7669/Russian Comfort Food

Russian Comfort Food
Date of Scene:	02 September 2021
Location:	The Firebird Banya
Synopsis:	Beast and Vanessa try a Russian cafe and catch up further.
Cast of Characters:	Henry McCoy, Vanessa Carlysle

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Henry McCoy has posed:
There'd been a reunion at the conference - Henry was quite happy to have met Vanessa again. He'd texted her to see if she were interested in some food, as he'd found a Russian food and he wanted to try out the cuisine. The man had arrived early, to get a table for them both.

The man looked around, unconcerned about the odd people or the looks. He'd gotten a table and was seated as he looked over the menu. He waited patiently, not concerned in the least.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
The door opens to admit Vanessa Carlysle. She's wearing a nice black dress that leaves her shoulders bare and is rather flattering to her figure. If Henry McCoy knew how much time was spent in front of her closet, trying on clothes and texting pictures to April O'Neil to get her opinion, it would probably make him grin.

Though the frantic dress-selection doesn't show on her face now. Composed, the young woman has a rather elegant look to her as she spots Henry as easily as one might expect. He does stand out. She breaks out in a smile as she walks over to where he waits at the table. "Hearing from you again was lovely," she tells him, beaming the smile over at him. "Thank you for inviting me tonight," she says.

Henry McCoy has posed:
As is proper, the man gets to his feet as she nears the table. "You look wonderful, Vanessa. Please, join me?" He slides the chair out for her, sliding her in once she's seated. "I'm glad you could make it." Henry chuckles, finding his own seat again.

"I was not sure about the location, but the food smells genuine and delicious." A grin to the woman who is seated across from him. "How have you been? Keeping busy?"

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle gracefully lowers into the seat, smiling at the charming man as he pushes her chair in for her. "It does smell good. I haven't had much Russian before," Vanessa comments as she glances around the cafe, giving it a more thorough examination. "And the other part of the building is a Russian bath?" she asks, glancing back towards the entrance. "I don't know if anyone would ever need to leave this place," she says with a soft laugh.

Her smile gives way just slightly at the answer to Henry's question, but she nods her head and says, "I'm getting by. Being gone as long as I was... well, a lot to do getting settled back in," she says. "And what about you? What mysteries of the universe are you working on unraveling right now?" she asks as she smiles across the table at Henry.

Henry McCoy has posed:
A chuckle. "So I am told, about the bath. I suppose there are some necessities that would make one leave." A grin, tapping his fingers on the table. "I am sure you have a lot to catch up on, yes? I hope that is going well for you - I know how returning to the world after an absence can be."

Henry smiles. "Oh, all sorts of mysteries. Projects. I helped a student with a vision problem, and another with some medical care. I tend to dabble in many things at once, not having one fixed project at the present."

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
The young woman's attention is held by Henry as he tells her about what he's been doing. "That's amazing that you're able to do things like that," Vanessa says, her expression backing up just how impressed she is. "You know, sometimes I think it would be great to understand, if just for awhile, science how you do," she comments.

Vanessa seems to consider for a moment, then says in a tone that is kept somewhat light-hearted, "But, I have a feeling realizing just how smart I'm /not/ would probably end up being a bit of a downer. I mean I already know I'm not going to cure cancer, but sometimes you're better off just not knowing how big the gap really is, right?"

Henry McCoy has posed:
Henry cants his head to the side, regarding her. "I think the capacity is there for most people, to be fantastically smart in their specialities. It might not be science, but there are other skills, talents and knowledges that you are inherently good at. Those areas are where we are smart." He assures. "And to judge oneself by ones shortcomings, indicates you have your focus on the wrong things." He grins.

"Social skills - I always feel quite behind the curve with those." He admits.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle's eyes widen as Henry casts doubt on his social skills. "Henry," she tells him, "I live in New Lots." Which is to say, in one of New York's worst slums. "I'm around people with poor social skills on a daily basis. You, on the other hand, are well-spoken. Eloquent. A gentleman. You're a charm to listen to, and not just because you have the most amazingly soothing voice," Vanessa counters. "I would say you're well ahead of the curve," she tells him with a smile.

The waiter comes over. "Can I start you out with some drinks or a bottle of wine? And any appetizers?" he asks.

Henry McCoy has posed:
By his body language, he is clearly blushing. "I do try." He says, earnestly. "But I often feel absurdly awkward." A slight shrug, as he explains to her. "People are so... complicated. More so than science." Henry grins.

As the waiter arrives, he nods. "I would love to hear your suggestions for a pairing and meal options?" He looks to Vanessa. "Always good to get the opinion of the people most familiar, right?"

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa's attention goes to the waiter as he answers Henry. "We have a pinot noir from the Myshako vineyard in Novorossiysk which is fantastic with the pelmeni. Beef dumplings in a light cream sauce," he explains.

Henry's date looks from the waiter and back over to him. "Oh, that sounds delicious," she says, offering him her feedback, but looking happy to let the man decide for them. While he deals with the waiter then, Vanessa's attention returns to Henry, looking at him and taking in his unique appearance.

Henry McCoy has posed:
A nod to the waiter and Vanessa. "We'll go with that. Any specialities for entrees?" He wonders, sliding the menu back over to the waiter. "I'd love to hear about the chef's favorite dishes." A grin.

Henry looks to the woman sharing the table with him. "Have you tried any of this?" He wonders, chuckling. "This is all new to me."

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle holds up her hands in answer to Henry. "Never had Russian before. At least not at a Russian restaurant. Probably had a few things of theirs I didn't know were theirs maybe?" she says. The waiter tells them, "It's quite delicious food, even if it hasn't taken off in the States as much."

He goes through the entrees for them, and Vanessa picks a lamb dish with a quiet, "I don't get lamb much," towards Henry. The waiter will get Henry's order and then go to get them their wine.

"This is really nice. If I'm honest I was kind of afraid to call you. So I'm glad you called," she says, blushing slightly as she looks away from Henry.

Henry McCoy has posed:
The Beast selects a similar dish, to match Vanessa's. A nod of thanks to the waiter, the man then turning his attention to Vanessa. "I enjoy it when it's done well - but then again, an improper chef can spoil any dish." A wry grin. "Judging by the aroma here, I have no fear of that happening tonight."

A wide smile at the comment. "Why should you be nervous about calling me? I enjoy speaking with you, along with your company." He assures. "I'm glad you agreed to come out with me."

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
The waiter returns, letting Henry approve of the wine before pouring them both a glass and leaving the bottle in a stand beside the table. Vanessa smiles to him and picks up her glass, attention back on Henry as she takes a sip to try it. "Mmm, delicious," she comments.

A somewhat sheepish look comes over her face then. "I don't know, but I was. I guess, being back in New Lots," she starts to say, before trailing off and pausing for a moment. "I don't know, I guess I didn't want to read too much into a chance encounter," she says. "I'm glad you called though. This is very nice."

Henry McCoy has posed:
After the wine is poured, he grins and raises the glass to Vanessa. A nod and grin, before he takes a sip himself. "Very good choice." He chuckles. "I am looking forward to the food!"

"I can understand, I suppose?" Henry admits. "Regardless, we are here now and I am glad you're sharing a meal with me. What else have you been up to, Vanessa?"

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
"Nothing too exciting," Vanessa replies. She holds her wineglass in one hand, taking a sip of it now and then while they talk. "I haven't really, you know, done much with my ability for awhile now," she says, her voice lowering as she brings up her being a mutant. Nothing about her appearance lets on to that fact, unlike her handsomely blue furred companion tonight.

"Just kind of settling back into life. I wasn't sure what things would be like when I got back. Almost like the last year hasn't happened. Just a dream," she says with a tiny shake of her head. Then a longer sip of the wine.

Henry McCoy has posed:
He listens, sipping from his wine as well - eyes on her. "Just... no need to use it?" He wonders, not elaborating on the gifts or abilities in public. He's not going to out her, either. No need to discomfort or draw attention to her.

"I am sure the world spins on - it's just a matter of you catching up to speed to make a graceful re-entry." He grins to her. "And keep looking to the silver lining, Vanessa. Don't dwell on bad thoughts."

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa looks pensive at the question. "Yes, that's part of it. Not really much reason to use it. I do, well, it's great for styling my hair. Or, you know if I have put on a pound or two. Though I don't want to let myself go because of it," she says. "But, I don't want to be intrusive with it, and... yeah. I don't know. I really haven't even thought about what I could do besides... settle back into my old life."

She leans forward a little. "Though this, tonight, is a good thought I'd rather dwell on," she tells Henry, flashing a smile across the table at him. "Oh, I think that's us," she says as the waiter comes out with dishes of the Russian dumplings. He brings them over to the table, setting them before each of them.