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

[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.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

"Oh."

X hadn't ever thought of--

Oh.

"You have been stuck before?"

Re: Hang out with X-23

[ellectrical]

"I - don't know when I'll come back."

It's usually not a problem. But if she's stuck out there - well, she'd have no where else to go.

Re: Hang out with X-23

[cutting_edgex23]

"There are wizards here."

And other people with magic.

"Maybe you could ask. For a spell."

Or--something.

"To get back."