6554/Kingston Park Art Appreciation

Kingston Park Art Appreciation
Date of Scene:	18 February 2019
Location:	Gotham - Kingston Park
Synopsis:	Jason and Kitty meet over a piece of art in the Park. They end up having dinner together and discuss learning more about each other.
Cast of Characters:	Red Hood, Shadowcat

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Red Hood has posed:
The area of Kingston Park has long been used to show off the cultural side of Gotham City. Today, it is being used to hold an art show. There have been sculptures and paintings that have been brought out and set up along the walking paths - showcasing artists from around the area. The charity involved is one that helps disadvantaged youth of Gotham.

Jason Todd is here today, dressed casually, but his clothing shows a slightly upper-class branding as he is walking and admiring some of the paintings when he notices a painting that is listed as being done by the artist 'Peter Nicholas'.

It's canvas is drawing several admirers to the lifelike painting of a field of flowers, and a blonde girl sitting in the middle of it, making a flower crown.

Shadowcat has posed:
Kitty had forgotten by now that she'd set up the automated search for Peter Nicholas. But like any good program, it continued to run in the background. She was just finishing placing a bunch of tinfoil origami cranes in articles of clothing when her phone chimed. "Huh. A painting," she says, seeing the mention of the painting from a small Gotham dealer.

A game of phone tag ensued, but eventually Kitty ended up with the time and place of the art show where the painting was going to be. The trip to Gotham left her plenty of time to think. And toy with a necklace with a Star of David icon hanging from it.

Finally she arrives at the Park. Not as familiar with the city, Kitty climbs out of the Uber, looking about at the surrounding buildings. "So Gothic," she comments to herself, before beginning to wander through the park, looking at the various artwork. A few pieces catch her notice and delay her, but mostly Kitty is seeking out a painting of a girl in a field of flowers, making a crown of them.

Red Hood has posed:
There's already a few bids on the piece of art that have pushed it close to the five thousand dollar range. Most people have mentioned that it's pretty, but they aren't willing to pay the price for it.

Approaching the painting, Jason lowers his sunglasses, studying the painting curiously, and looking at the signature, and then back at the painting again.

"Huh. Did this in Russia, I guess." he offers up thoughtfully, eyes scanning over the image. Now how would he know something like that?

Shadowcat has posed:
The sound of footsteps on the grass behind him might be noticed if Jason Todd has good enough hearing. Kitty Pryde walks up, head tilting as if she is wondering if she heard the man right or if her ears were playing tricks on her. Kitty glances to Jason but only briefly, as her eyes end up drawn to the painting itself.

She leans forward towards the painting where it stands on the easel. Seeing the signature, and then looking at the figure in the field itself. The resemblance to Illyana is there, enough to make Kitty break out into a soft smile. She straightens again, glancing at the bidding and lets out a breath as she sees the amount. Well, there goes that thought.

Kitty takes a moment to look around again, eyes going back to Jason Todd. "Excuse me, are you familiar with this artist at all?" she asks him, motioning towards the painting in question.

Red Hood has posed:
"I heard he was a building superintendent once?" Jason asks, arching a brow as the young man turns his attention to the pretty burnette that addresses him. The small shock of white hair in his bangs causes him to stand out a little more - it definetly does not look like a dye job.

Returning his attention to the painting, he considers it. "The flowers. They're Mountain arnicas. You only find those in Eastern Russia." he explains to Kitty with a little grin. "I travelled there once when I was younger. The fields there are breathtaking."

He offers his hand to the woman. "Jason." he offers in greeting to her. "You from around here?"

Shadowcat has posed:
Kitty Pryde looks back to the painting, the young woman leaning forward to look more closely at the flowers. She'd mostly focused on the girl in the painting, of course. "Oh, interesting," Kitty says, chewing on her lip for a moment before straightening again.

As the man offers her his hand, Kitty shakes it, offering a soft. "Kitty. Or... Katherine. But most people go with Kitty. Or Kat. Or they make up their own nickname," she says, giving a little exhale that blows a few wisps of hair off where they hang from her cheek. "Honestly I don't know how my friends know when another refers to me, they all use different names."

She looks back to the painting. "Well, I'm glad it looks like it's appreciated," Kitty says as she looks at the bids again. "Very pretty," Kitty says, eying the painting, though the comment could be about her best friend that is the subject, should one realize that.

Red Hood has posed:
"Well, until I get to know you better, I'm going to stick to Kitty. Since that's what you used first. You know the artist?" comes the question from Jason as he removes his sunglasses and puts them away.

"I heard that he disappeared some years back and hasn't been seen since." there's a shrug of his shoulders in thought as he turns his attention from the painting to the young woman. "I was just considering it for purchase. There's a children's home I was part of when I was young I think it would look nice in, once it's been rebuilt."

Ma Gunn. Used to be a criminal. Til I threw her out a window. Now she's reformed. It would be nice to help her out.

Shadowcat has posed:
The young woman smiles at the choice of Kitty, and is just looking back to the painting when Jason asks her about the artist. "I'm familiar with him," Kitty says, nodding slowly. She's wearing dark pants with a sweater, and the toes of boots sticking out from the pants legs. There's a necklace about her throat with a Star of David hanging from it. Kitty's fingers move to touch it as she says, "The little girl is the artist's sister, actually."

Kitty is just taking out her phone and snapping a photo of the painting when Jason mentions the part about considering it for purchase. Kitty stops and looks over to him, her expression softening. "Really, you were?" she asks. Kitty looks back to the painting and a little smile turns up the corner of her lips. "I would guess that both the artist, and the sister, would probably like it, if it ended up somewhere like that," Kitty tells him. Her eyes staying with Jason this time rather than drifting back to the painting.

Red Hood has posed:
"You sound as if you are an expert on the artist. Are you a friend of his, then? Or just a historian?" Jason asks curiously. As for his own dress - it would be considered suit casual. The slacks are tailored, the shoes are leather, Italian.

A nice dress shirt - with a leather jacket. That one sign of rebellion in it all, as he reaches up to brush his hand through his hair for a moment of thought. Then he glances at the price tag.

He can afford it.

With the decision made in his mind, and perhaps to foolishly impress a pretty girl, Jason waves over the consierge that is holding the bids. "I'll go ahead and pay the full reserve."

"Sir, it's ten thousand five hundred."

"Yeah, I know."

"Very well, congratulations, sir. May I know who to bill this to?"

There's a moment of thought and Jason hits 'send' on his phone. "Bill it to the Wayne Foundation."

That might get Kitty's attention.

Shadowcat has posed:
A mother tows her crying child through the crowd. Apparently the 6-year-old doesn't quite appreciate art like his mother was hoping he would. Kitty's brown eyes drift over, the young woman giving a soft grin before she turns back to Jason, hearing the question about her familiarity with the artist. "His sister. She's one of my best friends," Kitty says, motioning to the painting.

Her fingers start to move towards the necklace for just a moment, but are stopped. Perhaps a pang of guilt at not including her connection to the artist.

"That's really..." Kitty says as Jason completes the purchase. She clears her throat. "I think she'll really like hearing where it's going. Thank you. It was a long trip out here looking for the painting. I think you sort of just made the whole trip worthwhile," Kitty says, looking down and giving a soft smile.

Kitty hesitates a moment and then says, "Jason, would you have time, and the inclination, to maybe go get a cup of coffee or something? My treat?"

Red Hood has posed:
As he watches the kid go by with her mom, Jason wacthes the pair for a moment and then chuckles, glancing back to Kitty. "I am firmly of the belief that you shouldn't try to expose a child to culture until they're ten. Young Einsteins nonwithstanding." There's a hint of a tease in his voice, before his attention returns to the brunette.

"Sir, do you want to have the painting wrapped up to bring with you?"

"No. It seems that I have other plans for the evening." he states, a glance given to Kitty and a smile. "Totally accepting a cup of coffee." he responds with a chuckle. "Though I'll warn you, in Gotham, the coffee may pull a knife on you."

He might be serious about that.

"And it would be nice to tell you a little about where it's going - after all, it's part of myself as well." he admits. "And give me a chance to know more about you."

Shadowcat has posed:
A soft, pleased smile graces Kitty's face as Jason accepts the offer. There's also a little bit of shyness in the way she looks down from his eyes too, as if inviting men out for coffee isn't something the young woman does on a regular basis.

"I've been drinking Turkish coffee lately. Something I brought back from England for a friend who is a major caffeine addict. Though not something we need to seek out," Kitty says. "The thought of the Turkish coffee with a knife is probably more than I can handle right now," the young woman tells him.

Kitty watches as the transaction for the painting is finished and tells Jason, "I'd appreciate that. You said you were part of the children's home when you were younger?" Kitty asks. "You mentioned the Wayne Foundation as well? That's Bruce Wayne's charity isn't it?"

Red Hood has posed:
"I do enjoy a good strong cup of Kuru Kahveci Mehmet Efendi. But I am game to about anything." Jason offers. "Did you drive down here, or may I offer you a ride?" he asks, as they walk across the park to the parking lot. And his choice? A hefty looking motorcycle that looks like it was built custom.

"I'm more amicable to talk over coffee." he chuckles, giving her a wink before he moves to settle on the bike and waits to see if he joins her.

Shadowcat has posed:
Kitty Pryde walks along at Jason's side as the two move through the park. Past various paintings, sculptures, and all manner of other exhibits. A live glass blower causes Kitty to pause for just a moment, smiling at the fanciful creation being made before their eyes.

But only a moment, she quickening her step and smiling at Jason softly as she catches back up to him, even if it was just a step behind that she fell. "I did not drive, actually. I'm only back in the States for... what has it been, a week?" Kitty says. Boggling for a moment at how much has happened in that time.

She looks the bike over. If Jason feared she might be a girl who would react negatively to the bike, that worry might be dissuaded as Kitty says, "Wow, this looks like it would be a lot of fun," she tells him. "Glad I didn't wear a skirt today," she adds as she climbs on the back of the bike quite nimbly. Her arms go about his torso as she leans forward, pressing lightly to his back.

Red Hood has posed:
It is a pleasant stroll across the park, the pause at the glass blower was a nice pause, it gives Jason a chance to size the young woman up, before they arrive at the bike. When Kitty gets settled onto the back. "Alright, you give the directions, I'll drive. Better than Uber." he says with a chuckle.

When she gets snuggled in, he gives her hand a couple of pats, just to make sure she knows she's secure, before he revs the bike.

And as he enters the Gotham traffic, he's already deciding to take it easy - he's taking the scenic rout around the city. "You mind if we make a detour?" he asks her. Not that he was really seeking permission.

As they take the elevated highway, Kitty can see that Gotham is a lot more dour than Metropolis or New York. It's old - but she carries her age with a certain grace. She's a fighter - she may be hunched. She may be run-down. But she'll never give up.

Taking a exit off the highway, the streets here are less crowded. There are more cars that are older models - turn of the century vehicles or older - the buildings here are more run down. But eventually, he comes upon a small area. A stately colonial home stands behind a large wrought iron gate, the grounds are still being tended to, but it's clear that the building is under construction.

"You wanted to know where the painting was going?" Jason asks as he pulls up into the driveway, and shuts off the bike for the moment. "This is Ma Gunn's Home for Wayward Youth. After I thought my parents died, this is where I ended up at." he explains. "Spent some tough years here." Xavier's home it is not. No where near.

Shadowcat has posed:
The ride along the elevated expressway gives Kitty plenty of time to oggle the city like she couldn't from down in the midst of the tall buildings. Her head rests against Jason's back, snug against him as she enjoys the ride despite the brisk air and the extra wind. His body is warm enough to offset that, though perhaps her cheeks are just a little rosier than they started when they arrive at the place Jason wishes to show her.

Kitty keeps her feet out of the way, apparently used to being on the back of a motorcycle as she turns to look over towards the large home. Her arm is still about Jason's torso, hand resting across his abdomen. "But they turned out to be ok, your parents?" she asks. "Or, we can talk about it later, if you want to talk about it," she says, remembering him saving the deeper comments for the coffee house.

"I think if it brings any kinds going through hard times a bit of joy to see, that Peter and Illyana would be very happy to know that," Kitty tells him. She rests her cheek against his back a little bit more as she gazes at the house. Maybe not really realizing she's doing it, just taken by the warm thought.

Red Hood has posed:
"No, dad was dead. Mom.. well.."

So she sold me to the Joker. Her payment? She got to watch me get beat to an inch of my life. Oh. Then we both died in an explosion. That'd go over well, right?

"She passed away as well. no happy ending on that front, sorry." He lifts his glance to the home. "I was found by Bruce Wayne." he explains, as he considers the building. "Apparently he saw something, because he chose to adopt me." There's a little chuckle at that. "That makes me one of the lucky ones. Because I was already a teenager when that happened."

Lucky that he caught me stealing the tires off the Batmobile.

She feels nice pressed up against him, but he's not rushing anything along, instead just enjoying the moment as it was. "So that's how I'm connected to the Wayne Foundation." Maybe he should have led with his last name, right? "And that is my story and tale of woe and triumph and all that stuff. But Bruce is paying to have this place restored after a gas main explosion nearly leveled it."

Black Mask bombed it to send a message - she doesn't need to know that.

"Gutted the inside pretty good. So it's going to need replacement everything. I'm going to make sure that your friend's painting ends up in the girl's dorm."

Shadowcat has posed:
The stately house can only hold Kitty's attention for so long as Jason shares those bits of his history with her. The kind of history that can hang like a dark cloud over someone. A cloud they never emerge from. Kitty knows full well how people with those kind of histories can turn out. Many of them have tried to kill her.

But she doesn't sense that at all from Jason. Kitty's expression softens slightly. Boy. How do you follow that up. "It's great what you're doing. If Piotr knew where the painting was going to end up... well. He'll be happy to find out. I can't think of a better place for it," Kitty tells him.

"And you're probably saving it from going in someone's guest bathroom. You know, where Aunt Mildred will look at in the mirror as she flosses, and yell asking who the girl with the flowers is," Kitty says. Because humor. It's a go to. Kitty's hand gives Jason's stomach a gentle pat. Not expecting the firmness she finds. Damn. Pilates?

Red Hood has posed:
Crunches. Lots of crunches. "And then she'd turn up her nose and be all 'pish posh, you should have gotten the dogs playing poker instead'." Just like that, Jason can find his own humor in the situation as he gives a chuckle to her.

Glancing over his shoulder. "So, what's your story. What brings a good Jewish girl to Gotham City?" he asks her playfully. "Or is that something to save for when we're in more cozy surroundings?"

There's another glance towards the building, considering it for a moment as he looks towards a second floor window. That was where his room for a short time. "Careful with the patting, you're going to remind me that I'm hungry and I'm going to have to ask if you're free for dinner." he comments with a wink over his shoulder.

With that, he waits for her approval to start up the motorcycle to continue on towards the coffee shop.

Shadowcat has posed:
"Dinner and coffee then," Kitty agrees. "My story. Oh, yes, maybe let's save that for dinner? Though I think maybe what brought me to Gotham? Was to come and experience this," Kitty tells him. She reaches out with her left hand, the right still wrapped about him gently. Gesturing towards the home.

"All of this. I don't know. Maybe I just needed a little reminder of a few things. And this was it. I don't know if you believe in anyone up there looking out for us or not. But today might be one of those days to give any doubts I might have pause," Kitty tells him. And then she returns the left hand to holding onto him as well, giving a gentle tap to let him know that she's ready.

And if she rests her cheek a little closer on the ride back, perhaps it is a little less to do with the wind than it was on the trip here.

Red Hood has posed:
The heart that beats beneath her cheek is a strong rhythm - if she knew that same heart had been at a dead stop for six months, she may have other ideas about being pressed so close. "So nostalgia. I suppose that's what keeps me around here sometimes." he admits with a smirk.

Then when he sees her expression, and his own softens a few degrees. "There's this saying I heard in a song once. Live in California, but leave before it makes you soft. Live in Gotham, but leave before it makes you hard. I think I went past expiration sometimes."

Expiration! Ha. I kill me.

"So maybe I should be thanking you in turn for the reminder that there is plenty of things around here that are worth trying hard for. Especially when they come so nice looking." There's a smile towards her, before his attention returns to the bike, and he kickstarts it, causing the dull roar to grow and thrum through both of them as he guides the motorcycle out of the cul-de-sac and out onto the street as he heads back towards the highway. Over the bike's comm, he asks. "What type of food are you in the mood for? Or is this one of these 'surprise me' things?"

Shadowcat has posed:
If there was not a temptation for her fingers to move across his stomach or abs after the comment about him being in Gotham too long, there was at least a thought about it. Kitty bites down on her lip where he won't be able to see. Silence is golden at moments like this.

"I'm just going to assume you're not talking about the painting when you say that," Kitty replies to him, a soft smile growing across her lips as the bike starts back up.

Her eyes go back to the city. The feeling of nostalgia she gets from seeing it, from seeing the older style cars and even some of the fashions makes Kitty feel like she's stepped into one of the older movies that she loves. How does this place keep from being invaded by... well... the lifestyle of the teenagers at the school?

Wow. Did Kitty just separate herself from them like that? It has been a year away. But as she ponders it, Kitty realizes how spot on the thought was.

"What? Oh, food. Well... honestly I would say Chinese. But if you /want/ to surprise me... I've been pleasantly surprised all day. So I'm willing to roll the dice one more time if you want," Kitty tells him back as they speed along the highway, passing by the older style cars like they were the future, and coming fast.

Red Hood has posed:
As he hits the highway, there's a glance towards the taller buildings and it's guardians - one of them in paticular - a large gargoyle that looms off the overhang, as if daring those below to act in his presence. Of course, that was his favorite one to talk to.

As they start to pass the newer electric numbers that are making their appearance in the city, Jason chuckles. "Chinese? Perhaps that's a second date activity." he respond in a clearly amused manner as the pair pass by a city bus. "So rolling the dice one more time. I have a place in mind." It's a few exits down from the Old Gotham exit that they took to get to the reform school.

The buildings in Chelesa are a little newer. Still not as bright and cheerful as one would find in Metropolis, but they show the promise - or more appropriately, the failure of the promise. The promise that instead left Gotham to take root in places like Starling City, Metropolis, and Central City. Finally he arrives at their destination. A sign outside advertises the place as 'Gauchos Du Sol'. As he pulls up the bike, he heads into the private parking to find a spot. No, he is not giving his bike over to a valet.

Bringing it to a halt, he sets down the kickstand and swings himself off the motorcycle before offering his hand to Kitty to help her off.

Shadowcat has posed:
Kitty accepts the offered hand, climbing down off the bike gracefully. Whether she had to deal with having worn the helmet, or the wind, her hair is grateful for a few fingers passed through it quickly, the soft dark brown locks falling about her shoulders in gentle waves.

"Gauchos du Sol," she reads from the sign. Kitty looks back to Jason, taking a moment to let her eyes drift across his features appreciatively. "So is this somewhere that you come frequently? Or only when you meet friends of painting subjects who you are looking to surprise with Gotham cuisine?" she asks him.

Kitty hesitates a moment and then slips a hand into the crook of his elbow. Her eyes peeking over at his reaction from their corners before refocusing her attention ahead of her. She walks with him, the young woman's boots clicking softly on the pavement. The heels on them giving her just a little more height, though Jason still cuts a much larger figure beside her.

Red Hood has posed:
There's a chuckle. "It's where I was actually considering having dinner before you arrived." Jason admits as releases her hand once she's settled. But when she takes the crook of his arm, he settles - as if practiced - and glances across to appreciate the beauty that has decided to take his place next to him.

He opens the door to the restaurant for her - when he does, the smells of grilled meat come over their senses, washing over the pair like a warm wave. Approaching the hostess, the woman smiles. "Do you have reservations?"

"Yeah. Jason. Was party of one - now a party of two." There's a grin at that, and a glance at her for a reaction before the hostess smiles. "Oh! This way please." She leads the pair past the salad bar, and Kitty will see waiters going around carrying large skewers of various roasted meats to tables, cutting them directly from the skewer and onto the plate.

He waits for Kitty to be seated first before he moves to take his seat across from her. Pausing for a moment, Jason considers, and turns his attention to the hostess, touching her hand. "If you do not mind, can you please inform the staff - no pork at this table. Thanks."

With that, his attention turns back to Kitty, appreciating the way she looks in the dim firelight and his blue eyes dance over her in appreciation before returning to her own. "So, I believe you were just about to tell me what it is that you do for a living?"

Shadowcat has posed:
Kitty Pryde look around the restaurant with an air of appreciation. "Oh, we had a place like this where I grew up, though only had been to it a few times," she comments as Jason holds her seat for her and she settles down into it. "And that has been years ago now."

When Jason gives the waiter the instruction, Kitty smiles across the table softly. "It won't bother me if you want to have pork. I'm not always the most devout Jew, but I don't begrudge my friends their bacon," she tells Jason.

The young woman looks across the table at her handsome date. Is it right to call him a date? It feels more and more like that is what this has turned into. "I'm a college student. At Oxford," she tells him, Kitty managing just the right tone so she gives the information about where she's going to school but without sounding like she was trying to impress with it. "I just came back last week, I decided to take a semester off and work at the preparatory school I attended in upstate New York. Guidance counselor, mainly because..." Kitty says, pausing to pick her wording. No, not Jean's wording. Though it was flattering. "Well, people seem to talk to me pretty easily," she goes with.

Red Hood has posed:
"I'm glad to stir up pleasant memories. Hopefully that's not all we stir up tonight." Jason offers to his date flirtatiously, as his eyes dance in warmth as he shakes his head. "Naw, I can live a night without a bacon fix. Totally not an addict." He pats the inside of his arm as if prepping a needle.

"Oxford, huh. I never got a chance to get that far. I have a more practical education." he admits as he orders a bottle of wine for the pair. "Prepatory school? I'm surprised you'd even go slumming around with a guy like me." His tone is clearly one of playfulness, as he nods. "Guidance counselor. Shaping young minds and all that. That's really nice, Kitty."

At her mention of being easy to talk to, he smiles. "Oh, so it's not just me that's disarmed by your smile and good looks?" he asks her, before considering. "I do freelance work these days. Special contracts and things like that. Mainly security type work." That would be the best way to explain the firmness of him. That and Damian's suggestion of 'pain in the ass' doesn't really work as a job description.

Shadowcat has posed:
"Thank you, though shaping young minds is kind of like... a painter working with granite, I'm finding," Kitty says with a soft laugh. "No, it's only been a week. And some of the students remember me as a student anyway. I feel more like big sister than anything," Kitty tells him.

She smiles as a waiter comes over to pour them water and take a drink order. Kitty looks to Jason, just smiling to him as if she trusts him to order for her. "I'm not studying to do guidance counseling though. Just how I could help out while I'm home. I'm actually pursuing degrees in computer science and English literature," she tells him.

The complimentary words about Kitty's appearance cause her to look down, perhaps just a little shyly, but also to smile. She looks back up, listening to Jason as he talks about his work. "And is that something you're enjoying doing?" Kitty asks him. "Is it work that you'd like to make a career of, or something that is working for you right now?" he asks.

She glances over as an older couple take a seat together. He's in his best suit and she's in her best dress from the looks of it, and probably neither of them come to a place like this very often judging from their clothing. A special occasion then? The woman's smile is ear to ear, and that makes the man's smile the same as he is able to give his lady that special moment.

It brings a warm smile to Kitty's face and she looks over to Jason, giving him a discrete motion that way to draw his attention to them without it standing out.

Red Hood has posed:
"Then may I politely suggest using dynamite?" Jason comments when she suggests how to work with teenagers. "We weren't teenagers all that long ago - full of piss, vinegar, and sure we knew more than anyone that didn't have 'teen in their age." Once the wine is ordered, the waiter returns and sets down two plates.

Her explanation causes him to raise a brow and he grins. "I should introduce you to a friend of mine sometime." Because Babs would totally geek out with computers and Kitty all at once. His hand reaches, covering hers for a moment, "It's good to have experience in multiple fields. Me? I'm still trying to decide what to be when I grow up."

Her attention to the other couple draws his. There's a subtle tilt of his head, and there's a thoughful chew on his lip. When he speaks, his voice is quiet, thoughtful. "Anniversry. Not fiftieth, they're not with family. But up in the fourties." he says in thought. "Can't really afford the more expensive places. Can't really afford here. His suit is one he wore back when he worked for a living. She's not had that dress out of mothballs for very long. "It's their special night. Maybe we'll find one of those someday." he shrugs his shoulders.

That's when the first course comes around. A waiter arrives carrying a large skewer. "Carne arsada?" he asks of the pair. Jason gestures to his plate, making it a clear point that he wants some. "Rare, if you don't mind." he requests, before looking towards Kitty.

Shadowcat has posed:
At the mention of dynamite, thoughts pop into Kitty's head of Ellie. Oh yes. Dynamite. Adding in with Ellie would go so well.

Some things you just can't discuss on a date though. If this is a date.

And then her hand is covered. Kitty takes a long sip of her water. Maybe it is a date.

"Oh? The computers or the literature?" Kitty asks about his friend. "Or both? I know it is kind of an odd combination. But growing up, if I wasn't reading, I was on my computer," she tells him quietly.

Kitty's attention is drawn back to the couple, though she uses brief, discrete looks that won't take the couple's attention from their special day should they notice. The brunette's lips pull back in a smile as she notes each detail once Jason points them out.

"Don't forget the love," she tells him, letting her eyes gaze over at the couple of the longest stretch yet. "They way he looks at her. It's not just a couple who stayed together because that's how their life is and they are just living it out," Kitty says softly. Without really thinking about it her fingers curl about Jason's just a little bit.

The arrival of the waiter draws Kitty's attention back. "I'll have the same," she says, seeming content to follow Jason's lead on the choice of food. "So you were planning to eat here tonight. Was there any kind of special occasion for you?" Kitty asks. "Or just the carne arsada on your mind?"

Red Hood has posed:
Feeling the curl of Kitty's fingers, Jason returns the favor. "Love. Hmm." he comments wryly as he considers her words. "Not something I consider myself having /any/ luck with." comes the admission, before his attention move from the older pair back to the beauty across from him.

"Maybe I'll have to get some assistance with figuring out that look." He shifts a little in his seat, giving her fingers a brief squeeze before withdrawing them as his attention turns to the food, and a slab of meat is cut off for Kitty as well.

A couple of minutes after the steaks arive, a pair of salads are delivered to the pair, along with a side of green goddess dressing.

"Probably both, Barbara is totally into all of that geek stuff that I fail so hard at." he offers in more than a little mild amusement. "Anyway.. yeah. Good price for the quality of the eats here, and I happen to enjoy grilled meats on spits. Just wait til we get dessert."

Shadowcat has posed:
Kitty Pryde's fingers part from Jason's at the same time, the young woman giving the servers a friendly and grateful smile. "Smells magnificent," she tells them, before turning to include Jason in the smile. "Thank you," she tells him softly, her eyes lingering upon his for a little bit before Kitty turns her attention back to her food.

"Well, if the main courses are delivered on spits, I don't know that I should even hazard a guess what the desert will arrive on," Kitty says with a warm laugh. "I know, I know. They'll arrive on a cart," she says, being more common-sensical.

Kitty takes a first bite of her carne arsada, giving a soft sigh of appreciation. She alternates between that and the salad, though Jason receives half of her attention while she eats. "There is such a different feel in Gotham than there is in New York City. Let alone the smaller town I live in," Kitty comments. "It feels kind of like a movie to me, more than most places do. Does it ever feel that way to you? Or... it's probably just home I'd guess, not something you'd notice?"

Red Hood has posed:
"No, it's noticable. It's like a familiar song. A beat. Every city has one - some people call it it's soul. It's more like - that music in your head? You know, you hear it, it sticks in your craw, and the next thing you know, you're humming along with it and then you're maddenly trying to find out /what/ song it is?" Jason responds, as he starts in on his own meal, enjoying the steak with a sigh of bliss.

"Metropolis is this.. poppy, upbeat, uptempo stuff that comes out of Korea. You can almost hear the cuteness of it all. Or the hope and shit that comes with it. It's the type of song you expect someone to sing in they shower, you know, even if they can't carry a tune in a bucket."

"Small towns, they all have their own - weird, but true. It's a tapestry of anthems - like the soundtrack of a country, if that makes a lick of sense. Gotham? It's this dark gritty dirge that carries a subtly undertone of jazz. You almost want to believe that there is a note or two of hope that's somewhere in there, but you almost are lulled into the idea of believing that you can make a difference, then she drags you down and drowns you in her darkness."

"It's a constant struggle, wanting to rise above, and make a difference. Something I'm pretty sure I ain't ever going to do. But you're shaping minds, and making changes. That's pretty awesome, Kitty. And that takes a lot of guts and gumption. And seriously, I'm awed by that."

His attention moves over to look at the couple. "Then you have that. Two people that found each other, and now they're sharing in that whole rhythm of each other. It doesn't happen like that often. You know, it's an old-fashioned type love. I wonder if they met in a park by chance." he says in mild amusement and a grin cast towards his companion. "Do you think he courted her long before he asked her to marry him?"

Shadowcat has posed:
Kitty Pryde sits and listens to Jason quietly. Though as he talks about the music and the soul of the cities a small, interested smile turns up the corners of her lips. "That was really beautiful," Kitty tells him at the end, her eyes dropping down to the table as she smiles more openly, mind drifting across the tapestry of thought that Jason wove upon the subject.

Her eyes glance back to the couple as Jason looks back to them as well. "I think he did. I think they knew each other for a while. Maybe it took him awhile to ask her out," Kitty speculates before looking back over to Jason. "You seem like someone who is looking for something special in his own life," Kitty comments.

She picks up her wineglass, watching the red as she gently swirls it, but not taking a drink yet. "Or am I misreading you? You seem very observant. With the things that you mentioned about the couple, their clothes and everything. I find myself paling to consider what conclusions you might have drawn about me," Kitty says, an eyebrow going up as she gives him a soft smile across the table, and finally takes that sip of wine.

Red Hood has posed:
She's a sweet girl. And beautiful. You should save her the trouble, Jason. Don't drag her into this. You'd be doing her a favor.

There's a chuckle that comes from Jason, just as the next skewer arrives at the table. A seared and grilled boneless leg of lamb. At the botton of the skewer are little containers of chimichurri sauce. "Cordeiro?" the waitress asks the pair. Tapping his plate for a slice of it, Jason waits for Kitty to make her decision and the waitress to move on before he continues.

"I told you I work security, right? I have a lot of training in being observant." His eyes turn to Kitty and take her in. "You weren't the type to make a first move, but you're very curious and when something has your attention, it's like a puzzle and you want to solve it to your satisfaction. Which means when it isn't exactly what you expect, you're not above changing the rules to fit what you want. That may go against your teachings in the faith and everything that screams common sense - but it's exciting. It's a thrill to find something that keeps you just a little off balance."

"You're beautiful and confident and you know it. But you keep it understated. You want someone to dig beneath the surface of the pretty girl and find the stronger woman beneath. You will never ever be a damsel in distress. Does that make you special?"

Taking a bite of his lamb after dipping it in his chimcurri sauce, he grins. "Totally."

"Am I looking for someone? I work nights. I'm on call a lot. My lifestyle will make things complicated at times. I don't talk about work, and most nights, I'd prefer to be in front of the TV, eating a Brown Bag Special from Big Belly burger." And researching my latest assignment.

As Jason talks, a very portly woman enters. It's clear she's never wanted for anything, and the suited goons with sunglasses at night next to them offers up that she's into something that requires protection. She has her hair and make up done rather heavily, enough to try to hide any imperfections she may perceive. There's a glance towards her, before Jason's attention returns to the beauty at the table.

Sipping his wine after his first scrye of her, he lifts his wine glass to take a sip from it slowly, savoring the drink before he sets down the glass. "And it also leaves me wondering what I could expect from a second date, if I were to place such in your hands."

Shadowcat has posed:
Kitty passes on the lamb, still working on the carne asada and her salad, but giving the server a grateful smile. She looks back over to Jason, gently leaning her forearms on the edge of the table as she listens to his observations. "I'd say... 85%," Kitty tells him at the end of that. She seems to have a little bit of a pleased smile, and there's a warmth in the look that's given across the table. "Which is more than a passing grade."

"I am having a nice time with you," Kitty tells him. "You are charming. Which I think you realize," she tells Jason, her lips pulling back in a bit of a challenging smile as if for him to say otherwise. "Which for some guys, that realization stops them being charming. But not you. You're comfortable in your skin when it comes to that," Kitty says. She leans her head down upon her hand as she looks across the table, a finger tapping her lips briefly. "But not comfortable about everything," she says thoughtfully, but also with a look as if she doesn't believe she understands it beyond that.

"Well, a second date? I doubt you'd be interested, really," Kitty says with a shake of her head as she looks down at her food. "It wouldn't be anything this nice. Probably camp out in front of the TV. Watching... oh I don't know. The Godfather. Or Jumanji. Or maybe Casablanca. And probably eating some takeout in a big... brown bag," Kitty tells him.

"And there'd probably be cheetos flavored popcorn later on. So you'd go to work later and your fingers would be all orange, no matter how much you scrubbed them," Kitty continues. "And everyone at work would ask what kind of contagious condition you have. But you'd just have to say you went on the lamest date of all time, you wouldn't even have a good story to go with it," Kitty tells Jason, her eyes twinkling just a little bit across the table.

Kitty finally takes note of the portly woman's arrival, mainly because of all the stares across the restaurant. Kitty swivels to take a look. Though she tries to avoid staring, it is difficult not to at first glance. She soon refocuses her gaze on Jason though.

Red Hood has posed:
There's a lift of a brow, and Jason gives Kitty a playful grin. "Are you trying to make it sound as boring as possible in order to get me to back away, or entice me with the idea of finding out what type of pajamas you wear to lounge around in." he responds with a lift of his brow playful. Bright blue eyes study her for a long moment as they share the first observations of the other.

"I'm a sucker for classic Sci-Fi." he admits to Kitty. "I could do Godfather or Jumanji..."

...any night on the streets of Gotham I can live those out.

"...but since we're talking about how boring we may be on a second date? I can quote Lord of the Rings, and I've seen the entire Harry Potter series, including the add-ons." He says it with a completely straight face that will leave Kitty wondering if he's fibbing or not. "As for the dreaded cheese-finger disease?" Reaching over to take her hand, he draws two cirlces and dots each of them in the center with his finger. Circle Circle Dot Dot? Yes. "...it just depends on where else Cheetos fingerprints show up on me from a young woman's hand that I would have to answer for."

"I won't lie. I have some baggage. I mean, everyone does. But this is your chance to bail now if you want." he offers to her. "I've done some things when I was younger that I wasn't proud of, and some things I can't take back - but they are things that helped to shape who I am now, and mould me into what's sitting across from you tonight. We may have that moment where we sit and talk it all out, we may never have that talk. But, that's totally a later date activity."

Subtly, Jason glances to where the large woman goes to sit and if anyone joins her. After all, that is the whole reason he set reservations for the night.

Suzie Su. Known crime daughter. Lover of expensive all you can eat buffets. Trying to get into the Brazilian drug trade. Her contact is meeting her here tonight. Stay on task, Hood.

Returning his attention to Kitty, he flashes her a grin. "And greasy spoons are my favorite meals. So, I'm going to venture that you're trying to entice - and I'll accept, but we'll have to negotiate on the movie, clearly."

Su will keep for the moment.

Shadowcat has posed:
A soft laugh sounds from Kitty as she takes up the cloth napkin to wipe her lips. "I've got a computer science degree, and you think I would find quoting fantasy or sci-fi movies to be boring?" Kitty tells him. "Mr... ah... Mister Mister who hasn't told me his last name yet, you have a thing to learn about geek girls," she tells him.

Kitty leans back in her chair, glancing around the expensive restaurant. The soft ambience. The mood lighting that provides that feeling of intimacy. The music kept at just the right level to enhance the mood without interfering with conversation. The woman who has one of everything being added to an assortment of plates set about her table.

Well, maybe not the latter.

Kitty looks back over to Jason, leaning forward to say, "I'm a pretty simple girl. Well, no strike that. When it comes to food I'm pretty simple. Get me a box of cereal and some milk and I'm like a cat that keeps coming back." Or a Kat that keeps coming back. She gives a little more serious of a nod then. "I'd like to hear those stories sometime. But I'm not in a rush. About anything. If that makes sense?"

Kitty's finger doodles on the tablecloth while she talks. "So if you'd like to get together again after tonight sometime, I think I'd like that," she tells him, before finally leaning back in her chair again. "It's not too long of a trip down here. I live up Salem, in Westchester county," she tells him.

Red Hood has posed:
For a moment, Jason's thoughts drift to a certain redheaded commissioner's daughter that would probably laugh outright if she saw him on a date with a 'geek girl' as Kitty put it. Pushing those thoughts aside, there's a sharp grin at Kitty. "Only because you haven't shared the same yet. Tell you what, we'll try to figure that out by the end of the night and see where that goes from there. Though, since you're Jewish, I'm going to avoid anything that ends in -ski or -stein."

Working on finishing his own meal, he takes a bite from his lamb, and he nods. "There's nothing wrong with taking the very scenic route to reach a destination, Kitty." he agrees with her easily. "There's enough time spent rushing around to get things done. Some things are worth waiting for and being earned." His smile softens for her at that as he sets aside his fork and knife for the moment.

"With or without marshmallows?" comes his question when she mentions the cereal and milk, before there's a chuckle. "And if we stay up all night binge-watching our favorite movies and one of us have to do the walk of shame - well, we'll see how it goes from there."

When she mentions coming down to visit, there's a thought. "Remember when I said that you shouldn't spend too much time in Gotham, or you'd become hard? I hear that the country up that way is worth the trip. Maybe I should come see you and we can vege at your place."

There's a small chuckle. "I was thirteen the first time I left Gotham to see the countryside. I'd never seen an actual sunrise before - that wasn't framed by skyscrapers. Honestly, freaked me the hell out." he says with a smile at the memory. But he sees her starting to doodle on her napkin, and he looks thoughtful. "If it's getting late for you, I can give you a ride back to your car?" He doesn't want to wear on her.

Shadowcat has posed:
"With, without. Both have their place in life," Kitty says of the great marshmallow cereal question. "I really try not to be prejudiced about such things," the young brunette-haired woman tells Jason through her soft smile. "I'm just glad to be back in the States and have some of my favorite choices available again that I haven't had access to lately."

Kitty pulls out her phone at the mention of the time and glances at it. "Well, I took a train down here, actually, and then an Uber from the station. Probably going to need a bus back at this time," she says. She probably knew that though when she accepted his invitation to dinner. Having foregone the easier transportation to stay with Jason for this long.

"I'd love to have you come visit. Westchester is beautiful in general. Though until spring hits... well, it's like everywhere else this time of year where you wish the snow would be gone and let the near year just get on with it," Kitty says, adding a soft chuckle.

"The school I'm staying at though, I couldn't have guests come though," Kitty says reluctantly. "A guy like you? The teenage girls would all get crushes and ignore their assignments." A sigh is given. "It would start the apocalypse, probably. But... we can spend a day around town, and out in the country if you like?" she says, looking like she is disappointed she can't have him come and veg with her like he suggested.

Red Hood has posed:
"Swooning over me? It must be good that I already have a date then to break all their little teenage hearts." Jason responds with a smile towards her, reaching for her hand to take it again, if she allows. "So, you enjoyed England, but wanted to come back home." He's trying to get a reading on something, but he's not saying what yet.

"I can call and get you a lift from the ride service. One of the perks." comes the offer to Kitty. "Bruce has drivers on call twenty-four seven, and I'm sure he won't mind me using it to make sure that someone I kept out is taken home safely." he points out to her.

"So, no visiting the school." Tapping his finger against the top of her hand, he seems thoughtful. "Alright, so you'll come visit for the second vegging date and we'll totally hang out at .. somewhere. I have a few ideas." he offers to her as he already has the wheels turning.

"And if that goes well, I'll come visit you for the day in Westchester. Sound good?" he asks, moving his hand from hers to cup her cheek, caressing her for just a moment and enjoying the warmth of the skin there before lowering his hand.

"Also. You should know. I'm pretty competitive. And you never want me to be the banker in Monopoly." he adds with a smile to her, drawing in a little breath. "Did you still want dessert?"

Shadowcat has posed:
"Yes, England is.. nice. Though I like Oxford so much more than the rest of the country. It has this... focus to it. You go out to the pubs and it's not like anywhere else. You're surrounded by people that are focused on their academics. Sharp minds. The kind of discussions that you get into there, it's not like dropping by any other pub in London, or New York, or Gotham. Not that those are bad," Kitty says, talking with her hands, and her eyes lit up a bit as she tries to describe it.

"It really has been one of the best experiences of my life. But? It was the right time for me to come back home, too. I'd been away for awhile. And... well, I just... I needed to come," Kitty finishes. She gives a soft smile at the offer of a ride. "If it's not going to be too big of an imposition, that would be really helpful, the ride," she agrees.

"So, I'm thinking your last name must be Wayne as that would be far too easy for me to guess," Kitty says. The only time she's mentioned the W-name tonight, at that. "I like your plan. I'd enjoy just hanging out with you. As nice as this restaurant has been, and the whole night."

Red Hood has posed:
"Sounds like it would be stuffy and confining. No offense." Jason offers in response to Kitty. "Give me a rowdy pub scene any day." there's a grin. "Bar fights are optional." There's a nod of thought at something she says.

"I left Gotham for a while a few years back, went backpacking across Asia. It was an eye-opening experience. Also got me interested in learning some of the martial arts."

And becoming a master assassin.

"But there really is nothing like coming home, is there? Even if you find yourself wondering about the rules of being around your family." he gives a shrug of his shoulders at that. "But they're family, what do you expect?" Chuckling, his smile turned into a full-bloom grin at her guess.

"Bruce let us keep our names. Mine's Todd." he offers up, "I have three brothers - Dick, Tim, and Damian. Damian's the only biological Wayne." There's a shrug of his shoulders. "It doesn't make Thanksgivings weird, at all. But sure, I can get you a ride. No trouble at all." Reaching into his wallet, he takes out his card to pay for the meal before offering his arm to Kitty.

"Shall we?"

Shadowcat has posed:
"No offense. But I enjoy it a lot," Kitty tells Jason, her smile that is given not seeming to mind if it is not his thing. "Martial arts. So you're saying that I'm safe with you, then?" Kitty asks as she sets her napkin on the table and rises from her chair. "Unless... you're the one I'm not safe from?" the fit young woman adds with a raised eyebrow as she moves over to take his arm. Kitty loops one hand about his elbow, but the other slides down his arm to offer her hand to his.

Kitty listens, eyes on Jason's face as he talks about how he and his brother kept their last name. "Pride," she tells him with a small nod. Perhaps letting him think for a minute she's talking about pride in his family name, before she adds, "P-R-Y-D-E." Kitty smiles as she walks out, staying closer to Jason.

Red Hood has posed:
"Sorry, it's more.." Jason feels Kitty's hand in his, and their fingers twine naturally as he starts to lead her out. "...really, it's the meditation part of it. Sure, I know some of the fighting stuff - but I also use a lot of the methods I learned to just meditate and find my center. No, I'm not a new-age yuppie." he says in amusement. "Though I am curious as to what your work out routine is. You remind me of a runner." he admits.

His attention turns to her when she spells out her last name, and he laughs, warm and rich. "It fits. You are understated in your pride, Kitty." His fingers squeeze hers. "And one would be proud to know you." he responds, feeling her closeness and his hand gently flexes in hers as they step out into the cool Gotham air.

The first few flakes of snow are starting to fall on the city, a late winter dusting that reflects off of the street lights, glittering like the little stars that the perpetual smog of the city blocks out. As he takes out a phone to call for the rideshare service that the Wayne's use. After several minutes of idle chitchat, a later model car pulls up into the drive. "Master Todd, you called the service."

"Yes, can you see Miss Pryde back home, she will provide you with the address." Even if Jason may have already deduced it - he's still not going all out yet. Let it develop, she said. And he's willing to follow her. Though before she moves to leave, Jason turns to Kitty. Reaching into his coat, he pulls out a card. "This is my number. Call me when you get home, let me know you made it?" he asks, and then his blue eyes study hers. His free hand reaches up, brushing a few wisps of her hair over her ear, for the simple reason to find a small purchase as he pulls her forward, and kisses her warmly on the lips.

Shadowcat has posed:
The heels of Kitty's boots click softly as they leave the carpet and step out onto the pavement outside. The night air closes in, letting them know it is still not spring, Old Man Winter determined to hold onto the land for a few more nights at least. Kitty zips up her jacket before returning her hand to Jason's.

She takes the card, smiling softly as he passes it over. "I will," she promises him of the phone call. Kitty stands looking up at the taller young man. The night seems to lend itself to the brunette, making her eyes soft, dark pools that shine with an inner light as she looks at her date.

As he reaches to brush back the hair, Kitty's gaze lowers, the young woman smiling softly at that gentle touch he gives her. And then she's being drawn to him. Kitty lifts her gaze back to him, her tongue touching her lips as Jason guides her to him. The young woman tilts her face up to offer her lips to him, and Jason can feel how he causes a soft shiver to pass down her body as he gives that tender kiss to her. She just lets him kiss her at first, but then slowly starts to kiss him back, her lips brushing against his own as her hand moves to rest on his chest.

Red Hood has posed:
The soft warmth and wetness of Kitty's lips is welcoming to Jason's kiss, his own mouth soft and gentle. His hand tightens in hers, before he drawns in a breath, pulling back from her, his blue eyes bright in the light of the city streets as he rests his forehead to hers, having to tilt down slightly to meet the distance between.

"Goodnight, Kitty." he whispers to her, finally releasing her so that she may slip into the car and he stands there, watching her leave until the tail-lights disappear off into the distance. "Wow." he says simply.

And then he draws in a cleansing and clearing breath.

Time to go to work.

It's not that far of a ride to the safe house under 1 PP. And his Red Hood gear. There will be a second visit to the restaurant. But it won't be for leftovers.