What is Owed

[Jason Campbell]

Jason paused a moment. He wasn’t sure if Devyn got just how dirty her comment might sound. Or maybe she did and meant it that way. Then again, she didn’t have any smirk on her face so whatever she meant by it she was not proud of, though that didn’t mean she was ashamed of it either. He tried to forget about it but he did roll his eyes a bit. The things you hear some days. That didn’t beat the people coming in with some weird objects stuffed up where the sun doesn’t shine but that would still end up on the list of crazy things you can hear at times.

He did consider a moment telling her it might be the monogamy getting on her or the fact she knew she had to be careful with Zoe that quieted things down. But speaking of a teenager’s sex life made him uncomfortable. She’d be pleased to know that, but sadly for her, Jason was not going to tell. Since she agreed for him to dim the light, he went to the switch and turned off some of the lights on the ceiling. It was not dark and they could continue the examination but at least it would be easier on her eyes. “Are sunglasses enough for you when the light’s too harsh?” he asked. He tried to convince himself it was purely for medical reasons. It was, in a way. But not for this particular medical checkup. He was simply curious about her power and its effects.

He had a tiny smile as she explained it was just a joke. He had no idea how she wanted him to react but obviously she was not doing it the right way. Right now, he was being a doctor and he had to listen and take in everything she had to tell him, joke or no joke, as if it was serious. “Are you training harder than usual lately?” he asked, already testing if any of her limb was stiff from soreness or anything. “There are creams you can use for sore muscles. Acetaminophens will also do the trick and you can get some without a prescription, it’s aspirin. And rest too, between sessions. Don’t use cold, it might make things worse if it’s muscle-related. Hot water can do the trick,” he said, being all doctor and the like. He decided to believe her when she said it was not related to Zoe and what happened. Because she seemed able to move her limbs without a problem. There should not be any side effect from it left. He had no idea the kind of life she had, maybe she just pushed herself a little too hard.

[Devyn Solway]

He didn't say anything on her comment at all, but there was an eye roll. Yes! There was something. Maybe she should have looked proud when he said it, which might have gotten her a different look. Maybe he would have said something then. Either way, because she did what she did he just gave an eye roll. Unless he was that good at it. Maybe he had someone in his life that was always flirting with him or who had a gutter mind and he was used to it. That had to be it? The only other explanation as to why she had not gotten a reaction out of him had to be based upon that, or she was really off her game. She could believe either or honestly, with how he seemed so laid back about it, it was just odd. Especially since he was older then her and she was only a seventeen years old, something should have been shocking him. Then the area if her being off was very likely since she had not been feeling like herself of late.

She would have to like to know pretty much any advice he might have had why she was feeling all odd about her sex life now. She didn't like it; she wanted to know what was wrong. Everything with her body had been normal for the most part, but when it came time for the fun she was just not up for it. There had to be something wrong with her then, right? She let out something of a sigh, thought broken by his question about her sunglasses. "Most of the time. The shades are really dark so anyone looking through them would not be able to see very well, but I have night vision so it’s no problem for me. Sometimes however on the really clear summer days it’s a bit hard and I tend to have to add a hat and walk in the shade as much as possible when I'm outside." Devyn admitted, giving a small shrug because it was something she was used to and learned how to deal with it. Her side effects were really only a problem when they would spazz out from time to time.

There was a tiny smile on his face, something she was not really expecting after having basically lied to him in a way. Well at least he was not mad, that was a good thing. "I am. Been having a lot of feelings of aggression lately so I increased my training in order to...well not punch someone’s face in. I also seemed to be losing control a lot more at nights." Devyn informed him, being honest. Even with her losing control she still managed to keep herself contained in her room and the loss of control didn't last too long while she was sleeping. She gave a small nod as he pointed out that there were creams she could be using and how she should not have been using cold. "Opps, I use cold all the time and ice-hot." Devyn pointed out and gave a small chuckle, but took his advice and would keep in mind to use hot water. She looked around for a moment and then scratched at her head. "Would you uh...break up with someone if the only way they would have sex with you, is if you loved them?" Devyn sort of just blurted out the question and then moved to quickly hop up. "So, going to tell me how I can pay you back?" Devyn quickly asked, wanting to move the subject away from her first question as soon as possible and get out of her, now in a small panic on the inside.

[Jason Campbell]

Jason didn’t want to bluntly tell Devyn to stop her innuendos. He did find them inappropriate, mainly because he must be twice as old as she was. But that was just words and the last thing he wanted was to misinterpret teenager talk and be called some pervert for insinuating she might have been hitting on him or something. If she tried more than this, he would make it clear. Until then, he tried to act like it was just water on a duck’s back and pretend none of this affected him. A cold shoulder was sometimes working better than plainly saying no. Because then you would still bother doing something while otherwise you’d be ignoring them.

Jason nodded as she shared some knowledge about her ability, or at least its weaknesses. Shades, hat, that seemed to do the trick. “You can always say you have an eye condition, if people ask. Photophobia is not unheard of. You are not allergic to light are you? I mean, can it burn your skin as well?” he asked. There were so many things that could cause photophobia that she should be able to use it as an excuse easily for whoever might wonder why she needed dimmed light or sunglasses. On that she was luckier than her girlfriend.

Jason couldn’t say he had something against her punching a training bag as opposed to someone’s face. It was a better way of taking out her anger. He frowned though as she said she was losing some control. He might have to warn the trainers at the Academy to try and find a way of helping her. “Anything anything that is recurrent when you lose control compared to the nights you don’t? It can be physical, or psychological,” he asked, her. He forgot about the jokes and innuendos right now. She was his patient now and he needed to find what caused her symptoms. “Well you see, cold wakes up the muscles, if they are tensed, it could get worse. Warmth relaxes them,” he told her as she admitted using cold. If her muscles needed rest, well she better think hot bath, not cold shower.

He startled slightly when she finally ask what he assumed was the big question. Not exactly what he assumed. And he wasn’t sure he could answer it, nor if he wanted to. He was no counsellor. He wasn’t very good at thinking like a teenager. Not even when he used to be one. “Well... love at your age doesn’t exactly mean the same thing it does when you’re thirty. Sex... can be a big deal for some of you,” he said with much hesitation in the voice. He wished he could get away from this conversation. “I might not be the best person to talk of it with though. All I can say is you better think what you want more,” he added. He knew where he stood about it, but he was not in any kind of relationship so that didn’t really count.

[Devyn Solway]

He still was paying no mind to any of her words, her games, or her clearly trying to get a reaction out of him. He was no fun. Or to be more accurate he was too good at letting things just roll right off of him. Ignoring when she was clearly being a very naughty girl. She did smile however because she could not help but to respect his skill on the matter. Personally she would have at least blushed a little at some of the comments she had said, or at least made a comment back. She would have reacted in some way, even if it was not always getting bothered or what have you, there was a reaction. Either way, she still respected him for not only his whole saving her life and his skill, but she still thought he was no fun and was pretty much going to drop the whole flirting and trying to get under his skin since it was clearly not working. She liked to try and even try hard, but she was doing it all wrong with this guy so she was going to have to get to know him better before she figure out a better tactic.

"Photophobia." Devyn said is slowly so she could remember and also wanting to make sure she said it right. She never really got the question as to why she was wearing shades, at least when she did it was more of a 'what are you trying to hide?' question in a flirtatious manner. Apparently wearing shades a lot even inside made you look mysterious to people. Still, Devyn now had a word to use when the question possibly would be asked out of the normal flirty terms. She shook her head no to his next two questions. "No, it’s more of an irritation for my eyes, but on really sunny days I overheat and it feels like I’m being drained. Get really tired and weak." Devyn answered trying to make sure she was clear about it all. "I think I got burned once, but that was when my sense went all out of whack, but it does not happen too often and when it does I tend to just stay inside or in my room." Devyn pointed out, so he knew that she was careful and still had ways to get around her side-effects. She honestly was pleased she could still go out in the day because she did enjoy it.

She scratched at her head, not really sure if she wanted to be honest at that part of his question. It tended to happen when she would have bad dreams, which seemed to only pop up a lot when she was under some kind of stress. "It's uh...psychological. It’s when I have less then great dreams it seems, but when I fully lose control I sort of black out and don’t remember what happened or what I did while I was out of control." Devyn informed him; feel a little bit on the vulnerable side since she was telling him this. As if being in the clinic and talking to a doctor were not bad enough, not she was letting him in on the more personal stuff. She gave a nod to his information about hot and cold water and it made sense. Something she should have learned from science class or just figured by the way her body felt under the water. Either way she now knew to just deal with the hot or warm water and just take cold showers for other reasons. Her green eyes were locked on him as he started to sort of answer her question and not touching on her little subject change question.

Love was not the same at her age, okay that made her feel a little better. Love was not that big of a deal, she could 'love' and not have to worry about it being something that was forever. He pointed out how sex was a big deal for some and she had to give a sigh with a nod at that. It was a big deal to Zoe seeing as Devyn would be her first and love had to be involved or Zoe would regret it. He then stated he was not really the best person and that she should think what she wanted more. Uh...that was obvious. Sex. Sex was easy. "Well I know that answer, but I doubt she or many others would agree with me on it." Devyn said with a sigh, looking around for a moment and then to him, tempted to ask a personal question but did not…well sort of. "I know you have that whole patient to doctor hush hush thing, but like...I don't know...umm..." Devyn wanted to ask if he knew if Zoe really cared for her a lot and if it would be better if she broke up with Zoe based on his personal opinion. She let out a sigh. "So...how can I pay you back since that is why I'm really here?" Devyn pointed out, wanting to get back to her main purpose.

[Jason Campbell]

Had Jason met Devyn anywhere else but in a professional environment, she probably would’ve achieved what she was trying here. He’d be more nervous than he was right now and would try to make her understand he was much too old while also trying not to make a fool of himself if she was only joking around. Which she probably was, even now. He could not see why a young girl like her would show any interest in him, other than being grateful for what he did.

Jason thought she might already know the term photophobia. She could have checked it before when her power started to show or someone told her to explain her reaction. Still, he said it, just in case. He was also not certain she got any questions but, again, if she needed a reason, she now had the word for it. He nodded as she explained the effects of the sun. “Some mild allergies to sun can cause that. It’s not strange considering your abilities and it seems that you already know how to control that. If it ever becomes more painful, simply call. I’d rather not prescribe drugs if you don’t need any but there is a treatment to help minimize the effects. Right now you’re doing the right thing and it works,” he commented. He would have to make notes about it. He was glad her side-effects were easy to handle but he’d still write it down, just in case it goes out of hand eventually. Plus, if he ever has to treat her again, he would have this in his notes and will react accordingly.

So bad dreams affected her power? “It’s some form of defense mechanism then. I might not be the best to help you with that, you will have to mention it to a trainer,” he said. He was still curious, but he knew it was not his area. As long as her health was not in danger, there was little he could do. And if she didn’t talk to Guy then he wouldn’t know of her progress. Still, he didn’t mention his friend’s name. He might not train her and he didn’t want to sound too much like a scientist looking over the progress of his lab rat.

As she started to answer, he could understand what her answer was. Sex. Sure, sex was great. But love... then again, if her vision of love was not the same as the person she was talking to, was it Zoe, then yes, he understood how she went for sex. “It’s a matter of opinion. To some, love is nothing really while for others it means a lot. Your vision of it is simply different than that of the other,” he told her. And now he felt like some sort of philosophy teacher, since he was talking to say very little in the end. When she mentioned the confidentiality, he knew for sure she meant Zoe. She was one of the very few students coming here as most would simply go to the nurse office at school. Jason sighed. He could bend the rule, just a little. “ I’ve been trying to help find a way to neutralize the effects of her paralytic touch. Something tells me it’s mostly because of you,” he said. But he hoped this would be as much the two girls would drag him into their personal life. He was not really interested in understanding the work of a teenage girl’s mind. He smiled again when she brought once more how she owed him. “I already told you. The best you can do is to be careful from now on,” he repeated. He waited a moment and supposed, since she seemed so eager to do something for him, that he could give her something to do. “Keep an eye on Zoe. So far it’s been rather inconclusive. She might need some support if it turns out there is nothing to be done.”

[Devyn Solway]

Devyn might have heard the word before, but she didn't remember since she probably learned about it three years ago when she first came to the school. Either way, she had been reminded of the word and put it down in the back of her head where she stored all the new words she learned. Seemed like Jason and Zoe were the same in the fact that they added to Devyn’s vocabulary. Joy, it’s like I never stop learning. Devyn thought to herself in a mix of sarcasm, but also appreciation for her vocabulary become more diverse. Now she could charm smarter people, possibly. "Yeah, it only spikes out of control from time to time. Thank you though for your offer to help." Devyn said, being honestly thankful but pretty much knew that she would just deal with the pain over having to go to the clinic or the infirmary again. She just really did not like places where there was medicine and needles. She was not even sure if she ever get over it, but for now she was still managing to keep it together.

"Must be. I tend to only lose control when I'm feeling a really strong negative emotion or a mix of them. So I guess nightmares fall into that category." Devyn said to Jason's words about it being a defense mechanism that was how she could see it as well at this point. They were just bad dreams however, not like something was actually going to hurt her. "I will. LeGuy has been a bit busy." Devyn responded to Jason's words about making sure to tell her trainer. Guy was her trainer after all, but he was also the head of all trainers so he was very popular choice among the students for getting help with practicing with their powers. She looked to him when he said it was a matter of opinion, which she knew as much. If she had to make a guess she probably figured Jason would have been more on the 'love is more important than sex' side. "So then what do you do if your views on love are different from a person you care about?" Devyn asked, figuring since she already brought it up she might as ask one more thing out of him to see what he thought. She was seeking advice for once, but he was playing it safe; she could understand that.

She blinked at Jason actually telling her what he and Zoe had been doing; was that allowed? Devyn was even unsure when it came to just what he and Zoe were working on together. It sounded like something of a temporary cure, one that Zoe was getting because of Devyn. That did not really make her feel too good with knowing that. It was good that Zoe was trying to find a way to control her power since training was not helping, but Devyn didn't want Zoe to do it because of her. Devyn's eyes drifted downward now, not saying anything. Pushing the subject out of her mind and just going to pretend like she never even heard those words leave Jason's mouth. If she pretended long enough she figured she would soon end up forgetting and that was the goal. Devyn bit her lip, holding back a comment she wanted to say on the matter and just shook her head. Listening as Jason said the only thing she could do was be more careful, something Devyn could try yes. There was another part that had her looking up at him and then messing with her hair. Support Zoe if things did not work out.

"I'll try." Devyn said simply, at the point where now she was shutting down for a moment to keep any emotions that dared to try and sneak to the surface down. She made sure her shirt was fixed completely and moved to slide off the table and stand up. "Are we all done here then?" Devyn asked, feeling the need to get away even more now. Not Jason's fault really. It was all Devyn's. Her not liking being in the clinic, not wanting to be careful, and not wanting Zoe to do things because of her. I thought I was all done with all this drama stuff years ago. Devyn thought to herself, but knew she was still a teenager and she was far from getting away from all the drama.

[Jason Campbell]

Jason would not bother administrating Devyn treatments if she didn’t need any. She seemed to be in control and not too hurt over the side-effects of her ability. She will never be able to be under the harsh sun without a lot of protection but then again, it was not all that weird and she could easily live a normal life this way. Many people didn’t go under the sun or did so with very strong sun cream, a hat, sunglasses and under a sunshade. She could do the same without it screaming mutant. Not to add that if what she had the most as a symptom was some lack of energy, all she had to do was stay away from the sun and she’d be fine. She was destined to be a night owl, whether she liked it or not.

Jason had noticed already how strong emotions could sometimes trigger a power or make it harder to control it. “Dreams are a way for the subconscious to purge what you’ve been through. Nightmares are just a normal reaction. But if they get too troublesome for you I’ve heard of a therapy through hypnosis. It allows the brain to know you’re dreaming and modify the dreams along the way. I’ve never done it but I might check it out or find you someone who can if you want,” he said, giving Devyn the option. He would not search it however if the dreams were easy to deal it and not recurring.

“You’ve got LeGrange?” Jason let out as she said the name. LeGuy, Guy LeGrange, had to be him. He bet he would even find it funny, though probably not admit it to Devyn. Couldn’t let the students show he was human. Well, he knew the man so if he wanted to give him a suggestion, he knew he’d listen. Might not take it in consideration but listen at the very least.

Now, about the sex question, Jason was a little uneasy. He personally had no problem with having sex with someone and not being in love with her. But he was an adult and the whole concept of love was different to him. When you’re a teenager, you don’t think past the cuddling and pet names, at most you think of living together but not really how you two would do that. Past thirty, to love someone, they had to share interests but also life goals. You wanted to settle down, have a family, a house with the dog and the white picket fence and everything. The question of sex was not really there. If you were a virgin past thirty because you waited for your one true love, people don’t find it romantic and natural, it was pitiful. Of course, telling Devyn that would only make him feel old to her eyes, he was sure. He didn’t want to sound like the adult trying to tell the teenagers to wait for the right person. God knows he didn’t listen to that himself. “You compromise. And if you can’t find some solid ground in the middle well...” he replied to her question, leaving the rest of his sentence hanging. She got what he meant anyway.

He wasn’t sure telling her to watch after Zoe when she more or less let him assume she wanted to break up was a good idea. But Zoe would need support and he knew how much she loved Devyn. Besides, she was the only one he knew was close to Zoe so he couldn’t really ask anyone else. He might give Guy a call and warn him to watch over the girl as he wasn’t sure how she would take the first failed attempts. Devyn asked if she could leave. Obviously she stayed longer than she wished to. “Unless you have anything else to tell me, yes,” he replied. He felt sorry for the girls. He had no idea who dared say those years were the best. The emotional rollercoaster you were in thanks to your crazy hormones sure didn’t sound like the best moment in life.

[Devyn Solway]

Devyn could not help but let out a scoff at hearing the word therapy. Even if she had been under hypnosis before thanks to Ellen, but she felt like getting to get control over her dreams was just silly. It was a good point, but she felt like it would be somehow 'weak' on her help if she went out to get some help for a problem she was having. Just asking the few questions she had asked Jason had already made her really uncomfortable and added to her nerves. Sure she trusted people and yeah she would trust the guy that saved her life, but that did not mean that she wanted to open up and get all into the feelings and the gooey, soft, and pathetic part that bothered her. No, she kept the whispers away, she kept her emotions in check as best she could, and she tried to deal with her problems by herself. Getting her for training, working out, and maybe for school was Devyn's limit for seeking out; help unless it was like something small like asking someone to hold the door open for her while she carried something in.

"Thanks, but no thanks." Devyn said, giving a smile saying just that as well, she appreciated it, but she really did not want to add to her debt to this guy, even if she felt like she still owed him. Sure watching Zoe could have been fair things to ask for if it had been Zoe asking for it. It was Jason however, and Devyn was having a hard time seeing the gain or how this would benefit Jason in anyway. Then Guy's name was brought up and Devyn gave a nod. "I do. He is really good. Knows how to really get me under control." Devyn admitted, which her beast side did not like all that much but even it had not tried to outright attack Guy yet. "You know him?" Devyn asked, wondering how he knew who she was talking about since she said LeGuy, a nickname that she had for guy. So either he had to know Guy on a full name basic or just figure she was saying his last name wrong. Didn't hurt to ask if Guy and Jason were buds in anyway, maybe she could ask Guy then how to really pay back Jason in a way that would actually be useful to him.

Devyn was not even sure if he was going to give her an answer to her question, but he did and it was one that Devyn could understand. Compromise. That was what they basically were doing now. Staying in an open relationship in order for Devyn to still do the things she enjoyed but also to still be in a relationship with Zoe. She was still Zoe's, Devyn would allow that form of possessiveness over her, and if someone did ask if Devyn was going out with anyone she would tell the truth. People just didn't ask so she didn't say anything, that was there was to it. Yet...could you love someone and still be in an open relationship? Would Zoe want to stay in an open relationship with Devyn did tell the other girl that she loved her? Not that she did, no, not that she would admit it if she did at this moment in time anyways. She removed her shades from there position of hanging on in her front pants pocket and went to put them on her eyes. He gave her the okay to leave in other words, and that was what she was going to do. She still figured she would see Jason around again at some point, not sure when, but she knew she would. She just hoped not in a clinic, nowhere near medication or needles, and hopefully not when she was close to knocking on deaths door again.

"Until next time Dr. Campbell. Or Dr. C." Devyn said with a smirk, coming up with the nickname for him. She headed towards the door, turning back to give him a way, and then would head out if he had nothing more to say or to stop her. Planning on making the quickest beeline out of the clinic, as fast as she could without outright running.

[Jason Campbell]

Jason did not force Devyn into therapy but he suggested it. It was one way like many others to get rid of nightmares. Mind you, Jason never tried it as he never needed something of the like but he did hear about it and supposed he should suggest it. He nodded as she rejected the offer though. Again, it was her call. He personally didn’t like therapy all that much either. The whole idea of spending an hour there with his brother to try and empty their heart in front of a total stranger seemed ridiculous to him. And he felt protective of his brain and subconscious, wouldn’t want someone poking around it. He was with Devyn there.

He smiled as they mentioned Guy. Jason could only agree with her. The man was, how to say nicely, a diamond in the rough? He had quite a unique sense of humour and had been doing this job long enough not to take people’s crap anymore. But he was a good trainer, despite those character traits that might make you believe otherwise. “I do, actually. He used to be my trainer as well, back in the day. He knows what he’s doing, that’s for sure,” he admitted. He skipped their whole friendship thing. He didn’t want to tell it as it might make it sound like Jason would play on this to get information about Devyn or any other student. If the two did share some of Guy’s experience with students, present or former, Jason wouldn’t mention one in particular unless he had a very good reason to.

Since they were done, Jason was already letting his mind wander on other matters. He raised his head however and flashed Devyn a smile at her little nickname for him. “Don’t forget to check up at the nurse office, just to be sure,” he told her before she would leave the room. Jason had no obligation to give her medical record to the Academy but he might still give them a heads up. Then again, considering she was fine, he might let them check on their own.