noteful | Birthday Party for Laura/X-23

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Birthday Party for Laura/X-23

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.

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X is still not very good at mingling. She tries, but give her enough time and she will drift toward the fringes of the crowd, stance shifting so that it looks like she's on duty.

Then she remembers, and moves back toward the center of things.

Maybe it gets easier with practice.

She'll find out.

Meet someone new, catch up with an old friend, or do both.

Over against the wall is a table covered with a long purple cloth. There's a giant bowl of spaghetti (with a smaller bowl of meatballs, for those who want them), and a salad, and a tray of garlic bread.

There's also a large loaf of garlic bread, which has 18 red candles stuck in it and which has "Happy Birthday, Laura" spelled out on top of it in basil and oregano.

And one end of the table has root beer, vanilla ice cream, and fancy soda shop glasses, for the making of floats. (Other sodas and a pitcher of lemonade are off to one side, for people who aren't as fond of root beer floats as the guest of honor is.)

Okay, so it's not the most traditional of birthday party fare. Is that really a surprise?

There's a small table in the corner with rather a lot of purple balloons tied to it, and a few wrapped gifts on top. If you brought a gift, this is the place to drop it off.

It seems to be going well, in Meg's opinion.

Which means she can relax a little and talk to people.

(Though she's still going to occasionally look over to make sure they aren't running low on garlic bread.)

Parker has to admit, she's pretty impressed with what she and Meg have managed to pull together here.

The party is very much Laura. And people seem to be having a good time.

Parker takes a moment to grab a soda and survey the crowd.

"Happy birthday, Laura."

It takes X a moment to link what Meg is saying to herself.

Give her time.

"Oh."

Beat.

"Thank you."

This pause is longer.

"For the party."

Castiel also automatically finds himself drifting toward the fringes.

He is not used to parties. This is the first one he has been invited too.

So it's only a matter of time until he finds himself standing on the sidelines with the guest of honor.

"Hello," he says with a formal nod.

"Many happy returns."

"You're welcome."

Meg pauses, too.

"Are you . . . having fun?"

X is silent for a couple seconds, thinking about that.

Then she nods. Carefully.

"It is interesting."

Beat.

"And the food is good. I like it."

"Happy Birthday, Laura."

"Are you having a nice time?"

X looks over at him. At least this time he did not appear out of nowhere.

"Hello."

Beat.

"I do not know what that means."

"Thank you," X says, very seriously.

"I like it."

Beat.

"It is interesting."

"Good," Meg says. "I'm very glad.

"And we tried to pick food we knew you liked."

He is trying to be more considerate that way.

"Nor do I," Castiel admits.

"But it is what is said at these celebrations."

Castiel looks out of the the party, hands held comfortably behind his back.

"It is meant to convey good wishes."

"I'm glad."

Parker raises one eyebrow.

"Interesting how?" she asks.

How often do you get to get the thoughts of someone celebrating their first birthday party?

X doesn't smile because her face does not work that way.

But she relaxes, a little.

"I did not know."

Beat.

"That people paid attention."

"Oh."

She absorbs that, gaze drifting to follow his.

"Thank you."

Beat.

"But I am okay."

"There are no hats."

She does not seem downcast about this.

"Or flashing lights. And it is not very loud."

X has been to clubs before. This is different.

Better.

Castiel leaves off looking out over the party, looking over at X instead.

"You are enjoying your party?"

"That's what friends do."

Along with throw you birthday parties.

And answer questions.

"It is interesting," X says.

"I like the music."

Enjoying something is not a concept X is very familiar with.

"You are okay? Here?"

"I am good at remembering things," X offers.

She tries to be a good friend. Sometimes it is confusing.

Parker nods.

"We wanted to put together a party that you would enjoy. Since it's your birthday."

"And we didn't really think you'd like those kinds of things."

The point of throwing a party for someone is to throw a party that they will like.

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Birthday Party for Laura/X-23

Hang out with X-23

Mingle with the other guests

Food and Drink

Presents!

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