A Small War

by **Samantha McManus** » Tue Jan 28, 2020 9:13 pm

Even from out in the hallway it's hard to ignore the rather involved drumming coming from the music practice room. The source of it, as it often is, happens to be a redhead with headphones on.

by **Leo Eskandari** » Tue Jan 28, 2020 9:28 pm

Leo's sensitive ears had picked up the sound of drumming from even further away, which he followed to its source. He walked into the music room and watched until she finished.

Clapping, he said, "Nice."

by **Samantha McManus** » Tue Jan 28, 2020 9:41 pm

"Oh hey there, Leo." She says as she takes off her headphones.

"You ah... get settled in alright?"

by **Leo Eskandari** » Tue Jan 28, 2020 10:06 pm

"Yeah. They put me with Ainsley. He seems to get me."

by **Samantha McManus** » Tue Jan 28, 2020 10:14 pm

"Yeah, Ainsley's a good guy. He really helped out on the mission."

by **Leo Eskandari** » Tue Jan 28, 2020 10:45 pm

"Listen, " he said sheepishly, "I... was a jerk. I have a tendency to push people away before they get close because I've had shitty luck choosin' friends. It's not you. If I was ready to call anyone my friend, you're on the shortlist."

by **Samantha McManus** » Tue Jan 28, 2020 10:46 pm

"I mean, I know you've been through a lot and all. Nobody's blaming you."

by **Leo Eskandari** » Tue Jan 28, 2020 10:53 pm

"Well, I am. I feel like I'm gettin' a good thing goin' here and I don't want to spoil it with my shit."

by **Samantha McManus** » Tue Jan 28, 2020 11:15 pm

"Honestly, everybody's bringing some baggage here."

by **Leo Eskandari** » Tue Jan 28, 2020 11:33 pm

"It's just that my inner beast seems to amplify my baggage. Maybe it'll be better once I get a handle on that voice. I'm finally thinking I can, thanks to your girlfriend."

She should be ours.
What? No! She... has a girlfriend.

by **Samantha McManus** » Tue Jan 28, 2020 11:36 pm

"Aye, she's pretty good at helping with perspective."

"You ah... you alright, there?"

by **Leo Eskandari** » Tue Jan 28, 2020 11:42 pm

"i... uh... no," he stammered, thankful his fur hid his blush, "Just the beast saying something inappropriate."

by **Samantha McManus** » Tue Jan 28, 2020 11:49 pm

"Ah, happens. I just pick up on stuff like that sometimes."

by **Leo Eskandari** » Tue Jan 28, 2020 11:52 pm

"You, uh, do huh? What exactly did you pick up?" he asked, trying to sound merely curious.

by **Samantha McManus** » Tue Jan 28, 2020 11:54 pm

"Just a little bit of conflict. I usually have to be actively trying to pick up more."

by **Leo Eskandari** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 12:03 am

"Yeah, that makes sense. My brain is often at conflict. Hell, I tend to look for it physically too if someone pisses me off enough."

by **Samantha McManus** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 12:14 am

"Something to be said for blowing off steam," she says while lifting a drumstick for emphasis.

by **Leo Eskandari** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 12:23 am

"Music soothes the Sam huh? I never had the talent for drums or the guitar," he said, growing a bit sad, "These fingers aren't cut out for making music anyway."

by **Samantha McManus** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 12:25 am

"It's hitting things. It draws less stares than a punching bag."

by **Leo Eskandari** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 12:37 am

"Point. I could probably use some steam blowing. That Danger Room thingy tailor-made for people wanting to break things."

by **Samantha McManus** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 12:41 am

"Aye, that's good fun too. It'll kick your arse if you're not careful, though."

by **Leo Eskandari** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 1:23 am

We fear no projection.

"I'm not worried," he smirked, flashing his claws in agreement with his beast.

by **Samantha McManus** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 2:02 am

"I mean, they didn't put that word in the name just for funsies."

by **Leo Eskandari** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 2:19 am

He looked less confident. "How dangerous is it then?"

by **Samantha McManus** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 2:46 am

"Ms. Kinney blows off steam there," she says as if that explains it.

by **Leo Eskandari** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 3:17 pm

"Other than insinuations of inherited badassaery, I don't really know anything about her."

by **Samantha McManus** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 3:32 pm

"Aye well, the point is to know your limitations. It can and will call up some pretty dangerous things if you ask it to."

by **Leo Eskandari** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 4:20 pm

"I just won't ask it to break me then," he smirked, getting perhaps a little drunk off of his new physical prowess.

by **Samantha McManus** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 5:31 pm

"Kind of a balancing act. You want it to push you sometimes, or you'll never learn anything."

by **Leo Eskandari** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 7:40 pm

"Exactly. I'll never know what this body can handle if I don't try."

"On that note, who do I talk to about this hero business? Ainsley convinced me that as long as I'm stuck like this, I might as well put it to use."

by **Samantha McManus** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 7:44 pm

"It's kind of informal sometimes, if there's an emergency."

"But if you want to be on the teams officially, Ms. Kinney has to be convinced you're ready. She'll test your powers, and she'll see how good you are under pressure."

by **Leo Eskandari** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 7:57 pm

"Good. I want to know that too. Mostly if I can keep the peace with the beast."

by **Samantha McManus** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 7:59 pm

"And I mean, not to be discouraging or anything, but she's going to push you hard."

by **Leo Eskandari** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 8:03 pm

"You think I should wait a while? I... did just start trying to see the beast as part of me."

by **Samantha McManus** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 8:07 pm

"You can if you want. I'm just saying not to take it personally what she's going to put you through, or if she says you're not ready."

by **Leo Eskandari** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 8:12 pm

"I'll try to remember that. But I know myself well enough that I know I might anyway."

by **Samantha McManus** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 8:14 pm

"Think of it this way: she's doing it in a safe environment so she knows what to expect in an unsafe one."

by **Leo Eskandari** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 8:16 pm

"I get that. I'm just sayin' I know I can hold a grudge. Not very heroic, I know."

by **Samantha McManus** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 8:19 pm

"Aye well, I also don't know if she's dating anyone but she's got a strong glare game," she winks.

by **Leo Eskandari** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 8:37 pm

"Wait... you think I'm gonna hit on her?" he asked incredulously.

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