A Lesson with Sallie

[balancingminds]

Charles arranged to meet Sallie at the counter as that way they can go someplace where she feels safe.

In preparation, he's made a quick list of his various psychic defenses and what they do and how he set them into place. They might not be helpful for her but they might provide a reference.

He truly hopes he can find a way to help as even with all these years with Raven, talking and experimenting with their mutations if he can be a teacher of something so personal. It feels like he can and he does know he's a good teacher, but this is still new.

Comments

[realmrsreynolds]

"'s not somethin' that I'm going to learn today."

[balancingminds]

"No, but you've got a solid foundation. What you need to do is keep practicing until they're second nature to you. I'm quite happy to keep teaching you for as long as you'd like,"

It's a good learning experience him as well to consider how to teach another psychic.

[realmrsreynolds]

"'s a lot of effort for an old lady you just met."

[balancingminds]

"You're a fellow psychic, that's enough reason for me."

[realmrsreynolds]

"Am I though? Really? I mean - I just started doin' this, this -- whatever it is, and except for you, 's usually only when I touch folk. Does that even count?"

[balancingminds]

"Of course it does. I don't see why it shouldn't and it means you're not alone,"

Which is the part that matters to Charles.

[realmrsreynolds]

Sallie thinks of River then.

It means you're not alone, he says.

An uncontrolled flash of Sallie, standing in a field at home. Figure of solitude. As much as I love Shadow...



I don't know if I belong there anymore.

[balancingminds]

"Belonging's a difficult thing. Until a few days ago when I found myself here, I thought my sister and I were alone as mutants. I don't want anyone to have to think themselves alone which is why I work as I do,"

He offers her his hand, she can trust him, he's been alone and lost before.

[realmrsreynolds]

Charles is very young.

"You're a good man, Charles," Sallie offers, taking his hand.





Idly: "We need another word besides 'mutant' though."

[balancingminds]

"What would you suggest? I use it because it makes sense from genetics,"

If he uses that language then hopefully that will create a path of acceptance.

[realmrsreynolds]

"For you personally? A reader, on account of that's what they're called in my world. Don't know about your sister, though."

[balancingminds]

"Oh, yes, I consider myself a telepath but I like reader. The best way to put it is she's a shapeshifter but let her tell you that when you meet her."

[realmrsreynolds]

"That's a when now?"

[balancingminds]

"She can change how she looks from little details like her eye color to her entire body."

[realmrsreynolds]

"Oh my.



"I meant though - already taking me to meet the family, Charles. 'S fast o' you."

[balancingminds]

"She's family and she'll like to know someone else who has a similar ability. I know she likes Milliways and you'll like her,"

They might end up planning ways to get him to work less but he's fairly sure Raven will like Sallie.

[realmrsreynolds]

"Maybe I'll get her to muss up your hair some."

[balancingminds]

"Don't give her more ideas."