6286/Jessica's Appetites

Jessica's Appetites
Date of Scene:	26 January 2019
Location:	Avengers Mansion
Synopsis:	Black Panther returned to NYC and had dinner with Jessica Drew. Many members of the team turned up to join them for dessert, and discuss issues of the day
Cast of Characters:	Spider-Woman (Drew), Black Panther, Wasp (van Dyne), Quicksilver, Captain America, Thor

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Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
It's been a rough 24 hours for Jessica Drew. Deadpool never makes life /any/ easier, especially of late. She'd suspect that the man has lost his mind...if she suspected that he ever had one to begin with. Dressed in black workout leggings and tanktop with an oversized cropped sweatshirt hanging off one shoulder, she's bringing down two black trash bags that appear to be full of clothes, to throw out. She's also listening to music with earbuds, and singing along under her breath. At least...it soulds like it's under her breath....to her. It might be louder.

Black Panther has posed:
The Wakandan jet comes in for a landing at the Avengers facility, flanked by two other aircraft that depart once the black vehicle is safely down. His guards objected to not accompanying the Wakandan King as they always do, but T'Challa felt it best to not have them about in the Avengers complex.

Taking the steps one a time, T'Challa took in a deep breath. Not the air of his homeland, but something about the facility had become to feel like a second home to him. A home whose sights he knows, but apparently not all of the sounds. His acute hearing picks up singing, T'Challa's head tilts a bit, a soft smile grows briefly at the thought of catching Janet unawares while she is singing. The smile gives way to his normal, composed expression as T'Challa continues. The vibranium lining of his shoes removes all vibration, making T'Challa's footsteps completely silent as he descends the stairs at a measured pace, emerging in the hallway, likely behind the singer.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"She works haaard for the money so you better treat her--" Jess gasps as she turns to find someone approaching from behind her, and not knowing how long he has been there. "Oh! Uh, hi!" Jess tries to fix the sweat-dampened tendrils of hair that are escaping from her ponytail, and waves with one hand, while the bag handle is still wrapped around it. She fumbles to turn off her music and stammers. "Just...listening to a thing...about world peace..."

Black Panther has posed:
Not Janet. T'Challa's rarely experienced sense of humor will have to wait for another time to be exercised. The identity of the singer does not cause any disappointment to show on the man's face. Indeed, he gives Jessica a pleasant smile that is meant to help put any surprise at his presence behind her. "Forgive me, Miss Drew. I did not mean to sneak up on you." Completely true, he meant to sneak up on someone else.

"I have just arrived," he says, and has a small bag slung over one shoulder. "Though I was hoping to find you later. I have not had the privilege of interacting with you as much as the other Avengers." T'Challa motions to the bundles she's carrying. Their weight surely not giving Spiderwoman any issue, but bulky is bulky. "Might I help with what you are doing?" he inquires with a gesture to the bags.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica's green eyes widen a little at T'Challa's gesture, and she looks down at the bags. "Ohhh no, trust me. You don't want to touch this stuff. I'm going to bathe in bleach when I'm done..." She wrinkles her nose a little, but shrugs. "I didn't know you were coming today. Welcome! Always good to have...royalty...on the premises..." In trying to keep from gushing, Jessica instead rambles. "I mean we have a Captain, and ...stuff...but..." Good job, you don't sound like an idiot at all, Jess. "You have a place to put your stu--belongings, right? Have you eaten? I'm sure we could arrange something..." other than popcorn or Froot Loops. Probably.

Black Panther has posed:
The well-groomed black man holds up his hands with a small grin as if the mention of the bleach is enough for him to allow Jessica to take care of it. "Very well. And I will avoid asking exactly what has transpired," he says in his unique way that manages to mix the best of African and Oxford accents. "I am uncertain of the current housing situation," T'Challa concedes. "Though I imagine Jarvis will be able to assist me." He gives a pleasant smile to Jessica and asks, "Speaking of dinner, would you be interested in joining me, Miss Drew? I was thinking I might eat outside and enjoy the rest of the evening before the temperature drops too much," he suggests, it having been a nice, sunny day by New York standards this time of year.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"Actually, that sounds...quite lovely." Jess grins. "It'd be a nice change from the chaos. I'll take this stuff down to quarantine, and wash up, and...y'know, change out of..." She looks down at her probably sweaty clothes, not wanting to call them sweaty clothes. "This." She shrugs helplessly. "Meet ya in ten?" She asks, continuing on her way to get rid of her current baggage, which is entirely unrelated to her emotional baggage, which is already at Beverly Hillbillies car proportions, as it is.

Black Panther has posed:
Black Panther gives Jessica a little bow showing approval of her plan. "Ten minutes it is," he says, naming a spot outside that would be an enjoyable place to eat. Whether a spot on the roof with a nice view, or maybe alongside a pond or the like. T'Challa knows the grounds (even if his player does not yet). "Meet you in ten," T'Challa agrees softly before turning to head towards the residences to drop off his bag. "Jarvis, would you please prepare a meal for Miss Drew and myself. Something that she enjoys. But has not had in a while." He doesn't seem to worry about whether it is something that appeals to him. T'Challa did not bring that much with him, having a few things in storage that he will retrieve later. And so he heads on outside to the appointed area, knowing the staff should be arriving before long with the food.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
In ten minutes' time, Jessica emerges from the mansion to join T'Challa for dinner. Her hair is no longer tied up in a ponytail, and she's donned a pair of jeans, a black leather blazer and boots, and wears a thin ivory sweater beneath the blazer. At the collar, there is a faint flash of crimson and metallic gold beneath. Her suit, ever-present beneath her clothes. "Thanks for waiting...And what, praytell, does royalty have for dinner his first night back at the ranch?"

Black Panther has posed:
Black Panther is wearing a dark sweater that fits his form snuggly. There is a silver necklace done in a tribal style around his neck, though only rarely visible beneath the sweater. Finished with a pair of dark pants and shoes, the latter looking stylish, but unique. T'Challa rises from where he's sitting on the grass along the pond as Jessica approaches. "Ah, thank you for joining me," he tells her, waiting for the young woman to be seated before he retakes his place as well. "As it turns out, the same thing as you," he answers in that voice that manages to somehow be raspy and smooth at once. "I asked Jarvis to prepare something you enjoy. But have not had in some time," T'Challa explains once he is seated again. The black man relaxes back with one arm behind him for support, resting on its elbow.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica smirks as T'Challa admits that he's having the same thing she is. But then a look of possibly sheer panic crosses her face. "I...like? Something I like..." She cuts her eyes back to the mansion for the serving staff. "Oh God. All right, well..." She goes through the things in her mind quickly that Jarvis would have noted that she had recently. At least it won't be popcorn /or/ Froot Loops. Silently, she prays that the serving staff won't arrive with tubs of Red Vines, or ice cream. Ooh, ice cream sounds good...

She finally shuts her internal monologue down to a dull roar, and smiles back to T'Challa. "I hope that we have the same taste in...dinner..."

Black Panther has posed:
T'Challa sees Jessica's reaction and begins giving a soft, warm chuckle. "Am I living dangerously, then, Miss Drew?" he asks her through that chuckle. Two members of the staff arrive, carrying trays. T'Challa rises from his seat, assisting them in taking the trays and getting them situated where the pair have been sitting in the grass. Perhaps not quite how most royals would behave. He takes a seat again, and says, "Alright, lets see the combination of Jarvis and your tastebuds have come up with, shall we?"

T'Challa removes the cover, and a delicious smell wafts up from the plate of food. The food at SHIELD was generally passable, but not particularly memorable. /Except/ for the meatball subs. The cook must have had a family recipe or something, because he was able to take the normal SHIELD cafeteria fare and turn it into something special with that particular dish. Perhaps Jessica once pined aloud about not having had it in forever, and Jarvis stored that little fact away in his memory banks. Fortunately, Jarvis also knew the recipe, thanks to one of Tony's many hacks of the SHIELD database.

T'Challa is not aware of any of this history. He just leans down and smells the aroma. "It smells delicious, Miss Drew. Is this something that you make yourself? Or purchase from the surrounding restaurants?" he asks. T'Challa wasn't specific on beverages, so they end up being exactly what Jessica would normally drink with a meal.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica smiles wistfully as she recognizes the smell. "Ohhh....God, no, I haven't had this in FOREVER. These are the meatball subs they serve in the cafeteria at SHIELD. I've spent so much time away from there, I'd totally forgotten about them." Two bottles accompany each plate. One of sweetened iced tea, and one of water. She takes a bottle of water and opens it, taking a moment to wet her fear-parched mouth. Perhaps there was nothing to fear, after all...

And then, she notices the tapioca pudding cups. "Ohhh crap."

Black Panther has posed:
Black Panther gives a slightly lopsided smile as if charmed by what he hears from Jessica. "Ah, we may have to make them for the Captain sometime. And Clint and Natasha, if they are about much," T'Challa says. He opens up his bottle of iced tea and takes a sip before catching Jessica's reaction to dessert. It turns out that T'Challa has a rather warm laugh when he's letting down the regal bearing that he probably feels needs to be maintained in public. "Tapioca," he reads from the label. "I have heard of this. But never had the pleasure." He picks up his iced tea and offers it in a toast. "To new experiences," he says.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"To new experiences," Jessica agrees, touching her bottle to his. She grins and sets down her bottle, looking around the grounds in the waning late afternoon light. "It's a good day for this. Most of the days lately have been so cold we might have regretted sitting down, once we froze to the ground and couldn't get up." She grins with a little crinkle of her nose and shores up her sandwich to make sure none of the sauce escapes to decorate her ivory sweater as she takes a bite. Then, she closes her eyes, swaying slightly in the pure and unadulterated enjoyment of the sandwich. "Just...like...I remembered. You're going to LOVE these..."

Black Panther has posed:
Black Panther watches how Jessica eats it, as if making sure it is meant to be picked up rather than eaten with utensils. Once he has her lead to follow, the King of Wakanda picks up the big, wonderfully messy sandwich and takes a bite. He finishes chewing it and swallows before nodding his head. "That is good. You say this is SHIELD food?" he asks before taking another bite. Eating it slowly as if savoring it. "They should make sure to not let any of your Congressmen try this. They will decide they are giving too much funding to SHIELD if they eat like this," T'Challa says with a chuckle.

He takes a sip of the iced tea and asks, "How is it that you came to work for SHIELD? If you do not mind the question about yourself?" T'Challa continues to eat quietly while he listens to any reply.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Shaking her head as she picks up a napkin and wipes sauce from the corner of her lips, Jessica smiles. "Nah, nothing else at SHIELD was ever this good. It got so that I wouldn't bother to go to the cafeteria unless they were serving these. I'd rather live on beef jerky and Pop Rocks than eat the rest of the mess the served. But these...these are something special. I think they're made with love. Or maybe just a little less resentment and regret than all othe other things they make."

Sighing, Jessica decides how best to relate her history with SHIELD. "Oh...typical story. Girl meets HYDRA, girl gets weaponized by HYDRA. Girl joins SHIELD to get revenge on HYDRA. You know how it goes, right?"

Black Panther has posed:
Black Panther shares a few soft chuckles at the commentary about the food. "Military food sounds the same the world over," T'Challa comments before he is listening to Jessica. At her sigh, he can tell that it is not a happy story that he's asked her to recount. "I did not realize that part of your history," T'Challa tells her, expression and tone both making it an apology.

"It suggests something to me about your character," T'Challa says before taking another bite. That could probably be taken a lot of ways. Is he saying that her involvement with Hydra indicates that is the sort of person Jessica is?

Apparently not, as T'Challa wipes the marinara sauce from the corner of his lips to continue. "It is easier to do right when it is what we were taught. To not have the temptation. To not have someone trying to sway us to the mindset of those like Hydra." He looks over to Jessica, the look appraising. "It means something to me that they had the chance to indoctrinate you. Yet you were a person who chose SHIELD. Who chose to serve your fellow man. Despite their influence. I did not doubt the team chose wisely when you were made an Avenger. But now I have begun to sense the reasons why for myself."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica shrugs, making light of her own story. "Nah, actually I just went to SHIELD for the meatball subs," she replies, as she takes a bite of her sandwich with a wink. But she finds his assessment flattering all the same, and a tinge of pink creeps into her cheeks as she chews her bite, and takes another drink. "The Avengers are honored by your repeated presence here, too, you know. They're all on their best behavior, and they try not to make ninnies of themselves." She clears her throat. "Myself included."

Black Panther has posed:
The black man gives that charming, lopsided smile again. "I do not think Tony has a best behavior. But it is kind of you to say so, Miss Drew." T'Challa looks up and over at the mansion. The sun is setting, turning the sky to brilliant reds and oranges, and further away deeper blues and purples. His eyes are on the mansion itself though. "It is good to be back. I love my country. But when I am there, I must be a king. When I am with the Avengers, I am with a family. One that I chose. One that I can be myself with in ways I cannot back home." His eyes drift from the mansion back to Jessica. "And you have been far from a ninny, Miss Drew. I am quite glad you allowed me to dine with you," he tells her.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"Oh, no. Tony's being gone /is/ his best behavior," Jessica responds with a laugh. There is a familiar prickle up her spine at T'Challa's kind words. For a long while, the only people who have spoken so nicely to her have been those urged to do so by her pheromones. But then...she usually assumes anyone who does so /is/ under that influence. Sometimes, just maybe, sometimes men are simply kind. She smiles slightly and wills herself to relax. "It's my honor to spend time with you. Though I've not learned much about you yet, except that you have excellent taste in meatball subs, and dinner dates." She smirks. "What would you have ordered, if you'd wanted to choose something that you like to eat?"

Black Panther has posed:
Black Panther chuckles warmly in agreement. "I have missed Tony. He has a way of growing on you," T'Challa says, his tone fond. "Just promise you will /never/ tell him that I said that. Or else my password for the Quinjets will have something to do with it." T'Challa takes another bite of his sub, having worked his way gradually through the sandwich. He finishes the last bite, wiping his lips and fingers with a napkin. "Well, there are some excellent Wakandan dishes I could share with you," he says. "Though as I was flying in to New York, I was thinking about a big greasy cheeseburger. We do have cheeseburgers back home. But they do not understand there are times, the grease is a good thing."

T'Challa picks up the tapioca pudding, smiling over to Jessica as he opens it up. "What other things would you like to know of me, Miss Drew?" he asks her as he picks up his spoon. He gives the pudding a tentative try. "Ah. Very nice," he says of the pudding.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"Tomorrow...I'm taking you to get the best greasy cheeseburger that money can buy," Jess decides with a definitive nod. "But tonight...well, I always wondered what it was like over there. For you, I mean. Is everything you do somehow royal? Do you have attendants who chase after you everywhere? I imagine you sometimes, shuffling off to bed with a couple of guys fretting after you when you just want to go to sleep. Maybe they take off your slippers. Or....something. Then wake you up with the song of a bluebird in your windowsill." Maybe that last thing is more Disney princess, and less Wakandan King.

Black Panther has posed:
Black Panther takes another bite of the tapioca pudding as he listens to her. "I would be honored to dine with you again," T'Challa tells Jessica as she offers the cheeseburger. "And you are probably more knowledgeable of the city's restaurants than I. So I will be doubly blessed." Another bite of tapioca, T'Challa seeming to be enjoying it well enough.

"Well, it is not quite that bad. There is some amount of ceremony that the people expect. And some of them honor the Black Panthers who have come before me. Such as my father," he tells Jessica. "Though no bluebird singing. I wish the head of my guard were here though. I do not know if she would laugh or try to start it as a new tradition. Though she would like you for the suggestion, I think."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica closes one eye and squints the other at T'Challa. "I dunno whether that's good or bad at this point. But if it's someone who admires you, I'll take it."

Black Panther has posed:
One might have seen T'Challa's plane arrive, or perhaps just Jarvis mentioned he has arrived from Wakanda. It has been some time since he's been back for an extended stay. Jarvis would indicate, "Miss Drew and T'Challa are currently eating dinner out on the western lawn. The servants were just about to take dessert out to them. Cookies and cream ice cream, and Red Vines." And indeed, there is one of the mansion staff with a covered tray, and the odd dessert combination.

Wasp (van Dyne) has posed:
A low buzzing noise circles the edge of the picnic area and resolves into Janet van Dyne, appearing almost literally from nowhere with a soft *puft* of displaced air. "T'challa! I'm so glad to see you!" she squeals, and throws herself at the Wakandan royalty with an effusive hug lacking any self-effacement. "JARVIS said you flew in earlier and then that they were doing lunch out here! Hi Jessica!" she remarks, and moves to sit next to the raven-haired woman. "Ooh, this looks delicious!"

Black Panther has posed:
Black Panther confides to Jessica, "Having her on your good side is usually a positive." The black man then turns towards the sound of the buzzing as if the Wakandan's enhanced senses have picked it up. A charming lopsided smile grows as he seems to recognize it moments before Janet springs back to full size. "Janet," he says, returning the hug with the warmest of smiles. "You have been greatly missed. My heart is warmed to be back in your presence again. I am sorry I have stayed away as long as I have." He smiles as the two women get situated next to each other. "Miss Drew and I were just becoming better acquainted. She has been the most charming dinner companion," he says, smiling gently towards Jessica.

The servant arrives, having brought enough for three. It took him a little longer than it took Janet, apparently. He sets down the tray and removes the cover. Three bowls of the ice cream. With a bowl of hot fudge sauce that can be added to taste. And don't forget the Red Vines.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"I /is/ delicious," Jess agrees, greeting her friend. "T'Challa here asked Jarvis to send out something that I liked..." she adds with a knowing look and raised brows. "He's lucky he didn't get popcorn..." She grins and takes a bowl of ice cream. "I was just learning that, indeed, EVERYTHING he does is royal. The royal putting on of the pants. The royal taking of the bath. Not necessarily in that order..."

Wasp (van Dyne) has posed:
"Uh, yeah? Jessica's the best," Janet confirms for T'challa's benefit. "I mean, the popcorn thing aside, but I guess everyone's weird about something. I've got a friend who puts ketchup and mayo on her fries. Go figure, right?" She reaches for a bowl without waiting an invitation and balances it on her palm instead of setting it down for a more polite meal. She curls up her legs under her also, clearly comfortable with the informal setting. In cavalry boots, jeans, and a blousy yellow shirt, she somehow still looks like she just came from the office. "So what's up, T'challa? Back in New York for a trip or are you thinking of coming back to the mansion for a while?"

Black Panther has posed:
The trio are sitting out on the lawn in one of the more idyllic spots. A servant is just taking away two trays that contained dinner, but there is another tray with ice cream, hot fudge, and Red Vines on it. One might have noticed a black Wakandan jet touchdown in the last hour, or Jarvis could have mentioned the Black Panther's return.

T'Challa waits for the women to take their ice cream before he gets a bowl for himself. He begins breaking out in laughter. "No, no no no," T'Challa says as Jessica gets to the comment about the royal taking of the bath. "I have seen the Eddie Murphy movie. It was years before the jokes about it stopped," he says to assure them that is not the reality. At least in his kingdom.

T'Challa responds to Janet, "Yes, I am hoping to be here for an extended time. I will likely need to make trips home. From time to time as needs arise. But I am afraid you may be stuck with me again, my friend."

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
"I don't think it's such a bad thing to be 'stuck with you," T'Challa. You bring a quiet dignity to the mansion, which has been missing lately..." She takes a bite of her ice cream, foregoing the hot fudge, but dipping a Red Vine in it like a French fry.

Quicksilver has posed:
Suddenly, there's a strong gust of wind and a blue streak to follow with it. Eventually though, the figure stops, revealing a tall Romanian fellow with silver hair and blue eyes, staring down the Wakandan King.

Pietro Maximoff. AKA Quicksilver.

"Well, well, well, to what do we owe the pleasure to have royalty come and visit, hm?" he smiles teasingly at T'Challa. He wore a blue track jacket with blue jeans and white sneakers, fingerless gloves for the hands. Dressed casually, not for superhero work.

"Hey Jess, Hey Janet." Pietro greets the ladies he sees so often around the Mansion.

Wasp (van Dyne) has posed:
Janet snorts under her breath and wags her chin at Jessica's assessment. "It's always nice to have you here, T'challa," she assures the monarch. She makes a face at Jessica when the raven-haired beauty starts dipping her Red Vines in the ice cream. Monster. Janet eats with a tidy compartmentalization, spoon dipping through the sundae in front of her.

"Oh! Pietro, hi!" she says, when the speedster appears in front of her with little warning. "Gosh you're sneaky. C'mon sit! We're eating ice cream, and T'challa's back," she says with a vast redundancy.

Black Panther has posed:
The group is out on the lawn in one of the more idyllic spots. It was a warmer day than usual, though it is probably cooling a little bit more now. A servant is just taking away two trays that contained dinner, but there is another tray with ice cream, hot fudge, and Red Vines on it. One might have noticed a black Wakandan jet touchdown in the last hour, or Jarvis could have mentioned the Black Panther's return. Pietro arrived in a blur moments ago and is standing by the other three.

T'Challa smiles over to Jessica and says, "Thank you, Miss Drew," at her kind words. He observes her dipping the Red Vine into the ice cream. The young woman has not steered him wrong yet on tonight's dining experience, so T'Challa gives it a try as well. He pauses in indecision before giving a small nod of his head. Perhaps not how he'll eat ice cream in the future, but he finishes off this Red Vine in Jessica-esque fashion.

"Pietro Maximoff," T'Challa says in that accent of his, a mix of Africa and Oxford, and some of the best parts of each. He rises to walk over and clasp the man's shoulder like a brother. "How are you? Not slowing down yet I hope?" he asks.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica watches T'Challa try the red vine in his ice cream, crinkling her nose a little abashedly. "Kinda sucks, doesn't it? I know...I just tried mine that way too. It's better with a french fry...."

Quicksilver has posed:
Pietro smiles big and wide at T'Challa, approaching the King that he knows as a friend and a brother. Clasping the opposite shoulder of Pietro shrugs. "Oh you know, same old same old. Everything is still dreadfully slow. Slowing down? hah, more like getting faster. How about you? You getting any less noble?"

Pietro looks over to Janet. "Oh yes, I can see that." he teases her. then he looks to Jessica. "What kind of ice cream?"

Captain America has posed:
JARVIS did, in fact, inform the blond soldier upon request of a generalized update of the daily happenstances around the mansion that the Wakandann jet had recently set down. Steve made certain to slip into one of the side-rooms on the second floor to ascertain where on the property the Wakandan king currently resided and - oh ho - it appears that he has a retinue of familiar faces. Smiling to himself, the man commits himself to a brief scrub-down. Today's interim at SHIELD was spent working the newest recruits through self-defense against metahumans and despite the care he took in not over-exerting himself, a shower seems appropriate.

Thus, Steve exits out one of the wide glass doors leading out onto the patio outside in a black hooded sweatshirt and jeans, combat boots and gloves in his pockets (just in case of cold fingers). He waves a hand on approach rather than calling out directly. Once within ear shot, he does comment,

"Ice cream? Outside in January? Seems a bit unconventional." He grins as he says it, full of mild tease as he can be. "Avengers," he greets the group as a whole with a little proud lift of his chin.

Black Panther has posed:
Black Panther makes a so-so gesture to Jessica at the question. "Can ice cream even be improved upon, though?" he asks her with a gently wry smile. T'Challa's eyes sweep across the assembled Avengers. If Jessica remembers his words about the team being a family to him, she can probably see it now in the Wakandan man's expression.

T'Challa gives a soft smile at Pietro's asking if T'Challa is growing any less noble. "I keep trying. But Okoye? She will have none of it," he complains. The black man looks back across the gathering, eyes falling on Janet and his smile growing a bit. Yes. This feels like home.

But not all of the family was present yet. "Captain Rogers," T'Challa says in greeting. "It seemed a warm day for New York," T'Challa says. "In January at least." Steve gets his shoulder gripped in a greeting much as Pietro did. "It is splendid to see you again, my friend," he tells Steve. "All of you," T'Challa says, looking across the group.

Wasp (van Dyne) has posed:
"Mm. It's that global warming thing," Janet assures T'challa. She has a bite of ice cream in her mouth when Steve saunters up, and smiles winningly at him around the spoon in her mouth. The utensil's drawn clear and she waves her hand at him. "Hey Steve. Glad you could join the party," she says, shifting on her chair to get her feet under her knees more comfortably. "You boys want some ice cream? There's plenty to go around," she offers, solicitously.

Quicksilver has posed:
Pietro laughs. "A part of me misses Okoye. But she kept making demands whenever I did something that she saw as 'un noble-like'." he says that word with air-quotes before he smiles, watching the King move to the Captain, the latter of which Pietro gives a brotherly smile. "Hey Steve. It's good to see you. Was wondering if you were gonna make it to the party."

His eyes shift now to Janet with a chuckle. "I don't know if Global warming makes it that far...." he shrugs. "Sure, I'll take some ice cream. he goes then to take his seat where the Ice cream is. one of the only times that he's not moving.

Spider-Woman (Drew) has posed:
Jessica smiles to herself, watching T'Challa as he regards this chosen family of his. Moments like this, it's easy to see why he would have chosen these heroes to be a part of his family, and she lowers her gaze to her ice cream self-consciously, as she tries not to stare. She takes a bite of ice cream, listening to the others talk, and finds a peace within herself that rocks her soul quietly and comforts her, quieting the doubt and insecurities within.

Captain America has posed:
"Your highness," Steve replies, returning that familiar and friendly hold at T'Challa's shoulder. He dimples now as he brings his hands to his sweatshirt pockets. "Good to see you too." A sharp nod and he then looks to Pietro. "You can thank JARVIS for informing me. I have more paperwork to square away, but it can wait. The team's more important."

He considers the layout of the dessert once Janet draws his attention to it, from ice cream to red candy sticks. A little toss of his head back and forth and he shrugs. "Why not. When in Rome, right?" As he dishes up his own serving, he looks between the others in the group, that fond and mild little smile still on his lips. This time of peaceful camaraderie is a welcome thing.

Black Panther has posed:
Black Panther hears Janet bring up global warming and he gives a very quiet groan. "Meetings at the United Nations," he says as the topic reminds him of some of the other things T'Challa will have to do while he is in New York. The expression only lasts for a moment, the man's quiet regal air exerting itself again.

Towards Steve Rogers, the Wakandan says, "It pleases me to find the mansion so full today. I know we each have duties that take us away. Are many of the team staying on the premises at present?" he asks. T'Challa moves back over to pick up his bowl of ice cream, and then resuming his seat over near Janet and Jessica. "I assume Thor is mostly in New Asgard at present? I have not seen him since the UN."

Quicksilver has posed:
Pietro looks upon Black Panther and he shrugs. "No kidding. But...I for one live here on the premises." if so he can keep a closer eye on Wanda, his sister. But, he eventually looks to Steve. "That's the spirit!" Quicksilver noms quite a bit on the ice cream, of course quickly, and it looks like it won't last long.

Glancing to Jessica, he tilts his head. before he looks to Janet, doing the same. THe ladies sure are quiet right now. Should he be worried?

Captain America has posed:
No Red Vines for Steve. He secretly hates how they stick to his teeth. Instead, a number of cookies tucked into the ice cream. He glances up from dishing at T'Challa's question and then briefly looks over at the mansion.

"People come and go all the time, but a few of us are on-location regularly. Myself, Jessica, Janet," he nods at the ladies quietly enjoying their ice cream -- a dissonance for sure and a change from their generally chatty state, but perhaps the ice cream is just that good. The staff at the mansion tend not to skimp, not with Tony's funding. His eyes flick to Pietro. "You figured out whether or not you want to stay here or elsewhere?" He nods at Pietro's answer, whatever it may be, and adds to T'Challa, "Thor is mostly in New Asgard, yes. Tony's got his business up in his tower. Clint and Natasha visit when they can. We recently had Captain Danvers return from her work with Alpha Flight. It bustles sometimes when we're all in the same place." With his bowl of ice cream, he walks over to stand beside Pietro and the seated Wakandan king before taking a bite. Mmm. It really is very good!

Black Panther has posed:
Black Panther listens to the rundown on the team. "I was going to inquire on Clint and Natasha. I had not heard much from them. Not in some time," T'Challa says. "Though they could say the same of me. So I shall reach out to them once I am settled," T'Challa says, a small quirk of his lips as he brings the comment back to fall on himself. He takes another bite of the ice cream. "I hope to spend most of my time here. Though there will be stretches where I am at the embassy. Or back in Wakanda."

T'Challa relaxes back, not seeming to mind the temperature, even with the ice cream added in. Though he does glance at the ladies to assure they are not feeling effects from it. "If you see your sister before I do, Pietro, please give her my warmest regards," T'Challa tells the Maximoff twin. "So, Captain. I cannot imagine your life being anything other than eventful. What has been transpiring with you lately, my friend?"

Quicksilver has posed:
Pietro looks at T'Challa and he shrugs. "Thor's chillin' with his folks on New Asgard I thought after the original Asgard got blown up or something." Quicksilver says as he eats his ice cream. "No idea about Natasha and Clint, haven't seen them in a long time." he shrugs.

though then he looks to Steve. "Yes, I believe I want to stay here at Avengers mansion. Given my past history, not many places want to accept someone like me living in the same building so..." he shrugs.

he licks his ice cream once again, before a few seconds later it's gone. Super Speed. Google it.

Captain America has posed:
By the way Steve's eyes slide to one side, he's weighing precisely what to share. Eventually, he replies to T'Challa,

"'Eventful's' a good way to put it." A breath of a laugh, almost a snort. "Had to deal with some unexpected visitors lately. Wade's always...about as predictable as a sack of weasels, but he means well. Other than a few knocks here and there, I've been hale and whole as last you saw me." He enjoys another spoonful of ice cream before adding, "We'd be happy to have you in-residence, your highness. Same to you, Pietro. The more, the merrier...and the less texting I have to do," he adds with the short sigh of the perpetually somewhat technologically-frustrated.

Thor has posed:
    Setting down silently in the back yard area, Thor's arrival is without fanfare nor heralded by the traditional crack of lightning and roil of thunder. Instead Mjolnir defies gravity enough to decelerate his landing that he lands with just a crunch of old snow and ice as well as a few blades of grass.
    The sensors inside might well have noticed his approach as well as his landing, but no warning goes up considering the current protocols. So likely the first realization the others might have of his arrival is when Thor steps around the corner of the building, closer to the door leading inside and the seating arrangement without, and raises his voice with a smile.
    "Well met!" The tall one-eyed man steps into the room, voice as big and bombastic as the man himself even though he is without armor and is garbed in jeans and a hoodie he still carries himself like a monarch wherever he may stand. "I am come and find my teammates assembled. The good." He nods towards some of those seated, "The fair," He half-smiles to the seated young women. But then his brow knits slightly.
    "And the Quicksilver?" He seems surprised to see the man, "Maximoff I knew not you were amongst us again nor..."
    But then his good eye settles on T'Challa and he laughs, "T'Challa! Stealthy as your namesake you come upon us in secret. Should I take offense?"

Black Panther has posed:
Black Panther finishes his ice cream, setting the bowl aside. The group are sitting out on the lawn. It is a warmer day than usual for January, or was, as it is getting on towards evening. The Wakandan listens to Pietro and then Steve Rogers, giving small nods at appropriate moments. "Wade," T'Challa says, repeating it as Steve brings the man up. "Someone that I know more by reputation than by experience." Though his face is suitably neutral, those who know him well enough might suggest T'Challa is fine with maintaining that distance.

The arrival of the God of Thunder brings T'Challa back to his feet. "I landed scarce an hour and a half ago. Only enough time to share dinner with Miss Drew. It seems dessert is what brings out the rest of the team these days," T'Challa says, his lips pulling up in a warm, lopsided grin. He walks over to Thor, clasping the man's hand and adding a firm grip on his shoulder as he greets him. "I hope that New Asgard is faring well. I was just asking after you," he says.

Captain America has posed:
"He's singular," agrees the Captain with T'Challa in regards to Wade and he releases a small sigh that doesn't puft white for once due to the unseasonable warmth. However, he knows that carrying voice anywhere. Steve half-turns in place towards the newest arrival and grins at the Asgardian's arrival (and at the volume of that greeting). He makes to set aside his bowl of ice cream before dusting off his hands.

"Thor, good to see you. There's dessert if you want it, like T'Challa mentioned. It's good, I'm impressed," he adds as he waits to offer out his hand and forearm in a warrior's clasp of welcome and friendship.

Quicksilver has posed:
"Wade is an annoying little piece of-" Pietro looks at Steve. LANGUAGE. He coughs into his hand, and instead smiles gently. "He's a real piece of work." he looks to T'Challa though. "If I see my sister, I'll tell her you said hi." he humms lightly before his eyes shift to Thor.

"So, what brings the Thunder God away from New Asgard? and yeah, it's me. Was on a vacation." that was DEFINITELY not a vacation, but he needed some kind of excuse for the trouble he managed to get himself into.

Thor has posed:
    "Indeed, all goes well and we rebuild. Our success in no small thanks to you and yours." Thor grasps T'Challa's forearm firmly and gives a hearty shake even as he /thumps/ the man on the back companionably but a little heavily to be fair. "I trust no newfound ill troubles your people? This is a social call, assuredly?"
    He rounds away, eye flitting to each in turn as he offers an open smile to them all. Then accepts Steve's handshake giving the man just as strong of a shake as he gave the Black Panther. "I have dined so I shall not accept your offer, but please do not allow my arrival to interfere with your repast!" He steps back and to the side slightly so he can look on them all with his good eye, even as he scritches briefly at the strapless eyepatch.
    To Quicksilver he says, "I envy you your time away from responsibility. But what brings me hither is I seek the Sorcerer Supreme. There are many words to be shared. It may take some doing. So I am here for the nonce."

Black Panther has posed:
The Wakandan inclines his head to Pietro at the man's offer to pass T'challa's greeting on. That Steve Rogers and Pietro have an opinion of Wade that seems separated only by the color of the language chosen draws back that lopsided smile of T'Challa's.

He turns back to Thor then as they clasp arms. "I am glad we have been able to assist where we could. Though I have no doubt, New Asgard's success lies heavily with her people. And her leader," T'Challa says to Thor. He then shakes his head at the question of troubles. "The months I have been away have seen great strides, actually," T'Challa says. "With everything else of late, I have not mentioned this before. Wakanda has new partnerships with a few key African nations. Creating centers of computing excellence. We have begun sharing small numbers of servers with Vibranium-enhanced processing. It is a delicate matter still. There are those in Wakanda who oppose it. But the results so far are encouraging." T'Challa motions to the mansion. "Encouraging enough I plan to spend more time here in New York."

Captain America has posed:
Pietro does get that significant side-eye from the Captain, complete with faintly-arched brow, all of which silently does in fact state: LANGUAGE. A small nod of approval to the silver-haired Speedster for his better word choice and Steve then glances back to Thor. He looks between the Asgardian and T'Challa and files away what he hears in regards to growth between the respective nations.

His tone is heartfelt as he says to Black Panther, "That's great news, T'Challa, good to hear." He shifts his weight as if to walk, but then pauses, glancing at the Asgardian. "You're looking for the Doctor?" asks he of Thor for confirmation. Steve moves to collect his bowl and then returns once more, expression concerned. "He should be at the Sanctorum again, if memory serves me correctly. You need anything from us?" His spoon gleams as he includes all the Avengers present and not in the small circling gesture.

Thor has posed:
    "Ah," Thor says as he nods to much of what T'Challa said, and to be fair he might not entirely understand what he's conveying in its entirety, but he understands the sentiment so he smiles, "Your people are fortunate to have a leader who has turned their gaze outwards. If there is aught you need of me you have but to ask."
    That said Thor starts to walk towards where they had been sitting and pulls a chair over from the porch just outside the kitchen door, turning it so he can face them as he waves them back to their ice cream so they might continue. "My need is not dire." Finding the good Doctor. "More I would inquire what has passed of him and if he still seeks to aid my brother in the creation of the Bifrost."

Black Panther has posed:
T'Challa gives a grateful inclination of his head towards Steve, and then the same to Thor at the compliment. "Wakanda appreciates the offer. As we appreciate our friendship with your people," T'Challa tells the Asgardian. He falls quiet then at the mention of Doctor Strange, not knowing any more than Thor about the sorcerer's whereabouts.

T'Challa moves back over to take his seat again. "I hope that things with your brother are going smoothly," T'Challa says to Thor. Probably the closest he would come to openly checking up on the villain turned hero turned villain turned hero actually an illusion turned...

Where were we again?

Captain America has posed:
Steve nods to hear that it's nothing immediately pressing though his expression has gone somewhat inscrutable at the mention of the Trickster god. If anything, it's more a projection of intense politeness. T'Challa speaks for him, in his way.

"I know the Doctor's dealing with some amnesia right now, but not much else about him. He's reclusive." The man's brows still knit in concern for the Sorcerer in passing. "Didn't know he was working on reviving the Bifrost with your brother. That'll be a breath of fresh air when it's all figured out."

Something seems to occur to him suddenly and he glances at T'Challa, spoon paused in mid-rise to his mouth with its heaping of ice cream. "You might want to talk with Tony about something he's working on in his lab right now, your highness. He's got the head of a Sentinel robot and it's..." He pauses, searching for words. Finally, Steve grimaces. "Tony can explain it better than I can, but it's got the potential to be a technological mess." By the way he subtle emphasizes 'mess', he means potentially so much more. "If you wanna stop by and speak with him too, Thor, it's probably a good idea," he adds before spooning the ice cream into his mouth.

Thor has posed:
    "Loki?" Thor says, clarifying which brother in particular after all. He holds up a hand as he waves off the answer to the question and continues on knowing that indeed Loki is likely the topic. "He fares well, we have reached a level of equilibrium I feel and he has his tasks before him."
    There's a pause then as Thor's good eye distances a moment, but then he smiles and says affably, "In any case it's been _some_ time since he's stabbed me so there's that." His lip twitches a little broader.
    But at the end of Steve's words, Thor gives him a firm nod. "Certainly, I shall join you." When they wander to speak with Tony assuredly.

Black Panther has posed:
Black Panther gives Thor a small bow of his head. One that both thanks him for the answer, and likely appreciates no offense being taken at the question. Even offered as mildly as T'Challa was able to. "I glad to hear that," he tells Thor before the comments from Steve draws T'Challa's full attention.

The man turns to look towards the Super Soldier. A hint of silver shows a necklace in a tribal style beneath T'Challa's black sweater that he's wearing. "I see. A Sentinel. I imagine the mess could be technological. And other sorts as well. I shall definitely seek Tony out. I assume he is conducting his investigations within his tower?" T'Challa confirms.

Captain America has posed:
Steve returns Thor's nod, his own just as brisk. "Glad to have you along if you can join us," he comments. Suddenly not so enamored with his ice cream, he takes a side step to place the bowl and its unfinished contents on the table. With hands back in his sweatshirt pockets once more, he then replies to T'Challa,

"Tony had the head here at the mansion, in lab four last time I checked. I hope he moved it to the tower. He has the place on lockdown, but he was talking about how it went wild when it sensed Wanda down in Mexico -- he got it from there," the Captain explains. "I don't want it on-site if he can have it elsewhere."

Thor has posed:
    A small 'bah' is offered as if to repudiate the idea that Thor could take umbrage at the inquiry from Panther. He does, however, turn his attention upon Steve as the man speaks, listening intently and letting his eyebrows rise with curiousity. A few nods are given until eventually his final nod is given with more authority.
    "Very well then. Our path is chosen!" He rises from his seat, "To the laboratory and Stark, for answers to these questions and more." As if that was all it took and all he needed. In fact he's already moving to the door and drawing it open for the other worthies to precede him.