1964-04-28 - The Eye In The Sky
Summary: Dazzler meets Xavier after a show, and learns there's such a thing as a school for mutants. Charles leaves her pondering what to do about it when he invites her to come see it.
Related: None.
Theme Song: "The Eye In The Sky" by The Alan Parsons Project - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNiie_zmSr8
xavier dazzler 


While the Lux usually hosts jazz musicians, Dazzler has made such a sensation after her performance on the Ed Sullivan show, that she's been asked to perform for a one dazzling night special. Alison was more than happy to jump at the opportunity, and that's how tonight, she's the one on stage in her trademark mirrored beaded halter dress, a guitar slung over her shoulder, as she plays her unique psychedelic music. There's a mellow undertone to her set list tonight, likely affected by the recent riot at the pro mutant demonstration.

The sound is dancing between melancholic and ethereal with a recurring line of optimism that fades in and out. The lyrics for the most part discuss the importance of coexistence, accepting one another, and making the world a heaven to live in, rather than the hell it tends to be. But what really steals the show, is the tremendous light show that the music seem to evoke. It starts like swirling colors, something of a mist that materializes out of thin air almost, but then the lights coalesce and start to form shifting imagery, almost illustrating the song while she performs.

Throughout the night Dazzler performs a set of 12 songs, before taking a bow and a short break. After some alone time, getting refreshed in her dressing room, she comes out to the floor of the club. All too happy to meet some of her fans, and answer some questions. Fame is a very recent thing for her, and she enjoys every bit she can get.

*

And in the crowd, Charles Xavier sits at a booth alone. Though he left his drink mostly unattended since the show started, enjoying the show immensely. Of course, the kids at the school call him the Professor, but it's occasionally nice to slip out and be free of the title for a little bit. He gives Dazzler a slight grin as she walks past, saying in a very proper voice, "Not very common sentiments, but admirable ones." Apparently referring to the music, as he nods slightly, "Thank you."

*

Dazzler was just done exchanging words with a few people she just passed by, and was going to head towards the bar to get herself a drink, when she happens by Charles' booth. His comment gets her to stop, turning to face him, curiosity plastered on her visage, "so you've come to listen, not just look, I appreciate that. Thank you." The smile on her lips is quite genuine, like it or not, every music critic that covers Dazzler, inadvertently winds up focusing on her fascinating light show more than her actual music. Then again, not everyone enjoy her new sound. Albeit her show has been dubbed as an LSD-like experience by some.

"First time you've seen me perform?" She asks, approaching the booth for a better look at Xavier.

*

Xavier chuckles, "Well, it was an amazing light show, but I was more focused on the words than that, I'm afraid. Sorry if that disappoints you." He gives her a warm expression, "Particularly after the recent riot, hearing that kind of message gives me hope." He pauses, "Ah, but sorry, I'm clearly interrupting you meeting with your adoring fans, though, if you had a moment to talk later, I'd appreciate it." His expression changes, just a bit, but the man looks inscrutable. Charming, but inscrutable.

*

"That so…? Mind if I join you?" Dazzler asks, fascinated by a man who actually makes it a point to note he paid far more attention to the music. "When I started, I figured I need to do something to stand out…a good friend who is good with light technology helped me devise the effects. It's really groovy."

*

Charles smiles, a bit of a knowing grin, "Oh, I'm sure, but I would be delighted for the company." He rises and makes a bit of a welcoming gesture to the booth, "What did you want to drink? I'm having a cognac, myself." After she sits down in the booth, he seats himself across from her, perfectly polite.

*

Dazzler helps herself sitting across from Charles in his booth, "I would have some scotch, if you're offering," she rather likes the gesture. "I'm sorry if you came for the usual jazz and stumbled across me by accident. Don't know, but you look a bit older than my usual fans, not to offend or anything, but I do mostly draw teens."

*

Charles laughs, "As a matter of fact, I /was/ coming in hoping for some jazz, as I recently picked up a Del Paxton album… but no, I don't mind the music at all. It's definitely different that what I'm used to, but everything changes." He orders the scotch for Dazzler once a waitress passes by, and makes sure it's rather high quality no less. Then he hmms after she goes, "Seems a bit odd, most rock and roll seems focused on fast cars or pining for love, but not your music. It's actually a refreshing change."

*

Dazzler grins, inclining her head, "I thought as much, I respect jazz, takes a lot of skill to be good at it." She gives Charles a thumbs up when he hits the nail on the head, "bingo. That's me. Change." When Dazzler hears the quality scotch Charles orders for her, she looks surprised, "classy! Are you sure?"

When Charles makes a good observation about her inspirations, Dazzler nods, "I guess part of it is unlike the guys, I don't need to impress girls, I don't need the fast cars…but I do like love, love is groovy, only…I think love is for everyone, not just that special someone. If we treated one another with love and respect, there would be none of those stupid wars and riots and fussing about stupid things."

*

Charles smiles, genuinely, "Of course, I'm sure. Though it is incredibly refreshing to hear someone of your age talking about such things." He then chuckles, "Which I suppose makes me sound /too/ old, but I digress, I haven't given you my name. I'm Charles Xavier." Who, well, Dazzler might know, might not, depending on how well read she is.

*

Looking a little into the distance, in reflection perhaps, Dazzler notes, "I didn't have a comfortable childhood like most, I experienced the world…I guess in a way I learned better than I would if I had gone to school." She's not really well read, being a high school drop out, focusing mostly on her music, but she did hear the name in passing, "Charles Xavier?" She muses, "I heard the name before…are you an author or something?" Seeing how he's given her his name, she decides to offers her in return, "I guess you saw Dazzler all over the billing, but for the record, I'm Alison Blaire. Real nice to meet you Charles, hope you'll buy my record. I'd appreciate it."

*

Charles hmms, "Consider it bought, then. But yes, I've been published a bit here and there." He keeps it a bit vague, waiting for the scotch to arrive for Dazzler, "And Alison, yes. Have you ever considered going to school?" He sits back, taking a sip of his cognac as he regards the young woman with some curiosity.

*

"Wow…that's cool, not everyone gets published," of course if Dazzler would have been better read, or more educated, she might have known she was talking to a world authority. As it is, she's duly respective of the fact he's published, having an inkling from the music world how hard it is to get that first record released. "School…? I don't know, that's so far behind me…I ran away Sophomore year, I don't think I'd do very well…at least I know what I'm doing with music."

*

Xavier ahs, "Well, Alison, what if I told you that there was a school specifically for people that have your…" He pauses, then smiles slightly, "Talents." And he stresses that word just a bit, definitely implying that he knows how she does those light shows, pithy words about engineering miracles or not.

*

Alison leans back in the booth when Xavier speaks the magic word, or rather, how he utters the word. Something about it unnerves her, like he sees right through her act even when he said nothing to that end. "A music school…?" She asks hesitantly, looking quite shaken, worry surfacing in her eyes while she tries to play it cool, somewhat failingly.

*

Charles smiles, and it is, at least, a reassuring smile, "Well, we don't really have a music department /yet/… but no." He lowers his voice, just a bit, and looks at Alison, "A school for mutants, Alison. Like you." His eyes meet hers, "And well, like me. Though I'm their Professor." He looks a bit wry for a moment, as if not exactly enjoying the title, but they stuck them with it so he goes along.

*

"What? I didn't say anything…I mean, I'm not…it's, technology, I told you…" Alison insists, the way Charles sounds so sure when he mentioned she's a mutant ruffled her a bit, causing a rather shakey reply, where usually she adamantly laughs at the notion. When she had a moment to regain her composure, particularly because of the way Charles carries himself, so confident and reassuring, she eventually asks in a soft whisper, "a school for mutants? Is that even possible?"

*

Charles smiles, "I assure you, it is. We want to prove that mutants and humanity can co-exist peacefully." He looks a bit amused by the denial, "One of my gifts is that I can detect other mutants when I'm in close proximity. But yes, we are a school, and if you want… well, you are a mutant, and a powerful one at that. If you wished to learn, we would be more than happy to teach you." And then, calmly, he sips from his cognac again, letting Alison think all that over.

*

Alison turns quite pale as Charles informs her he's a mutant, and by nature of his abilities, actually knows for a fact that she is one. It's the first time Dazzler met someone who was aware of her deepest secret, and she wasn't sure what to do or say. The tech excuse usually threw most people off her scent, and at most caused doubt. Charles wasn't suspicious of her, he outright knew. That knowledge alone made her uncomfortable. "Well…I don't know what to say," and she reaches for her whiskey, actually downing the glass in one go, before taking a moment and murmuring, "I guess at the very least, I could drop by to give it a look."

*

Charles smiles, "I know that this is a lot to take in Alison, but I want you to know that regardless of what you decide, your secret is safe with me." He pauses, then looks quite serious, "Also, this is completely your decision. I'll respect what you wish to do, either way." Then that smile creeps back a bit, "Though, I would hope you'd give it some serious thought."

*

Alison still looks quite jarred as she leans back in her seat, nodding at Xavier, before asking, "do you have a card?" From the way her eyes shifts, she seems like she wants to take a break in the conversation and go do some more mingling with fans. No doubt being recognized for a mutant did something to unsettle her. As if she had something of a high knowing she was fooling everyone, and Charles just shattered that false sense of security. After all, if he could tell for a fact, others might too.

*

Charles nods, "Of course, Alison." He smiles and reaches into his suit pocket, pulling out a single business card and sliding it to her. "I've probably unsettled you enough as it is, and I do apologize for that." He does look sincere about that, at least, having an almost sheepish look on his face with the admission.

*

Alison takes the card without a word, slipping it into the palm of her hand, as she slides out of the booth, "thanks for the talk, and the drink, I'll be seeing you," she hurriedly notes before disappearing into the crowd. No need to be a mind reader, she is quite unsettled.

*

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