5662/Not Quite Afterparty

Not Quite Afterparty
Date of Scene:	21 March 2021
Location:	Main Kitchen
Synopsis:	Sandwiches and chatting over things best left unsaid.
Cast of Characters:	Gabby Kinney, Betsy Braddock, James Proudstar, Henry McCoy

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Gabby Kinney has posed:
While it wasn't rare for Gabby to be in the kitchen, it was very rare for her to be standing out quite so much when she is. A red strapless dress is worn with a split up along the left side. There's a hint of sequins down near the hem meant for a bit of dazzle and tasteful design, and her hair was kept up with a hairpin to keep off her neck. That along with a pair of heeled boots made up the total look she was going for. It wasn't meant for this place, certainly. Yet here she is humming happily while starting to pile up toppings onto a sandwich.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Betsy wanders into the kitchen, for once not announced by her heels.. probably because tonight she's in workout clothes, grey and purple running shoes, grey yoga pants and a purple sports bra. She's got a towel around her neck and a water bottle in one hand. By the light perspiration she's currently showing on her skin, she's just come from the workout room. As she walks in and sees Gabby, she gives a little wave and greets the younger girl, "Hello, you look wonderful! What's the occassion? I don't beleive I've seen you dressed up before."

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney lifts her head to grin toward Betsy. "Oh, it was a birthday party for one of Laura's friends out in Gotham earlier," she explains with a breif pause to pop a pepperoni into her mouth. It wasn't a typical topping for a sandwich but she already had sliced turkey and cheese on the hunk of bread in front of her. Pepperoni would work too. "I went instead since she's... not so great at large social gatherings. Plus I was bored," she adds with a roll of her shoulders. "It was kinda boring as it was though I did run into some of her friends I sort of know. Besides, I don't get to dress up much anymore." A pause as she adds, "Want a sandwich? There's plenty here."

James Proudstar has posed:
James wanders the halls of the mansion, perhaps bored, perhaps looking for someone or perhaps his nose has told his stomach that something delicious is afoot in the kitchen.
     James has been back for a week after beiing gone for two, so perhaps its been awhile since you seen him. His hair is shorter but not in any stylized fashion. He sticks his head in the kitchen, "Is Gabby offering one of her world famous sandwhiches?" James fills the doorway with casual ease ducking under the door frame when he enters.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
She looks over at the offered sandwich fixings, then shrugs a little, "Sure, I could grab a little something to eat, was just downstairs burning off calories anyway." She wanders over to the counter and looks over the ingredients Gabby has out, nodding with a smile, "I think we should be able to manage here."

Looking over at James enters, Betsy raises an eyebrow with a grin and says, "I always forget how big you are when you aren't around. My, my, such a strapping young man." She nudges Gabby a little and returns to looking over the building of a sandwich.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney grins broadly at the familiar voice and face that enters. "James! You're back!" She greets cheerily towards the much, much taller fellow. A hand gestures at the fixings she has lain out on the counter which made it obvious there was very little left in the fridge she hadn't pulled out. Between such condiments as mustard, mayo, and siracha there was also slices of turkey, pepperonis, tomato, bell peppers and olives. The olives might not survive this night juddging by the little splashes of liquid already spilt around the jar. "I can fix you one up if you like," she starts only to get the nudge from Betsy. It causes her to pause blinking in mild confusion. Strapping young man? Was she supposed to oggle? She looks back to James again trying to figure this out. HM.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Betsy notes Gabby's confusion and just grins a little, going back to picking over sandwich ingredients. She sticks mainly with some turkey and tomato, then goes to the fridge to add some lettuce to the mix. "Keeping in shape can be a pain sometimes, you know?" She adds a touch of mayo and a top slice of bread.

When Hank comes in, she gives him a little wave and greets him with a simple, "Hi Hank, join us. Gabby's making sandwiches for one and all, apparently." She pulls a pitcher of water out of the fridge and refills her water bottle before picking up her sandwich. "It seems we've got a quiet evening, how unusual? No disasters anywhere today?"

Henry McCoy has posed:
He was following his rumbling tummy, really! Henry pauses as he's greeted - offering a wave back. He wasn't necessarily expecting the outfits adorning Gabby and Betsy. "Er... hello!" The man offers over, chuckling just a touch. "Sandwiches? Sounds perfect - I spent too much time buried in my work today." A slight shrug. "Missed lunch, I believe."

He heads over to the cupboards to retrieve a plate, coming back over to join them. "A quiet evening is a blessing, Betsy." He grins.

James Proudstar has posed:
James Proudstar smiles, as he walks up toward the counter. He blushes a little at the strapping comment but does the pec jump trick when Gabby turns around. But leans against the counter, "Hello, Ms. Braddock, how long have you been back? it is a trial, especially finding new and interesting ways to keep it up. But you seem to have mastered it."
    " I will take one Gabby especial, with everything. Up for the same Hank?" He waves at Henry.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
An olive drops from Gabby's fingers at the peck jump. Well. That was surprising! She scrambles to get it before it falls off the counter, and just as quickly tosses it into her mouth to keep from saying anything. Almost, but not quite, as red as her dress she grins toward Hank who was thankfully more of a safe zone for her. They knew each other well enough after all! "Yep, I'm the sandwich queen today! Though I wasn't really meaning to dress up all fancy for the kitchen." She was just way hungry after she got back from Gotham.

The plate from Hank is taken, and she starts to fix a few more sandwiches without pausing. "I don't really have to worry about my weight, I think, so I'm lucky there. Though I still do my workouts. Running in the morning in the woods, training, that sort of thing."

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Betsy looks at James, than puts her hand to her forehead and mimes fainting, "Ms. Braddock? Oh, how awful of you. You make me feel positively ancient." she teases. "I shall have to go put on a granny dress immediately."

She takes a small bite of her sandwich, then wrinkles her nose at Gabby, "Lucky. I'm constantly watching what I eat. Fortunately, being into martial arts tends to keep me in decent shape, though working out doesn't hurt."

Henry McCoy has posed:
Henry finds himself a seat on one of the kitchen stools, at the counter. "Ancient? Granny dress? I don't think those could apply to you, Betsy." He offers, nodding in thanks to Gabby when she hands him a sandwich. "Thank you, Gabby." Tucking a napkin into the collar of his t-shirt, he rubs his hands together.

"James, I think I am one of the people who might give you a run in the eating arena." He winks to the other man. "I imagine Gabby too - her metabolism is absurdly good."

James Proudstar has posed:
James Proudstar laughs and smiles good naturedly. "I meant no offense, only respect. But anytime you want to take your revenge in the sparring ring Im available." He chuckles and his brown eyes glint mischeiviouslyly. "Maybe, though Pete is up their and Logan can hold his own... Hank, this may need to be settled on the field of honor... wings? Dogs? Pie?"

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney finishes the next sandwich to offer out toward James. It leaves the original one she'd been working on for herself since Betsy had opted to choose something less hearty. "Oh yeah, I could probably eat a bunch. Especially after I get injured. Just sooo hungry then usually." The healing factor would do it after all. To Betsy she can only shrug. "It's my genes. Literally. But the training probably helps a lot as well." A little yawn is given before she shakes her head quickly to chase off that particular feeling. "At least I haven't had to really use it lately. Quiet is good, right? Even if it's boring."

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Betsy smiles at James' challenge to Hank, then shakes her head, "That could get ugly. You guys would go through just a ton of any of those things." Another small bite of the sandwich vanishes before she nods to Gabby and replies, "Yes, we seem to have quite a few folks who don't need to worry about their figures around here, I'd be jealous if I didn't have my own thing. And trust me, sometimes boring isn't a bad thing. I know at your age boring is like the worst thing ever, but I've been though enough non-boring times to know they're not always what you want."

Henry McCoy has posed:
A wry grin. "Perhaps wings? We'll have to see." He stretches a bit, grinning to the others he is sharing a meal with. "Sparring is a rather good way to burn off the calories, indeed. I recall some of the calesthenics that Cap would put me through when I was learning some maneuvers from him." A shake of his head. "For one who is not a mutant, he certainly keeps up."

He gives another chuckle, then digs into his sandwich. A nod to Betsy at that. "Indeed. Boring, is fantastic after a long bout of hectic times."

James Proudstar has posed:
James Proudstar grins as he takes the sandwhich from Gabby. "Yeah, Gabby, I was on recon, swimming some caves in mediteranean, 20 foot great white came at me out of the murk. So, yeah, boring is good.

     "You know Hank, I kind of wondered how John would have done against him." we all know the answer but thats brotherly awe.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
"Seriously?" Gabby stares wide eyed at the tale. Then she asks the most important of questions: "Did you get to pet it?" She's not so easily distracted even with a grand tale, though. A grin is flashed toward Betsy along with a shrug. "I know, and I know I should appreciate it when it's quiet. Just after going to Limbo to save Julian's soul and giving up a part of my own, I feel like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. Like..." She holds her hands together as if holding an invisible box, and picks it up, and puts it aside. "How do you go from *that* to homework for months without feeling like you just missed something?"

Betsy Braddock has posed:
She laughs and nods, "I like sparring better than working out solo, it's far less boring." Violet eyes consider James for a minute after his offer, "Now that could be a challenge worth trying. I might have to insist on using some powers though, I'm pretty sure you're a little too solid to fall for any of my basic martial arts tricks. There's sparring, then there's bug on the windshield." She looks to Hank and Gabby, "You're always welcome as well, of course. Always good to both get to know your friends well and to spar against different styles." With a laugh, she adds, "Trust me Gabby, I know the feeling. Some of the things I've done, and then just to spend time after that back to a normal, everyday life.. it can be a hard transition."

Henry McCoy has posed:
A grin. "A shark? That must have been... fascinating. I tend to avoid most underwater excursions." A sheepish chuckle. "Fur and water aren't too terribly comfortable once you climb out." He takes a bite of his sandwich, nodding to the others. "And let me know, Betsy. I am always open to friendly sparring with people. It is a bit of a rush."

Then it registers in Henry's brain, what Gabby said. "Beg pardon? Saving Julian's soul? Giving up part of your own?" A slight frown. "Perhaps someone would fill me in?"

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney takes a large bite out of her sandwich enjoying the mix of savory, spicy and salty flavors. It was one of her favorite creations after all. A firm nod of agreement is given to Betsy along with a finger pointing at her in a 'you get it' sort of way. Then she's caught owing explanations. There's a quick glance to James, then back to Hank, and she looks like a deer caught in the headlights with her mouth still half full and cheek puffed out from the bite. Another slow rolling chew, and she finally swallows the mouthful. "Oh, uh, apparently Julian's parents are real pieces of sh... Ah anyway they sold his soul to be rich before he was born?" She hazards out giving a quick and gritty run down without a lot of details. "Illyana and all of us handled it though it's cool so anyway he's okay and we're not dating anymore because he felt guilty." Yep. Another bite is quickly taken as she opts not to fill in further. Food is the excuse to not talk.

James Proudstar has posed:
James Proudstar sighs, he was looking forward to this sandwhich. James drops the plate which shatters and sends pieces of sandwich across the room, "Opps." HHell clean it up.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Betsy Braddock raises an eyebrow at Gabby's explanation... Ok, some things are all in a day's work at Xavier's, but prenatal soul sales are new even to her. "Well, that's.. You know, I don't think I even have a good word for exactly what that is. At least not one for polite company. It's good that you took care of it though. Sorry to hear about the dating though, but it might be fixable if you want to try." She looks to Hank, "It's always a rush, that's why we do it." With a smile, she adds, "Sounds like the teachers need to keep a little closer track of what the kids are up to. Maybe a little message board 'class went to Limbo re: soul trading'"

Henry McCoy has posed:
Even the crashing of the plate doesn't distract Hank, truly. Henry sighs, looking at Gabby as she stuffs another bite into her mouth. "And your soul?" He clarifies, taking mental note to speak with Illyana later. "Illyana and all of us? Perhaps a roster of whom I should speak to?" Hi brow arches.

A grin to Betsy, clearly not too angry at anything - just irked that he's just now finding things out. "I am sure that the teachers are juggling plenty, already. I don't disagree, but I cannot pretend to be omniscient." A chuckle.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney holds up a hand with finger and thumb just a smidge apart. "Just a sliver of it. We had to trick some demons," she explains with a little shrug as she finds herself getting dug in deeper. Yet... when it comes to the names of the others, she shakes her head. "It's already over. No one was hurt, we helped Julian. Mission accomplished." With that she puts down her sandwich to go get a broom to help clean up the mess. "Sorry. Didn't mean to worry you, but it's really okay. Anyway how've you guys been doing?"

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Betsy looks to Hank again and shrugs, "They grow up so fast. What can you do?" Another little sandwich nibble, then she replies to Gabby, "Mainly keeping the club running. My life's been what you might call boring for a month or two, so I suppose Sion will be invaded by aliens tomorrow or something, but at the moment, nada. Thus why I'm here working out and stealing sandwiches rather than there."

Henry McCoy has posed:
Oh, he'll find out! He has his ways! "I'd love for you to talk to a mystic expert on that - the subjects of souls and their infinite, or not infinite, status is a bit outside of my understanding." He says, honestly. "As for how I am doing, I am still fighting against the ... more feral side of myself. It seems to be so close to the surface these days. Getting into dangerous situations only makes it more obvious." A shake of his head.

A nod to Betsy. "Well, if you have an alien problem, let me know." A grin. "I have a gizmo that Carol gave me that I'd like to sort out what it does." A smile. "She wasn't sure, but figured I would suss it out."

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney lets out just a little sigh of relief at this all while she cleans up the mess. At least the topic had changed. "Yeah, okay. I still want to check out Sion some time," she admits with a grin. "Told you I had some fancy dance clothes, though!" Of course, this might not quite fit the club either. Tipping her head toward Hank she nods with a small, thoughtful frown. "Wish I could help out with that. I just repress my urges in a way that will likely prove unhealthy in the future but so far its' working!" Far too cheery. Was she joking? Likely.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
A little smile plays over her lips before she says, "You see, I have the best repression of all... I'm British. If you'd like lessons, I'm sure I can have you both drinking tea and refusing to acknowledge emotional stimuli in no time at all." She can't hold a straight face for long though and laughs, "But seriously, if either of you ever need to talk, give me a call." She reaches out to put a hand on Hank's shoulder. "I'm sure you'll be fine Hank, you're one of the smartest people I know, you won't let something like that get the best of you." She smiles at him, "Besides, you're also one of the best people I know. Fur and claws doesn't change that. You're nicer than a lot of supposed *air quotes* 'regular people' I know."

Henry McCoy has posed:
The Beast nods, foot scuffing on the stool as the two offer help. "Thank you both, it is appreciated. I've no idea if this was something Essex intended, or just... an affect of my continuing mutation." A slight frown to that. "I am unsure as to what can fix this, or if it can be fixed." A slight chuckle to both. "Be British, or cope with unhealthy methods - neither seem like they'd work for me, though." A smirk. "Dr. Pym said he'd help sort it out."

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney finishes cleaning up the broken plate and other sundry messes. It's all carefully dumped into the trash where no one would have to worry about cutting themselves on it. She even got out without any injury. "Well, good! Get what help you can. And I don't care what Essex intended--No, wait. No, all he 'intended' was to create as much chaos as possible. Total jerk. Top of my 'I just might kill' list." She nods firmly at that, then lets out a sigh. "I should go get changed out of this. I feel weird dressing up this much anymore."

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Betsy nods, "And I need a shower anyway, I don't intend to drive back to New York all sweaty. Thanks for the sandwich Gabby, and Hank, don't stress. You're still Hank, and that's what matters. It's just a mater of getting used to some new feelings and stronger instincts, but you'll get there. Trust me, I've had a similar experience, and I got through it, and I'm nowhere near as nice a person as you are."