who ororo & rogue what running into one another where rogue’s cafe when post-gigas plot, pre-ororo’s first net post warnings very PG! status complete upon posting!
Still relatively new to the area, Ororo was continuously trying to find her bearings. The west coast was certainly a beast of an undertaking compared to Manhattan, though she couldn’t precisely say why. Adapting to the necessity of utilizing a vehicle as compared to public transportation was a large factor, and the streets (rather, the drivers) were terribly aggravating even for her, a woman of nearly immaculate balance.
Finding good places to eat or even have tea had been a trial. She had bonded with one of her future co-workers already, but didn’t want to depend on others to find her way. Ororo had always paved her own way. So it was that she wandered into that cafe on an empty stomach.
Standing in the entryway, she paused to survey the inside with a quietly fond smile. It had character. Now, to find a seat.
It was hard to miss Rogue - she wore her long red hair in a braid today but the white streaks were just hanging loose. She couldn’t bring herself to dye them, no matter how much she wanted to. She was behind the counter doing some paperwork when she saw Ororo come in. There was a face she hadn’t seen before - here at least. She knew who it was, probably long before Ororo knew who she was herself.
That was okay, that was the norm here. She picked up a menu and headed over. “You can have any seat you’d like, the counters open, and there are a couple over to the left and one on the right right now.” she smiled warmly. She had a southern accent, no amount of time in California would change that one.
Smiling pleasantly at the woman, Ororo nodded graciously. She could not recognize her, though felt some sort of dull connection to her as she had with T’Challa when they first met. It didn’t cause her to so much as falter. No, her stature remained ever proud as she thanked Rogue and opted to take a seat at the counter.
“Thank you,” she said appreciatively. “This establishment is charming.” Praise came easily from the would-be weather witch, she liked privately run businesses more than those that had been woefully commercialized. They reminded her of hole-in-the-walls valiantly populating every corner of Manhattan.
Noting the girl’s accent, Ororo cast her a curious eye. Her own slight accent often had been the source of conversation fodder--curiosity and all. “As is your voice. May I ask where you came from, Miss?”
Rogue set the menu down and smiled. “Why thank you. I am fond of comfort in the familiar. It reminds me of home, and i hope it does for many people.” she had never heard a negative word yet. She slid back behind the counter and took a seat on the stool, close enough to chit chat but not in her face.
“I’m all about comfort food, so hopefully that’s what you’re looking for.” she said after a second then nodded a bit. “Why thank you. Just outside of New Orleans originally. Been here awhile, but ain’t quite lost the touch of home that makes me me.” she grinned a bit.
“Can I get you somethin’ to drink?”
“Comfort food is ideal,” Ororo said with a faint laugh. Even if it was part of the job, she thought the flare came naturally to the other woman. It suited the establishment well, there was little room to wonder why it appeared to do well. Now, Ororo looked forward to trying anything she could on the menu.
“Ah, so there must be something Cajun on the menu,” Ororo reasoned, taking a glance at the menu upon opening it. “I have not been there, which is a shame as I am told. I really must see more of our beautiful country one day.”
Perusing the menu still, she paused at Rogue’s inquiry. “Some iced tea would be fine,” she decided. “Thank you.”
Rogue smiled. “I thought so.” she laughed a bit, she liked the place, the idea had been a wonderful one and she was glad she took the chance on it. Even if she rarely left the place now days.
“Of course there is. I have plenty to pick from, although I won’t lie - my personal favorite is the jambalaya. I take pride in that one. We also have fried green tomatoes and a mac and cheese I love making.” she said honestly as she turned to get Ororo a glass of ice tea.
“Here.” she set it down before her and took her perch up again. “It’s lovely there, although I would advise skipping the city and exploring places on the outskirts, more history and less tourists.”
Contemplating the options while Rogue went to get the tea, Ororo settled on one of the recommendations. How could she resist with a proper sell like that? She greeted her again with a warm smile and thanked her for the tea. The atmosphere was welcoming, she decided she’d be coming here often in the future.
“Those are helpful recommendations,” she nodded appreciatively. “I will bear them in mind, though I fear I am still becoming acclimated with the city. It is often frustrating commuting, I do not like it.” New York hadn’t been particularly ideal traveling by car either, but at least there the subway was useful and practical. If a little smelly.
Rogue smiled at her and set everything down carefully before leaning on the wall nearby. “It takes time, this place grows on you though, I promise.” she laughed a bit. “It’s really not a bad place, it just is an interesting place. You’ll never be bored here, though.” she nodded lightly. “Enjoy, if you need anything else let me know.”
“Never bored, hm?” Ororo wondered exactly to what end that would remain relevant. She had perused the online community enough to be skeptical over half of it, then second guess her real world point of view. “I am sorry for keeping you--perhaps I could try some of your jambalaya, then I will be on my way,” and certainly bear the restaurant in mind for future visits! Rogue was a lovely, kindhearted hostess. Ororo highly valued these kinds of establishments.
“My pleasure. she smiled warmly and disappeared, to return a few moments later with a bowl of jambalaya for the woman. She set it down and smiled again. “No need to think you’re any bother, I visit with all of my guests.” she grinned a bit. “Keeps me out of trouble.”