Birthday Party for Laura/X-23

[noteful]

It's a pretty low-key party, all things considered, and not significantly different than the one Parker or Meg would have thrown in a dorm room for a friend at home, not-exactly-traditional menu not withstanding.

There's music, low enough to talk over (and maybe with a little more folk in the mix than one expects to find a party). Balloons and streamers in purple and blue and red. A place to leave presents. People to meet or catch up with.

And, most importantly, a chance to wish X-23 (or Laura) a very happy birthday.

Comments

Re: Hang out with X-23

[52-dropoff.livejournal.com]

"Yes. That is part of what I like. You have time to think."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

X considers this. Carefully.

"That is important? In sports."

It's never looked that way to her.

Not that she's seen much. Just the occasional football game. And sometimes pickup basketball or street hockey. While she is--walking around her neighborhood.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[52-dropoff.livejournal.com]

"Not on the field in baseball. There you have to think fast. But as a spectator, I like that there is time between pitches, and innings. It can be very calming." Some find it dull, but not Charlie.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

"Oh."

Beat.

"But there are many other people. Watching."

X and crowds do not add up to a relaxing experience; she has to be alert.

She is not sure how other people make themselves comfortable that way.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[52-dropoff.livejournal.com]

"Yes. Watching the game, or each other. I don't pay attention to them." Not that's been to a game in a long time. "I just go inside."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

X tilts her head, studying Charlie.

"That is not safe."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[52-dropoff.livejournal.com]

"I don't lose total focus on the things surrounding me. Don't worry."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

She gives it another moment, then nods. Once.

"Okay."

Beat.

"Good."

Even if he's dead now and it probably wouldn't matter. X worries.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[52-dropoff.livejournal.com]

"I doubt you would like baseball. But golf might suit you. Are you familiar with it?"

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

X's blank expression is probably a clue. A small one.

"No."

Beat.

"I do not think so."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[52-dropoff.livejournal.com]

"You have to get a small ball into a hole about 300 or 400 yards away. It takes a good deal of focus, physical skill and patience. It's not a thrilling sport, but I find that can let the mind find itself, both as viewer and player." Yes, it's a dull game and mainly a rich white man's game, but it has Zen aspects that are worth the time.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

X frowns, very slightly.

"It is like pool."

Beat.

"At larger distances?"

Re: Hang out with X-23

[52-dropoff.livejournal.com]

"In some small ways, yes. But what the other players are doing doesn't affect you, and the surface of play is a lot larger. And outdoors." It's really nothing like pool, is it?

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

"Oh."

X considers this.

"I do not know if I would like it."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[52-dropoff.livejournal.com]

"I never thought I would, either. But once I tried, I found there was more to it than I saw on TV." Not that he ever owned a set of clubs or joined a club.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

"I have not seen it on television, either."

Maybe X will fix this part of it first.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[52-dropoff.livejournal.com]

"It can be a strange thing to watch. The commentators whisper a lot, and there are relentless ads for things no one would ever buy." Like IBM consulting. Which he knows some people do buy, but still seems like an odd thing to advertise.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

X frowns, very slightly.

"Why do they whisper?"

Re: Hang out with X-23

[52-dropoff.livejournal.com]

"You aren't supposed to make noise on a golf course. Which shouldn't affect reporters with good mikes. I know from experience that a mike can be set to pick your voice up without making it sound like a whisper." But it is tradition.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

"Yes. I have used them before."

Beat.

"Maybe they do not have access to adequate technology?"

Re: Hang out with X-23

[52-dropoff.livejournal.com]

"No, they just do things a certain way. It's part of the television experience. Not one of the things I miss about it." He takes a bite of salad. Good dressing.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

X takes a moment to parse this.

"Oh."

Beat.

"You can still watch movies. Here."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[52-dropoff.livejournal.com]

She doesn't get it. Which is fine. She doesn't need to.

"A movie would be nice, I think. How often do you watch them?"

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

"When friends visit," X says.

"In San Francisco."

This pause is longer.

"And I watched with Stitch. Here. There were pod people."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[52-dropoff.livejournal.com]

"Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Reportedly inspired by a true story." OK, rumored to be based on something that happened to the JSA in '50, but never proven. Or talked about by the JSA. "What did you think of it?"