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

[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?"

[romeoinabox]

Red smiles at the thanks, but says nothing in response. Truly, there are no words that need be spoken for it.

"It is a delicious dessert with caramelized sugar on top. I think you'd make excellent crème brûlée, given the quality of all of your other pastries and treats." He's not saying this because he's trying to flatter the bear into doing what he wants. Red honestly believes that Ice Bear could cook and bake his way up and down the streets of Paris, making everyone who tasted his food happy - if he was allowed the chance.

"Me?" The question gets a small chuckle as he takes a sip of his drink. "Goodness, no, no. I don't have time for such things, unfortunately. My idea of cooking for someone these days is taking them to the best restaurant I can find."

[icebearforpresident]

Ice Bear merely nudges the container close to Red. Hopefully he has a way to explain or lie about where these treats came from when he goes back to Washington, if he even takes the gift back with him.

"...Ice Bear will work on that recipe next. Red should stop by the cafe in the mornings to try it out." The thought of wandering Paris is something Ice has thought about before, for sightseeing and cooking alike. Travel in general is something the ursine lacks in comparison to Red's globe-trotting business.

"Have you ever been disappointed in a place?" His ears wiggle in curiosity. "Tell Ice Bear about some of these places."

[romeoinabox]

There's a soft chuckle as the container with all the treats in it is pushed in his direction. He'll indulge a little and have another as he answers the bear's questions. "Let me know when you're giving it a try - I'll make a special trip to see you." He only hopes he'll be able to get to the Nexus while the dessert is still warm.

"Oh a great many places," he says easily between bites of a macaroon. After finish the first one and picking up a second from the box, he gives the bear a small shrug. "What kind of place, exactly, would you like to know about? I have a veritable list I can choose from."