Magic shows are meant to have surprises, right?

[fuzzybluegecko]

[Los Angeles was everything Kurt Wagner could have hoped for and then some. True, most of the touristy stuff he had seen and celebrity sightings so far were spotted in the course of work (which in this case involved checking out a potential new student for the institute) so he couldn't exactly spend a lot of time drinking them in. But that didn't make it any less awesome. And now that the work was done, it was going to get even cooler!]

[The others didn't know what they were missing. How could anyone choose to spend the night at some famous restaurant or a traveling production of a play that was better on Broadway (practically in their own backyard!) when they could be here with him instead, watching a teenage magician who was already being billed as one of the best in the business?]

[That was fine. Kurt was having plenty of fun on his own. The magician more than lived up to the hype. And after a show that incredible, you can bet Kurt was going to jump at the chance to volunteer for her final trick of the evening. He probably didn't have much of a chance, given how...height challenged he was compared to the rest of the people clambering for attention around him. But what he lacked in height he made up for with enthusiasm! (And the judicious use of his seat as a step stool.)] Hier! Hier!

Comments

[sleightadvantage]

[Trucy hummed, making a show of scanning the crowd. She always did her best to pick from a variety of people so everyone felt like they had a fair shot. And they did, for the most part! What she really kept an eye out for was simply someone who seemed to be having fun. (Unless, of course, said someone happened to be Polly or Mr. Edgeworth, in which case it was fun for her. Seeing as neither was present, and she had to give them a break sometime, besides...)

Her gaze stopped on a section of the audience, and she grinned brightly, thrusting her finger at very excited boy with dark hair.]

You there!

[fuzzybluegecko]

[Was she... She was!] Whoo! [Kurt beamed, pumping his fists in victory as he barreled down the row. Though his natural agility allowed him to escape without stepping on any toes or bumping into any drink-filled hands, he still got a few grumbles along the way, and he hissed quiet apologies until he reached the main aisle and made a break for the stage. It was all he could do to keep from bounding up the steps on all fours.]

[In record time, he was panting and red-faced (or at least wearing the illusion of flushed cheeks) beside her. He whispered, hopefully quietly enough that her mic wouldn't pick it up:] Danke schön!

[sleightadvantage]

[Though she always had more enough of her own energy, watching him bound up the stage was invigorating. Not only was he having fun, he looked like he was going to be fun!

She welcomed him with a bright smile as he approached and, after a second to take in what he said, her eyes lit up in recognition. Thanks to the tutelage of Mr. Edgeworth, and Athena's tendency to sprinkle different languages throughout her conversations, she knew how to respond to that one. She leaned in and whispered back, as if conspiratorially:] Bitte!

[Then she was immediately back in showman mode, slipping him a mic from seemingly nowhere.] What's your name, sir?

[fuzzybluegecko]

[Kurt made a tiny, pleased squeak in the back of his throat. His already infectious smile grew even brighter, and his dark eyes lit up with surprise. It wasn't often that he got to converse in his own language, outside of his regular calls home. He knew better than to assume she was a fluent speaker and not just slightly more language savvy than the average American, but even this small interaction delighted him.]

[As soon as the mic appeared (as if out of thin air! Right in front of him! She really was good!) he leaned in close and breathlessly answered.] Kurt! [Then flinched when his over-enthusiastic response too close to the mic came out with the squeal of audio feedback.] Ah heh, sorry.

[sleightadvantage]

[Trucy giggled.] Don't worry, it happens to the best of us!

[poof!] It happens to me all the time! [came a voice from Kurt's other side. It was Mr. Hat, who had exited the stage at the end of Trucy's last trick and had now reappeared in a puff of smoke and a cacophony of mic feedback.]

Thank you, Mr. Hat. [Though still smiling, Trucy made a show of rubbing her ear at that one. She turned back to her special guest.] Anyway, Kurt. It's nice to meet you! Where are you from?

[fuzzybluegecko]

[Kurt jumped at Mr. Hat's miraculous re-appearance. 'I guess that must be how everyone else feels when I 'port...' The shock did nothing to dampen his smile though. He beamed at Mr. Hat as if the puppet was a person, delighted by the trick, until the magician snapped him back to attention.]

Aw man, you mean I can't pass for a local? [He made a conscious effort to heighten his accent to comedic effect, and gave an exaggerated pout. It paid off; a soft wave of laughter rolled through the audience, inspiring a nervous flutter in his gut. He flashed a toothy grin at the crowd, grateful for the dim lighting that hid the audience from his view. He may have had a natural tendency towards playing the class clown, but that didn't make it any less intimidating to have a large group of people focus their attention on him.] I'm an exchange student from Germany, by way of upstate New York.

[sleightadvantage]

[Trucy laughed along with the audience. She liked the way this guy worked!]

Wow, that's a long way on both counts! [Genuinely curious, she asked:] What brings you all the way out here?

[fuzzybluegecko]

We're kind of on a field trip. My friends thought a play would be a better way to spend the night. Obviously they were wrong. [He spread his arms wide to encompass the stage around them, covered in larger-than-life props.] This is the coolest!

[sleightadvantage]

I happen to agree with that assessment! [Mr. Hat declared, tilting his hat.]

[Trucy giggled and mirrored the gesture.] Well, I'm glad you decided to join us, Kurt! And just for that, I'll treat you to an extra special trick.

[fuzzybluegecko]

[He couldn't help giggling along. 'Mr. Hat' was quite a character...for a block of wood.]

Sweet! [Bowing with a flourish, he replied eagerly:] I'm at your command!

[sleightadvantage]

Alright! [The music went silent as drums beat an anticipatory preamble to the trick, and the colored lights above shone directly on them.] Now, Kurt... Have you ever wondered what it's like to disappear... only to reappear in a different location?

[fuzzybluegecko]

Ah ha ha... Who hasn't? [If his smile faltered a moment or his voice sounded a bit strained, surely it wasn't obvious enough for anyone who didn't know him to notice. Right?]

[sleightadvantage]

[Fortunately for Kurt, if Trucy noticed anything, she didn't let on, her smile remaining firmly in place.]

Well, tonight, you'll get to find out! Behold! [With a pop of confetti, a large, rectangular box appeared on the stage behind them.] My very own teleportation chamber!

[The music swelled again as the audience oohed and ahhed.]

The next day...

[sleightadvantage]

The walk to People Park wasn't a long one--maybe 20 or 25 minutes, depending on how fast Trucy felt like walking and if there were any cute dogs to pet along the way (spoiler: every dog was cute, and they were out in abundance that day, just like every other). Eager to see Kurt again, she had planned ahead of time and left early enough to pet every dog and have time to spare when she arrived. Win/win!

Breakfast had been a quick granola bar that morning in prep of the many feasts she had planned to to devour today, so the smell of Eldoon's noodle stand nearby was torture, especially after that walk. She stationed herself at a picnic table just inside the park's entrance and kept one eye out for Kurt and one on the time, her stomach rumbling impatiently.

11:52. Maybe he'd arrive early...!

[fuzzybluegecko]

Alas, Kurt did not arrive early. He had wasted too much time agonizing over which of his outfits would make the best impression (an impressive feat, considering how few outfits he had packed). He never really settled on one, either, simply ended up in the one he had been wearing when Rogue snapped at him to get his shit together and get going because he was making her nervous and by the way, he was already late.

Fortunately it was only ten minutes past noon when he finally wandered into People Park wearing khaki cargoes and a lightweight, long-sleeved, black turtleneck. He swallowed hard as he scanned the area, hoping he wouldn't have too much trouble recognizing that telltale hairstyle.

[sleightadvantage]

Trucy was splayed over the table, dying. Only the sight of Kurt crossing the threshold of the park could offer any hope of survival. And even then, that hope was slim, for her vision faded further with each passing second...

But wait...!

She shot up at the sight of his distinctive blue-black hair, miraculously revitalized, and frantically waved an arm.

"Kurt!!" And just in case that wasn't enough, she lept off the bench and ran towards him. Instead of a cape, a black suspender skirt bounced behind her, complemented by a top with various shades of blue stripes. The hat was gone entirely, but the red scarf remained tied around her neck.

She greeted him by linking an arm through his and pulling him further into the park. "Finally! I'm starving."

[fuzzybluegecko]

Being greeted by Trucy Wright, he found, was a bit like being swept up in a whirling tornado composed of candy and gunpowder. It was a little amazing, how she managed to go from zero to sixty (or, in this case, from being on the verge of death to practically sweeping him off his feet) in an instant. And that was saying something, coming from a guy with his own somewhat chaotic brand of energy.

He could only grin at her, bemused, as he allowed her to drag him into the park with all the charm of a particularly adorable pitbull. One of the ones with a cute, pink nose and soft, almond eyes. "Sorry I'm late. I had to, uh...wrap up a few things back at the hotel."

He took a moment to take in the sight of her in more casual clothes. Even without the cape and top hat, she stood out. The skirt was unique, especially when compared with the shorts and yoga pants and breezy spring dresses that surrounded them, and the brilliant red scarf provided a touch of European flair that he definitely appreciated. He looked down at his own outfit, and his smile wilted, though only for a moment.

"So," he forged ahead, determined to make the most of the day. "Where to first?"

[sleightadvantage]

Excuses were inconsequential; he was here, she was hungry, and those were the only facts that mattered. She continued dragging him along the cement footpath, past the picnic tables, and towards the unmistakable aroma of food.

The park center had become a popular gathering spot of both commercial and local vendors alike over the years, so the scent produced was an amalgamation of several dishes and cuisines. It might be hard for an untrained outsider to pick out one over another, but Trucy was a local, and her nose was well calibrated. She could taste the curry already!

"To Eldoon's!" she announced. "He's got the best curry and ramen in all of Los Angeles, and don't let anybody tell you otherwise!"

[fuzzybluegecko]

Kurt stared in slack-jawed awe as Trucy dragged him along past vendor after vendor. The overall miasma was an indefinable conglomeration of deliciousness, but the individual scents got stronger the closer they got. Some were familiar, others exotic, and each was more appetizing than the last. 'Can we just eat our way through this entire park?'

"Oh man!" He finally dragged his gaze back to his companion. "I've never had ramen before! I mean, I've had the kind that comes in blocks with little powder packets, but not real ramen." If he hadn't already been salivating that would have done it.

[sleightadvantage]

"Oh, those're good, too!" Then, leaning in to whisper, she added, "But don't tell Mr. Eldoon I said that." His were way better, anyway. Much saltier, for starters.

Finally, she dragged him towards an old, wooden wagon that looked like it'd seen better days. A banner on the front proudly proclaimed ELDOON, while a flag off to the side pictured the stand's mascot: a crudely drawn face welcoming a mouthful of ramen... with a look of disgust.

But Trucy didn't pay attention to any of that. Relinquishing Kurt's arm, she bounded the remaining distance to the stand and made her presence known by dropping her arms heavily on the counter and demanding, "One curry udon, please! Extra spicy!"

Guy Eldoon, who'd had his back turned to the counter while he tended his food, whirled around sharply with a sour look on his face. His hat (which may or may not have resembled an upturned ramen bowl) swiveled as he did so, and his hair (which may or may not have been luscious locks of noodles) smacked him in the face. He brushed the strands aside, ready to give someone a piece of his mind, until his gaze fell upon the person on the other side of the counter. Immediately, his expression brightened. (Well, as much as it could, anyway.) He threw a dish towel over his shoulder and leaned on the counter to greet her.

"Trucy! It's been a while. How are ya?"

[fuzzybluegecko]

Kurt happily let her pull him further into the depths of the park, spurred on by visions of steaming, dancing ramen bowls right out of the anime he occasionally caught on TV after school.

The noodle cart did not feature dancing noodles. It featured sun-worn wooden walls and a sour-looking mascot who did not seem eager to partake of his own noodles. It also featured an equally sour-looking cook. Kurt's steps slowed as Trucy got the attention of the man at the cart; even his hidden tail reacted to the man's glare, squeezing Kurt's own leg tightly.

Apparently, he shouldn't have worried. The greeting the cook gave Trucy was more welcoming than he would have thought those harsh features were capable of. Immediately reassured, he picked up his pace again and approached the counter.

This already had all the hallmarks of a memorable meal. After all, everyone knew the best places to eat were the kind of hole-in-the-wall, no-frill joints that the locals swore by. A vendor didn't need a fancy cart and glossy, cutesy mascot if their food was the star of the show.

[sleightadvantage]

"Starving!" Trucy answered with a grin. "How about you, Mr. Eldoon? How's business?"

"Eh." A look of disgust rivaling that of the cart's mascot crossed his face. He glared pointedly at the surrounding food trucks and the groups of young teens clustered around them. "These hipster kids are bad for business. Them and their 'gourmet comfort'... Who needs a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich!? Just slap some cheese between a couple pieces of toast and call it a day! No need to complicate things."

"Aw..." Trucy's shoulders sank. She'd hoped the food truck crowd would draw more business for him in the long run. It was sad to think that one of her favorite vendors might not be doing well, but he quickly waved her concern away.

"Ahh... I'll survive. Unlike you, apparently. Lemme get you that curry before you really do starve." He turned away before she could say anything further, not that she could think of any words that might actually help...

But at least she could bring him more clientele!

Back still turned, Eldoon grabbed an empty bowl and asked, "So, who's your friend?"

[fuzzybluegecko]

It was disheartening to hear that someone Trucy obviously thought highly of was struggling. Kurt's gaze drifted to the cluster of teens around the food trucks. They were almost as foreign to him as his new friends had been when he first moved to the States. Maybe more so. Despite their individual quirks, his fellow X-Men were all fairly down-to-Earth. The crowd milling around over there sported what appeared to be $100 hair styles and designer clothes that probably cost more than a year's worth of his allowance. He couldn't help staring as he contemplated what a life like that must be like.

Still, the some of the vibrantly decorated food trucks were appealing... Especially the most popular ones, like Wasabi Taco and 'Za Nation. He could definitely see some of his friends eating at places like that. (And he'd be lying if he said he wouldn't join them. He just wouldn't have the heart to do it while Eldoon was around.)

He was lost in thought when the gruff voice broke through his reverie. He snapped back to attention with a bit of a panicked look, but recovered quickly. "He's Kurt, old-fashioned comfort food aficionado!" He beamed and waggled his fingers in a friendly wave. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Eldoon. Trucy told me you make the best curry and ramen in Los Angeles."

[sleightadvantage]

Eldoon stopped in the middle of scooping noodles in a bowl and turned a glare over his shoulder. He'd asked the lady a question. As Kurt went on, though, the older man's gaze softened just a little. He went back to scooping udon, ladling curry, and adding a spoonful of chili oil. When he returned with Trucy's order, he was giving Kurt his full attention.

"Did she, now? Well, I can only hope to live up to such a glowing review. What'll you have, Kurt?"

Trucy, meanwhile, was all but crying over her bowl of udon and how deliciously beautiful it looked. In fact, she may have shed a tear or two (but those could have been due to the amount of chili fumes rising from it). Catching the end of the conversation, she jumped to attention suddenly and looked at Kurt. "Oh, Kurt! Try the miso ramen! It's a classic!"

[fuzzybluegecko]

He didn't miss Mr. Eldoon's glare (how could he?). Obviously he'd overstepped somewhere, but he held on to his smile with determination, playing dumb. Apparently it was the right (or at least not the wrong) move, because his heartfelt greeting seemed to eventually win the older man over. When Eldoon finally released him from his gaze, Kurt breathed a sigh of relief.

The slightly sour welcome was forgotten altogether as soon as that piping hot bowl of noodles appeared in front of Trucy. Kurt stared in awe, unconsciously leaning in closer to catch a whiff of the tantalizing steam curling up from the bowl. The spicy fumes awakened his senses in the most delightful way. He was so lost in them he didn't realize how close he was getting until Trucy's gaze snapped back to him, and they found themselves only inches apart.

Laughing nervously, Kurt jumped back and scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "That smells amazing! But I'd be a fool to ignore the recommendation of a local expert, ja?" He tore his eyes away from Trucy and faced Mr. Eldoon again. "I'll have the miso ramen, please!"