Young Dogs, New Tricks

[chiaro_oscuro]

Ben's in the Plaza this time - still wearing all black, even now that it's summer. He doesn't seem too bothered by the heat, though he brushes sweat off his brow and occasionally takes a drink of cool water from the flask at his side. In this weather, it doesn't pay to take chances with the heat. 

But even though his appearance is dark, in other ways he's uncharacteristically cheery. There's a grin on his features as he stands beside a pile of home-drawn sketches, of landscapes and creatures he observed in the Wilds.  Even his voice sounds more excited than usual. Ben Solo is visibly happy. And smiling. There's a brightness in his hazel eyes that wasn't there before now.

He won't say what it is to a stranger, but something happened recently involving two people close to him and a "borrowed" PINpoint that put him in a very good mood. He's here for business as well as pleasure, though.  Prices are listed beside the samples - he's here to hawk art as well as chat. While most of his earnings come from his repair business, his sketches don't do badly. It took practice, but he reapplied his knowledge of calligraphy and an eye for detail. Art's the quiet, restful hobby he's been looking for.

After he's finished setting up his stall and equipment, he stands beside it with his arms folded, watching the crowd. When someone approaches him, he poses a question.

"What hobbies do you have in the Nexus, or things that help you relax?" He's taking notes from any answers he receives. No harm in trying something new. "Anything you've learned to do here that you couldn't try back home?" 

Comments

[losthunter]

Hunter has a rich interest in art, and artists. And so the sketches, landscapes and calligraphy catches his eye. He browses through the samples with quiet interest.

He is wearing black too. Not as much as Ben. And of course, the most notable feature about Hunter is the tattoos that cover his face, arms and any exposed skin. The twisting thorn tattoos seem to spiral every which direction over him. He also has a few piercings, one is a large silver tree in the middle of his forehead. And a few scars.

"I am an artist myself." He answers the question. "I actually found more freedom to do my art here in the Nexus. Then what I was doing in my home universe."

[chiaro_oscuro]

"I haven't met you before." Ben's intrigued by Hunter, offering a hand in greeting. "But it's a pleasure, and i'm not surprised there are other artists here. The Nexus is a good place for an artist's trade. It's a hobby for me, more than anything. But it's a hobby I can use."

Most of the sketches he brought out were of landscapes in the Wilds, but a few are of things from other universes he's encountered - a fierce-looking skeleton in armor here, a winter scene from Midgard there. He hasn't done much exploring but he's done some nevertheless.

"That's one of the good things about this place. You're free to do whatever you want. More or less."

[losthunter]

"I am Hunter." He accepts the offered hand in greeting.

"Art has become more than just a hobby for me. It is my lifestyle. My passion."

"Plus... I get to see how other artists see the world. So that is a benefit."

[chiaro_oscuro]

"Hello, Hunter." Ben shakes Hunter's hand. "I'm new here, relatively speaking."

"What do you draw? I'd be interested to hear what someone more experienced than me does"

"I'm...new to the trade, let's say. I live near the industrial area."

[losthunter]

"Portraits. Landscapes. Abstract. And I dabble in texture paintings too... something that people are actually allowed to touch, to see what it feels like."

"And I also experiment with pottery and making jewelry." It might seem like bragging, but Hunter is just being honest with his passion for his art.

[chiaro_oscuro]

"That's impressive." Ben's sincere. Hunter's clearly an experienced artist, to dabble in so many different styles and techniques at once. "Do you have a favorite?"

"I do landscapes. Most of these were drawn from life in the Wilds - that landscape with the giant high-heeled shoe was from a time when I was out with a friend." Ben was there to spar with Dia, but the shoe left an impression.

[sohoangel]

Despite the summer heat, Aziraphale has made no concession to it with his wardrobe, not breaking the slightest sweat in his bowtie and long white jacket. He is enjoying an iced bubble tea, however, a milk tea with bobas and little pink heart jellies, which is extra refreshing in this weather.

He looks over the sketches while he enjoys his drink, humming thoughtfully at the images captured in the drawings. "Hmm?" He looks up at Ben's question. "Oh... I'm not sure I've picked up any new hobbies here, but back home I've started baking again. I find it very relaxing. You can't rush anything when it comes to baking."

His gaze returns to the sketches. "These are quite lovely," he says approvingly. "Is this a hobby that you've learned here? I recognize a few of these creatures."

[chiaro_oscuro]

Ben can't help but look a little greedily at the milk tea once he sees it. Water's fine, but he has a soft spot for tea. "Thank you." He greets the stranger, offering a hand. "My name is Ben. I don't think we've met before - I've been around since last winter. To answer your question though, yes, it's a hobby I picked up here;"

It's not always easy to tell Nexus standbys from new arrivals, seeing as the population is always shifting and changing.

"Oh, I had to learn cooking, too. I live near the industrial area by myself, in an apartment, so I don't get or see visitors very often. It's rewarding, if also a necessity. I can't eat at restaurants all of the time, no matter how tasty Limbo burgers are." Ben lounges in the chair he picked, getting himself comfortable as he settles. "I also have a weakness for the muffins at the Crossroads Cafe. They're delicious."

[sohoangel]

Aziraphale shakes the offered hand, a polite smile on his face. "Nice to meet you, Ben. No, I don't believe we've met before, either." The young man cuts quite a distinct figure, especially dressed all in black. "My name's Aziraphale. I've been visiting the Nexus off and on for about a year now."

He takes another sip of his bubble tea, gaze lingering on one of the landscapes. It might be nice to pick up a piece of art for the flat above the bookshop, but far be it from the angel to not engage in a bit of small talk first. His smile turns amused at the mention of a Limbo burger. "I'm fond of Lord of the Fries, as well, although I'm partial to the Chocolate Judgement Day cake." Bit of an inside joke, and the cake itself is very good. "The muffins at Crossroads Cafe are quite good, too. Have you been to the Viper's Pit? That's my personal favorite for brunch."

Talking about food, especially where to get good food, always comes easily for Aziraphale. "Baking was close to a necessity for me, the first time. It was during the Blitz -- ah, a period of wartime. Most of the bakeries I patronized were closed, so I decided to give it a whirl. Turns out I have a knack for it."

[chiaro_oscuro]

"I can't say I have a knack for it, but it's always good to know how to make your own food. At the very least I can make meals without setting my apartment on fire. It's a start. But it does seem Lord of the Fries is popular here. Can't say I'm surprised, since their meat is the best."

It takes a certain amount of dedication to an Aesthetic to keep the all-black ensemble in summer. If Ben's bothered by the extra heat, he isn't really showing it much. He studies the newcomer, curious, considering his words as he talks. While he's usually wary of strangers, this one's winning him over.

"Yes, I know about the Viper's Pit. As a matter of fact, I'm a regular there. Sometimes I come for the drinks, sometimes I come for the excitement." Ben notices the smile, and gives a small one of his own. "You have good taste. Can't say I've tried much cake, or chocolate for that matter, but the Cafe's muffins are delicious. You can't go wrong with them. But I wouldn't mind sampling your baking one of these days. In fact, I have an idea you may like, if you're interested in hearing it. I saw the way you were looking at my art."

[sohoangel]

"Generally speaking, I prefer to leave cooking to the professionals, but there are times when it's more pleasant to cook at home." Like when a certain demon would rather laze about on a Sunday morning than go out for breakfast. Not that Aziraphale needs to eat breakfast in the first place, but it's the little human rituals he's picked up that make life on Earth so satisfying.

Regardless, he gives Ben an encouraging smile and adds, "The more you practice, the better you'll be at it, and the results will be even more rewarding. It sounds like you're well on your way."

He takes another sip of bubble tea, listening pleasantly to Ben's experience with culinary establishments in the Nexus. "Oh?" he asks curiously, in regards to the young man's idea. "Well, I'm all ears, dear fellow. Please continue."

[tr1ckortreat]

"I often enjoy a good book when the mood takes me. If I feel in a more energetic mood then I try a spot of knife-throwing."

He offered Ben a knowing smile, since most knew Loki enjoyed playing with his knives. If you had a skill then why not enhance and use it? As for learning something new from back home. Did civility count? Loki had certainly matured slightly away from his wanton killing of innocent mortals and the need to prove himself by staging large stunts like global takeovers. Living in the shadow of Thor and the constant need to be better than he was made all of that become a necessity for Loki in the past.

"Do lessons in civility count? I believe I have learnt how to interact with mortals better now than when I was back home."

[chiaro_oscuro]

"Yes, I'd say lessons in civility do count." As a mortal himself, Ben listens to Loki's explanation with interest. He'd made note of the arrogance before, and he can't say he's very impressed by it. In fact, he considers Loki something of a rival. Not hostile, he doesn't consider Loki an enemy, but certainly someone he likes to test his skills against.

He's in no place to judge Loki for any crimes committed in his world - there's no shortage of blood on his hands - but he can't say he approves of the condescension towards mortals. After all, he's a mortal himself, though he thinks his powers even the playing field against a god more than some Nexus inhabitants.

"The Nexus is a good place to think about your path in life," he says, choosing his words carefully. "I still need to visit that popsicle place of yours. But I'm glad to hear that you're treating mortals better."

[tr1ckortreat]

"By all means please feel free to frequent my popsicle palace. I could do with some new customers. Do you have a particular favourite flavour? I am skilled in summoning most."

Of course if Ben wanted something strange or unknown to Loki, then he would have to describe it so that he could work his magic. As for his life choices? Loki was still hoping to erase any bad memories regarding the invasion of New York. The way The Black Order used him like a pawn to wield the sceptre around, controlling people. Yes, it gave Loki power and a stroke to his ego but at what cost? Real people died. Was he a murderer? No. Loki was a trickster.

"If you mean am I terrorising mortals within the Nexus? No, at least not as I was back on Midgard."

Ok, I caved in, just, pls not some overt Ep IX spoilers very much, pretty please? This is me. Marta.

[przeznaczona]

"There are many such activities I've been discovering," a young apparently warrior, from the air and everything about her, says.

Ciri hasn't been talking to many people, here in Nexus. She's had her reasons. However, perhaps, things can change.

Her eyes are vibrant and feel full of some kind of power akin, perhaps, a little, to Force. She had a large, ugly and uneven, badly healed, scar on her face. Otherwise, she's a beatiful young woman.

[skyti]

Atreus has popped in on Ben a couple times throughout the day so far. There is a distinct sway back and forth in wanting to supprt his bro here and also the Nexus having many MANY distractions.

"Well you know I like that journal supply shop," he laughs he's near to half filling the first one he picked up there already. So many things to see and do, "Honestly most of the things around here are things I can't try back home. Such as..."

He hands one of two paper bags to Ben. Lord of the Fries. Probably not quite when he meant by things one couldn't try back home but it IS lunch time.

"You seem really happy today."

[chiaro_oscuro]

There's a familiar face. Ben visibly brightens even more when he sees Atreus approach. He's fond of the boy. They've come some way since Atreus approached him, full of questions about Ben's PINpoint.

"This is for me?" He accepts the gift, looking inside. "Lord of the Fries, hm? You have good taste. Come, we'll have lunch."

Ben takes a Limbo burger and fries out of the bag. It looks like he's having lunch early - not that he's complaining about that. He's fond of Lord of the Fries. Besides, Atreus offered to eat with him and he won't say no to that.

"You're very insightful." He settles down to enjoy his meal, giving Atreus some space to join him. "You can probably guess why. After all, it wouldn't have happened without your help." Ben winks, offering a clue.

[skyti]

"Yeah?" the boy smirks and raises an eyebrow, nibbling on some fries, "I do have some suspicions."

Well. One suspicion. And not so much a suspicion as he knows it absolutely is that one specific thing. It'd been a bit of a spur of the moment... but Ben needed the push. Okay maybe he would have gotten around to it eventually, but how long would that have taken?

"I'd apologize but I'm not really all that sorry," Atreus laughs. It'd be a terrible lie if he said otherwise, "So I take it things went well?"

[chiaro_oscuro]

Ben nods, excited, speaking with a mouth full of hamburger. "Mm-hmm." He swallows before explaining more. "Your plan - I can't believe it actually worked. Rey came to where I live not long after we talked. And we kissed."

That'll probably explain why Ben looks so pleased. He's not subtle about the way he feels.

He continues to devour the burger, elaborating the situation between bites. "By the way, Rey was pretty impressed by you. I think she'd like to meet you in person one of these days. If you want, I can try and arrange something. Consider it my repayment for what you did."

[skyti]

"It was spur of the moment," he laughs in admission. Who would actually PLAN on stealing someone's PINpoint and impersonating them? He had been trying to brainstorm HOW to get them together, but sometimes opportunity just pops up, "I'm really glad it worked though."

Ben's definitely got his heart on his sleeve right now and Atreus thinks good. He doesn't think he's ever seen him this happy.

"You don't need to repay me!" he snorts after finished off his fries, "But I would like to meet her! I'd be weird if the only interaction I've ever had with her was me impersonating you."

Badly. Badly impersonating.

[dark_lady_sariss]

"I haven't relaxed in my life," she responds, trying very hard not to consider the question. The idea was...tempting. But it meant relaxing her control, her discipline.

Secretly, it scared her.

She instead worked her way through his samples, tilting her head in curiosity. He was quite good, all things said and done. She had finally acquired legitimate lodgings, but there were no decorations of any sort. She was considering if, maybe, she could allow herself one.

To blend in, of course. Not to beautify her life in any way. She insisted on that to herself.

[chiaro_oscuro]

"I'm not used to relaxing, either," Ben tells Sariss, "but I think it's done me some good. My calligraphy skills helped me with all this. It was a matter of reapplying what I already knew somewhere else." He's sure his world's inhabitants would find it surreal, Kylo Ren standing and speaking calmly in a busy square while selling art.

Ben's still getting used to it himself. People aren't scared of him here, for the most part, and he's had no need to fight. He's not complaining about it, but peace and rest after a lifetime of violence takes adjustment.

His temper is still there, of course, but he's had no need for it yet. He has it firmly on a leash. He's working to control and manage his darkness so it doesn't master him again. The Jedi didn't teach their students how to manage their feelings properly, one of his philosophical disagreements with them.

"Are you interested in any in particular?" He watches Sariss look through his artwork, curious what she likes.

[dark_lady_sariss]

She certainly finds it to be that.

The idea of someone with his raw power turning to...commerce? It's unthinkable. And yet, here it is.

Circumstance is a strange master. And he could take a lesson from her. Her darkness is an old friend now, hammered and reshaped on the anvil of her will into a white-hot flame. By and large, tamed. But no less ferocious for all that.

She's looking through portraits and crowd scenes. Perhaps surprisingly, it's people she's finding interesting.

"I'll know when I see it, I suppose," she replies, hiding the uncertainty about all of this from her voice as best she can.

[chiaro_oscuro]

Even former Supreme Leaders and Masters of the Knights of Ren have to eat.

Ben's found ways to stretch his muscles, though there's rarely any need to fight in the Nexus itself. It clashes with his more cautious instincts. He isn't a trusting man. While he doesn't trust Sariss, the same way he's still uneasy around his grandfather, she's a familiar face.

It's a sense of familiarity to bump into somebody he knows, another Force-user. There are only a few of them here and he's met them all. Part of it's curiosity and part of it's keeping tabs on them.

Ben has learned some useful things from Sariss, and so he respects her. He remembers how she beat him handily in the Viper's Pit.

"Take your time," he says, taking a seat as he watches. "There's plenty on offer. I'd have a hard time choosing just one myself."

[dark_lady_sariss]

She pauses at one. It shows two women, dancing, at a cafe. The details fade out as they move away from the image.

"This one," she says, decisively. She couldn't say why, but there it is.