17711/Sell My Soul For A Filled Donut

Sell My Soul For A Filled Donut
Date of Scene:	20 April 2024
Location:	Rise N Grind
Synopsis:	A few Gothamites in New York together stop for coffee and snacks, and run into some of the local personalities.
Cast of Characters:	Stephanie Brown, Warren Worthington, Monet St. Croix, Kaine Parker, Lucius Fox, Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson

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Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown had come into New York for a police forensics seminar that one of her professors had offered extra credit for any of his students who attended. Between her struggles with the chemistry aspects of the major, and spending her evenings prowling rooftops and foiling Gotham's worst elements, Stephanie Brown could use all the extra credit she could get.

The seminar done, Stephanie makes her way down the street. Spying the coffee shop just ahead she makes a beeline for it. "Really, who heard of a seminar with nothing but tea?" her internal monologue grumbles aloud. "Who heard of a -cop- seminar that didn't even have donuts!? I could sell my soul for a raspberry filled right now," she says as she opens up the door and steps inside.

Stephanie is wearing a pair of jeans and boots, with a Gotham Knights t-shirt. A light leather jacket is worn overtop, and she has her bookbag on her shoulder.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren Worthington comes inside, sending his driver to find a place to park somewhere nearby. He's wearing a crisp white shirt and a black tie, slacks and loafers, basic but classic, Tom Ford label and probably expensive enough to buy a meal for everyone in the place ten times over. His wings are out, but tucked close so as not to bump into anyone unnecessarily.

Warren doesn't hide for anyone anymore.

"Espresso, please, a double shot, with cream and sugar," he says, overhearing a bit of Stephanie's rant just as she makes her way in the door, "And a donut of her choosing for the lady," he smiles.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
It's not her normal cup of tea (or coffee, more appropriatley) but she's on this end of town. It's also mostly that she's picked up the mental presence of Mister Worthington and is curious to see what one of the richest men on the planet is up to (and a teammate). So Monet goes to head over in that direction to join her fellow member of the X-Men after sending him a mental signal of her approach in case he's up to something specific there and would want to wave her off.

Kaine Parker has posed:
Kaine Parker feels like a citizen of two cities right now. However, recent circumstances is keeping him in New York for now. Wearing a simple black pull over hoodie. He has the hood drawn up, despite the weather. A pair of greyish blue cargo pants, held up with a simple brown belt. Everything he wears is simple, efficient and picking function over style.

Brown eyes roam over a sign that says, "Rise N' Grind." Kaine remembers what a good cup of coffee tastes like. How smooth it goes down, especially with the right amount of sugar and cream. "God that sounds good," he speaks low before pushing open the door.

He doesn't have much on him, but there's enough for at least a cup. Kaine gets inside and waits in line. Warren is a few people ahead. He doesn't recognize the man. That suit. The Tom Ford label, probably altered if not custom. How the suit felt almost like Egyptian cotton. Functioning, breathable.

Kaine's eyes sadden. He knows what the right choice was, but that doesn't mean he misses the old amenities. A designer suit is among them.

"I miss a good suit," he mutters low and shakes his head. Pushing past that thought, Kaine just focuses on the coffee. That's a luxury he can afford right now.

When it's his turn, "Dark roast. Creme. Two Sugars. Medium. Fill it as close to the top as you can," he knows it may sound like a Karen to make that request. He just wants the cup to give him as much of that caffeinated nectar as humanly possible.

Stephanie Brown has posed:
The blond Gotham U student gets into line. Ahead of her is a guy with a guitar soft case on his back and a beanie on his head, ordering the most complicated espresso drink that Stephanie has ever heard of. It's like he took every buzzword from every other drink and combined them.

"Quad long shot grande in a venti cup half calf double cupped no sleeve salted caramel mocha latte with 2 pumps of vanilla substitute 2 pumps of white chocolate mocha for mocha and substitute 2 pumps of hazelnut for toffee nut half whole milk and half breve with no whipped cream extra hot extra foam," the guy says, which just results in the barista nodding and saying, "That'll be $5.25."

Stephanie glances around and Warren's wings are quite conspicuous so he quickly draws her attention. She doesn't exactly stare, but the beautiful white wings are given a healthy glance as he gets into the faster moving line.

As she hears him and he gestures towards her, she flashes a pretty smile back at him. "Thank you. You're a real angel," she tells him. "Wait, shoot, you probably get that all the time. Let me try again," she says, thinking for only a moment. "Tom Ford, -and- a nice guy. Talk about a killer combo," she offers him as a replacement comment.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren Worthington smiles, "Angel by nature, Angel by name, although you can call me Warren Worthington III," he says to Stephanie, "Tom's a friend, I have to wear his suits or he'll stop inviting me to his parties," he jokes. He gets his coffee, taking a slow sip and smiling as Monet arrives.

"Monet, a pleasure to see you out and about today," he says, offering her European style cheek kisses. He does know all the proper mannerisms, after all.

Kaine gets a nod of acknowledgement, "Please, ladies, sit down, join me. Coffee is always better with company, especially feminine company. Young lady, please, put their purchases on my tab."

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Going over into the line, Monet smiles over at the appropriate greeting for one of her social standing. "Mister Worthington, always a pleasure." Her tone polite and formal. No reason not to be polite to one that was behaving appropriately. And for Warren, that was probably one of the richest men on the planet right up there with Stark and Wayne, it couldn't hurt to make sure to stay on his good side.

She would accept the kisses appropriately, and then bow her head over while glancing at the others. "Friend's of your's?" Inquiring to Warren.

Lucius Fox has posed:
Lucius Fox comes in slowly dressed in a suit that is perfectly tailored freshly pressed with his hand is moving to cover a yawn. Moving towards the pick up spot, as he leans over to pick up his coffee. Slowly, that old man is tries to take the first sip, fear of the burn and than he sips it slowly with a happy lucky chuckle. "Perfect timing, not too hot, not too cold. Just right." His voice is comes out slowly, as he turns now to look at each of the others as he looks back at the door. "Young Mr. Wayne, your hot coco with a hint of peppermint is here as well."

Kaine Parker has posed:
Kaine's brow raises as he sees Warren's introduction. "Smooth" he thinks inwardly. The envy runs through Kaine when Warren namedrops that particular friendship. That would mean suits by the dozens.

Although Kaine will keep the eyebrow up when Warren says, "Ladies." That terminology implies Kaine is probably not invited.

Either way when "Laine Porter" gets called, Kaine will refrain from sighing and take his cup. At least they got the name, kind of right.

Damian Wayne has posed:
"Yes, hot cocoa," Damian answers as he approaches with his chin down and eyes cast upward toward Lucius. While the younger Wayne looks toward Lucius from beneath his brow, the slightest tug at one corner of his mouth seems to suggest a phantom of a smile threatening to overtake the normally stoic, perhaps even stern, Wayne's expression. "Coffee would just stunt my growth. We don't want that," the young Wayne heir may have sprouted over the last few years, but he's still of only slightly above average height. Despite that growth the memory of his shorter stature still remains fresh in the minds of some others.

He collects his cup of cocoa with the dash of peppermint and then with a glance throughout the shop, the well-dressed Wayne asks with a tilt of his head, "Sit and observe? Or be on our way?" The ball is in Lucius Fox's court.

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown gives Warren a grateful smile, picking up her raspberry filled donut and putting in a drink order. As she hears Kaine, she says, "Oh that sounds pretty good. Dark roast, extra milk, and one sugar please," she orders. She also drops some extra money into the tip jar even though Warren probably already made their day.

She's making her way over towards where the white-winged mutant is grabbing a table, when she spots the familiar arrival. "Hey," she says, waving over to Lucius and flashing him a grin. Then Damian comes in, and Stephanie breathes out a sign of resignation and gives Damian a welcoming smile too. "Hey Damian," she says. And then she bites down on her lips as if trying to quelch that comment her inner voice is trying to slip past her lips about his height. Even if he is taller than her now!

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren Worthington raises an eyebrow at the arrival of Lucius Fox, a well-respected giant of the corporate world, in the little cafe. Of course, he was also a giant of the corporate world, albeit probably slightly less respected. The cost of being a nepo baby and inheriting everything he had - he never had to earn it. He had spent most of his adult life trying to live up to the responsibility. Sometimes he did very well. Sometimes he just used the wealth to try to impress girls.

"My pleasure," he says to Stephanie, then smiles to Monet, "I make friends everywhere I go, Monet. How better to make the world a better place for mutants than making as many friends as I can. Just because the friends I choose to make are often beautiful women doesn't mean my work isn't important," he smiles.

Lucius Fox has posed:
Lucius Fox walks over towards the group now with a nod at each of them. "For those that don't know me Lucius Fox, it is good to meet you and Stephanie you are busy girl with many friends." His voice is teasing her, as he sips his coffee looking back at Damian. "Yes, stunted growth will not do, more I don't wish you to get hyper little Mr. Wayne, that is never a good thing. You tend to cause trouble than, why I took your sugar pops from you and the ones Alfred had hidden on you. Do, know this a good food makes a good body."

Kaine Parker has posed:
Bringing the cup to his lips, Kaine just savors the rich flavor. Both eyes close slowly and he savors it. He'll try not to be in the way. Slipping off to the side, he just savors that taste. "So much better than what I've been drinking," the only exception are the Harvey Dent functions. The coffee was good at those.

Brown eyes slip over to the growing group. Unsure if he should approach them, or not, Kaine will just observe for a few moments.

Monet St. Croix has posed:
Monet St. Croix would glance over at Warren, "But of course, Mister Worthington." Of course she recognizes Lucius Fox - one of the greatest engineers of the era. She would incline her head respectfully over to the man that mentally would be int he same tier as Tony Stark and fold her hands together on her lap

Damian Wayne has posed:
The comments from Lucius results in Damian's blink. It is long. It is slow. It is purposeful. Following that deliberate, measured blink Damian's expression sets itself into the usual stern countenance that the young Wayne wears like a glove, "I've never been hyper a day in my life". Which may or may not be true, but Damian's delivery at least reinforces the possibility that it is a universally known truth. Yet despite those assurances, Damian offers a singular nod of his head before he lifts that cup of steaming hot cocoa and peppermint flavor up, takes a swig, and seems altogether content with it.

By the time his cup is lowered and Lucius has made acquaintances, Stephanie's lodged her own greeting at him, and finally Damian answers. "Hello," he pauses a brief, albeit pregnant, beat, "Stephanie". A glance is cast from side to side as Damian's hand moves to seemingly subconsciously smooth down the suit jacket that he wears. Subconsciously, perhaps. Or entirely in keeping with the appearance of a silver spoon armed young heir.

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown falls silent to let Lucius and Warren greet each other. "I was just invited to join Mr. Worthington," Stephanie says. Which shows she does know who he is. She also gives Monet a quick smile of greeting, and takes a sip of her coffee, telling Kaine who has a very similar drink, "Yep I was right. Good choice, Laine." Apparently she heard the name called when he got his coffee.

"I think Dick is probably going to be by soon, she comments to Lucius and Damian. "Texted him once the seminar ended, that I was free." She takes a seat then, and gets a bite of her donut. To Monet, Stephanie offers her hand. "I'm Stephanie Brown."

Lucius Fox has posed:
Lucius Fox nods at the others with a smile at Warren. "Indeed, one knows the great Mr. Worthington, he is a very famous man with many talents." His voice is friendly, offering his hand to each of them now, that the bit about Damian is over with a little chuckle. "Indeed, Mr. Wayne you have never done such things. I'm but a trickster of an old man, with a failing memory." His voice is teasing the youth with another long sip of his coffee, as he looks over at Stephanie with a chuckle. "Good, Dick is always welcome to bother me, I have know him since he was knee high to a grass hopper, so looking forward to seeing him."

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren Worthington will offer a handshake greeting to both Lucius and Damian, "Young Mr. Wayne, correct? I don't think we've met formally, but I've seen you at the occasional function. Good to see such Gotham luminaries about. I haven't been to your city in too long. Honestly, a little nervous about being mistaken for one of the city's more famous winged creatures. Gangsters and madmen shooting at me is one of the last things I need," he says.

"Not that I can't handle myself. I'd simply prefer to avoid the hassle," he says.

He returns to his seat, his wings stretching and flexing for a moment before folding back close, focusing on his coffee for the moment and letting conversation flow as it likes.

Kaine Parker has posed:
Kaine's starting to feel horribly undressed between Warren and Lucious. Add Damian in the mix, Kaine may look over his own outfit questioning it. Like someone somehow let into a club they're horribly unfit for.

Stephanie says his name, "Lane." Kaine chuckles, amusement dancing in those brown eyes of his. A small smile pulls at his lips, "It's Kaine. Like the bible, but with different spelling," he clarifies. "Been a good minute since I've had a good cup," he adimts to Stephanie.

"Not since my last trip to Gotham. A fancy speach thing," and that's when he recognizes Damian. They both attended the same Harvey Dent speech. Kaine will give Damian a nod if their gaze meet.

Damian Wayne has posed:
The offered hand is accepted from Warren and Damian shakes it in return. Firm, brief, lacking in perspiration. It bears all of the hallmarks of a suitable handshake. Except when Damian's index finger curls inward to attempt to tickle at Warren's palm. Which Damian doesn't acknowledge in the slightest by the time his hand slips away. He offers a polite nod, suitably pleasant pseudo-smile, and then takes a step away. He answers, "That's me," he says of the question of his identity, "good to meet you as well. Though, you don't find Gotham to your particular tastes, I take it?"

The question is left to hang in the air and Damian doesn't retreat further. A nod is given in acknowledgment of Stephanie's remark about Dick, but for the moment it seems that Damian's scrutinizing gaze has decided to settle itself squarely upon Warren Worthington.

Lucius Fox has posed:
Lucius Fox takes the hand with a perfectly placed handshake weaker than it use to be but still a good one as he looks between Damian and than Warren. His coffee is lifted to his lips, as he listens to the young man talk waiting to see what path this will take. His eyes flicking back and forth, with a soft little chuckle. "Indeed, wings are dangers in Gotham with the tales of the night stalker. The one that flaps in the night."

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Kaine's comment about Gotham causes Stephanie to grin. "Well, that's where I live, just up here for a thing that I'm getting extra credit for attending," she tells Kaine. "Lucius and Damian too," she adds with a motion over towards the youngest Wayne scion, and the older Wayne Enterprises executive.

And then she takes another bite of her donut. Because... donut. Also she's hungry. Stephanie pulls her bookbag off her shoulder and sets it at her feet. And slips one foot through the strap. Because, she's from Gotham and used to taking such precautions.

She doesn't jump into the conversation with the three men. Though she's done her best to hold her own in the kind of social situations that Dick causes her to get into these days, Stephanie still is capable of putting her foot in her mouth in them, so knows when not to venture her opinions.

Dick Grayson has posed:
    Dick steps into the shop, looking around the room. Spotting not only Steph but also Lucius and Damian, he heads over to them. Leaning down he kisses Stephanie on the cheek, then looks over to the others. "Hey there little brother, what brings you here?" He also nods to Lucius, saying "So, did Damian drag you here, or is this just an amazing coincidence? Been a while." He offers a handshake to each man.

    And of course it's hard not to notice Warren, the wings aren't exactly stealthy. "Ah, and hello to you also Warren. Business been being good to you?" They've probably both been at any number of the same galas, charity events, etc. Enough to recognize one another, at least. He pulls a chair over beside Steph and sits down.

Kaine Parker has posed:
"Gotham politics caught my attention. I recognize Damian from the same event," he nods. "It was a Harvey Dent rally. Well, speech. His big boast about reducing crime," Kaine gives some context to where, and when, he was in Gotham. "Welcome to New York if it's your first time. If not, then welcome back," Kaine offers and inclines his head in greeting.

"I caught a story about Dent's big bust and made the trip to Gotham. I thought of moving there for a fresh start. I still might," he admits. Right now a few things do hold him back from that.

Lucius Fox has posed:
Lucius Fox turns slowly to the others as he sips his coffee looking at Damian and than back at Kaine with a nod of his head. He is quiet now, lost in thought watching as Warren turns to take a call. "Hello Mr Grayson, I hope you are well." His hand is reaching for the man's with shake and a little chuckle. "You know where to find me in the R&D lab, you still have access. So I blame you for no sight, not I."

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown asks Kaine, "Ah, yes, the one where the man tried to assault him?" Stab him really, not just assault Harvey. "I was there as well," she says. And before she can add more, Dick is arriving and Stephanie's face is just lighting up like the sun coming out from behind a cloud.

She reaches up to slip an arm about him for a hug as he leans down to kiss her cheek. "You wouldn't believe," she tells Dick. "All they had was tea. Not even coffee, or donuts or anything. I figured I'd at least eat for free," says the college student with an overly elaborate sigh at how rough her life must be.

She smiles and offers Dick a sip of her coffee, and then introduces. "Kaine, this is my fiance Dick. Dick, this is Kaine, despite what the barista put on his cup."

Damian Wayne has posed:
When Warren's attention drifts away to see to his call, Damian's attention drifts away from Warren. He sucks at a tooth for a moment, but inevitably the bright green eyes of Damian turn to Kaine. Then to Dick and Stephanie by proxy. Then finally back to Dick. A nod is given and unlike Stephanie, Damian's expression doesn't alight with the arrival of the sun on a gloomy day. Damian's expression remains decidedly stern, but his voice at least doesn't carry with it the frigid cold that his face seems to showcase, "Dick, glad to see you out and about, too. I'm just shadowing Mister Fox," Damian explains with a casual wave of his hand toward Lucius, "for a paper that I have to write for one of my classes. I find him agreeable company though. Even after the paper's finished, I may pop up in his shadow sometimes."

The explanation is offered, another sip of his peppermint cocoa, and then Damian's attention shifts back to Kaine. The young Wayne's brow furrows as he seems to give the past encounter a moment of thoughtful consideration. "I remember that speech," Damian intones after a moment of consideration. "His commentary on the matter of the justice system acting as a revolving door of crime spoke volumes," Damian comments before stifling any further words by virtue of another pull from his cup of peppermint and cocoa goodness.

Kaine Parker has posed:
"I know. I tried throwing my cup at the attacker," Kaine admits. He can't remember if it connects. What he does remember being one of the first trying to intervene. "Obviously better dressed," he admits knowing the suit that hangs up at home.

"Lane Porter" is what the cup says. He extends his hand to Dick. Kaine's handshake is pretty firm. Like someone else that either trains or this could be some kind of mutant? It's just firm, possibly more than expected.

"He's a lucky man. You seem like a good person, even if I can't remember your name," Kaine admits softly.

"I'm begging to not trust Mister Dent," he says looking back to Damian. Kaine remembers Damian. "You were the first to speak up. I joined the chorus after you," and then he will just simply say, "Nietzsche says, 'Beware that, when fighting Monsters, you yourself do not become a Monster.' I think Mister Dent is quickly forgetting that lesson," and he will leave it there for the moment.

Lucius Fox has posed:
Lucius Fox turns to look at Damian with a nod of his head, with a little chuckle at the youth. "You may be in my shadow anytime you wish Mr. Wayne, it is good to spend time with you. You do have a mind for business, it is very impressive and if we honed it." His hand is motions to the sky is the limit, with lifting it with a soft chuckle. Another sip of his coffee. "But I doubt it will be often once you paper is finished, my life is that of paperwork and watching things, studying them and than making the right move. Sometimes I sit for years sometimes it's action."

He turns to look at Kaine studying him for a long moment, his eyes are cold for a second than back to the warmth. "Sometimes it takes a monster to fight monsters, but humanity is always needed at the end of the day. It is a good point, but only time will see what path he will be lead down. I do hope it is the right one, I have had a few good talks with MR. Dent in the past at events." His hand is moves to throw out the little plastic cup as he has drained it. "Now, Kaine is it? That is a quiet the name. So, what would you have Mr. Dent do?"

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown tells Kaine, "Stephanie, Stephanie Brown." She glances over at the counter, "Dick, I'm going to get another donut, do you want anything? Coffee? Chocolate croissant? They look like they heat them up so the chocolate in the middle gets all melty," she says as she rises.

The blond coed then checks with everyone else. "Damian, Lucius are you both good? Kaine, you want anything while I'm up? My treat," she offers. "Bagel and cream cheese maybe?" Perhaps she caught the state of his wallet when he paid.

Dick Grayson has posed:
    He nods to Kaine and shakes his head, "Good to meet you, Kaine. Good to hear someone actually comes to Gotham now and then. For some reason, we seem awfully self-contained in our little slice of gothic darkness." He nods to what Kaine says to Damian, adding "It can be hard sometimes, Nietzsche had the right idea there. I've seen a few of my fellow officers step over the line. It can be hard to deal with crime day after day, especially when it seems like a lot of the criminals manage to get back on the streets pretty quickly."

    Looking over to Lucius and Damian he says, "Lucius, feel free to take Damian under your wing. Someone in the family has to learn how the business runs so they can take over when Bruce finally retires, and I'm a little busy with the whole police thing."

Kaine Parker has posed:
"Nice to formally meet," Kaine says to Stephanie with a small smile on his face. "Don't offer someone tha'ts hungry a free meal. He may ask for two or three chocolate frosted donuts," that's his order, or however many she would part with.

Dick introduces himself and nods to Dick, "I'm sorry they have." Internally, he's a little concerned. Kaine's wanted in the underworld. It's the other persona with that, but it's not in the police's system. However, rumors can spread. A mob hit might have crossed Dick's eears.

"Can I bend your ear over something? A friend of mine wound up in the river. He was going to get some easy money, left, and then came back with a huge change of heart. Like he somehow met Jesus. Twelve days later, he took a long swim. New York's finest say suicide, but" his voice trails. "My friend told me one name, but I don't know what it means. Could you look into it for me?" he asks, genuinely concerned. In reality, Kaine knows about the name. He knows about the person through reputation, but it's a persona. Something this person calls themself. Their identity is a mystery.

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown heads off to the line, placing her order and using her phone to pay for it. She waits up at the counter until it is ready and then returns to the table.

She sets down a cup of Dick's favorite coffee beverage in front of him, and one of those chocolate croissants. It's flaky and has a solid thing of chocolate melted in the middle. Another filled donut for herself, lemon this time.

And she sets down a box with a half-dozen chocolate frosted donuts in front of Kaine, giving him a quick smile. "College student, I know how it can be," she tells him.

She's catching part of what Kaine says at the end, an eyebrow going up. But she falls silent, listening to Kaine's dilemma.

Damian Wayne has posed:
As the conversation turns toward the subject of suicide-probably-actually-murder and Kaine's unfortunate friend, Damian's eyes dance toward Dick, then toward Stephanie, and finally somewhere between both Dick and Kaine. Damian doesn't interrupt or interject. He keeps his thoughts and words to himself on the subject of a dear friend ending up in the river. He watches and observes; nothing more. Save for the infrequent sip of his drink, savoring the deliciousness of the hot cocoa and peppermint combination.

Just as Damian seemed prepared to step away and drift into the background - or even out the door - the young Wayne is lurking and lingering to overhear the details of Kaine's friend's plight. The young Wayne heir does, at the very least, have the good sense to pretend to be busy. Soon his phone is withdrawn from his pocket, a few taps of his thumb later, and he's casually scrolling through a message or three to appear busy. While his true business is in overhearing the details of Kaine's tale.

Dick Grayson has posed:
    He nods to Kaine, "Sadly, that's a story I've heard any number of times. Easy money usually ends up not so easy. But yeah, I can pull in a favor or two with the NYPD. What's the name he gave you, and your friend's name, for that matter?" He pulls his phone out and opens it's notepad to jot down the info.

Kaine Parker has posed:
"The name they told me was simply, 'Kingpin,'" Kaine says honestly. And Kaine tries to keep his face neutral as possible. "It's all I know," and that's not technically a lie. It's the only name he has.