ic Deck the Halls! [Open]

[Thevshi]

Velocity (in the main lobby talking with Golden Star, Spaceman, Gamma Buzz, Blue Bolt and Lady Liberty's daughters, with Lady Liberty joining)

 

The music playing over the Hall’s sound system changed once more, this time pulling K-Pop band aespa’s version of Jingle Bell Rock from Velocity's playlist.

 

As Madison and Mary moved over to greet Michael, Megan's attention was divided as more of her son’s friends from Claremont arrived. "Happy Holidays Parker, good to see you," the speedster stated with a warm smile. "Baz, so good to see you again." She added to her son's roommate, who had spent Thanksgiving with them. Megan then turned to the last of the new arrivals. "And you must be Vueriz, I have heard a lot about you." 

 

"Oh, we are good." Madison replied to Michael's question. "We just saw Jack, Lynn and Sarah." Mary added. But then the two ten-year-olds’ attentions were drawn to Baz and Vueriz, their eyes wide open with wonder as they regarded the two.  

 

"Do you two go to Claremont?" "Are you aliens?" The twins began asking Baz and Vueriz.

 

"Girls, don't be rude." Came a voice as another figure approached the group. A woman about five foot eight inches tall, wearing a dark blue dress with a red jacket had come over to the group, a warm smile on her face. She had black hair, although several streaks of grey were visible. Her age was not easy to immediately determine, she appeared to be in her late forties, or perhaps her early to mid-fifties. But looking at her brown eyes, she seemed possibly older, and there was something about her that seemed almost familiar to several of the gathered teens.

 

"Happy Holidays Beth." Megan said as she gave the new arrival a hug.

 

"You as well Megan." The other woman stated as she returned the hug and then looked back towards the gathered teens.

 

"Beth, allow me to introduce some of Lawrence's friends at Claremont, Michael, Parker, Baz and Vueriz." Megan stated, indicating each teen.

 

"Mom, this is the Michael from the field trip." Madison stated.

 

"Nice to meet you all. I'm Beth, though I used to go by Lady Liberty." The older woman said with a smile.
 

[Thevshi]

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

 

Bernadette smiled as Renee introduced herself and confirmed the redhead's suspicion she was a theater kid. "Well, I don' know about 'bard,' but vocalist maybe." The Irish young woman replied. "Thanks for remindin' me, I have been meanin' ta send some o’ the band's recent merch ta Michael an' others I still know back at Claremont so they can pass them out ta any one there that wants some. Will also be sure ta provide plenty o' free tickets next time we have a concert here."

 

The redhead nodded in agreement with Gaian Knight's response to Renee's goals. "That is certainly settin' your sights high, an' Claremont certainly can help with that. Not sure I would say my path has been quite the same as the one ta Broadway, but, I would be happy ta offer what guidance I can."

 

Bernadette smiled as Gaian Knight mentioned the party being a good opportunity for various heroes to connect. "Certainly why I'm here." She replied with a grin. 

 

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

 

The Bernadette further into the party smiled as Danile asked how they had been. "Busy." The redhead said with a wide smile. "Between recordin' our first album, some tourin' an' then just all the promotional media appearances, I feel like I have been goin' none stop. An' I still have managed ta find some time ta get out an' fight crime with the rest o' the Young Guardians."

 

"But, its what I wanted, so can' complain." She added with a grin. "We certainly seem ta have made a splash. Was able ta use this party ta try out me look fer the Grammys in a few months." Bernadette added, gesturing to the custom designer dress she was wearing.

 

"So, how are things back at Claremont? Looks like plenty o' new students." She asked, nodding in the direction of where several of the Sophomores were gathered.
 

[Poncho]

(Golden Star, with Velocity, Gamma Buzz, Vueriz, Spaceman, and the Liberty Family)

 

"...Lady Liberty?" Michael repeated. It wasn't really a question, it was a thing he said to try and cut the cobwebs out of his head. Another incredible hero, retired or not.

 

"Um...that's...well. It's wonderful to meet you, M'am. And yeah, I had chaperoned them during the school trip." he noted, smiling at the kids. "Yeah, those three all came here together, I think; I'm a bit older than them so I came in my own way." he said with a chuckle. He wasn't ignoring Lady Liberty, he was just baffled about what to say to such a respectable and legendary person.

"I uh....Your kids are great. Honestly. I don't...I've lived here all my life, so you've saved my life several times, I'm sure. Thank you. You and all the other members of the League, and all kinds of other Heroes. So uh. I'm glad to meet you, so I can thank you personally. So, Thanks." he said a little awkwardly. Then he turned back to the kids again.

 

"Baz and Vueriz do go to Claremont, but let me tell you about Baz; he's even stronger and tougher than me. He's saved all sorts of people, he's a great person to look up to; I hope I can be at least as good as him some day. And Vueriz is the smartest kid in our class, she's always got some kind of new invention that blows the socks off the rest of us." he grinned. He didn't know if Parker wanted him to talk him up or not, but he decided to do it anyway. "And Parker here? He'd jump in front of a punch for anyone even if he wasn't invulnerable; he's as kind as they make 'em."

[Lone_Star]

On 12/17/2024 at 12:04 PM, EternalPhoenix said:

Stormchild (at the table with Sarah, Owen, Mattie, and look there's a lot okay?)

 

Kadene threw an arm over Sarah's shoulders and squeezed reassuringly before releasing her. "Mon ami, go at your own pace. Rule One of Aquivan Piracy. Do as thou wilt. Rule Two? And not what you don't. You miss your old life. So do I. It is permitted. Be a hero, or don't. Decide for yourself who you are and what you will do." For a moment her cheerful mien dropped, and there was steel under there. Sad, homesick steel. But it was only for a moment. "But there is food to eat, new friends to spend time with, and new people to meet." She laughed at Mary and Madison's energetic approach. 

 

"Hello, girls." Her grin was fierce with a hint of mischief. "Kadene Estime, First Mate of the Luckstorm Pirates. I'm Sarah's classmate. Unfortunately, she's feeling a bit sad tonight. What do you say we cheer her up, aye?" Kadene was on the shortlist of people here who had no idea who Lady Liberty was, and might well be the only one who wouldn't care if she did. "Mademoiselle Beth, a pleasure to meet you. Are these charming young ladies yours?"

 

Owen was so caught up in making sure his classmates were doing okay that he completely ignored his roomie’s his twin sister walking over to their table. 

 

^{"I have a huge crush on his sister, so just end my life honorably if I mess up,"} he confided to Sarah, Mattie, and Jack. He walked up to Kadene and gave her an uncharacteristic embrace. "Oop, sorry I didn't see you there. It's always good to see a Luckstorm Pirate," he said with a big smile. "As usual, you’re dressed to the nines. How's your first December in Freedom City going?" 

 

Owen felt a surge of confidence he hadn't really experienced around Kadene before. Maybe it was having his other friends close by, maybe it was his acceptance into Freedom Hall, or maybe it was just the magic of the season, but he was feeling it. His legs trembled slightly, and he wiped the sweat from his hands on his jeans in a way he thought was subtle. Yes, tonight was the night!

Edited December 27, 2024 by Lone_Star

[Poncho]

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

 

"There's no part aiming for the mediums! You should always aim as high as you possibly can. There's no reason to just hope for something small, your wish should be as large as possible, that way you never become complacent with minimum." she stated, shaking her head. Her grin was radiant though, grinning happily at the idea of the challenge. "So if I make it, I'll be as glad as can be, and if I don't make it, I'll keep working at it until my dying breath!" she declared. But she made a feh sound and brushed herself off a bit at Multigirl's next comment.

"I like Multiplicity, but I'd rather get my stuff directly. I don't like that golden boy, he's too annoying and gets into everyone's business all the time." she waved her hand again. "Sorry, sorry. I do enjoy your band though! I'd love free tickets!" She smiled again and bowed.

 

"Still, thank you both for your care. I'll make sure to ask you if I need any help, Bernadette; I want to do it on my own but I won't turn away from help if I need it!" she smiled. Then she looked around.

 

"But ah...I think I have taken up a bit too much of your time. Perhaps I should go find another group to engage with." she smiled. "Thank you for your time, Ser Knight, Lady Bernadette."

[EternalPhoenix]

Stormchild

 

On 12/24/2024 at 11:01 AM, Lone_Star said:

 

Owen was so caught up in making sure his classmates were doing okay that he completely ignored his roomie's his twin sister walk over to their table. 

 

^{"I have a huge crush on his sister, so just end my life honorably if I mess up,"} he confided to Sarah, Mattie, and Jack. He walked up to Kadene and gave her an uncharacteristic embrace. "Oop, sorry I didn't see you there. It's always good to see a Luckstorm Pirate," he said with a big smile. "As usual, you two are dressed to the nines. How's your first December in Freedom City going?" 

 

Owen felt a surge of confidence he hadn't really experienced around Kadene before. Maybe it was having his other friends close by, maybe it was his acceptance into Freedom Hall, or maybe it was just the magic of the season, but he was feeling it. His legs trembled slightly, and he wiped the sweat from his hands on his jeans in a way he thought was subtle. Yes, tonight was the night!

Kadene was very clearly surprised by the sudden hug. Not in a bad way, mind. In a "why'd he do that?" way. He never had before. The question mark above her head was almost visible. "It's colder than a witch's bosom. I grew up south of here. Jungle and swamp on a Summer island. Winter's short and mild on those." She grinned mischievously. "A word of advice. If you're going to hold a girl, hold her for longer. If you're too quick, you'll only leave her disappointed." She let that one lie for a moment. "It's cold you know. Got to huddle for warmth like you Northerners do. Or do you not do that here anymore?"

[RocketLord]

BOUNCE! (At the dinner tables with a lot of other Claremont students)

 

"I mean, if you say so, but I think I'm gonna finish dinner first, at least," Mattie responds to Lynn, though she clearly doesn't entirely believe her friend. She's close enough to Lynn to know when she's putting on a brave face, at least some of the time... though she does notice the smile when Jack creates the ice rose, and notice that Lynn hides it. A small smile spreads across Mattie's face at the sight, which only goes even further when Owen confides in his crush on Kadene. 

 

She gotta do something to lighten the mood for Lynn! And it might not be the best solution, but this is the solution that she can think of!

 

While she calmly eats, a third arm grows out of her body and stealthily sneaks up, reaching up for something. Sure, others might see it, but that's fine. She just pretends she's still eating, nobody pay any attention to the third arm or anything, you're all busy eating and chatting and...

 

Suddenly a mistletoe if hanging over Owen and Kadene's heads, and Mattie clasps her other two hands to her cheeks. "Why, Owen and Kadene, is that a real mistletoe hangin' over yer heads?"

[RocketLord]

GHOST (Inside the halls with Gauss and Grimalkin)

 

"Never been, but I'm sure Freedom's gotta be colder than that." Not that Casper's a big fan of anything cold, but hey, he doesn't feel like advertising that fact to everyone.

 

"So, you're back in Freedom from Puerto Rico? Got any plans? Gonna hit your old stomping ground, see some friends? Any old grudges the League gotta keep an eye out for?"

 

Man, Casper knows he's not doing well. He's better than being a ghost than a host, but he had agreed... now, where would have to go to find some hotdogs or something like this? Food's way too fancy for him here, anyway.

[RocketLord]

Spaceman (in the main lobby talking with Velocity, Golden Star , Gamma Buzz, Blue Bolt and Lady Liberty and her daughters)

 

Parker shakes his head in response to Michael's question on Lawrence and Mizuki. The look he sends him makes it clear that they got it handled, and that if they don't, then their friends know where to find them. No reason to disturb the event, if it can be helped. 

 

He smiles at the sight of the children that run around Michael. Both kids are adorable. Something that he'd like to happen one day, perhaps, but also something that he isn't sure if he should ever try for. Aside from the obvious issues of actually getting together with someone, then the life that he has planned for himself doesn't exactly lend itself to a family life...

 

Parker is brought out of his thoughts when the children's mother introduces herself as the former Lady Liberty. He freezes for a moment. He can see it, now that he's aware of it, but even then...

 

"It is an honor to meet you, ma'am," he says, offering her his hand for a shake. He is not a hero worshipper, but the Lady Liberty legacy has lived for longer than Freedom City itself, and she has saved the city, and the world, on multiple occasions. If there's anyone aside from the Centurion that he looks up to as a role model...

 

And there Michael goes, talking him up. It is one of his good qualities, and something that he admires in his friend, but honestly, Parker always feels embarassed when anyone talks him up. He knows that Michael means well, and honestly believes everything he says, but still... "And you would never come flying in glowing all golden and save the day, would you? C'mon, Michael. We're all just doing what we can do."

[Supercape]

Gamma Buzz

 

(in the main lobby talking with Velocity, Golden Star , Gamma Buzz, Blue Bolt and Lady Liberty and her daughters)

 

"Yeah, I'm an Alien," said Baz, putting his hands on his head and flapping his fingers. "Doob dibble dooby diddle-do!"

 

An Alien? Once again, the shame of looking like a freak surged through his cockroach guts and hit his cockroach cheeks. Fortunately he couldn't blush. But he had to fight back tears. Gamma soaked tears. 

 

"I come from the planet Roach, where all the aliens are so awesome that they turn green. In fact, they had to send me away to Earth because I was so awesome that it threatened to destroy the fabric of the universe due to my awesome awesomeness. And I was cool, too. So very, very cool."

 

He gave a wink to Velocity and Lady Liberty. 

[Heritage]

Miracle Girl (alone with Stormcrow)

 

"Well, I know quite a few of you met at Claremont, so we have that shared experience, although-" And here, Casey frowned. "I didn't actually have the best experience at Claremont; our class was unusually small, and I only made one friend. Still, I learned a lot there, and that was the most important part."

 

The blonde heroine spread her hands

 

"If I'm being perfectly honest, I'm not sure if the Young Guardians are a good fit, but I'd like to find out more about you all, and how you do things."

Edited December 29, 2024 by Heritage

[Heritage]

Grimalkin (with Gauss and Ghost, in search of food)

 

As the trio headed inside the Hall, Grim sniffed the air, and started leading them towards the buffet tables. As she did so, her hair shifted into a long blonde French braid, and her Christmas elf outfit flowed smoothly into a dress made of shimmering ice crystals.

 

"Oh, is it cold out? I didn't notice. Man, I hope they have a kosher table! I guess I can just stick to fish and pasta."

 

Elsa!Lynn indicated Ghost with a wave of her hand and sadly shook her head.

 

"Don't worry about him; he has a hard time not talking shop. What are your favorite Christmas memories from growing up?"

[RocketLord]

The STORMCROW

 

Charlie looks at Miracle Girl as she speaks. The HUD on his glasses bring up her Claremont file, readily available from the Nest's computers. Mrs. Summers is, if anything, dilligent in keeping tabs on her students, former and present, after all.

 

"Sure. That's part of the story, at least."

 

She's probably asked around. Plenty of them showed up back at Claremont, and he's the only one that's changed his identity.

 

"I guess we're a bit less formal than the League. Bunch of friends that get together to try and keep people safe. I try to make sure that we all get to hang out outside the costumes. It's not supposed to be a job. We have to trust each other, fully."

 

That is, also, only part of the story, but it should do well enough for now.

 

"So.. what else do you want to know?"

[Lone_Star]

On 12/27/2024 at 8:37 AM, EternalPhoenix said:

Stormchild

 

Kadene was very clearly surprised by the sudden hug. Not in a bad way, mind. In a "why'd he do that?" way. He never had before. The question mark above her head was almost visible. "It's colder than a witch's bosom. I grew up south of here. Jungle and swamp on a Summer island. Winter's short and mild on those." She grinned mischievously. "A word of advice. If you're going to hold a girl, hold her for longer. If you're too quick, you'll only leave her disappointed." She let that one lie for a moment. "It's cold you know. Got to huddle for warmth like you Northerners do. Or do you not do that here anymore?"

 

Prime Mover

 

Owen looked at her, really looked at her. Then glanced over at his friends. Come on, Owen. Say something back! 

 

"Of course we huddle for warmth up nort'. It gets colder up there than Freedom City. And maybe I wouldn't mind someone to keep me warm too." Where was this confidence coming from? Was there something in the non-alcoholic grape juice? Had someone spiked it already? Regardless, the time had come. "Kadene, I got somethin' to tell you. Somethin' I've been thinkin' about fer quite some time." 

 

Whew. Okay. You've got this. From the heart, Owen. 

 

On 12/28/2024 at 2:11 PM, RocketLord said:

BOUNCE! (At the dinner tables with a lot of other Claremont students)

 

"I mean, if you say so, but I think I'm gonna finish dinner first, at least," Mattie responds to Lynn, though she clearly doesn't entirely believe her friend. She's close enough to Lynn to know when she's putting on a brave face, at least some of the time... though she does notice the smile when Jack creates the ice rose, and notice that Lynn hides it. A small smile spreads across Mattie's face at the sight, which only goes even further when Owen confides in his crush on Kadene. 

 

She gotta do something to lighten the mood for Lynn! And it might not be the best solution, but this is the solution that she can think of!

 

While she calmly eats, a third arm grows out of her body and stealthily sneaks up, reaching up for something. Sure, others might see it, but that's fine. She just pretends she's still eating, nobody pay any attention to the third arm or anything, you're all busy eating and chatting and...

 

Suddenly a mistletoe if hanging over Owen and Kadene's heads, and Mattie clasps her other two hands to her cheeks. "Why, Owen and Kadene, is that a real mistletoe hangin' over yer heads?"

 

He stammered for a moment, then regained his footing. It was now or never! 

 

"Kadene, I've really enjoyed gettin' to know you these past few months. Having never left Badger Bluff, movin' to Freedom City felt like entering a different world. You've taught me to step outside of my comfort zone, to try new things that I wasn't familiar with before." He reached for both of her hands and held them, looking into her eyes. 

 

"Kadene, what I'm tryin' to say is...do you want to go on a date sometime?" 

[EternalPhoenix]

Serendipity and Stormchild

 

13 hours ago, Lone_Star said:

 

Prime Mover

 

"Kadene, I've really enjoyed gettin' to know you these past few months. Having never left Badger Bluff, movin' to Freedom City felt like entering a different world. You've taught me to step outside of my comfort zone, to try new things that I wasn't familiar with before." He reached for both of her hands and held them, looking into her eyes. 

 

"Kadene, what I'm tryin' to say is...do you want to go on a date sometime?" 

Kadene just kinda looked back at him, still befuddled. Because what was a date? The month and day did not sound like an event. But in context? Oh. Oh. "You want to court me, do you?" The question, while teasing, was clearly also rhetorical. Honestly, she just liked how he blushed and stammered. How did it get here? "You don't want a innocent, blushing maiden like Sarah? Someone polite and respectable?" She smiled at him, and her accent was suddenly a lot more French than British. "Course you don't, or you wouldn't have asked. Well then, mon mignon, let's give it a chance. Court away. Perhaps I will like you the same, non?" Since they were the same height, all she had to do was lean in a bit to kiss him. As kisses go, it wasn't much. Just a firm pressing together of their lips for a scarce handful of seconds. "You are lucky. The last boy who asked that I punched in the nose." She freed her hands, fainted a haymaker, and laughed. "Your first kiss is mine. What other of your firsts shall I take, I wonder?" And the grinning mischievous pirate was back. 

 

"If you're done getting lost in my dear sister's eyes, Friend Owen? Drinks all around!" Riel's approach and taking a seat would have been obvious to anyone not looking at Owen and Kadene. "She did more than just punch the lout. She kicked him, too, and I'll wager you know where." Yes, he was grinning as mischievously as his sister. "My dear sister was one scary twelve year old."

 

Kadene shot back. "I only kicked him so you didn't stab him!"

 

Riel returned fire. "He cheated me. I was only going to stab him because he thought to repay the debt by bedding my sister."

 

Kadene sighed. "I should have kicked him more. And harder."

 

Riel laughed. "And she's still scary at sixteen!"

 

[Dracostern]

Cerebral and Cerebellum

 

The twins nod along. They were actually impressed that Bernadette managed to climb so far in such a short period of time. Not that they were surprised. The other woman was just that impressive to them. Hell if it wasn't for her, they might not get as inteigrated with the Academy as they are now. So they would give her some nods. Daniel looked really excited. "Oh? The Grammys? Good work haha, might have to buy your music sometime." When they actually get more money. "I'm happy to see you shining so brightly, you deserve it friend." 

 

At the Clairemont comment the twins looked at each other again. "I mean yeah, there are a lot of new students and that's honestly wonderful! Though ummm..." Daniel rubs the back of his neck for a moment and looks down. "I do kind of feel....overlooked sometimes because of it." 

 

Iris looks at her brother when geniune surprise. It seems as though not everything was transparant between the two. 

[Thevshi]

Multi-Girl (talking with Gaian Knight, King Cole III and Harlequin and moving on in the main lobby)

 

Bernadette gave a small grin as Renee mentioned not liking Michael. "He can be a bit nosey, can' he." She stated. "I think it comes with well intentions, mostly." The redhead then gave a little shrug. "But regardless, certainly don' mind anyone wantin' ta buy any o' our stuff directly." 

 

She then nodded as Renee talked about wanting to find her own way towards her goals in theater. "I can understand that." Bernadette replied with a warm smile. "Ta be honest, not sure I can truly provide much in the way o' help. The music scene an' theater are so very different worlds, but I would be more than happy ta be a soundin' board for ideas on how ta get where you want."

 

As the teen excused herself, the redheaded singer gave another nod and smile. "No trouble at all. Very nice ta have met you." She then turned toward Gaian Knight. "Again, thank you fer the lovely party. Unless I want ta fill the party up with me duplicates, I should be movin' along myself." 

 

With that, the redhead moved on into the party.

 

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

 

The other Bernadette was still talking with Daniel and Iris. She gave Daniel a smile as he congratulated her on getting nominated for a Grammy and talked about buying her music. The redhead gave a small shrug. "Thank you, its fer Best New Artist, not the largest field of competition, but still an honor ta be nominated. Only one shot fer that one, will have ta see if we can get more nominations fer other categories over the years."

 

"An' if you don' want ta just listen ta our stuff online, I would be happy ta get you copies o’ everythin' we have released thus far." 

 

When Danile commented about feeling a bit overlooked due to the large number of new Claremont students, Bernadette noted the surprised look on Iris' face and gave Danile a questioning look of her own. "Overlooked? How so?" She asked.
 

[Nerdzul]

Admittedly, Diego had struggled to get into the proper Christmas spirit that year, perhaps deep down he did miss his family, well, his brothers at least, or maybe he just was not the type to attend big formal events. That said, an invitation to the Freedom League Christmas Gala was not exactly something that happens every day wasn't it?

 

Still, he had procrastinated a lot before getting there, wasting time until he had convinced himself that staying at his dorm room was gonna be lame anyway and had managed to arrive only with the party well underway.

 

There he was, strolling through the festive halls, dressed in an expensive looking suit (one that he might not have paid with money that did not exactly belong to him), doing his best to conceal the awe in his gaze as he spotted all the big names among the super-hero world in attendance like it was the most normal thing in the world.

[Jack]

Jack caught the smile from Lynn as he watched with amusement as Owen gathered his courage to approach Kadene. The bear spirit rumbled contentedly inside him, sharing his joy at seeing his friend take such a bold step. When Kadene's eyes lit up at Owen's awkward but heartfelt confession, Jack couldn't contain his broad grin.

 

His deep Russian laugh boomed through the room as Kadene surprised Owen with a quick kiss, leaving his friend red-faced and stammering. "Ha! Is good to see brave heart rewarded, da?" Jack called out, drawing a few glances from nearby partygoers.

 

Watching Owen's success gave Jack a surge of confidence. He turned toward Lynn, who was still holding the napkin-wrapped ice rose he'd made earlier. He absently grabbed one of the fancy napkins as he had an idea to make the ice rose part of her ensemble and compliment her wardrobe. His massive frame cast a shadow as he stepped closer, extending one giant hand toward her.

 

"Perhaps ve go mingle a bit? Before Mattie try to stick us under mistletoe too…" His thick accent and chuckle wrapped around the words as he smiled down at her, hoping she'd recovered enough from her earlier emotional moment to enjoy more of the party.

 

 

[Thevshi]

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

 

Lynn gave Mattie a small smile. "I'm sure." She replied as her roommate focused on her dinner. The blonde teen had begun focusing on the general party around them. So, at first she had not noticed the third arm Mattie had shapeshifted.

 

And then the interaction between Owen and Kadene drew her attention as Owen explained his feelings for Kadene and asked her out. Lynn was a little surprised by Owen’s sudden bold action, but apparently not quite as surprised as Kadene, who at first seemed confused. But then the pirate teen recovered quickly and gave Owen a quick kiss as Mattie held some mistletoe over their heads.

 

Jack's deep laugh then rung out, causing Lynn to glance over toward him with a small smile at his exuberance. As the large teen moved over toward her, the blonde sixteen-year-old felt a sight 'butterfly' sensation in her chest. 

 

When Jack held out his hand and suggested they mingle some to avoid Mattie's mistletoe, Lynn gave him one of her half smiles. "Oh, I don't know if that would be so bad." She replied quietly, even as she took the offered hand and stood up. The blonde teen’s cheeks were still slightly red, but otherwise she seemed to have generally recovered from the earlier emotional moments. "Perhaps somewhere a bit quieter where we can talk a bit." She said as she looked up to Jack and the pair started away from the rest of the group.
 

[Lone_Star]

On 12/30/2024 at 5:26 AM, EternalPhoenix said:

Serendipity and Stormchild

 

Kadene just kinda looked back at him, still befuddled. Because what was a date? The month and day did not sound like an event. But in context? Oh. Oh. "You want to court me, do you?" The question, while teasing, was clearly also rhetorical. Honestly, she just liked how he blushed and stammered. How did it get here? "You don't want a innocent, blushing maiden like Sarah? Someone polite and respectable?" She smiled at him, and her accent was suddenly a lot more French than British. "Course you don't, or you wouldn't have asked. Well then, mon mignon, let's give it a chance. Court away. Perhaps I will like you the same, non?" Since they were the same height, all she had to do was lean in a bit to kiss him. As kisses go, it wasn't much. Just a firm pressing together of their lips for a scarce handful of seconds. "You are lucky. The last boy who asked that I punched in the nose." She freed her hands, fainted a haymaker, and laughed. "Your first kiss is mine. What other of your firsts shall I take, I wonder?" And the grinning mischievous pirate was back. 

 

"If you're done getting lost in my dear sister's eyes, Friend Owen? Drinks all around!" Riel's approach and taking a seat would have been obvious to anyone not looking at Owen and Kadene. "She did more than just punch the lout. She kicked him, too, and I'll wager you know where." Yes, he was grinning as mischievously as his sister. "My dear sister was one scary twelve year old."

 

Kadene shot back. "I only kicked him so you didn't stab him!"

 

Riel returned fire. "He cheated me. I was only going to stab him because he thought to repay the debt by bedding my sister."

 

Kadene sighed. "I should have kicked him more. And harder."

 

Riel laughed. "And she's still scary at sixteen!"

 

 

Prime Mover

 

He hadn't realized that the word 'date' didn't have much context for Kadene, but she picked up on it pretty quickly. He grinned as she accepted his offer of courtship. "Well, sure, that's the whole - oh!" He barely had time to react as Kadene leaned in for a little kiss. She was correct, that was his first kiss, and he couldn't properly respond to the twin's quipping back and forth. "Oh, uh. Mm-hmm!" He knew what she was implying, but he couldn't fathom anything more than he had just had his first kiss. In front of his friends, no less! 

 

But that was okay. Not only did he have his first kiss, she said yes! Her brother was also unlikely to stab him at this time, nor was he physically injured by Kadene just for asking her out! That was a win in itself. 

 

19 hours ago, Jack said:

Jack caught the smile from Lynn as he watched with amusement as Owen gathered his courage to approach Kadene. The bear spirit rumbled contentedly inside him, sharing his joy at seeing his friend take such a bold step. When Kadene's eyes lit up at Owen's awkward but heartfelt confession, Jack couldn't contain his broad grin.

 

His deep Russian laugh boomed through the room as Kadene surprised Owen with a quick kiss, leaving his friend red-faced and stammering. "Ha! Is good to see brave heart rewarded, da?" Jack called out, drawing a few glances from nearby partygoers.

 

Watching Owen's success gave Jack a surge of confidence. He turned toward Lynn, who was still holding the napkin-wrapped ice rose he'd made earlier. He absently grabbed one of the fancy napkins as he had an idea to make the ice rose part of her ensemble and compliment her wardrobe. His massive frame cast a shadow as he stepped closer, extending one giant hand toward her.

 

"Perhaps ve go mingle a bit? Before Mattie try to stick us under mistletoe too…" His thick accent and chuckle wrapped around the words as he smiled down at her, hoping she'd recovered enough from her earlier emotional moment to enjoy more of the party.

 

 

 

Owen was still recovering from his first kiss, when he saw his friend Jack stand up and make his move on Lynn. This would truly be a night for all of them to remember, and Owen turned towards his friend and gave him a thumbs up, encouraging his romantic pursuits. "Go for it, man!" 

 

[Dracostern]

Cerebral and Cerebellum

 

"That sounds great Bernadette, but I think I will try find them online first haha...as for your question well." Daniel glances between the redhead and his sister before sighing. He was trying to figure out how to word his thoughts because this was a rather serious subject and he needed to say it the right way, as to not overwhelm everyone. Soon he would nod his head and just go for it. 

 

"It's just that, with the amount of new students, it's hard to find time to hang out with people, or to go on missions. I've found it....hard...to keep up with friends or form proper relationships, everyone is just busy interacting with all these new people and...I dunno. I guess I'm just complaining for no reason haha." 

[Thevshi]

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

 

Bernadette listened while Daniel explained what he meant, giving the teen a small smile as he finished. "Nah, I understand, things can often be like that, particularly when a large new class starts." The redhead replied. "You two missed that whole thing last fall when yer class started, o' course, there were several o' you that started later in the year as well."

 

The Irish young woman gave a small shrug. "Things often start ta settle around this time, so, should be a bit easier the rest o' the year. But, never hurts ta try an' be the one takin’ a bit o' initiative in tryin' ta plan stuff with people."

 

"Well, probably should get ta minglin' a bit more. Good ta see you two, an' the next time we have a show in town, I will be sure ta get plenty o' tickets over for any Claremont students that want ta attend." Bernadette stated with another warm smile.
 

[Thevshi]

Velocity (in the main lobby talking with Golden Star, Spaceman, Gamma Buzz, Blue Bolt and Lady Liberty and her daughters)

 

Beth gave the teens a warm smile as they responded to her and her daughters. "So very nice to meet you all. Getting a chance to meet the young, upcoming heroes was always one of the things I enjoyed the most about these events. I can recall when Megan first attended one of these, she was younger than any of you." The older woman stated, her smile widening as she glanced over to Velocity.

 

The twins listened to Michael, Parker and Baz with wide eyes and wider smiles as they talked. Then their mother got their attentions with gentle taps to their shoulders. "Okay girls, time to get up to see Neko." She said, to which the two girls’ smiles faded slightly. "Awww." They said in unison, even as they moved to follow after their mother.

 

"Well, again, wonderful to meet each of you, Happy Holidays!" The former Lady Liberty said as she started off from the group. 

 

"Happy Holidays!" "Hope to see you again soon!" The twins stated as they followed after their mother.

 

As they departed, Velocity reached out to give Baz a comforting pat on his shoulder, giving him a warm smile.

 

"Well, I should probably get back to hostess duties. Great to see you all again, maybe we can catch up more later." The speedster said before moving on into the party as well.

 

Later that night….

 

As the evening progressed, the guests continued to mingle and interact. Eventually a couple members of Serendipity's Luckstorm pirates took to a small stage set up in the main lobby to provide some live music. As their performance finished up, Velocity zipped back up onto the stage with a microphone in her hand. "Please give some applause to the Luckstorm Pirates." She stated before clapping herself.

 

Once the musicians had left the stage, the League member looked back out at the gathered crowd. "Well, it is hard to believe another year has already passed since the last time I had to get up here to speak. And what an eventful year it has been. As always, we are always happy to have so many of you here, to offer some small thanks for all everyone in this room does for the city and beyond. Tonight, we are particularly honored by the presence of some guests from much further away than normal. We have a few members of the Praetorians present, and for those that do not know, they are an interstellar superteam primarily operating out of the Lor Republic and other allied systems. We also have Kinarr Khan, the current Star Khan and ruler of the Stellar Kanate as well as one of his top advisors, Justicar Vor'an."

 

"For those that are unaware, the Stellar Khanate and Kinarr's father were long hostile with the Lor Republic and clashed with Deadalus and other Legue members. However, after succeeding his father earlier this year, one of Kinarr's first acts was to extend peace to the Lor Republic. My understanding is that peace has been finalized, and things might be a bit bumpy, but overall, it is bringing positive change for countless beings in the Republic, the Khanate and hundreds of neighboring systems. A good reminder that sometimes taking a different path can allow you to achieve more than you can by just continuing to do things the way they always have been done."

 

"As of often the case, we once again have several of the newest young heroes from Claremont Academy present tonight. It is always wonderful to have an opportunity to meet those new heroes, whether they grew up around this sort of life or those for whom this is a completely new world. I hope each of you comes to value your time at Claremont and the opportunity to be with so many of your peers as you set out on this journey. I believe you will come to look back and value the opportunity to have been around others going through many of the same things as you. Please know that there are many of us here tonight that are more than happy to offer what help we can. Even if we may not always know the answers, we will try to find someone that does or just be there to talk things through."

 

"Well, enough of the boring speeches, there is still plenty of food, drink and wonderful company, so please continue enjoying yourselves." The speedster stated, gesturing back towards where the bar and food was located. "But, for those that may be interested, once again the press room has been converted to a dance floor for the night, which is where I am headed." She added, pointing toward some now open doors off the lobby. "I look forward to seeing some of you out there."

 

"Again, thank you all for all the things you do, big and small and Happy Holidays!"

 

With that, Velocity vanished in a blur of yellow, moving out onto the dance floor in a fraction of a second. As she stopped, the separate sound system for the makeshift dance floor starting playing Rosé & Bruno Mars' APT. As the song began, Megan went into performing parts of a dance routine for the song she had recently helped choreograph and teach to North Bay Academy’s cheerleading squad for the upcoming basketball season.  
 

[Poncho]

(Golden Star)

 

After spending his time meeting and greeting, Michael had gotten excited for the dancing to finally start- he could be impatient sometimes-. He felt like he'd greeted mostly everyone, even if his interactions with Paradigm had perhaps been limited and not as long as he had wanted to spend talking to her and the Star Khan. He was still excited about visiting them in space over the Summer, if everything worked out, but there were so many people he constantly felt like he had to talk to that he could only manage a little talk with each.

 

But there was one person who was more important than everyone else at this party to him.

 

So he descended towards Carmen burning like a Christmas star, his short crimson cape flowing out behind him as he offered her his hand to hop up into the sky so he could hold her up. It was incredibly overwrought and dramatic, and absolutely exactly how Michael Adon always tended towards; grand gestures and appearances.

 

"Would you like to dance with me?" he asked Carmen with a smile. "Or else Velocity is going to tear up the whole floor and we won't get a spot at all." he said with a grin, though he was admittedly impressed- as always- at just how agile and capable Velocity was.