Like sands through the hourglass... (Sean)

[Min Hee Wang]

The morning had begun as any other before it here as of late. A series of routines that would lead her to get through her days. It was not something she would ever complain about, peace that is, it seemed so rare in the world these days. Though she had met an unexpected turn of events, by seeing Vincent Meian would be her co-worker, she seemed to find some level grounds of the matter. Perhaps she had just forgotten the better part of their discussion, which was not at all impossible, but she did remember that he was there--if nothing else.

On this particular day her steps had lead her once again to that very staff lounge. A folder tucked under one arm, pressed between the fabric of her long-sleeved white shirt and her black vest, and a pen tucked behind her ear. Her hair was pulled back neatly today, the black strands falling in a short ponytail behind her head, swaying as she walked. She adjusted the fabric of her vest letting it reach the edge of her matching black slacks. Her heels lightly clicked upon the floor and the chain to her pocket watch rattled somewhat as she walked. However, this sound was drowned out by her voice.

"Geudae nayegeman jarhejwoyo, " [Only be good to me] her voice would ring out as she managed the door open with a box of pastries in her hand. Honestly not expecting anyone else there just yet as she sang her way through the doorway. "Hangsang nayegema usojwoyo" [Only always smile at me] she sang softly as she walked through the staff lounge. Placing the box of doughnuts down by the coffee pot. Figuring if people saw them there with the coffee they'd help themselves, which is what she hoped for, though she would of course take her own doughnut aside before moving to the coffee pot.

Picking up a mug she filled it with coffee for herself. Whoever kept up with the pot in the lounge she surely would worship. After preparing her coffee with the small quantities of sugar and milk she would take a long sip of it. Silencing her voice from it's song, though the song was still stuck in her head, along with thoughts about how her Christmas shopping had been the night before.

[Dr. Sean Neville]

Sean loved working at Hammel. He’d spent the vast majority of his professional life, and his adulthood as a whole, working at Hammel, and he would have left long ago if he didn’t enjoy it. For all of the stresses, it was home to him, and there was nowhere that he would rather work.

Despite his affection for his workplace and his overall job satisfaction, he still needed breaks.

The staff lounge was a necessary respite from the stresses of Hammel. The telepath wanted to be accessible to the students, and so he had an open door policy (which extended to other faculty as well). If he was in his office, and his door was ajar, he was available. If it was closed, one had to knock, and if he didn’t call for them to enter, then he was occupied.

In the staff lounge, he could relax for a few moments: drink his coffee without interruption.

Rather, interruptions from other faculty for conversation were welcome, but they weren’t the same as needing to talk with an upset parent or break up a fight.

The telepath entered the staff lounge with the intention of brewing coffee and dropping off the other half of the flourless chocolate cake that Josh had made the night before. That was one of his mother’s favorite recipes, and Josh had done his mother justice.

Finding that the lounge was occupied, Sean turned to the younger woman, one of their newer trainers, and offered her a smile. “Good morning.”

[Min Hee Wang]

Min-hee shoved that doughnut in her mouth as she moved to lean against the counter, pulling the folder from under her arm as she set her mug down for the time being. Reading over the papers within it. Most of the papers were just the general details of how the structure of her lesson plans would go though most of her lessons ended up altered for the specific student. After all, you couldn't effectively train one student the way you could another if their abilities were vastly different.

Min-Hee's ability allowed her to deal with more violent types, but at the same time she didn't really mind working with those who had abilities that were much less dangerous. It meant less stress on her shoulders and less for her to worry about in the long run for her plans. Either way both types of students were highly valued to her and thus she paid attention to every detail that might factor into providing a healthy growth for those students while nuturing the idea of equality between lives.

That was something Min-hee hoped to pass to her students. So that there would be no more superiority complexes to run wild. She would make sure of that if she had to spend days without sleep to prove her point. she took the pen from behind her ear making a note about talking with someone to identify which students would need her the most. She was eager to begin work the sooner she met with her students the sooner she could build a certain respect between herself and them.

Hearing the door open her eyes would lift from the paper, the doughnut she was eating was gone by this point, focusing her gaze upon the man in the doorway. Giving him a bright smile, "Good morning ! How are you doing today?" She stated politely. Taking a napkin to wipe her mouth with before placing it int he bin nearby.

She didn't know much about Sean, but she had heard of him of course. The only one she really did know in detail was Vincent Meian of course. Though part of her wish she would have met him with a fresh state of mind so that there was no lingering distaste for the man, but that would fade with time working along side him.

[Dr. Sean Neville]

Sean set the cake platter down on the table beside the coffee machine, since that seemed a good place for it. Considering how most staff members drank coffee, he had no doubt that others would happen across the cake. Leaving baked goods in the staff lounge to share was a common enough practice that everyone knew (or should know) to simply take some if it was enticing.

With that, he moved on to the coffee pot proper, pouring himself a mug, before stirring in milk and two sugars. The liquid turned a familiar shade of caramel, and he brought his mug to his lips, smiling when he tasted it.

Perfect.

“I’m fine, and how are you?” He asked, turning around to face her now that he had prepared his coffee. Then he spied a box of doughnuts, and his smile widened. With Josh baking, he had a steady supply of sugary treats at home. Even before his partner had undertaken this task, there remained bakeries and farm stands and the grocery store to supply him with the glucose boost he needed. And he baked himself at times.

Still, unexpected baked goods were often his favorites.

“Did you bring these in?” He gestured at the doughnut box, so she would know what he meant. Not everyone had telepathy, after all.

[Min Hee Wang]

"Ohh is that cake i see? " She stated turning toward the man as he placed the platter down. There was no doubt to her that this cake, like her doughnuts, would be gone by the time the day was over with.

She picked up her mug, sipping the lightened substance with a smile bright upon her features, enjoying the taste fondly. It was something she found herself fond of, the taste of coffee, and it had become a ritualistic way for her to start the day.

"Wonderful to hear. I'm fantastic, thank you for asking, just getting a little bit a fix." she stated lifting her mug up in gesture to show what she meant.

"oh! Yes, I thought i'd bring something in for everyone. I know I sometimes forget to grab breakfast before running out of the door so I figured i'd help people like me out. " She noted with a laugh. With her the memory problems that occurred with her sometimes it really was no surprise that she sometimes forgot whether or not she'd even eaten that day.

"Have at them if you like, that's what they are there for, afer all I can't eat them all myself." she stated with a grin. Though she probably could she wasn't fond of the idea. She could only imagine the sugar rush she'd get from all of that, not to mention the workout she'd have to do afterwards, a girl had to watch her figure after all. Though Min-Hee's metabolism was still great.

[Dr. Sean Neville]

Sean nodded in confirmation. “It is. My partner made it from a family recipe. It’s very good, if you’d like to try a slice.” Although that was all Sean would say on the subject. He was quite proud of Josh, for how quickly he’d picked up the skill, as well as how he’d stuck with the preparations every night, taking it seriously. They both benefitted, and Hammel’s students and faculty benefitted by receiving all of the leftovers from his nightly homework assignments.

“I’m glad to hear that as well,” he said, sipping his coffee again. He listened to her explanation and added, “That was very generous of you.” He encouraged sharing, and he benefitted from the steady supply of baked goods in the staff lounge, even with the supplies at home as well. After a moment of consideration, he reached into the box to grab a powdered doughnut, wrapping it in a napkin.

The telepath then crossed the room to settle in one of the armchairs. He cherished the ability to rest his knees – as well as his mind – if only for a brief moment. And despite the fact that the furniture in the lounge was a bit more worn than the furniture in his office, he still found it quite comfortable.

“It’s a rare one of us who can polish off an entire box ourselves.” He was one of those people, but he didn’t have to do so, not the way cellular generators required the additional calories. He was only after the glucose.

[Min Hee Wang]

'Partner?' she would wonder silently. Musing over the word that usually hinted certain aspects of a person's preferences. Though she did not voice these curiosities. After all, it was rude to question such things without knowing someone better. Or at least that was her belief. "Oh wonderful! I would love a slice! I need a good workout this afternoon anyway. I have to get my game face on for last minute christmas shopping. You know how crazy that can get. " she noted with a grin.

"It was nothing. " she stated with a wave of her hand and a soft laugh. Grinning a little to the man, slicing herself off a bit of the cake onto a paper plate, tucking that folder back under her arm, picking up her mug and the plate and moving to one of the other armchairs to rest. She didn't really mind standing, but it was a nice break to sit. Especiailly when one wore heels to work.

"you're right about that, but I tell you it's a feat I can do. " she took in a breath of air puffing out her cheeks as she crossed her eyes. Before exhaling the breath, "I imagine i'd look silly if I gained alot of weight from it though." she noted. She took a bite of that cake, happily cooing to the taste of it on her tongue, "mmmm."

[Dr. Sean Neville]

Although she hadn’t voiced her thoughts, Sean detected them regardless. There was nothing surprising, since the word partner had multiple meanings in society and could refer to a number of different relationships. Since he detected nothing hostile - and even if he had, he was proud of his relationship with Josh and wouldn’t remain mum about it – the telepath explained, “My spouse.” He had no qualms with using that word, even though they lacked either the ceremony or the marriage license; the level of commitment was comparable, and that was the underlying point he intended to convey.

With that, he took a bite of his doughnut, feeling the cake melt in his mouth, and feeling the powder tickle his nose. Were he at home, he might lick his lips; but as much of an oasis as the lounge was intended to be, he couldn’t relax in the same way or become casual with his behavior. As such, he picked up the napkin, turned it inside out so as to prevent more powder from painting his complexion, thus undermining the endeavor in the process, and then wiped his nose and lips. “This is delicious,” he remarked, once he had chewed and swallowed.

“Me too,” the telepath answered, offering her an expression of solidarity. He took no shame in that. He also didn’t believe in shaming people for their bodies, and he took particular issue to the amount of gendered-shaming that women received as a result. Particularly in light of his own physique. “There’s nothing wrong with a bit of insulation.”

[Min Hee Wang]

"ohhh~ I'm so jealous." She stated with a tone of longing. Though she didn't really pay much mind to the fact she knew little about his spouse. "It must be so nice to have someone to spend forever with." she half whined out though she smiled regardless. She didn't care about paper or rings or anything like that. To her what mattered was the lasting relationship.

She had not had a serious relationship since Lee back when she was a teenager and even then they were better off friends. It was a shame really, but she had been determined to work hard for her future. She didn't have the time back then to spare on courting rituals. "Oh! I'm glad you like it ! The place i got them from is really good with baked goods." she stated smile.

"Insulation? " She stated seemingly lost in the conversation. Her expression drawing a blank for a moment. She had forgotten what they were talking about at the time. "I'm not really sure i'm knowledgeable on that subject, but I imagine a hardware store might have some." She noted. That little piece of memory fluttering in the wind, lost within her mind, or rather lost from it.

She'd lost bit and pieces of things here and there ever since her powers manifested, but it was never enough of a loss for her to worry much over it.

[Dr. Sean Neville]

Though her remark might have been small talk, contained within it was deep meaning. Sean’s relationship with Josh had always been complex, and while they were now at a place where he felt content that they could spend the rest of their lives together uninterrupted, it had taken so long to reach this stage. In one sense, he didn’t want to relive that; he would like to be able to recover those additional decades together. In another sense, he would never change their past, because that had brought them to this present; moreover, they were all collections of their past choices and experiences, and he didn’t want to change who he was.

Setting those deeper reflections aside, the telepath said, “It is. He might come to the next dance, so you could meet him. He’s very friendly.”

Sean should have glanced at the box to read the name, but he hadn’t done so. Now, seated, he couldn’t see it clearly. As such, he asked, “Where did you get them?” The telepath always needed more avenues for baked goods.

Apparently, his remark had fallen a bit flat. Sean took responsibility for that, as he should have expressed himself more clearly. However, the topic had shifted by then, and the telepath didn’t think that he should refocus on the issue of size in society, particularly when the younger woman’s remark had been largely in jest.

Instead, he let that thread of conversation fall to the side and moved on to a different topic. “How have your classes been?”

He recognized that she was a trainer, and they held both individual sessions as well as group sessions. There was always much to discuss with trainers about the progress of their students, of their impressions of the children’s potential. Despite not having personal experience with training others, Sean’s job was similar enough. More than that, he was invested in the students’ wellbeing and truly wanted to know how they did.

[Min Hee Wang]

Min-hee nodded firmly to the man, "I plan to! I love to dance I wouldn't miss it. " She admitted. She was completely honest with her words spoken though her thoughts soured with the ideas of what it would be like to be married. To have someone to come home to instead of just her dog and the people on the internet she vlogged for. If she had been the sort of person to be depressed that might have done it. however, that was not her, she did not get down about things like that. It was better to enjoy life than to waste it moping a bout things that could eventually change if she wore a smile and made the effort.

"I do hope to meet him. I'd love to tell him how delicious this cake is. " She stated taking another bite before wiggling somewhat in her chair. It was so delicious she just couldn't help herself in scarfing down most of it rather quickly. Placing the fork across the plate when she was finished and setting it down on the table near her for the time being. Licking her lips casually at the corners. A habit really she didn't really think it was at all awkward to do so.

She looked up to the right as she tried to remember where she'd bought them at, her squinting a bit, though she shrugged. "I can't really recall." it was true. The image of the store's name was completely out of her mind. All that was left was the memory of many cases of baked goods and some ice cream cakes. "Somewhere down town i think." she noted. "I'll let you know when i find the receipt. " She assured him.

"No problems as of yet, things are running smoothly, though it seems there are many students who do not seem to have a trainer. It concerns me somewhat and I am hoping that I can be of help in that area. " She stated as she picked up her folder again. Looking through the pages, "The facility seems very well equipped. I'm happy about that. The system seems to take training very seriously just as I do and I am also happy about that. Though i've heard a bit of a thing on the wind regarding another trainer that I am previously familiar with." she stated as she closed the folder. Setting it down infront of her next to the plate.

Min-hee smiled as she picked up the cup of coffe sipping from it before she spoke again. "It concerns me when certain things reach enough of an air to cause rumors. I hope this is not a frequent occurrence around here. " she stated with a worried tone to her voice.

"However, once my lessons have become more active I will let you know. " she stated with a smile. She was eager to begin training students. It was something she'd dreamed of doing since she was in school. She'd worked so hard for it and been through so much in the name of equality and respect. She wanted to pass that knowledge on and help students better reach their full potential without turning into people like her father who think that they are the height of human evolution. Everyone had their weakness' the sooner people understood that there was a balance to things the better.

It was a matter of saving lives not just molding them to her.

[Dr. Sean Neville]

Sean smiled at the compliment. He completely agreed with her assessment of course, even though Josh also dismissed his opinion as either flattery or owing to the fact that he was easy to please. Someday, his partner would hear enough compliments to finally believe that he had gained baking skills, and that he did well with those skills. After all, it had been nearly a year since he had started lessons, and he worked diligently (almost) every night. “I’ll pass that on to him,” he promised. And he would.

Assuming that the store had been in Pilot Ridge, then the telepath knew about it already. However, there were always new businesses popping up, and he would appreciate what knowledge she imparted. “Thank you.”

He settled in to listen while she explained the situation with her students. While she spoke, he continued to nibble on his doughnut and sip his coffee, although he maintained eye contact to show that he was listening attentively. Once she finished, and he had washed down the remnants of the doughnut, he remarked, “Students do have trainers, even if it doesn’t seem that way. There’s some inevitable passing around that happens when students and trainers aren’t a good fit for one another.”

Despite being uninvolved with the training department, he knew that much. It was simply how Hammel was with training.

“And what did you hear?” He asked, his voice and expression carefully neutral. While there were more than enough rumors that flew around the school about different faculty, he liked to remain alert. He also had an idea of what she had heard, assuming that she and the other trainer in question met where he believed they did. If she had, then there might need to be a full faculty meeting on the topic to address the problem.

He hoped not, because of prior precedent.

“Please do,” He added, before taking another sip from his coffee, nearly draining the mug. “I like to hear about successes with the students. And if improvement needs to be made, I can try to incorporate that if I see the student in question."

Which he often, although did not always, did.

[Min Hee Wang]

"I hope so! Maybe it will encourage him to feed our faces over here more. " she stated giving him a grin. Min-hee would never protest someone's homemade food. After all, homemade food was the best kind of food out there. Even better than instant mac'n'cheese and that was saying something.

A nod would be given to the thanks though she wouldn't really know what he was thanking her for given that she'd provided him nothing of the information he desired yet. However, she shrugged it off as politeness and she smiled to him. "Hey yeah, no problem, none at all. "

"That is most definitely inevitable. " She stated as she sipped at her drink. Though she didn't really foresee any problems for herself. She had a strong will and she was determined that she could help even the most stubborn that would walk into her sessions.

"I heard there was a mishap with one of the students and Vincent Meian. That both the student and the trainer were injured. There's alittle bit of a wind that says there might be more to it than that, but no word otherwise." She noted plainly as that is what she did know. However, knowing vincent's past with her former friend she would without a doubt suspect him for other things as well. Perhaps it had been a long time ago, but she couldn't shake the uneasiness it caused her. She would not allow such a thing to happen to another student.

"Wonderful. I would hope you would as well let me know if you have any suggestions as well, yes?" she questioned.

[Dr. Sean Neville]

Sean returned the smile. “I usually bring some of what he bakes into work with me. Sometimes I keep it in my office for the students; other times, it ends up here. But it tends to go quickly these days.” Josh’s skills had improved well, and since his partner worked from Riley’s recipes, everything he made was delicious.

The telepath sipped his coffee, not frowning as he listened to the rumor that she had described. He had heard that as well, although in his own way rather than word of mouth. That was better than the rumor could have been, although it remained concerning that news about Vincent and Leiken was continuing to circulate through channels. He hoped that these were only faculty channels and not ones with student access, but since rumors flew quickly at Hammel, suppressing this would take a concerted faculty effort.

That was something to consider for the next staff meeting.

“Certain students’ training sessions can get a little out of hand,” he remarked neutrally. Leiken’s attitude made him similar to Jesse and Harmony, while control over his powers put him in the same category of Sam Rixon and Evan. That was a difficult combination. “But we can hope that will be the end of any problems.”

Otherwise Yvette would get involved. The Headmistress was no-nonsense, particularly in light of the events that occurred so quickly after Claude resigned.

“Of course,” the telepath affirmed. “Training isn’t my area of expertise, but when I find a course of action for a student, I try to pass it on.”

[Min Hee Wang]

Min-hee gave a soft laugh, amused by the fact, "I can imagine it would go very quickly given how delicious it is. " Of course she'd picked up on the 'he' aspect of that, but it didn't bother her a single bit. It was just a minor noted detail that made her sure she would have to add another male to her spreading the cheer christmas list. Though she wondered somewhat what his partner liked. Min-hee tended to buy gifts for people around her and their loved ones during the holidays, often donating to charities as well, it was just her way of spreading holiday cheer. Though perhaps it was as well to make up for all the trouble she'd caused as a kid.

Min-hee said nothing more on the topic of the rumor though inwardly she hoped that Meian was not up to his old game again. She did not want a repeat of what happened when she was young with another student these days. What a mess that had been. Hopefully, he had grown up since then. Nik seemed just the same. It was still surprising to Min-hee that he'd managed to keep hold of Nik for so long.

"Of course, I am sure that some students are much more difficult to handle, but not impossible." She assured. "I do hope so. At least in the case of Mr. Meian." she stated with a smile.

"Wonderful!" She stated grinning. "Sometimes others see things that I miss, so I always appreciate the fact, it gives better results when there can be a complete understanding." She noted to the man.