4804/Answering the Mob

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Answering the Mob
Date of Scene: 03 July 2018
Location: New York City
Synopsis: When Andrea, Mason and Josh are confronted by the paparrazi, more comes out than they expected.
Cast of Characters: Elixir, Rage, Mason Steele




Elixir has posed:
It really was only a matter of time before one of the students at Xavier's realized there was money to be made by tipping people off about Andrea's doings. That was doubly so with Mason Steele being seen around campus. In fact, it was a minor miracle it had not happened sooner in a place with so many ears that could hear so many things. People like Andrea and Mason were magnets for attention on a global scale and it was usually unrelenting. Perhaps the Asgardians arriving and the space mushrooms had been distracting enough for a while, and perhaps it was a sign of returning normalcy that the vultures had returned.

Andrea, Mason and Josh had just picked up something to eat and were leaving the Shawarma Palace when it happened. People rushed in from all sides and digital flashes fired from all directions. The usual city noise was drowned out by voices shouting for Andrea and Mason's attention, calling questions. There was a wall of people and outstretched arms in from of them all holding microphones and digital recorders.

"...Andrea..."

"...Over here..."

"...Do you..."

"...the concert...."

Some voices rise above the others for a moment, a punctuation to the otherwise barely intelligible throng.

"....ackson, you haven't performed since the attack, is it too dangerous?"

"Mason, Mason, Associated Press, how do you feel about Andrea being a mutant?"

"...Are you Josh Foley?"

Rage has posed:
Blinking her eyes in surprise at the flash of lights before her, followed by the large crowd, Andrea immediately goes from 'friend' to professional celebrity in a matter of seconds. She puts on a warm smile to the pap, lifting a hand upwards to give a quick wave. "Hey guys. How're you all doing? Who's all ready for the big fourth of July party here in Times Square?" She asks with a smile as she slips a hand down to catch Mason's, giving his hand an assuring squeeze. "I actually performed for Tony Stark's birthday party a few weeks back. It was really fun and very supportive. The Avengers were gracious hosts. I wish we could talk more though but we're on our way to a Broadway show. Going to see The Lion King." That's probably not true, but it would give them a wild goose chase. As she speaks, her thumbs tap along the glass to summon James, giving him the 411 of what is going on.

Mason Steele has posed:
    Mason lets Andrea do the talking as much as he can, but of course, he has many questions directed toward him. "Look, look, Andrea is a talented artist," he says. "It shouldn't matter whether she is a mutant. I am not here to be political. Anyone who is a mutant who can make their way in the industry earns it like anyone else. They sure don't get special priviledge," he says with a laugh, "So they probably earn it a little more." He reaches out to pat Josh on the shoulder. "Hey, this guy Josh, he's a good guy. So he looks like he has bodypaint on. There's body painters that would kill for skin like that, right?" He gives a friendly smile, low playing all of the questions casually, as he's known to do.

Elixir has posed:
Josh looks stunned. He starts a little when Mason claps him on the shoulder and smiles weakly.

The questions do not stop though. Boom mics appear overhead as late comers try to get some audio clips to take with them, if anything they come faster, not even stopping when the two stars are talking. The reporters jostle each other for position making the mass seem even larger and more dynamic than it it is. Andrea's phone buzzes <Coming!>.

"...Andrea, Mason over here for a photo..."

"...anti-mutant..."

"....is it true you can cure people..."

"...Mason, Times, how do you feel about Andrea dating Josh..."

"...Andrea, Daily Planet, are you and Mason back together...."

"...when is your next tour...."

"...sounds like...."

"... Swift said she...."

Rage has posed:
There is a laugh from Andrea. "I'm not dating Josh or anyone else. I am far too busy prepping for college and for the next tour coming up, which you will see when it's posted on my social media." Of course, she is squeezing Mason's hand. "Okay, so, we're going to dip back in, you guys have a fantastic day." She says with another bright smile to the flashes of cameras, nudging Josh back in through the doors, as well as giving a tug on Mason's hand to lead him back.

Mason Steele has posed:
    Mason pulls Josh close, knowing that they have a few minutes before they can actually be extracted. Sure they could go hide in the restaurant, but where's the fun in that? "Hey, do that 'himinyana' sound from Lion King, you'll know when."

    "Okay, you all want something special?" he calls out loudly. "You want a good story, I have one right here for you. You guys are gonna be part of it, right? Everybody is a celebrity here for like the next 5 minutes."
    He speaks loudly and boldly. "We are all gonna sing a song, you guys know it, don't pretend you don't or I'll make a mean stare at you and all your fellow reporters can take pictures of it!" He suddenly bellows the opening cry from 'Circle of Life', then points at the paparazzi expectantly for the background vocal response, delivering that smile with a charisma +10 modifier.

Elixir has posed:
Josh shoots Mason a look like he has lost his mind, his smile frozen on his face and eyes wide. Josh sings along haltingly.

There are laughs from the reporters and a few join in, to yet more laughter from their colleagues as it happens. The questions settle down some as people try to get sound bites of Mason singing.

"....what happened at Twin Monks..."

"...were you injured..."

"...another top 40...."

"...slid two spots...."

Just above the noise is a persistent honking as James pushes through traffic, only a hundred metres from the Shawarma Palace. 50 metres. 20.

"...new song?"

There is more laughing and singing as Mason continues.

Rage has posed:
There is a snort from Andrea as Mason starts to sing. "Classic Mason." She drawls out in amusement. Though, when the chorus comes, she steps forward and belts out the lyrics, showing off that crystal clear voice that sh utilizes to power through some of the strongest of lines. So, maybe Mason knows her too well. The Lion King is a special place in her heart. Though with a grin on her face, she gives another tug of his hand. Though in response to the question about a new song, she leans forward and says, Hey, I do want to say one thing before we go though, because our ride is almost here. I feel that this is important if I can have everyone's attention real fast." She says as she motions with her hand.

Mason Steele has posed:
    Mason applauds the reporters as far as they humor him, singing along with the impromptu performance. "Great, you guys are fantastic, thanks for coming out." He was about to bid them all a farewell, using the end of the song as the end of the conversation, when Andrea speaks up. He arches his brow in slight surprise. "Ahh," he says, resisting the tug on his hand. He makes sure not to //look// worried, but he isn't sure what she's about to say.

Elixir has posed:
James pulls the car up to the curb. He hops out, opens the curbside doors then hoofs it back to the driver's side.

"... are you enrolled at Xavier's School for the..."

"... Mason, some say you don't support her pro-mutant and that's why you...."

"... Andrea... feel about Mason being seen with Claudia Marisoni..."

"...Josh, were you part of the group that attacked the concert..."

The arrival of the car seems to concentrate minds as the reporters collectively realize the impromptu press conference is coming to an end.

"...another picture, over here...."

James steps up on the floor of the car, holding on to the door for support, and waves Andrea and Mason. Across the street behind him, a few people are standing staring at the crowd, trying to get a glimpse of whatever celebrity must have arrived. Front and centre, standing right on the edge of the sidewalk is a woman in a black pencil skirt, heels and loose red blouse. She is recognizable instantly; it's the barrista from Twin Monks.

"....can we get another...."

"... Will you be at Stark's...."

A blink of an eye, a glance away, and she's gone. There are just the curious onlookers.

Rage has posed:
Giving Mason a look, Andrea nudges him towards James, giving a motion of her head to Josh as well to follow. She doesn't answer any of the questions that are tumbled towards them, instead taking a moment to look out across the sea of reporters. Catching something familiar in the distance, she gives a visible twitch as she straightens up. With a deep breath, she holds out a hand to try and calm the reporters, making a few motions to 'settle down', before leaning forward to the mics and the cameras, looking straight into the lens of one of the more major news networks.

"I just want to get this off my chest before I go. A few weeks back at my concert, I was the target of attack by a group called the Friends of Humanity. They hate mutants for whatever reason and I don't care. I'm a person, just like any of you out there. I have hopes, I have dreams, I have aspirations. I'm as American as any of you out there and I just want to live my life in peace and put out great music for you." Taking in a deep breath, she "You tried your best to kill me, and I'm still standing here, and for all I know, you may try again, and again, and again. It won't matter. You won't change who I am, you won't make me afraid of you. Me being a mutant shouldn't take away from who I am as a human, an American, or someone's daughter, or someone's friend. Stop being scared of who we are because we didn't have a choice, but I'm not going to change who I am either. I love everyone, even those that hate me, because it's the only way anyone should lead their life." She gives a glance over to her car where Mason and Josh is. "My new single will be out in two weeks. It's called Unbreakable. Because that is what I am now."

With that, she jerks her head in a nod and pushes through to the car, ignoring any other requests for questions as she climbs into the car, tapping the back of the seat for James.

Mason Steele has posed:
    Mason gets into the car, and hangs his head. "Why is she so stubborn?" he asks Josh. "She just...it's like..." He growls. "She is going to get herself killed, why doesn't she just go wear a t-shirt with a target on it?"
    He glances back at Josh. "Stay single, they are all crazy," he advises.

Elixir has posed:
Josh lets out a huge breath.

"She believes, man, really believes," he says with an unknowning shake of his head, turning to face Mason from the front passenger seat. He still looks wide eyed and overwhelmed. "Yeah, well..." he starts to say in response to Mason's advice, but then shuts his mouth as Andrea piles into the backseat.

James takes off into traffic when Andrea taps his headrest, piling in beside Mason. There are a last few flashes from cameras pressed up against the glass, then the car pulls away leaving.

The sudden quiet is in deafening contrast to the noise of just a few moments ago.

Rage has posed:
Once she settles into the car, Andrea lets out a slow breath, then gives a glance over to Mason and Josh. She studies them for a moment, then says, "Someone has to say it, I'm just tired of being quiet about it. If you show fear, it just gives them motivation to keep doing it, if you show fear, then no one else will be inspired to stick up for you. You can hide, Mason. I get it. I won't even judge you for it. You're my best friend and you know how I feel about you, but think of people like Josh who can't hide it. Someone has to stand up for people like him when he becomes a target. I'll own it." She slumps back into the seat, folding her arms over her chest. "If you don't want to come to the school because you're scared, I'll respect it. I won't think less of you. I love you, Mason. It's not going to change any time soon. I would rather you be safe." With that, she slips her airpods into her ears and cranks some music up. Fleetwood Mac again.

Mason Steele has posed:
    Mason makes no comment as Andrea puts her earbuds in. He glances toward Josh hesitantly for a moment, says nothing, then stares straight ahead. It's going to be a long evening.