White Wedding [IC]

[Ecalsneerg]

"Unlikely considering the situation. The robot'd've been ratted on easily," said John, draining his glass and gesturing for the now-nervous bar staff to top him up. "Thing is, how long before it gets out they're married and villains use them against each other, or they work long hours and never see each other or work together and get sick of each other? It's nice to think it'll last. I give it nine months."

[Heritage]

"I'm James; James Prophet. It's absolute pleasure to meet you Lynn. Your dancing matches the rest of you. Very inspiring I must say,"

Lynn's nose wrinkles slightly at the mention of one of Freedom City's most prestigious families. "Oh no, you're not rich, are you?" She sighs deeply at this great sadness. "Oh well, nobody's perfect, I suppose. Lucky for you you're cute, or I'd be gone already."

She arches her back and trails her fingers along the floor, just for kicks, then rises back up to peer at her partner with wicked eyes.

"Hey, tell me something: would you give it all away for the right girl? Not me of course, me and Colt are pretty darn tight, but if the right girl asked you to walk away from it all, from everythig God laid out for you on a platter before you were born, could you do it?"

She runs a finger along the edge of James' jaw.

"Could you, rich boy?"

[quotemyname]

And just like that, Colt was lost to the conversation at hand. He hadn't seen where the stranger had come from, or heard what he had said, but he did see him dancing with Lynn. And he did see her smile...

Now Colt wasn't the jealous type. He had never had a problem holding on to what was his. The endless trophys and titles his fame afforded him didn't come easy. But fortunately for Colt one result of hard work is that it made you good, and he wasn't just good. He was the best. But even as this thought rolled over in his head, like a tumbleweed through town on high noon, another more important one presented itself. The thought stood there, like another gunman ready to draw his own sidearm at the slightest sign of a flinch. It was a thought he simply could not ignore. Someone was dancing with his girlfriend. And that someone was not him.

Colt took a deep breath, and another sip of his drink. But he found he simply could not concentrate on the conversation. Suddenly, he became aware that he had been slurping at the bottom of his glass for a few moments now. "Alright, kid. Ya've had yer fun...

"Excuse me gentleman," Colt said, setting his glass down on the bar, "Reckon I've got me some territory ta defend." and he strode off across the reception.

---

"'Scuse me, partner," Colt tapped the young man on the shoulder, "Mind if I cut in?" he said with a smile that was not unkind.

[Avenger Assembled]

It pained Jack to break away from Taylor, as if he might turn around and she and everything about this dream-like day would simply disappear. But he did want to greet his friend, and so headed over to clap Viktor Archeville on the back. "Viktor! I knew the finest scientist who doesn't live in a tin can would make an entrance worthy of the name." He grinned, looking uncharacteristically honestly happy. "I knew our mutual investments would pay off well."

[Cyroa]

James' winning smile never faltered as they continued. "Finding fault with someone simply because they were born to something they couldn't control? And here I thought you were both urbane and beautiful. Ah well, no one is perfect," he said with a grin. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the cowboy, Colt apparently, finally notice and started moving over after setting the drink down on the bar. "Well, it seems my work is done sadly. As for that last question? Let me answer it with one of my own. What wouldn't I, or anyone really, give for true happiness?, he said speaking honestly and from experience. He stopped their dance as Colt walked up. "Of course, I was merely entertaining the lovely lady here. Lynn, thank you for the dance," he said with a bow and kissing her hand. Nodding to Colt, her turned and headed off the dance floor, still smiling. It was all good fun as far as he was concerned.

[Heritage]

"Finding fault with someone simply because they were born to something they couldn't control? And here I thought you were both urbane and beautiful. Ah well, no one is perfect,"

Lynn laughs, and it almost comes out a snort. "Me, urbane? Nah, I just clean up nice; I come from a family of poor moisture farmers on Tatooine."

"Well, it seems my work is done sadly. As for that last question? Let me answer it with one of my own. What wouldn't I, or anyone really, give for true happiness?"

The beautiful young brunette smiles and offers an elegant nod. "Well said, kind sir, well said. You're off the hook, for now."

"Of course, I was merely entertaining the lovely lady here. Lynn, thank you for the dance,"

She smiles and does her best courtsey, then spins to face Colt, her dress swirling about her like wine. When she looks into his eyes, she can't help but giggle as she takes his hand.

"I'm sorry, I was minding my own business, letting you share a drink with the Russkie when that charming devil found me." She raises her bare shoulders in a semi-embarrassed shrug. "I'm only human, or whatever I am these days." She stands on tip-toe to kiss him warmly on the lips, and runs a hand lovingly across his cheek. "I'm still your girl, don't worry. C'mon, let's dance."

[Moira Morley]

Moira politely nodded to Elena when Ace introduced them. Of course they new each other. She greeted Elena with a friendly hug and a kiss on the cheek. "How are you," she asked with a warm smile. It had been so long since they hung out together. Right before she met Stesha was when they went on their first and last outing. It ended horribly with squished werewolves. She hoped time had healed the wounds of the bad date.

[quotemyname]

Colt's expressions was on of shock, and mock anger. He'd always found it was difficult to be angry with Grim. "Y'all were tryin' ta make me jealous!" He exclaimed, feigning offense, "Well, it worked. I reckon you're the devil, an' a sly one at that." he added as he followed her to the center of the dance floor.

[alderwitch]

Taylor flashed a quick smile over at the doctor but her attention had been drawn by the increasingly discomfited look on Samael's face. He was easy to see over the crowd and with determination, Taylor eased her way through the crowd to find out what was distressing the gentle giant.

Her heels clicking on the floors gave both men ample time to be aware of her arrival. She stepped up to Samael's side, resting one slim hand on his mammoth arm in an absurdly protective gesture as she greeted both men. "Hello, John. I'm glad you could make it. Would you mind if I stole your drinking partner for a dance?"

[Geez3r]

Atlas was rather surprised to see Taylor making her way over to the bar. "I'd be honored. I varn you zough, I am not ze best of dancers." replied Atlas with a half-shrug before offering his arm to Taylor and escorting her back to the dance floor. Atlas took a little longer than usual to get "set up" once they were on the floor, the fact that his partner was about 4ft shorter than him obviously throwing him off.

After a moment though, he got adjusted and started slowly rotating in place, his hands clasped on the small of Taylor's back, though his hands were bis enough to reach close to her shoulder blades, his grip thankfully quite gentle. "Is it everyzing you zough it vould be?" asked Atlas softly.

[alderwitch]

"I'm not the best of dancers, either. Usually, its Jack making me look like I have a bit more grace than usual. Especially since I'm not all that keen on heels." Taylor smiled ruefully and followed him out on the floor, "But I shall do my best not to stomp on your feet."

She put her left hand on his arm and tucked her right hand into his much larger one, fingertips just curling over the top of his hand. Taylor looked petite when standing next to her tall husband, but next to Atlas, she looked like a child. She looked up at him, once she was certain that she wouldn't break her promise and trod on his feet. Really, she probably could have stood ontop of his shoes and he wouldn't even have noticed but it was hardly polite. "Its more than. When I was a little girl, I never really dreamed about my wedding. It was just one of those things that I figured would happen. Then when I... picked my career, I crossed it off my list. Mostly, I'm surprised to have survived the day without a catastrophe. Everything else is just icing on the cake."

[Geez3r]

"I suppose zat vould happen." said Atlas as he considered for a moment as he continued to dance to the slow beat. "But zen again. I find zat ze icing is ze best part of ze cake, so maybe it is better it vorked out zis vay? Get your money's vorth da?" mused Atlas with a half shrug. "But enough of questioning it. It vorked itself out and you two crazy kids are going to be happy togezer, I know it." he gave Talyor a little squeeze at the last words and looked at her with a sincere heart warming smile.

[Dr Archeville]

Doktor Archeville

'Mutual investments'? I-

Fool! This is a "no capes" event; most here don't know these two newlyweds are costumed do-gooders.

Oh... well, we do not have a 'secret identity,' so there is no need for us to hide anything.

Except for what we know... which could prove quite advantageous. Yes, I do think we have some leverage here...

"Oh, quite vell indeed, Jack," Archeville replied, giving a quick knowing wink to the man of the hour, "und my vedding gift to you is in part de fruits of dat investment advice. I am sure you und Taylor vill find it remarkably useful."

The Doktor looked around the room, "now, vhere shall I place this, hrm? I vould rather not spend mein time here holding it, I haff dances to dance! Also... dere is a bar, ja?"

[Avenger Assembled]

"Is there a bar!?" asked Jack, clapping Archeville on the shoulder as he pointed towards the dark wood-topped bar in one corner of the room. "Taylor and I take good care of our friends." He suppressed a brief frown at the sight of Taylor dancing with Atlas, reminding himself that he could hardly feel jealous on his wedding day. Especially not of Atlas, who though an outstandingly brave man was not exactly Taylor's type. They're not all out to get you, he reminded himself. It isn't like it is back home. "Come," he suggested, nodding to the bar, "you can judge for me if I ordered the proper quantity and quality of lager."

[Heritage]

"Y'all were tryin' ta make me jealous!"

"Well, it worked. I reckon you're the devil, an' a sly one at that."

Lynn wrinkes up her nose as they begin to dance.

"Yeah, not normally my style; I mean sure, I'm all about the sly and sneaky stuff, but the head games? Not so much."

She smiles, and it's a big lazy tiger grin.

"I was weak, I admit it." She stands on tiptoe to breathe in his ear. "But I'm nuts about you, and don't ever forget it."

The petite brunette rest her head on Colt's chest as they continue to sway; her eye catches Atlas and Taylor, and she can't hold back a chuckle.

"I love it; a giant red Russian is here, and no one even questions it." She sighs deeply, the sigh of someone who's blissfully content. "I really love this town sometimes."

For a while, Lynn is actually quiet, a sign of complete happiness her boyfriend has learned to recognize, but after a few minutes she looks up into his eyes, her small chin resting on his chest.

"Hey, you wanna do the winter camping thing, maybe after Christmas? Y'know, I don't get cold, so I can just...wrap myself around you all night long..."

She wiggles her eyebrows invitingly.

[alderwitch]

Taylor beamed up at him, as content as any bride on her wedding day. She peeked around his shoulder (as peeking over it was out of the question) and saw Jack escorting the good doctor to the bar. As the dance came to an end, Taylor twirled easily under one of Atlas's giant hands and grinned, "I think you're right. I'm not going to question it. I'm just going to enjoy the moments as they come. Think you could escort me over to find our young hellion before he finds himself another girl to whisk around the floor? There's a few people I do want to dance with before the night ends."

She nodded at James to elucidate her request. Other than her father, her teammates were about the highest on that list. Deadhead, she'd have to owe a dance to.

[quotemyname]

"I love it; a giant red Russian is here, and no one even questions it." She sighs deeply, the sigh of someone who's blissfully content. "I really love this town sometimes."

Colt chuckled agreeably. "Reckon I been in this town fer what... Three? Four months? I stopped askin' questions a looooooong time ago." Colt smiled down at Lynn, delightfully content himself. "People just learn ta accept, that's the best part."

For a time, he just danced to the music, listening to her talk. And then,

"Hey, you wanna do the winter camping thing, maybe after Christmas? Y'know, I don't get cold, so I can just...wrap myself around you all night long..."

She wiggles her eyebrows invitingly.

Colt smiled at her knowingly, "Reckon I can't think'a anythin' else I'd rather spend ma time doin'." And he pulled her in a little closer to him as they made another turn.

[Geez3r]

"Zat I can m'lady." said Atlas bowing while doing his best impersonation (read: terrible) of a British butler. He escorted her over to James "Until ve meet again; which shouldn't be for several days at ze earliest." Atlas dropped his voice and crouched down low before softly adding "You and Jack should be enjoying each others company a lot over ze next few days." with a mischievous grin on his face. Atlas then took his leave to reclaim his lost spot at the bar.

[Dr Archeville]

Doktor Archeville

"Vell, I was at Oktoberfest de month before last," Archeville said as he and Jack made their way to the bar, "so I shall try not to judge your offerings too harshly," he said with a wink and a smile. As he approached, he waved to Taylor and Atlas.

Big Man! Big Red Man!

Yes, that is Atlas, remember? Friend. Friend! Oh, and there's Stesha & Derrick!

Right... friends.. sure... Oh, there's Lynn and Colt; wonder if any of our other minions are here?

Team mates!

To-may-toe, to-mah-toe... oh, there's John; hope he doesn't blow this place up.

I doubt he would be inclined to, and the lack of an ammo cache under the place would make it difficult anyway.

You sure about- whoa, who's that looker there with Ace?

Elena?

Not her, you gelded lily, her!

Archeville continued talking, though it was clear to Jack he was equally interested in the Greek goddess on Ace's arm. "Quite de crowd you haff here, Jack. I take it, dough, dat none of your... nocturnal associates share in de merriment? I vould not imagine marriages 'outside de community' vould be dat common, or velcome."

[Cyroa]

James nodded to Atlas. "Thanks big guy." He made a mental note to start looking for a girl for the giant Russian hero. It sucked that he was so out of place. The big guy needed some comforts now and again.

He made an over-exaggerated bow and flourish to Taylor before rising and extending his hand to her. "My lady, may I have this dance?" Sure, she was part teacher and part partner to him, sort of, not to mention teammate. And yeah, she was a bit over the line in the no-fun zone when she was working (sometimes more than bit). But Taylor the woman was a tad more relaxed when it was just her. Besides, it was all in good fun. He certainly wasn't going for the stern magical guardian look. He probably could pull it off, but it sure didn't seem like fun to him. James was the same in or out of costume (if he actually had one that is). He could do the work and still have fun, which was the point after all. He led Taylor out onto the dance floor with a smile.

[Geez3r]

Altas waved at Dr. Archeville as he passed and dropped Taylor off with James. "Take care." Atlas started to head back to the bar, when he noticed something about the crowd. They didn't seem to be scared of him anymore. Dancing with Taylor sort of gave Taylor's personal seal of approval for Atlas being there. So Atlas wasn't simply a guy in the room, but rather a person who was supposed to be there. Thanks Taylor. thought Atlas as he danced with one of Taylor's aunts.

[alderwitch]

Taylor was reduced to a blushing laugh but she didn't disagree with Atlas's suggestions. She flashed a fond smile at him before sliding gracefully into James arms. It didn't escape James' notice that she glanced over his shoulder too, to find her new husband in the crowded party before she returned her attention to James' face.

"You're such a flirt, James Prophet," Taylor teased him with a lighthearted smile. She meant, of course, his dance with Grim. She wasn't the world's best dancer, but surprisingly, Taylor could follow someone else's lead. Of course, without using magic, trying to push Jack around the floor would have been like trying to shove the wall over and just as futile, "That cowboy gave you such the hairy eyeball."

[Cyroa]

He smirked and feigned innocence. For a brief moment anyway. "Who? Me?" He chuckled and continued, moving gracefully along the dance floor. "Someone's got to do it. 'Sides, it's a lot of fun. Not just the flirting mind you, which is fun too, but getting a rise out of the cowboy. Not like it was going anywhere. Or that I'd be worried if it was actually. And as a side benefit, I got him to pay a little more attention to his girlfriend. Everybody wins." He grinned. "So, just let me know when you need to make Jack pay a little more attention to you," he said, waggling his eyebrows as he swept her around the dance floor.

[alderwitch]

Taylor rolled her eyes at that and made a face, "I don't think Jack would get jealous if I stripped and danced on the table for everyone. Ace sets him off but that's mostly that stupid rivalry thing that they do. Besides, he really has nothing to worry about and he knows it."

Her expression smoothed out to studied blankness as she caught sight of Moira over James' shoulder. Jack really wasn't the jealous one in the relationship. At least, he certainly wasn't the one to have reason for jealousy. With determination, she forced her voice back to lightness as she teased, "Besides, you're a little too young for me. Maybe after you're legal we'll talk."

[Dr Archeville]

DEAD HEAD

Jack and Taylor had sent Dead Head an invite to the reception, even though they knew he'd turn it down. But receiving the invite meant a lot to the Revoltin' Revenant, and even if he couldn't/wouldn't show, he wanted to do something nice for them.

He kept drawing a blank on what to do for Jack, but for Taylor, he had the perfect plan. He knew, from passing comments she'd made, that she had relatives in Freedom -- specifically, in Freedom's cemeteries -- so he had some potential materials to work with. A bit of searching and digging got him the item he needed.

Nestled among all the other gifts was a small box, one light enough that a disembodied hand could have dragged it over. It was simply wrapped, though the paper and bow were slightly crumpled, as if they'd been taken from someone's recycling bin. The tag read "To Taylor; From D.H."

Inside were two items, a necklace and a note. The necklace was a beautiful and unusual combination of deep purplish red Siberian amethyst and crystal rondelles, with a clasp made of sterling silver filigree. The short note read "Thanks so much for the invite; it meant a lot. This belonged to your great-great-grandmother, Meredith. I told her of your wedding; she insisted I give you this, with her blessings."