20192/Cocktails and Cake

Cocktails and Cake
Date of Scene:	06 March 2025
Location:	Death and Co Cocktail Bar
Synopsis:	Maddie saves Longshot from a social blunder! Catching up with friends still accomplished!
Cast of Characters:	Longshot, Madelyne Pryor

---

Longshot has posed:
Longshot woke up Thursday morning entirely himself. This, was a delightful revelation and the first time he'd been himself in a week. The moment he'd been fully free of Ryker he'd been unfortunately/fortunately(?) turned into the Scion of Sweets from the alternate dimension the Domain of Desserts, the sire King Kandy of Candy Land himself. Under normal circumstances Longshot and Kandy might have gotten along quite well, as it was: Sharing a body and still being of two minds, they did not.

Still, Kandy and friends (and maybe a little luck) defeated the King of Cakes earlier this week. Since then Longshot and Kandy were more amicable about the situation, slightly more willing to compromise and slightly more respectful of each other's situations. Yet, this morning Longshot being returned to his normal form, his stuff back and has been delighted to find that he is the only one inside of his own head. The novelty was almost immediately replaced with concern for the now-missing king. Longshot spent the morning running around Doom Manor psychometrically reading every phone and cell phone that he could find to see if Kandy, or whatever weird entity in the phones switched the two men's bodies, was there. Longshot didn't find any sign of either of these, nor of the thing in the wires hunting him.

Unsure if this was a good thing or a bad thing, Longshot resorted to charging his own newly-returned cellphone and was horrified to see that he's not only stood up an Avenger for a mission, but accidently ghosted her. Being arrested and sent to Ryker, then broken out and turned into someone else, thus separated from all of one's belongings twice does that sort of thing.

Rather than risking being turned into Someone Else AGAIN with a phone call, however that worked will not be and has not been questioned by Longshot, he hopped the hyper rail and ended up in New York a free man and himself for the first time in a month.

Longshot has posed:
And is immediately distracted.

New York is great for that. Being caught up in something you didn't intend to do. It started with an apology cake. Bright yellow buttercream and the words 'IM SORRY' across the top and black pipping. But a cake like this, being ordered and paid for by Longshot: an attractive young man dressed in form fitting black leather, seemed to be interpreted far differently than he intended. He was told that he should include flowers if he is to be forgiven.

Weird Earth Custom? Apologize to heroes you didn't help with flowers? Sure!

So, Longshot picks up flowers, but Cake and Flowers, looking the way he does comes with another recommendation from the flower proprietor: Girls really like chocolate with apologies as well.

Well, Black Cat is a woman and Longshot doesn't know her well, so might as well believe this recommendation as well. Chocolate leads to the recommendation of alcohol and thus Longshot is here.

That this is NOT an establishment that is meant to sell bottles to walk away with doesn't matter. His arms full of what he thinks an appropriate apology is interpreted by the staff as some boyfriend or husband REALLY trying to make it up for some Royally Large Screwup. Longshot is given a booth and an amused but sympathetic look by a host, before he can explain he just wants to buy a bottle of wine, Longshot is left with a menu of drinks and promises to have his partner brought to him when they arrive.

This is getting ridiculous. Even by Longshot's standards. Maybe someone will come and tell him this is not an appropriate way to apologize to someone you are hoping to work with in a professional capacity and eat the evidence of the potential social blunder.

Madelyne Pryor has posed:
The last few weeks have apparently been exciting for lots of people, and one of them looks exactly like -- but isn't -- Jean Grey.

Who is Jean Grey, one might ask?

Well, she's the woman on the video that 2.5 million people started murmuring about a few days ago -- the flying redhead in Times Square who faced off with the Scarlet Witch while trying to kill three people.

Except that wasn't Jean Grey.

It's all very confusing for everyone involved, even the woman who isn't Jean Grey. Perhaps especially for her.

Despite that incident, however -- as well as whatever watch lists Jean was added to as a result of it and the MLF now having a much better idea of what part of the world Madelyne Pryor is hiding out in -- it doesn't seem to have stopped this particular redhead from leaving the safety of Xavier's School and coming back to Manhattan.

East Village, specifically.

She wandered into the Black Market bar a few days ago and, much to her chagrin, had a very nice conversation with a flaming skeleton who spontaneously gave her an incredibly fuzzy sable coat. Which she's now wearing.

If she didn't have the hourglass figure she does, it might seem like little more than a comfy, warm bathrobe. But, left open in the front as it is, it reveals the clingy black outfit underneath -- the mock turtleneck, leather pants, and four-inch ankle boots.

Her red hair is loose around her shoulders, framing her face and the dramatic makeup she wears -- winged eyeliner, dark eyeshadow, blood-red lips.

Today, she's certainly not Jean Grey -- not to anyone who knows the woman.

She _feels_ him before she ever steps foot through the door of the upscale cocktail bar. Death and Co is a new stop for her -- a recommendation from a 'friend' of a 'friend' she's made the last few days in New York. None of them are friends, but then.. who really is, where it comes to Madelyne Pryor? She isn't exactly one to let people close on a whim.

Still, it seems as though fate is enjoying playing a little game with her today... putting the man she spoke to in Ryker's Island squarely in her path, and it isn't long before she walks through that opened door -- literally and figuratively -- and, after a brief exchange with the hostess, finds herself shown to Longshot's table.

"Thank you," she tells the other woman with a warm smile as she slips out of her coat and hands it over to be hung up near the front.

Then Madelyne's attention turns fully to Longshot, slipping into the booth across from him without waiting for an invitation.

Her legs cross under the table, a whisper of leather as one thigh slides over the other.

"I'm sorry for being late," she croons, the voice familiar, even though the face isn't. Just a little more of an ambient echo, and it could almost sound like it was coming through a vent. "I hope you haven't been waiting long."

The hostess is already heading back to the front, leaving the 'couple' alone. Madelyne's eyes light up when they sweep over the chocolates, the flowers, the cake box... and one of her hands -- long, elegant fingers each tipped in a blood-red nail to match her lips -- reaches for the box of chocolates.

"You shouldn't have," she gasps, her smile broadening.

Longshot has posed:
King Kandy had No interest in media of any kind, one of the many things that made Longshot and Kandy sharing a body very difficult. Had it been Longshot alone, he'd likely have seen the news and twittering online about the Jean Grey incident. He might have not had the context to understand the implications of an Omega Level Mutant like Jean Grey being openly hostile, but that people were upset and this was of concern would have been understood. If he knew. If he'd had his phone or been able to watch TV. If only. Kandy had no taste in entertainment as far as Longshot was concerned.

And Longshot isn't concerned by much. Longshot should probably stop wasting Doom Patrol's money as quickly as he does, but even that doesn't worry him. At least cake and such are not massively large purchases, even if Longshot has been buying whatever is recommended to him without looking at the price tag. Still, looking at the alcohol list of this establishment, numbers are notably higher here. Money is hard, it all looks the same and as a concept, Longshot thinks money is stupid.

Still, he'll check his pockets and be relieved that he does still have a number of the green paper people care about so much left. Thank you Doom Patrol. Probably it's enough, it usually is. Still, he's really got to get back to busking, give back a little for the generosity given so easily by his ever-growing host of friends.

As it is, Longshot doesn't know what anything on this menu is, fun names of cocktails and alcohol are, of course, very fun. Where he here to enjoy the establishment instead of on an apology quest, he'd likely order anything with a funny name. Longshot is happy to go with the flow, happy to end up wherever fate puts him, but he does have goals from time to time. Goals he's not practiced in accomplishing. And yet, being mis-understood and mis-understanding the world all day has not helped the slight shadow of guilt at being a Bad Teammate that started this whole thing off. Longshot is just about to wave staff over and try Again to explain himself and what he wants when a lovely redheaded stranger joins him.

It's luck that Longshot resorted to his most him-clothing possible after a week of wearing someone else's body: the clothing he arrived in. The black material mimics leather well enough to look it, though it's origin is as interdimensional as Longshot himself, clingy and shiny, it moves with him and matches the black shine of the stranger's sable fur coat well. Her splash of red mirror's Longshot's own splash of gold, the star over one heart matches his hair in the same way her own makeup is coordinated. They look like they ought to fit the establishment perfectly, that the story the staff seems to understand must be true, surely?

"Um-I'm not sure that-" The words don't seem to stop the host from abandoning the table and a very confused man to fumble. That's when she speaks.

Longshot freezes and stares at her, mind racing backwards in the way that it very rarely does to the one friend made in Ryker. "Maddie?"

The word is whispered at first, no move to stop her reach for the chocolate, he can get more and apparently the recommendation was true! Women like chocolate! Besides, this voice? He's not sure at first, leaning forward as she speaks again, absolutely sure now.

Immediately, a huge grin breaks across Longshot's face, "Maddie it is you!!! WOW! I didn't realize-You're not in Ryker either! What are you doing here?! I'm trying so hard to apologize to someone and it keeps getting more complicated! It's so lucky you're here! I need to buy wine and they made me sit down!" The implication of 'please help' evident in the tone, no apparent questioning of WHY she was sat down with him as well."

Whatever story the staff might have assumed might be being questioned if anyone is still listening.

Madelyne Pryor has posed:
If Longshot had any telepathic -- or even empathic -- abilities of his own, he would surely feel the ripples and swirling eddies of anger constantly teasing the edge of rage just below the surface of the woman across from him. Even when she isn't allowing the rage to control her, lost to the current like a leaf floating down rapids, it seems to simmer and wait for an excuse.

It's as if there's a predator within her, a sort of primal power that watches and waits to be let out of its cage, ready to step in. To stretch its wings. To dominate. To destroy.

This predator does not care whether the staff of the cocktail lounge continues to believe the reason she initially sat down. In fact, even now, some dark part of her longs for someone -- anyone -- to provide a reason to let that rage surface...

But there are a few people in the world who have a calming effect on that rage.

There are _only_ a few, but they give Maddie the space she needs to take a breath, to relax, and to enjoy their presence, rather than simply looking at everyone as a threat or a problem to overcome.

Longshot is one of them.

They may only have spent a short time talking, Madelyne sitting on the shore facing Ryker's Island while Longshot drew on the wall of his cell in solitary confinement. But there was a lot conveyed in that conversation -- a lot Madelyne got to see with her own eyes through the link she'd made to his mind. A lot she got to hear through his thoughts. A lot she got to feel.

It may only have been a short time, but in some ways, thanks to his blissfully open mind, Madelyne knew Longshot better than she did almost anyone else in the world. For someone who lives her life in a vague state of justified paranoia, it's startling how calm it's possible to be around someone when you know with absolute certainty they have no ulterior motives.

"It _is_ me!"

Her words bubble up in a warm laugh, her smile broadening into a mirror of his as her emerald eyes flash with affection.

"Well, I was just coming in for a drink, but this is _so_ much better."

She doesn't actually _take_ the chocolates. Though she was obviously amused by her own entrance -- as well as the notion that she could help herself to whatever he brought -- she does slide them right back where she found them, otherwise unharmed.

"I'm not going to take your apology chocolates," she admits with a playful little roll of her eyes, even though he hadn't actually said anything to stop her.

Her eyes drift to the pile of gifts, though, with a deliberate lift of her eyebrows and a sly tug at one corner of her mouth.

"That's... um... that's a _lot_ of apologizing. How far along was she when you got locked up?"

Longshot has posed:
Longshot is an empathic creature, but it is experienced through the inanimate world around him rather than living people. While possible to pick up on people's emotions in the same way he reads and feels the emotions of their stuff, it's harder, requires touch and concentration, and even then does not give context. That Longshot can read and feel Things says more about him than the world, he is, after all, a thing. Made for a purpose that he remains unaware of. Perhaps this is a kindness that he is spared from the knowledge of his own existence, or even that he is spared the rage that lurks within his friend here.

"The drinks here look good-" The menu he'd been fussing over is offered, "But I'm so glad you're here! This has been incredibly confusing! I need help and I don't even know what for!"

Asking for help from friends is a thoughtless thing for Longshot, though perhaps it shouldn't be given the history he is unaware of. But, it is well-meant and Maddie became his friend the moment he realized she was lonely back in Ryker. This wasn't questioned then, nor will it be now. How she ended up here or that she might be able to help with the current problem isn't considered in any meaningful way other than to hope it's luck and she Can assist. It's an earnest hope, not taking for granted that she is here only to help him, more of a marked relief that somehow Lady Luck is being particularly generous after a week of not seeming able to reach him.

Longshot's luck works in unpredictable ways, a nudge of the universe into easing his path, and can come in the form of whole people. Maddie is not seen this way here, she's not a whole person inexplicably shoved in his path to save him from the mild exasperation that the day has been. But she is seen as perhaps the best thing that could have possibly happened regardless. Instead, this seems to be a welcome meeting of a friend he didn't get to meet properly back in Riker, an opportunity for assistance, yes, but also so much more fortunate than that. After multiple weeks of the never-ending hopelessness of Ryker pressing on in, a moment of freedom and maybe some answers, then being trapped again to the whims of King Kandy-that his first day out and free again being Weird? Only for the winds of the world to remind him and bring him to the only truly bright part of his incarceration is the sort of beautiful coincidence and happiness that Longshot thrives on.

Longshot is thankful she's here, not because she has the potential to be helpful, but because she's his friend. Because she's Her, and now he gets an opportunity to find out who that is when the first chance didn't allow much.

Maddie's words and expression immediately key him back into the weirdness of the day and Longshot leans forward, voice softer, almost conspiratorial, "No, no, that's what I mean-You're doing the smile the guy at the candy shop did, and before that the flower lady. And the guy who put the writing on the cake-He looked at me like-I don't know?" He pauses, running through potential words of what sympathy of this sort looks like, "Like I needed a hug or something."

Maddie's words are actually processed and he leans back to roll them over. Confusion still flickers across Longshot's face. Far Along? As in, with her investigation? He didn't know, he just knew he'd been semi-helpful and wanted to be more helpful. "I guess I should have asked? She didn't seem the type to share important information like that til I proved I was trustworthy. Then I messed it up and got arrested and forgot! I just to be a good teammate! I'm not sure she'd want me on her team though-" There is a wave at the host of apology items, "Soooo-"

Longshot has posed:
Longshot leans forward again, the hint of concern actually entering his tone, expression serious, the box of chocolates moved back toward Maddie, he can always get more. "Maddie, it's like there's a secret and everyone else is in on it and assumes I know. I don't know why people keep doing things for me-I usually have a clue, but today I don't!"

Madelyne Pryor has posed:
... But she is seen as perhaps the best thing that could have possibly happened regardless.

... Longshot is thankful she's here, not because she has the potential to be helpful, but because she's his friend. Because she's Her...

This.

This is what gives Madelyne the space to relax and let her guard down -- even if just for a little while. These aren't thoughts she picks up from very many people -- that she's welcome, much less that her presence might actually be a _good_ thing.

This is what makes that smile -- that genuine smile -- curl onto her lips as she settles so comfortably into the booth, taking the offered menu and setting on the table in front of her to peruse.

Laughter bubbles up at his helplessness -- not directed _at_ him, but genuinely charmed by his anxiety.

"Don't worry," she assures warmly. "Whatever you're worried about, I promise... we'll get it sorted out together."

When he leans in, so does she, folding her arms on the edge of the table, only for an even brighter bark of laughter to slip past her lips, loud enough to draw a few eyes in their direction. Her cheeks actually take on a slightly healthier, pinker glow, as she watches him -- either unaware (unlikely) or unconcerned with the attention she suddenly drew.

"I'm doing the same smile, huh?" she prompts. The question is 'clearly' rhetorical, and her emerald eyes twinkle with amusement as that 'same smile' stays fixed in place.

She was pretty satisfied being attentively amused, especially as he launched into the woman 'not sharing until he proved trustworthy,' but when he slides the box of chocolates back in her directions, her eyes dart down to it like a cat tracking a laser pointer.

"God, I hope this doesn't count as cheating," she groans softly -- also rhetorically and also to herself -- as her hand comes back out to snag that box, a glossy red nail slicing through the seal with practiced ease.

The lid is thrown back, and her pupils dilate ever-so-slightly at the sight.

"So.."

Long fingers reach out, plucking one chocolate out before turning the box in case he wants one.

"Culturally speaking... there's a stereotype of men going to prison, leaving behind a girlfriend or a wife -- or a husband, whatever -- and trying to get back into their good graces when they get out. Often by..."

She gestures with her non-chocolate hand towards the pile of gifts.

"...showering them with gifts. If you're talking about a teammate?"

That grin returns.

"You should have been fine with a phone call. Unless you want her to be _more_ than a teammate. This is all a kind of... choose your own adventure process. For what it's worth though? Cake.. flowers.. chocolate. I'd forgive you, and I don't even know what you need to be forgiven for."

Her eyes dance with mirth as she starts to pop that chocolate into her mouth, then hesitates.

From behind her, a waiter approaches, stopping at the end of their booth. "Have you decided on drinks?"

"I'd like a Necromancer," she says, then slides the menu back over to Longshot again as she pops that chocolate into her mouth.

...and the sound she makes as she chews isn't _entirely_ fit for polite company.

Longshot has posed:
"Oh thank goodness!" Longshot doesn't seem to be offended by even the idea of being laughed At, and it certainly doesn't register now. Instead, it's simply relief that she Is willing to listen and help. A nod and a hum of thanks will have Longshot accepting a chocolate once the box was open. He WAS King Kandy there for a week and that's going to be a hard habit to kick, that man has a sweet tooth to rival gods.

The hosts of bar do seem to be paying attention to them, whatever story assumed seems to be back on track? They're talking, it looks serious, or not, but laughter is always a good thing, right?

"Awww-Cheating! King Kandy was worried about that too-conversation for another time, doesn't matter right now. But I don't fit that stereotype, right? I don't have a girlfriend or a boyfriend and I don't THINK I'm married, No one to make things up to in that way-" He pauses, reconsidering, "Well, I do have a lot of friends who I think are a little annoyed whenever I'm arrested. . . .You think I should get them cake too? I can do that-"

Get them cake to apologize for worrying them. This seems like a good idea to Longshot, missing that this would be getting them cake with their own money given his perpetual job-less-ness. And most of Doom Patrol can't eat. . . . Maybe flowers. Before the thoughts can continue too far down that track everything clicks and Longshot seems to understand.

"OH." He looks at the gifts, looks at Maddie, then back to the gifts, starting to go red. He's quiet, but will nod snagging another chocolate, and offering a partially self-conscious laugh, "At least I'm doing a good job of it? I suppose? I didn't mean it like that, Miss Black Cat does flirt a lot, but it's not serious flirting. She helped me, I want to help her, but the last time I used a phone I turned into someone else. Do you think I could write a letter instead? Or just show up in person? I'm not bringing her this if it's going to give the wrong idea."

Or right idea, it's not that Longshot is opposed to lovely women who flirt with him being more than that, but for all of Black Cat's forwardness and saying nice things to him, Longshot is good at people. Longshot was made to be good at people and people, and for all his lack of cultural awareness, he knew something was up all day. That's social skills. He's charismatic, not just in that people tend to like him, but he tends to genuinely like and understand other people. Only met her twice, but Miss Felicia, the Black Cat, struck him as someone who liked to flirt, not someone who liked him. It doesn't bother him, but he's not about to pursue someone not interested, that'd be silly.

At the approach of the waiter, Longshot looks at the menu and points at something with a fun name, "Ummmm, Sunrise Strawberry Swirl please?"

Orders taken and casually, the waiter puts down a pair of little plates. It would seem the staff still thinks this little story is on track. The staff might notice the unlady-like chocolate chopping, but Longshot certainly does not, munching away himself without a thought.

The relief of the mystery of the day solved likely radiates off of him, cake and chocolate looked at one last time and bringing a smirk, Longshot looking up at Maddie with a playful assurance twinkling behind blue eyes, "We should absolutely pretend that this was the plan all along, that we were going to meet up here and enjoy cake and chocolate and-well flowers are nice for all occasions."

Longshot places the cake opening the cake box to show it to her, 'IM SORRY' in large curving letters across the top, grin wide,"Might I cut you a slice of Cake, M'Lady?"

With the box open it will be very clear how hard the bakery was trying to 'help' Longshot out, the sides of the cake are decorated with the silhouettes of little cats sitting and lounging around the edge and a little trail of paw prints pressed into the icing and trailing cutely in a wandering pattern around the rim. When cut into it, this appears to be to be red velvet swirl with a cream center and will be portioned o

Longshot has posed:
With the box open it will be very clear how hard the bakery was trying to 'help' Longshot out, the sides of the cake are decorated with the silhouettes of little cats sitting and lounging around the edge and a little trail of paw prints pressed into the icing and trailing cutely in a wandering pattern around the rim. When cut into it, this appears to be to be red velvet swirl with a cream center and will be portioned out onto the plates provided.

"Miss Maddie, for you-" Cake is offered to Maddie with a beam, on the spot choice made and declared: "-Because we are celebrating! Sometimes you don't need an occasion to celebrate! Something! What are we celebrating? Um-Not being in Ryker! How are you Maddie? What are you up to these days not behind bars apart from keeping me from making a fool of myself?"

Madelyne Pryor has posed:
"Well, I doubt if someone calling herself Miss Black Cat would be offended by being showered with gifts, but if she's a teammate, she probably doesn't _expect_ them, either."

Madelyne pauses with a little roll of one shoulder, still smiling like the cat who ate the canary.

"So, if it avoids a potentially awkward moment, and if she doesn't know to miss them... I mean... I'm here to help."

Those emerald eyes of hers twinkle with mirth.

Might I cut you a slice of Cake, M'Lady?

"Yes, please. That sounds _wonderful_."

It really is one of the rare treats in Maddie's life to have a moment like this with Longshot. Some part of her expected never to see him again, but to have an opportunity to talk face to face with someone _so_ pure of heart is... disarming. It's a little like spending time with Kurt, actually -- the openness and sincerity that radiates into their conversation in comforting waves.

Her eyes track the motion as he cuts the slice, the decorations on the cake, the care that was so obviously taken in putting it all together for the apology.

And she simply can't help the way her head tilts ever-so-slightly to the side, crimson hair shifting over to one shoulder.

"If it helps... _I_ forgive you," Maddie teases, leaning lightly on the edge of the table as she waits. "And my guess is that she will, too, even without all the cake and flowers. You have one of those... forgivable faces."

There's truth in her words and the smile that accompanies them -- the genuine side of Madelyne that so few people get to see. The side of her that doesn't have to keep up pretenses and be constantly prepared to either defend herself or bluff someone into backing down. Usually the former.

"Thank you," she says warmly as she accepts the cake, slipping a napkin into her lap as she grabs a fork.

"To not being in Ryker's," she laughs warmly, lifting her fork as if in toast before she starts to carve herself off a bite.

"Oh... what _am_ I up to?" she sighs softly, another little incredulous laugh slipping past her lips. "A little of this and that, I guess. I'm trying to decide what I want to do next, and I really don't know. There are some people who want to hurt me. Some people who say they want to help me. A man I've..."

She rolls her eyes, grinning ridiculously.

"...I've fallen for, after only a short time. It's more dangerous for him if we stay together, but he can take care of himself, too. I..."

She shakes her head.

"I really don't know. I'm trying to lie low, for the moment, but that... well... that's not going as well as I'd like, either."

A little roll one one shoulder, and she gestures towards him with that bike of cake.

"What about you? What are your plans?"

Longshot has posed:
"Good! It'd be a waste to throw out and giving things to people seems more complicated than I thought it would be!" Help taking care of this little problem is appreciated!

Longshot's time as King Kandy has not given him good taste in candy, just a never-ending taste for candy. Thankfully the people trying to 'help' him all day do seem to have pretty good taste in both cake and candy. Thus, it's a rather nice box of chocolates and the cake is the soft sponge of a higher-end pastry. Cake for himself will be sliced as he settles back to enjoy, that this whole day of chasing around for apology gifts is over is as much of a relief as the general fact that the nice Avenger was likely not going to hold his recent transgressions against him.

He perks up at the assurance of forgiveness, Longshot's smile growing into a laugh, "Yeah? Thank you! Forgiveness already gained! Task for the day accomplished!"

The brief hum of distraction at trying the cake will pull Longshot's attention briefly. Good cake, Black Cat is missing out. The waiter wisks back with their drinks, placing both on the table in front of their respective owners, eyes flicking over the cute cake and vanishes again with the little smiled assurance of one who thinks they know what's going on.

"You mentioned looking for something new! Going to Madripoor was it?" Clearly, Longshot is still not up to date with news if he's missed the Jean-incident and still thinks Madripoor is a Nice place to be and not run by terrorists at the moment. Not that it's usually a nice place to be, but Longshot is generally limited by knowledge, "Jeez, it sounds like you've been busy!"

Longshot listens as he works on his cake, a sip of the pink cocktail he's been delivered seems to pair well with the red velvet pausing at the mention of trouble. "Well, you've got me in your corner! I have my phone back and everything now and don't plan on going back to prison. Give me a call if you need an extra hand!"

He doesn't seem to be able to fathom why anyone would want to hurt her, or anyone, asking why doesn't seem to occur to him. Likely because it wouldn't matter if he did know. Hurting people was wrong, Hunting people was wrong, it's a simple thing for Longshot and doesn't require clarification nor justification. Just that he was here for her if she needed it.

"Oh yeah?" Longshot laughs and matches Maddie's grin at the mention of a special someone, unbothered by the hint of worry behind the words, "Well, I suspect any guy who's got your attention is a lucky one, even if it might invite danger-But if he can take care of himself? And if you tell him when you are running from trouble versus when you are running towards it? Well, I think that's the best you can hope for-especially if he's willing to hold your hand no matter where you're running." Longshot offers a little shrug and give Maddie a wink, "Don't break 'im, but don't be afraid of enjoying someone's time while you can!"

He leans back and openly ponders his own plans. This is difficult, Longshot Doesn't Have nor Make Plans. If she's touched his mind, she might feel that stasis in him trying to look forward, the non-linear space that allows him to exist almost entirely in the present shifting against his nature. "I don't think I know either. I apparently have people to hide from too-but I still don't remember them. It's like it's at the tip of my tongue, whatever I've forgotten that's important. Like it's right there, but if I reach out and grab it, it's just vapors-Nothing's there. I might try and find out what the X-babies are, maybe see if the space and time witch is my friend or not, also there's something in the phones that know me-Maybe that's related to the TV?" He blinks back and shrugs, fully back in the present again, "Or I'll end up where I need to be and do whatever needs to be done there, I mostly let things happen as they happen."

Madelyne Pryor has posed:
Madelyne makes no attempt to correct the poor waiter when he comes over with the drinks and that lingering look on the cake. Frankly, there are worse assumptions to be made than being a happy couple freshly made up after whatever fight they'd had.

It's an easy mistake to make. Frankly, Madelyne looks exactly like a doting partner having a pleasant time out for dessert and drinks. The smiles are there. The occasional head-tilt is there. The laughs, the attentive eye contact.

For Longshot, it's not the same vibe as he got from Felicia at all. She's not 'flirting,' and it's not some act. Madelyne genuinely enjoys spending time with him, even if the collective sum of everything on the table makes it seem more intimate than it really is.

...Going to Madripoor was it?

"So... I looked into that," says once she's finished her bite. "Turns out, not a great idea for me. Those guys that are after me? Turns out at least some of them kinda run the place. So... that's out."

She shrugs, as if it's just one of a million places to cross off the list -- and it is. And at some point, need _some_ elimination criteria, right? The current stronghold of your enemies seems like a good one.

Well, you've got me in your corner!

Madelyne's smile warms even more at that, pausing her drink half-way to her lips to look over at him with a twinkle of mirth.

"As long as you're sure the phone isn't going to be an issue, I'll do that. And I'll make sure you have my number, too. Because... same," she muses, letting a beat pass before she adds, "I'm glad we're friends," and finally taking that sip.

Oh god. The lingering conversation on Kurt actually brings heat to Maddie's cheeks as she listens, clearly unsure how to even handle talking about someone in those terms for more than a sentence or two. It isn't as if she's spent a lot of time gushing over boys -- or rather, men.

She worries at her bottom lip as she listens, eyes dipping to her glass as her teeth tug and fight at the stupid grin that lingers.

"I'll... keep that in mind," she murmurs, eyes still cast down, as if she worried even lingering on the thought too long would ruin it -- would announce her happiness to the universe, only for it to be swept through her fingers like dust. Unlike Longshot, she didn't have the best track record with 'luck.'

She focuses on eating and listening for a moment, just seeming to enjoy something that feels... normal. Whatever that means. No violence. No ulterior motives. No repercussions. Just a slice of time that she can enjoy for exactly what it is.

And then her gaze lifts again, memories of being in his mind -- of his connection to Mojoworld -- flickering back to the surface.

It's not really her 'place' to dig in to his past, to insert herself into his life, or -- frankly -- even her area of expertise to... help. She's spent so much of the last five years just trying to sort out her own mess of a life that helping someone else in anything other than the heat of the moment -- throwing up a shield, running off some bullies -- hasn't really even been an option.

But there are others. Others that _might_ be able to help. Others... like Kurt, who _are_ good at helping people, no matter how much discomfort she might otherwise suffer at that god forsaken school.

There's a brief glance to the side before she looks back across the table again, as if ensuring no one is in eavesdropping distance.

"Where I'm staying right now... it's in upstate New York. It's called Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, and there are people there... mutants. There's a chance the teachers there might be able to help you sort some things out."

She raises the hand that holds the fork, fingers splaying as if to wave the suggestion off as quickly as she made it.

"No guarantees. But, possibilities. And if you came to see me, maybe we could have lunch. Or take a walk around the grounds. Just a suggestion."

She smiles a bit and looks back down to her cake, carving off another bite.

Longshot has posed:
"Maybe not a great place to go then, yeah-BUT you know that now before you showed up there! So winning already!" Longshot slides his phone across the table to her to put in her number, Longshot has no clue if his phone is going to be an issue, no clue if he's going to have to be turned into someone else again, but the sense that the thing hunting him isn't around-or at any rate, not paying attention to him-is enough, "Maybe text, just to be sure? It keeps showing up when talking on the phone, so I think I'll be sticking to texting for a while."

Admittably, Longshot really likes texting, and social media, and all the things that come with social media and texting. Hard to say if this particular habit is genetic or not, but the siren call of having a platform and steaming or talking to the world through the internet has been resisted so far. Having a stable place to live might make the pull of the internet harder to resist.

I'm glad we're friends

That this means something more to her than it does to him will have Longshot lean forward briefly, as if sharing a secret, but no words, just a bright grin, a wink and a thumbs up. He's also glad their friends, but he doesn't have to say it. He wears his joy openly, no concern and only confidence in her and in her ability to keep things well with whoever her guy was, "Sounds like a good guy, and I'm sure he'll be flattered if you bring him all these flowers-"

Longshot waves at the bouquet, clearly not about to let that flicker of downcase in Maddie stay for long, if he can help that worry away, "I do believe that the shop keep said they are 'Surely perfect for any occasion' and you can make up whatever reason to celebrate with him as you want~ Maybe more celebration to not being in Ryker? Or maybe just celebrate holding hands while you can."

He shrugs, not going to push, but the flowers are her's for her beau if she wants them.

At the word 'mutants', Longshot will lift up his hands and wiggle all four fingers at her with a nod. At least on some level, he understands the need for quieter words now. Though not a mutant, he looks it and was pinned as a mutant through his stay in Ryker, he's stopped trying to correct people at the recommendation of a friend. At this point, Longshot has a good understanding of the social standing of mutants, even if he doesn't understand why. Still, the words 'Xavier's School for Gifted Youngers' are mouthed to himself softly, trying to commit them to memory.

The whispered words will petter out and a bright smile offered, "Thanks Maddie, yeah, I'll see if I can't come visit you there. I'd love the help and that sounds really nice! Seems someone warned me about alphabet people-X or U or W or something, I'm-well, doesn't matter I don't think but I'll see if I can't get up to Westchester when I've set things right with Miss Black Cat."

Madelyne Pryor has posed:
...So winning already!

Madelyne laughs softly, bowing her head slightly in concession. "Maybe some of your good luck is rubbing off on me after all," she muses with a small, amused smile. "And... texting it is."

It's the mention of taking the flowers to her boyfriend that gets the next laugh, warm and rich, though still tinged with that new awkwardness. A certain innocence that doesn't seem present in most other aspects of her conversation. Her feelings for Kurt aren't tainted by her cynical view of the world.

... Of course, if she understood what her feelings for Kurt _were_ tainted by, she might have a plethora of misgivings.

The fact that cloning equipment that made her was tainted with Belasco's demonic essence. That it's that essence that corrupts her thoughts and her actions -- not fully, not irredeemably, but subtly. And it's that essence that calls to Kurt, and his connection to Azazel that answers...

... that the potential for their union had not only been noticed, but plans had already been set in motion to use their child for deeds Madelyne could hardly fathom at this point...

"He's a romantic. So, I'm sure he'll love them," the red-haired woman murmurs, smiling. "Thank you."

The whispered words seem to have their intended effect, getting a nod of approval from the woman who smiles warmly. "If you can. There's no rush. I don't imagine I'm going anywhere anytime soon..."

And when the waiter returns to check on them again, she lifts her phone from the table, swiping it over to a payment screen and handing it over.

"The drinks are on me," she says warmly, more to Longshot than to the waiter, who turns to settle the tab. "Thank you for sharing your chocolates. And your cake. _And_ your flowers. And... the time. It was good to finally... put a face to the name. And I hope your meeting with Miss Black Cat goes as well as this one. But, with your charm, I doubt you'll have any problems smoothing things over... cake or no cake."