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On a now beat-up card, the name and phone number of a certain woman.. no, check that, a certain lady.. no, not quite right again.. a certain Princess has yet remained uncontacted. It could be for a host of reasons; card being misplaced, too busy, or the lack of ability to use something so basic to Midgard as a telephone.
We'll go with Number Three.
Having strong armed someone in the street for instruction on the use of a pay phone, complete with coins, the dime is slotted and numbers are punched expertly, even if the one doing it is eyeing the broad blond to make sure no hint of violence will be set upon him. Once connection is made, and the phone is ringing, the receiver is shoved into Thor's hand and the man makes a jogged exit even as the God of Thunder tries to work out how exactly to use the thing.
"He-He.. Hello?" Phone is still ringing. Finally, after connection, there is a halted, almost stammered 'Greetings!'.. and once that hurdle is jumped and plans are actually made?
It's off to Harry's.
There is a homey atmosphere, while not like the pubs and taverns that Thor is used to, there is that familiar feel and the mustiness of alcohol of all types in the air. The God of Thunder is dressed 'down'.. slacks, shirt, though it's a little hard to fit him just right. And, of course, he does have Mjolnir at his hip, but the way it's carried so naturally, he doesn't necessarily call a lot of attention to it.
*
Cain certainly stands out in the bar. He's well over seven feet tall, after all, his shoulders wide as a Buick. He's on his sixth or seventh beer, not that it had much effect on him. The whiskey, on the other hand, was doing just fine. One of the quirks of his new physiology - he didn't need to eat or drink, but he could do so as he liked rather infinitely. Whatever obscene mystic power that lived inside his body just consumed it all, burning it to ash.
He could get a little drunk, though, and he was fairly determined to do so. He'd been given a lot to think about lately. He didn't care for it. Thinking had always been other people's strong suit - Cain was a physical guy and he liked solving problems in a physical way. That maybe there were other ways to see the world - irritated him. But he had to consider them.
*
Well, Ann hadn't -really- thought about going to Harry's. But she did hear from a SHIELD Agent that even though Harry's looked like a total and complete dump, he had the best fried foods that anyone could ask for. And after that latest capture? Someone was totally pigging out and skipping out on her heathly regimine.
So a double cheese burger, a nice plate of fries and a couple of pieces of fried chicken and two/thirds of apple pie on deck, Anna draws out a few electronics that were meant to be assembled at the office but yet due for a field testing of the highest order. Surely, surely someone was going to get hurt, what better than someone unlike herself? Well. Not that she was considered a mutant but.. aw hell. Lets just say that her morals were absolutely questionable.
But first things first. The little woman was definitely out of place, for once she picks up that big ol' burger and begins to chow down.
*
Crystal has had a busy few days, though for good reason. A rescue mission meant to bring back missing students unexpectedly bore fruit in the form of her missing sister. It's been busy, reuniting her sister with their family and all the plans that come from it. Not to mention deciding what to do now after years of searching. So an invitation to leave for a bit under something that can be played as a diplomatic meeting is a welcome distraction.
When she arrives at the bar, she's dressed a little more formally than usual, in a light blue sheath dress with a wide boat-neck and elbow length sleeves, white gloves on her hands. Catching sight of Thor, she starts toward the prince's booth with a friendly smile.
*
"Ale, barkeep!" Thor's voice is a bass, easily heard from corner to corner of the establishment. Heads swivel up and around to check to see who it is before they lower once again. Whether or not Harry actually heard or is paying attention to that request is a completely different story. "And I will have whatever it is she," there is a gesture towards Ann and her plate as the woman obviously enjoys her hard-won meal, "is eating."
The request is forgotten for the moment, however, when Crystal enters the pub. Tavern. Bar.. eatery. Thor rises from his seat, remarkably gracefully, as she approaches, and he inclines his head briefly with a warm smile, "My Lady." He shifts a little in order to allow her a spot. "Are you hungry? I can put an order in with the staff for another one of those.." and again, there is a gesture towards that burger.
*
Cain doesn't pay much attention to the big, loud blonde guy making his way in, although he does notice the little woman chowing down so heartily, "Good for you, kid," he says to her, "Gimme one o' those, too, why not? I ain't had a cheeseburger in a dog's age," he says. Not getting hungry will do that to you.
*
Loud sounds make Ann nervous, obviously. Suffering from a little bit of PTSD has her fingers clenching her burger to the point of ripping it apart, her face partway mashed into it as Thor first belts out his 'ale-cry'. Eyes dart to the left and the right as she slowly begins to eat, and then she was gestured at, which makes her seem a wee bit too self conscious. Shit. Now people are going to look at her as if she were one of those crazy cat ladies. A tubby crazy cat lady. A tubby black crazy cat lady who's filled with wisdom and grease.
Way to be a stereotype, Dr. Pinkerton!
Whilst she knows that the food was wholly bad for her heart, she puts it down with a smack of her fingers into her lips and a bundle of napkins that's wiped against her hands. Crystal's arrival, pretty much solidifies that fact. Stay fit, and you can be pretty too! Cain's cheering her on does make her feel better, but it also has her sizing him up. Glasses were put on soon and pushed up, eyes squinted, narrowed.. squinted.. and the same afforded to Thor and Crystal as well. Hmm..
*
"Hamburgers." Crystal supplies the word with a flicker of amusement as she reaches Thor's table. "Very popular here in America. I've heard they're very good here, actually. At least Sam seems to think so." There's a polite smile in Ann's direction when she looks over before she's pulling off her gloves, sliding into a seat. "It was good to hear from you again, your highness. I'd been meaning to start letting people know, we finally found my sister."
*
The large man at the bar putting his request in is noticed, and sized up. Nothing provoking, mind, but.. Cain is noticed and 'judged' before blue eyes move towards the woman who is trying to actually enjoy her meal.
*
The large man at the bar putting his request in is noticed, and sized up. Nothing provoking, mind, but.. Cain is noticed and 'judged' before blue eyes move towards the woman who is trying to actually enjoy her meal.
"… hamburger. Thank you," is given graciously. Thor waits until Crystal is settled before he checks on the status of his bellowed request given only moments earlier before he takes his seat as well. Leaning forward, he settles hands upon the table and looks earnestly before brows rise and he rocks back slightly in his seat. "Has she been found then? Brilliant. I am glad to hear of it. Now that some of the issues that faced me are dealt with, I was going to offer my aid in locating her." Does he know how to talk conversationally in public places? Maybe.
"I am sorry I did not .. contact you prior to now, but matters prevented me. Now that I find myself with time, yours was the first number I called." How's that for flattery?
*
Cain finds the loud man's language odd and obviously easy to overhear, although he isn't going to make a point of it. He didn't get much bothered by loud. He could be loud.
He drums his fingers and continues his moral wrestling - trying to decide exactly what he would choose to do in the days to come.
*
Well, since the two were already engaged, Ann decided upon the lone big man at the bar. It sucks for him, since he actually spoke to her and she was actually looking for someone who wouldn't be hurt by a few sparks or a little bit of feedback. Not that she knew of Cain, but he was a big dude. Big dudes can withstand pain, right?
"Excuse me." Ann says, -right- next to him. If anyone saw her move, they surely didn't hear her approach. Her hand even reaches up to pat lightly against his arm. Social normals wasn't her thing. "Could I perchance ask for your help?" She smiles. "I could pay you for your time. I've come with a lot of money in my purse and aside from eating and possibly shopping for things that I need I have nothing to do with it but the rent."
*
"No apology is necessary," Crystal assures Thor with a wave of her hand, smile easy. "We've all been very busy lately, obviously. But yes. My sister is recovered, and so…" She pauses, considering for a moment. "And so I find myself in a situation I have never been in before. Since I was a child we've been searching for her before we could take any further steps into our future. Now she's returned to us, and that means the future is here."
*
The drumming of fingers gains Thor's notice once again, but it is a momentary distraction from that which is before him. That actually happens to be the ale delivery and a promise of the hamburger the moment it's done from the back.
"Would you like anything, miss?" the waitress asks.. and will wait for as long as it takes Crystal to decide before heading back.
Ann's movement is quick, lithe.. and brows rise before Thor's attention returns fully on the Princess, and his voice actually lowers, his brows rising in prelude to the next obvious question. "And that means what, Your Highness?" The title is deliberate. "Now what is your next goal? Is your sister well? Is there such that needs to be done.." Ooooh, that's right. "What is it that you would like done that I may aid you with?" He offers a smile and his head ducks a touch, "I would be honoured to help you in any way I can." In that, he reaches to the table in order to take Crystal's hand to hold it gently. "I do say that will all earnestness."
*
Cain looks at the little woman approaching him for a long moment, "Yeah, awright, I never mind a bit o' scratch. Takes guts to come up anyway. Go ahead, ask. Worse I'll do is say no. Unless you insult me. Then I might do a bit worse than that. But I figure you know that," he says.
He gets his food and starts to chow down, idly chewing on the burger as he waits to hear Anna's offer.
*
"Uh.. I think I just did?" She asked for his help, right? But, she wasn't going to dawdle any longer. For she moves back to her seat, effectively dodging the waittress who approaches the other table, then gathers her things.. (read: shoved them into the bag) and food to carry towards the bar. Everything was slammed down, with Ann attempting to boost and hitch herself upon the stool with her current state of dress. (Business suit, nothing fancy) With a slight hike of her skirt and a crawl upon the stool, she hops it closer towards the big man with a turn in his direction to explain.
"Well, I'm an inventor." She's a liar! "And I'm currently working on a way for us to communicate wirelessly!" At least that part was true. "We already have telephones, phone booths and the like. But what if there is some way we could communicate without placing a call and holding something that's really, really obvious. Like a big case." She gestures. "I was thinking of something small. And I have a few things that I put together. But no one to test it on. What do you say?"
*
"That is a very kind offer," Crystal smiles warmly back at Thor, giving his hand a brief squeeze before she withdraws her own to turn to the waitress. "A martini, please, and an order of…the chili fries." No sense in not enjoying the local specialties. "I think, though, that our next steps will likely be independent. This is a task that Black Bolt will need to undertake as much to prove himself as to accomplish the task itself. I'm not certain yet what my place will be, though."
*
The pair at the bar gain no more notice from the Asgardian in favor of the conversation that lies before him, settled upon the table. He smiles at the squeeze and retrieves his own hand as she pulls hers back. "Ah.." Thor actually understands royal dynamics, and he tries, "You are the younger sister, then." Just in case. "If I may aid you even in the slightest way in that search for your place, please tell me. Though, to that end, if I may be so bold in my formal request to ask if I may court you." That would solve that problem, wouldn't it? "If I must ask your father, then so be it. I will."
*
Cain has trouble parsing everything that Anna says to him, but considers what he can make out of it, "So, uh, exactly how can I help with that? I ain't much of a big brain. I know a little science, but I get the feelin' you're a bit out o' my league in that regard. And I'm guessin' you prob'ly picked me cause I look like I could punch down a mountain. Cause I can," he says.
"Whatever. Do your voodoo. I ain't scared."
*
"Well, I just want to test it out on you." So, we're doing the straight to the point instead of explanations. So as she turns and begins to pull out her items, she pauses for half a moment to sneak a few fries, chewing a little bit noisily. "Okay.." She finally says after swallowing. "Just turn towards me."
"Well, I'm glad that you could punch a mountain. And quite frankly, I chose you because the other two denizens have hair." She glances towards Thor and Crystal now, then back towards Cain. "You don't. There may be sparks." When he turns towards her, she has to motion for him to duck so that she could attach the device to his ears. He'd look odd, like a flesh made Cyberman, but no one was talking about a fashion show at SHIELD.
*
"The younger, yes," Crystal smiles ruefully to Thor. "And gratefully so. I'm very glad my sister is back, and very happy for her and for Black Bolt." And that much seems entirely genuine. Thor's younger brother may have envy issues, but Crystal seems entirely content with her place in the world. Enough so that it takes a moment for his other words to sink in. "Your highness?" she blinks. "I-"
Wait, did someone say sparks? That's a totally legit distraction, right? She turns in her chair, looking toward the threat (?) with a curious expression.
*
Of course younger sisters have to find their way.. assuming an equal chance to the throne. That is something Asgard does -not- have. Should anything happen to the All-Father, Thor rises to take the throne even if Frigga survives him. "Court.. surely your people do thus…"
And Crystal's attention is taken from it at the mention of 'sparks'. To be honest, Thor wasn't paying that any attention anymore; he'd even missed the comment regarding being able to punch mountains! "What?"
*
Cain doesn't feel very much, electrically speaking. He's immune to that kind of harm, really, so it's mostly just something of a loud noise and a bit of flash in his eyes. He blinks rapidly, "Shoot, that's a kick in the head," he says mildly, even as the thing rattles a bit on top of him.
He's mostly unbothered, though, not minding being the subject of experiment as he starts to eat his steak fries.
*
Huh? Well, that worked! And he wasn't brainfried yet! With her food shoved aside, Anna kicks off her shoes so she could get right to work. Even goes so far as to take off her business suit coat as well. "I see.." She digs into her bag, pulling out a little portable flash light so that she could lean all the way over to look into his eyes. All normal! And like the true doctor she was, she checks his pulse. She had to just use two fingers instead of hold his wrist, then watches her watch for a quiet moment with a 'not bad' look upon her face.
"Okay! Next phase! Communication!"
She retrieves another speaking device from her bag, then hops down from the stool to cover the distance with a few quick strides, disappearing behind some boot. With a few clicks, she speaks into it. "Danger Danger Danger!"
Uh.. did it explode? Lets find out!
*
"Is she…trying to explode that man's head?" Crystal feels like she should be concerned here. But the man with the device on his ear doesn't seem to be concerned. And the lady with the device looks excited. And security isn't intervening. American customs can be so odd sometimes.
Giving the other pair one last wary look, she slowly turns back to Thor, having at least gained a moment to consider. "Your highness, of course we court. I- If that is something you would wish to pursue, then my cousin Black Bolt and my sister would be the ones for you to speak with. Though I think that they might need a little more time before taking on affairs of state, as we've only so recently recovered her."
*
Thor's attention is back on the experimenting pair, and with the light and sound, he makes to rise. "What is.." but then the large man doesn't seem to be overly concerned about it, as evidenced by the fries. His hands that had been placed palms down on the table in that moment and pulled and set casually, now that the moment has passed. Blue eyes narrow, however; he's keeping an eye on the scene before him.
So much so that Thor is a little distracted as he shifts his focus back, and he stares at Crystal for a long moment before it registers as to what she's saying. "Oh.." is given as he recovers again, and he shakes his head, a smile appearing once again.. a happy smile. "Oh, but wouldn't something like that be easy for her? One less concern for them and they can turn their attention to other matters of state knowing they have the support and aid of a Crown Prince of Asgard."
*
Maverick has arrived.
*
Maverick leaves, heading towards Westchester County [O].
*
Maverick has left.
*
When the device explodes, it sends shrapnel all around, winging off some bottles behind the bar, skittering over the hard wood of the bartop. He seems non-plussed through the whole thing, not regarding it much, but finally looking over after it's finished.
"Sorry 'bout that. Might not work on me. I ain't like yer average bear," he smirks.
*
*THOING!*
One of the ear pieces that exploded manages to impale itself into the wall near Anna, which has her stopping to look at it with a frown. "Huh." To hear the man still talking and probably still eating, Anna gets up, a little nonplussed and quite frankly, disappointed. "Well beans." She says, her own personal swear word, striding over towards her previous seat to dust out the seat that she sat on. And then she clears her throat.
"Sorry about the mess folks. Everythings on me!" She waves her hand awkwardly, then jumps so that she could plant herself upon her seat.
"Well, it's not that it might not work on you. You have eardrums just like the rest of us. You can hear me talk, you can hear sounds around the room.." The rest of the hookup sparks a little, which has Anna reaching over for a discarded beer to drop upon the wires, sizzling it out. And then she picks through it, frustrated. "But there -has- to be something to make this work. Like.. I don't know." And her food was ruined, but she leaves it be for now.
*
"Perhaps, but we've almost ten years of catching up-" Before Crystal can finish responding to Thor, there's an explosion in the bar. Turning quickly, she throws out a hand, forming a shield of air between her table and the shrapnel. Only when the last bits have fallen does she lower her hand, looking sternly toward the bar.
"Miss," she calls over, warning. "Do you think perhaps you could be a little bit more cautious?"
*
The explosions also have Thor moving, and the great hammer comes out to block anything that may come, and it's in that split second that he catches that Crystal is safe— time to be sure the others in the bar are as well. (Teamwork!) "Have a care!"
There is something of outcries as parts go flying, but thankfully it did miss both Thor's burger (which is now ready) and Crystal's drink.
Settling slowly back into his seat after reattaching Mjolnir to his side, he leans forward, blond hair pushing forward over his shoulders, "So, does this mean I can court you without it being official? Give your sister time to settle in, with all things?"
*
Cain snorts, "Aw, shaddup, the kid's doin' it fer science. Lighten up," he calls out to Thor and the Princess.
To Anna, he purses his lips, "Bar might not be the ideal place for scientific endeavor, sweet cheeks, just sayin'," he says.
*
Ann was all eyebrows and wide eyes as she looks towards the couple. She didn't know what to say for a moment but she does spy the door as a hasty exit is really thought of. "I.. said.. sorry?" Her words were parsed, clipped and clear. And she waits for that little bit of a second to make sure the all clear was given, or if she needs to haul ass back to the lab. Which, she's bound to do either way. Just not now. She was 'supposed' to be on vacation.
Tense as ever, she turns away, picking through her food to see what was edible and what wasn't. In fact, the entire thing was a waste, and with a lean and look towards Cain's food, she grabs a fork to stab into some steak fries, holding it up and practically hostage. "I suppose you're right. But who can resist when a viable test subject makes itself presentable?" She shrugs a little. "But thanks for the help." She shoves the fries into her mouth, chewing as she reaches into her bag for her pocket book. Five crisp twenties are soon taken and laid to rest in front of Cain for his taking, and another five crisp twenties are laid down to pay for the food and the possible repairs. "For your help."
*
Crystal lets out a breath as Anna doesn't seem inclined to pick up where she left off, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear and looking to Thor with a small smile. "I…" This is what comes with being part of a royal family. Sometimes you have to consider diplomacy aside from personal feelings. This is going to be a long conversation with Erik. "So long as it is done properly, so that they do not feel as though they were not consulted in a timely fashion, of course."
*
Thor gives Cain a sidelong glance and his gaze lingers upon the man before he chuckles and shakes his head. As well to the lady with the paper bills that he's recently identified as currency here. There is nothing to say beyond the apology from the woman, and the Asgardian tends to his burger and his companion at the table.
The smile returns and for a moment, it's lopsided, giving him a boyish look as he nods, a hand rising to place upon his heart. "I would not dream it to be otherwise. After all, it is your honour that is also on the line, both with your sister and your subjects. I would not dream of giving them reason to doubt either your courtesy or my sincerity." He glances down at the burger before grabbing it in hand, "They will be consulted when you deem it necessary to do so then, my Lady? I shall take your lead." But until then? Didn't Jane use to refer to these outings as 'dates'?
*
Cain snatches up his money - no shame in his game - stuffing them into the pocket of his pants without a second thought. "Sorry it didn't work out, kid. YOu ever need another guinea pig, my name's Cain. I ain't hard to find. I kinda leave a mark," he smirks. "Dontchu got a lab or somethin' somewhere? Or they picky about who they hire? I can always persuade 'em if they're feelin' less than generous in their hirin' practices."
*
Ann still kept an eye on the couple. At least they were back to talking and not getting up out of their seats. So then she relaxes, blowing out a little breath of air with a shrug of her shoulders. "All of this science stuff is theories, trial and error. And a LOT of error." She picks out more of Cain's fries, hell.. he had a lot. Plus she's paying for it.
"Yeah, I have a lab, of course!" Her eyes light up at the thought, "No no no, they're not picky! Everything is fine and all but.. technically I'm supposed to be on vacation." She frowns and clairifies. "Forced vacation. I guess it's a well being thing but I find working a comfort." She snatches one last fry, then hops down from her stool, fitting her shoes back on. "Which, I should be getting back to. It is very nice to meet you, Cain!" And chippy-cheerily, her hand is stuck out for a shake. "I'll find you soon enough, I have a ton of ideas I can use you for!" (Oh bless Cain's heart. Bless him dearly.)
*
"And…your family?" Crystal reaches for her glass to take a measured sip, watching Thor. "You've spoken with them? I was under the impression from our last conversation that they had some…disagreements with your life choices." That last comes with a small flicker of a smile, perhaps sympathetic. She's already had some disagreements with her family about her own choices.
*
Thor keeps a sidelong watch on the pair at the bar as they begin to break apart. He's not quite so concerned with them, and there is a burger that is growing cold, with the juices congealing. He picks it up carefully but fully to take one, two, three bites, and chews it appreciatively. He points, now, to the burger with a briefly free hand, and with almost a mouthful, "This is really good.." before that fourth bite is taken.
Finally, after a couple of moments, he swallows and is ready to wash it down with his drink. "Mother… mother would love you. Father, though.." And he says this consideringly, "Father doesn't seem to believe that those in this Realm are worthy of being the Queen of Asgard. But, he has never met one such as yourself, princess in her own right." Thor pauses before he chuckles, "My brother would congratulate me." Beat. "Us."
*
"Does your father not have a say in these proceedings?" Crystal asks, curious. "Forgive me, our royal family is…somewhat different from how most seem to work here. Although my sister and I are members, we are as these people would call it, in-laws. It's why my sister is really one of the most qualified to negotiate over my hand. Our ties to the royal family at the moment are that our mother's sister wed the brother of Black Bolt's mother. But as my sister and Black Bolt are betrothed, she will then be queen. Black Bolt would have the final say, but they have a rather even-handed relationship."
*
Thor finishes off the last of his burger and licks his fingers before wiping his hands on first a napkin and then his pants before he takes hold of that ale again, and finishes that off, *thumping* the glass on the table in underscore. "My father has little say in whom I court. He would like to have a hand in it, but he does not. Which is, actually, the reason I am here." To eventually find a queen who could be considered 'worthy'. "However, there is a test that he must be allowed to determine if they are worthy to be Queen of Asgard. A mortal has little chance, I'm afraid," and here, his voice drops and his tones sound sad, "I knew of one that almost completed the tasks." Thor brightens again and inclines his head, "Tasks that should be of little matter to you and your abilities that I have seen thus far." That last bit is given with that growing lopsided smile once again.
After Crystal explains her family tree, Thor shakes his head and chuckles, his brows rising, "Are you or are you not a Princess, then?" He fully knows the answer. "Not all houses stand like ours, going back millennia, to the dawn of time. There is no shame in it. You are," and here, he leans again and reaches for a hand, "A lady that I wish to court, if you would accept my suit."
*
"Oh, I am." Crystal tucks a piece of hair behind her ear, smile faint. "Though as of now, it's of a kingdom from which we are exiled. All the same, I think you know that royalty is not, of necessity, dependent upon the presence of a kingdom. But with my sister returned, I think Black Bolt will be ready to retake the kingdom. I cannot imagine that the people have been content with Maximus' rule. He was ever petty and prideful."
*
"Then, I can offer my aid if you wish, Crystal." Is that the first time Thor's actually used her name? "I have friends as well, and those four that I rely upon are better than any army that can be mustered." He pulls his hand back again and straightens, his smile turning a little mischievous. "Let us walk the grounds beyond and speak of things that can be done to make things easier. Too long here and I may find a need to speak to the other revellers and share with them stories."
*
"It is a kind offer," Crystal shakes her head at the offer of aid. "But in truth, not one I can accept on behalf of my cousin. Such a decision would be his to rightfully make. But I will pass on the offer. I know it is not something made lightly." At his suggestion, she pushes back her chair, smoothing a hand over her skirts. "A walk would be pleasant, I think," she agrees, chin dipping.
*
Made lightly? Noo.. and if the All-Father heard of it? Well, Thor is lucky that he's self-exiled on Midgard, but he does have someone that he can talk to on Asgard to speak to those friends of his…
Thor watches her and as she promises to speak of it again to her cousin (and likely her sister), he rises from his seat to offer a hand for when she does rise. "Then the matter is settled for the time being. You would honour me to walk with me, and we will speak of little things." Small talk? Though, Thor does not forget to pay, and he leaves a couple of gold Asgardian coins upon the table before he offers an arm for an escort out, "Shall we?"