xp_logs | Sooraya and Rogue: evening out

xp_dust posting in

Sooraya and Rogue enjoy an evening out.

"This was such a good idea," enthused Rogue, wine glass in hand. "I don't know when's the last time I went out! I tell ya, going back to school really killed my social life. If I didn't practically live with Logan, I'd probably never see him."‎

"It's one of the reasons why I will be happy to be done with college for now." Sooraya commented, a glass of sparkling grape juice in her own hand. "Only two more months to go... Are you enjoying being back at school though?"

Rogue gave a hesitant shrug. It was true, school was a pain in the butt, but learning...."I really love what I'm studying. It's so interesting, the mind of the teenager, even learning about education, and educational assessments...it's oddly entertaining." She cocked her head. "So I guess yeah, I am enjoying it. I don't know if I ever want to get my doctorate, that seems like way too much work, and I really don't want to do a written thesis. Maybe part of me knows this is the last time I'll be in school? Who knows."

"You've gone back before... Studying art therapy... now studying to to be a guidance counselor, right?" Sooraya sipped from her own glass before continue. "I can see you going back for your PHD sometimes. Who knows... maybe even I will. But first I want to work for a while, get some more practical experience."

"Practical experience is sooooo important," Rogue gushed. "I don't know how many of my college friends just powered through, did it all, and then realized they actually HATED their field of study. It was fun when it was theoretical, but when they actually had to do something...." She frowned. "I kinda felt bad for them. I like how in the psych program, volunteering was kind of something we had to do, just so we could get a feel for how things were. I did some suicide lines, some crisis lines..helped out in camps...did a few things before I realized that counselling was what I wanted to do. And kids. I love working with kids."

"I had the advantage of my X-Corps experience even before I went to college... and I always received a lot of freedom there. So I knew some of the reality of what I wanted to do." Sooraya sipped from her grape juice. "The only annoying thing is that many of the non-profits seem to expect you'll be able to work for a year or two without pay as intern. I guess they want you to prove you are really committed?"

"I jus' will never understand unpaid internships. They want to profit like in full, without giving y'all something back. You know those things are illegal in Canada?" Rogue gave a nod. "Another reason why I really liked living there. I mean, yah, some of those internship are borderline slavery BUT I at least got three hots and a cot out of it, y'know."

"I know. I'm just wrapping up my second short internship and I kinda hope that this and my work at X-Corps will be enough to find a job somewhere." Sooraya lowered her voice and leaned a bit closer as continued. "I might have to talk with Angelo if we can find me a place where I can also keep an eye out for mutants who need aid in other countries, especially the less wealthy ones. Between the connections that both of us have... we should be able to find something."

"Travelling would be nice," Rogue agreed. "But let's be real -- it ain't really safe for people that are different these days." She sighed. "I just can't understand the world anymore. It's mean, and rough and all this us vs them, and I dunno. Why can't we all jus' get along? Stop trying to put down the little guy and help them out. Capitalism, especially unchecked, isn't gonna be good for anyone."

"That is one thing that is sure, especially with certain rabid fans of it in charge around here." Sooraya commented. "Oh, there is our food." She fell quiet as the waiters approached and till the food was removed. "They are having a special service in in a week or two at the UU group. Any chance you want to tag along?"

Rogue nodded. "Sure! It was kinda interesting, and totally different than what I picture church to be. I mean, y'all aren't gonna make a convert out of me," she teased, "but I'll go. It's nice to be grounded and humbled sometimes, and I think church is one of those things that does it. Service. Not church, right? That's not the words you guys use?"

"Honestly, it really varies. Some use the term church. Others don't and have a variety of other ways to refer to it." Sooraya shrugged. "But there is going to be a special service surrounding Earth Day. It has to do with our responsibility of caring for the Earth."

"I'm all for the planet Earth! I live here too." Rogue smiled. "That sounds fun though, to be honest. Y'know, I've really been taking a look at my own spirituality since going with you to these places... it's nice. I think it fills a little niche that I didn't know I was missing. Not that I'm ready to commit to anything," Rogue added hurriedly. "Just...nice."

Sooraya smiled at her. "I'm glad to hear that... And I really appreciate you coming along with me. It can be kinda intimidating to just go into some place alone. What has stayed with you the most though?"

The older woman thought for a moment. "I think," she responded slowly, "I just really like the idea of a bunch of like minded people, enjoying each other's presence, respecting each other's beliefs..... but like...in a way that doesn't mean they have to follow blindly either. I mean, I think we talked about how I was kinda raised Catholic, and it's just so constricting. And I don't like that there's this one person, making decisions for us all...just weird."

"I like that as well... And I recognize what you mean. When I was still in the Islamic student group, we would look at all these writing. Scholars who interpreted everything... often deciding for other what they should believe, think or do. Back then I didn't really think much about... but after Angelo came out to me... I want to think for myself... look at the material and look for what I think what was meant."

"Careful, Sooraya," Rogue teased fondly. "You're sounding like an adult. When did you grow up? Seems just like yesterday that I picked you up..."

"According to Angel sometimes I came from the womb already an adult." Sooraya replied, sitting up straight and her voice and face as dignified as possible. Then she ruined the effect by poking out her tongue. "I've my doubts about that statement though."

The older woman laughed. "You just keep doing you, kiddo. In the meantime, let's be super grown up, and catch a show or a movie tonight. Something super pretentious, so we can feel like we're better than everyone else. My treat."

"Sounds good to me. Did you have anything in mind?" Sooraya reached for her phone. "Or we can just go to a theater and see what they have on offer? Be a little wild?" She winked.

"Well goodness me," Rogue said, putting her hand to her chest. "The girl can be spontaneous! Yes, let's just walk and see what the heck strikes our fancy, cause we are women, so hear us roar....or something like that." She gave a laugh. "Let's do this, I'm done eating, how bout you?"

"I'm full too. Let's go pay and find a show. We can also look for dessert along the way." Sooraya started gathering her things.

Rogue groaned. "Now you're talking dirty." She reached for her jacket. "C'mon -- last one to find dessert has to pay!"