12491/The First Snow (give or take a few inches)

The First Snow (give or take a few inches)
Date of Scene:	24 November 2020
Location:	Central Park, Manhattan
Synopsis:	Willow brings a coffee and some treats to Bigby, and bumps into Buffy and Mercy to boot.
Cast of Characters:	Willow Rosenberg, Bigby Wolf, Buffy Summers, Mercy Thompson

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Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow wasn't certain if he was there, but she remembered that Bigby mentioned that he was outside, in the parks, alot. So, with a cup of coffee in each hand, and a bag of goodies she set out to find him. She may have used a little magic to narrow it down to this park..

Bigby Wolf has posed:
And indeed, Bigby can be found in the park, where he's sitting on a bench, smoking a cigarette. It's kind of chilly today, but he doesn't care. Actually, Bigby kind of prefers the cold winter days to the hot summer days. There's so close Willow can approach him before Bigby is alerted of her presence nearby. Which brings a smile to his face, and the cigarette to the ground. For some reason, he prefers to not smoke in her presence. Whoever said he's an uncarring son of a bitch was wrong on the uncarring part.

With the smile on his face, he looks in the direction from which Willow is approaching, unsure if she already noticed his presence.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow smiles as she approaches. She was very cognizant of the "non" smoking he engaged when he was near us. Several of the others weren't so nice with their smoking.

"I brought you some hot coffee and a little bit of pastries to try them out. I didn't know what you preferred. I bought two chocolate danishes because I like them. This way you can try them."

She fishes out the danish, and hands the whole bag to him.

Bigby Wolf has posed:
Hunger isn't really a problem for him, he can go a long way without eating.Though coffee comes second on his list of vital nourishment, just second to whisky! With an appreciative nod, Bigby takes both coffee and bag of goodies.

"Thanks, Willow," he says, "I'll try not to wolf them down."

With that bit of humour, he then tries the danish, which might be a bit too sugary for his taste, although they /are/ good. With the coffee, it makes for a perfect match.

"I wasn't expecting you," he says after a moment, "But I'm happy to see you. How are you? Not too traumatized about being right on my true nature?"

Well, she guessed he was a werewolf, she was close enough.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
A giggle escapes her. "No. As a matter of fact, you aren't even close to the first kind I met."

Willow sits beside him on the bench. "Oz was my boyfriend in highschool. We've had some ups and downs. Mostly down right now. I don't even know if we are friends right now." She frowns. "Then there is my friend Mercy. She's.. different. Her dad is the Trickster? She's nice."

Bigby Wolf has posed:
Willow and Bigby are sitting on a bench, enjoying coffee and pastries brought by Willow.

Bigby listens, interested. It seems difficult for most human to understand that he is not a werewolf, mostly the opposite. But now is not the time to discuss it.

"I don't think I know her, nor her father," he admits. "She's a werewolf, different how? I mean, human turning into half wolf, aren't they all the same?"

There's a little something in his voice, as if he didn't care much about the were-folks. Maybe he had some bad experience with some of them. Hard to tell. It only takes a better experience to replace the bad taste left by a previous one.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers has been overworked, both with school and work and patrolling and all the usual things she's always trying to juggle. She yawns tiredly as she strolls through the park, glad for some fresh air.

And oh yes, a good strong cup of coffee is always good for that caffeine rush!

She is slowly making her way towards where Willow and Bigby are sitting, although she's pretty lost in her own world, listening to relaxing ambient music as she strolls along.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
"No, she's not a werewolf. She's not even a wolf!" Willow has to admit, Oz is. "He's been learning how to control it, though."

Mercy Thompson has posed:
Mercy's on her way here too, as she's out for a run. Central Park. Makes sense really. Given she lives out in Bloodhaven now, Central Park isn't her haunt any more. Instead, she's done her whole help Buffy out for the week bit. Which boils down to, simply, 'shop for Buffy and Dawn and Joyce' and leaving Dawn written instructions, and the number to speed dial the fire department if things go awry...R
So, Mercy's put trust in the younger Summers. And she wanders over, taking them all in. There's a bag of home made cookies in her hand too. To be fair...Mercy is in her overalls for work, though, replete with grease and car fluid stains on her hands, too...belieing her occupation.

Bigby Wolf has posed:
All scents relentlessly assault his nose on a daily basis, which is why he has to smoke so much, to dull the sensory overload. But once he got one, it stays forever. Which explains that Buffy's presence nearby is automatically noted.

"Buffy is around," he says, "Approaching." If she doesn't see them, they'll catch her as she walks by.

His attention is also turned toward another unknown woman, who's wearing work clothes. Too bad he isn't into cookies, because she's carrying them around like a prey for a sweet tooth.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers looks up from her mp3 player, spying a familiar form..This time in non-Buffy clothing and she smirks. "Heh, Mercy. How's it going? Good to see you in normal clothes for once." Oh yes, she's never gonna let her outlive that last image.

She glances up then, noticing other familiar faces. "Willow, hey! how've you been? And there's Bigby too." she smirks, "Heh, didn't expect to see y'all out here in Central Park..Wassup?" she walks over to join them, still sipping her coffee..Hmm, smells sooo good..

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow looks about and smiles when she sees Buffy. "Hey! You've met my friend Bigby."

But she watches Bigby, and turns. "Aha! Remember I was talking about someone who I thought you should meet? That's her!"

Mercy Thompson has posed:
Mercy has no coffee. Just cookies. And a slab of Vanagon cake in the box. Not literal VW bus made into cake. More, well, cake in the shape of a Vanagon, thank you boyfriend for that...as Mercy waves her free hand and and smiles. "Hey, Willow, hey, new face, and hey Buffy. No, I washed and dried and put clothes back, so give me credit will ya?" Mercy nods looking to her then Willow gets abroader smile. "Hey, See, I'm not in your neighborhood this time, and this is Bigby?" mercy asks with an easy smile, though she studies him for a moment and grins. Thankfully, she's not got a good grip on texting one handed. Else she'd tell her pack out west she's found new friends.

Bigby Wolf has posed:
"Nice to see you again, Buffy. And by daylight too," Bigby greets the Slayer. Unsure if the other woman knows if Buffy's nightly activities, he refrains from mentioning vampires.

"You must be Mercy, then," Bigby says, nodding at her. "Willow was just telling me about you. Not that she said much and then, poof, here you are. Nice to meet you."

There's something in his eyes as he looks more closely at Mercy for a moment. A very brief moment. Enough for him to assess all he needs to know for now. Not being one to reveal other's identity, he doesn't mention the distinc scent of coyote all over her, all about her.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers chuckles and nods, eyeing Bigby thoughtfully, "Yeaah, we've met, once or twice. How's it going, Bigs? May I call you Bigs? It kinda..Fits." she smirks, nodding to Mercy. "Sooo what do you do when you're not sneaking into peoples' houses?" she'd say more, but decides to leave it at that.

"Oh hey Will, when you have a chance later, I wonder if you could look at something for me..I mean, homework related too, with midterms coming up but..Other stuff too. Might need your help on something."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Now she kind of missed Oz. Not because she had any long lost feelings for him, but she wonders how he has been.. ok, maybe a wee bit of unrequited love, after all, he was her first love.

"Huh?" Willow is brought back to the present. "Sure, whenever.. You know, all of us are.. special? No need to hide from one another." Which should make thing infinitely better for everyone.

Mercy Thompson has posed:
Mercy looks from Willow to Bigby to Buffy with a grin. "So a slayer, a witch and a werewolf are in the park?" she asks with a look to each in turn. "This is civilized. I like it, nobody's trying to bug me to fix cars, or chewing on necks, or bugging me for help with homework" Mercy says that last one with a look to Buffy, and mouths 'Dawn' as she does. "It's nice, it's quiet, it's civilized, and I brought weet snacks" Mercy nods settling on the grass near them all. "So what's everyone up to?" mercy adds and lays back, hands behind her head as she relaxes. "I didn't sneak in. I got brought home, c'mon. I was left out in the yard while Dawn whent to school. That's just mean, so I came in, the door was unlocked and open. Besides, I've been helping out. I'm not a freeloadr really. So" Mercy says and chews on a cookie while she gathers her thoughts, and nods to Bigby. "You're a werewolf" she says quietly, but matter of fact with a nod.

Bigby Wolf has posed:
"It's ok, I've been called worse," Bigby replies to Buffy.

He drinks the last of his coffee - and finished the danish. The increase in the scents is becoming intense, still he refrains from lighting up a cigarette.

Willow's invitation to speak freely could have been discarded due to the fact that he'd rather not divulge his true identity, but Mercy's question nails it. Not to mention that they all know about it, even if only in part.

"I am not a werewolf," Bigby declares, "If we follow the logic and etymology, I'd be a werehuman."

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers arches a curious brow at Wil as she seems distracted. "Hey, you okay Wil?" she nods and chuckles, "Hmm, seems that way, doesn't. Okaay. since everyone knows everyones' little secrets here, I'm the Slayer, blah blah. Oh and I've been investigating a rumour of giant fish monsters in the New York sewers lately, which is why I'm here..Oh!"

That reminds her, and she pulls out a little plastic zippy bag containing large black fish scales back from her backpack, offering it to Willow. "Does this look familiar? Remember those swimmers in highschool and that creepy coach who turned them into fish monsters? I wonder if they're related? Anyway, maybe you can analyze and track 'em down? Find some more about these guys?"

Her eyes widen at the mention of sweet snacks. "Ooh, you did? Got any to spare? I'm starving.." as for sneaking into her house, she just smirks, "Oh sure, that crazy Dawn is always leaving the door unlocked. And she has a soft spot for adorable strays.."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
"Me?" Willow blushes. "Not really. I just was telling him" Bigby. "About how he was the third person like that, and I was saddened about Oz. He really decided not to talk to me ever again. That's all."

"What's this?" Willow take the sandwich bag to see.

Mercy Thompson has posed:
Mercy sits up and nods, "Got the bag of cookies here. The cake however? Mine, birthday cake, so" Mercy says and edges closer to the bench. "You guys share up the cookies however you like. I made a baker's dozen, so you get a little bit more" Mercy adds and grins setting the bag on the grass for a moment, fishing out said bit of Volkswagen cake, and chewing on it. See, Cake's safe, cookies are there and the bag's open. Equidistant from them all, too. Whoever wants the first cookie...and all that.

"Yeah I noticed. You got good beds and sunny spots to curl up in" Mercy says between bites. "But please, please, keep her out of trouble, Buffy. Please" she says and looks hopeful.

Optimist, Mercy. Optimist.

Bigby Wolf has posed:
Bigby glances at the black scales in the zippy, an interested look on his face. He's not really into fishes, but he likes a good mystery.

"If you need to investigate it," he says, "I'd be happy to help. I've got a nose for that kind of things." He then hands Buffy his visit card. Bigby actually has a Private Investigation business. That said, he grins at Mercy, "And I'm not the only one with a good nose here."

By then, he really needs a cigarette or two, and starts to stand. They will share the cookies among them, he had his dose of sugary food for now, thanks to Willow bringing him a danoise.

"Call me if you need me," he says. Then turning to Willow, he adds, "I'll drop by at the Box, I've got a little something for you, as promised. Ladies."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow grins. "I'll be looking forward to it." And waves him off.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers frowns a bit, clearly concerned for her friend. "Oh no..Really? I dunno, maybe he just got really busy with a gig. You know, he's always travelling around, performing a lot. I think he was getting pretty big..But that's really terrible that he hasn't even kept in touch with you. I'm really sorry, Wil.." she gives her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "I hope he realizes his mistake and comes back soon?"

As for the bag containing fish scales, she shrugs. "Like I said, found it in the sewers. Figured you might be able to..I dunno, analyze them, or make a tracking device out of them. I showed them to Harry too but he's been pretty busy lately."

Buffy smiles at Mercy and her goodies. "Ooh cookies! I can't say no to that. Did you make 'em yourself?" she tries one or two and smiles, "Hmm, yummy! Thanks, Mercy. Maybe i'll get you to cook for us more often. she grins and winks.

To Bigby, she nods and smiles, "Alright Bigs, see you later!"

Mercy Thompson has posed:
Mercy shakes her head at Buffy with a grin, "I bake. I don't cook" she says and nods, "But I could just give my recipe to all of you?" she offers and stretches out more. "I can run back to my garage and bake more. Or we can go raid a bakery" Mercy jokes, looking nowhere near serious.

Mercy glances from Willow to Buffy then back to Willow. "So, what's Bigby's deal?" she asks, propping herself up on her elbows again.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
That seems reasonable. "Sure, I'll get on it." Willow nods to Buffy. "Where did you find it anyways? It looks creepy."

"What's his deal?" She thinks. "I think he's very closed. Most people he can't be natural with. I think it's creeping over to his supernatural life. You know? He was my friend long before I knew him as different, and he knew me as a mage."

Mage, not witch.

Buffy Summers has posed:
Buffy Summers chuckles and nods. "Sure! I mean, I'm not a terribly good baker, but I'd love to try something new. Or you could just come over and bake for me all the time." she grins and winks at her.

To Willow, she smilse, "Thanks Wil, you're the best. Like I said, I found it in the New York sewers, near the subway.."

As for Oz, Buffy sighs, "I'm really not sure, he was always very quiet and thoughtful..I guess it took him a while to control his shifting ability. I hope he's not in trouble, but I'll ask around. Maybe he's hanging with a pack now.?"

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
"No, let him go." But Willow gets up. "Break time is over!"

Mercy Thompson has posed:
Mercy nods and listens to Willow without movingg, still she smiles. "See, I appreciate that you made friends that don't judge you" Mercy nods, "I get that a lot, people think I'm this or that really" Mercy nods then turns her gaze to Buffy. "Packs are good. Mine are just...well, way out west really but keep an eye on me, really. I've not told them about moving my shop or anything yet mind"