7597/Milkshakes for lunch... yes please!

Milkshakes for lunch... yes please!
Date of Scene:	29 August 2021
Location:	Tara Tsabedze - Room 601
Synopsis:	Nothing like making a new friend over milkshakes, Henry's a nice Mutant, and so soft to the touch.
Cast of Characters:	Tara Tsabedze, Henry McCoy

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Tara Tsabedze has posed:
The lunch rush was just ending as Tara made her way from the Bushwick Clinic to Mootant Milkshakes. She preferred to come in after, not worried about the mess the masses usually left. Fewer people, meant fewer stares, she liked it that way. Bushwick was at least one place on earth that there were even fewer stares, due to the fact that mutants were used to odd appearances. She almost felt like she fit in.

Moving up to the counter she offer the woman behind it a smile. "Afternoon Leslie," she offered, a light South African accent touching her tone. "Another busy day I see." This is made obvious by the fact that there are about twelve tables in the place, and only one isn't covered with garbage. "I'll have a vanilla shake with a dash of blueberries please."

Henry McCoy has posed:
There had been so much going on in Henry's life - it'd been a long few weeks. Many people might get overwhelmed, but Henry took it all on with a stoicism that was rather impressive. He was helping friends, after all. Still, there was a time when even Henry had to take a break - and now was it. He'd headed over to Bushwick, meaning to stop in for a dairy treat. Timing being what it was, he arrived shortly after Tara.

The good Doctor glanced around, spotting the hurricane remnants of the lunch crowd - debris covering the tables and what not. A pause as he spotted the unusual woman - his head canting to the side. A smile and a wave towards the counter. "Afternoon." He greeted, both to the server and the woman she was chatting with. Patiently, he waited in line. The line of one.

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Once she's made her order, Tara steps slightly to the side to let the next person in line step up, and that is when she notes the tall, blue furred mutant. She couldn't help it, she smiled. Although her fur was not as prominent, it was still there and oddly it was nice to see someone else who lived the same way she did... the fur life.

"Afternoon, sir," she offered along with that smile. "It looks as if you and I will be sharing a table for the time being, I hope that is alright with you."

Henry McCoy has posed:
As it's his turn, he nods to the attendant. "A peanut butter cookie dough shake, please." His order is simple, and honestly expected by the woman taking the orders. She nods and moves on to take care of the requests. Henry look to Tara, offering a wide smile. "If you'd allow me, I'd be glad to share a table with you." He beams.

A pause. "I hope you don't mind, but your features are quite remarkable, miss." He offers to her. "Dr. Henry McCoy, pleased to meet you." He offers over a hand.

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Taking his hand to shake, and to examine at the same time, Tara offers him a bright and broad smile which reveals her elongated canines. "I am K'tara Tsabedze, you may call me Tara, it is a pleasure to meet you," she offers first with that smile. "Thank you for the compliment, most would call my looks strange, but I can accept this compliment from one as handsome as yourself."

Henry McCoy has posed:
A chuckle, the man clearly embarrased at the compliment. "Thank you, truly." A grin as his eyes look over her fingers - much more nimble than his. "Fascinating." A wry grin. "Forgive me... my more feline features are still somewhat of a new arrangement for me." A chuckle. "Changes and all - it takes some getting used to."

His other hand moves towards the table, offering her the choice of seats first. "K'tara... quite the lovely name. Do you mind me asking the origin?"

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Cocking her head slightly, Tara takes a moment to look Henry over. He held himself well, confident, not attempting to shrink away or slouch, it was hard to believe he was just adjusting to the changes. Making her way over to the table to sit down, she moves with an obvious grace, fluid movements of one certain of their footing. Settling into a chair she finally offers an answer to his question.

"I am from the Kenyan region of Africa, a small tribes known as the Paka ya Mwezi," she adjusts herself a little, settling in and getting her tail out from under herself with a flick. "You say you are just adjusting, so you were not born with these feline features you have?"

Henry McCoy has posed:
Henry does watch how she moves, curious as to her comfort and confidence in her motion. "No, I was born... different. Large hands, large feet - more muscular than normal humans. My father's proximity to a nuclear accident passed on a mutation to me, from birth." A slight shrug. "I didn't acquire fur until after a rather hasty decision on my part. Even then I was more simian than feline."

"Africa... I have friends from that region of the world, though I will admit I am a bit behind on my knowledge of the culture or dialects." He grins. Once she's seated, he takes the seat opposite of her - careful to not damage the furniture with his mass. "The feline features came about a while ago - due to some rather unscrupulous behavior of a madman."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
A frown claims Tara's features for a moment. She had heard about how mutants were treated, and some ended up being experimented on and tortured. It wasn't right. She may not be a mutant herself, but she looked enough like one that she was mistaken as one all the time. A slight and slow shake of her head follows the frows.

"It is unfair what this world does to mutants," she states clearly, strongly, a certain amount of ferocity in her tone. "It is not right at all. I have always sought equality for all, be they mutant, or alien or human, but I come from a different culture, where equality is the key element to the balance of our lives. I am sorry for the actions of this madman, is there something that can be done to help you?"

Henry McCoy has posed:
A slight smile to the woman, and a chuckle. "I am uncertain. I am a geneticist, it is my speciality." He explains. "What has happened is a tertiary mutation - not unheard of, but..." A shrug. "It was brought about in a dire way, but I am yet uncertain as to whether or not it would have been in my future all along." The milkshakes are brought by, with Henry giving a smile and a nod to the woman.

"America was supposed to be founded on equality - rather, that is the ideal. Hopefully we can get there, some day. Humans, mutants, races, genders..." A grin. "It would be a wonderful world if we could get there, putting aside our fear and hate." A pause. "I am happy to be here, and helping my friends and family. So I endure the changes to my life, and look to the future."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
"Thank you Leslie," Tara offers as she accepts her shake, then looks back to Henry.

"I am uncertain how it was brought about," she offers, setting the shake on the table. "That is to say, I do not wish to pry too much into the changes, it seems too personal for a first time meeting. Perhaps a second or third meeting, but not to pry, merely to ask."

Another broad smile is offered with this, perhaps her way of saying she'd like to spend more time with him or perhaps she's just overly friendly in general.

"I have only been in America for a short time, but I have seen all this country the fear and hatred. At times it was aimed at me, which is never a good thing for myself, or them. I can after all, take care of myself. I do worry though, about those who cannot. It is why I offer my healing here in Bushwick, instead of elsewhere in New York."

Henry McCoy has posed:
A brow arches, the man grinning. "Perhaps, a second or third meeting topic of discussion. I wouldn't want to trouble you, after all." Henry offers, in a friendly fashion. It's fairly obvious he's interested in meeting up with her again! "Might I ask about your features? Have you had them since birth?" He asks, unable to restrain his curiousity.

"Healing? A doctor, or gifted?" He wonders, with a smile. "Or both?" He chuckles, as if that option had eluded him for some reason. "And yes, woe to those who would hurt people out of fear or bigotry. I can only hope that the karma they earn, comes quickly."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
With her shake on the table, she uses the spoon to stir it a little and get that perfect first bite. It is savored, as if it is her last meal on earth, because who doesn't love creamy shakes? Once the bites has been swallowed, she offers Henry a smile.

"I was born as you see me now," she gestures to herself. "In my tribe, I am called Kivuli. The Kivuli is born once every ten or so generations. I am the embodiment of the Goddess Moon, or Bast as some know her."

Her tail flicks a few times as she considers the other part of that question, and how to answer it. Recently she was warned that sharing too much might be a bad thing, but something about Henry's eyes... she could trust him.

"I am gifted with the magics of the moon," she finally says. "I can heal, harm, build, construct... all with the energies offered by the light of the moon. My healing is my strongest point, as I can regrow limbs and organs, cure most diseases, and even replace parts that some are born without."

Henry McCoy has posed:
His own shake is stirred a bit with his spoon, before a bite is taken. He smiles contentedly at the taste, a cat with cream! After the bite is finished, he nods to her. "I would wager then, not a mutation?" He guesses, eyes on her. "It sounds like a great honor among your people, K'Tara." He nods. "Bast... I have heard many tales of Bast, in many incarnations." A grin.

A blink at the mention of her healing powers. "That is quite impressive, and quite wonderful for those who you can help." He whispers. "Quite the gift."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
A soft smile touches her lips, her golden eyes focusing on his face.

"My people believe that the Kivuli is a gift from Goddess Moon to them and the world, it is an honor, but it is always all I have ever known." Her voice remains calm and quiet, not speaking too loudly though the place is mostly empty. "I am weaker in the daylight hours, it is much harder for me to work the magics, but at night, when the moon is in the sky, anything is possible... or so I like to believe. I have been warned to be very careful about speaking of this, because there are those who might try to take advantage of it, to force me into aiding them. It is a foreign concept to me, to not just offer my talents to those in need, but I think I understand the risk well enough now."

Henry McCoy has posed:
The Beast listens, nodding as she explains. "There are, unfortunately, those who would work against your best interests and to their own nefarious plots." A sigh from the man. "Unfortunately it is a part of human nature, overall." A shrug, the man stirring his shake again. "As much as I hope for the best, I am well aware of the reality of our world." A slight grin. "I will always work towards the betterment of our world, though."

A amused smile at the description of the night time. "It does seem magical. I enjoy watching the night sky when a storm is in the air. It is awe-inspiring, watching nature show it's beauty in power."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Again Tara studies Henry's face, as if she is looking for something in it, but the smile remains. Clearly she likes what she sees.

"In the tribe, there is no such thing as this. Everyone know their purpose, everyone works for the better of the whole tribe," she explains. "I have been away for only a few years, traveling from country to country, learning about cultures and people. I decided to settle here in New York, because it seemed a place that could use a little help, but now I fear offering that help. So I remain mostly jobless, wondering what to do next."

Henry McCoy has posed:
A wry grin from the man. "As someone who has connections with gifted people and certain global organizations, I can assure you I know people who could use your help. Bushwick, Genosha... all sorts of places. I could introduce you, if you were interested?" Henry smirks. "My friends and I tend to get into rather hectic situations in protecting people, and people get hurt. Knowing someone who could heal or expedite recovery, is a godsend."

"I mean, aside from learning more of you - someone who has at least some familiar features to me, and my recent changes." A chuckle.

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Perhaps if Tara had not been born and raised in an isolated African tribe, she would be more fearful of the unknown, but as she was, she is not. Reaching across the tables, she carefully traces her finger along the shape of Henry's cheek and jaw, making sure not to snag her nail on anything important. She was curious if the appearance was skin deep, but his musculature and bones were also altered.

"I would be interested to help anyone who can use my help," she admits plainly. "It is my purpose you see, to aid those that I can, to protect those who cannot protect themselves, to teach the world that difference does not always mean dangerous. You are a handsome man Doctor Henry McCoy, you perhaps need to hear that more often."

Henry McCoy has posed:
She likely can feel a blush on his skin, warming most certainly. He doesn't flinch at the explorative touch to his jaw, the man chuckling. "You are quite kind. I am one to try to keep my appearances up, unusual as they may be for others." A smile. "Thank you, K'tara. You are quite beautiful, as well. Your blessing suits you." A grin.

"I will be glad to introduce you to some of my friends - I am sure they would be welcoming of assistance." He nods, certain of that. "Whether it be the Avengers or X-Men."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Her smile goes bright and broad, her eyes sparkle, and Tara offers the softest of little giggles at Henry's compliment.

"Why thank you Mister McCoy, you are far too kind. In this world where appearances seem to matter, it is nice once in a while to hear that mine is not terrifying. I accept that it is to some, that is on them, not me. If they do not want to look at me, then they should turn away." There is that confidence, that strong determination that differences do not matter.

"I would like to meet your friends, Henry," she finally uses his first name, since he uses hers. It seemed right now. "You seem to be the sort of man who is careful who you call friend, and who might just be 'someone you know'. Hmm?"

Henry McCoy has posed:
"It is my pleasure, to be sure." Henry offers with a grin. "My friends call me Hank." He explains to her, with a nod. "I tend to have a good sense of people. And a large enough heart to have faith." A slight shrug, the man a bit embarassed. "But I assure you, the people I will introduce you to, are friends. Good people, sharing the goal of making the world better for everyone."

"I think I would, or will, have a hard time looking away." He admits, sheepishly. He's definitely blushing. "At any rate - you live here in Bushwick?"

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Tara's smile remains broad as Henry flirts, at least she thinks it is flirting. She is no expert really, most have not been interested in her, other than those of her own tribe of course.

"You are welcome to stare as much as you would like, Hank," she offers in a playful tone, then takes a small spoonful of her shake to lick off the spoon. "I currently rent an apartment at the large hotel. Some of the rooms were converted for mutants to live in, and I know the owner, Doctor Marksmen. He was kind enough to allow me to stay there while I help with paper work at the clinic."

Henry McCoy has posed:
A nod from the man, taking a bite of his shake and chuckling. "Quite a nice setup, for the time being. I don't think I know Doctor Marksmen. Sounds like a good chap, though." Hank grins. He pauses for a moment.

"So it would be safe to say, I could find you around this area?" He grins. "Aside from exchanging phone numbers and emails..."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Pulling out a small, older style cell phone, Tara slides it across the table. Her phone number and email address are displayed on the screen. 'MoonCat@gmail.com'

"I am in this area quite often, yes. Either here, the hotel or the clinic, but if you ask around, most know me now. I am hard to miss when I pass by."

Henry McCoy has posed:
The man reaches into his pocket, retrieving his reading glasses. Once they are perched on his nose, he takes out his phone. Carefully, he taps in her information - then sends her a message with his number and email. His fingers are not so much fingers, alas - so it takes a bit. Still, he works on it dilligently.

"I tend to be hard to miss among people as well, regardless of my surroundings." The man chuckles, before putting his phone back in his pocket. "I think I've been to the clinic here before as well, helped a few patients. I can't mend them quite like you do, but I have a rather deep understanding of biology and medical science."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Taking her phone back she replies to the message he send with an emoji smiling, then tucks her phone back in her pocket.

"I understand biology only because I can heal, I must know the body to be able to heal it. I think that is why I cannot heal minds, because I do not understand them yet. I hope to one day change that by learning about the brain."

Henry McCoy has posed:
He smiles at the return text, feeling the phone buzz in his pocket. "I know the workings of the brain, from the biological standpoint. The psychological, not quite." A wry grin. "Else I'd be quite further along in sorting out my own situation." He admits, taking a bite of his shake.

"I'd be glad to offer any insight I can, from my studies. I've had a lot of different areas I've dabbled in."

Tara Tsabedze has posed:
Instantly Tara perks up, reaching over to touch his hand briefly before taking it back. She's been warned some people don't like to be touched. "I would /love/ insight into the brain!" She chimes cheerfully. At that moment her phone buzzes in her pocket and a slight frown touches her lips.

"I'm afraid it is time for me to return to the clinic, perhaps some evening we can meet again and talk more? About the brain, your friends, and what conditioner you use on your fur?"

Henry McCoy has posed:
The man grins, not pulling back from the touch - not one bit. "I think that can be arranged!" He says, nodding as she checks her phone. "I would very much like to meet again, and discuss all those things." He grins. "It truly was a pleasure to meet you, K'tara. Keep safe out there."