2355/A Quiet Gastropub Adventure

A Quiet Gastropub Adventure
Date of Scene:	05 July 2020
Location:	Alex and Emma's suite - Hellfire Club
Synopsis:	Alex and Emma have a peaceful lunch where they discuss Alex's grandfather and space pirate father.
Cast of Characters:	Alex Summers, Emma Frost

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Alex Summers has posed:
    It's been weeks since Emma was rescued from Sinister's clutches, with both she and Alex recovering and having to get used to...well, how things have changed. The added security, the requirement of taking HFC vehicles when leaving the premises, and the general 'closing the barn doors after the horse' paranoia mentality can be just a bit chafing.

    With that in mind, Alex has attempted to sweettalk Emma into going out with him for lunch, nto at one of the higher tier restaurants in the HFC, but at a little gastropub off the Empire State University campus, where they can just blend into the lunchtime crowd of college kids. He even promised she could pick the shirt he wore this time instead of going pure Hawaiian!

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma had agreed, mostly to get out of the building, but also because Alex seemed a bit stir crazy himself even after the celebration at Xaviers. Then again, he had just found out his dad was alive and a space pirate. So.

If Emma is dressed to distract Alex some, who can blame her? The summer heat has given her an excuse to wear a short pair of white denim shorts that hug her curves, a lacy and low cut tank top, designer sandals, and a large pair of white rimmed sunglasses. She had convinced Alex to don a polo or a regular tshirt at least.

Alex Summers has posed:
    The times must be dire for him to wear a polo...too many bad high school memories, but he's certainly okay with a T-shirt, this one black with a big red M on it and...a pink mustache under it. And jorts, of course! He went with tennis shoes other than that, more suitable for walking in if a bit battered and on their last legs as he escorts Emma down the street through the crowds, holding her hand. There's all sorts of college kids walking or talking or eating or having coffee at some of the outside cafe areas, but also older street vendors or people begging on the side walk, usually from the shade as people walk by. "Haven't been to this place yet, I kept meaning to but never got around to it..." Alex admits.

Emma Frost has posed:
"I hope it's got good food," Emma points out idly, squeezing his hand a little. She hadn't been near the university too often, but it's not an area entirely different from what was around her alma mater. In any event, they fit in well enough not to draw a lick of real attention, not being much older than most of the student body themselves. "Though after yesterday I'm not sure more food is a great idea," she teases. "I thought I was going to have to roll myself up to your room last night."

Alex Summers has posed:
    "Hah, well, we're getting a good walk in to burn off some calories too, if it matters." Alex says easily as he slows. The place in question has a sign over it that reads 'B2- Bistronomy 101' and is a fairly simple design. There's a center U shaped counter with the open side towards the back around which is a wider square with round tables arranged around the exterior and wooden chairs associated with it. There's a large chalkboard that has the sanwiches and dishes of the day, which today are a buffalo burger, a california burger, the Old Timey, a club sandwich, a BLAT (BLT with avocado), and a meatloaf sandwich with jam. Truffle frieds, fresh steamed veggies, fruit, potato salad, or red mashed potatoes are on the menu for sides, as well as awide range of beers, many of which appear to be local craft beers from the look of them, but also some better known higher end brands too.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma laughs lightly at the name of the place. "Cute." She grabs a table for two that looks relatively private... ish. As much as can be in a place like this. She settles into her seat and peers over at the chalkboard, musing on the options. After she figures out what she wants, she looks to Alex seriously. "So, are we going to see your grandparents?" She leaves out the whole Dad thing for now.

Alex Summers has posed:
    "Grandfather, mostly, Phillip." Alex says, taking a seat across from her. "And we could...I don't exactly have a full schedule, so I could tak ea vacation day or two if you wanna visit on a weekend or something?" He waves down a waitress as she cross over. "Hey, welcome to Bistronomy! What can I get you to drink?" Definite New York Brooklyn accent there as she gives....well, actually she's sort of checking out both of you. It's college!

Emma Frost has posed:
"Unsweetened iced tea and any of your sours," Emma replies smoothly, smirking a little. Is she a little smug? Yes. No less smug than when Scott checked her out the day prior. After Alex has ordered his drink and the waitress has slipped off to go grab beers and non-beers, Emma considers. "We could. Alaska seems like a more likely place to visit than space, anyway." That's delivered with a hint of teasing, but also an unspoken question mark. Is Alex planning to seek out his dad somehow?

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex rolls his eyes, a definitely flare of irritation with the memory rising up. "...yeah, well, in his court if he ever shows up." he says, a bit bitterly as he leans back in his chair. "Not like i got the means to go looking or an idea where to start. But yeah, Phillip's cool. I mean..." He shrugs. "...he didn't take me or Scott in either, after the accident. So...I'm not on real close terms with him. Kinda suprised he gave Scott the offer."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma tilts her head. "Why not?" She's genuinely curious. "I mean... your brother went to an orphanage. You went to a foster family. This seems entirely insane if you had grandparents." She muses. "Unless they couldn't."

Alex Summers has posed:
    "...I don't know." Alex admits after a moment. "He set us up with trust funds before that, but..." He sighs a bit. "I don't know. Maybe he just didn't want kids around...something."

Emma Frost has posed:
"Mm. Well, if he wants to see you... and Scott? Maybe we should go." Emma gives Alex a warm grin as their drinks arrive. She quickly gives her order... the BLT with avocado and a basket of the truffle fries to share-- there's a garlic aioli to dip them in offered and she gleefully takes the waitress up on that!

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex goes for the buffalo burger with cheese and standard trimmings in a lettuce wrap and since hse's sharing frieds he just goes for the steamed veggies on his end, then settles back. "Yeah, but if if he just want sto see me because he's dying and wants some bullshit redemption for ignoring us all this time..." he says, a bit darkly.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma hmms. "You think Scott would say so if it was so." She's trying to cool Alex's temper some. Sure, if that's the case, Emma would personally make the old man's life miserable. But for now, she'll assume maybe there was a reasonable reason.

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex frowns a bit. "...he seemed on good terms with him, which I don't get, so...yeah. I dunno. It's kinda out of the blue..." he admits. "I thought he'd passed and that's why he hadn't kept up with us, but maybe he just didn't know where we were...which seems weird."

Emma Frost has posed:
There's a frown that crosses Emma's face. "...that doctor..." she says, obliquely referring to Sinister. "He is a telepath. And Scott says he ran the orphanage he was in. What if he...?" She shakes her head. "That would be ridiculous," she mutters.

Alex Summers has posed:
    "...you think he messed with things? The records? My grandfather?" Alex says slowly after a moment, leaning forward as he rests his arms on the table. "That's...that'd be nuts....but then...I mean, Scott said he knew where I was but was keeping me out of the mutant life before this..."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma hms. "In the memory he blocked, he obviously knew where you were, was watching you. And didn't want you to know what you could do. I mean, I can see him keeping you and your brother away from family who would love and protect you." She frowns some. Another thing for Sinister to answer for.

Alex Summers has posed:
    "....well. I mean. Scott didn't think I had any, uh, abilities. No one did, because of that bastard." Alex says, chewing on the idea. "But it would...explain some things. Why I lost contact with Scott so easily, why he had such a hard time finding me afterwards..."

Emma Frost has posed:
"Mm. And suddenly you're out and findable, and suddenly your brother and grandfather can find you, and want to be with you." Emma takes a sip of her tea. "Maybe beginning to loosen the doctor's hold, and eventually breaking it... did something." She shrugs. "Or maybe not. But I'd be more inclined to think ill of the man who manipulated you and Scott before your grandfather."

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex says grimly. "I already do." He takes a sip from his beer, frowning. "...I suppose....yeah, it's possible. Real possible, from what a fucktard the guy is, that he messed with more than just me and Scott. Fuck, it's just a rabbit hole, what else did he screw with in our liveS? Did the plan crash happen because of him too?"

Emma Frost has posed:
"No clue." Emma says honestly. "But regardless, we'll make plans to see your grandfather and see how it turns out. Hopefully he approves of us," she teases. "And if he doesn't, I'll just buy out his company." Also teasing. Mostly.

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex frowns. "Just the two of us, or should we invite Scott with?" he says after a moment. "I mean....pretty sure he doesn't have any girlfriends to bring along, thena gain...." There's a smirk at that.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma gives Alex a look. "Mm, he may think I'm hot, but that doesn't mean you can share," she jokes with him. Oh, food arrives. Emma gives the waitress a warm smile and a murmured thanks as she drops off the order. Truffle fries!

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex raises his brow. "He thinks you're hot? WEll, he's got taste, but dibs." he says amusedly, leaning over to give Emma a pick on the cheek, before snagging one ofthe fries. Totally going for ketchup though.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma looks smug. "That thought may have flitted across his skull yesterday at the party. In fairness, did you see the bikini I was in?" She gives him an entirely innocent look. She digs into the fries and aioli first, then takes a bite of her sandwich.

Alex Summers has posed:
    Definite little surge of lust at the memory, yes! Alex mmms. "It looked really good on you, to be fair..." He take sa moment to admire Emma in what she's wearing now of course s he nibble on a fry, before picking up his burger to take a bite out of it.

Emma Frost has posed:
"It did." Emma nibbles at her sandwich and drinks her beer. "I've got a few better options for later tonight if you'd like," she teases with a grin. <<Just saying.>> She hmms and has another fry. "They don't live like.. in the middle of nowhere where there's no decent internet, do they?" she asks with a wrinkle of her nose. She'll deal with it if so, but ugh. "Wait, does Alaska even //have// anything like a city?"

Alex Summers has posed:
    "I...don't know." Alex admits. "I mean, I don't think so, grandpa Phillip was pretty wealthy. Not to your level, but to having a big house levels at least." he says, taking another bite from his sandwich as she munches away, then blinks, swallowing. "Pretty sure they've got a few. Juno. Anchorage?"

Emma Frost has posed:
"Mm." Emma frowns. "Are those //really// cities though?" She isn't entirely joking. She finishes her sandwich and ignores the fries for a moment. She drains her beer. "I'll survive. How long do we want to go for? And we probably should bring your brother, at least. It's not your fault he doesn't have a girlfriend."

Alex Summers has posed:
    "I imagine Alaskans think so." Alex says bemusedly. "I mean, I'm fairly sure they're no New York or Chicago or L.A., but they're pretty good sized." He frowns, then shrugs. "Well, you're the one with the packed schedule, I'd be good for spending a weekend up there?"

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma shrugs. "The glorious thing about being in charge is being able to set your own schedule. So. I'm fine with a weekend, extended or not." She tilts her head. "Assuming the world stops trying to explode every other day."

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex raises a brow, finishign another bite of his burger before setting it down. "Who are you and what did you do with Emma Frost?" he says amusedly, his eyes twinkling. "Sure, then, a weekend, or a week if you decide you can tolerate it?"

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma gives a wry look. "I mean, I was just recently kidnapped, tortured, and sliced open for fun. There's a small amount of consideration about life that happens when you deal with such things." She puts her glass down, looking a bit chilly.

Alex Summers has posed:
Alex mmms, then gets up, scooting his chair over to Emma's side, then slides an arm around her, hugging her gently against his side.

Emma Frost has posed:
She leans against him for a few moments. "This place isn't so bad. The fries are a little overdone, but I think that was intentional." She changes the subject.

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex mmms, turning his head to give Emma a kiss on the cheek, his hand sliding down to her opposite hip. "I never really understood truffle fries. I mean, they're okay, but I'm not sure they deserve the fuss." he admits.

Emma Frost has posed:
"I'm kind of more of a fan of spicy ones," she admits. "Truffle is all right, but not my favorite." She gives him a small grin. "Ice cream after?"

Alex Summers has posed:
    "Sure. ACtually, I know a place that sells Aztec chocolate milkshakes, ever had one of those? Speaking of spicy..." Alex says, stealing a fry as he munches on it. He seems content to be sitting close to Emma now rather than returning to his own side of the table.

Emma Frost has posed:
"Sounds like they could be good," Emma comments. "I think I could be agreeable to that." She leans against him a little more, content not to kick him back to his side of the table, either.

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex grunts, a bit more focused on having Emma leaning against him as he gives her gentle hug, turning his head to nuzzle her hair playfully for a moment. "It's spicy." he murmurs distractedly.

Emma Frost has posed:
After dinner has finished, and payment and a healthy tip has been left, Emma and Alex make their way to the shake shop Alex knows about nearby, acquiring these 'Aztec milkshakes', of which Emma promptly downs half of hers after her first taste as they continue to walk around near the campus. "This is nice, you know," she notes quietly.
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Alex Summers has posed:
    The shakes are dark chocolate based, but have a bit of chili powder in them as well, giving them a spicy taste that sharpens the taste of the chocolate in tunr. Tasty. Alex smiles. "Mm, the campus, or just being able to relax like this?" he murmurs.

Emma Frost has posed:
"Pretending to be normal," Emma replies quietly. "And being able to ignore all the other stuff-- your dad, crazy space aliens, psycho doctors, dead mutants, uncontrolled powers, dinosaur monsters... you know. Just not let it exist for a bit." She shrugs.

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex grunts a bit at that. "...yeah. Things have been crazy." he agrees after a moment, reaching out to take Emma's hand quietly, squeezing it. "Stuff like this is good, makes me feel a bit more sane to remember things can be like this too."

Emma Frost has posed:
"Can be. Usually aren't." Her tone is distant and a bit dark. "But, I did enjoy getting out and about today."

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex glances over then, gently nudges Emma. "...thinking too much." he murmurs, sliding an arm around her gently to hug lightly. "And that was the plan...get you out, put you in a great mood, take you home and have my wicked way with you."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma actually looks disappointed at that last. She snorts. "If only," she laments, then quirks a brow. "Unless..." She suddenly looks a bit more cheery. "Mm. Then we should head home, then."

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex raises her brow. "...there are entirely ways to have my way with you that don't risk stitches." he says after a moment, smiling faintly. "But there are plenty of other things we can do beside that if you want to try what we did last time."