8535/Kitchen Camaraderie

Kitchen Camaraderie
Date of Scene:	03 November 2021
Location:	Avengers Mansion - Kitchen
Synopsis:	Happy times for the Avengers when they cross paths in the kitchen.
Cast of Characters:	James Barnes, Wanda Maximoff, Sara Pezzini, Janet van Dyne, Cael Becker

---

James Barnes has posed:
Another day in the life.

Thankfully, there are no world-ending crisises for the Avengers to try and tackle, no dictators that need overthrowing, no politicians to protect, and no cities to save. It was quiet...almost disturbingly so. But the Avengers are granted a period of rest and a period to catch their breath in an effort to relax and calm themselves. Everyone needs it, even the earth's mightiest heroes.

Bucky, the Winter Soldier, was down in the kitchen for instance. After spending some time with Wanda, Bucky decided to try cooking again. This tome something much, much simpler: grilled cheese sandwiches.

Made in Russia.

It doesn't take long for the scents to spread out through the mansion. At the moment, Bucky is not wearing his usual tactical gear. Rather, he's wearing a flannel longsleeve shirt, some jeans and dark boots. For the moment he's alone, but in this place? No one is ever alone for long.

Wanda Maximoff has posed:
Another day in the life. Aliens haven't invaded. No angry government official bangs on the door. Protesters are in the streets but this time yelling about parking prices or the cost of university education and not 'The Hulk tore down our skyscraper.' All in all, a day ending in Y.

"It has been too quiet," says Wanda when she moves between the counters. A large mixer awaits someone to use it for other than a candy bowl, and lugging a paper bag with a full essentials comes easily enough. Bucky can make his sandwiches, but she is going for rolled cookies and the sorts of treats that usually hearken to the holiday season. No radio at least is piping holiday music. Jarvis has orders to probably shoot on sight.

"Four eggs, two sticks of butter, and the brown sugar in that back cabinet," she recites from memory. Her phone ends up skittering over a broad counter, dropped at random with a recipe clearly in sight.

"Is anyone allergic to nuts? I hope not."

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Another day in the life, well for Avengers perhaps it was boring with nothing to do, but for Sara Pezzini the New York Detective and member of SHIELD, it was another busy day. Every one in a while, no matter how busy she got, she would stop by the Avenger Mansion to check in with her allies and of course offer up any news she'd gathered about the many things in motion out there. May not be any politicians needing protecting, or aliens (this time) threatening earth, but there was in fact always something happening.

The only room in the house that Sara had ever been to was the kitchen. Jen and Dr. Banner had invited her in for coffee once. Through the foyer, into the kitchen. This time however, there was just knocking on the door as she still had no idea what the protocol was regarding her and the mansion itself.

Janet van Dyne has posed:
Janet is on the premises, but not yet in the kitchen. How is this feat of investigation possible? Well, she isn't necessarily *quiet*. She is having a conversation...and it steadily grow in volume as she seems to be approaching the kitchen.

"Well, of course we want to release the knit dresses. It is fall, is it not? The middle class will just eat them up. Release the chenille sweater dress and the knitted maxi. Save the gowns for the award show circuit. They will be starting up soon, so we want to make a splash..." The petite form of Jan finally breaks into view as she steps into the kitchen. Those eyes light up, seeing that hey, there are people here. She keeps talking on the phone...but it does seem that she is shifting to wrap things up. "Yes...That's right. Keep them in reserve and we will wow them on the red carpet. Splendid. Well...gotta go. I'll be in later...."

A button press later and the phone call dies. With a rather smooth motion, the phone disappears into a pocket while fingers twiddle in greeting to those Avengers assembling in the kitchen. "Well, hello everyone! I hardly expected to see anyone around!" Truth be told, Jan perfectly did expect to see people...just...not in the kitchen. As far as protocol? Well, it is apparent from the way that Jan just waltzes in that there is little protocol for the mansion. At least, for herself, in her mind.

James Barnes has posed:
"Hey Wanda."

Bucky greets the Scarlet Witch with warmth in his tone. "I don't like it. It feels like something is going to go wrong any moment. It sends a shiver up the spine...reminds me too much of HYDRA and their tactics. Make you wait, make you get comfortable, then strike when you least expect it." That's why you -always- expect it. He seemsto smile as she recites the recipe. "Are all of your recipes memorized?"

Though his eyes suddenly shift to the sound of a door knocking. "JARVIS, identify." The order was simply given, and he recites what he knows of Sara Pezzini, including occupation and record - and her attatchment to SHIELD. I'ts nice when the AI has access to databases it probably shouldn't have access to.

"Come in."

Bucky tells through Jarvis, and if she turns out to be trouble? There's multiple Avengers on site to make sure it isn't. Though his eyes turn to Janet as she seems to be on a phone call, which swiftly dies as soon as she enters. "Hello." He greets Janet, a little cautious, just because they haven't had -too- many interactions (at least none that he can actively remember T__T).

Wanda Maximoff has posed:
"The only danger will be someone asking you to do the dishes or fix the thing." Thing. An appliance of questionable provenance that makes coffee and involves more technology than most space shuttles, especially the ones that don't go to the Watchtower on high or that strange asteroid. The witch carefully starts pulling out the ingredients she needs for her cookies to take form, at least whatever the kitchen was lacking. Here's organic vanilla in a bottle, there a pile of crushed lavender for the shortbread cookies, and a host of perishable items clustered together one by one. The work keeps her quite busy in a good way, occupying her hands and creating a sense of order among the long, empty counter. Not so empty any more. "I will stay out of your way over here. You have enough space to park a motorcycle between us." Truly meant for a crowd or a catered luncheon of executives, the kitchen is much more than anyone could need. A question from the assassin gets a shake of her head. "Not without a cauldron."

That's kidding, right? Hopefully. Calling out the identification of their guest is enough to stop her hunt for measuring spoons and cups, these pulled one by one. Her head turns, spotting Janet coming in. "We have company. Time to look our best. Have you ever met Ms. Pezzini?" Her tongue doesn't trip over the Latinate surname. That's a win. "I can put this all back. It might be better to make later."

Her hands brush a little space in case they need to evacuate for some important purpose.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Slipping into the house, Sara takes her usual one look around to ensure location and exits, she listens for the location of voices and follows them to the kitchen. Yep, still there, still large, and there are three people there. One she had worked with, one she had been designed for, the other she had no idea who was, but it didn't really matter to her.

"Afternoon," she offers to the room in general, and those in it. She wears her usual, a light weight turtleneck with jeans, and a black leather jacket. On her back is a pack, which she pulls off to offer over the Arabic coffee she brought as a gift. "Coffee for the mansion."

Janet van Dyne has posed:
"Sweetie, I *always* look my best." Wanda is flashed a big smile as Jan regards her, then turns her head to take in the said company. "Oh! Sara, darling! How good to see you again! I trust that the little number we put together is still working for you?" Because...of course Jan recognizes Sara. It simply isn't in Jan's nature to forget who she has designed for.

And...speaking of designing. Jan's gaze shifts...and falls upon a certain former soldier. "And...James, right? Or, would you prefer Bucky? Steve has talked about you, you know. Though, he didn't tell me of your wardrobe selection. Looks like you are going for, oh...'brooding lumberjack'? I mean, it is certainly appropriate for the season. However, I am *sure* we could get you into something better...."

No, James didn't ask for fashion advice. Like that is going to stop little miss fashion designer.

Then...back to Wanda. "Oh, what were you going to make? I was actually coming in for some coffee myself." Which, hey, Sara has brought in as a gift! How considerate! "But, really, the smell of what I think is grilled cheese? Hmm...yes...that is simply delightful as well."

Wait, do people really want Jan even more caffeinated than she already is? That might be too much for anyone to handle.

James Barnes has posed:
Bucky turns his attention to Wanda, a soft smile perhaps touching his features as she speaks, before his eyes seem to turn to Janet coming in with a bit of a tilt of his head, and then Ms. Pezzini. "I don't think I've met either of you. I'm Bucky....if uhm...if I have and I forgot, I'm sorry." Bucky tells the pair of ladies that seem to be largely unknown variables to him, but he nods in greeting to the pair.

"You brought coffee. Hopefully the good kind." Bucky tells Sara with a bit of amusement touching his features, even as his eyes turn to Janet with a soft smile. "Bucky is fine." He looks at himself before looking at her. "It was Steve's. He let me borrow it." It might be a bold-faced lie, but Bucky also doesn't exactly have a ton of clothes in the closest to wear, so he's likely telling the trooth. "My clothes are bad?" He asks.

He seems to keep cooking though, and eventually moves to get some plates.

Wanda Maximoff has posed:
Three people become four easily. The place could host its own sizeable rally or a whole grade four class in style, even if it means throwing elbows for some teammates to run away. Sara coming through gets a parade of greetings from Jan and Bucky, leaving Wanda to round out everything with a smile and proper nod. "Hello! I am not sure we ever ended up introduced. Wanda," she says. Rings glint on her fingers, sparks of auroras and plain wood, bone and metal all among the collection. There are fourteen of them total, all unevenly spread out. "Coffee? Oh, you shouldn't have. It smells wonderful." If no one else takes it, she will to appreciate the aroma and set it aside.

<Janet van Dyne, the Wasp. Expert at many things, very well dressed.> Her explanations fall into German, since it's a more common and easier tongue for her than English sometimes. The slight softening of her features might almost make an apology without actually saying something. <I don't know Ms. Pezzini well, but being here means that Steve and Tony trust her. A good sign they can agree on something.> Isn't it?

"Jan, make all the sweats in this house disappear forever, I will repay you. You name the terms. We cannot possibly tolerate looking too like university students after a bender." The idea of it! Like they're not properly respectable around here for getting into trouble without aid of liquor or drugs or other fun. "I was planning to make cookies. The oven is heating up. It will be another thirty minutes before they are really done unless I choose to cheat and I'm not sure I want to."

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Sara readily passes the coffee to Wanda, and offers her hand when the woman introduces herself. The only jewelry she wears is a large silver bracelet with a massive red stone in the center of it. The stone almost look like a red eye, save there is no iris or pupil... at the moment.

"Sara Pezzini," she offers to Wanda with a smile. "As for the coffee, pure Arabic, the only coffee worth drinking really. It's guaranteed to keep you awake for numerous hours that you should be sleeping, this I say with experience." Digging back into the bag, she pulls out two smaller tins, these are loose leaf tea, one is a simple black tea, the other is English Breakfast. "I didn't want to the tea drinkers to feel left out."

She glances to James for a moment, a hint of a frown playing across her features, but she doesn't let it linger. "We have met," she offers to him, torn on calling him Bucky since before she wasn't supposed to. "However, nice to meet you again. Going to say straight up, not sure I can call you Bucky though... was informed only friends call you that and in the past, you made it pretty clear you were James to me. If that's changed, I can accept that."

Now to Janet. "That outfit remains the most beautiful thing I own, and thus I rarely get a chance to wear it... it still fits, still in perfect condition and if there is ever a chance I can wear it without risk of it being... uh..." phrasing, choose words carefully. "... damaged, I'll most certainly wear it again."

Janet van Dyne has posed:
A hand reaches up to cover over Jan's lips, stifling the giggle that threatens to escape. "Oh, no. They are not bad at all, dear. And, if you raided Steve's closet, then the lumberjack aesthetic would make sense. I swear, that man lives for the American stereotypical outfits, judging from what I have seen of his wardrobe." Of course, Jan would be more familiar that most with Captain Roger's personal clothing selections. "I just mean that we could do so much more."

Wanda's commentary of sweats earns her a point and an exclamation. "Yes! Finally, someone that understands presentation...and the utter lack of it when involving baggy sweat shirts and pants. You have absolutely no idea how hard it is to convince the boys that there is life beyond fleece."

A laugh escapes her as Jan turns her attention back to Sara. "So, I am hearing that we need to have a reason for you to wear it again. I am certain we can find an appropriate occasion for you. Though, I would not worry about damage. I mean, it isn't like I cannot make another." A pause, then a sly grin. "I mean, I don't necessarily wait for any particular time to wear whatever I want, but I certainly understand the need to have the proper moment. It is always about presentation. We can make it happen."

Does that mean that Jan might invite Sara to fashion shows and other such events? Maybe!

Then...back to the matter at hand. "Wait. Did you say cookies? What kind?" Because Jan will certainly stop for cookies.

Wanda Maximoff has posed:
"Snickerdoodles, rolled almond mandelspritzgeback, ricciarellis and espresso Florentines! Something to start. Maybe I should try a pizzelle to go with the coffee." Wanda leans into the counter, her hand on her hip. "What do you think? They come out quick though pressing the dough is the longest time." She smiles. "I better get started."

Turning to raid the fridge, she goes after a little bit of milk and a few extra eggs from the vast carton in there. Breakfast foods are always plentiful. Flours and sugar will follow, though the almond flour, almond extract, and actual nuts are all contained in her bag. "You must tell me where you found the tea, Sara. I like it quite a bit and no one ever stocks enough here. Sometimes it's just me making a pot for myself, and I really appreciate your thoughtfulness."

Bucky has the grilled cheese and she has a task of prepping the mixing bowl on its stand. Next up, cutting board. The butter needs to be separated out, which she can do fast. "Style is so personal. I can't get away with hoodies anymore. It makes me look too much like a child. Pietro nags me about comfort, but he's also the one who spends four hundred euros on jeans when he can. You know the story. Quality counts, and sweatpants just don't look or feel that good. I am almost ashamed to make anyone feel bad about it." Janet can do that instead and then everyone is happy. Except the pile of sweats about to be fed into a composter and turned into a medium for those 3D printed houses in warm areas that help deal with homelessness.

"Do you have a show coming up?" It's hard not to see if that bracelet is staring at her. She keeps watching it now and then.

Cael Becker has posed:
    Cael arrives a short time after Sara - holding a large cardboard box in one hand - the sort that holds a cake, or donuts. She wouldn't have brought anything herself - but, well, Sara was driving today. "Sorry - ran into Clint in the hall," she remarks - directing the comment to Sara - though everyone else in the room gets a brief smile from the woman. She's dressed in her usual jeans and boots - with a simple shirt, topped with a leather jacket. Unless there's a compelling reason, the blonde woman very rarely mixes up her look.
    "Oh, hey all," she greets the group simply - though she does add and almost cautious, "Barnes - been a while. How's Lili?"
    Along with the donuts - Cael pulls out a small metal flask from an inner pocket of her jacket - with the word 'meh' engraved on the surface. Coffee is //always// better with a little whiskey to brighten it up. That done, she moves to one of the cupboards, opening it and pulling out a coffee mug.

Sara Pezzini has posed:
The tea gets put away, because Sara knows where it goes. She has no idea where anything else in the mansion is, or where it goes, but the coffee and tea, she's got that down. Once it's put away, she moves over to lean against the counter out of the way of all the cooking.

"I got a couple of connections," she comments regarding that tea. "One in Chinatown, another in Little Italy. If you need more, let me know, I'll get the bigger tins."

Out of habit she folds her arms across her chest and immediately adjusts the bracelet, as if it wasn't in the right place but really there's no other angle for it. Broad silver band, wider than a watch, it fits how it fits without shifting.

"Ms. van Dyne, you have to understand something," she begins with a half grin. "I'm just a cop, I don't make a lot of money and I go through clothing like a fat kids goes through Halloween Candy. So that outfit, and what it means to me... it's not worth the risk. I could never replace it, hell... most of what I wear is second hand from Good Will." She snorts at this. "Comes with the job, the reason I'm here and a part of SHIELD."

James Barnes has posed:
Bucky seems to fall in a small silence as he takes some plate sand puts some Grilled cheese on it, delivering it around to peple who may want them. He otherwise falls into a steady silence as he looks at Sara and she tells him they've met before. "I'm sorry. Were we friends?" Bucky questions her, looking a little bit forlorn. Though as Wanda falls into German, Bucky nods with soft understand.

<Understood.>

Cael seems to get a tilt of the head a moment. "Lili is good."

Sara Pezzini has posed:
Sara hmms softly, not entirely certain how to explain it. "I don't think we ever reached friendship, we worked together on several occasions, but uh..." she pauses a moment, clearly having no clue what the hell happened or is going on. "... I took care of Lili for a while, Cael did as well, but if you don't recall any of it, that's fine. We can start fresh and new, I'm fine with that."

She finally moves to get herself a cup of coffee, collecting a mug and settling for it being black. She's a little lost about the whole thing as this is the first time she's seem James in a long time, and no one's told her anything... either way, she'll keep her calm, keep her casual, and be herself. "So if we are starting new... I'm Sara, Agent Pezzini, and you used to know my other identity, so there's a good chance you will again."

Now she glances to Wanda and Janet, neither of which know anything more about her other than her being a part of SHIELD, an ally to the Avengers and an NYPD detective. "I'm not against sharing it with the Avengers and their allies, just not something the whole world knows... yet."

Cael Becker has posed:
    "Honestly, we were probably closer to friends than Sara and you," Cael supplies simply, as she pours herself a coffee, and doses it with a little whiskey. "But I never went past calling you Barnes. You never invited me to use anything else," she explains simply. Then after taking a sip of her coffee she adds, "Make sure you give Lili a scratch and a treat from me, though. Yeah?" She'd never willingly admit how much she missed having the dog around - but it's possible a hint of it leaks into her voice.
    "And I wouldn't mind a grilled cheese - if it's no trouble. Have you seen those images of donut grilled cheeses online? That honestly strikes me as the worst idea... ever. Who does that kind of shit?"