Welcome Committee

[sumarusfinest]

There's been so many fresh faces to the Nexus recently, and more than a few of them have been children. Questions about finding a way home, about trying to decide if they want to go home. People wondering what to do now...

There are a few tables set out this morning in the Plaza in front of a small cafe loaded with several caraffes of coffee, breakfast pastries from more than a few different worlds and cultures, and a large pan of eggs and sausage kept warm over a chafing dish. On either end of the table are disposable plates, cups, and cutlery as well as a few welcome pamphlets in a small container. Along the front of the tables is a hand made banner.

"Meet and Greet"

Manning the tables is Katsuya Suou, red apron on and a cup of coffee in hand. He looks far too cheerful for how early in the morning it is.

"Right then, is anyone hungry? Have any questions about the nexus?"


((OOC: Feel free to mingle and threadjump in this thread. I'm trying to get people who have yet to meet to interact, so do not feel obligated to only reply to me!))

Comments

happy hour can be any hour of the day

[icebearforpresident]

[Coffee? Breakfast? These are all good things, but let's face it, socializing involves alcohol. It's the perfect device to incite conversation and help people to interact with one another.

But you, a denizen of the Nexus may ask: how can one have alcohol in the morning? Well, that's where the bear steps in. No more than a few feet away from Katsuya's buffet bonanza is a white polar bear who's got a mini-bar set up. All sorts of fluted wine and champagne glasses are set out, being filled with different alcoholic drinks: Bellini's and Mimosa's. Maybe if you're nice, he might actually take a special request for certain drinks. But, for the most part, Ice Bear is very approachable and will be more than chat it up with new and old friends alike.]

[brother_alone]

Did someone say alcohol and free food?

Because a certain hobo young man is all about free food made by Ice bear and alcohol to go with it. Josh has a hoodie pulled over his flannel today what with the dip in temperature. He gives an appreciateive glance up at the cafe behind the setup.

"Thanks for getting me a key to the place. I'm getting the haunted house set up for the big shindig at Halloween. it's coming along real well."

[icebearforpresident]

[Completely.

Dips in temperature do not bother Ice Bear as he puts the finishing touches on another drink. He gives Josh a small nod of the head, while putting aside an empty bottle of wine.]

"Not a problem. Hope Jack Frost has not been causing you trouble while getting settled in." [It's probably the latter, since Ice has stopped by once or twice to see stacks of dvd's left out. Better than the remnants of food.]

"Ice Bear is excited for it. And movie night. And candy. Ice Bear wants all the KitKats." [He points to the alcohol glasses in front of him.]"Drink?"

[brother_alone]

"Definitely."

Josh does not turn away the offer of a drink. Just let him get a plate and some eggs, sausage, and a chocolate croissant and he will be right back for that Mimosa.

"The little guy isn't too much trouble once I got used to him. S'kinda cute."

[icebearforpresident]

"Need to see ID."

[What? Is he serious? Heck no, as there's a small smirk hidden in his expression. It's a joke, and hopefully, Josh takes it as such.]

"Good to hear. Josh has been keeping hosue clean. Ice Bear is pleased."

[brother_alone]

"Hey man, legal age is 18 in Alberta."

Though that doesn't change the fact that Josh doesn't have anything close to an ID on him. That didn't happen to be one of the things he wound up in the Nexus carrying. Josh grins though, clearly understanding the joke for what it is.

"Keeping my end of the deal, bro. Picking up after Jacko is a full time job."

[icebearforpresident]

"Canada is different than the USA. Ice Bear would like to visit it sometime, if only for maple syrup."

[Because when you make the best pancakes on planet Earth, a bear needs something to compliment them. He makes sure that Josh's drink is prepared with the utmost care,m since his pride is on the line.]

"Good. Ice Bear can't be here all the time." [A nod.] "Does Ice Bear need to go grocery shopping anytime soon?"

[brother_alone]

"We do make legit syrup. I'd also recommend checking out the local breweries and eats. You have not lived until you've had Albertan comfort food. Best beef stew on the planet."

Josh thanks Ice Bear for his drink and takes a sip. The face he's making is definitely one for the bear to be proud of.

"Fuck, that's good." To confirm it. "Should be good for a while. I'm no you, but I'm a pretty decent cook. And Jacko doesn't eat much. Frankly you're spoiling me. Getting food has been a challenge until now suddenly."

[icebearforpresident]

"Ice Bear wants to visit Canada." [All the things Josh has mentioned are appealing to the bear. Maybe there's another world he can visit someday.]

"Jack is strange. Only wants to eat ice cream cake." [Seriously, demons have the strangest habits.] "Ice Bear should ask...what is Josh's favorite meal?"

[notamaniac]

Freddy is amused by the mini-bar, but why the hell not? He approaches the bear with a wry smile.

"Hi there. I'm Freddy. Could I get an Irish coffee?"

[icebearforpresident]

[Oh, a customer! Ice Bear is very polite when Freddy approaches, bowing his head politely to the gentleman standing before him.]

"Ice Bear is happy to serve. Nice to meet you, Freddy." [He offers one paw for a shake. Does a bear who says his first name really have to introduce himself? Probably not.]

[Once introductions are complete,the bear begins assembling his needed tools for a great drink: glass, coffee, cream and everything else. The way he skillfully prepares the drink is a testament to his skill as a barista and a chef.]

"Are you enjoying yourself? Does Freddy need anything else? Specific food?"

[notamaniac]

"Nice to meet you, too, Ice Bear," Freddy agrees, shaking the bear's paw. "Yeah, sure. Having fun is easy, especially with good food involved. Looks like there's a bit of everything on offer."

[icebearforpresident]

"Yes. Ice Bear enjoys the chance to meet other people. Most are nice here."

[He might not show his happiness with that stoic face, but if he wasn't having fun, he wouldn't be here. Freddy is offered the newly made Irish Coffee in a clear glass, with a cute little bear design made from a light layer of whipped cream.]

"Please enjoy. Ice Bear will take any feedback with grace."

[notamaniac]

Freddy raises his glass in a brief, silent toast, then takes a sip. It's excellent, which doesn't surprise him.

"Best I've had in a long time," Freddy praises, honestly. Most of the bars in the Springwood area serve beer and whisky, almost exclusively.

"Yeah. People seem okay here. Sure beats Small Town, USA (tm)," he says with a chuckle.

[icebearforpresident]

"Oh. Ice Bear is happy that you enjoy it."

[Because his pride won't let him be content with a half-done job. He's glad the older gentleman is enjoying himself.]

"Small Town, USA? Ice Bear has never heard of that place before. Where are you from?"

[notamaniac]

"Thanks for making it for me," Freddy says. He doesn't offer to pay. He always waits to be asked for payment, because you never know. You might get something for free that way.

Freddy chuckles.

"I'm from a place called Springwood, Ohio. It's just a really small town in a really big country. I called it that as a joke."

[icebearforpresident]

"Of course. Let Ice Bear know if you want something else to drink. Or a refill."

[Ice Bear has been told not to ask for payment or tips, so the bear stays silent of payment types. Freddy is free to do whatever he wishes.]

"Ohio? Ice Bear has heard Ohio is not very exciting. Is this true?" [Then again, any state in the middle of the US is bound to be that way.] "Ice Bear is from San Francisco, but probably not the same world."

Count this guy in for a happy hour drink

[romeoinabox]

Where there's alcohol, Red's surely to follow, if he's around. Cue his entrance into the cafe today and his swift acquisition of a mimosa from the mini-bar.

"Ice Bear, my friend, it's wonderful to see you." The older gentleman offers his polar bear friend a relaxed smile. "You mentioned joining in on a new venture, but I had no idea it would be a place as splendid as this." He gestures broadly to the place before returning his gaze to his friend. "Well done. This place is absolutely charming."

And with that, he offers a small tip of his glass before taking a sip. Ahh, yes. Ice Bear always makes the best cocktails, as far as Red's concerned.

<3

[icebearforpresident]

[It's without saying that Red is one of the people Ice Bear respects the most, so seeing the sharply-dressed gentleman approach his bar gets a small bow of the head.] "Good to see you too, Red." [Especially after the mess on Ice Bear's home world, which thankfully, has been mostly dissolved.]"Yes. Ice Bear found his place in the Nexus. Cooking. Making all sorts of things."

[There's a hint of pride in his voice while saying that, and maybe, happiness. In the Nexus, he can be himself without worrying about the harsh isolation and discrimination at home.]

"Ice Bear hopes the drink is up to your liking." [He knows it will be, but the statement still has to be said. However, one other issue is present at the moment, as Ice Bear steps away from the bar area.] "Ice Bear will be right back."

[And away he goes, only to return a few minutes later with two plastic containers full of pastries and goodies. Thankfully, they don't look too difficult to carry back home. Ice Bear offers them to Red wordlessly.]

[romeoinabox]

"It's wonderful, as always." Red smiles and raises his glass in a silent toast, nodding to his friend as the polar bear disappears.

And when he returns? An actual look of surprise on the Concierge of Crime's face as he takes in the assortment of pastries. He takes a step closer to give them a better look before pulling out a simple croissant - to start, of course. He's certain he'll be going back for a second from the look and smell of them.

"Thank you, my friend." Another smile and then Red takes a bite of the fluffy pastry. His eyes close and he hums his approval almost immediately. He knew it would be good, but this... "Ice Bear, this rivals the pastries of those I've tried in cafes all across France. You truly have a gift."

[icebearforpresident]

"Thank you."

[The bear attempts to hide him smile, but it's hard not too, especially when someone like Red is giving the compliments. Maybe the Nexus is rubbing off on him, bringing his out of his stoic shell.]

[It's the comment about his French baking that completely throws Ice Bear a curve ball. He didn't think it was that impressive, since there's a ton of skilled culinary chefs all across the Nexus. He merely watched them and did a whole lot of research on traditional cooking.]

"...Ice Bear has room for improvement." [His own personal standards are getting in the way here.] "But, Ice Bear is very happy that Red enjoys the treats. Ice Bear owes you greatly for helping Ice Bear get out of jail."

[romeoinabox]

Paying compliments is something Red likes to do with his friends, especially when they're well deserved. Given the way the croissant he grabbed disappears, it's obvious that this one is completely heartfelt. If he's allowed, Red's going to reach for a cream-filled eclair to touch on his sweet spot.

"Everyone has room for improvement," Red quips, "but not many can claim such obvious skill at any point in their lives. Your pastries are amazing, Ice Bear, and I'm certain anyone here will tell you the same once they try one."

At the comment of Ice Bear owing him something for help getting him out of jail, Red laughs. "My friend, you've done enough already. I consider us even after all of the food and drink and friendship you've offered." True, if he should need the bear's help, he won't hesitate to ask, but this is one of those few times where he sees no reason to hold him to something. They exchange favors often enough that there's simply no point. "Let's not worry about the semantics of our relationship, hm? It's hardly worth it when there are so many other things we could think on together, like what your next self-challenge for pastries might be."

Red isn't about to let his friend linger on the question of who owes who what, and he'll go out of his way to make that happen if need be.

[icebearforpresident]

"Even Red?"

[He means this in a serious way, but doesn't seem to be searching for a topic or weakness to hold over Red. The bear is just blunt and curious all at once, which can be disarming to the average person. As for those pastries, Ice is not going to stop Red from enjoying the treats. It's why he made so many, enough for the long walk home as well.]

"...Ice Bear is very grateful to have such a friend." [And that will be the end of mentioning that horrible run-in with the police, since the issue is buried as far as the two of them are concerned.]

[Red always seems to provide the thought provoking questions, and Ice Bear puts one paw where his chin would be.] "What do you think Ice Bear should try making next time? Any suggestions?"

[romeoinabox]

It may be disarming to most people, but Red isn't most people. He smiles at the question. "Even. And I'm just as lucky to have a friend in you." Ice Bear has brought an element of whimsy and excitement to his life that he's grateful for. There's no putting a price on someone who affects your life in such a way and he would never dare try.

"Have you ever tried making crème brûlée? It's such an exquisite dessert and I believe you could bring some your real artistry to it." That, and it's one of his favorites. Something about the caramelized top tickles his tastebuds in the most delightful way. "I'd be happy to taste test for you, if you're worried about getting an honest opinion." A slow smirk settles onto his lips, making it obvious he's as earnest as he is teasing about the offer.

[icebearforpresident]

Ice Bear, without much warning, reaches over and puts a paw on Red's shoulder. He wordlessly nods his head, then removes his fuzzy appendage once more, his subtle way of saying thanks.

"Crème brûlée? Ice Bear recalls that it involves a blowtorch and caramel." The idea of using fire for cooking excites him greatly. "Ice Bear will let Red taste-test. Mostly anything." Except for things that the bear knows could end questionably. But the topic of international food does get the bear thinking about other things, mainly more questions for his enigmatic friend.

"Does Red cook for anyone?"