Players:
Summary: Tyler is summoned to the Headmistress' office to discuss the roommate issue between himself and Theo. Follows inappropriate
Date: September 15, 2011
Log Title: P.T.S. Putting up with Theo's…stuff.
Rating: PG-13L for Language
Emma Frost's Office- XMansion
Miss Frost's office is not as white as one would expect, however it does present an overall theme in the room. Using a classic den/office style structure from the building, the hardwood floor has been mostly covered from entry to desk with a white carpet that has been decorative bordered in an ivy-pattern, with the center having a delicately done floral arrangement. Two plush white leather chairs sit slightly staggered and angled facing a white marble topped desk of dark-stained oak, the Xavier Academy logo in front emblazoned in a polished steel. Atop the desk is materials for physical writing as well as a dual-monitor computer system that seems keyboardless, instead having a single mouse-like interface device. To the right are a pair of striated white marble book-cases filled from top to bottom, in the center of the pair a marble fireplace that burns sedately despite the time or season.
The left wall has a series of file cabinets sitting next to another computer desk, this one with a standard keyboard and mouse with the academy logo floating sedately on the screen. Next to those is a table where mail seems to be laid out next to a carafe of what is either coffee or tea, and a small pile of cookies, which seems to vary day by day. Behind the carafe is a small containers for sugar, fresh cream, and honey.
Behind the desk is a bank of windows facing northwards, running practically from wall to wall, bordered on both sides by silver-embroidered sheer silk cloth, so even when drawn you can make out details outside, and so long as day is present, line pours in to give the room a sense of warmth. For the times when more light is required, it comes from the vaulted office ceiling from a tasteful-looking light and fan combination. Just behind the desk and on the right side is a second door with a hand-print scanner.
Strolling through the halls of the school Tyler makes his way towards the Headmistress' office dressed per usual in designer jeans with a wide belt, polo shirt, and brightly colored high-top sneakers. As he arrives at Emma's office he notices Theo leaving in the opposite direction. About to call out a greeting to the other teen he stops himself leaving his mouth hanging open then closes it before reaching a hand around to knock on the door to the office.
The door opens just before the knock can fall, and from inside, Emma Frost says to the other young man, "Come in and please sit down, Mister Hayworth… you may even get yourself something to eat if you like. I have had fresh pastries brought in." Her back is to the door, but somehow she is perfectly aware of the presence of the young man.
Stepping into the room Tyler takes a look around noticing the decor then the pastries. "Thank you!" Cheerfully he all but bounces over to the table where the treats are laid out. Picking up a napkin he places the pastry he's chosen onto it and walks over towards one of the available chairs though he doesn't sit down quite yet. "Erm, I'm hoping I'm here because you want to talk with me about this mess with Theo and not something I don't realize I've done though given the fact that I switch roommates more than I do socks I'm beginning to think that there's something I'm doing or something…" he babbles at Emma.
Turning around to face the young man, Emma smiles a moment, and then moves around to sit down in the other chair. One leg crossing over the other once more, she tilts her head and watches Tyler for several moments. Finally, she says in a soft tone, "Theodore has asked to change roommates, citing the fact that as a homosexual, it is the same as bunking him with a girl… and he has told me that you threatened to put him into the Medical Bay. I have denied his request, pending a few things. The first is a conversation with you. I wish you to tell me what transpired leading up to this?"
Tyler lifts the pastry up to take a nibble off the end then waves with his free hand, "I gave him a box of cookies as a greeting slash warming present and things were going well. Talked about some stuff, he asked that the room be kept clean because he has OCD or something, and somewhere in there he mentioned his thoughts on mutants and humans coexisting and intolerance and such. Talked about jobs and what not and how I'm hoping to make a career out of art which had him mentioning some former student who was gay in a rather unpleasant way so eventually I mentioned that my boyfriend might seek a music career then everything went to hell."
Tyler doesn't stop speaking so much as to catch a breath but more to nibble off another bite of pastry. "Theo of course has his ideas on not only why people are gay but you get the idea. The problem I took issue with was that he insinuated certain things about my preference being related to some act perpetrated on me by my father. I told him to watch his mouth because someday someone's going to beat the shit out of him for saying things such as he is…sorry."
Emma has a rather amused expression throughout the brief explanation of what's occurred, nodding in places but otherwise remaining silent until the end, "I am not the one you should be apologizing to. But my opinion on this entire affair is different alltogether. As I informed Theodore, I will inform you as well. If you both can show a reasonable explanation to change room assignments, and have a third party agree to shift, then I will allow it as per the established bylaws of the school. This will mean that Theodore, as the initiating party, will be the one to change room residence, and not yourself." Putting a finger up to forestall the young man, she continues on, "This is as much a lesson for him as it is for the rest of you. There will be repercussions on this move for all involved. Even if it is welcome, you are still dealing with the matter that one or more of you has proven an inability to be accepting of the conditions of living with another not of your own choosing."
Tyler shakes his head, "I was apologizing for cursing. Also, I'm not apologizing to Theo, ever." Though as he eats his pastry his eyes fall to the floor letting Emma say what must be said. "Let me just back your train up here a second," he says walking over to dispose of the napkin. "I was perfectly accepting of having yet another roommate change as I've pretty much gotten used to being moved every month I've been here. I even knew from others that he was homophobic and I was kewl with that. My problem is that I despise him now on a cellular level. My reasonable explanation? I do not want to live in a room where I may have to take constant verbal abuse. That's how I see it. He wants to move because I'm gay; I want to move because I don't want to live in a hostile situation."
"To be clear…" Emma says rather slowly, "Your basic reason is that you both cannot accept the conditions of living with the other." Just arching a brow once more and levelling her full and cool gaze on the young man.
"Uhhh…" Tyler seems confused by that. "What do you mean by conditions exactly? Because if the conditions are that you share a room and respect each others personal space that's never going to happen.
Emma ahems politely, and then shakes her head, "What I mean is… you were placed together based on availability of the room, not because this was any conscious decision on anyone's specific part." Standing up, she moves off to the tray to pour herself a glass of water, "Theodore suffers from much of the same problems as any genius, in that he has eccentric, and anti-social tendencies, masked by extroversion. Which means.. simply… he acts out to keep people away. What he's done might be construed as deliberately antagonizing you already to ensure he has a room to himself for the semeester." Returning with the water, her less than pleasant smile is back, and she adds softly, "So… given this new information… and if you still feel he cannot be reasoned with, a voluntary request for a change on his part is the only solution."
"So you're saying that someone somewhere put a homophobe with a gay student on accident? I'm hoping that's the case because if it wasn't an accident that totally sucks." Tyler might as well stop standing in the middle of the room rubbing a sneaker against the carpet and sit down; which he does. "Um…sure, I can understand what you're saying but considering his beliefs about the gay community I rather see it like sticking a black person into a room with a clans member." Nods when Emma mentions the request to change rooms. "He said he would speak with you about it because he wouldn't room with a queer. His words. I attempted to get a hold of you yesterday about it but no luck. I don't know if I'm capable of reasoning with him as I clearly don't know how to communicate with him."
Emma puts another forestalling finger up, "Mister Hayworth… that is not the problem. The problem is Theodore Fegenbush does not know how to communicate well with others. This is no fault of your own, and nor should you consider it as such." Her smile spreads into something that could almost be considered wicked then, "I want you to make him work for it, Mister Hayworth. I want you to be reasonable, be considerate, and to not budge an inch. You have proven a willingness to be proactive and understanding, where he has not… therefore the impetus to change should be on him. If he does want to move, look at who he wants to change out with, see if they are worthwhile… and even if they are? Make him work HARD to prove it. Keep him honest. Do you understand?"
Tyler presses his lips together in a mue of distaste. "Firstly, are you certain my communication skills are working? I'm not so certain. Secondly, I'm concerned that at some point even my uber control at not tearing his head off his shoulders will fail. Not that I like or condone violence but it happens. Though what you're saying is you want me to be my ever so charming awesomeness and make him deal with it. That's kinda amusing but what about me? You're basically asking me to whether his hurtful comments to hopeful knock some sense into his programming."
There's a soft sigh from the woman, and a grudging not of acknowledgement from her before Emma replies, "Yes, I am asking much of you… but I do not do this without purpose. This is a school, but we as the staff cannot always convey the lesosns we hope to teach all the time. Sometimes it must come from a peer… or barring that… someone stubborn enough to show reason." The smile returns and she takes a sip of her water, settling it back down where you can see somehow the rim has become frosted, "And yet… he has tailored his first impression to do exactly what he wants, has he not? He did not want you in his room, so obviously… he will engineer things to ensure that not only will you find a roommate that is eminently agreeable to you, but will force things so he can return to his solitude. And frankly? I am tired of his petty games. Since he has seen fit to involve you… I felt it my duty to give you as much ammunition as possible to make it a fair fight."
Tyler sighs heavily before bringing his eyes up to see Emma noticing the frost on the glass and pointing out that that's wicked cool. "I'm not so sure this is going to go well but if I back away from him he'll do just what you say he will. Sorta the guy that will end up alone his entire life because no one wants to deal with him." Reaching a hand up toward the collar of his shirt he adjusts it to lay down properly while he considers all of this. "If I get to a point where I'm tired of dealing with him may I move? I have things that I have to worry about other than whether or not Theo's an antisocial raging dick who needs to learn social stuff."
"If it comes to that level, Mister Hayworth?" Emma says, tilting her head slightly to the other side as she takes another sip from her glass, "Then you will all be coming before me once more, and I will be making the decision for all of you. And I will be fair and considerate as I see fit." There's a momentary pause, "And yes… all the rumors you hear about me are true. I was a villianess, I have manipulated and abused students in the past… I am a standing alumnus of the Hellfire Club. I have at one point or another tried to kill or manipulate every member of the X-men. I am a smug, arrogant, rampaging word that will not be mentioned in my presence. I will deny none of it… but what I will say is… if -I- can reform to this degree… there is hope for the unsociable ones like Theodore, wouldn't you agree?"
Tyler laughs, probably a bit too much, "Actually, I hadn't heard much of anything other than don't get sent to the Headmistress' office. You're calling yourself a rampaging bitch, yeah? At least with all the info I can now find you more intimidating than Magneto. THOUGH you seem pretty cool so I'll just stay on the good side as best I can." Nervous smile engaged! "With everything that's happened in my brief three months here I'd say anything is possible, Ms.Frost. I really ought not to take up more of your time. I'm probably going to spend the better part of my free time hoping beyond hope that I don't wind up here again needing a way out of my situation."
Unlike with certain other students, Emma stands from her spot, and the frost seems to clear from the glass as she makes her way to the door, and holds it for the young man, saying with that same rather devilish smile on her face, "Do not concern yourself overly much Mister Hayworth… my role is to keep order… or to help sew just the right amount of dischord to keep the school running and safe. Now off with you. And thank you for playing along with all of this. I am hoping that what you do will help Theodore out in ways he will not truly comprehend until he is well and gone from our company. And Please… take another pastry on the way out. I happen to enjoy the hucklberry tarts myself. Hard to get this close to winter."
Tyler rises from the chair slowly then wanders over towards where the pastries are. "Huckleberry? Those really exist? I had only ever heard of Huckleberry Hound…" Even though that particular cartoon is before his time he mentioned it. Picking up a pastry he offers Emma a warm smile. "You're welcome. If I can actually help the guy out that would be cool. Hopefully my conversational skills can handle this without making it worse for either of us. Thanks for the pastries too. Super yummy!" Stepping out into the hall he waves a jubilant hand in farewell. "Bye Ms. Frost!" Starts to jog down the hall then thinks better of it, and merely walks sorta calmly away.
