Double checking the classroom number hastily scribbled on his class schedule, Alex nodded to himself. ”Alright, this looks like the place…just hope I don’t get in too much trouble for being so late.” Alex murmured to himself as he recalled the series of events that had landed him in this class to begin with.
*********************
Sitting across from the school psychologist, Alex leaned back in the chair, one leg crossed over another, his fingers drumming a lazy beat on the arm of the chair as the psychologist looked back between Alex and his patient history.
”Mr. Redgrave- May I call you Alex?”
Alex shrugged. ”Sure, I don’t see why not. So what’s up, doc?” Alex cocked his head to the side, interested as to why he was even here. As far as he knew, it was not Syne Academy standard procedure to send the students to a battery of psyche tests. Hell, he didn’t even know they had a psychologist here until he was ‘politely asked’ to visit her. Still, he couldn’t complain- staring at her legs encased in the sheer pantyhose stockings, Alex couldn’t stop a mischievous smile from growing across his face.
”Alex, you were alone for two years, with the threat of death hanging over you at every second. Frankly, I don’t quite see how you managed to escape, never mind possess such a… pleasant disposition.”
”Why thank you, doc. Flattery will get you everywhere. You’re quite pleasant company yourself.” Alex flashed the psychologist a winning smile. Unfortunately, it seemed to lose against her steely self-control.
”Yes, well, thank you. Be that as it may, you were among the Grimm in a highly traumatic situation for over two years. While your adaptability to normal life again is incredible, I’m worried that you may be repressing some darker emotions. While that may have been a valuable survival mechanism during the…incident, I’m worried it may lead to permanent psychological damage in your future.”
Alex couldn’t help but laugh. ”Lemme get this straight. I flirt at all the pretty women- yourself included, by the way, doc, enjoy all the best food, was able to get into one of the best academies in all of Remnant, hang out with my friends daily- hell, I don’t even think I could get rid of Lily even if I wanted to- and you’re telling me you think I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?”
The psychologist sighed before smiling a self-content smile that mad Alex instantly despise her. It was like watching a cat decide how to play with the mouse it had just caught between its paws. ”You were able to get into the best *combat* school in Remnant, which signifies heightened aggression. Hanging out with your friend is admirable, but as she is a childhood friend, perhaps you are too fond of your past before the Grimm overran your home? You don’t seem to have made any new friends since your move. You’ve admitted a strange fascination with Grimm biology, a clear sign of Stockholm Syndrome. And the flirting and gluttony may be explained by hedonism, which-“
Alex scowled. ”I got into the best *combat* school in Remnant because I want to make sure no one ever has to experience that kinda fear again. I hang out with Lily because she is my closest friend, and I haven’t made any new ones because I just damn well moved here last week. I like studying Grimm biology because it’s more efficient to hit them in a weak spot than wail away at their invincible hides, and…well, you’re right on the last one.” Alex saw the psychologist smile and sprang his trap. ”But then again, can you blame me, when all my food was moldy and the closest thing I had to a pretty face was a fast food billboard sign? I’ve got two years of blue balls to work off, you know- getting caught with your pants down in front of a King Taijitu is not the most pleasant of experiences, as I’m sure you can imagine.” Alex mocked the psychologist, his voice dripping with scorn.
”B-be that as it may, you will listen to what I say. Take this class- Studies of the Occult, by Professor Parker Dunwich. He may be able to help you with strategies to deal with any issues you may have.” She wrote down the class number and a late-sign up permission signature. Seeing the mounting scowl on Alex’s face, she waved the sheet in front of Alex imperiously. ”You are free to ignore my advice, of course,” and once again she gave that damnable sadistic smile, ”I cannot guarantee your stay at Syne Academy.”
Ignoring the triumphant look on the psychologist’s face, Alex snatched the paper from her hand, his eyes flashing red as his irritation built up inside. ”You know, you grab a man by his balls that tight, you might as well give ‘em a shake or two,” Alex snarled, and was rewarded with a look of shock from the psychologist at Alex’s crass behavior that warmed the Duster to his very soul as he walked out that door, glad to leave.
**********************
Seeing a silver haired girl now before him in the entrance to Occult Studies, Alex couldn’t help but shake his head as the girl visibly deflated at being late. ”Eh, don’t worry too much about it. You’re not the only one, at least.” Alex nodded to the professor. ”Alexander Redgrave. Apologies for being late, professor- I just transferred to Syne this week, still getting settled in. Got the late class application form signed and all that if you want it.” Shrugging, Alex quickly made his way to a nearby seat, picking one near the front of the class, right next to a girl with hair even pinker than the bubblegum she regularly popped. Well, at least the sound’ll keep me awake. Alex thought to himself, stifling a chuckle as he took his seat, his eyes casually glancing over the symbols on the board, taking note of the strange geometries, seeing but not fully comprehending.