New Year's Date for 'Josh' ((mynameisnotbrad))

[chiron_survivor]

Mid-afternoon on New Year's Day, and Crossroads Café is more or less empty.

The early birds and people nursing hangovers from the previous night's festivities have already cleared out, and the dinner rush has not yet begun. Adia has claimed a table in the corner -- by herself -- although Ice Bear had stopped by to bring her a chai latte and a blueberry muffin while she waits for Josh to join her.

Caspar had made noises about coming, but Adia insisted that he stay home this time. She had a lot of catching up to do with her friend, and Caspar would make it awkward. Her one concession is to keep her PINpoint out, and so when Josh arrives, he'll find her eyes on its smartphone screen instead of the door, texting quietly and smiling at whatever she reads in return.

Comments

[mynameisnotbrad]

'Josh' gets Adia's text at an unusual moment, mainly due to his negligence of time or his own hesitance to meet up with her. He's sitting at a noodle bar deep in the heart of New York's Chinatown, celebrating the new year with a dear friend. The older gentleman, sitting next to Josh, stares at him with sickly eyes, while noticing the blinking cell phone on the table between them. He reads the message before Josh gets a chance to hide it, turning to face him sharply.

"You should go talk with her."

"She has a boyfriend, John. A real jerk that doesn't even deserve her. He's the type of guy who gets overconfident and cocky...egotistical..." He pockets the cell phone, choosing to stare at the empty noodle bowl in front of him instead of his cancer-stricken friend.

"So, you're going to sit here and let him win?" John's words are crisp and full of strength, as if challenging Josh's pitiful excuses. He has to think about it for a second, before standing up and grabbing his jacket. "No. I need to save her. Make her see that he's not worthy."

"Let me know how it goes." He nods, watching as Josh drops off enough money on the table to cover their bill, before stepping outside and into the busy city.

It doesn't take Josh long to find a quiet spot, a safe place to PINpoint out and arrive a few feet away from the Crossroads Cafe. He takes a deep breath, then steps inside, immediately greeted by the scent of baked goods. Given the empty room, he's able to spot Adia easily, walking over to her table.

"Sorry if I kept you waiting, Adia."

[chiron_survivor]

At the sound of Josh's voice, she looks up from her smartphone and smiles warmly. "Hi, Josh. Happy New Year! No, you didn't keep me waiting, it's fine." Her latte is still steaming hot, and her muffin has barely been nibbled on. "Give me a second, though?"

He's here, I gotta go. Be home in an hour or so. she quickly texts.

Ok. Be safe comes the reply. I love you.

She beams at the screen. Love you too. <3 she types before tucking the phone into her messenger bag. "Have a seat. Ice Bear already brought me something, sorry. He knows all my favorites."

[mynameisnotbrad]

"Oh...That's great to hear. No problem, do what you need to do." He nervously rubs the back of his head, trying not to stare at her phone, but catching sight of her typing something. He can't read whatever it is, but his gut reaction is to assume it's someone close.

He takes a seat across from her, and just as quickly as he sits down, the looming polar bear is descending upon the table. Without thinking, he asks Ice Bear for some green tea and whatever dessert the bear feels would be a good fit. Content, Ice Bear walks back to the kitchen to fulfill his task.

"So, um...did you have a good New Year's Eve?"

[chiron_survivor]

With her PINpoint tucked away, she gives Josh her full attention, although she does smile at Ice Bear when he reappears briefly to take Josh's order. She's so glad she suggested meeting him for coffee instead of at some crowded New Year's party. The quiet atmosphere at the café is far more relaxing.

"I did! There wasn't any champagne or anything, but I managed to ring in the New Year." As young couples often do, with a kiss... perhaps more than that, she and Caspar weren't exactly keeping track of the time...

Blushing faintly, she takes a sip of her latte, then sets it down hurriedly. "Josh, listen... I want to know how your New Year's was, too, but I have some very good news to share with you. A few months ago, my people finally found a home. A planet that... well, so far as I can tell, it's an Earth." She beams. "Like your world, Josh. We're safe now, the war's over."

[mynameisnotbrad]

Josh, on the other hand, is really uncertain about this whole meeting. He can't help but stare at the table instead of Adia, fiddling with a nearby napkin idly. When she starts talking about her new-found home-world, he manages a smile.

"That's great. I'm so happy for you." Is he really? Yes, but he can't shake the thought about Caspar taunting him. In fact, he can't help but bring him up almost immediately. "So...Is that where you met Caspar? On the new Earth?"

[chiron_survivor]

To be honest, she had expected a little more of a reaction. He had been so concerned about her before, she was hoping to see some relief in those worried eyes of his. When he asks about Caspar, she sighs a little and sits back. Poor Josh. Caspar must have really unnerved him.

"No, I, um... I knew him from before the War. It's a long story." She smiles apologetically. "I'm sorry if he was giving you a... well, a suspicious look or anything like that. He knows how dangerous some of the people here can be, and he's very protective of me. I let him know that you're my friend, and you've been very kind to me. There's no need for him to get all weird around you. I promise he'll be better behaved the next time you see him."

[mynameisnotbrad]

Ouch. He can't help but turn his gaze from the table to her upon hearing her speak. It's hard to get it together, and even harder to hide his hatred and sadness towards being delegated to being a friend.

"So where was he during the war?" Now he wants to know what Caspar was up to while Adia was fighting for her life in space. As for her second comment, he can't help but scoff under his breath. "Sure he will. Guys change so easily, after all." The sarcasm drips from his voice, as he doesn't expect Caspar to be anymore friendly than he was the first time they met.

He's almost to ask Adia why she puts up with him, but Ice Bear returns to the table with a teapot and cup full of green tea. The ursine also places a tray of japanese sweets before them, bowing, then heading back to the kitchen. Josh can't help but stare at the bear's masterpiece in shock.

"Geez...he makes stuff I can only dream of putting together."

[chiron_survivor]

The sarcastic muttering makes her wilt a little in her seat. She had hoped to reassure him, but she appears to only have made things worse. Luckily, Ice Bear's arrival breaks some of the tension. She smiles up at him, then turns her attention to the dessert he brought Josh.

"Oh, those look lovely. You'll have to let me know what they taste like." She takes a small bite of her muffin, but doesn't quite have the taste for it anymore. Ice Bear is gone all too soon and she's left with answering a question that likely won't paint Caspar in any better of a light.

She takes another sip of her latte to wash down the muffin before replying. "He's a Cylon, so... on the other side of the War, unfortunately. He was a sleeper agent on my ship. He thought he was human, up until..." She trails off, not wanting to get into that sad history. "We crossed paths once on New Caprica... he saved my life... and now that the war is over, we've reconciled."

[mynameisnotbrad]

Josh fails to notice his lack of composure, only salvaging the conversation by focusing on the ursine's sweet treats. Does he even want to destroy it? Not quite. He favors drinking a bit tea first, mainly because it'll keep him from saying something stupid or irrational.

"So he did a bunch of bad things and you forgave him?" He can't even look at her, especially given his dislike towards the man she's in love with. "Does that mean anyone who's ever done something evil just has to do something good in order to gain your favor?"

[chiron_survivor]

She frowns softly, not sure where this line of questioning is going and not liking it much. "There's a big difference between doing something evil and being caught up in a war that you didn't start," she says quietly. "But yes, I'd be willing to give most people a second chance if they were trying to do better."

After a moment of sipping her own tea and wondering if it's better or worse to say more, she finally relents. She can tell that Josh is worried about her, and that's the last thing she wants. "What have you been up to?" she asks. "Are you enjoying the Nexus?"

[mynameisnotbrad]

"Maybe I'm still trying to understand what all happened on your world. Sorry." It's painfully obvious that he has some questionable feelings towards Caspar, but is unable to see that his actions are not the best. He manages to sample a small piece of the sweets with his fork, but doesn't react or show any emotion.

"Oh...Working and such. Jumping between home and New York mostly, been helping a friend out with his job." And for the Nexus question, he manages a smile. "Yeah, it's been fun. Lonely, but interesting never the less."

[chiron_survivor]

She shakes her head reassuringly. "It's okay. This war turned out to be a lot messier than anyone could have imagined. The point is that we have real peace now between humans and Cylons. Everyone is trying for a better future."

So easy for her to forgive and move on. The only real monsters were the Ones, so far as she was concerned, and even then, she can understand a little of the pain and misery that motivated them to punish the Final Five as well as humanity.

Her gambit on changing the subject seems to have worked. "New York!" she says brightly. "I've seen pictures, but I still haven't been." It's a little sad to hear that he's been lonely while in the Nexus. "Has anyone given you a tour yet? I can show you around."

[mynameisnotbrad]

"That's great! I'm really happy for you. Hopefully you'll be able to follow whatever dreams you have for the future." He does gives her an honest smile and some positive energy returns to his voice, albeit it takes a lot of effort to do so. It's becoming harder to stop stop thinking about Caspar, even if he isn't present.

"I've been giving myself a tour here and there, when work doesn't get convoluted." Being mindful to omit any trips to shady parts of the Nexus, of course. "It seems like I keep finding myself visiting this large building near the square. Red roof. Lots of buddies like your falcon friend seem to hang out there as well." He laughs a little. "Maybe I just have a soft spot for animals and creatures, they seem a lot nicer than people."

[chiron_survivor]

That's the Josh she remembers. Supportive. Trying to be a positive force in her life. She returns his smile warmly. "Thanks. I have a lot of plans." She taps the side of her cup. "You don't happen to know anything about cooking with old-fashioned equipment, do you? I've been trying to get used to a wood stove."

"You found the pokémon," she says with a soft laugh. Completely missing the subtext, she gives him a knowing grin. "I knew you wouldn't be able to resist them. They're so cute and friendly." With a wistful sigh, she picks off another bit of muffin. "I wish I could train one of my own. They'd stand out too much on my world, though. I have to make do with helping Steve take care of his."

[mynameisnotbrad]

"Alas, it's not really my area of expertise. Maybe you can find some books here in the Nexus that can teach those skills? If anything, the bear might be able to help..." And he gestures to Ice Bear with his fork, before talking another small bite of his dessert.

"They are! Never would've imagined something that's not real on my world could come to life here. I guess that building sells a bunch of stuff for Pokemon, but you rarely see any wild creatures there." He shakes his head. "Maybe they live out in the wilds? Either way, maybe you can talk to the owner about volunteering to help out? I doubt my world would be welcoming either...people would go crazy if they saw a Pikachu roaming about."

[chiron_survivor]

"I've read a couple books on the subject. Not quite the same as hands-on experience, but at least I haven't burned anything." She smiles proudly at her accomplishment, then glances in the direction of Ice Bear. "Oh, that's a a good idea. Although he is awfully fond of his modern gadgets."

She pops the bite of muffin into her mouth while he speaks, the blueberries reminding him of Bucky and his fondness for them. "There are some in the Wilds," she confirms, after a sip of tea. Not too many, I think most of them would rather be with people. They're from a... video game? Is that right?" She frowns thoughtfully, only a little used to the idea of things being fictional in other people's worlds. "For us, they're unfortunately too different...."

Thinking of one pokémon that would stand out terribly, her frown turns a shade pensive. "Hey, Josh? When you're there, have you ever run into a machamp? A big muscular pokémon with four arms?"

[mynameisnotbrad]

"There has to be someway or someone who could teach you. I mean, the Nexus is full of different cultures and possibilities." He can't help but look over at Ice Bear, then back to the desserts he brought over. "Never hurts to ask."

He starts to refill his tea cup while Adia speaks, gently placing the teapot down on the table. "Yeah, it's a game where I'm from...Another plus side to coming here instead of staying on my home world." Her question gets his attention, but there's a clear look of confusion on his face. "Can't say that I have...I imagine that type of pokemon would stand out greatly though." He sighs to himself. "To be fair, I'm still learning about them. I really only know a select few."

He has to lie about having one, a spoiled cat who clearly got some screen time during his kidnapping/murder party.

[chiron_survivor]

"No, it doesn't hurt to ask," she agrees. Unless she can tell that she's imposing on someone, and then she'd rather not have asked in the first place. But she knows that Ice Bear will not be bothered by her questions on cooking. "Another time, though." She smiles. "I'm here to talk to you."

There's a disappointed but unsurprised look on her face when he says that he hasn't seen a machamp. She's been to that poké mart many times, always keeping an eye out for the large pokémon, and never spotting him. "It's okay, I figured I'd check. I met a very nice machamp once, it was during the Khan invasion and he brought me someone who was injured." She sighs and looks into her cup of chai. "I thought that was so kind of him, helping out when he could easily be hurt himself."

[mynameisnotbrad]

"Alright." He doesn't say anything about her comment, but there's something special about getting her undivided attention. However, he can't help but ask her questions that pertain to his hidden agendas, especially once the topic of Khan's invasion rises from the ashes.

"Tell me more about this invasion and the Machamp, if you would. I wasn't in the Nexus at that time so it's completely new to me." A lie, of course, given he took advantage of the AV field going down. Perhaps he knows about the Pokemon, but doesn't want to give off any hints which could reveal the truth. "Speaking of Pokemon, there was a interesting guy at the store the other day...said something about being a professor and being new to the area. Maybe he's seen the Machamp?"

[chiron_survivor]

"I'm glad you weren't here for it," she says sincerely. "It would have been a terrible introduction to the Nexus." She rubs her hands nervously, although she seems willing to talk about it. The passage of time and the joy she's achieved since then have done much to dull the terrors she had experienced that fateful day.

"Khan was an enemy of Jim's from his universe. He brought a small group of augmented soldiers with him and used a magical artifact to destroy part of the Industrial District. It was chaos, Josh. Refugees, injured... I stayed in the Plaza helping people until..."

Her gaze drops as she picks at her napkin, twisting a paper corner around her finger. Considering how distrustful Josh is of Caspar, is it a good idea to bring up her stalker? Wouldn't that make him worry about her more, that she's not safe in the Nexus? She hasn't heard a single peep from the shadowy figure who tested her empathy. Maybe he's gotten bored of her? She can only hope.

"A-anyway. A machamp brought over an injured teenager. Carried him, actually. There were two other pokémon with him. They helped heal the injured." She smiles faintly. "I still see the chansey and the comfey on occasion. But i miss the machamp."

[mynameisnotbrad]

"Really now?" He gives her a curious look, hiding his excitement and glee over remembering that day. So much blood and violence; a true serial killer's play-land, even after getting to meet Khan personally. "Sounds like the guy was on a mission..."

His grip tightens around his tea cup, taking smalls sips of it while Adia speaks up, showing false concern when needed. "What happened to the boy? Have you seen him since that day?" The other two Pokemon cause him to frown, then without warning, he lets go of the teacup and reaches into his pocket for his cell-phone. It's hard for him to hide what he's typing, which is the names of the pokemon, into his phone browser. Once the cheerful pink egg and floating flower ring pop onto his screen, he looks back up at Adia.

"Sorry. I was curious to see what your friends looked like." He quickly puts his phone away once more.

[chiron_survivor]

"He was. He didn't stop until nearly the most super-powered people in the Nexus put a stop to him." She shakes her head. "All that to get revenge on one person. I don't think I'll ever understand that level of hate."

She shakes her head when he asks about the boy. "No," she says sadly. "As soon as he was feeling better, he left the Nexus." She wishes she would see him again, to know how he's doing. She has a lot of questions for him, too. Namely, how could he be friends with a pair of pokémon trophy hunters? He's probably ashamed and afraid for his own life. It's too bad, he was the only witness to her stalker.

Rather than be offended by Josh pulling out his phone, she's grateful for the change of subject. "Oh, don't apologize," she says reassuringly. "They're cute, aren't they?" She takes another sip of tea and smiles. "Would you like to go to the poké mart when we're done here? We can see if my friends are around, and maybe meet the professor you mentioned?"

[mynameisnotbrad]

"The obsession people share with one another is truly a force to be recognized with. Good things can be evil in disguise, just as well, bad people might be trying for something good. Who knows?" He merely shrugs his shoulders.

"He should be fine." There's a smile creeping up onto Josh's face, which doesn't linger for very long. Winners sometime get away from him, but he's not about to reveal that the boy may not have survived a second time. Can't have witnesses, after all, especially ones with guilty consciences.

"Of course. I think it would be a fun trip, and better than sitting around all day." He's done enough of that today and the activity might help him show Adia how fortunate trainers are now that their poacher friends have been taken care of. "It'll be great."

[chiron_survivor]

His philosophical statement only gets a thoughtful, somewhat distracted nod from Adia as she finishes her muffin. It's not that she doesn't agree -- she's seen selfless, noble acts come from the worst sorts, and cowardly selfishness from otherwise kind people. And often it does boil down to how someone feels about someone else. But... she can't help but feel like there is a line, and that Khan crossed it.

She sighs and mentally shakes off the heavy thoughts. With any luck, the Nexus won't have to deal with someone like that again. Misinterpreting Josh's brief smile for hopefulness, she nods again. "I'm sure. We did a good job of healing him."

'We.' She means the healing pokémon, right? Or maybe someone else. She didn't go to the murdered couple's home alone, after all.

Any lingering worry is replaced with a bright smile when Josh agrees to her idea. "Great! I'm almost done here, so whenever you're ready." She reaches out and pats Josh's hand fondly. "I can't think of a better way to spend the afternoon than at the Poké Mart with a friend."

[mynameisnotbrad]

Josh is no stranger to this feeling, given his actions are driven by emotions towards other people, and his murder streak months ago was to try and drive home a point to Adia. Maybe hearing about how she's forgiven Caspar gives him hope that she'd forgive him for his past actions.

This isn't the time to be thinking about that, however, as he takes small bites of his mini-desserts. "I'm glad you and the pokemon were able to help out." Her eagerness to move on is contagious, as Josh smiles upon feeling her touch.

"Of course. If you haven't already taken care of it, let me pay for your meal and we'll go." He's mostly finished up with his tea and sweets, and is more than willing to abandon them in order to spend time doing things Adia likes.