ArchivedLogs:Schoolyard Scuffle

Schoolyard Scuffle
Dramatis Personae Anette, Billy
In Absentia	2014-06-21 Former Xavier's classmates run into each other on the street but they never were what you would have called 'friends.'
Location <NYC> Chinatown
One of New York's oldest neighborhoods and the oldest Chinese enclave outside of Asia, Chinatown is a vibrant ethnic community, which draws throngs of tourists annually as well. This neighborhood is packed with Chinese-owned businesses, from restaurants to groceries to theaters to fashion. It's early evening and Billy Sharpe has just finally finished his Father's Day shopping. His dad always comes to the city a little after the holiday so the two can spend the entire day together. Apparently, unlike the rest of the United States, he has a really good relationship with his parents. He /would/. Stepping to the side to make way for the tourists and locals that are still flooding the streets, the bleach-blonde mutant drops his guard to rearrange some of his many purchases. In a gloved hand, he produces a handmade card to admire it. He smiles to himself and maybe even talks to himself about it a little. It's a really good card. It's the best card ever. If Billy had any siblings-nevermind ...they'd probably get along very well and wouldn't feel very competitive. Anette had a craving for some noodles. It happens so here she is, wandering the streets of Chinatown. Done with her late lunch, she decides to take her time back, window shopping the tourist traps and enjoying the weather. Despite the warm weather though, she is wearing a long leather coat, completely covering her back though it is unzipped and hangs loosely in the front. Beneath that is a Black Sabbath tee, dark grey skinny jeans, and black leather boots. She doesn't seem to be aware of Billy's presence, at least until she passes him, quickly pausing and turning her head. She sniffs the air, picking up on faint traces of bleach. It's then she notices the bleach blonde hair and she can't help but grin. "No way...it's been a while Clorox," she says with a grin, twisting her body to face him. "What are you doing here?" Sliding the card back into one of the bags, Billy's smile drops and he blurts out, "What are /you/ doing here?" He doesn't take a step back like he wants to, but stands firm. "And don't call me that," he adds quietly. Not yet knowing if this will be a nice meeting or not, he doesn't full-on glare but he does puff out his chest. The attempt at intimidation is laughable. Anette shrugs slightly. "I was hungry, I stopped for lunch. There's a buffet I like." She looks over you and chuckles, "Mmm, I forgot how much you smelled like a swimming pool. What has it been? Four, five years?" A soft chuckle escapes as she realizes what exactly you're trying to do. "Relax. I know I was...a little harsh on you in school, but can't we let bygones be bygones?" Billy blinks, trying to nod. He wracks his brain for some comeback but even after all of these years he still doesn't have any owl jokes. "Yeah," he shakes his head, "Of course." He's being silly. "How have you been?" He repositions his bags, forcing up an unsure little smile. Anette smirks slightly, remembering their past encounters. She decides not to bring them up. "Oh, just making some connections. Becoming busy, finding my way in the world. Same thing as everyone else, I suppose." Of course, most people don't end up joining the Brotherhood but close enough. "What've you been up to? Hair dressing? You could make a killing giving girls the California bleached blonde look." "I'm in school," Billy says from behind his teeth, still smiling, "For teaching." He cocks his too-blonde eyebrows, motioning towards Anette's hair, "Totally let me know when you want me to do you, though." "Last I heard you joined..." He trails off, eyeing her expectantly. Anette chuckles and shakes her head. "Naw, I like my hair dark. It's...fitting. And you still in school? Why am I not surprised. I doubt the professors would let you leave." At his question about what she's up to, she raises an eyebrow. "I might have made a few connections. Very good connections." She wants to see his reaction before she continues, though it wasn't much of a secret that she didn't agree with the school's philosophies on handling the mutant crisis. Truth be told, very few of Billy's professors actually know him. He does most of it online. "So, it's true," Billy's pale face darkens, eyes showing only sadness for his former classmate. There is no attempt to hide it. Anette 's playful smirk fades into a scowl. "Look, you've made your choices and I've made mine. We each have our own takes on the...issues at hand. I just think sitting around and talking about our feelings isn't going to accomplish anything. I've taken on...a hands on approach." "You're a terrorist," Billy leans in, whispering. He checks that no one heard him as he leans back away, "I guess you always have been." 'Clorox' must be pretty proud of that little quip, puffing back up but instead of scowling, he just looks on with deep, empathic concern. "I-I wish you'd take a good long look at yourself." Anette's eyes briefly flash yellow (a new trick, by the way) at the accusation of terrorism. She quickly steps closer so she can speak to Billy quietly. "I'm doing something. I've been glared at, bullied, attacked, hated, and mocked for who I am. I have to stay covered up, even in the hottest days of summer, so people don't realize what I am. Just trying to get a sandwich, I was attacked and then I was the one thrown in a cell for defending myself just because of...these!" She motions to her back, where her wings are neatly folded and hidden from sight. "And -I'm- the terrorist? I'm taking a stance." Billy leans away submissively as she moves closer, allowing her to tower over him, "Anette," he offers calmly, tilting his head, "Two wrongs don't make a right." His courage does seem to be faltering, "I'm sorry that happened to you but-" Anette shakes her head. "And you, who has played by the rules their whole life, how are you? Are you any better off than you were when we were in school? Or do people still treat you like shit? Wouldn't you want to find your place? You were given those gifts for a reason, so -use- them." "You're right," Billy is shaking all over, "Maybe I'll take your suggestion and go into cosmetology." He looks down, doing his best to step -around- her, "Excuse me." He stumbles a little, but doesn't look back. 'Just keep walking away, Billy,' he coos to himself.