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 becausjust 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."

[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 5 hours ago 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.