15441/X-tra Bar

X-tra Bar
Date of Scene:	23 July 2023
Location:	Beach and Boardwalk - Coney Island
Synopsis:	Jamie opens a pop-up bar on the beach, and gets patronage from Yaretzi and Gabby. Gabby and Jamie go on to talk about merging memories with other selves.
Cast of Characters:	Jamie Madrox, Yaretzi Acama, Gabby Kinney

---

Jamie Madrox has posed:
The air is heavy with the scent of the salty sea, mixed with the sweet fragrance of cotton candy and popcorn from the nearby boardwalk. To the east, the sun hangs lazily in the cloudless sky, painting the horizon with a palette of vibrant oranges and purples. The rhythmic lullaby of waves washing ashore intermingles with the distant sounds of laughter and chatter, creating a symphony of beachside life that draws visitors in.

The sand is warm, a fine mixture of golden grains that shift gently with each step. It stretches out, a vast canvas intermittently adorned with brightly colored towels, sunbathers basking in the radiant sunshine, children building sandcastles with earnest dedication, and seagulls hovering overhead, scanning the ground below for unattended treats.

Within this little paradise, a small army of Jamie dupes had gathered materials and constructed a shack over night after a little finagling over liquor license and a temporary permit. Now, a single Jamie in a tropical shirt and board shorts stands within the shack behind a driftwood bar that is currently empty.

A volley-ball net and a few other tables adorn the beach nearby. Some solar panels borrowed from a certain secret lab power a couple of small mini-frigs with frozen confections and extra supplies for drink. A colorful pink neon sign indicates the name of the pop-up bar as 'The Extra'.

Yaretzi Acama has posed:
There's a group of college kids hanging out on the beach, alternately playing volleyball, splashing in the water, hanging out by a BBQ pit (over which they're roasting skirt steak fajitas, sausage, hamburgers, and hot dogs), and having cold drinks and conversation under the shade of umbrellas and a small pavillion someone brought along.

Yaretzi's one of these college kids, and she's wearing a modest black one-piece swimsuit, while at least some of the other girls are in bikinis and the boys are in a mix of trunks and cut-off jean shorts, some with t-shirts. At the moment, Yaretzi's hanging out under her group's pavillion, drinking from a bottle of water as she watches the majority of the group playing volleyball, while a pair of the guys 'tends the fire' and grills up some of the meats.

The college crowd's 'set up shop', so to speak, near one of those little 'pop up' bars that happen at the beach, the one Jamie's manning -- and they chose it because some of the kids actually wanted to be able to buy beer and soda from the place, as the day went on.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney had been spending far too much of her Summer dealing with dark and dreary things that went bump in the night. It was a lovely day and she fully intended to spend it at the beach--Even if that meant just being alone. She'd attempted to reach out to a few friends, but not everyone has as free and flexible a schedule as she did. So she roams the beach enjoying the sun, watching people, and occasionally stopping to snag a hotdog from a vendor up by the boardwalk.

Curious at the game of volley ball she saw going she venture further down to find, much to her surprise, a pop up bar manned by a familiar figure as well. Amused, and curious, the teen clad in a halter-top, shorts and sandals makes her way to the little bar. "Hey there, stranger. Can I get a drink?" She asks eyebrows waggling a little bit hopefully. Granted she'd only met Jamie a few times. Maaaybe he wouldn't remember her age?

Yaretzi Acama has posed:
"Hey, Zee", says one of the college boys at the BBQ grill. "We're a little low on water and soda. Wanna see if the bar sells that stuff?", he requests, already pulling out a couple of twenties to hand to Yaretzi -- who's already sitting up and getting her flip-flops onto her feet. Pulling a wide-brimmed straw hat onto her head, too, she heads for Jamie's shack with the money in hand.

Jamie Madrox has posed:
Jamie fetches a cup and polishes it with a cloth then eyes Gabby suspiciously, giving her a big squint. He then chuckles and nods. "Been awhile, nice seeing you again, and Yea. We can set you up."

Reaching for a another sturdy plastic cup, he fills it with crushed ice. Next, he selects a ripe, sun-kissed orange from a nearby bowl. He cuts a wedge releasing a burst of natural citrus oils, and with a deft hand, he squeezes fresh orange juice into the cup.

His hand then reaches for a plump strawberry, its vibrant red color an irresistible invitation. He slices it into thin, even pieces, each one revealing a heart of juicy sweetness. The slices join the orange juice and ice in the cup, their ruby-red color contrasting with the soft orange hue.

From a cooler lined with an array of colorful bottles, he selects a bottle of white rum. Uncorking it, he pours a generous measure into the cup. The rum flows in a smooth stream, mingling with the fruit and ice, its rich aroma a heady reminder of distant, sun-drenched beaches.

Finally, he tops the mixture with a splash of sparkling soda, the bubbles dancing to the surface and breaking with a soft fizz. Stirring gently, he mixes the concoction, watching as the colors blend and swirl, a visual symphony.

Finally, he garnishes with the same orange wedge and sets it in front of Gabby.

Noting the approach of Yaretzi, he puts on a smile, "And what can I get you?"

Yaretzi Acama has posed:
"Got bottled water and soda, or cans of soda?", Yaretzi asks as she comes up to the bar, smiling over at Gabby as she gets there. The way her eyes move, now that she's getting a closer look at Gabby, show that she's spotted the scars -- but she doesn't make a face or anything, just her gaze awknowledging their presence.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
"I have an ID," Gabby assures as she leans her elbows on the bar front wearing a winning smile as Jamie regards her in that manner. She knew that look--but if anyone knew her family and powerset they knew this wasn't going to do a darn thing for her other than maybe be an enjoyable cool drink.

As the elaborate drink is made she watches resting her chin in hand still leaning casually while toeing her foot into the sand. An idle, comfy posture as the colorful cocktail is set up. Reaching down to her side she withdraws a few neatly folded bills from her ... was that a fanny pack? It was the beach. It worked. "Thanks, Jamie. That looks amazing," she has to admit.

The look from the other woman earns a friendly enough smile in return seemingly not upset by the possiblity she was being stared at. The cup is lifted and raised toward her in greeting. "Hi! Don't worry, they're old," she assures with a little chuckle before taking a sip at the edge of her drink.

Jamie Madrox has posed:
Jamie ducks behind the bar and walks around carrying a cooler. He sets it down in front of Yaretzi, he proclaims "Dollar fifty each or twelve for twelve."

He returns around the bar, "Hold on to the ID unless someone comes by to check me out. I know you are old enough to at least drink in -most- countries."

He also had his suspicions about it not really affecting Gabby. Returning the smile, he leans on the bar too and scans the horizon before setting his gaze back on Gabby. "Better then Harry's, yea?"

Yaretzi Acama has posed:
"Is it okay if I ask how you got them?", Yaretzi asks of Gabby -- obviously, about the scars.

Then, Jamie's pulled up the cooler. "Uhm... three dozen, please, half water and half whatever mix of sodas you've got?", she replies, after a moment. She's clearly trying to take advantage of the twelve for twelve offer he's made, three times at once, offering over the pair of twenty dollar bills she's got in her hand.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
"Thaaat is true," Gabby drawls of being the right age in most countries. The ID is kept tucked away for now per his instructions though. Instead she allows herself to idly gaze at the colorful creation in the glass she holds. It did catch the light in a lovely manner, and the citrusy, fruity rum was ... really good. "Amazingly better. Though I usually only get rootbeer there," she admits with a grin.

The question of her scars has her pause a moment, considering. "Um." For just a second she hesitates sharing a glance with Jamie before looking back to offer Yaretzi a smile. "I don't mind sharing but it usually freaks people out a bit so... You sure? I don't want to put you off your party."

Jamie Madrox has posed:
Jamie whistles and goes to the back to get another cooler and a plastic crate. He crouches down and packs the eighteen water bottles and eighteen different sodas. He flings the icy water off his hands and then blows into them to warm them back up. Finally, he accepts the couple of twenties and reached into his pocket for a roll of one's, pulling four and giving them back to Yaretzi.

"Thanks for your business." He then ducks around behind the shack and snaps his fingers. Instantly, a duplicate of himself emerges. He hands him the two twenties. "We are low on stock buddy, mind making a run?"

"Yea, no problem." The dupe mentions then runs off. Jamie Prime soon returns to his position behind the drift wood bar.

Catching the end of the conversations, he glances between the two and purses his lips. He nods solemnly and goes about making his own much simpler drink of vodka and cranberry juice.

Yaretzi Acama has posed:
Yaretzi shrugs. "It's up to you", she says to Gabby, smiling. "Hard to put a New York gal off a party just by talking about wierd stuff. You -seen- what all happens in this city on a regular basis?", she rhetorically questions, laughter in her tone of voice.

She waves off the change, clearly intending that Jamie keep it. "Thanks!", she says... then her eyes widen as she sees Jamie, who'd gone around back, suddenly trotting off away from the shack... then, he's back in the place.

Eyes still wide as she turns her head to follow the second Jamie as he hurries off, then at the one still present, she gestures at both of the men... at the man and his clone?... and says, "... uhm... like that, see?", directing her words to Gabby.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
The entire interaction has Gabby giggling trying to repress it. It's rather futile though as she grins knowing exactly what Jamie did. The surprised reaction from Yaretzi has her grinning regardless. Another sip is taken, the ice in her glass clinking against the sides as she moves.

"Fair enough. Okay then," she agrees tipping her head back toward her. Her free hand lifts to tap to her cheek indicating the scars that were in question. "When I was younger my sisters and I were kept in a... Very ill-reputable medical institution. One of the guards there thought we looked too much alike and decided to make sure he could tell us apart. With a knife."

It's shrugged off slightly as she had pointed out it was old, and had been awhile ago. "The guy got brought to justice years later, but we were left marked up."

Jamie Madrox has posed:
Jamie grins sheepishly at Yaretzi and puts a finger to his lips in the universal 'shhh don't tell anyone' gesture.

"Word is full of people with tricks, hmm?" He waggles his eyebrows and then sips from his cup. Sighing contently, he allows his gaze to scan the horizon. He observes the shenanigans of the college group before settling his gaze on the pair before him once more.

He mutters beneath his breath, "Now that's a guy I would have liked to kick with fifty pairs of legs. Well, despite their origin, you wear them well, Gabby. Just adds to your character."

Toasting her with his cup, he takes another sip.

Yaretzi Acama has posed:
Yaretzi seems to calm down a bit as Gabby chats, pulling the tray of bottled drinks a bit closer to herself. Then her eyes widen all over again, as Gabby gets to the part about the guard with the knife. When it's said that the man was brought to justice, she nods and lets go of a breath she'd found herself holding. "Wow... that's one heckuva story. Sorry you had to go through that, but... honestly? Your scars make you kinda striking, really", she eventually says. "See? He agrees", she adds, with a gesture to Jamie. "...and, yeah, talk about a guy who got what he deserves, I *hope*!"

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney lifts her glass to toast Jamie in return at the compliment. When it's also offered up by Yaretzi she finds herself grinning broadly in response. "Thanks, both of you. Yeah, I think they make me more interesting. Though a lot easier to recognize in a crowd," she has to admit with a laugh at the joke. "He definitely got what was coming to him," she agrees without going into detail. No need to explain he was left in a burning building by her sister. That was revenge enough.

"I am glad most people are cool with it though, there's enough reasons in this world people seem to not get along. And on a great day like this? Best to just enjoy it and the company you find."

Jamie Madrox has posed:
Humming and sipping from his cup, Jamie listens. At Gabby's sentiments, he once more raises his cup then takes another big sip.

"World is better with a little spice and variety. Plus one, on enjoying the company you find. Got to make the most of the opportunities in front of you." Jamie adds before taking another sip and crunching on an ice cube.

Jamie then ducks behind the bar, snaps, and rises as two Jamies. The dupe steps around the bar and picks up the crate, "Let me help you deliver these."

The dupe starts waddling with the heavy crate of drinks toward the volleyball crowd.

Yaretzi Acama has posed:
"Thanks for the drinks, sir!", Yaretzi says to Jamie as she hefts up the tray of plastic drink bottles... then just shakes her head a little, as if in disbelief, when he's cloned himself again to carry the drinks for her -- but she doesn't reject the offer, either!

"Nice chatting with ya", she adds, probably to both of them as she lifts a hand and waggles her fingers bye, before turnimg to return to where her group's at, with the volleyball bunch coming in to cool off -- and to eat, because the guys at the BBQ are calling out that the food's ready! At some point, one of the college guys comes over to buy a six-pack of beer (and he has an ID to show he's of age). The college kids break out some bluetooth speakers and then there's music going on as they all eat and chatter amongst themselves.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney barely manages to stifle a little laugh when the other dupe comes out to help carry her things away. She does wave to the woman though before looking back to Jamie with amusement. "You are so lucky she was chill with that. Though," she has to admit with a bit of a shrug. "Getting to make your own clones to help seems like a pretty awesome power, I have to admit. And that's coming from a clone."

"So," she lets her gaze run over the popup bar a moment thoughtfully. "This your new thing or just to make some extra cash? Not that it's a bad idea at all," she has to admit. Another sip of her drink is taken until she's down to the very dredges letting out a small sigh. "That really *was* great."

Jamie Madrox has posed:
"It has its pros and cons for sure. Like all powers, if you apply a little creativity you can do some amazing things." Jamie acknowledges then nods, "Little side cash. One of the dupes went to bartending school and got some some serious experience before he rejoined. Left me with an itch for it every now and then, and well... serving drinks on a beach is a chill way to make some scratch."

"And thanks, I appreciate the appreciation." Jamie goes through the same process as before to re-produce Gabby's drink.

"What about you? You just on the prowl? Definitely worse places to scrounge up a good time." He announces gesturing to the beach.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
On the prowl? That was one way to put it though it made her sound like some kind of predator. The orange slice is plucked up off the emptied drink to nibble on it while Jamie makes the next one up. "Mm, not really, I just wanted to get out and do something today. I've been working too hard lately. Made up some outfits for an op some folks I know are on, been checking into the spooky side of things with the team I help run. Just did a stakeout in a park overnight a few days ago."

"It was boring as hell," she admits without going into much detail. "I figured I could use some sun and fun, but most everyone I know right now is working. So..." Her hand lifts to gesture around with the rind of the nibbled-on orange slice. "Just came out on my own."

Jamie Madrox has posed:
"Made some outfits? Sounds crafty. What kind of outfits did you have to make?" Jamie tilts his head to emphasize the question as he finally garnishes the drink with a fresh orange peel. He slides it across the driftwood.

"I haven't done a stakeout in awhile myself, but I've got memories of dozens of them... and dozens of dozens of cheap donuts and coffee." He sighs and rubs his cheeks. "Sounds like you are in the thick of things... I've withdrawn a bit, but... I'll get back in the ring and start helping people again, soon."

He disassociates for a moment then shakes his head, taking another sip of vodka and cranberry. "You getting out on your own, often?"

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney reaches out for the newly made drink to replace the one she'd already downed. This time she just holds onto it while listening though. "I've always liked fashion a bit. It's been kind of a hobby of mine since I got away from the labs. Usually I just make clothes for animals, or alter my own, but last year for Christmas 'Berto gave me a clothing manufacturer shop in Gotham. Small, but it does good. We usually do stuff like graphic t's and hoodies. I've got some cool graffitti artists on staff so I let them do their own designs a lot."

The mention of the outfits earns a faint grin only to glance skyward. "Ah, you know Superman, Superboy, all of them? They needed some clothes that were historically acurate for their race. Can't say why though. You know how it goes sometimes, I'm sure."

She watches him a moment as he speaks of being withdrawn, and then spaces out. After a moment she asks quietly, "You okay? I know it can be easy to lose touch sometimes. As for out on my own...?" She actually has to stop and think of that. "Yeah, I guess so. I've been out of touch with the school for awhile myself to deal with the other groups I'm involved in. But... Yeah, I've been busy."

Jamie Madrox has posed:
"Oh wow, that's awesome. I might have to come to your shop sometime when I start working again. Need to build out my wardrobe for the dupes." He immediately imagine some punk Jamie with a mo-hawk.

Blinking, Jamie gawks a little bit. "Wow, you are hanging with the supes? That's kind of rad, well... really kind of you to help them have a piece of their history."

"Ugh, mostly okay. I'm taking it easy for just a little while. I felt like my brain was breaking into pieces. Yea, definitely easy to lose touch. Some powers can be over done, and I've overdone this one." He grins sheepishly as the dupe returns from the drink delivery. They high-five and remerge.

"Keeping it simple with my power is helping a little. Hmm, I think I got flirted with over there." Jamie smirks then looks to Gabby. "Schools are things people are meant to grow out of. Good for you getting out there and finding your own place in the world. It's good."

Gabby Kinney has posed:
"That," Gabby remarks with a rather broad grin. "Is apparently my *other* power. I know a lot of people because I get bored and just... roam around. Like, everywhere. I do work out in Gotham sometimes with the first team I was on, too. Mostly only friends with a few of the supes though, and went to help them out when this issue came up. So just, used what I had already. It was a nice challenge for the guys."

Talk of overdoing it though, that she understood rather well. Softening her expression she can only nod in agreement. "Yeah, I imagine it might get hard to keep track sometimes. I... had an incident awhile back where it was hard to tell what was me and what was something else giving me memories." A playful crinkle of her nose comes along with her tongue sticking out. "Magic stuff. Always full of surprises."

As the other dupe comes back she takes a sip of the drink only to very nearly choke on it at the remark. Quickly laughing she covers her mouth to keep from making more of a mess. "Oh geeze, do you need to go uh, deal with that? Or..." Her eyes shift out of focus as a thought strikes, and she sudden turns red. "Huh. Okay yes I can see how having dupes could be a ... interesting situation. Especially in cases like that. Like... How *much* are they independent of you?"

Jamie Madrox has posed:
Jamie refills his drink and listens as Gabby describes her second power. He chuckles and grins, "Well, that's just a bit impressive, and really useful."

He nods emphatically, "Ah, so you've felt it! It's disorienting isn't it?"

At her question, he coughs into his cup. He clears his throat and adjusts his collar. "It depends on the age of the dupe. In beginning, not very independent at all. Though time and distance adds independence. To the point of them becoming their own people. That's when it gets really complicated."

He rolls his neck, "As for interesting situations, yea... I have memories of 'being with people', that I wasn't with. I tell you that's really complicated. It's to the point that I've got this mental 'code of conduct' I've been developing, so the next dupe doesn't go too crazy."

"And sometimes, they manifest a more extreme part of my personality... and that gets well... It tends to make a mess." He frowns and tilts his cup back.

Noticing her blush, he chuckles. "You know the dupes can dupe too... So I've got memories of the 'same situation' from two different perspectives. How's that for mental gymnastics?"

He crosses his eyes.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
"Yes!" Gabby blurts out about the confusing memories. "Oh my gosh yes." A look of relief actually washes across her face as she realises, someone would understand that. Jamie especially as he'd gone through it for so long and from so many sources. "Had a 'me' from another dimension kind of bodyshare and it was... A lot. Is a lot. Entire lifetime of a lot." One hand lifts to stare at her hand frowning. "That one had lost a hand enough times that it didn't grow back. Sometimes it feels weird that it's HERE on me."

The thought is shaken off for now. Easily so because more information on how Jamie's power is provided as well as situations. She hides behind the edge of her cup taking a rather long swig of it--Not that it does her any good. "Ah... That would be... Very confusing. Yeah, let's stick with 'confusing'," shd decides with a firm nod. Even so she grins in response to that.

"Sorry didn't mean to really go there, my mind just wanders a lot to begin with. Sounds like you're getting a ... method for situations, at least? Hope it helps."

Jamie Madrox has posed:
"If you ever need to talk about that. Let me know. And well, I might want to talk to you, because I can't think of anyone but Charles who understood. Though Charles understood from a different point of view. You have... had a very familiar experience." Jamie nods.

"When my power first manifested, it didn't take me long to have this big scheme. As a teenager, I sent out dupes on a bunch of different life paths. Anytime I hit a cross-road, I'd just split and go both ways." He sips from his cup, "Didn't think much of it then... they started coming back. I was excited. I merged. I had a whole new set of memories and skills. Fantastic, right?"

"Then they kept coming... and well, some of those paths didn't end so well. Some were maimed physically, others mentally. Bad breakups. Lost pets." He gulps, "There was a time where I begged one not to merge with me... and they begged me right back, said they needed to experience the happiness others had had."

He shudders. "Took me awhile to realize how much of a double edged sword this could all be.. and yup." He whispers, "A method."

Not every dupe had ended up a good person.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney grows quiet as she listens. Just listens. Her gaze focuses on Jamie taking it all in attentively in turn. When he gets to the end she purses her lips tight together, and reaches out to rest her hand on his arm giving a bit of a squeeze.

"That sounds awful. A lot of lifetimes, and not all good." A sympathetic, even understanding look is given. "Yeah, I'd be up for talking and listening sometime. It sounds like you could use it. I probably could, too. I..." She trails off a moment thinking how to hprase things. "I think that's why I've been keeping myself so busy lately. No time to think about it. Or try not to at least."

Jamie Madrox has posed:
Jamie smiles at the squeezing hand. "Ah well, everything has a price, doesn't it?"

He takes another gulp, then takes a deep breath, and exhales. "Ooookay. I'm becoming a downer. Beach is for fun things."

Shaking his head, he clears his thoughts. "But yea, we can talk about it more sometimes. Especially if you feel yourself going loopy. I've got a few exercises I've developed. Mental tricks. Grounding. Mindfulness."

He snaps his fingers, "Meditation. Surprisingly helpful. Learned that from Logan. Though it was a crock until it kinda saved me."

Jamie smiles at Gabby, "Distraction isn't bad. Let's you take things in little bites. I recommend facing it a little, then take a mental break. Then face it some more. Ease into it, then retreat a little. Eventually, you can work through even the most harrowing things."

Another grin, "And if that fails, then go wild and have a -lot- of fun. Make some memories to balance the ledger."

Gabby Kinney has posed:
"Oh, trust me, meditation is a thing my family knows. We've got anger issues after all." Gabby grins in amusement at that. Out of all the clones she had the best handle on her anger and knew it. Even so it did help at times to keep that in mind as well.

She tips back the rest of the drink downing it all in one large gulp. The glass is brought back down with a little gasp for air as it WAS a large mouthful. "Hoo. Yeah, I've got plenty of memories of my own at least. Love trying new things after all! And helping friends out so I get in all sorts of trouble."

Grinning anew she fishes out some more money to offer over. "Thanks for the drinks and the talk, Jamie. I should get going for now. Catch you later? And let me know if you want to chat... Or check out the store," she adds with a laugh. "I hang out at this occult teashop in New York a lot these days, The Candle, Booke and Bell. Gimme a ring if you need anything."

Jamie Madrox has posed:
"You are welcome. Glad you enjoyed the drink. Tell your friends. Wouldn't mind mixing a cocktail for Superman sometime." He chuckles and accepts the money.