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

[ellectrical]

Elle does not try to drift toward the edges. But at the same time, drifting seems to be what she's doing - like she doesn't know where to go, she moves around like a car in the wrong lane.

Eventually, though, she sees X, and comes over to her.

She can say 'Happy Birthday,' but not in the way she would mean to, here. It doesn't seem like something you say to X, even at a birthday party.

So instead, looking at the decorations, she asks, "Do you like them?"

(There's no judgment in it - it's something to say.)

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

"I like purple," X says.

It is something she's sure of. Oddly.

"And the lights are not flashing. It is good."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[ellectrical]

"Why would the lights be flashing?"

She's not sure what that would have to do with birthdays.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

"I have been to parties before."

Beat.

"With my teammates. Pixie likes clubs."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[ellectrical]

"Yeah."

Beat. "But it's not a club. And it's ... for your birthday."

Elle's birthday party experiences never got beyond childhood.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

X shrugs, one-shouldered and quick.

"I have not had a birthday before."

Beat.

"I do not know."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[ellectrical]

"There weren't flashing lights."

Elle glances around again. "There was cake - with the candles."

She's even done that part for someone else. Still - "But you wouldn't like that.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

"Cake is too sweet," X says.

Maybe she is agreeing.

"You like it?"

Re: Hang out with X-23

[ellectrical]

"Yeah."

But she doesn't sound disappointed.

"It's just - what they did."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

It takes X a little while to speak again.

"You have a birthday, too?"

This may be her way of asking when it is.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[ellectrical]

"I - yeah."

With a half shrug, "We don't - really do the cake thing. Anymore."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

X thinks about that.

Carefully.

"Oh."

This pause is a little shorter.

"You could. Here. Some people do."

X has seen them get cake, at least. With candles. (Well, get a cupcake, anyway.)

Re: Hang out with X-23

[ellectrical]

Elle shakes her head.

"I can have it whenever here."

Beat. "I - don't need it."

With candles. On her birthday.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

"Okay," X says.

"Ingress likes it. Cake. And ice cream."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[ellectrical]

"Yeah. And she's... small."

It's more the birthdays and being young that go together for Elle.

"I don't think you have it if you don't like it."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

X tilts her head a little, considering this.

"That makes sense."

Beat.

"You are okay?"

It's not a very good subject change. X is just not sure what else to say.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[ellectrical]

"Nothing's wrong."

She glances around again. "I'm here."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

"Okay," X repeats.

And then, maybe a little hesitantly--

"Thank you."

That is what people say, right? X is practicing. A little.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[ellectrical]

It wasn't exactly what Elle was looking for - though she wasn't really looking for anything.

It means she nods, slightly.

Then - "You're okay."

She's supposed to be, now, which is why Elle doesn't ask it.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

"Yes," X says, very firmly.

"I like it. Here."

She doesn't just mean the birthday party.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[ellectrical]

Elle doesn't quite get it, which is why -

"At the party?"

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

"Yes," X says.

She does not have the words to explain.

"I am--"

She pauses.

"It is good you are here."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[ellectrical]

She shrugs.

(Almost uncomfortable.)

"I wasn't leaving, anyway."

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

X considers this.

"You are still waiting?"

Re: Hang out with X-23

[ellectrical]

"I don't -"

Her hands fidget.

"I don't want to be stuck there, now."

It won't ever not be a problem, but she... just doesn't want it, now.