ic Deck the Halls! [Open]

[Heritage]

Miracle Girl (with Stormcrow, finding a quiet corner)

 

"Very nice to meet you -oh!" The implication of Multi-Girl's (Multi-Girls'?) parting comments took a few seconds to sink in; very slightly flustered, Casey indicated a set of low chairs around a small circular table. "If you don't mind?"

 

Once they were seated, the blonde paragon slipped off her gloves and crossed her long legs. "Sorry, I made this a bit more of a production than I meant to, but I wanted to talk to you for a moment about your team."

 

A waiter came by with a tray of appetizers, and Casey took several on a small plate; clearly, her appetite was still considerable!

 

"Thanks you! So anyway, I parted ways with the Freedom League some time ago, mostly because, well, it just wasn't a good fit, I think in part because I was one of the youngest members. But I'm also not a huge fan of their operational model."

 

She held up one hand. "Not that they're doing bad work, by any means, but- " She munched on a few apps, then neatly wiped her mouth.

 

"The fact of the matter is, I think I prefer the structure and shared responsibilities of a team, provided I was closer to the average member's age."

 

And here Casey shrugged.

 

"Which got me thinking about the Young Guardians."

Edited 22 hours ago by Heritage

[Jack]

Arctus (at the food table with Klara, shadowbourne and others)

 

Jack's attention shifted from the conversation as he caught Lynn's familiar form approaching through the crowd. His keen senses picked up subtle details others might miss - the slight redness around her eyes, a certain hesitation in her movements that hadn't been there earlier. Something had affected her, though he couldn't guess what.

 

The massive teen's protective instincts stirred, but he knew Lynn well enough to understand that hovering or drawing attention would only make things worse. Instead, he met her eyes across the buffet table and let his face break into the kind of wide, genuine smile that came naturally to him - the same sort he'd wear after a successful fishing trip back home or spotting the first spring flowers pushing through Siberian snow.

 

He hoped she could read what he tried to convey in that expression: I see you...You're not alone...Whatever happened, you've got friends here. His smile deepened as he watched her interact with the Mattie and Owen. Lynn was strong - stronger than most people knew and, Jack mused, stronger then even she knew sometimes. 

 

The bear spirit inside him rumbled with warm approval, always pleased when Jack showed care for his chosen pack. He felt that familiar sensation deep in his chest, like distant thunder rolling across Siberian tundra, as the ancient creature's satisfaction merged with his own protective instincts. It was moments like these when the line between man and beast felt thinnest, both sides of his nature perfectly aligned in their desire to watch over those they considered family.

 

Jack felt the impact of two small bodies against his waist before he even registered who they were. Looking down, his heart warmed at the sight of Madison and Mary, their Christmas dresses making them look like festive mirror images of each other. Having grown up as an only child in the remote wilderness of Siberia, the twins had quickly become like the little sisters he'd always secretly wanted. Their boundless energy and unconditional affection resonated deeply with both sides of his nature, fitting perfectly into what his bear spirit considered his growing pack.

 

"Da, if it isn't my favorite tiny troublemakers!" He grinned broadly, taking in their matching outfits. "But vait... something is wrong. I thought I vas going to be prettiest one at party!" His deep laugh rumbled through his chest as he effortlessly scooped both girls up in a careful bear hug, mindful of his strength as he lifted them. Their delighted squeals made his heart swell with joy before he gently set them back down.

 

He watched as they rushed to greet Lynn and Sarah, his enhanced senses picking up Lynn's subtle tension despite her smile. The bear spirit stirred with concern, but before Jack could focus on what might be troubling her, the twins were making introductions to their mother.

 

As Beth revealed herself as Lady Liberty, Jack felt slightly out of his depth. While he recognized that this was probably an important moment, the name meant little to him - his knowledge of American superheroes was still limited. He offered an awkward wave and smile, his massive hand making the gesture look almost comical. "Is nice to meet you," he managed, defaulting to simple politeness in his uncertainty.

 

 

Edited December 18 by Jack

[Dracostern]

Cerebral and Cerebellum

 

The twins managed to get their food! It was really good. Daniel would make sure to greet Mattie with a smile before more stuff happened around them...a lot. The twins were glad that the others were having fun. However this was a bit too much for them, even Daniel, so they excused themselves and headed off to a quieter corner of the room to enjoy their food, and they would do just that while talking to each other.

 

Despite everything, they were having fun.

[Tiffany Korta]

Zhenshchina-voin

at the Food tables

On seeing an old friend, a rarity in this age, Klara gave a wide smile and offered a hug to Beth. She had to mentally remind herself that she was no longer a Lady Liberty, so she had to hold back a little (a lot) so as not to cause any harm.

 

"Beth it's been so long! What was it 86 or 88? I started a family a good while before you did, not long after that as it happens!" she gently put her old friend down.

 

"When you have time we should catch up, though I guess lots going on tonight!"

[Tiffany Korta]

Revenant
When Lucy was little she'd be jealous of a girl who lived next door who'd had this glorious mass of black curly hair. Then the flappers came along and her short straight hair was all the fashion. Sometimes she had to remind herself that fashions came and went and you had to go with the flow of get drowned. After all, even though she didn't look (much) older than Ghule there was a hundred-year difference, a gulf that she hadn't completely crossed yet!

 

"Please call me Lucy, Harker if it's formal, which it most definitely isn't!" she smiled a warm friendly smile "And you must excuse my moment of introspection, melancholy is one of the curses of living so long!" she spoke in a relatively soft Freedom City accent

 

"It's complicated but yes I am also what I guess most nowadays would be called a zombie, back then we'd call them the un-dead! Though I must have missed the newsletter about us getting a queen!" there was a hint of humor in her voice

 

 

[Thevshi]

Slipstream (by the food with Bounce, Arctus, Seraphim, Prime Mover, Zhenshchina-voin, Shadowborne, Stormchild, Lady Liberty (and her daughters) and others)

 

Just before the twins (and their mother) had arrived, Lynn had caught Jack's look across the table and returned it with one of her half-smiles. When watching her with the twins, while he could see her faint smile, he also picked up a sense of sadness from her that did not quite seem to fit the situation.

 

Beth had a warm smile as each of the teens introduced themselves, giving Sarah a supportive look as she seemed a bit out of sorts, reaching out to take of the teen's hands and give it a comforting squeeze. When Owen and Maitte started talking about autographs, the former League member gave a small nod, signing a piece of paper for them, while watching her daughters out of the corner of her eye as the twins continued talking to Jack, Sarah, Lynn and some of the other teens. 

 

"Everyone at school has heard about what you all did during that field trip." "Lynn, we made mom and dad take us to see you perform again last week, I wish we could have let you know we were there." "Why is Sarah sad?"

 

When Klara stepped over, a wide smile came to Beth's face. "Klara, it is so good to see you!" She replied as she returned the taller woman's hug. "Has it really been that long?" She asked, shaking her head. Glancing over to Lynn for a moment, the former Lady Liberty stated, "just give me a moment and a chance to get the girls up to the daycare, then we can catch up some."

 

Turning away from Klara, Beth got her daughters’ attention. "Girls, we should be getting you up to the daycare, I hear Neko is running it again this year, so I expect there will be plenty of fun activities." The twins hesitated a moment, seeming a bit conflicted. "But before we go up, why don't you two see if you can catch up with Aunt Megan. I will just be a moment."

 

"But that's impossible." Madison stated, even as she started walking away from the gathered teens, giving a small wave goodbye, her sister doing the same.

 

"Maybe if we split up?" Asked Mary. "She would still run circles around us." "Maybe we could..."

 

As the two girls disappeared into the crowd, Beth stepped forward to take Lynn’s hands. "Megan has told me about how you came to our timeline, Trevor and I were just devastated to hear what you have been through. You are always in our thoughts, and we hope that you can heal and find a place for yourself here, and I expect with the support of your adopted family and your friends," she glanced over toward the gathered Claremont students for a moment before focusing back on Lynn, "that you will be able to do so."

 

Lynn gave the former Lady Liberty a small smile as tears began to form in her eyes. 

 

"And I wanted you to know, the girls think the world of you. All of you," She added, glancing at Jack and Sarah for a moment before focusing back on Lynn. "I know it can never be the same, but we would be more than happy if you wished to be part of the girls' lives, be it just babysitting or visiting to help them with their music. But we completely understand if it would be too painful for you."

 

Tears ran down Lynn's cheeks as she wrapped her arms around Beth to hug the older woman. "Thank you, Ms. Walton-Wright." She said quietly as Beth hugged her tightly in return.

 

"Of course, dear. No need to decide now, take all the time you need.”"

 

Stepping back from the hug, Lynn started trying to wipe away her tears as Beth gave her another warm smile and then looked back at the other gathered teens. "I apologize for casting any shadow over the festivities, but you all should get back to enjoying yourselves. It has been very nice to meet all of you, and, if we are unable to talk more tonight, I hope you all have a Happy Holidays." With that, the former Lady Liberty started off to find her two daughters.
 

[Thevshi]

Velocity (in the main lobby talking with Golden Star, being joined by Lady Liberty's daughters)

 

As Megan and Michael spoke, Darlene Love’s Marshmallow World began to play over the lobby’s speakers.

 

The Freedom League speedster gave a small smile as Michael asked how she preferred to be addressed. "Megan would be fine when not in public. But if that feels too odd, Mrs. Harrow is fine." She replied with a warm smile.

 

Her expression became much more serious as he mentioned looking out for Lynn and what he would be willing to do to protect the teen girl or Lawrence. "Everyone needs help at least some of the time." She replied, letting out a small sigh. "And while do I appreciate the sentiment; I certainly would not want someone else's kids having to sacrifice themselves for mine. And truthfully, it is not anything that should be expected of any of you right now."

 

Megan's smile returned when Michael mentioned his mom and her involvement in the PTA. "Well, I certainly appreciate her efforts, so please thank her for me." She replied.  

 

Although the speedster noted Michael's nervousness, she did not comment on it, instead taking another drink of her wine. She was mid-drink when the teen got out his request. Megan paused, ever so slightly, but otherwise had little in the way of reaction.

 

Lowering her glass, Megan's bright blue eyes fixed on Michael. "Well, it is certainly never too early to start a conversation about something like that." She replied, offering a small smile. "I certainly am happy to talk with the others and discuss first steps and such."

 

Before the speedster could say anything more, two young voices Michael recognized called out from behind her. "Aunt Megan!" "We caught up with you!"

 

Mary and Madison appeared (dressed in mirror Christmas themed dresses) and wrapping their arms around Megan for a hug.

 

The blonde speedster returned the two girls’ hugs with her free arm. "Hey you two! Have you each grown another foot?" She asked in a slightly teasing voice.

 

The two ten-year-olds then glanced over to spot Michael. "Michael!" Mary called out as they rushed up to give him a hug as well. "Happy Holidays!" Added Madison.
 

[RocketLord]

Spaceman (Approaching Velocity and Golden Star with Blue Bolt and Gamma Buzz)

 

Parker frowns when Mizuki are called away and Lawrence goes to join her. It feels off to see her rushing off, without going to help, but Lawrence is with her. He'll call for help or come get them if they need them... right?

 

Which leaves him, Vueriz and Baz... and he can see Michael. He's talking with Velocity. So, he's actually putting his plan into motion.

 

"Hey, let's go join Michael. He told me that he wanted to try talking to Velocity. It would probably be a good idea to say hello to some of the Leaguers." He motions with his head towards them, waiting for Vueriz and Baz to answer, before he starts moving towards them.

 

Before they reach Michael and Velocity, a couple of young girls come running up, excitedly hugging Michael.

 

"I hope Michael is on his best behavior, ma'am," he says as he approaches, taking the moment while the twins are taking Michael's attention. "I'm Parker Powers, Spaceman. I believe we met last year. Thank you for the invite to the party."

[RocketLord]

The STORMCROW (In a quiet corner with Miracle Girl)

 

Charlie whistles lightly at both Bernadette's comment, and the memory of what happened under the mistletoe at the party last year. "Now I definitely gotta catch up later."

 

"Sure, I usually prefer standing, but if you wanna sit, then we sit," Charlie responds, as Casey guides them to a small table. He sits down, but passes on the food, at least for now. Instead, he listens and watches. Data runs over the inside of his glasses, telling him about Casey, bringing up relevant background and power information about Miracle Girl. 

 

His demeanor noticeably shifts from the more carefree and happy attitude just before. He is much more focused and serious, visibly so with the way his face and posture shifts.

 

"So..." Despite his posture, there's a playful note to his voice. Much like when they first met years ago. "This is supposed to be your job interview?"

 

He smiles at her. He obviously understands what Casey's getting at, but he also doesn't seem like he wants to get too serious tonight.

 

"I get what you mean about the Freedom League. They're big, they're official, they got people that depend on them, they got rules to follow, and most of them are pretty experienced, at least. So, let me ask you something: What makes you think that the Young Guardians are different? Why do you think we all got together as a team?"

[RocketLord]

BOUNCE! (by the catering tables with Slipstream, Arctus, Seraphim, Prime Mover, Zhenshchina-voin, Shadowborne, Stormchild , La Puma Negra, Cerebral and Cerebellum and others)

 

"Aw, yeah! Thank you Miss Liberty!" Mattie exclaims, holding up the autograph. "See, Owen? She's awesome!" 

 

She's about to go and gush about Miss Liberty and how she was her favorite Leaguer, but she's already talking with Lynn, and Lynn could obvious need the support, so Mattie stays back for a moment, at least until they've talked.

 

"It was nice to meet you, Miss Liberty," Mattie says, while she stretches her legs to come up above the others, waving with her right hand as Lady Liberty leaves.

 

SIghing, she shrinks down to regular size and looks around at everyone, then quickly moves over to Lynn. "C'mon, Lynn. It's alright. We're all here." Her smile is reassuring, while she takes Lynn's hands in her own, and gently pulls her towards the seat next to Sarah by Kadene, adressing both Lynn and Sarah, and whoever else wants to listen. "Look, my ma always said that it's alright to be overwhelmed, and it's alright to cry. We're all here for each other, no one gets left behind, right? So, how can we all make things better for both of ya?"

[Thevshi]

Multi-Girl (approaching Gaian Knight, King Cole III and Harlequin in the main lobby)

 

Not long after leaving Charlie and Casey, Bernadette and her duplicate had split up to make their way through the party. One of the redheads spotted Gaian Knight, talking with two teens that had taken dressing up for the event to a Disney Princess/storybook level of grandeur, which caused the Irish young woman to smile slightly. While not one of the ‘drama kids’ when back at Claremont, Bernadette had been friends with some of them.

 

Moving up to the small group, the redhead smiled warmly as she began by greeting one of the party’s hosts. "Good evenin' Gaian Knight. Thank you for again throwin' such a wonderful party."

 

Turning to the two teens, the Irish rockstar added, "Happy Holidays, I don' believe we have met. I'm Bernadette O'Connell, or Multi-Girl o' the Young Guardians."

 

Multi-Girl 2 (approaching Cerebral and Cerebellum near the food)

 

The other Bernadette had moved further into the party, moving into the large conference room where the food had been set up. Once there she spotted Carmen near some of the tables, surrounded by several teens the redhead did not recognize, but assumed were new Claremont students. The group seemed to be talking to some older heroes at the moment, so the Irish young woman turned her attention towards two familiar faces who were sitting off in one corner of the room eating.

 

Making her way over, the redheaded rockstar gave the younger teens a warm smile. "Iris, Daniel, Happy Holidays. How are you two doin'?"
 

[Poncho]

(Golden Star)

 

"Mrs. Harrow it is, then. Maybe Megan after I graduate or something." he said. He nodded along politely afterwards, letting her talk. Of course they would say not to worry about others, but it wasn't like he'd let someone else get hurt when he could prevent it, and he figured she understood that. Even if she had to remind him to slow down a bit and remember he wasn't an adult or anything- in different words, but that was how it was-, so he kept his expression a little flat, acknowledging without saying anything and waiting for her to finish.

 

"Of course, I didn't mean it in a way like...to make you uncomfortable by suggesting sacrifice in that context. I just...understand that both of them have some pretty big problems, and they're my friends, so if they need help, I want to help them." he tempered the way he said it, trying to be more netural.

 

"And I'll be sure to tell her, she's a fan obviously." 

 

Then the meat of the discussion. He didn't get a yes, but he hadn't been expecting a yes. What he had been concerned about was a No, and he didn't get one of those, so to him, this was an acceptable victory; no one would take a kid like him seriously to just say something like that, he had to prove it- and he had a year and a half to do so-, and he'd just invited a lot of scrutiny on himself for that year and a half by not just the League but anyone they trusted. It was like college scouts, but way more important. 

 

"Thank you, Mrs. Harrow. Just let me know whatever I need to do for the work on it, I'll get anything I need to do prepared."

 

And then the twins arrived and he was pretty actively shocked. The yhad been students at the Nicholson school, but that didn't neccesarily mean that they'd have shown up to the party. He hadn't really thought about them since the concert, after all.

"Oh. I wasn't expecting you two to be here!" he said, putting on a cheerful face and hugging Mary. "How have you two been since the last time I saw you? You both look quite festive in your dresses, happy holidays to you too." he said. He had no idea who their parents were, or where they were. Should he give a gift to kids he didn't really know? Velocity was watching. She knew them. What was the correct option here? The only thing he had in his pockets were gift cards to Sampson's. Well, better than nothing. He reached into his pocket and produced a pair of gift cards for a free soda and offered them to the girls.

"I don't have any real presents for you or anything, but here's a card for a free soda for each of you if your parents are okay with it. But only if they're okay with it, I'm not saying you have to use it or anything. Happy Holidays." Then Parker and the others were making their way over, but he was too distracted dealing with M&M to do mroe than wave and offer a comment

 

"Hey Parker, sorry I didn't come in with you guys. You know I have to make an entrance." he laughed. "Mizuki and Lawrence just left, right? Should we be concerned or celebratory?" Then he went back to the twins. 

 

"How are you two doing?"

[Dracostern]

Cerebral and Cerebellum

 

The twins were just speaking to each other, they were excited to celebrate Christmas with everyone. Sure they won't talking to many people but just before around their classmates and fellow heroes made them feel great! They would turn at the same time when they heard a familiar accented voice. "Hello Bernadette! We're doing great! Happy Holidays!" Daniel would speak for them both but Iris was actually smiling and nodding along.

 

"How have you been? It's been a while haha." Daniel continued. 

 

[Supercape]

Gamma Buzz

 

Tremulous inside, jittering organs, bile up to his neck, Baltazar thanks the gods of gamma for his amazing cockroach-agility as he sauntered across the hall (in a swaggering swagger) following Parker and meeting up with Velocity. 

 

"A very Cockroach-Christmas to you all!" he said. "After all, Christmas is green, right? And a bit of red and white, but mainly green, because green is the best colour, right? Like me. Pleased to meet you again Velocity. You are off the charts awesome, just like always!"

 

His antennae trembled and he started glowing christmas green. 

 

"Oh don't worry about this," he said, trying to pat down the glow from his body. "It's just a bit of harmless lethal radiation. Totally almost safe."

Edited December 18 by Supercape

[Poncho]

(King Cole III, with Gaian Knight, Harlequin, and a Bernie)

 

Renee let out a bold, queenly laugh at Bernie walking over, then curtsey'd to her.

 

"Of course, Bernadette O'Connell! The frontwoman of Multiplicity, graduate of Claremont, Superhero! The finest bard in all the land, some would say, known throughout the world!" she said, clapping for her.

 

"I am King Cole III, Renee Cole King! I know several of my upperclassmen know you, but of course you graduated as I entered the school. But suffice to say, your music is still played all the time when we are building sets for our newest production, whatever that may be!" she shifted her staff in her hand. "I hope to be taking your path soon after; I want to be upon Broadway before too long, so you finishing school to becoming a master musician is quite the path to follow!"

[Thevshi]

Synapse (Arriving outside with Foreshadow II and their four-year old daughter, Natasha)

 

A red Bentely Continental GT Mulliner pulled up toward the front of Freedom Hall, having just passed through the gathered press at the outer gate. Sitting in the passenger seat, Dee Farrington glanced back at the gate before turning toward her husband. "Well that certainly brought back some memories." She commented with a small smile.

 

Of course, I blame you for the paparazzi back home losing interest with me. The Englishwoman added over the mental connection she had with her husband.

 

Looking to the back seat and the four-year-old blonde girl sitting in a booster seat, Dee gave a warm smile. "Almost there love. I hear they have a space set up with all sorts of fun games and activities." The young girl nodded her head to her mother, though her attention was still focused out the window, looking at all the Christmas decorations and the quick glimpse she had of Freedom Hall before they started towards the front.

 

Was the vehicle pulled to a stop, Dee climbed out of the car. The British woman was dressed in a long, sleek sleeveless black dress. She had her should length black hair up, but she had left a few strands of her natural blonde to hang lose to one side. Opening the back door she helped Natasha out of her seat and took her hand as they moved away a short distance from the car and waited for Erick.

 

Looking over at her husband, Dee gave him a slight grin. "Ready?"

 

Over their mental link, she added, I am bloody well going to want to get a drink once we drop Natasha off at the childcare.
 

[Lone_Star]

23 hours ago, Tiffany Korta said:

Revenant
When Lucy was little she'd be jealous of a girl who lived next door who'd had this glorious mass of black curly hair. Then the flappers came along and her short straight hair was all the fashion. Sometimes she had to remind herself that fashions came and went and you had to go with the flow of get drowned. After all, even though she didn't look (much) older than Ghule there was a hundred-year difference, a gulf that she hadn't completely crossed yet!

 

"Please call me Lucy, Harker if it's formal, which it most definitely isn't!" she smiled a warm friendly smile "And you must excuse my moment of introspection, melancholy is one of the curses of living so long!" she spoke in a relatively soft Freedom City accent

 

"It's complicated but yes I am also what I guess most nowadays would be called a zombie, back then we'd call them the un-dead! Though I must have missed the newsletter about us getting a queen!" there was a hint of humor in her voice

 

 

 

Ghule (by the fireplace with Revenant)

 

Vik liked her already. She wasn't expecting one of the few other 'Friends of Romero' to be so open, especially about her condition. A long life was something she hadn't considered as a side-effect of being undead, but that warranted further thought after the party. 

 

"Lucy, hi. I've always liked that name. And no worries. Thinkin' too hard about stuff isn't something I really do much, but...I get it. It's a strange life we 'live', isn't it? Sorry if zombie isn't the right term for you, it's one I use almost...'cuz it's the only thing that comes close to how I feel sometimes. But it's getting better. Charlie and the others, they make me feel like less of a monster. You know what I mean?"

 

She laughed a little when she mentioned her self-imposed nickname. "Yeah, well. Gotta make the most out of living so long, might as well crack a few jokes to pass the time. So how long, I mean...sorry if this is rude to ask, but how long have you been living in Freedom City?" 

Edited December 19 by Lone_Star

[Lone_Star]

13 hours ago, RocketLord said:

BOUNCE! (by the catering tables with Slipstream, Arctus, Seraphim, Prime Mover, Zhenshchina-voin, Shadowborne, Stormchild , La Puma Negra, Cerebral and Cerebellum and others)

 

"Aw, yeah! Thank you Miss Liberty!" Mattie exclaims, holding up the autograph. "See, Owen? She's awesome!" 

 

She's about to go and gush about Miss Liberty and how she was her favorite Leaguer, but she's already talking with Lynn, and Lynn could obvious need the support, so Mattie stays back for a moment, at least until they've talked.

 

"It was nice to meet you, Miss Liberty," Mattie says, while she stretches her legs to come up above the others, waving with her right hand as Lady Liberty leaves.

 

SIghing, she shrinks down to regular size and looks around at everyone, then quickly moves over to Lynn. "C'mon, Lynn. It's alright. We're all here." Her smile is reassuring, while she takes Lynn's hands in her own, and gently pulls her towards the seat next to Sarah by Kadene, adressing both Lynn and Sarah, and whoever else wants to listen. "Look, my ma always said that it's alright to be overwhelmed, and it's alright to cry. We're all here for each other, no one gets left behind, right? So, how can we all make things better for both of ya?"

 

Prime Mover (with Lady Liberty, Claremont students, et al)

 

Owen stood holding the autograph in his hand, immensely relieved that his faux pas was immediately forgotten, or so he thought. That was a close one. He smiled at Mattie, and lightly tapped her arm in a friendly way. "Yeah, yer right Mattie. She is awesome!"

 

He saw Lynn walk closer to Lady Liberty, or, Beth as she preferred to be called these days. Tears rolled down her eyes, and Owen reached up a hand to comfort her, but decided to hold back. I think you've done enough for now, he thought in a moment of self-criticism. Whatever was going on between them was personal, and not even his patented Midwest Nice would be of much help. It was best to just be there for his friends. 

 

He sat back down to his plate of food next to Sarah and Mattie. "Some party, huh?" he said, taking a big bite out of the pie. 

Edited December 19 by Lone_Star

[MoonSimply]

Carmen "La Puma Negra"

 

As more of her fellow students seemed to crowd around the table of snacks, drinks, and other assorted food stuffs, Carmen slowly began to shrink away from people after greeting Bounce. Sure, it was nice seeing everyone, but it slowly was starting to become too much for her. A wall flower if there was one, even if she at times showed a fiercer demeanor than most, it truly all was nothing when it was just her in a large crowd. Those two things just didn't work out for her unless she had someone like Micheal by her side, and even then, it was mostly him taking over and leading conversations. If only it was that she did as well in her social life as she did in combat training and so on.

 

So, she slinked back, picking mostly the meat and cheeses and eating them for a bit. Carmen would just have to find Micheal later whom as she could hear with powers talking it over with the more career-oriented heroes at the party. Carmen could wait for a little bit before she gets back with him for the time being, making herself small. She could do that.

[Fox]

Gaian Knight

(with Multi-Girl, King Cole III, and Harlequin in the main lobby)

 

Gaian Knight gave an appreciated hmm, eyebrows rising over his goggles as he reached out to receive a small plate of food from a pair of floating marble hands. "Broadway's a heck of a goal," he said, spare hands making a shrugging motion before dropping themselves into his coat pockets. "It's good to aim high, though - we'll have to look forward to seeing the playbill!"

 

"As for the party," he added, gesturing toward Multi-Girl, "you're very welcome, of course. It wouldn't really feel like the holidays without it, would it? Horses and drama notwithstanding, I suppose, but you can't put too many masks in a room without expecting something. And it's honestly good for the city to get everyone making connections - you'll never know when they come in handy."

[Brown Dynamite]

On 12/18/2024 at 5:03 PM, Thevshi said:

Synapse (Arriving outside with Foreshadow II and their four-year old daughter, Natasha)

 

A red Bentely Continental GT Mulliner pulled up toward the front of Freedom Hall, having just passed through the gathered press at the outer gate. Sitting in the passenger seat, Dee Farrington glanced back at the gate before turning toward her husband. "Well that certainly brought back some memories." She commented with a small smile.

 

Of course, I blame you for the paparazzi back home losing interest with me. The Englishwoman added over the mental connection she had with her husband.

 

Looking to the back seat and the four-year-old blonde girl sitting in a booster seat, Dee gave a warm smile. "Almost there love. I hear they have a space set up with all sorts of fun games and activities." The young girl nodded her head to her mother, though her attention was still focused out the window, looking at all the Christmas decorations and the quick glimpse she had of Freedom Hall before they started towards the front.

 

Was the vehicle pulled to a stop, Dee climbed out of the car. The British woman was dressed in a long, sleek sleeveless black dress. She had her should length black hair up, but she had left a few strands of her natural blonde to hang lose to one side. Opening the back door she helped Natasha out of her seat and took her hand as they moved away a short distance from the car and waited for Erick.

 

Looking over at her husband, Dee gave him a slight grin. "Ready?"

 

Over their mental link, she added, I am blood well going to want to get a drink once we drop Natasha off at the childcare.
 

Erick stepped out of the driver’s side of the Bentley with the ease of a man who had taken a casual pass of the meaning of speed limit rather routinely.  Not that he wasn't blessed with the foresight needed to avoid an accident. Dressed in his "work outfit" so to speak, Erick was in full Foreshadow regalia.  At least openly, beneath the costume he had a surprise for his wife.  Which took a bit of effort to keep from their connection.  But for now as he leaned over the hood of the car, Erick adjusted a pair of cufflinks briefly attached to his gloves—tiny silver replicas of his domino mask—and walked around the car to join  his wife and daughter on the passenger side of the vehicle .
 

His eyes, never losing his own interest in his wife, lingered on Dee for a moment. Stunning as always, he thought through their mental link, though the warm smile on his face betrayed just how genuine the sentiment was. Now don't go pretending like the camera doesn't still love you.  You just miss the articles.  If you want we can get kicked out of one of these mob owned casinos this weekend.  They love a fall from grace almost as much as they love a comeback story.  Bring the p to the pta before we go back?   Teasingly he stuck his tongue out after the thought.

 

Bending slightly, Erick crouched down to Natasha’s level, watching as her face closely. She would soon be able to drink in the sights around Freedom Hall, and he didn't want to miss those eyes widening. “Well, kiddo, what do you think? Pretty impressive, huh?” His voice carried an easy warmth, one he reserved for moments like these. Not yet acknowledging how displeased his wife must be in his choice of formal wear for the evening.  Stretching out his hand domino mask cufflink and all he readied himself to grasp his daughter's free hand as well.  Smiling widely before looking up at Dee and responding to her earlier query.  "Ready."

[Jack]

Jack watched the twins disappear into the crowd, their matching dresses making them look like festive butterflies fluttering away. His heart warmed at their endless enthusiasm. He made a mental note to visit the daycare later - the twins had become like family to him, and their innocent joy always lifted his spirits.

 

Piling more food onto his plate, Jack's attention drifted back to Lynn and Beth's conversation. When his brain processed Beth's words about Lynn coming from another timeline, many things clicked into place - the sadness he sometimes caught in her eyes, the way she seemed both at home and slightly out of step with this world.

 

His massive hand paused mid-reach for another sandwich as understanding washed over him. Though his own displacement from Siberia felt tiny in comparison, he recognized that particular ache of being separated from home. Lynn's situation was far more profound - an entirely different timeline, a whole world left behind.

 

The bear spirit rumbled with protective sympathy in his chest as he watched tears roll down Lynn's cheeks while she hugged Beth. Jack wanted to reach out, to offer comfort, but held back. If Lynn hadn't told him herself about her origins, she must have her reasons. He would keep this knowledge close, and wait for her to share in her own time.

 

Instead, he focused on his plate, giving Lynn privacy in this emotional moment while silently renewing his promise to himself to be there for her whenever she needed support.

 

Jack kept his movements casual as he rested his hand on the polished wooden table, letting his connection to winter flow through his fingertips. Moisture from the air silently condensed beneath his palm, freezing instantly into a delicate crystalline thread. As Beth's words continued to fill the air around them, the ice line snaked between plates and glasses, invisible to most eyes as it made its way toward Lynn.

 

His enhanced senses picked up the slight drop in temperature as his magic worked, but he knew from experience that others wouldn't notice such a subtle change. The bear spirit rumbled with approval inside him - it always enjoyed when Jack used their shared powers to protect or comfort their pack.

 

When the thin line of frost reached Lynn's spot at the table, Jack shaped it with practiced precision, memories of their first meeting guiding his magic. The ice bloomed silently into the same delicate flower he'd created for her that day - each petal perfectly formed, capturing light like frozen diamonds. He remembered the small smile he had gotten with his first rose. It was one of the first genuine smiles he'd seen from her.

 

Catching Lynn's eye, Jack gave her a small, secret smile before turning to Owen with practiced nonchalance. "Da, this pie is amazing," he said, gesturing with his fork. "Reminds me of ones my babushka makes, though she vould never admit American pie could be as good as hers."

[Azuth65]

On 12/17/2024 at 12:54 AM, Heritage said:

Grimalkin 

 

"Have a wonderful time tonight, Lynn," Grim said with a warm smile."Enjoy yourself." As the transdimensional refugee wandered off to find her friends, the changeling sighed and then clapped her hands together. "Okay, I've got a boyfriend to find!"

 

- - - -

 

There is a cliche, often seen in romantic comedies and sitcoms, of the nosy girlfriend popping up next to her boyfriend at the worst possible time, usually when he's talking to an attractive woman. Said boyfriend proceeds to stammer and possibly trip over some furniture in a hasty attempt to explain 'it's not what it seems!"

 

One might think that having a girlfriend like Lynn Epstein, a beautiful shapeshifter who's can turn invisible and move as quiet as a shadow, would make her relationship with Casper Church this cliche on steroids, but thankfully it was not, for two important reasons. One, Lynn was (for better or worse) supremely self-confident in her ability to keep a man, and was therefore not the jealous type. But more importantly, she knew Casper's heart; this was a man who loved deeply, and would never act in a way that would disappoint his daughter, the light of his life.

 

All of which is to say that when Grimalkin suddenly appeared next to Ghost while he was chatting with Gauss, he didn't jump or start in alarm; he was actually getting used to it. And Grim in turn did not act catty or sarcastic when speaking with the young magnetokinetic in the ugly Christmas sweater.

 

"Aha, I found you! Hi, hon!" She leaned in to give him a playful peck on the cheek before turning and offering a firm handshake to the new arrival. "Hi, I'm Grimalkin, Mistress of Mystery; nice to meet you!" Noticing the two bottles Ghost was holding, she turned to Gauss and smiled with delight. "Ooh, did you bring fun booze?"

Gauss, unlike Ghost, did jump a little in surprise when Grimalkin just appeared.  The magnetokinetic hovered in place for a moment, almost a foot off the ground, less from surprise now but rather than risking landing wrong in her heeled boots and twisting an ankle or falling flat on her face.  "Gauss, maybe not Mistress of Magnetism but I do alright," she replied, shaking the other woman's hand once she landed.

 

"I did indeed bring extra booze.  Also a non-alcoholic bottle, the invites mentioned that both current and form Claremont students were on the guest list and I didn't want exclude anyone."

 

At Ghost's suggestion of heading inside, Gauss nodded, "Yes please, I've forgotten how cold winter is at these latitudes.  I think I got too used to being back home in Puerto Rico for the holidays."

[Thevshi]

Slipstream (by the food with Bounce, Arctus, Seraphim, Prime Mover, Zhenshchina-voin, Shadowborne, Stormchild, and others)

 

Lynn was already wiping away her tears when Mattie came over to her. "It's okay….I'm okay Mattie." The blonde teen said, even as she allowed herself to be led over to a seat. A complicated mixture of emotions where swirling around inside as Lynn took a deep breath, glad she had chosen to take her rescue medication before leaving Claremont. Without it, she likely would have been a complete mess.

 

So far, the night had given her a lot to think about. Glancing up to Mattie, who had a concerned look on her face, Lynn realized tonight was not the time to dwell on those thoughts. The last thing she wanted was to be too much of a burden on her friend. While the blonde girl had attended other League holiday parties growing up in her timeline, this was Mattie’s first opportunity to attend one, the same was true for her other friends. They all deserved to be able to enjoy the opportunity to the fullest.

 

"I'm fine, really." Lynn stated again, this time with much more confidence as she wiped away the last of the tears. "You should really go ahead and try to meet other League members, don't worry about me." The blonde teen looked around the area around them as she spoke, spotting Iris and her brother speaking with a redheaded young woman. "Is that Bernadette O'Connell the pop start over there talking with Iris?" She asked.

 

Suddenly the sixteen-year-old felt a slight chill in the air. Glancing down at the table next to her, Lynn saw the ice rose forming. Glancing up, she looked over to catch the smile from Jack. Lynn gave a small half smile in return. Thanks. She mouthed before Jack turned to talk with Owen. Grabbing a nearby napkin, Lynn picked up the ice rose and placed it in the napkin, hoping that might help it last a little bit longer.
 

[Thevshi]

Synapse (Entering Freedom Hall with Foreshadow II and their four-year old daughter, Natasha)

 

A small smirk came to Dee’s face as Eick mentioned her missing the articles the tabloids ran about her. Maybe, though I really liked them for how my parents would react. She mentally replied. But glancing down at Natasha, the Englishwoman was reminded how things had changed. Still had not forgiven her parents, particularly her father, but they had at least reached something of an uneasy peace. She then chuckled slightly as her husband suggested ways of trying to get back into the gossip columns. 

 

Tempting, but I think we have better things to do this weekend. She replied as Erick knelt down to talk with their daughter. There was indeed a sense of wonder visible in the four-year-old's face as she nodded in response to her father’' question but still focused on the impressive site of the fully decorated exterior of Freedom Hall. But then she turned to look her father in the eye as a wide smile came to her face. "Am I going to get to meet any of the Freedom League?" She asked as she took her father’s hand with her free hand.

 

Watching the interaction, Dee again rolled her eyes at Erick's decision to wear his Foreshadow costume. "Well, time to get on with it then." She said as the family started into Freedom Hall. "And yes love, I expect you will get to meet at least some of the Freedom League."

 

As they walked, the Englishwoman continued the mental conversation with her husband. Would it have killed you to wear something other than the costume? It is not like you haven't worn civilian clothes around some of this lot before. But then Dee glanced over at Erick again, taking a moment to regard how his costume fit his muscular but lean build. I mean, not that I mind a little reminder of one of the reasons I married you.