What Am I Doing? (Open)

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It was a wonder Kodi hadn't been here before.  Well, maybe not... Considering the fact that he'd grown up being told that his sexuality was wrong and unnatural, and he would go to Hell if he ever indulged in his desires, he tried to avoid confronting the issue most of the time.  Because of that, coupled with his parents also being anti-meta and just downright strict in general, it was no wonder Kodi had major conflicts about himself and lashed out at people.  It wasn't an excuse, but... It was a reason.

After getting into so many fights and scuffles and other bad situations lately, even he was starting to get worn out and reclusive rather than volatile like usual.  It was just... Exhausting.  He hadn't necessarily changed a whole lot, but he was at least taking a break from being so... Violent and trouble-causing.

And so he found himself here.  He'd known about the LGBT Center for a while, but just hadn't gone to it for the aforementioned reasons.  Kodi had learned about the various discussion groups that went on and such, but he didn't think he was quite ready for something like that... Yet.  He was more interested in just taking part in a welcoming environment that didn't know about his behavior at Hammel and wouldn't judge him on who he was otherwise.

There was actually a reading group there... Who'd have thought?  Kodi had eagerly joined in the latest session, keeping quiet for the most part but otherwise enjoying himself.  He'd picked up a copy of the current novel in discussion, "Death in Venice", before coming, so he at least knew what was going on.  It was... It was nice.  

Kodi didn't go out of his way to meet anyone, but he was still hanging around after the session was over, wandering around the center and looking up various events and things going on.  He was still wearing his glasses, which he never would have done in public at Hammel; his normal guard was lowered, though would certainly rise if anyone approached him too boldly.  His book was gripped loosely in his hand as he studied a bulletin board tacked with the week's schedule of programs.

[Dr. Isabela Monroe]

Isabela Monroe frequented the LGBT centre. Truthfully, she understood the general issues a majority of these kids suffered from. It was more than just understanding the personal feeling of being a homosexual; it was being accepted. Being wanted and cared for. She'd never been the type to fit in - at least, not until she realised what it really meant to fit in.

It was a calm, peaceful meeting. The current novel up for discussion wasn't exactly her forte, but nevertheless the meta sat and listened anyway.

The one thing she noticed was an different face in the group. Unfamiliar to this place, but not their usual one. She recognised him from Hammel. Of course, how could she not? Isabela was still relatively new, but he had a fair few stories flying around about him already. She watched as he found his way towards the bulletin board. Without hesitation, the Physical Education teacher approached him, standing to his side and leaning in to read a significant flier on the board. PUSE. Whatever that was.

"Anything take your interest?" She asked lightly, finally glancing over towards the boy at her side, "Kodiak, is it?"

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Kodi had recognized the woman at the meeting from Hammel, but he hadn't been able to put a finger on where. He had a tendency not to notice or care about the adults surrounding him - it was a miracle when he even went to class sometimes. The fact that she was here, though, put her in a slightly higher spot than Kodi held most of the staff at Hammel, apart from his recruiter, Milan.

He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye as he saw her approach, but didn't say anything. If she wanted to talk, she would have to initiate it; Kodi was already tensing up, half-expecting some sort of patronizing comment or sympathetic... Something. Kodi didn't know, adults just made him edgy.

But her question was very casual and light, and Kodi was about to respond before she asked about his name. The use of his full name made his features tense a little, and he shot her a look. "It's Kodi," he replied, though his voice was more wary than angry like usual. He looked up at the events again, shrugging a shoulder; his hand gripped harder onto his book. "I... I dunno. There's so much that goes on... I ain't sure where t'even begin." Hell, they even had yoga classes, not that he was interested in that sort of shit.

"Er..." He glanced over at the woman again, eyeing her for a moment as though trying to place a name. "You work at Hammel, don'tcha?" Of course she did, that was a stupid question. "I mean.... I seen ya around, I think." She certainly had a certain presence around her; even Kodi, who normally was put-off by most women, was admittedly intrigued.

[Dr. Isabela Monroe]

Often times, some would assume Isabela's enhanced mind would be a burden. She very rarely forgot a name, a face or an instance. The woman deftly used it to her advantage, particularly when it came to students who rarely decided to show up to their classes. She'd never met him. She'd heard about him and had seen him around as much as he'd seen her. But she knew him.

She hadn't seen the tension he carried until she looked at him properly. Her eyesight, like her mind, was sharper than a razor. Undeniably so.

"I apologise." Isabela said simply. She supposed she could adhere to his desire for a nickname. "Kodi it is, then."

Her dark eyes glanced back to take in the sight before her. He was right, there were a lot of things on offer. And felt daunting, given the fact that he said he had no idea where to begin. It was a fair point.

"Isabela. Monroe." She introduced herself, though she kept her eyes off him. She doubted he was the type to enjoy eye contact. "I teach a class you rarely attend; Physical Education." Though it could have easily been her calling him out, she'd stated it as it was - a fact. She didn't sound annoyed or irked by the fact in the slightest. "There must be something on this board for you. What are you interested in?" She paused, smiling in her usual genuine way before waving a hand idly, "What would you say you're good at?"

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Nope, Kodi didn't attend P.E. Like... Ever. What was the point? He worked out on his own time, he didn't need to be instructed, or play stupid games of dodgeball or whatever they did in that class. He'd probably end up murdering anyone on an opposing team if they played basketball or soccer (sore loser much?). And that probably wouldn't end well for anyone.

His shoulders relaxed just a tad as she conceded to call him by his preferred nickname. Kodi wasn't sure what he'd have done if she continued with Kodiak; he normally snarled at people about it, but he figured he could try this not-quite-so-hostile approach for once.

She even apologized? Had anyone ever apologized to him like... Ever? Kodi shot the woman another look, his features growing even more wary and confused.

Isabela Monroe. He recognized the name from somewhere; he just couldn't recall. Before he could figure it out, though, she gave him an answer, and Kodi's brow furrowed as he shifted his weight to his other foot. Oh. "Gotcha," he replied, a complete lack of apology in his own voice. "What do ya even do in that class? Like, run laps an' play capture the flag an' shit?" Bleh. He didn't even know why he was asking. His head swiveled back to the schedule, mulling over the woman's questions. Why hadn't she like... Scolded him or anything? This was weird. "Fuck, I dunno," he growled, mostly to himself. "All I really do is read an' get in fights." And most people didn't even know about the former. "I ain't good at a whole lot other than that. Don't look like they have any sorta... Fight club, or anythin', though." He snickered, though it lacked much humor.

[Dr. Isabela Monroe]

Isabela aptly refused to acknowledge the confusion in his features when she apologised. Was it so out of turn? She had, on some level, made a mistake. However small, an apology was warranted. And genuine, at that.

"It depends on what day you attend." She admitted with a small roll of her shoulders. She glanced at the boy, clearly unaffected by his desire to swear. Hell, he was allowed to use whatever language he wanted around the woman. "Some days it's dodgeball. Some days it's capture the flag. Some days it's a little more stress free." Izzy explained, as loosely as she really could. "Think of your standard gym class, and add superhuman abilities - or any other acute skills you've picked up. If we're a school for metas, you might as well work with what you have."

Isabela clasped her hands together behind her back, intertwining her fingers as she listened to him speak. She took a moment to consider his explanation before she started in.

"Well, you're already doing something for one of those things. You're here." The book club, no less. He mightn't have opted to speak, but he was still present. That, to Isabela, said a lot. "Have you considered finding someone on campus willing to spar against you? You'd be surprised how many willing punching bags you'd find." Because yes, she knew of his record. How could she not? She just didn't seem to acknowledge it with spite or dismay.

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There was nothing about this conversation that Kodi would have expected from Hammel staff. It was almost pleasant, which had never happened to him before with a teacher or trainer (mostly his fault, considering pretty much the only times he engaged with adults was when he'd done something bad). And her not getting after him for swearing made it all the better. "So... Team-based stuff," he grumbled. "Not exactly my forte." He would be the least reliable teammate ever. The fact that they could use abilities was cool, though; but then again, all he would be able to really do was... Bite people.

"... D'you do any trainin' on the side?" he asked, barely audible. Was he really asking this? "Like... Weight trainin' and martial arts?" Considering how not-bad this conversation was going... Maybe he could tolerate her. But probably not P.E. itself.

He kept his gaze averted, but listened to what Isabela was saying. "Yeah... S'bout time I came here," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. At least if he was going to be someone that his parents (and he himself) despised, he could surround himself with people that would support him, he supposed. "I... Well, let's just say I ain't on good terms with the self-defense guy," Kodi snorted. He'd had his ass handed to him in that situation. "Why, d'you know anyone?" Couldn't be her, right? She was tiny, even with her ginormous heels that Kodi had only just noticed.

[Dr. Isabela Monroe]

Team-based sports were a fact of PE. There was little to be done about that. “For the most part, yes.” Isabela replied. “What would be your forte?” She asked genuinely, glancing away from him. She didn’t want to overload him with too much at once; “If you ever think of something you’d rather do in class, I’m always open to suggestions.” It was all about improving the class. Keeping people interested. If they weren’t interested enough in attending, she wasn’t working hard enough.

“Always.” Isabela said simply. Though she doubted he’d guess as much just by looking at her.

Honestly, it was comforting to know he was trying to reach out to the organisation in the first place. People always surprised her. “Yes, I did know that.” She replied in time. His situation wasn’t news to her, and she wanted him to know that. Isabela also wanted him to know the knowledge really didn’t phase her.

“I know myself.” The woman replied, turning to face him slightly. She caught the way he glanced down at her, his eyes catching on her footwear. “While I’m not sure where you stand on trying to hit women, rest assured, you couldn’t hurt me.”

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What did Kodi like to do more? Well... "I mean, I guess I like individual stuff," he mused. "Weight trainin', swimmin', uh... Shit where I don't have t'talk to anyone." Antisocial? Just a bit. The offer to give suggestions made Kodi wonder if maybe this might be a class that was actually worth showing up for... If the teacher was this chill, maybe it wouldn't suck as much as everything else. "I'll... Keep that in mind," he told her, rubbing his palm against his chin. "If I ever, y'know, show up." Just the fact he was even considering this was a pretty big deal for the feral boy, though.

The fact that she did know of his reputation and wasn't off-put was even more surprising. Seriously, was she really that tolerant? Amazing. "So... You know about the shit I've done, know that I don't bother t'come to yer class, an' yer willin' to give me a chance?" he mumbled, a small trickle of incredulity in his voice. It seemed suspiciously unlikely, but he couldn't sense any sort of ill intent from the woman. "Forgive me if I find that hard t'believe. I swear everyone that works at Hammel hates me." And for good reasons. He didn't blame them.

He became even more suspicious upon her offering herself for his needs. "Er... I mean, thanks, but..." Not that he hadn't hit women before, but.... This was different. "How...?" Ohh, duh. Must be her ability. Indestructibility, or something? Now Kodi was curious. "You mean you'd... Wanna do that with me?" His kohl-streaked gaze settled on her face for a very brief moment before he became too awkward and looked away at the events board again. "Heh... Probably would kick my ass, huh?" Didn't that always happen with him? He underestimated someone, and bam - he was left groaning on the ground.

[Dr. Isabela Monroe]

"If you ever show up." Isabela repeated with a definitive nod. Clearly, she wasn't going to force him to do anything. But she was going to take his suggestions on board.

At first, she replied with a small, singular nod. She did know. Problem students were something the faculty were alerted to - particularly given how new she still was to the school. The concept of keeping an eye on him didn't sit well with her in the first place. "Truthfully, I wouldn't have the time to hate you even if I wanted to." She admitted, her dark eyes glancing towards the notice board idly.

Isabela chuckled slightly when he questioned her. It wasn't the first time it happened, and it wouldn't be the last.

"Why not?" Izzy asked him openly. Why wouldn't she want to do that with him. "I wouldn't endeavour to embarrass you, though you are right." The physical education teacher grinned lightly at the fact.

And when the amusement left her features, all that remained was a genuine smile; though her smiles always were. Isabela unfurled her fingers and extended a hand towards him. He didn't need to take it, but it was there; "If you offer me a chance, I'll offer you one in return."

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Hmmmm.... Isabela's smooth, seemingly uncaring response to whether or not Kodi would come to class just made him want to come more. Maybe that's what she was doing. Some psychological thing, or something. Whatever the case, Kodi was already planning on showing up... Maybe sometime next week. Maybe.

Kodi supposed probably everyone at the school knew who he was by now. He was a troublemaker, and a violent one at that. It was a wonder he didn't have security watching him at all times... Or maybe he did? A faint smirk twitched in the corner of his lips. "Well, you ain't so bad yourself," the southerner drawled, which was probably the highest compliment he'd given anyone in a long time. "Hope your opinion of me don't change too quickly." Maybe she'd start to despise him once she got to know him better personally. Kodi wouldn't be surprised.

He glanced at her again as she chuckled, and gave a small smile despite himself. "Well then...." he mused, totally taking her word for being able to best him in a sparring match. "Maybe you could teach me a thing or two." He knew he knew next to nothing about actual martial arts. And though he'd tried to learn some from reading... It really wasn't the same as in-person training.

Kodi eyed her hand warily, as if it was a snake that would bite him if he got too close, but he eventually brought his own to clasp against it, giving a firm, short shake. "Sign me up," he told her with a flash of a grin. "When can we start?" He hoped soon... Otherwise he might be in a foul, dark place the next time they saw each other again. Hammel had a way of doing that to him.

[Dr. Isabela Monroe]

"It won't." Isabela replied with mild encouragement and clear confidence. She doubted he could get much worse. And if he did, well, that was simply who he was. Changing her formed opinion was never exactly an east feat.

His musing tone alone sounded promising to the physical education teacher. "If you'd be a willing student, I could teach you better ways to manage your aggression." She explained. Of course, she knew little of what he was actually interested in. But she was sure she had - or could quickly acquire - the knowledge necessary to be helpful. He just had to say the word.

Truly, it surprised Isabela to feel his hand connect with her own. It was short and simple, as she expected. But she offered enough strength to use it as something of a proving factor.

"Find me in my office when you're ready." Izzy explained, offering a small roll of her shoulders as a type of shrug. "If not, the gym. I can work to your schedule."

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We'll see, Kodi thought, though he didn't say it aloud. If she was so determined to not dislike him, then he'd wait and see how she felt if and when she saw him not so mellow.

"Manage my aggression?" he repeated, a small, amused smile tugging at his lips. "I don't know about that. You've got a lotta confidence t'think you can fix a messed up fucker like me." No one had done it yet; but then again, he never let anyone try. If she was so determined, hell, he'd give her a shot, unless her open personality changed drastically the next time they met. Kodi found himself hoping that wouldn't be the case.

"Yer office... Right," Kodi replied, wondering where that actually was. He could find it. "Might see you in the gym sometime, then." Maybe. Sensing their conversation was sort of coming to an end, he took a half-step backwards, turning his body slightly away. "I'll, uh, see you around.... Isabela Monroe." With a tiny smirk and a slight dip of his head, he twisted away, slumping his tall, broad body and stuffing his hands in his pockets as he made his retreat.

[Dr. Isabela Monroe]

Isabela Monroe matched his amused smile with one of her own, as if she was completely in on that which made him pull that face in the first place. It was, if nothing else, interesting that he referred to himself as; messed up. A conscious choice to inform her of his status - both as sworn by other people and evidently, himself. She didn't answer verbally, all she did was tilt her head to the side and shrug her shoulders.

Time would tell.

"Maybe you will." She replied. Despite how much he didn't seem to like the gym, Isabela was confident she'd see him sooner than later; whether that be in class, or in her office.

The physical education teacher watched him turn, knowing then that he was bound to walk away. And she wasn't about to stop him. Her hands curled around her elbows as he spoke. She offered him a small nod with her head; "Bye, Kodi."

And she turned her attention back to the board as he walked away.