Champagne Shenanigans [IC]

[KnightDisciple]

*snip*

That is, until the poor young man bumped into her! Though she did spill her drink when she stumbled, she was able, due to years of practice, to avoid getting any champagne on her dress. Seeing that the teen was about to take a bit of a spill himself, her braid quickly unfurled and several golden tendrils shot out to grab him at the shoulders and waist, easily able to handle his athletic frame.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got you!†Lifting him back up to his feet, she smiled warmly at him as she sent a few tendrils across the room to fetch some napkins from a nearby table. “Are you alright? Sadly dodging photographers is often a full-contact sport.†She did her best to mop up the spill with the napkins as a simply stunning young lady approached them and began to speak with the young man in Latin, of all things.

How very interesting!

Corbin managed to find his footing rather quickly, all things considered. Super-strong hair probably helped matters.

"Oh damn it, I'm sorry. I made you spill...ugh. This is horrible. At least my parents are distracted..."

Currently, Albert and Sarah were at the other end of the dance floor, staring deeply into each others' eyes. If not for his current situation, Corbin might have shook his head, appreciating the romance while still feeling weirded out at his parents making googly eyes at each other. At least they weren't making out or anything.

"You didn't-Oh good, it isn't on your clothes or anything. I'm sorry, I just got so flustered, and..."

He's now fiddling nervously with the ring on his right hand, spinning it around in place as his left foot taps a rapid beat on the floor.

*snip*

""

She glanced around at the rest of the party, the whole scene was winding down a little bit, though there was still a bit of fuss,

""

Corbin turned to face Etain, his face almost...angry. His response in Latin was an angry near-hiss.

<No! I will not go running to my parents like a mewling babe, and I will not have others fighting all of my battles for me! I should have handled it better. It's my problem, my responsibility. I should->

Suddenly, he stops. His eyes close, and his foot stops its angry beat. He seems to take a moment to mentally repeat a mantra, or some such thing; his lips faintly flutter, no real pattern to what they're doing. When his eyes open again, they're still slightly stressed, but much calmer. His posture has relaxed, and he takes a moment to straighten out his coat, brush off his pants, and tug his sleeves back into position. His voice has regained much of its gentle strength and calm when he speaks again.

"I apologize. I should not be mad at you, Etain. You were only trying to help. Nonetheless, the point stands. I will not run to my parents, and I will not ask you to fight my battles for me. Isolation is the last thing I need. My parents had the right idea when they brought me here. One way or another, this will become part of my life. I need to accept that."

He takes a slight step so both women are in his sight line. He turns to face Estelle fully for a moment, giving her a semi-formal bow.

"I would ask, ma'am, that I have the honor of a dance with you after a short while. I feel it's the best I can do to make up for bumping into you. But first..."

He turns to Etain, and also bows.

"I would ask you for the honor of a dance as well. My anger was unfounded, so let me further apologize by giving you a dance partner who isn't already inebriated."

He held out a hand to his fellow student, a perfectly schooled expression on his face.

[Aoiroo]

Etain nearly moved back at the angry sound of her voice but not far enough as to not see the change in his expression before he switched to English. Glancing at the woman with long moving loches she only then noticed the spilled drink in her hand. This was switched back when she found that he had bent in his large form down to a level that was just about at her eye level and offered her a dance. Smiling quietly, she took her hand with a light curtsy,

"It would be a mutual honor to accompany you Corbin."

The two of them walked over to the floor generally ignoring the paperazzi who had apparently found a better subject to harass as an amazoness seemed to have entered the party.

[KnightDisciple]

Corbin gives a brief nod to Estelle.

"Until later, ma'am."

He then follows Etain onto the floor. He doesn't possess the same innate skill at the art of dancing, but he is able to follow along reasonably well, without tripping or stepping on her feet. As they dance, he seems to gradually adjust better to the flow of their movements, making his own seem a bit more natural. His hand were planted on her shoulders, which wasn't hard for someone of his comparative stature. His own posture seemed to relax as they danced.

Though he made sure they kept plenty of space between them and his parents. He didn't want things to be weird.

"Well, here's to hoping this marks the beginning of us enjoying the party a bit more, eh?"

Corbin's efforts to steer clear of his parents meant that the young couple passed close to Felix & Joan, as well as the Doctor & Miss Americana.

[Dr Archeville]

Archeville found himself dancing with what was effectively a mannequin for 30 seconds while Gina hopped into the cameras.

Still following the same loop, good, good. No sudden moves, maintain the same pace, and no one will know a thing.

"Ah, yes, a shame about those inferior memory cards," he replied once she snapped back in, on the off chance anyone overheard. And, in case anyone as overhearing, he continued, "did I mention the recent breakthrough in optical chips? Should be ready for consumer use by this time next year, and allow for a thousand fold increase in processing ans transfer speeds!"

The Doktor kept an eye peeled as they danced, planning who to talk to once it wound down.

Ah, Joan is dancing with Fassbinder. I do hope she is able to enjoy herself tonight -- parties should be fun! Oh, and there is Estelle, looks like she is going to- oh!

The Doktor winced slightly at the sight, then turned his focus back on Miss Americana. "Looks like the Hughes boy has gotten his evening off to a fine start. Ah, and thus endeth the song." The music stopped, Archeville released his partner, and gave her a respectful bow. "So, with whom shall we speak next? I believe I saw the senator from- oh, do pardon me!"

The entrance of both the awesome Fulcrum and the stunning Bombshell was noted by many, but the Doktor was the first to reach them (to Corbin's dismay). First he approached Natalya, already at the bottom of the stairs, with arms outstretched. "Natalya, darling, hello! It has been, what, four months? Far too long!" Right before he reached her, though, he shifted up and flew to Fulcrum, reaching her in a flash. He hovered up so he could look her in the eye and wrap his arms around her neck, and gave her a peck on the cheek, "but how could I embrace anyone this evening before embracing you, hrm?"

[Electra]

Miss A hesitated for a moment as Doctor Archeville hurried away, standing by herself in the middle of the dance floor. A quick glance around told her how silly that looked, and that people were looking at her. It was objectively the case that people always looked at her, but somehow that didn't quite click fully into the thought process at the moment. The proper social move, she knew perfectly well, would be to go greet the new arrivals, or failing that, to go and cozy up to the investors who were the reason she'd come to the party at all. Instead, she opted for a tactical retreat in the direction of the ladies room.

[JackgarPrime]

As all the dancing and carrying on goes about, Victory takes this chance to get out of the spotlight for a moment, as it were, and heads out to the back exit, to the lawn. As he gets outside, Lance takes in a deep breath, and looks down at his feet. Not much chance to get off the ground at a function like this. He did like making that entrance, though.

Lance walks over to a bench set up outside and tests its weight. Okay, should be strong enough to hold him. Very, very carefully he lowers himself down to it, as his gaze goes over to the crew setting up the fireworks. Maybe he will help give a show, after all.

[Supercape]

". Something's going on here tonight, even if everyone involved thinks they're perfectly innocent. And you know what they say, Felix. If you can't spot the sucker at the poker table in five minutes, it's you." She grinned, and let him spin her. "Now, I'll lead."

"Oh, I do hope something is going on tonight", replied Felix, more than happy to be lead, unblinkingly dancing in an effeminate style. "That's the whole point. And nobody is innocent, for sure. As Oscar said 'the truth is rarely pure and never simple' - or was it the other way round?"

He twirled away from Fusion with a wink. "I must attend to the guests for a moment, my dear. Do please entertain yourself. More fun, less journalism, heh?"

Felix sauntered off to the gardens. Waiting for him there where the firework crew, acrobats, and animal handlers he had hired. Monkeys, tigers, and an elephant he intended to make a grand entrance on, firing off some fireworks...

He caught sight of Victory, and wandering over him, clapped a friendly arm on his shoulder "hows about a daring display of aerial acrobatics to go with these fireworks, sir?"

[Avenger Assembled]

At the punch table a couple of minutes later, Joan drank good old-fashioned punch with ice cream in it and considered her options. She was glad not to be the center of attention anymore, not having enjoyed the feeling of being alongside the host one bit. It wasn't that Felix Fassbinder was a bad man, she judged, just that she herself didn't like being the subject of so many eyes. After some consideration, she set aside her punch and headed for the ladies room, having caught sight of the famous Miss A heading there. Maybe this was a good time for a confab...especially after the new arrivals she'd caught sight of out the corner of her eye. Where had Viktor gone, anyway?

[Dariusprime]

"Now entering: Ms. Mona Teymourian."

Fulcrum strode into the main room and took in the atmosphere, keeping her expression carefully neutral. Most of the people were strangers, yes, but a few were familiar. The scientist with the long (superpowered!) hair, the blonde bomber Miss Americana...and Viktor Archeville. For a split second her face fell into shock and dismay. That past quickly enough. Before she could fully recover and mingle, Viktor embraced her.

Giving him a peck on the cheek, she slipped her arms around his back, "Why thank you. You look dashing this evening, Viktor! I'm surprised to see you here." The upbeat tone wasn't accusatory, which was the last thing she wanted. She was just curious, for now. "But of course you'd be invited to the big soiree." Unconsciously she smoothed his tie and gave him a big smile.

Dropping to a whisper, she added, "I feel completely out of my element."

[JackgarPrime]

He caught sight of Victory, and wandering over him, clapped a friendly arm on his shoulder "hows about a daring display of aerial acrobatics to go with these fireworks, sir?"

Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Lance looks up to his his host, and nods a greeting. "I suppose it's worth a shot. I'm getting antsy spending all this time on the ground as is."

Chuckling, Lance stands up, the servos in his body a bit audible as his joints lift his weight up. "Did you have anything in mind you wanted me to do, or should I just go with what I feel? Or perhaps I should speak with the person in charge on the fireworks first?"

[Electra]

By the time Joan caught up to Miss Americana, the latter was already in the anteroom to the ladies washroom, a sumptuously appointed waiting area well supplied with mirrors as well as complimentary toiletries and perfumes and a few purse-sized sewing kits in case of wardrobe mishaps. Miss A didn't seem to notice Joan when she came in, being quite absorbed with a critical assessment of herself in the wall of full-length mirrors. She examined the fit of her dress, checked the hem, smoothed her hands over her hair. She was turning around to look at her butt when she finally noticed the reporter. "What are you doing in here?" she blurted out, not sounding quite herself.

[KnightDisciple]

As the song ended, and another didn't take its place, Corbin stopped his movements, taking a step back from Etain, and giving her a formal bow.

<Thank you for the dance, milady.>

He straightens, a small smile on his face.

"I really am thirsty now."

With that, he walks over to one of the drink tables, ordering a simple glass of ice water, and greedily drinking half of it in a short amount of time. He then takes survey of the room, trying to see who is where and doing what.

[Avenger Assembled]

"I'm washing my hands," said Joan with a little shrug, heading over to the sink and scrubbing up with soap. With her short hair and thick fingers, it didn't look like the other woman did more than the socially necessary personal grooming. "Fassbinder's a little oily when you get up close," she added. "You look great, by the way," she complimented, her voice perfectly sincere. "I don't have the figure to pull off anything with a sharper cut than this," she said with a gesture to her own outfit, "but you really look good. Is that a Michelangela?"

[Electra]

"You have a good eye," Miss A told her, recovering her usual poise with admirable rapidity. She picked up a bottle of perfume and spritzed a little bit on, coloring the air with the scent of flowers and citrus. "It's from the new line, only just became available in the states. And you look very nice," she added in return, "but you're wrong about what styles you could pull off. With your figure, I'm sure you could pull off a pencil skirt with a bias hem. Something in a bold color, and lipstick to match. It would be very striking." The reporter was really hiding her light under a bushel with those frumpy peasant skirts, but some women tried to look professional by dressing like grandmas.

[Supercape]

"I did indeed have something in mind!" answered Felix.

"I would like you to put on a darn good show and have some fun!" he laughed "the rest is up to you! go speak to the firework people. Or Victor even, if you can persuade him to have fun. All you have to is light up the sky with your rockets and some fireworks at the crescendo of the display. I'll give the signal. But above all, enjoy yourself doing it! you look like a guy who enjoys a thrilling ride. "

[JackgarPrime]

"I did indeed have something in mind!" answered Felix.

"I would like you to put on a darn good show and have some fun!" he laughed "the rest is up to you! go speak to the firework people. Or Victor even, if you can persuade him to have fun. All you have to is light up the sky with your rockets and some fireworks at the crescendo of the display. I'll give the signal. But above all, enjoy yourself doing it! you look like a guy who enjoys a thrilling ride. "

Victory strokes his chin, a big grin on his face. "You know, I think I will ask Archeville to help out. I know he's the kind of guy who likes to show off, and what better way to do so than in a fireworks display, eh?"

He chuckles, and gives a little wink. "And trust me, you're right on the ball with that last bit." Enjoying thrilling rides? Hell, that's how he got turned into what he is today. And with the last comment, he starts to head back inside, looking to find the Doktor among the hustle and bustle of the crowd.

[Dr Archeville]

Archeville blushed a bit as Fulcrum smoothed his tie, "well, this is not all fun and games for me. Funds must be obtained for ArcheTech, and I have a keen interest in making sure certain legislative acts are (or are not) getting pushed through. Plus," he leaned in a bit, "it gives me a chance to scope out the competition!"

She looks beautiful!

He pulled back a bit, all smiles and encouragement as he escorted her down the stairs, "and you may be able to benefit as much as I. There are bound to be some art aficionados here, wiling to become a patron for your works. There is a growing niche for Metahuman artwork, and a Teymourian original could fetch quite a price!" He leaned close again, and traced along the back of her neck, "and if the evening does turn into a total bore for you, I am sure I can find some way to entertain you later."

Cuddle time!

[alderwitch]

Talya chuckled and stepped gracefully to the side, "Far be it from me to step on a lovely gesture. I'll catch up with you later, Viktor. Save a dance for me."

She winked and then slipped away from the couple, skirting along the edges of the dance floor as her gaze flicked from famous face to famous face and only occasionally straying to a particularly shiny strand of jewelry. By the time she'd made a circuit around the floor, she'd mentally calculated what she would have stolen... were she to still be doing that, of course - and just how she would have gotten it from the party under the eyes of all of the superheroes. Talya had to admit that the presence of some of Freedom's finest made it much more tempting. It would have been quite a challenge.

After another thoughtful look, she decided to remove herself from temptation for a moment or two and headed to the ladies restroom. It certainly wasn't to scope out other possible exit routes, oh no, she was on such good behavior!

[Dariusprime]

Mona gave him a playful pat on the cheek. "Flatterer. Now mind your manners," she teased as they descended the stairs.

"I didn't consider the art angle really. I have heard about a niche market for Metahuman work, but do you really think any fans are in attendance?" To whit she scanned the attendees. At the very least, considering her superhuman processing speed, she had a pretty good bead on the attitudes of the guests. Most were old money, a few new, and the rest a smattering of heroes, business people and celebrities. "It's a possibility."

Smiling at some internal joke, she picked up two champagne flutes and offered one to Viktor. "I wish we could have arrived together. You really know how to make an entrance."

[Avenger Assembled]

Joan grinned ruefully, looking down at the red A-line skirt that helped hide her tentacled body. "Let's just say there's a reason I dress down even when I dress up, and it's not because I like the cut. I don't really have the figure for anything more than this. You'd be amazed how much your body changes after you have a kid, even if you work out." And it was true, even if it wasn't actually the reason. She peered in the bathroom mirror, adjusting her short hair: barely reaching the nape of her neck, it didn't need much work. "I might have said hello to Viktor first, but I'm glad to see you, too," she added conversationally. "There aren't nearly enough women in the sciences, especially not omniglots like you. You're the kind of woman my daughter wants to be like." There was perhaps just a hair of envy in her voice at that, carefully concealed.

She almost dropped her hairbrush at the sight of Talya Browning just walking into the ladies room. Bombshell. No Elena on her arm tonight; interesting, interesting. Recovering neatly, she got back to work. Talya Browning didn't know who Fusion was, she was fairly confident, but she would almost certainly recognize the reporter who'd outed her and Scarab's relationship. "Ms. Browning," she said conversationally, as you would any other acquaintance. She kept a careful eye on Talya in the mirror.

[Electra]

Miss A's interest sharpened as the mood of the room changed, but she remained outwardly casual about it.. Withdrawing a small silver device from her purse and flipped a switch on the handle, then began running it over her hair to take out the static and strengthen the curl she'd put in her platinum locks, all the while keeping an eye on the other two women in the room. It wasn't hard to figure out why there might be tension, after the rather scandalous editorial the reporter had put out. Sure, it had been under the anonymous byline of the editorial staff, but no one else on the paper's staff had quite the same strange brew of moral majority values and feminist stylings. A little peek, just for curiosity's sake, at the paper's computer system had confirmed the hunch. It was a good reminder, Miss A thought, of why it was best to keep Ms. Collier at arm's length.

[Supercape]

Again, the silver bell of the head butler rang out. This time, however, it was Felix Fassbinder himself who addressed the throng.

"Ladies and gentlemen, overseas, in a certain country called England, the 5th of November is known as fireworks night, in celebration of Guy Fawkes, who tried to blow up the houses of parliment. "

"Its not England, its not quite the 5th of November, but hell, I do like a healthy disrespect for government! no offence Senator!" he added, winking at a laughing Texan, Senator Nick Cotton.

"So, without further ado, because we all like some pretty lights, lets have some go outside for some gin and what I hope will be a magnificent display!"

[alderwitch]

Talya glanced up as she shut the door behind her and smiled slowly at the news reporter. "Why, hello... working on another stinging opinion piece about a super-hero's personal life? Perhaps you might check the rubbish bin behind the kitchen. I'm sure there's something more than a little fascinating to be unearthed."

She flashed a quick, sharp smile as she made her way to the mirror to check her lipstick, "Well, hello, Miss Americana, isn't it? You know, a few decades ago and you would have been in the running for my favorite super hero to nettle with that name alone. The whole package, however, does make me regret giving up my wicked ways - if only for a moment. Do you happen to have a tissue?"

[JackgarPrime]

Victory wasn't really looking where he was going, as he was just going over what he might do in his head. But then, he looked up, and seemed to spot the Doktor...and then he spotted who he was talking with! That's...that's a big lady, all right. Well, he'd hate to bump in, but time was running out before the show starts, and he needs to spread some ideas. Making his way through the crowd, he brushes past people, making his way over to the two.

Lance first looks to the...very very quite tall Fulcrum, and extends his hand. "Well hello. My name is Lance, although most people just call me Victory." He gives a momentary cough to clear his throat. "I do hate to interject, but our host wanted me to see if the good Doktor would be willing to help out with the fireworks display. I'm going to be participating, and he thought we might be able to come up with something special for it."

[Avenger Assembled]

"I'm afraid I'll defer filthy encounters in back alleys to you, Ms. Browning," said Joan icily. "That is your area of expertise, as I recall." Joan finished her primping, which was really more of a formality given how she looked, and shook her head. Somehow she was reminded of her own high school days, except she doubted she'd be able to suckerpunch Talya Browning the way she had those mean girls back when she was a teenager. "I'll let you go on telling one of the world's premiere technologists about your inveterate urge to steal things," she added, "I have a party to get back to." She turned to leave at that, heading for the door with her back up.