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: Mingle with the other guests

[the_lioness]

At some point, probably after the sugar rush of her second lemonade, Alanna forces herself to move away from the wall and at least make a nominal effort at mingling. She smiles, walks through the crowd and somehow ends up by the opposite wall.

Whoops.

If at first you don't succeed...

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[smallestopener]

Then Ingress will come mingle with you!

"Hi Alanna!"

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[the_lioness]

Spotting Ingress just before she issues her greeting, Alanna grins broadly. It's possible she also mutters something that sounds a bit like Thank the Goddess.

"And hello to you, Ingress. I should have known you'd be here."

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[smallestopener]

"Laura's my friend, too. She's teaching me how to fight hand-to-hand, and she's really good. I got to pick her as my teacher."

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[the_lioness]

"A good decision," Alanna says. "I'm glad I met her. She says what she means and means what she says. That's a rare treat."

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[smallestopener]

"Oh, because people don't tell the truth sometimes, right?"

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[the_lioness]

"Right."

Alanna wrinkles her nose in distaste.

"It's called court politics."

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[raptorcanaria]

Sorry, Alanna, it's the way you walk.

Like a fighter.

She acquires a brunette, who has tried to look smart casual and failed. Should have gone with the fishnets.

"Enjoying yourself?"

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[the_lioness]

Being told she walks like a fighter would be infinitely preferable to the number of times she's been accused of walking like a man, usually by her seamstress or, albeit good-naturedly, George's mother; it makes her want to growl Yes, well, that was rather the point.

Alanna doesn't notice how Dinah walks. Nor does she notice Dinah's outfit. She does, however, notice that the brunette seems friendly enough and not at all intent on getting her to dance. Right away this conversation is worlds better than most of the ones she's had at parties in the past.

"I've been to worse parties," she replies, grinning. "You?"

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[raptorcanaria]

"There are people my age," she answers. "That makes it better than most parties I get invited to."

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[the_lioness]

"That's never been my problem," Alanna admits. "Court functions are attended by both elders and, one way or another, the young. It's the people who feel I have an obligation to dance that I've always had to avoid."

She shudders.

"But it doesn't seem as if anyone is clearing the floor for a waltz, so I think I'm safe."

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[raptorcanaria]

"If waltzes look like happening, I'll help you escape," Dinah assures her.

"Long as you take me with you."

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[the_lioness]

"It's a deal," she promises, smiling. "I'm Alanna."

Lemonade is sticky, so she wipes her hand on her pants before offering it to Dinah.

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[noteful]

Maybe the redheaded would-be wallflowers can mingle with each other?

Meg is not good at introducing herself to people.

But she's trying, too.

"Good evening."

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[the_lioness]

A very good friend once told Alanna that redheads should stick together for their own protection. One look at Meg and Alanna decides she doesn't trot out that rule often enough; if it helps her be social, it might prove useful tonight!

She smiles, doing her best to look welcoming and less stiff, and replies, "Hullo. We haven't met, have we."

That was probably obvious.

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[noteful]

"I don't believe so."

She smiles.

"I'm Meghan Ford. Meg."

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[the_lioness]

"Alanna," is offered in return. "I work with X."

Her eyes widen slightly.

"Er. On bar security."

Not at the Delicate Flowers. The very thought makes her grin with amusement.

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[noteful]

Meg would not have assumed that, anyway, but details are helpful.

"It's very nice to meet you, Alanna.

"I'm glad you could come."

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[the_lioness]

"And you, Meg." It's genuine. "Is this your party? I confess I skimmed the invitation."

Her deportment masters would be horrified by such an admission. Good thing she always enjoyed annoying them.

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[noattachments]

Stopping short so she doesn't jostle her on the way by, Kate offers an apologetic smile.

"You're not pacing, are you?"

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[the_lioness]

Alanna chews on her bottom lip for a moment before replying.

"Habit. Is it obvious?"

She flashes a conspiratorial grin.

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[noattachments]

Her smile goes from apologetic to companionably secretive in about three seconds flat.

"Probably only to someone who's done their share of pacing, I figure."

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[the_lioness]

"I like space."

And not a lot of people, though admittedly that's gotten much worse recently. It comes from too much time at court. She has no idea how Jon does it.

With a quick look around, she adds, "Maybe if we pace together it will look less impatient and more... normal?"

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[noattachments]

"I like not sitting still," she admits, and then she grins to the point of laughing. "It's worth a try."

Glass of lemonade in her hand, she turns slightly so she can fall into step at will.

"I'm Kate."

She figures it's nice to know who you're pacing with.

Re: Mingle with the other guests

[the_lioness]

She's right.

"Alanna." She rolls her shoulders back and visibly relaxes when they start moving. Her legs are short, but she's cultivated a longer than expected, masculine stride. "Nice to meet you, Kate. As parties go, it's not bad. I'm actually enjoying myself more than I thought I would."

Given her expectations, that's not really saying much.