team_sociopath

Call me Tommy.

[Mr. Shepherd makes him feel like he's in trouble. He shakes his head, glances at the building.]

That's part of the problem, I can't pick up as much momentum here dodging stuff. Ready?

[He might be dressed like he's ready to lecture, but the light tone of voice hopefully seems less stern.]

I'll take the difficulties into account. And absolutely.

[He sprints off to get some distance, and returns a moment later in a blur, rushing past Xavier and indeed running up the side of the building. He gets to the second story or so, inevitably slowing as he ascends. Rather than letting himself fall, he leans to the side and manages to scuff his way down the brick face, back to the sidewalk.]

[Falling is always one of those belated considerations, and it has Charles sprinting forward once he realises the possibility, even if it seems a lame effort compared to Tommy, Charles is actually a highly accomplished runner. He holds a hand out as Tommy skids down.]

Alright? I hadn't given much thought to the dismount.

I'm good.

[A scuffed knee maybe, but nothing he can't handle. He doesn't take that hand, it's nothing personal, just not how he rolls.]

Probably could have gotten higher if the fall wasn't a problem.

[That's fine, it's still held out until it's clear the boy doesn't need steadying.]

I think you could get all the way to the top, with the right technique. Of course, we both know your ability isn't simply running very fast.

Don't forget, I had to slow down so you could see.

[Bragging? Just a little.]

[Charles smiles at it.]

Have you tried using the air pressure to help you, rather than a force to push against?

[Oh my god private lessons from the Professor what is my life.]

I don't do a lot of vertical running.

You really should. You'd be better at it.

[He was impressed the first time he saw you, Tommy, now he can't help thinking of ways you could improve. Apparently the professor thing comes naturally.]

Consciously or unconsciously, you're manipulating the atmosphere in advance of your movement. You'd never physically survive those speeds unprotected if you weren't. If I'm right, you'll also be creating a tailwind. Become conscious of how, and you might do far more with that.

[Just a little smile, he clears his throat.]

Would you like private lessons? I've suddenly found myself with far too much free time.

[What surprises Tommy is how appealing that offer actually is, at least for a moment. It probably has something to do with the memory of watching his own body run through a wall, but that's a whole other story.]

I'll think about it, [he mutters, which is probably in effect a polite no, but since Tommy doesn't usually do polite nos, that's impressive in itself.]

I'm sort of trying to make some money right now. Long story.

[And one he does not want to talk about, least of all with Charles Xavier.]

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woe~

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