Alani & Puck | An Opprotunity
Dec. 15th, 2025 09:14 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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xp_logsPuck meets with Alani to discuss an area she feels he could excel.
The classroom was one of a number that remained through the years, where Alani had offered tutoring outside of the library to any who asked. With the Generation X program less homed than any of the teams, it was also where she made sure files were up to date and personally had any meetings she set up.
It took her a moment to realize she’d entirely missed the man’s approach and she stood hastily. A smile flashed as she raised her hand. “Oh, you’re the most recent addition I take it, Mr. Judd? I’m Alani and as of current I’m trying to help out younger mutants with what they need.”
The short man extended his hand up towards hers. His grip firm but not too strong, gentle and gentlemanly he shakes her hand in an almost old fashioned way. The skin on his hand feels coarse from years of manual labor and the thicker skin thanks to his mutant power.
"Please no Mister. Just Judd is fine or Puck works as well, eh. Only my parole officer calls me Mr. Judd." He said with a playful wink but there is a little truth there. After releasing her hand he effortlessly hopped up onto the nearest desk to better look her eye to eye. A tactic he often used so people don't need to hurt their necks looking down at him.
"You're Alani right? I was told to look for the lady with the Māori tattoos. I wanna be useful 'round here and I hear you're the one who trains the kids. I feel like I've got a few things to pass along to future generations.
There was a beat in which her face was politely neutral, professionalism at the forefront. Of course the illusion was immediately thrown out the window as her excitement made itself known. “I have to know, Puck, was that power related or personal skill? I heard you have a number of skills, but,” the word was drawn out, “I try to leave any learning to meetings. Feel the personal approach helps.”
“Oh! Yes, among others, my own power makes me a bit more on the teaching side than practical myself. Any help is always appreciated, because we’ve got quite the group now. And I like being useful myself.” Alani talked with the air of a person who didn’t realized they talked a lot, moments passing with words before she caught herself. Cleared her throat. “So it sounds like you’ve taught before which is honestly a much bigger step in the right direction than you may realize. Not easily shocked?”
He smirked, he purposely did these crazy acrobatic maneuvers to surprise and delight people. The desk creaked a little under his weight. Despite his small stature he was as heavy as someone over twice his size.
"Honestly probably a bit of both, eh? I've been doing this so long before I even knew what a mutant was that they kinda just blend together. Like is it because I learned yoga or that I'm practically rubber that I can do this?"
He gripped his hand with his other hand and stretched his wrist backwards until his thumb was touching his forearm. It's a good bar trick and usually won him a free drink.
"I know a fair few things, been around the block a few times. I worked with Department H in Canada. Up there all mutants have to register, but it's more a part of the healthcare system than anything. We just make sure mutants are able to handle their powers and not endanger others then they're sent home. Once they get the basics if they want to sign up for anything more they can but we never really got the "more" really ready for deployment."
There's a look of disappointment and shame with that, like he had personal failures attached to the system back home. He plopped down onto the desk his little legs swinging slightly.
"What are your powers, if you don't mind me asking. I always felt that practicality is dependent on creativity. And in my experience every power is useful in the right situation."
There was a curious interest that stayed, smile staying and face bright with the show, before she nodded as sagely as one might — though her excitement never wavered. She did, however, look down to note the history he offered in a journal. The pen clicked repeatedly before she cleared her throat. "Well that seems like a very interesting idea that I'd love to see the data on."
There was a tenseness in which the topic was approached, a wavering edge of uncertainty as her brows drew together before she continued to write.
"I'm sorry, I don't mean that in any form of judgement, I... have worries about systems like that due to personal history, but 'm absolutely chuffed it's working in Canada."
All awkwardness stopped as she laughed. "Uh, well, I destroy matter. And can live underwater, really got the grab bag with me."
Puck watched her expression, he would probably get more from her face than he would from trying to read her note pad. Like part circus acrobat and part child with ADHD Puck rolled backwards gripping the back of the desk chair and doing a one-handed handstand balancing on it. He still managed to keep his eyes on hers.
"Feel free to judge away. It's definitely got its own problems, Heather and Mac.....the Hudsons' do everything they can to keep it above board. We've had to shut down some less than savory elements over the years. I think they've managed to do more good than harm though, at least I hope they have."
Thinking back to his time as a soldier of fortune he could definitely make use of someone who could disintegrate matter and breathe underwater. Think of the places she could infiltrate, and security systems she could get past. But he doesn't break into places and steal things anymore, though he files her abilities away for potential mission planning later.
"I'll admit that is a little weird, but useful in the right situations eh. I once worked with a kid who could summon evolutionary versions of himself; a blob form, a caveman form and a future scrawny levitating form. Now that was weird."
There’s a snort of laughter as Alani’s expression evaporates to wry amusement. “Oh I’m sure there’s been less savory elements — in the past. To be entirely honest, that’s one reason I'd be hesitant. And from personal experience, there aren’t many organizations I’d trust with information like that.”
“But, I’m glad it’s working!” She quickly tacked on, smile wavering as she forced herself not to grimace at how silly she must have sounded. “It’s… it’s not-"
A pause where she seemed to catch up to everything he'd said, all prepared points she could offer in explanation to her discomfort for the idea of people testing for the genetic markers for mutants like the AKC flying out of her mind to instead try and discern if Puck was telling the truth.
"...Like all at once, or did they take turns? I admit, I'm trying to get a doctorate for psychology, but, well, my parents are professors and the curiosity they ingrained in me has made the development and application of mutant powers a special interest of mine."
Puck settled back onto the seat at the desk. While sitting he almost looked normal sized though his feet don't come close to touching the floor.
"We may live in the world as it is, but you can still work to create the world as it should be. Wise words, not mine. I think it was Michelle Obama. Back home we kinda figured it's better to at least have one hand on the wheel than none at all." It could all just be justification but the look on Puck's face seems like it's at least what he believed.
He smirked again as she got derailed by his stories. Part of his method to keep people destabilized around him. "All at once, he's like a team all by himself. But he just wants to be a doctor, like yourself your mutant powers don't have to define your future. Then there's me, I'm a scrapper made of rubber. I don't think I'm ever gone be the leading man of stage and silver screen, eh?"
There was an intrigued hum as Alani nodded, clearly amused by his quote and connections. She could admit that there was logic in Canada's process, and watching Puck talk was like a show. A show she'd happy let herself get distracted by. Idly, she began to circle the red band at her left wrist.
"Well I wouldn't mind seeing you on a big screen. And wise words from you." A grin ticked back up as she nodded again in agreement. "That's really what we want kids to be able to come to terms with, which, can be really hard for them. Some of our students don't have support networks, friends outside, or even family in some cases. And, if you've worked with youths before, you know that that can just be a powder keg. We try and not light it.
He smiled as she said she'd watch him on the big screen, a crooked smile that maybe could work in a dark gritty series now but he would have been too hideous for screen time in eras past.
"Nah I've got.....what do they call it? I've got a face for radio, though I guess now it would be a face for podcasting." He winked in a playful way, not flirty.
Stepping out from the desk Puck extended a hand to hers. "A noble goal, I'd be happy to help, eh. Just don't ask me to get things off the top shelf."
When the smile ticked across her face, her teeth flashed, and an ease that had returned as she took his hand. "I have this feeling you'd be able to get it regardless of where we put it, Puck, which the kids would also love to learn."
"And if it's not too forward, I'd love to get a few lessons from you, myself." A gentle squeeze before she released him. "I'm always looking to learn all sorts of self defense. Ya never know what'll help."
The classroom was one of a number that remained through the years, where Alani had offered tutoring outside of the library to any who asked. With the Generation X program less homed than any of the teams, it was also where she made sure files were up to date and personally had any meetings she set up.
It took her a moment to realize she’d entirely missed the man’s approach and she stood hastily. A smile flashed as she raised her hand. “Oh, you’re the most recent addition I take it, Mr. Judd? I’m Alani and as of current I’m trying to help out younger mutants with what they need.”
The short man extended his hand up towards hers. His grip firm but not too strong, gentle and gentlemanly he shakes her hand in an almost old fashioned way. The skin on his hand feels coarse from years of manual labor and the thicker skin thanks to his mutant power.
"Please no Mister. Just Judd is fine or Puck works as well, eh. Only my parole officer calls me Mr. Judd." He said with a playful wink but there is a little truth there. After releasing her hand he effortlessly hopped up onto the nearest desk to better look her eye to eye. A tactic he often used so people don't need to hurt their necks looking down at him.
"You're Alani right? I was told to look for the lady with the Māori tattoos. I wanna be useful 'round here and I hear you're the one who trains the kids. I feel like I've got a few things to pass along to future generations.
There was a beat in which her face was politely neutral, professionalism at the forefront. Of course the illusion was immediately thrown out the window as her excitement made itself known. “I have to know, Puck, was that power related or personal skill? I heard you have a number of skills, but,” the word was drawn out, “I try to leave any learning to meetings. Feel the personal approach helps.”
“Oh! Yes, among others, my own power makes me a bit more on the teaching side than practical myself. Any help is always appreciated, because we’ve got quite the group now. And I like being useful myself.” Alani talked with the air of a person who didn’t realized they talked a lot, moments passing with words before she caught herself. Cleared her throat. “So it sounds like you’ve taught before which is honestly a much bigger step in the right direction than you may realize. Not easily shocked?”
He smirked, he purposely did these crazy acrobatic maneuvers to surprise and delight people. The desk creaked a little under his weight. Despite his small stature he was as heavy as someone over twice his size.
"Honestly probably a bit of both, eh? I've been doing this so long before I even knew what a mutant was that they kinda just blend together. Like is it because I learned yoga or that I'm practically rubber that I can do this?"
He gripped his hand with his other hand and stretched his wrist backwards until his thumb was touching his forearm. It's a good bar trick and usually won him a free drink.
"I know a fair few things, been around the block a few times. I worked with Department H in Canada. Up there all mutants have to register, but it's more a part of the healthcare system than anything. We just make sure mutants are able to handle their powers and not endanger others then they're sent home. Once they get the basics if they want to sign up for anything more they can but we never really got the "more" really ready for deployment."
There's a look of disappointment and shame with that, like he had personal failures attached to the system back home. He plopped down onto the desk his little legs swinging slightly.
"What are your powers, if you don't mind me asking. I always felt that practicality is dependent on creativity. And in my experience every power is useful in the right situation."
There was a curious interest that stayed, smile staying and face bright with the show, before she nodded as sagely as one might — though her excitement never wavered. She did, however, look down to note the history he offered in a journal. The pen clicked repeatedly before she cleared her throat. "Well that seems like a very interesting idea that I'd love to see the data on."
There was a tenseness in which the topic was approached, a wavering edge of uncertainty as her brows drew together before she continued to write.
"I'm sorry, I don't mean that in any form of judgement, I... have worries about systems like that due to personal history, but 'm absolutely chuffed it's working in Canada."
All awkwardness stopped as she laughed. "Uh, well, I destroy matter. And can live underwater, really got the grab bag with me."
Puck watched her expression, he would probably get more from her face than he would from trying to read her note pad. Like part circus acrobat and part child with ADHD Puck rolled backwards gripping the back of the desk chair and doing a one-handed handstand balancing on it. He still managed to keep his eyes on hers.
"Feel free to judge away. It's definitely got its own problems, Heather and Mac.....the Hudsons' do everything they can to keep it above board. We've had to shut down some less than savory elements over the years. I think they've managed to do more good than harm though, at least I hope they have."
Thinking back to his time as a soldier of fortune he could definitely make use of someone who could disintegrate matter and breathe underwater. Think of the places she could infiltrate, and security systems she could get past. But he doesn't break into places and steal things anymore, though he files her abilities away for potential mission planning later.
"I'll admit that is a little weird, but useful in the right situations eh. I once worked with a kid who could summon evolutionary versions of himself; a blob form, a caveman form and a future scrawny levitating form. Now that was weird."
There’s a snort of laughter as Alani’s expression evaporates to wry amusement. “Oh I’m sure there’s been less savory elements — in the past. To be entirely honest, that’s one reason I'd be hesitant. And from personal experience, there aren’t many organizations I’d trust with information like that.”
“But, I’m glad it’s working!” She quickly tacked on, smile wavering as she forced herself not to grimace at how silly she must have sounded. “It’s… it’s not-"
A pause where she seemed to catch up to everything he'd said, all prepared points she could offer in explanation to her discomfort for the idea of people testing for the genetic markers for mutants like the AKC flying out of her mind to instead try and discern if Puck was telling the truth.
"...Like all at once, or did they take turns? I admit, I'm trying to get a doctorate for psychology, but, well, my parents are professors and the curiosity they ingrained in me has made the development and application of mutant powers a special interest of mine."
Puck settled back onto the seat at the desk. While sitting he almost looked normal sized though his feet don't come close to touching the floor.
"We may live in the world as it is, but you can still work to create the world as it should be. Wise words, not mine. I think it was Michelle Obama. Back home we kinda figured it's better to at least have one hand on the wheel than none at all." It could all just be justification but the look on Puck's face seems like it's at least what he believed.
He smirked again as she got derailed by his stories. Part of his method to keep people destabilized around him. "All at once, he's like a team all by himself. But he just wants to be a doctor, like yourself your mutant powers don't have to define your future. Then there's me, I'm a scrapper made of rubber. I don't think I'm ever gone be the leading man of stage and silver screen, eh?"
There was an intrigued hum as Alani nodded, clearly amused by his quote and connections. She could admit that there was logic in Canada's process, and watching Puck talk was like a show. A show she'd happy let herself get distracted by. Idly, she began to circle the red band at her left wrist.
"Well I wouldn't mind seeing you on a big screen. And wise words from you." A grin ticked back up as she nodded again in agreement. "That's really what we want kids to be able to come to terms with, which, can be really hard for them. Some of our students don't have support networks, friends outside, or even family in some cases. And, if you've worked with youths before, you know that that can just be a powder keg. We try and not light it.
He smiled as she said she'd watch him on the big screen, a crooked smile that maybe could work in a dark gritty series now but he would have been too hideous for screen time in eras past.
"Nah I've got.....what do they call it? I've got a face for radio, though I guess now it would be a face for podcasting." He winked in a playful way, not flirty.
Stepping out from the desk Puck extended a hand to hers. "A noble goal, I'd be happy to help, eh. Just don't ask me to get things off the top shelf."
When the smile ticked across her face, her teeth flashed, and an ease that had returned as she took his hand. "I have this feeling you'd be able to get it regardless of where we put it, Puck, which the kids would also love to learn."
"And if it's not too forward, I'd love to get a few lessons from you, myself." A gentle squeeze before she released him. "I'm always looking to learn all sorts of self defense. Ya never know what'll help."
