13592/Last Minute Christmas Shopping

Last Minute Christmas Shopping
Date of Scene:	16 December 2022
Location:	Lost Pond Mall
Synopsis:	Priscilla and Henry are out doing some last minute gift shopping and they run into a few people. Or well, at least one of them runs into Henry!
Cast of Characters:	Priscilla Camilleri, Henry McCoy, Monet St. Croix, Evan Sabahnur, Frederick Foswell, Samuel Guthrie

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Priscilla Camilleri has posed:
It's a little over a week until Christmas and there are people out doing shopping for the Holiday as well as for other occasions. Priscilla just knew that Henry worked up in Westchester, not the specifics of the school he worked for. But she had asked if he'd wanted to grab dinner and do a little bit of shopping. It wasn't that far of a drive and it was nice to get out of the penthouse since she had started vacation.

Dinner had been had and now it was an adventure. Shopping! This mall wasn't one she'd stepped foot in before, but the raven haired woman was happy to discover new places now that she'd moved to the states. "This looks like a nice place." she muses. "Do you have a favorite store that you like?" she asks Henry.

Henry McCoy has posed:
Henry was delighted to have dinner, of course. And shopping - well, it was on his to-do list. Once they'd made it to the mall, he'd donned a festive red Santa hat. 'Tis the season, after all! He'd dressed nicely for the evening - a simple linen shirt, slacks and dress shoes. Warmth was not something he had to worry over, with all that blue fur!

The Beast glanced around, smiling as they stepped into the cheery halls of consumerism. "I like the cigar shop... pipes and what not. Book stores, and some of the more esoteric shops. Minerals, imports from other places on the globe." He commented as he grinned over to Priscilla. "How about you? Do you have a favorite store?"

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Monet St. Croix is htere for shopping. And presents. And the types of things she can nag people for having not gotten her which were clearly appropraite gifts (but way outside anyone's price range or care). "I do believe that the selection here is.. Inadequate." The woman that preferred to shop in Paris, London, Beijin, Tokyo, and other high rise places would look about somewehre that she mentally ranked up there with the Mall of America wiht her normal passive look of meh!

Evan Sabahnur has posed:
    Evan had made it to the mall the only way he currently could: by bus. And yes, he was used to other people staring at him when he went out in public. It used to make him stay hidden in his parent's house and do a lot of shopping online. These days he actually had just enough self-confidence to go out in public. Granted, he was wearing a hoodie with said hood up and dark glasses that hid his eyes.

    But at least he was not in his room.

    Once the bus dropped him off at the mall, he wandered inside and started some serious window shopping, walking slowly past each store to get an idea of the sorts of things they sold. Christmas was coming up, and he wanted to get presents from his parents taken care of so he could spend more time with his family over the Christmas break.

Priscilla Camilleri has posed:
Priscilla looks over to the hat that Henry puts on and there is a crimson lipped smile from the woman, "That's very festive." she tells him. She wasn't going to have him take it off if he was happy with it. "I've never been here before, but I'm always looking for unique stores. And from the looks of this place I'm going to guess we've got a lot of diversity." she nods to that.

"I still need to finish out my mothers shopping. Maybe they have a nice jewelry store that we could stop in before going home." she suggests. "Speaking of home, I am guessing that the next week or so is going to be hectic. Is there anything that I can help with?" she asks him.

Henry McCoy has posed:
The man truly is pleased to be spreading the holiday spirit - seeing people in a state of goodwill was always a boon to Henry. As she mentions his hat, he reaches up to bat at the poofy white ball at the point of the cap. "I thought it appropriate." He winks to her. "This is close to where I teach, so I have a bit of familiarity with the layout." He nods. "All sorts of things here, plenty to see with a leisurely stroll, if you've got the steps in you today?"

"They do have a few nice jewelers in here - one a family owned place, the other one of the retail chains." The professor explains as they take a slow pace to wander. "As for help... I do not think so, off the top of my head. Do you have any functions you have to prepare for? Family dinners, or such?"

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Monet St. Croix would glance at Evan, "Take your time and do enjoy yourself while we explore." She gives a rare bit of sympathy to the new mutant. From what she'd read he'd been found just lying in a test tube in a laboratory. How such a thing could happen made her shudder.

"Yes, I think that Doctor McCoy tries to be the most festive of all of us." As Henry would talk on about thigns Monet wouldn't pay much attention. Low quality, low quality!

Frederick Foswell has posed:
Frederick Foswell was EXHAUSTED! He had come to the Lost Pond Mall outside of the city for some Christmas, and his wife had insisted on bringing his kids along. Now, he loved his kids and all, but they could be a real handful at times, especially at a Mall. The past five hours had been full of nothing but shopping for his In-Laws, the acrid smell of perfume, and minding his children as they ran around the mall, behaving, but still running rampant. By the time he made it back to the fountain Frederick was ready to go home, but his kids weren't.

Frederick was currently sitting down by the fountain, groaning in relief as he rested his feet, his glasses crooked on his face. Near his feet were a bunch of bags from different stores in the Mall. As he sat he watched his 11 year old daughter and 8 year old son as they ran around the area, not noticing the Mutants as they seemingly continued to burn up the endless amount of energy they had.

Evan Sabahnur has posed:
    Evan nods to Monet, looking down the mall a bit to where Beast is spreading his current Christmas cheer. With a smile he replies, "Somehow he can pull that look off. Most people just look silly in Santa hats. It might just be because he really can give off a positive vibe despite the way he looks."

    Mental note: Try and find time to talk to Dr. McCoy. He could probably have some tips on how not to be bothered by people staring.

    Spotting a sporting goods store, he ducks inside to see if they have anything of interest. It's really no surprise that they don't carry much in the way of high quality spelunking gear. Still, presents must be found, so he continues checking stores as he walks by.

Priscilla Camilleri has posed:
Priscilla gives a soft smile to Monet and there is a nod, "He does seem to be festive." the Doctor states. Then she looks back to Henry and there is another smile, "I'll have to come up for lunch sometime once everyone is back from the holidays." she states. "I have the steps. It was easy on the feet today, all we had were deployment meetings for code and other nonsense." she admits.

"Mmm, maybe the family one? The always turn out to have nice things and the price is not really anything I'm worried on." she states. "Do you run into a lot of your students up here?" she asks him. "As for things I need to do, I was waiting to see if you were wanting to travel home with me for Christmas? If not I completely understand. It is a big step and all." she states quietly.

Henry McCoy has posed:
There's a smile and nod offered over to Monet, and Evan as well. Henry is all smiles tonight, it would seem. "Deployment meetings... that sounds very tiring." The man chuckles, shaking his head. "Code is a bit above me - that's more of Kitty's balliwick, unless we're speaking genetic code." He muses. "At least we can get some cardio in, even with lazy walking."

"I tend to favor the smaller businesses, truth be told. I like building up their business and the community." A grin. "Oh, I see a few every now and again." He beams, not wanting to 'out' his students - he leaves that to them if they want to greet him. At her mention of travel, he blinks. "I would not be opposed to doing so, if you don't think they will mind a visitor?" He comments to Priscilla.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
The running along of children from the poor Mister Foswell has Monet's face scrunch up over into irritation. That might be her normal reaction to everyone and everything (actually it was, don't mind the particulars). Her attention would return over to Evan, "Enjoy your shopping and I wish you luck with finding things to appreciate." This place has loud children, it's crowded for the holidays and with holiday cheer, and it has nothing she particularly wants.

So she goes to take her opportunity to disengage and leave the poor Henry to deal over with those kids next door and to make her escape while giving a nod in passing to Priscilla.

Frederick Foswell has posed:
As Fredrick looked around the area, a look of exhaustion on his face, his eyes widened when he saw Henry McCoy himself. He, of course, knew exactly who The Beast was. Being a reorter for the Daily Bugle had it's perks, including knowing the names of a lot of NYC's heroes. True, it was mostly in a negative light, but Fred did not hold the same feelings towards heroes as his boss, as long as they did not interfer in his operations as the Big Man.

Imagine his horror however, when Fredrick Jr., while running from his sister, dashed straight towards him blindly. Frederick got up to interfer, but it was to late. Freddie Jr ran straight into Beast Abdomen and chest, knocking him onto his rear. Freddie Jr. looked up, no doubt trying to see what wall he ran into, and froze in slight fear when he saw what looked like a giant blue catman looking down at him.

Evan Sabahnur has posed:
    Evan nods and waves to Monet, "See you back at school then, I'm gonna keep shopping for a while. There's gotta be _something_ here that would work for presents." He returns to his window shopping, making sure he's always got Dr. McCoy in view. It's a new place, so having an adult around he can trust makes things much easier for him.

    For a while he considers just buying his mom perfume like so many kids end up doing, but it just doesn't fit her. His parents are outdoorsy, so he wants to find something that they could actually use. Store after store passes, and his hands remain free of packages, though a bottle of soda from a vending machine has filled one of them.

    Taking a sip, he decides to give up for now, then hurries a bit to catch up with the festive Beast. "Hey Dr. McCoy, mind if I join you? I'm not having much luck finding anything my parents would like." He looks over to Priscilla and gives a little wave, saying "Hi, I'm Evan." Up close she can clearly see the grey skin and Black lips with lines running back into the hood he's still got up.

Priscilla Camilleri has posed:
Priscilla's golden eyes give a look to Monet and there is a dip of her head to the young woman, "Have a good night." she tells her. Then she's looking over to Henry to answer him about the travel, "I had already spoken to my parents about my traveling with a guest. They don't have any problem with me bringing someone." she states. "As long as you're comfortable going." she points out.

She looks to Evan when he introduces himself and she gives a smile, "It's nice to meet you, Evan. I'm Priscilla." she is stating. Then a child connects with Henry and there's a gasp, "Oh dear, are you alright?" she asks the boy.

Henry McCoy has posed:
Henry is solid - all that mass and muscle, the boy likely did feel like he hit a wall. There's a blink from the broad man, even as he kneels a bit to look over the child. "Are you all right, young man?" He offers in as soothing a tone as he can. "Looks like you took quite a tumble?" A friendly-as-he-can-give smile, and a hand is offered over. "Let me give you a hand."

A glance over to Evan and a nod. "Of course you can. Evan, this is Doctor Priscilla Camilleri. Priscilla, this is Evan Sabahnur." Looking to the other mutant. "What are you shopping for, or who?"

To Priscilla, he smiles. "I'll have to make sure to dress to impress, I suppose. But yes, I'd like to go visit with you."

Frederick Foswell has posed:
The boy looked at the very pretty lady and nodded, tears beginning to form in his eyes, weither it be from fear or from running into a mutant built like a brick wall is unknown. When Beast kneels down to look at him he flinches for a moment, but gives a shy smile back when Beast offers him a hand. The boy gingerly grabs on to Beast's rather large hand, which easily engulfs his own. As he is hauled up he looks towards his sister, who is looking at him dumbly with a gape. He glares at her for a moment, before subconciously gripping Henry's paw tighter. Daddy was coming towards the group, and he did not look happy.

Evan Sabahnur has posed:
    "My parents. They're both kind of the outdoors type of people, and pretty into spelunking. I just cannot thing of something that I can afford that the don't already have."

    About then the child bounces off Beast, so Evan stops talking for a moment while Dr. McCoy deals with the small child. This could either end in a terrified child, or another little victory for mutantkind if the kid thinks Beast is cool looking.

    And victory it is, at least on the small child front. As far as the father goes, hopefully he's just a little tired and cranky with the kids, and not going to start anything with Beast. Comon Christmas spirit, let the festivities prevail.

Priscilla Camilleri has posed:
Priscilla isn't a mutant, but she knows all too well how things can go and she shifts her stance a bit when someone seems to look angry and starts their way. She gives a look to the child, "Does anything hurt?" she asks the boy. She was sympathetic and it was the holidays. Kids with too much energy tended to run into things, but it was an honest mistake. "I think that your father is coming. Hopefully if there is any injury we can sort it out." she tells the boy.

She gives a look to Evan and there is a soft smile, "What is something that your parents might like? I'm sure myself or Doctor McCoy could help lengthen the budget you're working with." she offers.

Henry McCoy has posed:
The smile never leaves Henry's face, never once. He's gentle with the boy, not wanting to startle him or the oncoming parent. "You're a tough one, then." He grins to Junior, nodding. "Took the crash like a pro." A wink of approval to the young lad, before slowly getting to his feet. "Looks like no injuries on the collision, sir." He offers to Frederick, in a friendly tone. "No harm, no foul."

As Evan explains who he is shopping for, the Beast grins. "It is more about the thoughtfulness of the gift, than the value or price. If it comes from your heart, I am sure they will appreciate it all the more, Evan." A nod in agreement with Priscilla on the helping out, as well.

Frederick Foswell has posed:
As Fredrick got closer you would notice that his shirt, a floral hawaiian type, was all wrinkled and disheveld, and his glasses were still crooked on his face. That combined with his dishevled brown hair made it quite obvious that he was tired and grouchy. He glared, not at Beast however, before saying sternly,

"Frederick Jr! I told you and your Sister to settle down. We still got to get something for Grandpa Morgan and here you are running around colliding into people!"

Junior grips Beast's hand tighter during this scolding, while holding his head down in shame. Frederick then looks at Beast, his 5ft 4in frame making him have to tilt his head very high and says," I am sorry. I tried to keep them under control but with all the shopping It was hard to be everywhere at once."

Evan Sabahnur has posed:
"Oh, I know. I'm not too worried about getting something expensive, but I am trying to get something that won't just sit on a shelf. I know they'll be happy with anything I get, but I want to to be something I know they could use." He chuckles, "Given that they're geologists and cave explorers, your average mall doesn't really carry too much of the equipment they would use. I think I'll stop worrying about it and just enjoy being out and about."

    He does seem to shrink back from the angry looking dad, keeping to the far side of Beast. It's not likely that anyone is paying close attention to him at the moment, but it's not so much 'shrink back' as it is simply 'shrink'. He definitely lost a couple inches there, but they come back as Frederick proves to just be a little upset with his kids and perfectly alright with Beast.

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie happens to be here at the same place, but when you have as big a family and those you call family as Sam does, it takes a bit of shopping. He has a couple of bags already as he walks along. Sam sees some folks he knows, and seeing as something is going on, he walks closer listening to see whats going on for now.

Priscilla Camilleri has posed:
Priscilla's golden gaze goes from the boy and then over to Henry and Evan. Though when there is raised voice at the child there is a bit of a frown, but she doesn't step into the middle of things. When Frederick is done she gives a look to him, "I don't think anyone was hurt, it's quite alright." she states in calm tone.

She reaches over to give Henry's arm a gentle squeeze before she lets him speak on things. She didn't see him being upset. Especially not with a child. That gives her a chance to look to see where Evan went, "Spelunking is fun. I have done that a few times myself. I'm guessing that they have good compasses and things like that?" she asks the teen.

Evan Sabahnur has posed:
    "Yeah, that's the problem. They've got a lot of really good equipment already, so I'm trying to think of something they don't already have and could actually use. And that's where I'm drawing a blank." He shrugs, "I'll hit the web and see if there's anything new or improved for caving. Or else maybe something will come to mind that has nothing to do with caves."

    He purses his lips in thought, then says "I'm trying to remember if either of them mentioned anything they needed in the past year or so. It'll probably come to me once I'm back at the school, you know? I always seem to remember what I need just a little too late."

Henry McCoy has posed:
"No harm, no apologies necessary. I am sure he had a bit more of a fright than I did." Henry offers over, smoothly. "He's just excited for the upcoming holidays and potential visits from you-know-who." A wink to Frederick. "Honestly, he's fine - and you're doing fine. I can only imagine how difficult it is to wrangle multiple children at once, alone." A wry chuckle. "I'm just glad he's not hurt. Though I should be thankful he didn't tackle me in earnest, he looks like a strapping young lad." He winks to Junior.

A look to Evan, gauging his condition - it's hard for the younger man, he's aware. "I think you could get them a nice geode or some such from the mineral shop?" He suggests, before hearing Priscilla's suggestion. "Oh yes, a nice compass with an inscription would be lovely." His hand of course, returns the gentle squeeze to Priscilla's.

Frederick Foswell has posed:
Frederick's anger seems to smooth over as he hears Henry explan the situation. He looks up at Henry again and says," Thank you so much for being so understanding! This day has just been so stressful and the last thing I needed was my kid getting me into trouble." He looks down at Freddie Junior and says to him," I am sorry I yelled, just...be more mindful of your surroundings ok?"

Junior nods and looks up at Henry and says," I am sorry."

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie looks over and hearing the bit, he will add to Evan "If they are spending time down under ground, and looking for specific things, a good head light is always handy to have, and the newest o2 meters are always a very good thing to have." He says to Evan as he walks over and nods to Henry in greeting.

Evan Sabahnur has posed:
    Crisis averted, and with advice coming in, he nods to the gift ideas as they are suggested. Answering Sam first, he says "Oh, those are things they upgrade almost every year, cause they're almost mandatory. There's too many kinds of gas pockets underground to be fooling around with old equipment. It's dangerous enough just doing it sometimes without making sure you can breathe."

    To Henry's suggestion he nods and says, "You know, I might be complicating this too much. They both have home offices, and a couple good geodes would look pretty good. They've both got some minerals and the like already, so that would fit right in and add a little sparkle to their offices."

Priscilla Camilleri has posed:
Priscilla gives a look between Henry and Frederick and then gives a nod to the father, "You all have a Merry Christmas." she tells them. Then she's turning to look at Evan and his words, "Probably a good idea to upgrade them and with advances it's always something new." she admits. She gives a nod of greeting to Sam, but doesn't know the young man. "Geodes are rather nice. I should get one for my office. Once I unbox everything." she chuckles.

Henry McCoy has posed:
Offering a wave to the departing father and son, Henry offers over. "Merry Christmas, to both of you." A smile, before looking to the others. A wave to Sam as he arrives. "Evening, Sam. Sam Guthrie, please meet Doctor Priscilla Camilleri. Priscilla, this is Sam." Introductions, always. Henry is polite!

"Geodes, or there may be another mineral you fancy - if it is something that catches your eye and interest, I am sure your parents will take interest in it too." A look to Priscilla after. "My office... is too cluttered with work." He admits, sheepishly.

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie nods a bit and offers his hand to the lady and says "A pleasure to meet you, A friend of Dr. McCoy's is always a pleasure to meet. To Evan he says "Well good to hear some folks are taken care of when under ground, it is not a fun place, well maybe more when your looking for something more exciting than coal."

Evan Sabahnur has posed:
"I'm gonna go take a look, I bet they've got a bunch of stuff that could work. Hey, Doctor McCoy, can I come by your office sometime? I wanted to talk to you when you had some spare time."

    He waits for an answer, then heads back towards the shop he passed earlier displaying geodes and other minerals. Vanishing inside, the hunt for just the right geodes begins!

Priscilla Camilleri has posed:
Priscilla gives a look to Henry, "Do I need to come help you tidy it up?" she teases him softly. She wasn't out to hurt his feelings. A little teasing was alright! She reaches out to take Sam's hand, returning the shake, It's nice to meet you, Sam." she tells him.

She watches Evan slip off and there is a nod to him. Then she reaches out to give Henry's hand a squeeze, "Should I leave the two of you for a moment and go on shopping, darling?" she asks him. "We've got plenty of time, so it's no rush." she adds.

Henry McCoy has posed:
"I suppose it'd be better to introduce her as my girlfriend." Henry admits to Sam and Evan, looking to Priscilla. "Not that she's not a doctor, of course." He adds, quickly. There's a nod to Evan. "Of course, stop by whenever you get free time." He offers to the other fellow, waving as he departs.

"I think he has it handled, now that he has a course of action." He comments. "We should check that jewelry store before it gets too late?" A nod to her, then a grin to Sam. "We'll catch you later?"

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie nods, and says "Have fun and a pleasure to meet you, Ah still need to find the right present for Ma, so Ah will be around here for a while.