Summary:Beast stops by Luke's Log Info:Storyteller: None |
Related LogsTheme SongNone |
   |
Into the bar strolls a fellow that is rather distinctive. Five eleven, massively muscular but with odd limb proportions, the man is well dressed in a suit jacket, fine linen shirt, and slacks. But geez, his hands could easily palm someone's HEAD - like - all of it, and his feet have to be in size twenty shoes. Brown hair is parted on the left, and bright blue eyes scan the room as a smile forms. His jawline is fairly chiseled.
Luke's place does not look the sort where one would need to be seated, so he heads for the bar and claims a stool, though…big as he is the stool is NOT happy with this arrangement! The guy has to be at least four bucks!
Behind the bar dressed in his normal uniform of jeans, and a t-shirt whose structural integrity is being pushed to the limits by muscle mass, stands the 6'6" mass of muscle that owns the bar. Whistling a tune as he polishes a mug Luke turns and looks towards the front door as it opens, nodding to the beast of a man that walks in.
"Welcome. What can I get ya?" says the big man as he slides a bowl of various nuts onto the bar where Hank has taken a seat, eyeing the gentlemen as he sits. "Your a big one, aren't ya."
Out from the kitchen comes a short girl, Latina, dressed in skinny dark wash jeans, a NIN shirt, combat boots and sporting a bright pink mohawk, wearing an apron to boot. "Luke! The damn supplier screwed you on the meat, my dude. The crates are - oh."
Anya turns to look at Hank, tilting her head. She studied him for a moment, before a big grin shows on her face. "Wicked!"
"Well, I heard a rumor that your establishment serves the best Ribs in the state, so…being fond of ribs, I thought I'd sashay on over and assay their delectability for myself." Hank replies. A moment to doff the suit jacket, and then he rolls up the sleeves on his shirt. His forearms are freakishly large, and fairly hirsute, but not obnoxiously so.
"Also…a beer, bartender's choice."
Hank grins. "I admit that my size is considerable good sir, but…I believe you might just have the advantage on me."
The arrival of Anya gets the man's attention, and then he doubletakes as he recognizes her. "Miss Corazon? What a coincidence. You look well." And then he grins when she -clearly- did the math. "Success." He says with evident pleasure.
"Really now? Has Hod been spreading rumors in order to get more work?" says Luke as he turns to look at Anya, the smile turning into a frown as Anya speaks. "Oh of course. What now? Sweet Christmas if it isn't one thing it is another."
Turning to fill the mug he was holding from one of the taps, Luke slides the beer in front of Hank, "So, ribs? Did you want all the fixin's? What sides did you want, corn, beans, slaw or potato salad? Pick three."
Luke looks between Anya and Hank, arms crossing over his chest as a slow smile forms on his lips. "Oh, I guess it wasn't Hod… Anya, one of your college friends?"
For a moment or two, Anya just stares at Hank. Wheels are clearly spinning, and eventually, she takes a step forward. "Hetty? I- I mean… Hank? Hank McCoy?" Her expression is incredulous, and she looks Hank up and down for a moment.
"Holy shit. It is you!" Anya rushes over and reaches to take up one of Hank's beefy arms without consent, looking it over unless he yanks it away. "Okay, I like Hetty better, but those are some serious muscles. I'd pay to see you and Luke duke it out, but, I'm broke as always."
Glancing to Luke she explains, "This is Hank. He likes to experiment on himself and changed himself into a chick for a couple days. And yeah. The suppliers are total dicks. I'll file a complaint for you, cause they shorted you on meat."
"Actually no, I don't know a Hod, I was referring to a review I read in the Daily Bugle last week." Hank pauses a moment. "It was on Saturday's paper, in the Food section, page thirty two on the bottom right side of the page if my memory isn't playing tricks." Okay, that's a -very- specific answer to the question! He falls silent as the Bartender and his Server discuss things, and then he confirms the order. "Ribs, yes please. Beans, Corn and Potato Salad, please." The beer is accepted, and the man takes a pull that drains about half the contents in one go.
A warm laugh. "I don't believe we've met at college, no." He lets Anya decide what else needs be mentioned.
"Hank McCoy, in the flesh." He confirms, he lets her check out his arm, then waggles his fingers a bit. "Yes, well, Hetty…mmrmph." A snort of amusement. "And no, I don't /like/ to experiment on myself, it was necessary and obviously I fixed the serum."
Looks back and forth from Hank to Anya for a moment, a brow arched quizzically. "Changed yourself into a chick?" he asks as he chuckles lightly. "Well, it's been a while since I read any Stevenson, but if I remember correctly experimenting on himself didn't turn out so well. Shall I call you Hyde? You have the build for it."
Shifting his eyes over to Anya, Luke clears his throat and nods his head over towards an old beaten up coffee can on the back bar, the words 'Swear Jar' written on a taped on piece of paper. "You know the rules, Anya." He pauses for a second before he continues, "How much are we short. Are they still here? Do I need to go have a 'talk' with them?"
He turns back to Hank and nods, "Alright. Ribs coming up. Beans, Corn and PS."
"Well we-" Anya starts to say, before Luke calls her out on the swearing. "Seriously?" she asks, before begrudgingly pulling out a quarter and tossing it into the jar. Just a quarter. It's give and take. "We got enough to last for two days, bet your a… sssstute, uh, wisdom… that I'll, uh, get 'im back here in time."
Turning back to Hank, she grins. "Yeah, we know each other. Cool to meet the real you. Is it alright if I call you Bones, or quote Star Trek around you?" She grins mischievously, before nodding to Luke. "I'll get his order ready."
Hank offers the bartender a hand to shake. "Hank." He introduces himself even though he said his name a few moments ago. "And…yes, it was an unfortunate side effect, my intention was to remove the blue fur and claws I'd been afflicted with for some time." And then being Hank, he nods. "Which was caused by an earlier iteration of the serum some years ago." So, yeah, apparently he DOES like to experiment on himself.
"Oh, I have a bit of a temper, that's true but not nearly /that/ bad. I am a doctor, however. Just not an MD."
Hank finishes the first beer. "Another, please."
Hank does let the two discuss their problem, he's careful not to interject during the meat discussion and the swear jar. "So…that's for customers too, or just staff?" He just wants to know the rules, not that he plans on swearing! He'll leave that to the experts like Anya!
Hank chuckles and then nods. "Of course you can call me Bones, why not? Though I don't have his medical expertise, quite, and I don't fear being teleported. And yes, quote all the Trek you want, I'm a fan."
There is a genuine look of amusement on Luke's face as he watches Anya pay up for the language. "Well, you know you could always just prepay but that might take all of your paycheck." Luke gives the Latinx a wink, "Besides, we all pay up. You're just lucky I let you get away with a quarter. Pop's rule was a buck."
Luke looks to Hank and shrugs a shoulder offering out his own and and giving Hank's a squeeze. There is a lot of power there, and it is obvious he is holding back quite a bit, "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. McCoy. Anya will have your ribs out in just a moment. I do hope you enjoy them, I was unaware the Bugle had done an article on the place."
"It was for customers over at Pops, but there is a big difference between a barbershop and a bar. I can't police everyone in here, so staff…if I catch them." Luke grins. "Another beer, coming up."
"Well I never knew Pop," Anya defends, though a moment of earnest breaks through the sass. "Unfortunately."
As she moves off into the kitchen, she calls back to Hank, "Janeway was the best Captain, and don't you forget it!"
"Tell you what, tonight only, I'll cover her swear jar bill." Hank offer to Luke. The handshake is sure to be pretty impressive, fortunately they're not about to throw down, that would be really bad for the bar. "It was a small bit, but the author's sensibilities are very close to my own, so, I though I'd take the chance. I have to say, I like your place. Real homey feeling.'
A grin. "And nice to meet you too, but please, Hank will do just fine. As to the Ribs, well, I am very much looking forward to it."
He takes his next beer with a smile of thanks. "No doubt you idolized B'Elanna Tores, mm? Buttkicker, smart, strong engineering skills, takes no lip from anyone…" He looks to Luke, eyes agleam with mirth. "…sound familiar?"
Luke laughs as he takes his hand back, "Are you sure you want to do that? She may break you." The big man shakes his head, grinning good naturedly as he tries to stop chuckling, "Well, I'm glad you like it. Lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into this place." Luke pauses, the look on his face showing a slight tinge of emotional pain as they are brought to the surface, but they are quickly replaced with the grin again.
"Hey, Anya!" he yells towards the back room, "Give him the works, on the house."
Doors to the kitchen are not far, so Anya can hear what Hank has to say. When she emerges with Hank's meal, her eyes are agleam. "Half Klingon, half human? I connect with the warrior and the honor, yes. But Worf's Klingon backstories were so much better." She sets the meal down before Hank and explains, "I like Picard better, but Janeway never broke the Prime Directive. That says something."
The plate, of course, is stacked. Double portion of meat, every side the house has to offer. She glances toward Luke with a glimmer of mirth in her eye, then takes a step back. "Be careful," she tells Hank. "This is how he makes you a regular."
"Oh, indubitably, she's very strong." Hank quips with a deep rumbling laugh, and then he nods, decisively. "I'll stick to my guns sir, one night only, the swears for Miss Corazon are on my tab."
Hank is really astute, he can recognize the man's pain, and that dims his smile in recognition. "Well, it's a classic." He states in his deep bass voice, the man's enunciation is exacting, his love of language manifestly obvious.
A little surprised at the generosity, Hank chuckles. "You must feel real guilt for the swear jar debt I've undertaken."
To Anya. "Oh, agreed. Honestly, I think my favorite commander of them all was Sisko." A grin. "It is impressive that Janeway was better about the rules though, and Picard was amazing. Sometimes I like the sheer testosterone of Kirk, they -all- have their moments." A pause. "Of course my favorite /character/ was Data."
A sharp bark of laughter at the teasing warning. "Oh, is that how it is, the first plate of deliciousness is free?"
"Sisko was always my favorite, but I'll be damned if I didn't keep expecting him to ask for Spencer on occasion." Luke says with a grin. "But the man had gravitas."
He turns as Anya comes back, "Well, I would like to think the ribs speak for themselves, but I'm not above a little bribery. I'm no saint."
Looking back to Hank, Luke smiles. "Oh, it is most certainly pity. I am just surprised she hasn't started a string of non-stop expletives."
"Brent Spiner." Anya lifts a hand to her chest and throws her head back in mock bliss. "Be still my heart!" Back to Hank she says, "They has to come up with something to fill the hole of Spock, and, mi amigo, they did."
A rag is taken off the bar, and whacked toward Luke's arm. "It does have an off switch, ya big goof." It's a good natured swat, and she's grinning toward Luke at once. "DS9 is my favorite series."
"Then, in honor of honest pity, I will accept this offering of viands most savory in the spirit they were offered." Hank even places hand over his heart and inclines his head to both Luke and then Anya. "And thank you, Miss Corazon." He says as the plate is set down before him. "Both for the food, the warning, and your restraint."
A nod about Sisko. "Best commander, he also took no crap from anyone. The man just had a ton of heart. I would submit to you both that DS9 was also the series that did the best stuff with Worf, like when he was captured by the Dominion and had to fight for his life daily."
He raises a glass. "To Data, Sisko and DS9!" He toasts.
Laughing again, Luke grins at Anya, "It does?! Be still MY heart."
Pouring out another beer, Luke slides it in front of Hank and removes the empty mug before pouring two more mugs and offering one over to Anya. "I'll toast to that."
Luke, after taking a sip, smirks slightly, "You like the big words, but I guess if you have the education for it you might as well use them."
An honest laugh comes from Anya, and she reaches to accept the drink thankfully. "I didn't peg you as a Trek fan," she tells Luke, and is clearly pleased with the discovery.
"DS9 may have expounded on Worf's Journey," she offers, "But without the foundation TNG offered, it woulda been… a bunch of Quark and Odo. Which, are both awesome characters, but too much would be cringe worthy."
After the toast, Hank digs into the ribs and first off - the man can /eat/. What's amazing is how deftly those ridiculously huge finger manage to avoid creating a mess. Sure, he gets sauce on them, but he doesn't end up wearing any. Hank accepts his refill, and sighs deep content. "This, gentle lady and noble sir, was a fantastic idea." He grins. "And yes, I do rather love words. All words. I love their meanings, and how they can be crafted, speaking shouldn't be something you just do, it should say who you are."
He laughs then, mildly sheepish. "Sorry, I'm a big fan of words, just sayin'…I can't help it, hope I am not not offending, I truly just love words."
Hank grins then to Anya. "Trek knows no bounds, it knows no borders, all can love the Trek."
A snicker. "Though…yes, I suppose you have a point about Worf. Still, I maintain some of his best storylines were there, that the character came most fully into its own in DS9."
"Hey, I learned everything I know about business from the rules of acquisition!" Luke says to Anya with a grin. "Ok, that is a lie or I would never be giving away free food, but you'll find out I am full of surprises. However I am a firm believer in rule number 33. Keep that in mind."
He takes another sip of his beer and shakes his head to Hank, "Not in the least. If you got it, flaunt it."
"I know big words," Anya admits. "Just feels wrong to use 'em. Most of my friends would feel like I'm putting them out, so, I just keep the big words for the labs at class at NYU. Kind of a learned habit, I guess."
She glances toward Luke then and says, "I'd put a fifty into the jar if you dressed up as Quark for Halloween."
"'It never hurts to suck up to the boss', DS9, season seven, episode 24 'The Dogs of War'." Yes, Hank just cited the rule and the specific episode it was from. Nerd much? Why yes, yes he does. Hank grins then. "Honestly, there are worse business models you could follow." Eyes of blue are bright with mirth. "And words are kind of my thing."
Hank looks then to Anya, eating steadily and plainly enjoying the hell out of his meal, but never speaking with his mouth full and frequently wiping his fingers so as to minimize the mess. "Hey, if you don't feel right using large words, then don't. Use the ones that feel right."
The image of Luke as Quark is enough to draw laughter from Doc McCoy. "If you do…I will dress up as Neelix."
"Quark? I think I am a little large to be a Ferengi, but why not. We should think about hosting a Halloween party, maybe have prizes for costumes. What do you think? Think it might draw some people in?"
He looks to Hank and sips at his beer. "Ok, you win. Sweet Christmas, both season and episode title? I know when I am beat." Luke pauses, "It's a deal, but who is Anya going to come as?"
Anya is also beat. She couldn't even begin to list off the episodes by season and airing. Still, she isn't disappointed. However, the bets are on now. She walks over to the bar, leans an elbow on it, and looks between the two with a mischievous expression on her face.
"That's for me to know, and you two to find out."
"Well…it isn't like there's any character I can model effectively with my proportions." Hank grins. "I assume using hologaphy is off the table, yes?" Hank snickers. "It really doesn't matter which character I played." He nods. "I think that a halloween costume contest would be a fun draw."
Hank laughs softly. "I have a very good memory." Hank says with a toothy grin, and it does reveal that he's got some actual fangs, not huge, but they're there.
He gives Anya a /look/ then looks to Luke. "She's always difficult, isn't she?" He's amused, and obviously so, and then his phone chirps. "Excuse me a moment." He reads a text and fires of a reply.
"Sorry about that." He apologizes.
Luke looks from Anya to Hank. "Seven of nine." he says with a sage nod.
Turning to Anya, Luke grins, "She is a pain in my butt, alright. But she is good people." He pauses, draining the last of his beer. "I think I'm going to head in the back and deal with the crates of meat. Better get that dealt with before they try to say they gave it to us or some other crap like that. Hank, it was a pleasure to meet you. I hope to see you again sometime. Next time, bring your friends."
Looking between Luke and Hank, Anya shakes her head and bears an expression of disappointment. "Boys," she murmurs to herself, before noticing another customer walking in. She gives them both a grin, downs the rest of her beer, and moves along to help the new patron.
"Assuredly she's a good person, a fine woman all around, and smart as a whip." Hank grins. "Sassy too." He adds with a grin at both Luke and Anya. "And yes, I'll definitely be back, and I'll bring friends. In fact if you have any fliers or business cards I'll take 'em and see that word is spread, how's that?" Hank will stay a while, finishing his meal and generally being congenial and happy to nerd a bit, eventually however he has to depart. Though is food was on the house, he pays for his beer and leaves a hefty tip for the rest.