Owner	Pose
Nick Drago	What do you do when upset? It's a simple question, but the resulting response has such variety depending on who it is presented to. Some cry. Others fight. Others shut it down deep to save off the energy until all the built up pressure explodes out later on. There are those who withdraw. Those who drink. Those who read... Nick would likely respond with all of the above. But right now, he is trying to distract himself from it by keeping busy. Getting on the list for helping out at New Hope today wasn't hard. There's generally a need for volunteers. And concerns about security are quelled a little. It's so last minute that there's really no time for any persons who may have been thinking about doing something to prepare. And that's how Nick ended up helping with the donation intakes. Mark the items down, thank the person, and when the other volunteer comes back, hand off the items to them so they can put it where it needs to go. Simple right? Now if only there had been donations at the moemnt. Right now Nick sits at the desk, Tapping his fingers as he looks to the log, quadruple checking to make sure he didn't miss anything on the last form.
Hellequin	It is a good thing that, among the general turmoil of life and the general decrepitude of generosity - what an old fashion concept - some people still do donate. There are many reasons a person would want to donate: helping those in needs, feel better about themselves, look good among their peers. For Henri de Fontainebleau, donating is a rule of life, something that was taught to him from the early age, something that all good people would do. And, despite his nightly habits, Henri prides himself for being a good man. Or what is left of him, anyway. So, as usual, just after lunch, the Frenchman stops by the shelter. His white van is again full of food crates that he pretends to receive as left overs from merchant friends, but that he actually buys. Of course, Henri spotted Nick by the donation intake desk. Did Nick see him? Regardless, the box of fruits he is carrying is unceremoniously dropped on the table. "You might want to ask helpers to get the rest," Henri says.
Nikki	Nikki is usually seen around New Hope when she's bussing to or from Gotham via New York. She has her own place in New York, but has recently taken semi-residence in Gotham due to a thriving relationship that has continued even in the face of all her negative qualities. Today, however, Nikki comes with a few bags of clothing - older things that are slightly worn. Perhaps a couple of times and then replaced with something new. Always something new to buy when she goes somewhere new. A new state, new country, whatever the case may be. Her wardrobe is never empty, and so she has begun to make it a point that others do not go empty as well. Plus, in some regard, it's a tax write off. If she ever really cared to tally up things for that respect. Usually though, she doesn't, there's no need to. She's got two great jobs and an accountant that has done her taxes well enough each year she's never been audited and adding on tax write offs just might complicate things. She's wound up behind Henri, but she does look around the man to offer Nick a smile and a wiggle-finger wave as best she can manage. "Nikki can help get stuff! She just needs to give these bags to Nick first! Hi Nick!"
Nick Drago	To the thunk of the box upon the table, Nick looks over to item before glancing up to Henri, giving a small smile to the newcomer as he leans to the side, arm outstretched to graze the edges of a walkie talkie. "Henri." Nick greets, "Good to see you. Hope you're doing well. " Not quite reaching the communication device, Nick starts to stand up out of his chair but pauses mid stand as he takes note of someone sort of waving at him. The smile strengthens a bit more as he opens his mouth to greet her- only for her to announce her own name before he can get a sound out. "Good to see you too, Nikki. How's Tim doing?" While he's asking the question, he opens up the binder to pull out two copies of the intake forms and tugs out two pens. A curious glance is given to Henri, "... How many trips would you say it would take with three people?"
Hellequin	"It depends on which people and their strength," Henri replies right away with a noticeable French accent. "But on average, I would say maybe three or four trips. I have twelve of them." That said, the interaction between Nikki and Nick is not lost to the Frenchman, and with a slight bow of his head towards the young woman, he steps aside to let her approach the table. Courtliness is also an old fashion way that Henri possesses. Of course, the coloured highlights in her hair catch his eyes and he finds himself smiling at her. How fashion changes over the years never ceases to surprise him. "But do not worry about it, Nick," he finally adds, "Please attend to the young dame here. I have all the time, hrm, that is until I must depart, of course. Please proceeds, miss."
Nikki	Nikki continues to beam a smile at Nick and when he asks about Tim she smiles even more - if such a thing were even possible. "Tim is good! Tim and Nikki went to see a show by Zatanna Zatara! It was great! She can do MAGIC!" Which, to someone like Nikki, is totally a real thing. People can actually disappear and reappear, or pull rabbits out of hats or turn cards INTO people! As Henri steps aside, she steps forward and offers the bags to Nick. "Nikki is going to Germany next week...so she needs to make room for new clothes. This place can take clothing, yes? Nikki read it somewhere she thinks..." Then she looks over to Henri, eying the man up and down a moment. "Nikki doesn't mind helping if the man without a name needs it..." Offering that again in her own quirky way.
Nick Drago	Nick considers the general logistics of the situation before giving a nod of approval "Alright. Jasper should be back by the time the paperwork is finished. I'm sure he wouldn't mind having a turn at the desk while we unload." As he listens to Nikki give a quick summary of what's going on, the musician sets down one form in front of Henri along with a pen before setting another one down for Nikki to fill out. "I've heard of her and that she puts on an amazing performance." He takes the offered bags, setting them behind the desk, "Maybe I'll catch one of her shows later. And I do recalll you mentioning being invited to perform over there. Do enjoy that trip." Once the bags are safely on the floor, he lets go of the handles and loosk back over to the pair, "Thank you for offering to help bring items in." He says to Nikki. "Both your donations are appreciated." Looking back to Henri for a moment, he nods. "Don't worry We'll get you squared away before your... appointment." The highlighted woman is glanced back to. "Nikki, have you met my friend Henri? He's an antiques dealer." He looks over to Henri. "Henri, do meet Nikki. She is what people would call a pro-gamer."
Hellequin	Following the interaction silently, Henri only responds when addressed. Of course, a baisemain is out of question, since people tend to be offended nowadays if anyone touches them. Not to mention that there is no indication that Nikki would expect one. "Glad to meet you, dame Nikki. I am Henri de Fontainebleau." But there is something slightly troubling about the young woman. After a moment, glancing down at the piece of paper, the Frenchman dares asks, "So you have a friend with the same first name than you. She is lucky to go to Germany, a very nice country. Will you be travelling with her?" Only then does Henri reaches for the pen and starts writing on the paper. His writing seems laborious, but the result is a very distinctive, flourished cursive script completed by his signature.
Nikki	Nikki has no social structure. It's beyond her mental capability to draw lines of appropriateness. Still, where nothing is given, nothing is gained and in this moment as introductions are made, the young woman sticks out her hand for a shake. "It's a pleasure to meet Sir Henri day Fountain-Blue." She says this much because based on his accent and his so far display of demeanor, one can only assume he is high class society! "Oh. Nick isn't going. I mean, Nick could go if he wanted but Nikki has a boyfriend who will be traveling with her. His name is Tim, the one Nick asked about earlier. And we're going to make a whole trip out of it too! Maybe even go to places like Italy or France!" The woman explains before turning to look at the form and then she fills it out. Her handwriting is...legible. Which is likely the kindest word anyone can give it. It's not her fault, she just never truly learned how to write properly - especially since some of her motor skills are lacking due to her mental capacity. "What type of artefacts does Mister Henri sell? Nikki may be interested in looking at some if Henri is okay with showing her. Does he have a shop somewhere?"
Nick Drago	"Almost the same name." Nick replies. "And I agree that it is a nice place to visit. But, as Nikki pointed out. She already has her travel companion lined up. So if you were concerned about her traveling by herself. That's not an issue." He pauses to the mention of Italy and France. "Italy is very nice as well. I haven't had a bad trip to that country once. Very hospitable." He offers up, glancing over to Henri. "Although, I haven't traveled to France as often so perhaps, Henri could offer some observances there..." When the forms are filled out, Nick quietly collects them, putting them into the binder with a mental note to review and add notes where needed once the items are collected. He glances over to the direction he last saw Jasper disappear off to.
Hellequin	Without hesitation, Henri shakes the offered hand, making sure to not crush it within his large hand. Raising an eyebrow, he tried to make sense of what is mentioned about Nikki travelling with Nikki, no Nick. But then, considering for a moment, it makes sense if he considers that Nikki is using the /royal we/ style. Strange. But everything is strange anyway. The confusion is quickly discarded at the mention of France which, of course, energizes Henri. "Italy is wonderful, indeed," he politely mentions, keeping the best for his native country, "But of course, France is the best of all." A grin is added at the end of his statement, a silent invitation to argue if anyone feels like doing so. After a moment, noticing that the young woman is wearing a necklace with a Celtic symbol - not his type - the Frenchman answers her question, "Mister Henri sells the best there is, of antique, genuine weapons and jewelry of the most precious metals and gems. Necklaces, bracelets, rings, rosaries. You can find his shop in Yonkers, it bears his name."
Nikki	"Nikki did often travel alone, or with her team if they were already in the states. But now she has Tim and Tim likes going with her." The young woman offers with a smile and to perhaps confirm what Nick was saying. "Italy is amazing. Nikki's had a few trips there. She has never been to France though and is very excited to go. If Mister Henri has any suggestions of where to visit or eat or anything, Nikki will be happy to hear them!" Saying this with that ever present beam of a smile on her face. As Henri describes his shop and what he sells, she seems to get more excited. "Nikki will have to stop by! She's looking for a gift for Tim and he collects all sorts of things so maybe she'll find something in Henri's shop!" Which actually causes her to clap her hands together rapidly before settling down. Sort of. "Okay! Nikki is going to go grab boxes from the van, if Henri is okay with her helping. Don't worry, Nikki carries heavy boxes all the time cause when she isn't gaming she builds robots." Saying this and - likely before any actual protest can be had - she's out to go grab a box from the van as promised.
Nick Drago	As Henri claims the 'best' title for his homeland, Nick chuckles slightly. The binder clicks open as he slides the sheets into place before closing the rings shut. Seeing a blond man come round the corner, Nick waves to him and gestures in Henri's direction. "Going to help unload." He says aloud to the other volunteer, "You good with sitting for a bit?" A thumbs up is the general returning figure which seems to be enough for Nick to make his way from behind the desk. Great timing as Nikki is already ready to grab boxes. Nick looks over to Henri, "Well. She's definitely not boring." The smile on his face seems a bit more relaxed as he follows after Nikki, but making sure not to out pace Henri in the process.
Hellequin	"That she is not," Henri concurs as he follows Nick to the van. It does not take long for Henri to join them, grabbing three full boxes easily. Waiting to walk along them back to the donation intake desk, the Frenchman frowns a little. It is unbecoming of men to let a woman carry heavy boxes when they can do it instead. Sensing that a lesson in gentlemanly behaviours would most likely be unwelcome, Henri refrains. But this is not the only good manner left aside. "Please forgive me," Henri says to Nikki, "You mentioned that you are /gaming/. Do you mean that you hunt wild game? And what about robots?" Yes, naturally, he would think of hunting! Unsure if he yet again was invertedly offensive with his questions, Henri glances over at Nick, as if to seek clarification.
Nikki	Nikki blinks once and then again at Henri's question to her. "Nikki doesn't hunt. Nikki plays video games!" Then she thinks about it. "Though she plays games where she shoots at other players, so maybe she does hunt, just not in real life.." Not knowing that Henri likely will have absolutely no idea what she's talking about. "Oh. Nikki builds robots! She has one named Squishy. He was supposed to be a companion robot and help grab things and carry things, but Nikki didn't build him right so he sometimes just walks around with her." She offers this much and then, in true Nikki fashion...does not shut up. "But Tim works for a company called Wayne Enterprises. Specifically Wayne-Tech and Nikki works with him to build other robots that will help people. She can't talk about much because they're still in testing and production but it's what Nikki does on the side when she's not playing games." And she explains all this in the process of helping with carrying in boxes, not realizing that Henri is feeling some kind of way because she is a /woman/ doing a task that - in some minds - shouldn't be done. "Oh oh oh! I could bring Squishy with me to Henri's store! Then Henri could meet Squishy!"
Nick Drago	Not feeling the need to rush things THAT much. Nick grabs just one box. Considering the contents have a tendency to roll around, weight shifting is a possibility. Also, there is the matter of having a hand available to hold the door open for those who didn't think of such matters. When Henri asks about hunting and looks over to Nick. Nick shakes his head. But at least he's not frowning while he does that. As Nikki lets Henri know abut her robot situation, Nick moves to the door, opening it and proping it open with himself to allow the others access.
Hellequin	Ah yes, the expression on Henri's face seems to say, so she is playing games, gaming. It all makes sense now. Or not. Well, a woman can play if she wants, but knitting would be more productive. And the robots. Things that move around without being alive. Somehow, this forces a smile on the Frenchman's face. "Thank you, Nick," Henri says as he passes the door, placing the boxes on the floor by the desk. "So, I see that creating things that move around without being alive, did not stop," he states almost to himself, reflecting on some such creatures he knows of. "I will be happy to welcome, hrm, mister Squishy at my store. And you can then look for a gift for Nikki's friend." And maybe then half of what he heard will then make sense. Of course, he knows what the automatons are, not that he has seen any from a close point of view. As he waits for the others to drop their boxes, Henri observes Nick for a moment, commenting, "So, what about you, Nick? You seem of a somewhat subdued disposition today."
Nikki	Nikki smiles big and nods her head. She's about to say something when her pocket goes off. Reaching to grab her phone, she smiles and begins to write a text back. "Well, Nikki will look for Henri's shop and see if she can stop by sometime this week." As she finishes her text, she looks to Nick. "Hope the clothes help! Nikki needs to go cause Tim's asking what she wants for dinner tonight so she's likely going to surprise him with take out." Smiling then. "Nice to meet Henri. Bye for now Nick!" And then she's out the door without waiting for anything more said.
Nick Drago	Nick gives a nod as he is thanked, stepping after the other two to set his box down. As he straightens up to head back out the door, Henri's query gives him pause. "...Huh?" And then. Nikki scoots off! Looking to the departing conversational buffer, mouth parting slightly in protest, he takes in a deep breath and sighs. Nick looks back to Henri, "Subdued disposition? Uh, how do you mean?"
Hellequin	Henri barely has time to bow his respect before the strange young woman scoots off. There are only a few more boxes to bring in. Motioning for Nick to join him for another trip to the vehicle, the Frenchman shrugs. "I am not sure, but you do not seem to be exuding energy today. I mean, this kind of vitality that I often sense from you. Maybe my senses are getting dull." Or maybe they are not and he is right. As he reaches the door, holding it for Nick, Henri glances at his friend, to see if his statement elicited any reaction.
Nick Drago	Nick follows along, getting the general sense of being studied as he moves past Henri on the way out. The smile that had been so strong earlier shows weakness as one side droops. "Well..." Nick's voice pauses as he walks towards the truck, grabbing another box. He shifts the box in hand, seeming considering a second. "I-" He frowns, "I found out something more about my family situation. And- I'm still trying to make sense of it." His right cheek twitches, the end result of a failed attempt to return back to the smile from before.
Hellequin	AH, so no, Henri's senses are not dull. Instead of grabbing any of the remaining boxes, the Frenchman leans against the back of the van, crossing his arms over his chest in a silent and patient posture crying /Alright, spill the beans/. "If you ask me - and I know you are not asking me - I would say that considering who you are related to, it is almost impossible to find anything worse in your situation." Words of support if any! Feeling that maybe he is not as comforting as he should be, Henri adds, seriously, "Remember what I told you. No one is responsible of their own birth. It is not really about who your parents were, but who /you/ will be, who /you/ chose to be. You have free will, it is up to you to use it. No more can you answer for their actions, will anyone answer for yours. To each their own."
Nick Drago	Getting a general sense of things coming to a stop, Nick looks away from the second box to see Henri standing there, waiting. He sets the box already in his hands down on top of box number 2 before walking over to Henri to cut down on the amount of volume needed to communicate. "Well, I found out I have more angel in me than I realized."
Hellequin	Henri raises an eyebrow at this revelation. With such a screwed family tree, there nothing to really surprise the Frenchman at this point. Half angel, half demon. Everyone knows - rather, knew then - that such things existed. Churches were full of them, sculpted, and usually with Saint-Michel killing them. "That is interesting," Henri finally states after a moment, "I am certain you trust your sources," he adds, not sounding certain at all. "So, they are now saying what? That your parents were angels and humans? O was there an incubus or succubus involved?" There are other possibilities that come to Henri's mind, but he leaves them aside for now.
Nick Drago	Nick shakes his head. "No. Mom and my father are still the same it's...just- Michael said it was with someone around the start of the Vatican church. But if that's the case I'd have much lower amounts in me over time. It's halved with each generation. The way it is now, it looks more like something that happened...five to six generations ago. And that's-" Nick pauses. Is Henri really going to be following the discussion of DNA analysis? "Another angel did it. I don't know who but-" Nick sums up, "It wasn't Michael. He lied to me. And...I don't understand why."
Hellequin	It is probable that Henri heard of the DNA, which doesn't mean he understands its intricacies. Sure thing is, he knows about bees and flowers in all their variations. Including the persistent image of an incubus. To Henri, is makes no difference. It is even difficult for him to understand what difference it makes. "Very well. So someone lied to you, about something way past - not that long ago - that you will never have proof of - and even if you had proof of, what does it change for you? Again, you are who you are. Why is it so important? Why do you keep trying to dig up the past? You already know about your messed family tree. What such a detail will do? Everyone lies. Frankly, no offence Nick, but I cannot see why it would upset you so much."
Nick Drago	Nick shakes his head. Henri did have a point. There wasn't anything really to be done. But- "I think...it's because I allowed myself to trust him."