A peak through closed curtains // Sooraya Qadir

[Andrey Beckman]

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[atrb=background, i41.tinypic.com/30aam9u.jpg] Andrey had been anticipating this little walk all day, and could not have asked for better weather. A few clouds to keep the heat down, but enough warmth to keep things comfortable. A cooling breeze picked up once in a while, but it was nothing more then a relaxing relief. The grounds were busy with other students enjoying the heat, and many passed him by, exiting the gates he stood by to follow the same general course of action, head into town. It had only been a day since he asked the young Sooraya to take a walk with him, and his inner nerd had him vibrating with excitement. Any chance to learn more about his fellow students, and various backgrounds they came from was the best way to enjoy a weekend afternoon. Not many may agree with this, but Andrey was used to being a bit 'strange' in her mannerisms. Andrey however, could really care less how others perceived him though, and that was the key to his beaming smile. Nothing weighed him down, and optimistic outlook ever brightening each moment. Checking his watch he took a deep breath trying to relax a bit, one thing about his 'date' was he did not want to frighten her off the idea before she even reached him. It had become apparent that her culture was drastically different, and to avoid any further accidents, he had to take things slowly and gauge her boundaries more carefully. Andrey had even taken things a step further to do some research into her country, trying to make himself more approachable and respectful to the cloaked up woman. Pale blue hues scanned the sea of faces, but Sooraya was not hard to pick out from the crowds. A dark Burqa was not common to the american situated school, even among the diversity it did offer. So once he picked up on her, his feet carried him over to greet her, in a method he had tried to learn using online simulators for pronunciation "as-salamu 'alaykum Sooraya" he opened with the common greeting he had found for her homeland. Reaching to initiate the hand shake as he had found was required of him to do first. To be honest he really had no idea if this was even correct, but he hoped the gesture was enough to either have her kindly impressed and in a good enough mood to correct him. Praying on the inside this was not the internet's way of making him insult her entire family line, or something worse. "I am so glad you made it out, I've been looking forward to this afternoon since our last talk" Andrey informed her, trying to keep his excitement at bay the best he could. Eyes looking to catch hers, his gaze brimming with enthusiasm for the walk ahead of them. WORD COUNT // 425 OUTFIT // Check it out here TAG // Sooraya Qadir // Dust RPN // From cute chat to cute thread! Hope its enough to go off of.

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[Sooraya Qadir]

Sooraya... was very unsure about this entire thing. On one hand, it would be nice to know another, one of the new mutants, as there were so many of them, and he had reassured her this was not a date. On the other hand, from how he had dubbed her 'sweetheart', his utter astonishment at her culture... She did hope it would not be too, ah, awkward.

Actually, she hoped it would not be a large amount of awkward. The girl was fairly certain that, at least on her end, there would be heavy amounts of it.

Regardless, she found herself preparing for such a thing. There was not much, but considering she always took longer to each her lunch, given that she both had to take it outside, and be careful to not be seen by any males that were either not eating, or had already finished, she was certain to be the later one, unfortunately. It was suitable, but she did hope that he was not left there for too long...

Stepping inside the cafeteria to dispose of her garbage, returning her tray, Sooraya slipped her hands inside of her abaya, reaching into a pocket to retrieve a few mints, which were popped in her mouth, and it was time to go. Drifting along with the stragglers of the crowd, being one of those later finished, as usual, her eyes widened as Andrey apparently found her, feet slowing to a stop at his statement.

For a moment, she blinked at him, before she softened slightly, accepting his hand for a brief handshake, hand quickly retracted. "Wa 'alaykumu salami wa rahmatu lahi wa barakatuh." It was the formal response, yes, but it felt more appropriate. At least he had tried, though, even if he was slightly off. He had not inadvertently wished death upon her, after all, as was the common mistake.

A faint smile did curve underneath her niqab, though, as he spoke, eyes crinkling. "I have been looking forward to this, as well." Perhaps not as much as he had, given how, well, excited he looked, but she had been. However, she had a slightly more important question to ask, tipping her head up so that she could focus her gaze on just slightly below his eyes. It was not becoming to look straight at a male in such a manner. "How did you know that greeting, though?"

She was willing to bend the rules, given her unique situation, but she did not wish to do so unless it was absolutely necessary... Allah would understand.

[Andrey Beckman]

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[atrb=background, i41.tinypic.com/30aam9u.jpg] Hearing her return his greeting in her own native tongue his lips curved into an impossibly wider grin. Hearing her say it flawlessly was both a good way to learn what he had done wrong in his own pronunciation, but he figured it had been the right thing to say. She did not sound angry, or in any way displeased with him, and he really did only have her eyes and vocal expression to go off of. Andrey noticed her eyes only going so high up his face, refusing to allow him to look directly into her orbs. Had it been anyone else he might have been a bit taken aback, or even called her out on it. Sooraya was a special case however. Not of this culture, he had already found they shared many a difference in mannerisms. The only polite thing to do was accept how she was, and if he found the right moment, he would question her on it later. First things first was solidifying their friendship. If not over a meal, then over the walk they were about to take. In what he could see of her eyes, she at least appeared content to be with him for the afternoon. Even as they stood, his body began to relax from its earlier nervousness, and uncertainty. The panic he put himself through dissolving with each word that she spoke in a kindly tone. Andrey always up a lot of pressure on himself to do well, and make a good impression on others. Sooraya presented a rare chance to do just that with some one a foreign background. A challenge he issued himself subconsciously, and one that despite how relaxed he began to look, still had his heart beating above a normal pace. Bright eyes softened as she inquired about his use of her language and a soft chuckled escaped him. Hoping this was not a lead up into a lesson on how terribly he had butchered her native tongue, he sheepishly admitted his source. "Well the internet is a wonderful place for education. There is this little website with a small list of manners I tried to cram into memory last night. But alas, just like exams, cramming is only so useful. Hope it was not to ground up." Moving to position himself next to her, he pushed his hand out ahead of himself and in a chivalrous manner offered her the chance to initiate their walk by going first. It may not have been her tradition, but to him a lady went first, and no manner of learning could burn that from his actions. WORD COUNT // 442 OUTFIT // Check it out here TAG // Sooraya Qadir // Dust RPN // Oh this is going to be fun

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[Sooraya Qadir]

Ah. That made sense.

To be entirely truthful, Sooraya was one of the few students that was, well, technology-inept, having not at all used it in Afghanistan, and had not been accustomed to it, here. All of her essays were hand-written in neat English, instead of typed, and she did all of her research via the library. It did not seem entirely needed, if she were honest? Everyone knew where to find her, which was the only other thing she could think of to use it for...

Regardless of her own knowledge on the matter, the Islamic girl gave the other a fraction of a nod, smile softening underneath her niqab. "I see. I... appreciate the gesture," she stated evenly, after a small bump of hesitation. "Most do not have such knowledge, and your step towards it is uncommon."

Surprising, to be honest, that he would go to such an effort after a short conversation and an agreement to this meeting, but extremely appreciated. It felt so... odd, sometimes, to not be able to say anything without being looked at as odd, not do anything, not be herself... But he was not going to look down on her, and already had basic knowledge in that area.

Yes, she believed that they would get along fine.

Accepting the gesture with a small nod, Sooraya started moving, keeping herself slow enough so that he would be able to easily fall in step with her. Originally, once upon a time, she would have walked slightly behind him... But that was something that had been worn away in her time in the United States.

Instead, the girl spoke up in her question. "Where are we going, exactly?" She did know the area decently, being one of the longer residents of this school, but she did not know it as well as many others, not being one to head out to the town unless invited by another.

As was the case here.

[Andrey Beckman]

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[atrb=background, i41.tinypic.com/30aam9u.jpg] Andrey gave a soft sigh as she announced to him an appreciation of his actions. Reassured that there was nothing offensive about what he had said or done, he felt free to continue on for the day. Other hurtles were sure to rise up, but Andrey was never one to fret over unknowns. Dealt with when it arose, but other wise out of mind. "Well after I fumbled around last time, I figured the least I could do was try not to embarrass myself to badly this time around." Andrey stated with a kind chuckle and a glance to the opening in her niqab. The one and only opening that offered him any insight into her range of emotions. Body language could get a person fairly far, and her tone of voice was helpful. Yet being unable to see her lips rise and fall, and only ever getting a brief glimpse of her brows as they shift and contort to make the vast range of expressions they were capable of, was straining on him. Growing up in Hawaii, Andrey was used to the far more social and even physically open style of living. There was little shame and judgment to be had in the town he hailed from. Not one to judged, but from what he read it baffled him how some one could be as content as Sooraya was, after living behind her attire for what he presumed was most of her life if not all of it. She was entitled to her beliefs and religion, he understood that more than most. Yet deep down it was hard to shake his want to show her there was no need to be so formal here. Keeping his eyes averted now, as looking at her only made him want to seek eye contact, he escorted her to the gate and out of the school property. There were restrictions up, that they were only to leave if with another. He figured they would not stray off the beaten path, and being at her side he was most certainly not alone. Again, if something came to pass it would be dealt with then, no sense ruining the day with a panic over what could very well be nothing. "Going? oh..well we could head into town, or even just tour around and enjoy the sun. Which ever your most comfortable with. It is quite a walk to get to town from here though, I must warn you. But you know, it really is worth it some days. There is the little coffee shop with truly the best home made pink lemonade. I think we could even make that work.." his hand moved and swayed with his speech as if he were conducting a symphony of phrases. "..You see, you would drink it with a straw, and a long enough straw I think we might even by pass the seeing your mouth issue we had when I offered lunch." Daring to look back over with that ever present smile on his features he offered her the true choice to decide the day. Using the little pet name he had already taken too even though they had really only just started to know one another. "So, sweetheart, which will it be. A casual stroll and unknown adventure, or a long walk into town for refreshing, straw sporting, beverages?" WORD COUNT // 583 OUTFIT // Check it out here TAG // Sooraya Qadir // Dust RPN // Yup, he is a talker this one

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[Sooraya Qadir]

"You were fine," Sooraya demurred gently, unable to help the small rebuke as her hands folded lightly in front of her as she stepped, fingers twining together. She had endured far worse, and it was better to be on the end of earnest ignorance than hurtful. As long as he was not being purposeful about his small hurts, it was fine, and he would be given gentle education.

That was the way she believed it was best to deal with others, for those that were intentionally hurtful had to learn from seeing, not from being taught.

The offers he presented, though, made her pause, forehead crinkling, eyes narrowed slightly with concern as she considered it. She did like town, even though she did know how far it was, she had been here far longer (it was funny how everyone assumed that she was so new, such a fresh fish out of water, when she was truly a member of the X-Men and bore the sash around her waist...), but that idea... He truly did not understand the meaning of the niqab, what a perversion that would be, in full honesty, and she did not wish to have to stand here and explain it to him.

Moreso because of the vast amount of time that would take, above any other qualms.

She looked over at him, hesitant, and ducked her head slightly at the title, not sure what to voice for that, looking down. "Ah... perhaps a stroll, and see what we come across? It is quite a walk to town, correct, as you stated."

Yes, that would be the best decision, she felt. It was still odd, this entire venture altogether, and coupled with the fact he was calling her sweetheart... Well, this would be interesting, and Sooraya sent a quick prayer up to Allah that it would go well.

If it was truly unenjoyable, she could simply not do it again.

[Andrey Beckman]

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[atrb=background, i41.tinypic.com/30aam9u.jpg] Andrey had a kindly smile to offer as she decided on just a walk, showing that he was more then glad to enjoy a stroll with her. He had not be heart set on either outcome, so it was just as exciting to have her choose the 'adventurous' meander. Though she didn't seem the type to see it as much of an adventure as Andrey did. Keeping pace beside her as they walked, he was quick to keep the conversation up and going. Not that he was unable to enjoy a silence, but with the chance to better know Sooraya on the table, he couldn't hold back on the opportunity presented to him. "So tell me Sooraya, whats it like for you? You know...being here? Being a mutant? Being and X-man?" His hands came to meet behind his back, holding one another to keep them there as his eyes went back up to the blue skies and clouds above. Carefree in his steps, and appearing to be completely relaxed. Despite the burst of energy and nerves when he greeted her. They were moving now, already embarked on the walk, and even though the school was still right there behind them, he felt that the worst of what this meeting could bring was back there with it. He had no idea what the future of this afternoon would bring for either of them, and so, as his mother had taught him, there was no need to worry over it. Like being out on the open ocean on a clear day, all you had to do was steer with nothing on the horizon but water, why fret about what could be there and just enjoy the now. It was true, he could have started with less personal questions. What's your favorite color? or what sort of music do you like? Simple things that would give him an understanding of who she was without delving into the deep end on day one. Andrey, simply felt no harm in it, he had no means to be intrusive or nosey. Where he came from, everyone was regarded as a friend or part of the family, so asking something direct was not out of place. He didn't care about the minor things, like if she thought comedies out weighed drama's, he wanted to know her, Sooraya aka the X-men Dust. He was more interested in her views, her emotions, and how she saw herself. Unaware that he being from such different cultures meant that a line could very quickly be crossed, if he had not already started to step over it. Having most of her face hidden did make it some what hard to judge her emotions. Body language being nearly eighty percent of Andrey's world. WORD COUNT // 464 OUTFIT // Check it out here TAG // Sooraya Qadir // Dust RPN // What could go wrong with diving in head first...XD

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[Sooraya Qadir]

She kept with his pace easily, pleased at the willingness to go with the idea she had chosen. Ah, good... She liked Andrey, he seemed quite nice, and... vaguely reminded her of someone else, from once upon a time, though he was certainly different.

No one would be that way again, she was certain.

Unfortunately, though, he appeared to have less tact than that person, and Sooraya paused over the question for a moment, letting out a quiet "Ahh..." as she mulled it over, unsure of how to answer this. If she was truthful... That would not quite be appropriate, and it would be quite the downturn to their conversation. On the other hand, she did not wish to be less than honest...

Thus, she compromised. Being vague and compromising was probably the best choice in this situation, she believed.

"Being a mutant saved my life, thus... I am glad for that, and have felt no prejudice for that type of thing." No, she had not. People did not think 'mutant', when they looked at her, and rather 'terrorist'. That she felt prejudice for.

"I have to say that I enjoy it, as well, overall?" Her eyes crinkled, a smile coming onto her face as she glanced up and over at the other. "I have made friends, as a result of it, and here is my home, even though I have the experience that makes this unnecessary." Plenty of experience, experience in how to get past horrid, horrid things, as well...

She faintly shrugged. "I cannot imagine life any other way." With friends that were gone. Family. Others of that ilk.

Relaxing, now that her part was done (tension had seeped into her, unnoticed, and now dissipating), the Islamic girl peeked up at the other. "And what of you? You are not an X-Men member, yes, not yet, but what of the rest?"

[Andrey Beckman]

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[atrb=background, i41.tinypic.com/30aam9u.jpg] Unlike her story, Andrey held no reason to hold back in his emotions and recollections. Till now, he had lead a peaceful life, and to this day had never been met with any bias or hard life decisions. Lucky was a word that barely covered his life to this day, and unlike many others, he understood that aspect and was grateful for it. Many of those he had talked to here, came from a checkered or painful past. So many willing to take for granted that they still had family and could speak to all the ones they loved. Andrey held a deep seeded fear that some day his luck would turn, and in some respects he knew it was far more likely now that he was a part of this school, and the mutant world. He had to face a future that would possibly bring him to the brink of his own compassion, and face to face with demons he had yet to know of let alone concur. Andrey could dwell on the fear of a changing and uncertain future, but that was not his type. He was man of the now, and with the sun heating his skin, and a companion at his side, the ghosts that may one day haunt him were barely a thought, like a breeze passing by. Listening to each word, not allowing his mind to wander, as he was truly curious to hear her answer. Andrey could tell there was more to her history then she felt he needed to know. It was not his place to push any further, she had her right to avoid what parts of her past that she wanted, and maybe some day in the future the would be friends enough to hold confidence in one another like that. Today was not that day, and so when she asked him in return, the same that he had asked her, he was glad to tell his own story. "I guess I could start with how you ended, I cannot imagine things any other way. I see my gift as just that, a gift. Ever since I was young helping others came naturally to me. Being here, to learn how to better myself and that very skill well, what more could a guy ask for. I want nothing more then to be part of the X-men, part of a team, to work with others and be there when I am needed. To keep my friends safe, and to better not only our kind, but everyone." Pausing, his pale blue eyes looked down to her with his own smile, soft in nature, spread over his face. "I grew up in a place where everyone was an equal, so, its hard for me to see anything past that still. I have been reminded many a times that things will change and possibly darken, but being here and becoming prepared for that, is the best path right?". Looking ahead once more he licked his lips before bringing up something she had mentioned. "Your right too, I have made so many friends here, and am sure those friendships continue past the gates of the school, but even the most experienced can still learn, so don't count things off as unnecessary. No matter how boring some of the lectures can be" he joked, starting to understand a bit more about her. Certain that it must be hard to face this school with so much under her belt, or rather, niqab. Turning on his heals he began a pace backwards, easily keeping to the prior speed of their steps. "So...You got any family that you visit or...um..cool action stories? Ouuu or maybe you can tell me about some of your countries foods? I'm not crazy like a Foodie, but I do like to cook now and again." Stumbling slightly over an uneven patch of earth, he recovered fast with a laugh but refused to turn around. Eager to hear more, and learn what he could from the opportunity to talk to Dust. WORD COUNT // 679 OUTFIT // Check it out here TAG // Sooraya Qadir // Dust RPN // They are kinda cute hanging out together XD

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