Xaviers!

Carlos stood in the center of the workout room. Sure, there was more room in the danger room, but it's not really the same as being in an actual location, now, was it?

Well, saying "he stood" is probably not particularly precise. It was, perhaps, more accurate to say he was performing a handstand.

And "the center of the workout room" might also be inaccurate, or at least, misleading. He was on an exercise bike, actually, with his hands on the pedals.

I'm sure the exercise was good for something

((open))

"That is an interesting technique, sir," Onyx says, entering the room. She was dressed in regular workout clothes for once. Chalk it up to making an effort to fit in a bit more.

The mask was still non-negotiable, of course.

"Just going a little stir-crazy," he smiled, upside down. "You never know when you'll need to bike somewhere without your feet."

"Yes, I believe that is true," Onyx says. She begins stretching.

"I see you've ditched the Lady of the Night look."

"I am still using it as my professional clothing," Onyx explains. She sounds a bit nervous, as if she's being accused of something. "I have simply decided to attempt to blend in with the student body a bit better, sir."

"Well, it's working. You look fantastic."

"Thank you, sir," Onyx says.

Onyx begins to stretch, "Do you often practice in the gym?"

"Sometimes. I think the danger room is a bit...sterile."

"I do not like the safeties," Onyx explains. "You can not train properly if you know that there is no serious risk."

Carlos nodded. "It could cause you to do stupid things and take unnecessary risks."

"Exactly," Onyx says. "Besides, pain is an excellent master."

"At least, that is what I was told once. He also said that 'masochists make poor students', but I do not think I understood his point entirely."

"Pain teaches you not to do that again, and encourages you to get it right."

"That is probably it," Onyx agrees.

"What brings you down here?" Carlos said, before flipping into an overly-impressive dismount.

Like a peacock spreading his tailfeathers, that.