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.

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[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.

[chiron_survivor]

Oblivious to his deeper thoughts, she enjoys the rest of her tea while he finishes up his fancy dessert. "Me, too. Pokémon can be so selfless at times." She laughs a little and adds, "I'm surprised that Bucky hasn't found me yet. He must be busy with Steve today."

His offer to pay is met with surprise, and she seems ready to politely defer his offer, but she remembers how he lamented about not getting her anything for the holidays, so she decides to let him pick up the tab. "That's very kind of you, Josh. Thank you. I'm just about done, so whenever you're ready."

[mynameisnotbrad]

"From what I've seen, they seem loyal to whoever they trust. Maybe that's why Bucky is so protective? It's based on his typing or his personality." He's reaching into his pocket for his wallet while speaking with her, making sure to flag down Ice Bear or someone who can drop off the bill.

"Of course." Getting the bill paid and settled hopefully gives her enough time. Maybe he's getting eager to move about as well, putting his jacket back on and offering Adia his hand. Whether she takes it or not, he's already heading to the door, opening it for her.

[chiron_survivor]

"I have read that the braviary is known as 'the solider of the sky' because of how dedicated it is to protecting its friends, but Bucky has been this way ever since he was a rufflet. It takes a lot to earn his trust, but once you do, he's a friend for life."

She waves goodbye to Ice Bear once the bill is settled and slips into her coat, winding her winter scarf around her neck. When Josh offers his hand, she takes it without thinking. Platonic hand-holding has become second nature to her in the Nexus. She steps through the door and gives Josh a smile, letting him lead the way to the poké mart.

[mynameisnotbrad]

"Soldier of the sky, huh? Well, I guess that would make sense, given his nature. To be honest, when I saw Bucky’s colors, he reminded me of the American flag, which is a symbol of justice and pride."

He makes sure that Ice Bear has received the sufficient amount of payment, before heading to the door, back out into the not-overly cold Nexus. Ice Bear also waves goodbye to Adia, but doesn't seem to pay too much attention to her company. It still feels strange seeing some people dressed for winter, while others are walking around in shorts.

Like the cafe, few people are roaming about, making the walk to the Poke'mart easy and fun. However, it seems like a large building is being constructed not too far away from the mart. Josh has to stop and stare at the construction, mainly because a group of Machop and Machoke are running about, carrying stacks of bricks and supplies.

"Huh. Looks like the old Poke'mart is getting an upgrade. Maybe there's been more Pokemon or trainers appearing as of late?" He shrugs his shoulders. "Well, no sense in waiting outside..." He opens the door of the Poke'mart to allow Adia to enter first.

[chiron_survivor]

She listens, her jaw dropping a little, then bursts into laughter. "Like Captain America!" she says, pleased to learn this amusing coincidence. "Oh, I can't wait to share that with Steve."

The machops and machokes catch her attention first, as they remind her of the elusive machamp she had been talking about earlier. But soon enough, her eyes are drawn to the structure itself. "Wow, it's huge!" She looks at Josh and gives him a thoughtful nod. "Yeah, must be. I wonder why."

But there's time to speculate within the mart itself. She gives her friend a smile for holding the door, then steps inside. "Hi, Adia," says an older gentleman with a thick mustache and a head as shiny as a cue ball. He's busy stocking shelves near the entrance. "Here to pick up more of Ethel's head polish?"

"Not this time, Louis. I'm just looking around." She smiles at the employee before turning to Josh. "He's given me some great advice on steel pokémon."

[mynameisnotbrad]

"Yeah, that's a pretty good comparison." is she talking about the real Captain America when she mentions Steve's name? Doesn't matter to Josh in the long run, as he closes the shop door behind them.

It's disarming to be immediately approached by the store employee, and Josh is half-tempted to tell the old man to go away, but bites his tongue. "Steel Pokemon? I really need to get up to date on the different types." He's already glancing around at the different items on the shelf, almost nervous to ask about what toys would be good for a cat pokemon.

"So..where should we go first? Anything you want to look at in particular?" His eyes dart from her to a trainer walking out the door with his partner, a happy-looking Trubbish. What. Was that really a trash bag pokemon? This visit might take some getting used to...

[chiron_survivor]

Pokémon retailers are an overall gregarious group. It took Adia a bit of time to overcome her shyness, but now she seems quite comfortable as she walks down the aisle, smiling at the occasional familiar face. "There are eighteen types," she tells him. "I started by learning the types that Steve's pokémon are, and then branched out from there. It's an unusual ontology, but considering how different they all look, it might be the only consistent way to classify them."

She turns to answer Josh's question, then follows his gaze to the trubbish. "I know, it looks like a trash bag," she murmurs. "I should show you a picture of a klefki sometime." But, anyway, back to the matter at hand. "I wouldn't mind looking in the enrichment aisle. They always have fun stuff there. What would you like to see?"