15756/A stop in for dumplings

A stop in for dumplings
Date of Scene:	31 October 2023
Location:	Hot Dumpling Restaurant, China Basin
Synopsis:	New and Old friends find one another
Cast of Characters:	Red Robin, Phantasm (Drago), Nikki Hawkins

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Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake comes walking into the dumpling place. The young man wanted something decent to eat and knew this place was a decent place, so today he is walking in to find something to eat.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Be it trying to stop another apocalypse, dealing with weird conspiracy plots, highly unnatural family drama, or just doing some basic sound recordings for the latest project, a guy's got to eat. This is what leads one Nick Drago to seek nourishment. And what should he find nearby? Lo! It's the Hot Dumpling Restaurant!

The bell attached to the door jangles as the recently emerged from hiding rock star strolls in, the identifiable locks hidden away in an old knit cap while the winter coat covers up the just as identifiable forearm scar.

"Fucking cold out." Nick mutters, rubbing his hands together for warmth. Hmm. Another task for later he supposes. New gloves.

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake looks over and seeing someone come in, he cocks his head a bit as he sees someone he recognizes. He has heard Nick's music before. He finds his seat near the mahjong game and makes his standard order of drink and food.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick does not find a seat but instead puts in a to-go order. With the waiting area being somewhat close to the mahjong game, the musician ends up lingering near Tim's seat. With the availability of seats, the performer likely could just sit down, but he remains standing, eyes looking to the doorway a few times.

There's a general shout from the back in Mandarin. Head turning, Nick glances that way. A lengthy conversation to which the performer seems to give a blank look to. But upon mention of cooking, time, and the number being pretty high, he sighs.

He takes a seat, shaking his head.

Slow dining today it seems.

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake looks over to the man and since he is within chatting range he will tell him. "If you aint ate here I can at least let you know the food is worth the wait." He offers as his own drink is brought to him. They seem really nice to Tim, might be the fact he is somewhat a regular, or the fact he tips well.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
To the offer of information, Nick turns his head, giving an appreciative smile. "Thanks." He replies before adding the admission, "I've been here once before. Kept running into people I knew which was kind of funny being they don't live around here."

Nick glances to the door, "Kind of half expecting more unplanned reunions." He pauses, as the server brings him hot tea at least, which should help with the wait. "And no worries I'm not planning on bolting because I overheard the wait time."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods his head a bit and says "While it may not have a big look once folks find out about it, they usually end up coming back more often. " He admits "I'm Tim by the way." He offers his introduction and his hand.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick looks to the offered hand and leans over, taking the hand to give a firm shake. "Nick." He returns, following suit of just doing first names. "And I agree, the wait is worth it."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods his head a bit to this and says "Yea, I have heard some of your music." He tells the man. "They may have an extra set of Majung tiles around here if you want to play a game."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
A brow lifts to the mention of the music. "Ah. Guess I need to work on my incognito attire." He chuckles, "...Good eye though." The mention of the tile set causes for him to consider. "...Well, considering the wait time, I suppose I would have time for a game of Mahjong. Although, I'm not too familiar with the rules. So I might need help with that."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods his head a bit to this and says "Well, I have a pretty good eye for folks." He offers to the other. He will ask one of the waitresses to get one of the extra games, and thanks her. When it is brought over, he starts to count through the pieces making sure it is all there, as he explains the basic rules.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
As Tim goes over the rules, Nick listens attentively. Eyes following with each hand gesture. "Okay...It sounds a little like Rummikub but not entirely. Only that one requires a minimum amount of points before you can even start."

Once the tiles are dealt out, Nick reaches over to the dice to roll for who goes first. And he ends up getting a 3. "... I have a strong feeling I'm going last." He comments, chuckling. "...Just how often do you play this game?"

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake will roll and he smiles a bit to this "Well, it does not always mean much when one gets to go first." He offers, and considers his first move "So, have things been going well for you?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"No, likely not." Nick agrees, "But it is helpful for me to cement patterns by seeing you demonstrate a turn." He watches Tim as he considers the game. The question posed to him is a bit tricky to answer so there is a slight pause while he's balancing the tiles on their side. "Oh you know how life is. One big roller coaster. Ups and downs, and points where you're not sure which way you're going next." The last tile gets propped up. "But it's not boring. Just got back in country earlier this month from doing some filming overseas. Met some distant relatives. Overall, a nice trip."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake hmms and nods his head a bit to this and says "You ever thought about doing some theme music for a semi sporting event?" He asks as he makes the movie on the board, and seems sincere with the question.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick gives a slight, knowing smile as he draws his tile, looking to it and then to the ones tilted on the side. "...If anyone comes knocking asking for me specifically to make one, I'd be willing to listen." He reaches down, placing a 3 face up before putting the new tile in its place in his assortment. "Although, you want to know a not too secret trick of the music industry?"

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods his head a bit as he pulls his tile and ponders for a moment, but after a few moments, he makes a decent move. He looks over to the guy and waits to see what he says.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Getting what could be considered a 'Yes' Nick smiles. "Stage names are brands. And sometimes we have more than one so we can do stuff that's off-brand. So, it's quite possible I may have already done that under a different name." He draws another tile, glances to it and then sets out a matching set built from the tile just pulled. Three Wests.

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods his head a bit to this and says "Well, my girl and I are working on a robot for one of the robot wars events, would be somewhat neat to have legit intro music for it."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick glances up from the table to the mention of the guy named Tim working on a robot with 'his girl'. Could i-

Noooo...

Couldn't be.

Could it?

"Your girl...Would her name be Nikki by any chance?"

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake 's brow raises a bit and says "You know Nikki?" He asks the man, seeming honestly surprised that he has found another of her friends.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Well, I wouldn't say 'KNOW know...' " Nick amends, "We met twice. The first time involving a family friend introducing us with the 'Nick Nikki, Nikki Nick' line so that made remembering the name easy. And... well, you've obviously met her. She does leave an impression."

Nick chuckles, "Actually if the second time we bumped into each other wasn't at Hot Joe's and I hadn't mentioned the knack for running into people I knew at this particular place, I would have dismissed it."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake chuckles a bit and says "You mean like running into folks you know at the local dumpling place?" He asks with a smirk.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Exactly." Nick replies, "At times I feel like someone else is just steering me to places to just run into people." The smile falters a bit after the comment is made, "Although, I have a manager so I guess there is truth to that in a way. And I was here for work related stuff..." He pauses for a moment before shaking his head, "Going off on a tangent. Sorry."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods his head a bit to this and says "I can understand sometimes, I feel that way when letting the secretaries set up my days." He admits.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Even after all this time, it still can feel weird at times." Nick admits, "And yet I'm not sure what I'd do without the help managing the schedule. I'd probably overbook myself if I tried doing it."

When his turn comes about, Nick draws another tile, looking to it. "So, revelations aside, I guess that makes your last name, Drake then."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods his head. Tim is sitting at a table playing Mahjong as they chat waiting for food. "Yea, Tim Drake that is me." He tells the other.

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Someone's ears must have been burning. Or maybe she's just stopping off after a day's work. But the door to the dumpling place opens and in walks Nikki and her companion Squishy. She's got her phone up to her ear while she walks in and doesn't really stop to look around just yet. However, Squishy has either gotten smart, or sometimes has a mind of his own because he rolls up to Tim and begins making beeping and booping noises at him.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Getting the confirmation, the performer nods, once more trading out a tile to take in the one he just drew. "A Drake and a Drago..."

His head turns as Squishy starts beebooping at the table. "And now we add a Nick and Nikki... The lyrical potential of this meeting is just amusing to me."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake looks over and sees Nikki when she comes in, just that awareness he was trained to have. He sees Squishy and says "Hey there, I am doing pretty good, you want to bring Nikki on over to us?" He asks the robot.

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Squishy makes more excited noises and then turns and heads over to Nikki. A series of noises follow. "Wait. What...no not you... hold on..." She looks down at her robot and then up to spy the two men at the table. "Hey. I'm gonna have to call you back....nope. Just spotted my boyfriend. Okay. Bye!" Then she pockets the phone and heads over to the table where the two men are at and smiles. "Nick! It's good to see him again. And Tim. A nice surprise for Nikki!"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick turns his head to watch the robot zoot over to Nikki. Upon bringing her over, the musician lifts up a hand in a friendly wave. "Hello again Nikki." Nick replies to the greeting in third person. "It has been awhile since I last saw you." He nods to Tim, "Tim here says that you have a robot in the works for robot wars?"

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake will stand and gives Nikki a hug and a quick kiss, before pulling a chair out for her, and then sitting down beside him "We were talking and thought it might be neat to have him do an intro music for us."

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Nikki nods her head quickly at Nick. "Oh yes. Nikki and Tim are building it and going to enter it together." This is said just before she returns that hug and quick kiss proffered by Tim before sitting in the chair he gets for her. "Thanks." Saying this much before wiggling her phone. "Nikki was just talking to someone who is going to get us a few special prop pieces for our cosplay for Blizzcon..." A pause. "Intro music? Oh that would be amazing!"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Getting a general confirmation from Nikki that she's interested in the music as well, the performer nods, reaching into his pocket to pull out a card, offering it over to Tim. "Well, if you guys decide on it and have a general timeline in mind, Wade's other line is written on the back. I'd use that one."

At least he knows Tim can afford it.

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods his head a bit and pulls his phone off to take a picture of both sides of the card before offering it to Nikki so both have it with that. "Oh what kind of props you getting us?" He asks her.

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Nikki takes the card once Tim is done with it and shoves it into a pocket. "Elf ears! And some stuff we can use to make Illidan's weapons and Tyrande's staff." The woman grins at that before looking at the table with the game set up. "What are they playing? Also, Nikki's hungry... should get some food..."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Mahjong." Nick answers the question, "There's a bit of a wait for the food which is why we're playing." He picks up his tea, sipping the contents before setting it down. "So what type of convention is Blizzcon?"

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake looks over and says "Mine should be out soon, we can order some more and split what I got." He offers to help with Nikki not having to wait as long "Gaming, computer games made by the Blizzard company. World of Warcraft is usually the one people know of.

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
"Tim surprised Nikki with VIP tickets..." Nikki explains. "Tho Nikki sometimes goes and joins panel discussions cause she's one of Blizzard's top champions... she didn't get an invite this year." Not that she seems upset by it. They have to make sure all their games are represented after all and this year's focus wasn't on Heroes. "Nikki's sure she'll like whatever Tim got... how do you play Mahjong?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick's expression is mostly blank during the explanation but as soon as World of Warcraft is mention he blinks. "Oh that. I've heard of that one. I never got into computer gaming. I understand the appeal but generally I prefer to use what free time I have from work and practice to go outside, read, or sleep."

Much sleep.

Loooooots of sleep.

"VIP tickets sound great." Nick admits, "Does that get you into meet and greets or a pre-convention event with some of the featured guests?"

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods a bit and says "Pretty much all of that, we will get reserved sitting at the panels, and all the swag bags and such. I don't play like some folks, but I have friends who do, and As Nikki said she is a professional, and is someone folks will want to meet.

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Nikki flushes a little. "If they recognize Nikki... which may not happen inside a costume...but we probably won't dress up all three days either." She thinks. "Is it two days or three? Nikki forgets, and each convention is different..." Saying this and then she looks to Nick. "Nick's more into music, Nikki thinks. And food. Everytime she runs into him it's somewhere to eat..." And she giggles at that.

Squishy is remaining mostly quiet.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"That's good. Some conventions don't really offer enough to justify their VIP badge pricess." Nick shrugs, tilting his head to Tim. "I'm not in full stage attire and he recognized me." He responds, "Entirely possible."

Nikki's observation gets a nod from him. "Yep. Diner and coffee shop. Maybe next time you'll spot me at a bar. As far as conventions are concerned, the only ones I get booked at are the Horror related ones."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake does explain a bit of Mahjong as he makes his move, and says "Well, I sorta pay attention learned to watching for paparazzi. I am sure you know how that is."

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
"You act like I'm a famous movie star or something..." Nikki says this and then gives a light laugh. "It's very likely, out of costume, I may get recognized... but in costume... it's a very slim chance. I don't..." She trails off then and looks down at her phone for a moment. "...the person they meet gaming and the person I am can be seemingly two different people..."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
The mention of paparazzi gets a nod from Nick. "Yes. familiar with them. Funny enough I met one friend through an incident involving one of them. So, sometimes they can be useful."

Nikki's comment gets another nod. "Yeah. people's perceptions of others can be way off from the reality. "

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake looks over to Nikki and says "Your my star." He tells her all sappily. "Different level for you and me on them Nick, but yea, luckily they chase Dick... my brother more often than me."

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Nikki smiles a little and then blushes when Tim gets all sappy on her. That earns him a kiss on the cheek! Scandalous! "It's more than when Nikki is focused, she talks...normal. And she's been working on it a lot... but sometimes it doesn't work too well." She looks over the board a moment and then openly suggests a move for Tim to make, asking if it'd be a good one.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
There's a slight twitch to the side of Nick's lips as Tim hurridly provides clarity to just what exactly is being chased. He thinks about it for a moment. "...Grayson. Right?"

Hearing Nikki's explanation, Nick nods. "So basically when you're gaming that's the equivalent of your stage persona. It's normal to have a bit of separation between your public and personal identity."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods his head a bit and says "Yea, he was the first of us that Bruce took in. He grew up in the lime light a bit more though so think he is more used to it.

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Nikki goes silent in the moment, letting them perhaps take time to continue their game. Though she does inch a little over towards Tim so she can lay her head on his shoulder. "Sometimes Nikki wonders which persona is the real one..."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"I think I recall mentions about a circus act." Nick admits, regarding Dick. "I was kind of going through things around the same time so I didn't really pay much attention to the news."

Nick picks up his tea, sipping it as Nikki ponders her prime persona. The cup lowers. "Probably both of them. People have moods. They get into certain types of mindsets when doing things. Doesn't make either of them any less real. They're just.. typically blocked off to the particular tasks that suit them more."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods, and says "Yea, don't have to one be the real you it is all part of you. And all of you in a good thing." He says sliding his arm around her while she rests on his shoulder.

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Nikki nods and smiles. "That makes sense." She's still learning a bit. This is the most social she's ever been in her life, usually hiding in a hovel or a dark alley dumpster diving. Ever since meeting Tim, Nick and a couple others her life has expanded quite a bit. "So, what's next for tonight?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Well, for me once the to go order is finished I'm going to have to pop on home." Nick answers, taking another tile on his turn and exchanging it out with another. "Well, with a side trip to drop off another order. Other than that, probably going to read a bit or do some sketch work."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake says, "I have not thought much on it, but I am sure we can find something to get into and have fun with. " He looks over to Nick "What you reading?""

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Nikki grins. "We always seem to. Course, any moment spent with you is fun regardless of what we're doing..." She says this and then looks to the board, but she can't really make a lick of sense how the game is going.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"I'll probably read through some of the Collected works of Edgar Allan Poe again." Nick answers, "Probably the Dupin stories."

Another tile drawn, a scrutinizing look and then the remaining tiles are set out on display, finishing off his collection of tiles. "Ok, I think we count up now."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods his head a bit to this and says "Looks like ya got me." about now Tim's food is brought out to them. "Good game." He offers his hand with his left since right is around Nikki.

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Nikki blinks and looks to the board. "Oh did Nick win? Good job!" She smiles and when the food is delivered she perks up a bit more. "What did you order anyway?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick starts to lift up his right but on seeing Tim's switch, he lowers the right and instead lifts up his own left hand. "Thanks for going easy on me." Nick responds back. Seeing the food getting set in front of Tim, Nick glances over to the kitchen area to see a bag being carried over to their equivalent of a pickup counter. Looks like his order's ready. "Good talking with you Tim." He nods to Nikki, "And nice seeing you again. Have fun at the convention."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake got a selection of different dumplings, an appatizer platter of sorta.

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
"Take it easy, Nick. Hope to see you again soon!" Nikki offers as Nick prepares to leave. She then looks over to the other food brought out for Tim and immediately reaches for a random dumpling - hoping it isn't a soup dumpling - and takes a bite of it.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Farewell given, Nick gets up from his seat and heads over to the counter. Sure enough, the order they were readying was his. Bag in hand, he heads out.

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake waves to Nick, and looks over to Nikki as she starts on the food. "He seems a decent fellow, when I told him I was working on a robot with my girl friend, he figured it was you

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Nikki smiles a bit cheekily. "Nikki may have told Nick about Tim the last time she saw Nick at the coffee shop. It was a little bit after Tim and Nikki had become official and she was kind of excited about it..." She takes another bite of her dumpling then. "Tim...can Nikki ask you something...kinda personal?"

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods a bit to this and says "Of course hon, you can ask me anything." He offers her. He turns to look at her a bit more while they talk.

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Nikki nods a little. "Okay...uhm..." She's been battling how to bring this up, or even if she should bring it up, but a lot of things have fallen into place that now she needs to sort things out. "Tim...likes Nikki...and Nikki likes Tim...but..." She pauses, takes a smaller bite of her dumpling. "What if Nikki..thinks..she loves Tim? Is that..wrong?"

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake looks to her, and smiles he leans in and kisses her softly and says "Nothing wrong with loving one another." He says. Did he just say he loved her in a way?

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Nikki returns that kiss and then smiles gently. "Didn't think so. Just sometimes Nikki isn't sure because she's...awkward..." Then she finishes her dumpling. "And you're the first she's ever said it to."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods his head and says "Well, you know I am here for you hon, you don't have to feel awkward with me."

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Nikki smiles and nods. "She doesn't...not as much as she used to. Newer things are just...scary? But this was scary in like a good kind of way almost." A pause for thought. "I'm here for you too, Tim. No matter what."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods, and cuddles up to her and smiles "So what do you want to do tonight?"

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Nikki shrugs, reaching for another dumpling. "We could...finish dinner and then head back to your place to work on our robot. Or costumes. Or...watch a movie?"

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake nods a bit to this and says "True, we can do all of that if we want, you can spend the night." He offers.

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
"I keep spending so much time at your place I might as well move in..." Nikki jokes with a chuckle and then nods. "But seriously, I wouldn't mind doing it all and staying the night."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake says, "Well, we can get you a drawer for sure," He offers, Her moving in might cause some issues it was a bit easier with his last serious gf since she was a hero as well, this is new territory for him"

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Nikki giggles and takes another bite of her dumpling. "Just might make a few things easier for us." This much more and then she nuzzles his shoulder a bit. "When do you want to head out?"

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake looks over and motions to the waitress. He asks them to triple his order and have it delivered. giving her his card to pay "We can now."

Nikki Hawkins has posed:
Nikki smiles and nods, finishing her dumpling before shifting to stand from the chair and then waits for him. "It all sounds like a plan. Let's go!"