Temporary Reprieve (Sean)

[Dr. Sean Neville]

“Three months can be eons.” Sean dealt with enough of the students during this period, when they were antsy because their upcoming break was nearly equidistant from their most recent break. Surely, it was worse when teaching and training, when one had to keep their attention on a lesson lest their minds wander elsewhere. The nature of the psychiatrist’s appointments and sessions allowed for more leeway, as he had no lesson plans, and his evaluations existed outside of report cards.

At the other remark, he nodded, although he coupled that with an eye roll. “I plan on lecturing Sam before graduation. At least he’ll keep his gown on, which is better than Robbie Wilkes.” Robbie Wilkes had marked the 2012 Hammel graduation ceremony by ripping off his gown and streaking, before a security guard took him down.

These were among the reasons that Sean had never invited any of his friends or family to such occasions. Chaperoning dances was bad enough.

He sipped his coffee, nearly draining the cup, as he reached the dregs of his mug. “I’ll be sure to let you know, and I can promise you that Josh appreciates it. There’s going to be a debate when we get closer to election season; I think he would appreciate having some friendly faces there.”

The younger man was an extrovert and an attorney; he was used to having to clearly articulate his opinions in public, used to doing so in a cohesive and persuasive manner. Still, having people there who need not be convinced, aside from Sean and campaign workers, would surely do wonders for his confidence and performance.

[Chase Campbell]

“True enough. Especially if you’re a teenager.” The time before summer break had often felt like an eternity or two when Chase was a student. He noticed it a lot in his students this time of year. Their attention spans started to drop dangerously low, and it was a struggle to get them to do anything. Their minds were more on summer activities and classes ending than actual training. He could only imagine what the academic teachers experienced.

He didn’t have to wonder why Sean mentioned Sam Rixon. Hopefully without the presence of Vincent Verax, he might get it in his head to behave. “As long as he’s not drunk or high on anything, we should be okay.” Should being the key word, of course. “At least he’s finally going. Between him and Verax, they caused enough trouble to last a lifetime.” Though admittedly, it would be strange to not have to worry about what they were going to pull next, or what mess they might create in their wake.

At least Josh was a safe topic. Chase nodded. “I’ll talk to James about it, but I’m sure as long as he’s not out recruiting he’ll go.” He was sure his husband would also be fine with the idea of supporting Josh. “Is there anything else we can do for him?”

[Dr. Sean Neville]

Sean nodded in agreement. Vincent and Sam had found themselves in his office almost weekly, sometimes multiple times in a week. However, as neither of them was particularly violent, even if they engaged in substance abuse and acts of stupidity, he almost found them preferable to some of the other troublemakers. Almost. “We’ll have drinks when Sam graduates.” Just as they had done with Vincent, although he had not graduated.

“Thank you.” Work came first, and thus any recruiting trips took precedence over voluntarily attending a town hall debate. As Head of Recruiting, James went out on fewer trips than before he became Department Head those years ago, but he still went out, particularly when they were short-handed with recruiters.

The telepath understood, even if he and Josh disagreed about the nature and necessity of recruiting. He could tactfully explain to his partner why James had diminished attendance; or he could simply not tell Josh to expect them, so that the younger man could avoid disappointment or otherwise be pleasantly surprised.

At the trainer’s question, Sean became thoughtful for a moment but then shook his head. “For now, I think that’s it. When we get closer to the wire, over the summer, I’ll let you know.”

Over the summer, the telepath would have more time to focus on Josh’s campaign, since he would have a month during which he did not have to split his attention between work and other activities. Hopefully, he and Josh could get his campaign off the ground in such a way as to give him a better chance at winning this year.

[Chase Campbell]

Chase had once taught Sam, before coming to the conclusion that they weren’t a good match. Especially as he had continued to teach Vincent, up until when the boy had left Hammel for good. Even allowing the two of them to pass in the halls tended to invite trouble. He knew the pyro had been through several trainers during his time at Hammel, but apparently his last had done the best with him. He was finally graduating. “Agreed. And let’s hope no one steps up to take his place.” There were only so many kids like Sam he could take in a lifetime.

He really didn’t mind lending his support behind Josh. They were friends, and he was happy to do what he could for him. He was also sure that James felt the same.

At least that was all they needed for now. “Yeah, just let us know. We’ll probably take Nikki to see the family in New York for a week or so during the break, but that’s all the plans we have right now.” James had the dates, but they wouldn’t be gone long.

The trainer chanced a glance at the clock. His headache was slowly dissipating, which he was grateful for. Apparently the caffeine, sugar, and distraction had done the trick. “Much as I really don’t want to, I guess I should keep going on testing the seniors.” At least testing them was easier than fighting with the junior students on gaining control. Less incidents. “But yeah, just give us a call when you know what else you need for Josh.”

[Dr. Sean Neville]

Sean raised his mug in a toast to that sentiment. “We can only hope.”

The telepath had greater tolerance for Sam Rixon, and had had greater tolerance for Vincent Verax, than had many of the other faculty members. This was partially due to constant exposure, partially due to natural reserves of patience, and partially due to the fact that he had never been charged with the task of teaching them formally, not in standard subjects and not to train their powers. He maintained that they were better than some of the other troublemakers, but that did not mean that he wanted more trouble from the students.

The blackmail incident had been bad enough. Worse had been when they had managed to find his house, albeit after waking half the neighborhood with their random knocks.

“I promise that I will.” As soon as he and Josh had the time to focus on the campaign, and when they had finalized their strategy, Sean would be sure to call in favors for his partner. Any support that they could muster would be valued.

Sean nodded his understanding when Chase rose to extricate himself. “I don’t envy you that.” Truly, the telepath had never wanted to be a powers trainer. He knew that he couldn’t do what Robert had done. He had admiration for those who could, but he had no inclination towards the field.

“When the weather gets nicer, you and James and Nikki should come over for a barbecue.” Considering that he saw James and Chase every day, they could easily coordinate for after the spring thaw. “And have a good afternoon.”