"Ghost said thank you and that you are looking beautiful today too." Seiji spoke up, to let his friend know what his reptile was saying. It did hurt a little deep down to know that Ghost was getting up in his years, but to see how excited he still got and loving that he still was to guest that came over at least let Seiji know that his snake was happy. That Ghost would at the very be happy in his final days whenever those would unfortunately roll around. He was quick to grab a seat while the cookies baked, happily taking the treat from Violet.

"Thank you." He added, already taking a bite of it. It was so good and he could not help but let out a slightly pleased sound. Thankfully that was covered up by the sound of the previews that started to play, that Seiji skipped ahead with one push of a button. "Do you need anything? A drink? A blanket?" Seiji asked. Even if Violet had Ghost practically laying all over her, he was not really warm and if anything was stealing her body heat.

((Tag: Violet "Vi" Coustic))