14934/Welcome to the Manor

Welcome to the Manor
Date of Scene:	13 April 2023
Location:	First Floor, Avengers Mansion
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Phoenix, Hulk

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Phoenix has posed:
Jean Grey had reason to look up the Avengers, having wanted to catch up with Wanda, former and sometimes Xman and fellow mutant. Which brings her to the mansion today, having contacted Bruce ahead of time. Hopefully this isn't a bad time, even though the Avengers and Xmen have worked together in the past, they have occasionally bumped shoulders as well. Which is perhaps why she is a bit hesitant as she approaches the front door before finally knocking.

Hulk has posed:
Bad time?

It's never a bad time when Jean Grey comes to the Mansion. When he had received word, Bruce actually attempted to take care of himself, having taken a shower, done up his hair, and shave some of his beard. He wore a purple dress shirt with black slacks and nice shoes, his thick filled glasses resting in the bridge of his nose as Hd clears his throat and slowly exhales.

When the knock is heard, he opens the door to find Jean standing on the other side.

"H-H-hi Jean..."

Phoenix has posed:
Jean Grey is dressed rather casually herself, a loose olive blouse, faded blue jeans, black winder breaker now that the weather is a bit milder. Today she is all business and here to ask Bruce a couple of work related things. Although she smiles warmly as he greets her at the door, tilting her head appt the stuttering, "Hello Bruce, is this a bad time?"

Hulk has posed:
"N-no..it's just-"

Bruce gulps. The things he wants to say don't come out. <Your the most beautiful woman in the world.> or <Green is absolutely your color.> Or <Is there ANY CHANCE of you saying yes to a date? I know I'm weird, but...>

None of those things escape his lips. But Bruce does finally step aside. "C-come in...what can I help you with?"

Phoenix has posed:
Jean Grey arches a brow at the awkward pause, shaking her head. Best not to pry, even if it's too tempting to peer in peoples minds, Jean has made a great effort not to do so. As she is invited in, Jean smiles and nods, stepping inside. "Well, actually I haven't seen you at the school lately, and I did have a favor to ask you. I know you're probably pretty busy, but I have a new student who recently joined! a physics student who would like to be a teacher, I was wondering if you might be able to guide her, you know, take her on as a teaching assistant?"

She glances at him thoughtfully, "But of course you don't have to say yes, no pressure.."

Hulk has posed:
That was awkward, wasn't it?

Fuck.

But, Bruce tries to put on a good face. He closes the door behind Jean and he clasps his hands behind him. When Jean answers that she has a favor to ask of him, he tilts his head. "A physics student who would like to bea teacher? I-I..I can certainly try." He rubs the back of his neck.

"A-and I'm not...you know." He shrugs. "Super busy, just...getting all the ducks in a row. I'd love to take her on. Does she have a name? Any abilities I should be made aware of?"

Phoenix has posed:
Jean Grey smiles, trying to get him to relax, "Oh, thank you, Bruce, I really appreciate that, and you helping out at the school and all while we're short staffed.." she sighs, brushing a strand of flame red hair out of her eyes, "But I suppose I will have to owe you one. Perhaps a pay raise?"

As for the student, she nods, "Of course, her name is Angelica Jones, a student who worked with Alpha Flight for some time, code named Firestar. She has the ability to generate microwave energy and wears a special suit to contain her powers. I suppose her interest in physics stems from her abilities..Specifically her interest in radiation energy.."

Hulk has posed:
"Oh o-o-of course, Jean."

Bruce shakes his head and waves a hand. "I already have Tony bankrolling me with my stay here. You don't need to pay me, Jean. It'sa favor. A gift given is not one I'll have returned to me." Bruce tells her with a big smile. "I promise."

Though he hears the name and a hand lifts to his chin. "Really?" He ponders. "Ms. Jones worked with Alpha Flight? Is she a mutant?" He hears of her abilities and he nods. "Radiation...well, Radiation happens to be my primary expertise. I'd be honored to show her what I know."

Phoenix has posed:
Jean Grey frowns softly at that, shaking her head slowly, "Well that won't do at all, I feel like I'm just using you to better the school..I owe you big time, so at least promise me you will let me return the favor whenever the need arises."

As for Firestar, she smiles and nods in agreement, "Yes, that is exactly what I was thinking. Perhaps you can help each other!" she offers brightly, "And yes! she is a mutant, perhaps a bit afraid of her own abilities, but very sweet and thoughtful. I am sure between the two of you, anything is possible." she chuckles.

"And I appreciate your willingness to help her. Whenever you are ready, please come to the school, and I shall be happy to make introductions."

Hulk has posed:
"Jean..."

A thing that Bruce had done consistently: say her name. Though not quite a scold, it's almost pleading. "Well...if you owe me, then I'll accept that." Bruce comments with a small nod, before he looks towards the wall. "I take it asking you to dinner would be off the table?"

Come on Bruce, shoot your shot!

Though He chuckles softly. "Afraid of her own abilities....yes, that gives us a similarity. A striking one." Bruce's own curse being the existence of the Hulk. Though he turns his attentio nback to Jean with a softness in his gaze.

"I don't suppose she's at the school right now?"

Phoenix has posed:
Jean Grey blinks slowly at that, and there it is again, a hint of...Something in his voice. She smiles, shaking her head, "No, I insist, I just-" she catches herself as he asks her to dinner, smile fading a bit. Is he...? Or is she thinking too hard?

"Bruce..I suppose, A casual dinner as friends would be alright. But you know Scott and I are.." well, there's a reason she suddenly has a noticeable emerald ring on her finger these days.

"I mean you're a really sweet guy, and if I.." she shakes her head, "I just don't want to give you the wrong idea.."

As for a change of subject, she smiles in relief, "She is at the school, yes. I'm sure she will be happy to talk to you.."

Hulk has posed:
Fuck.

"I...ah..."

He looks at the Emerald ring that was on her finger, a detail he /sorely/ missed. "Oh...you're...engaged. Uh..." Bruce rubs the back of his neck. "S-sorry, I uhm..." There's not really a good excuse. "You don't have to, be n-nice to me...Scott's just kinda.." A jerk? Straight-laced? Zero fun?

Bruce doesn't like him much. But the heart wants what it wants. "S-sory, just uh....forget I said anything." He smiles softly though, clearing his throat. "I'd love to meet her, Jean."

Phoenix has posed:
Well talk about awkward, but there's not much that can be done about it. "I'm sorry, Bruce..I hope this doesn't ruin our friendship.." but maybe it's too late, "Thank you, I will let Angelica know..I.lNeed to go, I jus5 realized I have another appointment. Take care, ok?" she smiles uncertainly at him, waving before hurrying off.