Reaching Out (Closed)

[Vincent Meian]

Dreams and memories were strange things. Dreams were less frequent, more subconscious; many tended to fade within hours if not minutes of waking, use more imagery and symbolism than true recollection, and were open to interpretation. Memories were constant and conscious, but able to be ignored given proper distraction; they, too, faded with time, but the effect was often over the course of years (decades, even) than mere hours. Each told something about the person who recalled them, but what they told was often different.

The fact the Jesse had let him into half of that world in his head was enough. The older man could no more demand answers from the teen than he could take water from a stone; it would only tarnish the faith that had been placed in him, make Jesse feel unsafe in a sanctuary. If he talked about the past, so be it. But Vincent would not pry.

There was also something to be said about the blonde's antagonistic nature towards the school. Given that his trainer was not privy to knowledge of MSAD or the affiliations thereof (partially by choice and partially by general secrecy), the general vehemence the staff and some students had seemed wildly unproductive. Being suspicious, he could understand; promising a second chance and second-guessing it constantly, he did not. The Japanese individual also suspected that Sean understood his student's real goals and would have given him a place to stay if asked, but the fact that Jesse came to one and not the other wasn't a point he was willing to discuss either.

There was a pause as Vincent considered his words carefully. Of course he didn't know Jesse's father - he'd never met the man, already had a biased opinion colored by the fear he saw in his student in conjunction with the dreams he'd read about. But he knew men like him, understood that there were hard and unrelenting people in the world, people who treated their families as extensions of themselves only in the sense of vanity fulfillment. Men who used their stature or status to intimidate people for no real goal than to get what they wanted without a fight. Vincent had not only met such men before - he'd had to deal with them. Some physically, most argumentatively (especially after teaching at Eisai). Assholes were not limited to this hemisphere. "I do not retract my promise," he finally stated, closing his potion of that conversation without further comment.

Whether he was believed was entirely up to the boy.

Hearing about Jesse's sister made him smile a little bit. It was obvious the teen cared about her a great deal, held her in high status and would put her needs before his own. "It sounds as though you care for her a great deal," he replied, his tone just as warm as speaking of his own children. "I am sure she would enjoy visiting you as well."

The talk on the girls seemed to relax Jesse as well, though when he glanced up from his chopping and paring, there was a more anxious expression crossing over the blonde's face. He didn't ask, as barely a moment later it was explained, and Vincent nodded, understanding. "Curfew is not until eight o'clock, I understand," he replied, separating out the edible portions of the vegetables with the parts that would be composted. "I will make arrangements with the dorm monitor and alert the school of your whereabouts. You will not be in trouble for being here."

That was a promise he could keep easily. If he took the boy into his care for the night and something happened, it would fall squarely on him. But given that Jesse was ere of his own will and seemed halfway to terrified, it seemed unlikely that he could do worse than simply retreat back to campus.

[Jesse Adams]

While in the care of Gabriel, Jesse had been encouraged to read up what he could on dreams and memories to help understand his power better. Dream analysis he’d decided long ago was a pile of grade A bullshit, but the theories about dreams and what spurred them had interested him. He’d never bothered to analyze himself, usually because when he woke he was either in a state of panic or grief, or everything was too fuzzy to bring back long enough to analyze. Most of them were easy to pinpoint, though. Memories were harder, but after he’d done some reading on things like Alzheimer’s, he’d shoved that to the back of his mind. He didn’t want his power to make him crazy and lose his memories completely.

Surprisingly, his antagonism towards Hammel had dipped since returning to the school. What he was feeling now wasn’t antagonism, but rather lost faith that the school was safe. While he was sure that Hammel had precautions in place for a situation like this, but he didn’t want to rely on that. At Hammel he was a sitting duck. Here, at least he was... well, not a sitting duck. He didn’t know how to phrase it, really. He just didn’t want to stay there at the moment.

The man Jesse knew as his father, and the man the world knew were two shockingly different things. The world saw him as a kind, loving father who stood up for those who had been blamed for wrongdoings when no one else would. He had a great rapport with the community, and was always willing to lend a hand where it was needed. Behind closed doors? The man Jesse was intimately familiar with, and the reasons he was so messed up, despite Dr Neville discouraging that kind of talk. If he came to the door, he would be rather diplomatic and calm, and do what he always did. It made Jesse want to shrink into a ball. “You wouldn’t say that if you met him. You wouldn’t even know.” The only person he could possibly see as not falling for his father’s fake charms was Dr Neville, simply because he would be able to see into his thoughts and know he was full of shit.

At least thoughts of Sasha cheered him up somewhat. He loved his sister, and anyone that had known him throughout his stint with MSAD, or even the students that gave him a wide berth could tell that. She was so sweet and innocent. “I do.” Anyone that doubted that needed a punch in the damn face. “She’s amazing. Better than me and my older brother combined.” That much was true. Unless she ran with a pseudo-gang or did drugs or made friends with so called ‘terrorists’, then yes, she was ten times better than both of her brothers. “Maybe if I ever graduate. It’s not like she can stay with me in the dorms.” If their father would even let her come visit.

Still, the looming curfew was making him uneasy. Even if he was at his trainer’s, he wasn’t in his dorm when he was supposed to be. “Yeah, but it’s part of my probation. I’m supposed to be there.” Even if he didn’t want to be. So far, he’d been good about it. His chin did lift slightly at Vincent’s proposal. “And they’ll be okay with that? Really?” He’d never tried to break the rules in this kind of setting, and he wasn’t sure on how it actually worked, if he’d actually be in trouble.

[Vincent Meian]

Apparently, Jesse could not be pushed in the slightest on his perceptions of his trainer and his father. It was understandable. Irksome, yes, but understandable. Children often believed their parents to be perfect, even if it was in the shape of the perfect monster. It was why children with good parents often became disillusioned when they discovered faults in those they looked up to, and why those with abusive ones tended to be trapped into thinking that there was no way out. Jesse, of course, was the latter. To the older man, it sounded like the boy had wrapped the idea of his father's 'perfect mask' so tightly around his perceptions that seemingly no one could see through it.

One day, that mask would have to break. However, today was sadly not that day, and Vincent wasn't willing to push the boy out of a safe place by arguing the fact.

Honestly, the trainer believed his student to be a good person. Misguided, certainly, and manipulated heavily during a very impressionable time, but a good person. He was trying to better himself, atone for the things he'd done wrong. Make things right, in his own way. There was something admirable about that, even if the boy didn't see it. "There are ways to allow her to stay for a short time," he replied, not forcing the issue one way or the other. "The exchange students that will be coming from Eisai and Kocher next year, for example; they will be staying in unfilled rooms and with host families. Should your sister come to visit, I would not mind allowing her a place to stay while you are in school."

It was an idea, if not a likely one.

Even if it was part of his probation, there had to be some loophole in case of emergencies. After all, a medical situation would mean needing to be out of the dorms overnight. Were psychiatric or emotional reasons no less valid? So, he nodded. "I am a representative of the school, and you are in my care. If your whereabouts are made known to the administration, I do not foresee any problems."

Of course, that would mean calling Sean as well - the psychic would understand better than anyone Jesse's mental state, and exactly how hard Vincent was to coerce.

Once the vegetables had been cut, the scallions were swept into a bowl and set by the stove, along with the bright orange squash. The daikon was also set aside, though much closer as it was going to be prepped for tomorrow rather than tonight. As the two spoke, the makings of soup came into being, as well as another dish that simmered low. It was a simple dinner tonight - miso soup, simmered vegetables and fresh ones, rice and seared fresh tuna. To someone not from Japan, it probably seemed strange, especially for serving young teens, but it was standard fare in the Meian house whenever nothing else had been planned in particular.

And, despite their guest's objections about being not hungry, a little extra was added anyway. Just in case.

Glancing over his shoulder in the midst or preparing the base for the soup, Vincent asked, "You are roommates with Clement Evans and Koty Hura, are you not? Have they been treating you well?"

The only reason he knew, of course, was because he'd checked the register after noticing that his two students shared a room. Then, that a former student shared that same room. It was a coincidence that amused the trainer, but he was interested mostly in if the boys were getting along all right. Or if someone would notice that Jesse was gone.

[Jesse Adams]

Very few people could push Jesse’s opinions on his father and the way he interacted with the world. He had seen it growing up enough to know that enough people fell for his act, so why shouldn’t his trainer? Or Hammel officials? His perception might have been a little warped, and it might have been expected that a nineteen year old would know better, but he couldn’t see past the person he’d grown up with. Any hope that his father had changed in the last three years had also been squashed effectively with one phone call. A phone call he was now dreading might repeat. Who knew how many messages he’d have now his father had confirmed he had the right number? ... He was never turning his phone on again. He was changing his number and maybe he’d run over his current phone for good measure, like he had the last one.

If he knew what Vincent thought of him, he’d also fight to prove him wrong. He wasn’t a good person. He wanted to be, or at least better than he’d been in the past. But right now? He wasn’t there yet. He couldn’t in good conscience be considered good yet. But he’d settle for better than his father. At least he wasn’t actively threatening anyone right now. Vincent, however, was able to be classified as good. “You’d do that? Really?” God, if he could have Sasha close to him, even for a week... what a difference it would make. “I’d pay for her board, or rent, or whatever. I swear.” The idea was one he’d latch on to, even if it was just an idea. Seeing Sasha again would just... he couldn’t put words to the feelings.

“If they have a problem with it... I can go back.” He’d just sit in his dorm staring at the door and jumping at noises, but he’d do it. Despite all the trouble he gave himself, he didn’t want Vincent to be in trouble for his own actions. Strange, but true. “... Are you going to tell Dr. Neville?” If he was, he didn’t know if the psychiatrist would see this as a good or a bad thing. At any rate, he’d probably hear all about it at his next session.

He watched with an almost listless interest as Vincent continued to prep for dinner. It was something he’d never have seen his father do. His mother was the cook in the house. His father worked, came home, had dinner, and then usually retreated to his study to work some more, if he wasn’t hounding either of his sons over grades or sports. It was weird, but not awful. The teenager still wasn’t hungry, though. He’d just do coffee for the rest of the night. Or energy drinks, if he felt okay enough later to drive to get them.

Or hell, maybe he’d camp the liquor store until someone could be manipulated into buying him something. It was also tempting.

The question made him nod, though he didn’t verbally answer right away. “... Yeah. I’m kind of friends with Clement.” If by friends he meant pseudo-bodyguard. And sort of friends. “I don’t know Koty. Never see him. But Clement’s good.” He liked the kid, even if he annoyed him at times. “... He takes care of my rabbit when I’m in detention or staying late in class.” Or running away.

[Vincent Meian]

The tone in Jesse's voice surprised him, and when he glanced up from his work Vincent could see that hope and gratitude in his face as well. It wasn't that he thought the boy incapable of feeling either emotion, but it seemed like such a small offer. Why wouldn't it be; he had offered the same for Jesse himself. His sister was someone he cared for, so should she not have a safe place to stay as well? Or, at least, some place that Jesse perceived as safe? With a slight smile, the trainer shook his head. "You need not pay for anything," he stated. "I would not charge you for the food you eat here, nor for the bed you would need. Why would I not do so for her?"

Apparently, there needed to be some possibility of punishment for the blonde to believe that he shouldn't worry. Some people were like that. So, with a shrug, the tall man gave him one. "I do not know the terms of your agreement with the Headmistress in full. There may be a formal issuing of a detention to show a firm commitment to that agreement. However, I do not believe there will be any lasting repercussions, whether it is against you or myself. Even if there was that chance, I would not send you back - you came here for a reason."

However, at the mention of the psychiatrist, he nodded again. "I will tell him that you are here, yes," he replied. "How much I tell him of your reasons will be up to you." Regardless, he would tell his friend that Jesse did not feel safe on campus at the moment. It was honest, and yes, it would probably come up during their next psychiatric session.

Cooking was something that Vincent enjoyed greatly - had since he was younger than Jesse. Younger than Cassi, even. It was something he could do that had a tangible result, an outcome he could not only see, but feel, smell, and taste. Being good at preparing food had the benefit of always being able to eat something when there was ingredients to be had, and more than that, it gave him something to do to feel productive in a house where his income was the lesser of two. Cooking gave him something to bond with people over, too, in a respect; if he found out a person's favorite foods, or a flavor from their location of origin, he'd go out of his way to make it for them as a comfort, gift, or reward.

There was also something calming about making a meal as well, one that he could equate to any other skill or activity that required thought as well as trained muscle memory. Martial arts, for example, or running. There was a soothing, focused quality to the work that allowed for conversation, but was also able to pass time in silence without being oppressive.

There was also more than enough coffee in the house, should Jesse want more. Both adults drank it every morning (one for the caffeine and the other for the taste), though there was nothing stronger in terms of energy boost outside of that. Ginkgo and ginger tea, perhaps, but that wasn't quite the same kick.

Alcohol, of course, was kept in the house as well, considering that both adults not only drank but had different tastes in their liquor of choice. However, this was kept (out of habit) on a high shelf and out of sight, save for select bottles of wine that would be chilled and served with dinner. But as Jesse was not old enough to drink, those were not available to him even if he asked.

Nodding, the trainer looked back to his cooking dishes and finished their base preparation before moving on to the rest of the meal. The fact that Clement and Jesse were friends would have surprised most people, but there was something to be said for knowing what someone was going through and looking to prevent an outcome that had happened to you. Or, at least, so he viewed it. The boys had a number of traits in common, so perhaps the finding of common ground only added to the possibility of friendship. "It is good that you have someone nearby to help with that," he added. "Does he know that you will be away tonight?"

[Jesse Adams]

The small hope was one that Jesse was going to cling to for as long as possible. There had been talk of somehow bringing Sasha to visit when he had been at the compound, but he’d never really thought that it would happen once he was back at Hammel. The idea of her visiting was more than enough to force him to stay on the straight and narrow path he was supposed to be treading. Vincent’s question just made him shrug. “I don’t know. Because she isn’t your student, and she doesn’t go to Hammel?” It just made sense to him. Vincent didn’t owe him anything anyway, so why he was offering this was confusing the teenager. Still, if he meant it, he’d take it.

Oddly, the idea of an impending detention for disobeying his normal curfew rules seemed to relax the teenager, even if it was only slightly. Still... “I’m sorry if you get in trouble over it.” It had made so much sense to run to his trainer in a moment of panic, for lack of a better word. Now he was here he was a little less on edge, but he was still waiting for something else to happen. As long as it wasn’t his father on the front step, he was fairly sure he could deal with anything, though.

Or having to deal with Dr Neville right here and now. Of course Vincent was going to tell him. He sighed and shrugged, hands still firmly wrapped around the coffee mug. “Just tell him that my dad called me, and I think he hired someone to track me down. I don’t know how else he’d get that number.” As for how he wanted to embellish it in terms of Jesse’s state of mind, well, he’d leave that up to his trainer.

A he watched him continue to prepare, Jesse tried to make himself relax a little more. The phone had been abandoned onto the countertop, though it was kept a wary eye on. Despite being turned off, Jesse felt like it would be one of those situations in horror movies. The phone would ring, yet be unplugged. Somehow, his cell would find a way to ring despite being off. Or maybe it was paranoia. Maybe it was best to stop thinking about it. At least for now. He’d be doing enough of that later for the next year or so.

Despite the knowledge that he still didn’t openly fully trust his trainer, there really was something almost soothing about being in the kitchen as he prepped. If he’d been at home with his mother, he might have helped, but here he still felt like an outsider. If just watching was considered rude, then he’d be rude. He didn’t trust his hands right now anyway. Though the cold was starting to leave his body, his fingers still trembled slightly every time he took them off of the mug.

“Yeah, he knows. I think. I put a note under his door.” A messy, hastily done note, but a note nonetheless. “He knows I have curfew anyway. He knows to look after Ty when I can’t.” ... Which also made him somewhat of a deadbeat dad to his rabbit, but right now he didn’t care. At least he made sure Ty was still looked after and given attention if he couldn’t do it himself. Hopefully Clement wouldn’t be too mad at him.

[Vincent Meian]

As always, when Vincent said something it was true. Well, to the degree that his knowledge and ability could ensure - he wasn't omniscient or all-powerful, after all. But as to keeping the girl safe while she was here, that was more than within his spectrum of ability and will, should such a thing happen. So, it was with a light shrug that he answered the statement; it would be one of those 'we'll see if it happens' things.

The reference of the detention worked better than expected, though the fact that Jesse was relaxed by the concept of a punishment was bemusing. Truthfully, he was just happy the boy was calming down - he looked like a nervous wreck not thirty minutes ago, so anything that helped with that was a boon. Calling Sean seemed to make him a little upset, though perhaps 'resigned' was a better term. "I will tell him," the tall man promised. Everything else, including most of his own observations, would be private.

That phone was going to be a problem, though. He could tell. Being mostly techno-illiterate by his own choice, the trainer couldn't tell if the phone was off or simply in a 'sleep' mode, though he guessed it was off simply because if it wasn't, Jesse would be twice as high-strung. In theory. The only way to make sure he calmed would likely be to take the thing away, but that would be a little totalitarian right away. The teen could give it to him for safe keeping if he wanted, or he could keep it on his own. Either way was up to him.

"Good." It was a sign of progression that the blonde had a classmate he could count on, even if the tasks were small ones. "I will be returning to campus temporarily tomorrow, if you wish me to update him on your whereabouts."

[Jesse Adams]

It was nice to know there was an option, even if it was an improbable one. After all, a visit would require both parents’ permissions, and while he was sure that his mother wouldn’t have a problem with it, he could see his father preventing it. He knew damn well that his son was attached to his sister, and if he could use that to lure him home, he probably would. Sending her to Vermont for a visit would be counterproductive.

He wasn’t thrilled about the idea of Dr Neville knowing what was going on, but by the same token if anyone had a chance of dealing with the headmistress about this, it was probably the psychiatrist. He also knew that, just as with Vincent, the mere mention of his father contacting him would be enough to make him realize that this was serious. Serious enough to make Jesse bolt from the dorms. “Thanks. I think.” This would only serve to make his next session with Sean longer, but so be it. He’d probably need the therapy by that point.

He listened half heartedly as he took another sip of coffee, letting the heat and caffeine hit him like a brick wall. It was helping. The knowledge that Vincent was going to be gone tomorrow, though, did not help. Green eyes snapped up to look at his trainer in a near caged-animal expression. “When? For how long?” Yes, he was using his trainer like a human shield, and the idea of him leaving, even for an hour or so, made him feel... vulnerable.

He didn’t like feeling vulnerable.

[Vincent Meian]

The fear made the trainer glance over once again, his expression calculating and concerned. This was so worrisome that Jesse feared him leaving even for a short time? "An hour," he stated simply, unknowingly confirming the amount of time he would be gone. "I need to return documents to my office and speak with a student briefly. I can leave and return before you wake in the morning, if that concerns you." Given his own incredibly strange sleeping habits, it seemed like a reasonable promise to make, especially if that coffee would keep the teen awake until the faintest hours of the morning.

"If you are worried about being alone, you will not be. Both Nakia and our daughters will be here through the morning hours." Granted, the albino woman wouldn't be home for hours yet, but her shift tomorrow morning didn't start until eleven. He'd return with more than enough time before that.

Checking the simmering pumpkin momentarily, the Japanese man started in on the seared tuna and focused himself on that for a few moments. It wouldn't take long, but the pan was hot and the searing would have to be done swiftly in the midst of seasoning. Once finished, though, it was transferred to a nearby cutting board to be sliced into thin strips. Inside of ten minutes, everything was done, and the main dish and sides set on the table, soup served individually. After make three settings, Vincent looked to Jesse again.

"Are you certain you will not eat with us? There is more than enough food."

If not, he'd call the girls to the table and retrieve some bedding for the large couch out in the living room. The blonde needed a place to sleep, after all, and if the dorms were any indication Americans were not accustomed to sleeping on the floor (even with a futon).

[Jesse Adams]

Yes, Jesse was worried about the brief time his trainer wouldn’t be in the house. It was Vincent that was huge, and in a weird way, seemed protective. Without him around, Jesse knew he would feel oddly exposed. Even for just an hour. “I won’t be asleep,” he reminded him. Well. “... At least I don’t plan to be.” He didn’t want to even think about what his subconscious would to do him if he tried. “... Are there any energy drinks here? Red Bull? Monster?” He couldn’t afford to be picky. “’Cause if not, I might go get some.” The caffeinated combination of coffee and energy drinks was a wicked mix that usually worked on the worst of nights.

If he was listening better, he might have clued into the fact that he knew the name Nakia from somewhere. Instead, he just sighed and shrugged. There was nothing to be done about that fact. “It’ll be okay for an hour I guess.”

As Vincent turned back to the food, Jesse drank the last of the coffee in the mug and set it to the side, his fingers once again wrapping around his phone. He needed something to keep his hands busy. What would happen if he turned it back on? Would he have missed calls? Messages? ... Did GPS tracking work when the phone was off? Nervously, he tucked escaped pieces of his blond hair back behind his ear as he studied the black face of the device.

“What?” He was snapped out of his thoughts with the simple question. “... Oh. No. I’m not hungry.” In all honesty, he was worried that if he tried to eat, he’d probably end up being sick. Not the best start to being a guest.

Back to the phone. Maybe if he looked it up, there was a way to block a number, or just disable the ability to call in. It was worth a try, right? Though it made him shiver to do so, he turned the thing back on and waiting for the little silver apple to clear the screen. For a moment, everything came back to normal. Then the device buzzed to life, merrily displaying missed calls, and several voicemails. The phone was dropped to the counter out of being startled, and Jesse just stared at it.

[Vincent Meian]

Ah. Well, he should have expected that. Though eventually the teen would sleep from sheer exhaustion, it was probably best to assume that it wouldn't be for some time. Especially if he was asking for energy drinks (which he only knew by the fact that he'd seen students other than Jesse drinking them before). "No - no one here drinks them," the tall man stated calmly. "However, I would prefer if you do not leave the house in your state. I will ask for some to be picked up."

The grocery wasn't terribly far, and there was a small corner store between here and the school - Nik would be able to purchase some easily, especially so late at night.

Still, the fact that Jesse was worried concerned him. Greatly. If he needed his trainer around to feel safe, the boy was likely in more trouble than he realized. "I will return as swiftly as possible." And, if necessary, simply call the girl he was meeting on the phone to check in with her before giving his files to his wife for transport. She had a key to his office and would be leaving in either case. But they would see how their guest felt in the morning.

Though he nodded to show understanding, Vincent's eyes locked on the mobile phone as well. The damn thing seemed to be nothing but an anxiety attack waiting to happen. Which, of course, was proven true when he returned from calling the girls in for dinner. Jesse had dropped the phone on the counter like it had suddenly turned into a live snake and was staring at it as if it was about to reach out an bite him. Well. None of that. Striding over to the counter, the tall man picked up the device before it could be grasped again, slipping it into the front pocket of his jeans without comment. If it was going to be a concern, it would be one that was out of sight.

"Come - I will help you set up your sleeping arrangements."

[Jesse Adams]

If Jesse had his way, he wouldn’t be sleeping period tonight. He’d be a zombie tomorrow, but he didn’t care. He’d done it before. Mostly right after Gabriel had died, but he didn’t doubt his ability to do it again. While it was disappointing that there were none readily available, the proposal was a more welcome one than having to get himself back into a state of mind to drive safely. “Okay.” Hopefully Vincent would be able to accept money for that, at least, being that they weren’t usually in the house.

The teenager was mostly worried because, while he was unsure of his father’s true intentions with the call, he still wasn’t unconvinced that whoever his father had hired to find him wasn’t still out there. Who knew, really? He didn’t want to be followed around and reported in on like a lab rat. Vincent couldn’t do much about that, no, but at least with him around he felt a little better. “Okay. Fine.” He’d deal with it. Somehow.

The hand that grabbed his phone startled him, but he didn’t protest, nor make a grab for it. Honestly, the further away it was from him, the better. “You better turn it off if you’re gonna keep it.” No snarky comments about wanting it back, just advice. Otherwise the thing would be making noises and such. As to the invitation, he just nodded and slid off the stool to follow his trainer. It was probably better to stay out of the way anyway.

[Vincent Meian]

Regardless of whether there was someone outside or not, Jesse was perfectly safe inside this house. Yes, the trainer was a large and intimidating figure, even if his frame on a man shorter than he would be seen as far less than frightening. But he was not the only person in this house who could defend themselves or others. Even if they didn't keep guns in the house as a matter of course, Nakia was a more than capable mother and intelligent enough to know her limits, and Appoline had similar training to Vincent's own in kendo with a power that proved useful in such situations. Their guest would not come to harm while here; it was a guarantee.

The lack of argument seemed to prove that his actions were in the right. Though sullen, the blonde was more relaxed already and followed him out of the kitchen without protest. Both female teens passed by them on the way in, glancing over curiously again, but their father simply made a gesture with his hand back inside - they could start without him. Leading the way down the hall, the pair stopped at a door, which was opened to reveal an office space lined with bookshelves save for where the sliding doors of the closet would open. A desk sat in similar fashion to the one in Vincent's own office; to the right of the door, wall behind, and all entryways visible from the chair. However, it was cluttered with medical texts and pamphlets (a clear sign of the person who studied here), which set it apart from the trainer's own room at the school clearly enough.

From the closet came a coverlet and blanket, as well as a sheet to tuck into the cushions of the couch. "For tonight, I would suggest the couch as your sleeping place," he stated, closing the door and glancing to Jesse. "The living room may become cold in the night, but you should be warm enough with these blankets."

Once outside, he pointed down the hall to the room at the end. "If there is anything you need, knock on that door. I sleep lightly, therefore it should not take long for me to answer. The restroom is here-" pointing at another door "-and the door across is the laundry, should you need to wash your clothes.

"Do you have any questions?"

[Jesse Adams]

Against anyone else, any other kind of threat, Jesse would have been well capable of defending himself. He had the training given to him at the compound to keep himself safe from most physical threats. That being said, his father was not exactly most people, and his threats were just as often verbal as they were physical. It was hard to fight someone that could disarm you with just a few words, usually followed by a quick smack to make sure what he’d said sunk in.

As he followed Vincent around like a dejected puppy, he ducked his head slightly to avoid the looks of the girls. Maybe he could be friendly, or at least try, but not right this second. He was still too jittery, and he was certain that every little noise later in the night would send him into a minor panic. It was times like this he wished that his giant Mastiff mix wasn’t stuck with Jake just outside the town. Nothing got past that dog.

He really was going all out, wasn’t he? Despite the teenager’s protests about sleeping, he was getting bedding anyway. Well, fine. “Okay,” was all he responded with as he took in the instructions. He doubted he’d need the laundry area, but everything else was mentally noted.

“No, no questions,” he replied with a shake of his head. He couldn’t think of anything at the moment.

[Vincent Meian]

There were a number of people that would have had a hard time dealing with Jesse in any sense. The boy was abrasive and sullen even in the best of times, and though he hadn't seen it personally Vincent was convinced that he knew how to (at least somewhat) take care of himself in a fight. Whatever enemies he made with his personality, the blonde could fairly easily take care of with skill if necessary. Against any other opponent.

But this was not any other opponent.

Blankets and sheets handed over, the trainer led the way back out to the living room and helped set up the couch as a temporary living space, then excused himself to the dining room so he could finish the meal with his girls. "If you are at all hungry or thirsty at any point, do not hesitate to look for something suitable," he offered, then slipped into the other room without further comment. His student seemed to want to be alone for a few moments, and with the offending phone in his pocket, Vincent was willing to let him have that moment.

Dinner passed relatively quickly, the voice of the youngest member of the family dominating the conversation while her father and sister spoke barely a third of what remained. There was some brief question about their guest, which was tactfully answered and maneuvered away from as a subject. Then it was time to clean up, and the pair went off to their rooms, Cassi giving an enthusiastic goodnight to Jesse while Appoline glanced at the boy, blushed, and hurried off on her own.

With the leftovers put away and dishes done (and Nik called with the request for the drinks), the trainer returned to the living room briefly. "I will be in the office completing my note for the term," he explained. "Should you need something, it will be some time before I finish - you may ask at any point."