16585/Chicken Wings

Chicken Wings
Date of Scene:	23 October 2024
Location:	JFK International Airport
Synopsis:	I love it when my pets sigh, like what ails you, my little unemployed freeloader?
Cast of Characters:	Deadpool, Black Widow (Romanoff)

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Deadpool has posed:
Deadpool sat in a brightly lit booth at JFK Airport, a half-eaten plate of salt and pepper chicken wings in front of him. Remnants clung to his scarred mouth as he absentmindedly sipped from a beer. Hours had passed, and the restaurant staff eyed him with a mix of confusion and irritation.

He leaned back, his boots propped on the table, a half-empty pitcher of beer nearby. Security, a couple of wary agents, cast glances in his direction, but Deadpool hadn't caused any trouble. He was just... there, a loud splash of red and black in a sea of gray travel-weary souls.

The waitress approached, hesitating. "Can I get you anything else?"

Deadpool grinned from benearh his half upturned mask, wing residue dripping from his chin. "More wings? Or Scarlett Johansson's phone number?"

The waitress rolled her eyes, and he chuckled, taking another swig. A sign of madness or just the world's most unconventional layover? Maybe both.

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
How? That was the one question that came to mind as Natasha was walking back from bidding adieu to Alexander and she spied Deadpool at the table in the nearby pub. Being an Avenger had perks, even if she didn't have a ticket and shouldn't be on this side of the TSA checkpoints. Especially with the weapons she had on her person, though those weren't visible since she was in civilian clothes. A lightweight jacket in brown over a red top tucked into black pants and a pair of black boots to complete the look.

How was it Deadpool always managed to show up at the strangest of places? And of late, he seemed to be showing up more where she had been on top of that. She paused and gauged the situation.

Security was getting antsy. Though he hadn't broken any laws yet, they obviously could tell he was the type to do so. Admittedly, her curiousity was piqued considering he was in an airport. Didn't he have a teleporter belt? Why would he need to fly? If he was meeting someone, he was again on the wrong side of the TSA checkpoints.

Sighing softly to herself, she walked directly toward him then paused when she was a couple of feet from the table. "Fancy meeting you here. What's brought you to the airport today?"

Deadpool has posed:
Deadpool leaned forward, propping his elbows on the table. "Oh, you know, just here to snag some wings and avoid existential dread. Typical Tuesday, right?" He wiped his chin with the back of his glove, leaving a greasy smudge that only added to his charm.

"Got my little buddy here," he said, suddenly pulling out the ugliest dog she'd likely ever seen. It was a scruffy, lopsided creature in a perfectly fitted Deadpool costume. "Meet Dogpool! She needed a walk, and who am I to deny my adorable little sidekick?"

He held a gloved hand to the side of his mouth, leaning closer with a conspiratorial whisper. "She's my seeing eye dog. You know, for all the things I can't see... like that horrid mustard stain on your shirt."

With a wide grin, he gestured to the seat across from him. "Join me? The wings are average, the beer is American, and I promise Mary Puppins won't judge your life choices."

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
As the dog was brought into view, Natasha's eyes widened as she couldn't hide her surprise. Or just didn't bother. Either or. "What the hell is that?"

She didn't fall for the mustard stain because she knew she hadn't eaten anything with mustard. No glancing down as he'd liking boop her nose from below if she did. But she just stared at the half hairless, tongue hanging out the side of its mouth, dog being held by Deadpool. "Dogpool? You can't be serious, Wade." Which is how he knew she was serious since she used his first name.

Though she did sit in the seat across from him, though more on the edge of the seat ready to move in case he suddenly decided that instead of being a chatty pet owner he was going to kill someone that he had a contract on that might be coming up the concourse.

"I think I'll pass on the beer and wings. I do appreciate a no judgement zone though."

Deadpool has posed:
Deadpool chuckled at Natasha's incredulous expression. "This, my dear Natasha, is Dogpool. She's a masterpiece of nature, like if a raccoon and a potato had a baby." He held the dog closer, covering her ears with his gloved hands. "Shhh, don't worry, sweetie. Auntie Natasha didn't mean it. You're a good girl, such a good girl."

Dogpool responded by licking the salt and pepper residue off Deadpool's glove, her tongue hanging out in a ridiculous way that made him grin wider. "See? Even she knows how to appreciate fine dining."

He leaned back, a satisfied smirk on his face. "Glad to see you again, by the way. You're like a refreshing breeze in a world of stale chips. Here, take a look at the menu." He slid it over, pointing dramatically. "You could grab a salad, a burger, whatever your heart desires. I'll put it on my tab. Don't worry, I've got a bit of a... reputation in this place." A man in a black suit stood next to four uniformed security guards on the other side of the glass half wall.

He winked, lowering his voice. "Besides, I think they're secretly thrilled I'm not blowing anything up for once."

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
"Your reputation is exactly why I felt an intervention might be necessary," Natasha admitted. She didn't pick up the menu. She didn't even glance at the menu. "So you just came here to come here? Because this isn't where one walks a dog...you're sure it's a dog?" She eyed Mary Puppins critically then shook her head and focused back on the man in red.

"And as you said, it's bad beer and mediocre food so I know that isn't the draw. I do appreciate you aren't blowing something up. And I am hoping beyond hope that you aren't here on a job to eliminate a target."

That one earned him a very pointed look.

Deadpool has posed:
Deadpool waved a dismissive hand. "Intervention? Please, I don't need saving. I'm just here for a little R&R. And yes, I assure you, Dogpool is definitely a dog. One of the best ones, really. Look at that face! It's like Picasso painted a furry masterpiece."

As Dogpool jumped out of his lap and scuttled under the table, he raised an eyebrow. "Uh-oh, she's on the prowl! Gotta keep an eye on that little furball. She's got a nose for mischief."

Moments later, Dogpool popped up beside Natasha, trying to climb into her lap. Deadpool grinned, leaning in conspiratorially. "See? She's a total flirt. Just like me! And you know what? I think she's got great taste."

He leaned back again, chuckling at the scene. "And about that 'job' comment... trust me, the only targets I'm focusing on right now are those wings and maybe some nachos. You know, the important things in life. But hey, if I were on a job, I'd totally give you the heads-up if it was on your radar. We used to be a team, right?"

He winked, then looked at Dogpool, who was now trying to snuggle up to Natasha. "Just make sure she doesn't steal your goodies. She's a little thief!"

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
Natasha eyed the dog which was now standing on its back legs, front paws touching Nat's thigh. "Shoo. Go back to your owner." As though it understood English perfectly and therefore knew what she was saying. Which was highly unlikely.

"If you aren't here with a ticket, you can't be on this side of the TSA gates. You know that, right?" She was positive he knew that. The fact he was reveling in the chaos he was creating sort of screamed it in her mind. Or was he reveling? This really seemed like basic Wade.

"Besides, there are better wings and nachos at that place up on 9th in Brooklyn. So why not go there instead?"

Did she just palm a tiny piece of chicken that was still attached to a disgarded bone from his wings? Nah, trick of the eye. Even if that same hand disappeared beneath the table and a moment later there was the sound of a dog chewing twice then a swallow of the canine variety.

Deadpool has posed:
Deadpool chuckled, shaking his head in mock disbelief. "Oh, come on, Nat. Wings and nachos on 9th in Brooklyn? That's like saying the Louvre is better than a Crayola drawing. Plus, I'm no homewrecker, you know?"

He then pointed dramatically at Dogpool, who was now flopping back and forth like a furry little acrobat. "Look at her. She's a distraction, a fluffy little speed bump on the road to snack heaven. And trust me, I'm not about to lose my prime snacking spot over some overpriced wings."

He leaned closer, grinning. "But you gotta admit; I do make chaos look good. If you let me hang out here, I promise I won't steal you from Phobos."

Dogpool, now firmly planted in Natasha's lap, let out a little yip, as if agreeing with him. "See? Even Dogpool knows what's up. And you know what? She's got a better shot at those wings than I do right now."

With a wink through the half upturned mask, he added, "And if anyone's gonna steal your goodies, it's gonna be this little thief. Just be careful; she's a master at misdirection."

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
"Please tell me you didn't teach her to steal stuff for you?" Because Natasha was now on guard. She had shown a moment of weakness, giving a treat to Mary Puppins. And now the dog was on her lap. While she was being warned about it.

She eyed the furry--at least in patches--beast. It eyed her back, tongue lolled out that side of its mouth still. Natasha signed and took another piece of chicken, offering it to the pup. But then she focused back on Wade.

"Chaos seems to follow you, yes. Like a stalker. I'm not sure that's good." A tiny hint of a smile. "Though it is never boring." Then it was gone as soon as it showed. "Phobos?" Because of course one played stupid since she had never shared that was who Alexander was, that she recalled. Of course, Wade seemed to know weird things at times.

Deadpool has posed:
\
Deadpool's mask seemed to raise an eyebrow, a grin spreading across his exposed lower face. "Teach her? Nah, that would imply I'm some kind of responsible pet owner. I'm just saying she's got a knack for it. Like a canine kleptomaniac. Totally adorable, right?"

He leaned back, arms crossed, nodding in agreement with her assessment. "Chaos? A stalker? Guilty as charged. But let's be real, boring is for people who don't have a life motto that includes 'let's blow stuff up!' Plus, a little chaos keeps you on your toes. Ever seen a cat in a room full of laser pointers? Exactly."

Then he caught her questioning look about Phobos. "Oh, come on. You think I'm a bit of a gossip? It's all in the name of friendship. I mean, who doesn't want to know the latest in superhero romances? It's practically a public service."

He winked again, gesturing at Dogpool. "And if she's your new partner in snack crimes, you might just want to keep those wings close. Otherwise, it's game on. This little thief won't stop until she's raided every last wing and nacho in the Tri-State Area."

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
"Yet, here we are. At the airport. Instead of off trying better wings and nachos." She made sure the staff was not in earshot but honestly? Everyone that worked in food service in an airport knew they were not a five stars dining experience. Another bit of chicken given to the pup who seemed quite content to remain on her lap. "Don't expect me to pet you," she murmured to Dogpool. "And no licking or barking or cuddling. Got it?"

Then something occurred to her. She raised her gaze to Wade. "For either of you." Just in case. Chaos, after all.

She still didn't acknowledge the Phobos statement at all, just letting it drop. Obviously a subject she didn't feel like needed to be shared. If he'd said Alexander, she'd likely have chatted. Denial. Denial. Denial. When a codename got used. Or worse, his actual Olympian name at that. Especially since he was off dealing with Family Drama at the moment. The most dramatic of families, she was pretty sure.

Deadpool has posed:
Deadpool chuckled, a smirk creeping onto his lower face at her warning to Dogpool. "Oh, c'mon, Nat, you know you can't resist a little puppy love. She's practically a furry magnet. But I get it, no licking or barking, right? I'll make sure she follows the rules, at least the ones you care about."

When she mentioned being at the airport instead of hunting for better wings and nachos, he shrugged. "Hey, it's a classic case of 'life happens.' Besides, who wouldn't want to hang out with me? It's like a front-row seat to a circus... and I'm the main act."

Deadpool softly began to sing poignant lines, a rare moment of vulnerability pierced through his usual bravado. "I am not a stranger to the dark. 'Hide away,' they say, Cause we don't want your broken parts.' I've learned to be ashamed of all my scars, 'Run away,' they say. 'No one'll love you as you are.' But I won't let them break me down to dust. I know that there's a place for us. For we are glorious."

He paused, looking around, his mask somehow conveying a mix of determination and pain. "When the sharpest words wanna cut me down, I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown 'em out." He added, breaking into a mischievous grin. "I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I'm meant to be, this is me!"

With that, he leaped up from his seat.

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
"No!"

And immediately Natasha was doing the same thing. She jumped to her feet, after making sure Dogpool was snuggly held in her arm for safety. Then she set the pup down on the ground so she could go back to the apparently wanting to sing crazy merc.

And immediately, she turned on her heel and started to head the opposite direction. Toward the exit. And away from him.

Deadpool has posed:
As Deadpool made his way toward the exit, he noticed the waitress eyeing Natasha, who sought a quick escape, but had gotten up second. "Hey, just so you know, I totally haven't paid yet. But I'm sure you can charm her into letting it slide. You know, superhero perks and all that."

He glanced down at Dogpool, who was looking up at Natasha with big, expectant eyes. "Look at that little face. She's got you wrapped around her little paw already. If she plays it right, she could totally get a snack too. You've got a soft spot for the furry ones, don't you?"

As he approached the exit, he leaned closer, his tone shifting to mock seriousness. "So, how about we make a deal? You get the food, and I promise to not break into song again until we're out of the airport. Deal?"

Black Widow (Romanoff) has posed:
The pain was real.

"Deal." There was a resignation to her voice as she said the word. But she was not up for him to go into a full musical on the spot, even if she had no idea what he was singing. That might actually make it worse if she did.

Then Natasha moved to the waitress. Money was exchanged. And a moment later she was back with the change, which Nat left for a tip.

And a doggie bag.

The bag was accepted them passed to Deadpool. "One word, I shoot you." Then she headed for the exit again.