(Un)Dressing

[Richard Buckles]

He definitely had no shortage of ego rubbing happening as she presented him with the title of hero. Even if she was playing with him because of what she detected on his thoughts he didn't seem to notice. All he knew was that he was well outside his comfort zone even coming here but he was rewarded for the effort with scaring off a pervert and a drink with a beautiful woman. He raised his glass in return "Cheers." he returned in a normal tone.

For her to be performing here he knew she had to be at least his same age. He had been getting all in a tizzy over her looks and tough but sexy demeanor but he still hadn't learned anything about her. Even if he was capable of thinking that he wouldn't have cared either way as her attention was more than wanted for certain. He of course didn't know, from his lack of experience, that seeming interested was what performers did to not make customers angry.

In this case the rather delightful if not slightly sarcastic girl he was sharing this drink with was indeed taking delight in his minds flutters. He saw the world different than her for certain, partly because he was from a smaller town and partly because he had no way of knowing what others thought. He didn't know it but he was certainly glad for the ignorance. As knowing what people thought would be a terrible thing at times. His thoughts a prime example of how his baser instincts took over unfiltered thought of her body but his mouth filtered them from being out in the world.

He saw her in her outfit and her drink in hand and as normal for male especially so young, his mind went to sex. He sort of imagined her naked now which did show a little on his face with a slight pinkness. Imagined what she would feel like under his hands touch. These thoughts while uncontrollable made him feel a bit ashamed as they were the sorts of things he knew that guy who stole her clothes must have been thinking.

He took a drink and since he was not used to anything besides beer it did hit him a bit harder than it should have. Nothing serious just a warm trickle along his brain that increased with a second drink from the cocktail. It washed away that sense of guilt he had bothering him about picturing what she would feel like naked. He set the drink down and looked at her smiling "So why don't you tell me some about yourself Elsa? Have you lived in Kalispell long?"

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa took another drink, thoroughly enjoying herself now. There was just something relaxing after dashing about. The adrenaline had abated, seeping into a sort of easy comfort. That she had a drink in hand probably helped too, though Elsa certainly didn't want to dwell on that, didn't really want to think about it at all. Instead she let her mind extend, peeking into what Richard--

Oh, naked Elsa. Strangely, it was easier for Elsa to match that image with a naked Erika, even if it had been a while since she'd actually seen her sister naked (these things happened with siblings, though thankfully there did seem to be an age limit). Elsa really couldn't hold it against him: her outfit provoked thoughts of that nature. He certainly wouldn't be the first person who'd pictured her naked and he likely wouldn't be the last. Didn't dim her interest in simply responding to those thoughts though, pointing it out and making things all the more interesting.

The questions came instead. "You could say that," Elsa drawled, "as I've lived here most of my life," she reached up to move aside her hair before turning to look at him. "Would you like a full bio or would you rather deduce it through various questions?" She raised her brows expectantly.

[Richard Buckles]

He kept getting this funny feeling whenever she was about to reply. He couldn't put a finger on it, Richard just chalked it up to nervousness. He had no idea what it felt like when someone poked around in your mind for any amount of time. He just assumed if not nervousness maybe just a variety of his power in backlash to a degree. He was not particularly showy fellow but he kind of wished he had something to do with his hands before just twitter to his drink. Something that would keep his mind a bit occupied so he wouldn't feel so self conscious.

"Oh you are local then that is good to hear." he said in reply not entirely sure he had. The follow up would have been 'So I wont get lost when we spend time together' but he didn't have to bravery to say that as she wasn't necessarily interested in socializing especially since he knew her from her work place. He felt a little more unsure as to how to react at her last question. He wasn't sure which was really the right answer or if there was one.

"Sorry don't mean to sound like the inquisition here. I just don't do so well with small talk. I would love to hear more about you though. So if you don't mind talking to me some more about that particular subject I would be much obliged to listen to you Elsa." he replied. He felt like that was a good response to her or at least he hoped.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa nodded as Richard reiterated her position as a local. "Kalispell born and bred," she replied. Though she had certainly spent her time away from the school proper. Being a Bellefonte meant that there were certain travel expectations placed upon one, and Elsa definitely was one to at least go out and see the world in bits and pieces here and there.

Which probably would've made for much more interesting talk that wouldn't disturb Richard, but where was in the fun in that. "You're keen to learn all about me?" Elsa asked, leaning over slightly. "Is it because you've been picturing me naked nearly since you met me and now you're feeling obligated to justify it? It's alright," Elsa waved a hand, "I work at a burlesque club, I'm rather used to it. I'll even give you this: I don't even need the money. I do this because I thoroughly enjoy dancing but I know I'm not nearly good enough to get paid for it anywhere else but this. That and there's fun in having little conversations like this."

Elsa finished by taking another drink, thoroughly enjoying herself. She was tempted to start using her ability enough to give him an idea of it, but she didn't like revealing that card to someone if they didn't know. It was just so much more entertaining to pretend like she was just reading them, and in cases like this, it wasn't even particularly hard.

[Richard Buckles]

He was terrible with small talk as she brought back a reply to his unneeded clarification. This had to be one of the more awkward attempts to talk to someone he had ever had to make even though he should have had more to say. He was just strapped to think of anything at all. Then she took a leading question when she asked about learning all about her which caught his attention thinking that would be the start of a conversation topic he would like.

Then she slugged him with words that were images pluck from his brain which he then took a long blank stare. He looked like a blushing deer in headlights as he processed her teasing. His face was little flush since they began interacting but nothing major except an odd comment here or there causing a flare; this was changing right before her eyes as his blood ran into his pale face in a rush turning him a darker more red pink. He was stunned in horror as she seemed to figure out what his mind was rolling around in.

He was not smooth or quick enough to recover from that shock with any grace or tact so he just tried to think of an answer but he felt locked up. He probably shouldn't lie but then with something like this he couldn't help but think the truth was far from the best right now. He finally made a move which was to take a hard drink from his glass to help calm his nerves. It helped a little but still left him with no reply to her comment.

She assured him that it was natural for him to have these thoughts but that did not comfort him at all. His shyness was dropped some partly because of small dash of alcohol but also because she seemed put down her own skill as a dancer to a degree. His mind shot to the idea that she was a perfectly good dancer and if she wanted more than just to work here he was sure she could. This fell under the category of he didn't know her very well though she had made that clear. So his words to try and comfort her even if they would come didn't.

He wasn't sure what to feel at the moment as his mind was a jumble of confusion. He finally stopped thinking so hard about things. His brain stopped filtering and he spoke out "I am sure you could do any number of things if you wanted." he told her. Sure he was attracted to her but she certainly had a demeanor whether real or fake that drew you in and that charisma would allow her many opportunities in life.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

This was just too much fun. Perhaps, if she were being wholly honest, Elsa would have to admit that she'd chosen this particular job more than just as an opportunity to actually dance and more for an outlet to get reactions like this. More and more she was becoming aware that perhaps there wasn't an "attractive" twin, that she and Erika were equally appealing to people for wholly different reasons. It certainly seemed to be affecting poor Richard here.

"Well, right now, I'm dancing my way through college," she said, more than a little teasing. Like she'd said: she hardly needed dancing. She wouldn't have needed it even if she hadn't been investing the Bellefonte children's money since she was old enough to learn the stock market and who to properly hire to handle such things. She wouldn't have likely needed it even if she weren't a Bellefonte at all: given her intelligence and drive and activity in school.

"I attend a local school," she continued, "Bellefonte. I don't suppose you've heard of it?" She couldn't help but smile at the double entente there. Oh, if only he knew the last name to attach to the first.

[Richard Buckles]

Even though his pale skin still had remnants of the excess blood in his cheeks he had started to calm down as the conversation was steering from that embarrassing point. He was relieved that this was where it went, he didn't know if he could handle any more of teasing. He listened to her speak about college and dancing her way through. He understood very much so about the idea of working through college though his intention in signing on with the Marine Corp was to earn his way through college ahead of time it was similar.

He took the drink in hand and finished off what was left and set the glass down softly. He was surprised when she said that a little as he assumed the school was free for those that had to attend. "Oh? I thought that the school was free well at least if you met certain requirement." he said not sure if he was mistaken and they had normal students as well "I just...got transferred in there myself this past month." he acknowledged as he looked over at her "So I suppose good chance we will run into each other there sometime." He was sort of wondering now if she had an ability herself. Of course he never thought about mind reading as one so it hadn't clicked that it might be the reason for her intimate knowledge.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

"Oh, so you have heard of it?" Elsa said, smiling. In fact, the young man admitted to having recently transferred there. The pause made Elsa wonder. Recent transfer, that was almost how people phrased it when they were forcefully put into the school upon their manifestation. Except this young man had to be at least three years over the usual period, much closer to Elsa's age, and she'd had her power for years now. Then again, it did happen from time to time.

"It's fairly safe to assume that you'll run into me," she had to say, again fighting a smirk. Considering her position as the one running student council and being essentially social and all, there was a very high chance. Doubtless she'd be in front of the entire student body at some point in the nearish future.

"So you just arrived here, got transferred into a new school, and decided to hit the burlesque club?" Elsa said. She tilted her head slightly. "Were you just that desperate to see girls? I know there are several around the school who would probably show you quite a bit of attention if you just sought them out."

[Richard Buckles]

He nodded as she questioningly declared his knowledge. He watched her process the statement and he began to wonder if maybe she was also an attendant of the school and not very happy about it. Because she didn't have to work here to make her way through college like she said he was pretty certain. So what as the reason she worked here he wondered if she felt the need to lie about it. Intrigue racked his mind as he mulled over his curiosity.

"Well that would be nice." he replied as she affirmed that he would likely run into her on other occasions than just here. He wondered if that would be awkward at all given their first meeting being a rollercoaster of strangeness. Though knowing how she was acting probably more awkward on his part. He was indeed terrible at talking to the girls or at least flirting. Elsa kept him far to off balance to try and attempt flirting even in his crude manner.

He cleared his throat a swallowed hard as she questioned his motives for being here. She was back to her almost bullying demeanor as she poked at his brain with her pointed questions. "Ummm well I don't know about that." he said as she was being nice in her own way it seemed as well as she commented that he was capable of attractive ladies if he tried a bit. "I just thought it would be fun to come down here. Never been to a place like this. Never seen anything like it back Sylvan and never got off base back in boot camp so I haven't seen a lot of the world."

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Nice? Oh, was he in for a surprise at some point. Elsa couldn't suppress the grin this time, knowing full well that he wouldn't be able to miss her and that it would be quite the interesting experience for him when he did. She couldn't help but wonder how he'd react too. Most people saw the professional side of Elsa first, with everything put together and looking precisely as she wanted. Yet Richard here had gotten to see burlesque dancer.

He did seem to be handling the questions well enough, and Elsa almost felt guilty about grilling him. Almost. The smile only grew as he put on some modesty, and it was nice to note that he really hadn't thought of that. "Slyvan?" Elsa repeated. "And... did you say boot camp?" She had to arch a brow at that, considering, looking at Richard in a new light. If he had military training, then he could potentially help the academy a good deal.

"So... you transferred from the army to here? That's not generally the direction that goes," Elsa considered again. He didn't look too old, at least not old enough to have done a tour in the military and then came back for schooling. "Or are you just quite a bit older than you look?" She thought he'd mentioned not getting alcohol earlier though...

[Richard Buckles]

Richard was catching expressions on her face that sort of made him a bit paranoid like she was toying with him. Something about the way she acted it just felt like there was something she knew that he didn't like it was some sort of joke was snickering about and he sat there oblivious. It was a slightly frustrating feeling but there her grin just drove this sneaking suspicion home. but it was not like he could just force the issue because it wouldn't help and might make things worse.

He just took a nice breath in as he looked over at her "Sylvan. Its the small town I lived outside of. It tiny place in Minnesota." he clarified rather softly. He had never expected anyone outside the county and surrounding area to have heard of it. She seemed to have shifted gears as she was seeming interested in what he had to say now that he brought up a few things. "It was actually the Marine Corp." he clarified.

"They yanked me out of boot camp saying that I had special qualifications to go through special training and that I would be best fit into the school here." he said using vaque terms, maybe more than he had to but he didn't want to just say it out loud. "No I am not older than I look. I am eight..." he stopped himself seeing as the bartender was right there and rather not smack in the face of the law a small lie "I mean 21. Obviously 21." he changed his words after he peered over at the bartender.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Minnesota? Elsa raised her brows and openly smiled at that. Such a cute little place to come from. There wasn't anything in Minnesota worth mentioning. Then again, there hadn't been anything in Montana worth mentioning if you didn't count the whole mutant school and everything they'd built around this. What followed next surprised her a good deal more: Marine Corp, and they'd pulled him out.

The slip had Elsa smiling and leaning forward. "He doesn't care at this point," she informed him. "The drink's already passed, and considering my less than strictly legal age of nineteen, I'd be just as bad off as you. I have to admit though," Elsa leaned back, "you don't strike me as being all that hardcore, hoo-rah, like you'd expect from someone who'd entered the military. And getting your abilities at eighteen? That's quite late. Perhaps you developed a bit... more recently than most?"

Elsa had to smile, letting her eyes flick down for a moment, bouncing back up to meet his eyes. "They do say that late development leads to greater..." again the eyes flicked down, "maturity."

[Richard Buckles]

Richard felt a relief to hear that his age wouldn't be an issue with the bartender. Though he sort of did want another one of those drinks as it was kind of sweet but left a soft warmth. Maybe that was a good pairing for time with Elsa. She certainly sent a sense of warmth into his brain but it was also accompanied by panic. Once minute she was sweet and charming leading into another which was almost mean but sort of in a sexy way. She kept his mind from focusing as she had his feelings and body reeling all over in the spectrum.

"Well I might not seem like the sort but I am even if I am more subtle than some of my fellow aspiring Marines. But I was looking forwards to earning that anchor. But apparently you aim to well, fight to well someone notices." he said shrugging. He nodded softly as he had that comment from a few people already about how its late. Though there were hints in the way she was talking about developing in a different way than before. "Well yes I was a bit of a late bloomer." he commented.

He looked over at her a bit closer as she made a suggestive statement as then eye motions reinforced what she was trying to suggest. He wouldn't have gotten it from her words alone but she used her eyes in a way that even he was able to figured out what she meant. His mind went to topic she poked at. Thankfully he didn't know she could scan the surface of his thoughts or else he would be really embarrassed for if she was peeking she would have caught a thought. He was still blushing a bit as he was toughening to her mental jabs but not fast enough to stop reacting to them out right.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

No, no he didn't quite seem like the sort, at least not on appearance. But as he spoke, Elsa could hear what she'd heard from so many ROTC students and the exmilitary types that ended up at the school, even the few people she actually knew in the military. There was a sort of pride and dedication there that seemed rather uniquely suited to the particular job.

"Well, you have the attitude," Elsa replied, meaning it as a compliment even if she knew she sounded somewhat dismissive. It was impressive, and it did explain, to some degree, why he'd all but leaped to help her out when she'd been in trouble. Perhaps he had something of a hero complex: there were certainly enough of those running around... but, well, perhaps not quite enough.

Elsa had to smile: she certainly wasn't the damsel in distress. However, she did fit the whole damaged angel with a dedicated purpose role almost too well. Hence why Felix had been able to swoop in like he had. He'd been fun to tease like this too, though perhaps a little less willing to start thinking about his own genitals in public. Still, fun to get that little picture, and Elsa allowed her brows to bounce slightly.

"So, you're pulled from the military, dropped in the middle of a small town, all through some fluke of genetics. What are you planning to do with your life now? Because it certainly sounds as if your plans all went to shit rather quickly," Elsa couldn't help but draw the parallel to her own life of late, and she couldn't help but wonder if they weren't somehow wandering the same path.

[Richard Buckles]

Richard was softly shaking his head as he tried to not to keep his mind focused on her rather suggestive glances. "Well thanks." He replied as he was t entirely sure if she meant that in a good way. Some said jarheads were stubborn macho neanderthals so it all depended on her perspective on Marines. He had to hope for the best as she didn't seem disgusted when she told him that he had the right personality. He had to wonder about her more but when he tried talking about her she seemed to deflect and shift into him so he would oblige her.

She was right that his plans had gotten shredded in a matter of weeks after awakening to his newfound genetic advantage. He sighed as she pressed on that fresh wound. "Well I can go through school and try to become an officer or at least reenlist. Just because I took a detour doesn't mean I will give up trying to have the life I want. Even if I don't become a marine there are plenty of things I can do. I won't ever lose sight of my true goal. To protect and serve."

He was not some super patriot out there for America. He just knew that there was evil in the world and he needed to be out there helping to fight it. He just felt that the military was the best choice to bring him into the front of that. He was sort of catching onto her, she was pretty nice whether she wanted to admit to it outright. Even he was not dense enough to not notice her rather heavy seeming demeanor when asking her last questions. "What about yourself? The school cheat you out of something?"