11728/Pleasant Introductions

Pleasant Introductions
Date of Scene:	05 July 2020
Location:	Harry's Hideaway (Bar), Salem Centre
Synopsis:	Hank introduces his friends to his new paramour, Sandy! It goes well. Dinosaurs aren't mentioned by name.
Cast of Characters:	Beast, Sandra Billings, Wolverine, Prismatic, Phoenix, Cannonball

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Beast has posed:
The bar is fairly quiet, it being a Sunday evening. That's liable to change soon, however, as Hank has asked some of his friends to head over for a drink once they had an opportunity. He's already there, sitting at one of the tables, a tall glass of water in one hand and a menu in the other, obviously deliberating over some very important decisions.

The blue fuzzball is obviously thinking hard, trying to determine exactly what to get. The server approaches and asks him if he's chosen his appetizer yet. Looking up at them seriously he says, "I think one of everything should suffice. Perhaps two orders of nachos, though. It's hard to go wrong with nachos." Mmmmm. Delicious bar food.

It may be clear to those who know him well that ol' Doctor McCoy is nervous. And excited. It's not everyday one introduces their new romantic partner to some of their best friends.

Sandra Billings has posed:
Settled next to the large blue furred mutant is Sandy. She is looking over the menu as well with one hand, while her shoulder rests against his in a comfortable manner. Today she is dressed in button down shirt that is soft and flowing in a light olive color. It even has a tie in the front with short sleeves. A long black skirt that hits at her ankles completes her ensemble with some new white sneakers. She's dressed comfortably for the heat outside.

"Why are you so nervous for?" She asks as she looks up at him with a smile touching her lips. "I'm the one who should be nervous. I'm about to meet your colleagues and I still don't know if this is the right shirt." She says as he glances down at herself.

Sliding a hand into his, she gives his furry fingers a squeeze, brushing her thumb across the knuckles. "And definitely get that onion blossom. Those are super yummy."

Wolverine has posed:
The silence is quickly broken as the old jukebox kicks into song. Come sail away by Styx starts to play. There, having just pulled a 'Fonz' on the poor machine stands Logan. A broad grin resting on his face. Of course Harry hates it when he does it.

Prismatic has posed:
    And coming out of the sumemr weather, Alexis Carr slips in, untying a scarf with blue musical notes littering it from her neck as she glances around the Hideaway, and spotting Doctor McCoy, and she gives a slight pause as the music starts, her nose wrinkling slightly before her lips break into a grin, and she gives a nod to Logan (and that broad grin), and as she passes by she gives a nod to the blue professor and his lady. She herself is wearing a sleeveless red top and a pair of jeans, embroidered with poppies about her hips.

    "Staff meeting tonight?" she questions playfully. "Didn't see anything on the calendar."

Phoenix has posed:
Having been largely absent for the typical Fourth festivities at the mansion for reasons yet unheard, Jean is out and about now and looking just fine. She's dressed simple and relaxed, in black jeans and a white shirt with an open purple, black, and white plaid shirt over it. There's a gold cuff bracelet on one wrist and a matching smaller one holding back some of her otherwise loose hair from her face. Rounding it out are black boots.

She's just stepping through the door a beat after Logan fires up the juke, bringing an all too knowing roll of her eyes. "One of these days he's going to give you an Pabst in retaliation." She says over to the rebel Canadian before heading towards the table which Hank and Sandra occupy and that Alexis beats her too.

"Well it is now!" She says with a quiet laugh, though her attentions are on Sandra. Her smile is wide and as bright as her green eyes as they settle on Sandra. "And you must be the cause of a certain someone's twitterpation. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Beast has posed:
Gently holding Sandy's hand, Hank looks at the woman and smiles, "I feel like I shouldn't have anything to worry about. I know they'll like you." He grins, "And your shirt. It looks lovely on you."

"At least one onion blossom," he declares firmly. "I'm prone to demolishing them by myself if I'm not careful."

The sound of music suddenly starting catches Hank's ear and he turns towards the music player to see his buddy having done his mischief. With a smile of his own Beast greets him, "Logan! How are you? Come join us."

"You missed the memo," McCoy tells Alexis playfully before he gestures towards a seat at the table. "Please, have a seat." Then some introductions, "Sandy, Alexis, Jean. Jean, Alexis, Sandy."

Sandra Billings has posed:
"Oh, I like this song." Sandy says as the music starts to play. Shifting about in her seat, she looks over towards Logan at the jukebox, then glances over to Hank as it seems they know each other. She uses her free hand, the one which isn't clutching her beau's to wave towards him. When the next two ladies make their way over, she clears her throat and straightens up. "Hello! It's nice to meet all of you. I'm Sandy." She says as she finally lets go of Hank's hand so that she can offer it to Alexis and Jean.

"Hank has mentioned a million times how much he's wanted us to all meet, so I'm glad everyone came out. We just put in for appetizers and an onion blossom." She is full of bubbly, nervous energy as she continues to give a bright smile towards them. "We also have a few pitchers of water set up. I wasn't sure what everyone would drink."

Wolverine has posed:
Logan's ears wiggle slightly before he sniffs. As he moves to the table he leans down places a hand on Hank's shoulder before whispering. "No need t' sweat, Doc. If she likes you she'll love us." He finishes as he heads for the bar so he can apologize to Harry and make sure he gets his usual beer.

Prismatic has posed:
    "Correction, if she enjoys your company, she may tolerate the rest of us." Alexis replies, the younger reacher shaking Sandy's hand. "Alexis Carr, performing arts instructor, how do you do miss Sandy?" she inquires in that crisp and proper British accent. "Ooh, onion blossom? Good choice, I like you already!" she smiles as she sits down at the table.

Phoenix has posed:
"You can't go wrong with anything on the menu here. It's simple and that's perfect." Jean says as she takes a seat at the table in turn.

"I'm just happy to finally be able to get out and meet you. Speaking of, Hank, Scott sends his regards. You know him. He could manage to find an emergency to bury his nose in even if he was locked inside of the pantry. Nothing serious, but one of those things that didn't merit letting stew."

Beast has posed:
Logan gets an approving nod from Hank before the blue man returns his attention to the other folks at the table. Alexis is told, "Just tolerate? I feel like soon enough you'll prefer her to me."

Looking Jean he laughs a little bit, "That's okay. I'm sure the two of will have an opportunity to meet."

Sandra Billings has posed:
Nodding, Sandy gives a smile to the new trio. "I'm happy to meet all of you too. I am an ER nurse at Lennox Hill. I work in the trauma ward." She says as she brushes her hair away from her face, then tucks a few strands behind her ear. She looks nervous, but in that energetic, 'please like me' kind of way. These are Hank's closest friends he mentioned earlier and thus, she assumes they're like family. "So, I have very long nights and not much sleep. So any chance I can get out and see my blueberry muffin, I'll take it." She says fondly as she gives Hank's hand another squeeze.

"So, all of you work at the same school that Hank does? I bet you're glad it's summer vacation, huh? I almost miss those days, at least until I started med school. Then I was counting the days until I either quit or I die from the coursework." She gives a lick of her lips as the appetizers arrive, but she doesn't tuck into them, yet. Guests first.

Wolverine has posed:
Logan is still at the bar talking to Harry. It seems to be a very heated talk as Harry keeps pointing to the jukebox. Logan seems to apologize, even giving the other man the 'Fonz's' thumbs. Harry just shakes his head, hands Logan a beer, offers him a middle finger, and points him back to the table where his friends sit.

Prismatic has posed:
    "Noble profession, nursing. They don't pay you enough for the things people have sent your way." Alexis reflects as she pours some waters for the group (Logan does not get a water; he'll rust), and she sits back in and tucks into her water first. And when she realizes Hank is a blueberry muffin, she just -- attempts to keep the water she's taken in, inside.

    "Oh, I'm running summer courses!" she chokes out, trying to remain conversational while drowning.

Phoenix has posed:
Blueberry muffin? Fantastic. Jean looks at Hank across the table with a gleam of sheer delight in her eyes as she helpfully reaches out to pat the back of the poor water-logged musician.

"Long nights and no sleep? Sounds like my job. You tell the time of day by how far along in your coffee pot you are." Jean says with a soft chuckle. "I'm headmistress of the school, actually. So sadly summer break just means different forms and paperwork, but at least I can do some of it outside and enjoy the sun instead of snow. So I'll count that as a win."

She uses her toes to push out a chair for Logan as Harry points their way, even though she's not even looking in that direction at the time. Cheater.

Beast has posed:
"Thank you," Hank says to Alexis as she gets him a water, lifting the glass to salute her with it before taking a drink. He's less shy about the appetizers than Sandy, seeing as how he's with people he's comfortable around. He starts things off with with a big bite of something or other. Plus, the act of eating gives him a chance to hide his face when the 'blueberry muffin' thing comes up. Jean's look causes Hank to swallow deep in his throat. He has to get another drink immediately afterwards.

Sandra Billings has posed:
Reading the room due to her natural talent of empathy of working with the public, Sandy's face colors a bit red as she clears her throat. She gives Hank's hand another squeeze at his reaction. Oof. Now she's embarrassed. "Uh.." She trails off. "I hope you're having fun with the summer courses." She says to Alexis as she slides her hand out of Hank's so that she can snag a napkin and start to worry it about in her strong mits.

"Long nights and no sleep. Yes. Sometimes I do sixteen hour shifts into three hours of sleep and then I'm right back. Depends on what's going on in the world. I know most of the local gang members on a first name basis now and not just their street name. I probably have collected enough bullets pulled out to start a pencil factory." Lots of lead.

As she reaches for some of the onion blossom, she is almost carefully ensuring she isn't taking a 'large' piece. "It really is nice to meet all of Henry's friends. From what he's told me, you guys run a wonderful school."

Wolverine has posed:
Logan sits down into the still moving seat before taking a sip, well more of a long gulp, fo his beer. "Well, they run the school." he says as he points around the table. "Me? I just make sure things run smoothly for them, from behind the scenes." he says with a smirk and another sip of beer.

Prismatic has posed:
    "I also fil lin for French, Italian, and Spanish on the odd occasion, but mostly it's performance arts. Strings, music theory, theater is one I adopted -- though, ah..." she reaches out, and takes a bit of the onion. "I'm running a few non-credit courses over the summer, mostly for the students who are staying on campus during the summer months. So only a few are there, and it's nice to keep them busy. Keeps them out of the ER." she gives a wry smile.

Phoenix has posed:
"That's the truth." Jean says with a quiet huff of an exhale as she helps herself to some of the onion, with a good dunking in sauce. "Boredom and teenagers are a tough combo. I'd say that's typical of any boarding style school, though. They're good kids as a whole. Like these guys," She says with a gesture to her fellows. "The students are apart of my family. So I do what I can to make tough teen years as easy as I can. I remember them. I can imagine though the young ones you come across aren't in as good of a spot. Hopefully they can find a better way than ending up under your watch."

Beast has posed:
The folks at his table talking to one another get Hank to smile as he leans back in his seat to enjoy the scene, taking in the look of his friends all getting along. Quietly, he works on consuming hid food and drink and relaxing as he studies the rest of the bar. The pleased little smile on his face show that he's having a good evening so far.

Sandra Billings has posed:
"I try and make sure that those who end up in front of me on the table go back out better than they came in. No matter who they are. Though there are some days I've been tempted." Sandy says with a wrinkle of her nose. "I had one guy on my table that killed two kids in a drive-by. Shot in cold blood. He ended up taking a few of his own in the back in retribution. I knew this as I was working on him. I knew he killed young babies. Twins. Four years old in the back of their mom's car at a red light." Her lips press thinly for a moment as memories of that night comes crashing to the forefront of her mind. Blood. Screaming in the hallway.

"But, it was my job to keep him alive so that he can at least see trial. Though for one night, I wish I didn't have such a steady hand." She lets out a soft breath as she reaches for the water, taking a sip from it. "Sorry, that was a downer moment. I don't talk about.. ah.. work often. With anyone."

Wolverine has posed:
As he finishes off his beer, Logan muffles a burp. "Nah. I've heard worse.' He covers up another belch. Yeah, the downing of so much beer is an amazing feat, even if it was only three large sips. As he places the glass on the table Logan glances to Jean. "Speaking of keeping someone alive, reminds me. I need t' get that list of kids who we're taking on our summer trip." he says with a mischievous smirk.

Prismatic has posed:
    "Mm. I think we're going to be tried on whose summer trip is more nightmare inducing." ALexis replies quizically, sipping her water "But I think you'll win, Logan, on matter of experience." she gives a wry smile, and looks over to Sandra, and looks down.

    "Back in the day, in New York City, I did rounds volunteering so I could stay in shelters longer. I can't empathize the type of burden on your shoulders there... but I can relate, just a little. NO need to excuse being a downer... I think we all understand."

Phoenix has posed:
The look on Jean's face isn't shock. There's a flare of hot anger that's slammed shut behind iron and sinks into a dulled, knowing glaze. "It's alright. Being able to put aside emotions for the sake of justice isn't easy. Work... isn't always fun stories and happy ending." She says the word 'work' heavily. "Especially not your's, I imagine. But, for every shadow there's always a brighter point, and I think you're sitting next to a particularly bright one."

Logan is there to help further divert her from dark thoughts in his usual, graceful way. "Meet up over bacon and coffee? We'll get the list together. I have a good idea on who can use the field trip. Alexis, send me the dates for your class so I can plan around that? I *may* be nice and give the kids a couple of days to recover between them."

She looks back to Sandra then with a lopsided grin. "We can't let the kids sit around eating PopTarts and watching YouTube all summer."

Beast has posed:
As Sandy brings up her tragic story Hank leans into her again to try to comfort her with his presence, putting just a little of his weight on her so that she can feel him there, "I'm sorry, dear. That's terrible."

Then he looks to his colleagues, a smile beginning to form gradually, "I have a feeling your events will entertain them more than my class on polymers. I'm looking forward to hearing the stories they generate."

Sandra Billings has posed:
Furrowing her brows, Sandy shakes it off with a quick flick of her head. No need to dwell on that or bring down the mood at the table. She leans back into Hank's shoulder, then turns her head a bit to press a kiss to his shoulder. A small peck. "I really am." She answers Jean. "I'm so glad I ran into Henry and we got to talking. He's the total package." She giggles as she gives the blue furred man at her side a bat of her curled eyelashes.

"It sounds like you guys are going to have so much fun. I hope you all take pictures! I'd love to see where you guys end up going to. I haven't gone camping since the girl scouts. We've talked about maybe doing a small weekend trip somewhere. Rent a camper and get a tent." She says with a grin to Hank at her side.

"I miss being in Girl Scouts." Except Becky. What a bitch. Still is one.

Wolverine has posed:
As Sandra talks about camping. Logan slowly turns his head towards the couple. "You know, you two are always welcome to join us." His voice sounds much like that of a movie bad guy. That's when the scariest thing any X-man, X-student, hell anyone calling themself a superhero, happens. Logan smiles.

Prismatic has posed:
    "Scouts...? OH... right, my side of the pond they're Girl Guides. Also don't do the cookie thing -- more the shame. Thin mints are dangerous." she gives a smile, and then she pauses. And she looks to Logan.

    And her smile fades.

    And strictly for effect, she slides her chair away from the man, eyes wide as if in terror!

Phoenix has posed:
"Aaaaaaugh now I want Thin Mints." Jean says with a groan as she looks to her piece of onion petal with the pained hope it might transform. Sadly, not in her skillset. But it's not the only signs of pain at the table.

Slowly, she turns just her eyes to look in Logan's direction, lingers for one squinted moment that manages to eloquently express a novel's worth of scolding, and then her eyes slide back towards Hank and Sandra with a perfectly professional smile that she's had years of practice on. Namely when telling parents of students that their little darling is just fine and the explosion they heard happened was just a very minor chemistry lab snafu.

Beast has posed:
"I think a little camping trip would be quite nice. Get away from things for a while, reconnect with nature, things like that," Beast says with regard to Sandy's mention of a little weekend trip. Then Logan starts talking and Hank finds himself slowly shaking his head at his friend. Not telling him 'no', more like he can't believe the invitation.

Sandra Billings has posed:
"Sure, I have PTO saved up. I'll come along if you guys are really inviting me." Sandy says with a bright smile as she looks straight back at Logan. She is unflinching. Maybe she just has 'tough skin'. "Just let me know what you'd like for me to bring in regards to snacks or supplies. I have a Costco membership that we can all abuse!" She says with a happy hiccup like giggle in her throat as she gives Hank's arm a firm squeeze, grinning at him.

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie comes walking into the tavern. He had planned to meet Alexis here, but a text telling him she was here a bit earlier than planned, has him curious. So he steps in and looks around a bit seeing the people here, a brow raises and he heads over to them. Did Alexis set up an intervention over sweet ice tea?

Wolverine has posed:
Logan can't help but let out a snerk as his body seems to shift violently. The smile evaporates quickly as he quickly looks to Jean as if asking her 'what?'. She's the one who always tells him he needs to be nicer.

Prismatic has posed:
    "If Logan's trip is anything like mine is, I doublt we'll be needing the Costco membership." Alexis comments breezily, and she leans back, pausing a moment as she sees Sam walk in. She gives a wave over to him. "Sam!" the sleeveless-red-top wearing girl calls ou t, and turns back to the group "MIss Sandy, may I introduce my beau, Sam Guthrie, who also teaches at the school. Sam, it is my pleasure to introduce Sandy, she's a nurse, and Dr. McCoy's lady."

Phoenix has posed:
"This one is a student trip, actually. Take them to learn some survival skills, how to manage around unfamiliar flora and fauna." Jean explains delicately, "So if that doesn't sound like a blast, which I'm sure it doesn't, then I could probably get the staff all set up with some much needed time off and some of us can go hit up some actual camping without a bunch of kids getting lost in the woods and eaten by di--squitos. Mosquitos. Disgusting, nasty mosquitos. Ick."

As Logan acts like he just got kicked in the shin, Jean turns to look over to him with a perfectly calm look on her face. "What? The mosquitos there are huge! I saw one that could have bit your head off. What kinda fun would that be for these two lovebirds, hm?"

Oh, and there's a Sam. Good! Distractions. "Heya, Sam." Jean says with a smile as she scoots aside so there can be more room by Alexis for him.

Beast has posed:
"I don't think you'd like the school's trip, cuddle buddy," Hank tells Sandra as he returns her smile with one of his own. Then he leans in and says softly, "I'd much prefer having you all to myself, anyway."

The newcomer is given a wave and motioned over towards the table, "Sam, come meet Sandy. Have some nachos." There are many appetizers present.

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie will come over, he leans over to hug and kiss Alexis, and holds her close before he turns to talk to the others "A pleasure to meet you Sandy, any friend of Henry's is a friend and probably knows more big words than the average person." He jokes

Sandra Billings has posed:
"Oh. I see. It's okay. I hope you guys have a lot of fun." Sandy says as she deflates a tiny bit. Though her smile returns at Hank's pet name for her, followed by the low voice against her ear. She turns to look at him, giving him a grin before leaning in and pressing her lips up against his briefly. Her hand slides along his arm, settling against his bicep.

Her attention drifts from Logan, then to Jean, before they turn to the newcomer. "Hello! It's nice to meet you." She says to Sam as she lifts her free hand up for a wave. "Come join us? We're just having appetizers and talking. I'm Sandy."

Wolverine has posed:
"Hey Sam." Logan says as he looks to the hayseed. " Here, kid." Logan says standing up. "Take my seat. I need to go talk to Harry." he says limping toward the bar grumbling something about mosquitos.

Prismatic has posed:
    ALexis gives a smile, and she looks over to Logan as she wrinkles her nose.

    "Yeah, Central Park mosquitoes I'm pretty sure are irradiated to purge the homeless from the precious benches." she mutters crossly -- and self-conciously scratches at an arm.

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie smiles and will sit down beside Alexis if possible, pulling Logan's chair over to sit in it. "So, we talking about trips and classes both now? I know if we are going normal camping probably should ask Logan over there the best place around here.

Beast has posed:
Returning Sandy's little kiss, Hank smiles happily, looking at his date for a few more seconds before turning to stuff his face with food. "We could find somewhere upstate to visit for our camping trip. Find something secluded and quiet." He laughs then, "It would be the first time I'd been away from the lab in quite a while."

And then his phone buzzes and he checks it to see which of his emails received a message. Frowning, he says, "Speaking of the lab, I've got to get running. Apparently I'm needed right this moment."

Big, blue Beast gets up from his seat, leaning over towards Sandy to go in for another kiss. Then he turns to everyone else and lifts a hand, "Thank you for coming out, everyone. This evening is on me. Harry's got my tab going and orders not to take money from any of you." He begins heading for the door.