11833/Happy Birthday Shannon

Happy Birthday Shannon
Date of Scene:	25 July 2020
Location:	66 East 11th Street, Greenwich Village
Synopsis:	The Xavier girls get together for Shannon's birthday and talk a bit. Andrea has a new penthouse.
Cast of Characters:	Rage, Pixie, Nightingale

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Rage has posed:
The popstarlet is at home, currently on the top floor at the roof as she is tying balloons up in boquets around the patio. The view is breathtaking as it overlooks the city. All the key buildings and monuments are within viewing distance. A fire pit is lit as well to give a cozy atmosphere. Music is rumbling from the surround sound speakers, one of her favorite songs called Malibu by Kim Petras. It's an upbeat song designed to get the body to move.

In the lobby, the administrator is waiting to give the two winged mutants access to the private elevator that will lead them up to her new home. The whole place has been scrubbed down, re-painted and newly furnished. She and Jay has their master bedroom and Nevada has been moved into a guest on the other level so he has his own private area.

In the kitchen there is a professional chef who is currently working on a deliciously smelling roast, and a large fruit salad in the middle of the dining room table displaying multiple colored pieces. On the kitche counter is a three-tier birthday cake with a small angel ornament on the top of it. It's decorated in bright pink and white frosting with the words Happy Birthday written across it in gold ink.

As she dances around the roof patio, she sings along with the lyrics as her voice rips through the breezy summer air. This is one of the few places that is not sound proofed so her neighbors are most likely getting a personal concert in the building over.

Pixie has posed:
Megan Gwynn was eager to see Andrea's gorgeous new apartment which was probably as lavish and luxurious as she popstarlet is herself. She arrives maybe a minute before Shannon, peering around the lobby. "Woow, so pretty.." she hasn't even seen Andrea's actual apartment yet but..

Nightingale has posed:
     It had been a little while since graduation, and there had been talk between the trio of visiting the popstarlet in her new abode. Life, however, had a way of rearing its head at the most inopportune moments, and it wasn't until her birthday that Shannon had much of a chance to get away for a little while. She's just a couple minutes behind Megan, and dressed for the warm weather in her favorite pale blue sundress and daisy-toe flip-flops. And it looks as if she's come bearing gifts for a housewarming, forgetting about her birthday entirely for the moment. She's got a plate full of cookies, and an assortment of coffee pods for Andrea, Jay, and Nevada. Waving to Megan, she smiles. "Hey there... whew, I know Andrea's got it made but wow, she has some seriously good taste...."

Rage has posed:
A man dressed in a suit approaches the pair of girls and clears his throat. "You must be Miss Gwynn and Miss Lance. This way please." He says as he gives a motion towards the elevator doors near the back. He slides a keycard along it, then steps inside once it opens. He has to swipe the card again, then pushes a button before stepping out. It's a glass elevator, so they will be able to see the city as it rises to the top. "Enjoy yourselves. Also, happy birthday Miss Lance."

It appears that Andrea ensures the staff is well coached as well on etiquette and her guests. This is an experience after all. Like Disney Land. Except with more pigeons flying around outside and a lot more honking of horns.

Nightingale has posed:
     "Thank you, sir," Shannon replies, moving aside so Megan can lead the way into the posh popstarlet's palace. She looks about ready to say something else, when the matter of her birthday was brought up. Until the gentleman is out of earshot, though, she bites her tongue. Once he's stepped back, however...

     "Okay, I was trying to keep it mum about my birthday. Last year, I'd just been at school for two days and Sam opened his big mouth about it, and I got dragged into a pool party. THIS year, he bars me from the danger room, training in general, and kicks me out of the mansion so I won't hole myself up working on summer classes!" She giggles softly, shaking her head. "Bless his heart."

Rage has posed:
When the doors of the elevator open up to reveal the main room of Andrea's Penthouse, several loud pops can be heard as well placed confetti canons go off, showering the pair in multi-colored paper circles. There is even streamers flying! "Happy birthday!" She calls out, throwing her arms open wide. She is holding on to a string that is tied to the canons so that she can give a yank at the right moment.

Wearing a pair of low riding jeans on the hip and a dark purple tank top, she looks to be having a casual Saturday. "Jay is at the club getting things ready with his brother, and Nevada had to do a 'job' for a guy, which .. I guess means talk to a dead person. He didn't look too happy about it, especially when I told him Megan was coming over." She says with a wolfish grin.

"Come on in guys! Lunch slash dinner is almost done! Jean-Pierre works at /the/ Keen's steakhouse here in New York City and he has prepared an amazing meal for us. I think we have a little bit of something everyone would like. Roasted chicken and a roast. Fruit salad, and of course .. birthday cake." She practically prancesa as she leads them through. "So, this is the new place! Room for you guys to crash anytime you want to stay over. I have a room turned into a sound proofed studio as well. We'll be eating on the roof."

Nightingale has posed:
     It was impossible to stay mad about a big hullaballoo made about her birthday. Shannon just couldn't do it. She might give Andrea a quick 'look' and a light growl, but it quickly turns into a smile and, if permitted, a hug. "Thank you! And here I was just set for a simple housewarming for you and Jay!" The plate of assorted cookies and box of coffee pods is offered to the starlet-turned-graduate, with something of a sheepish grin. A grin which, like Andrea's, turns a bit impish at Nevada's apparent attachment to the pixie-winged girl. "Then I'll just have to skedaddle when he gets back, and leave those two alone." It didn't seem to faze her in the least, hearing about what a 'job' for Nevada might entail.

     The savory and sweet smells are enough to make anyone's mouth water, and Shannon's nose twitches slightly as she takes it all in. Every sight, every sound and scent, is all part of a kaleidescope of color and beauty on many levels to be cherished and savored. "This is an incredible place. And you really went to the nines. Thank you, really."

Rage has posed:
"I thiiiink the goal is to head over to Evolution tonight and party. Jay is gonna be singing tonight. So we'll be dragging Nevada with us. Megan here has assured me that she's taught him how to dance proper." Andrea teases over to Megan as she gives Shannon a firm hug. "I got you a present too, but you gotta wait to get it when we get to the club later. I think it's cool." She waves to Jean-Pierre once she reaches the kitchen. "This smells amazing, JP. Thank you /so/ much for doing this for us." The man gives a wave in return, humming to himself as he works. It's an easy job for him, a far cry from the huge parties full of uptight celebrities so this is a walk in the park for him. He looks relaxed.

As she heads for the winding stairs that heads to the roof, she motions them to follow. "You guys gotta see the launch pad that Jay has from the deck. It makes me wish that I had wings. You two are super lucky." As she pushes through the doors to the roof, the patio is revealed, a hot tub as well has been installed. Balloons everywhere! There is another small 'room' built with windows and shade so that they will be able to eat and enjoy the weather without being out in the complete open. Pigeons are ruthless.

"You get any cool gifts from anyone yet? Family call you?"

Nightingale has posed:
     Shannon just laughs and nods. "Mr. Rasputin pretty much pimped out my Vespa. Added some metal angel wings to the fenders and did some detailing. It was a pretty sweet ride before but now, well, it looks /epic/. Oh, and a helmet to match. But mostly, I've been trying to escape all the parties and everything. Did get to hear from my folks. They've been in powwows with the realtor you sent their way, and it looks like they'll be house-hunting in the Poconos. That was the biggest present you could give, the peace of mind to know they'll be safe."

     For her part, the winged teen finds it difficult to not sneak a peek at what the likely Michelin-starred chef was up to, perhaps to pick up a trick or two while she had the chance to do so. She cracks a smile, understanding all too well the fact that a kitchen can be a place of solace and refuge. "Yes... thank you. It's wonderful to see a master at their craft."

     Smiling, she trots on behind Andrea and Megan, heading for the roof where the celebration seems to be happening, or ready to. "Launch pad, huh? Nice! Yeah... having wings can be pretty cool. At least until molting season..." To which she rolls her eyes and giggles.

Rage has posed:
"I haven't heard, but that is awesome. I'm glad it worked out for your family. I've been insanely busy that I keep losing track of time, except for today of course. I had today on my cal alerts and so every device in the house told me it would be your birthday." Flopping on to one of the outdoor couches, Andrea gives a long stretch of her body, then motions with her hand. "Check out that view. Can see the World Trade Center. Grand Central Park. Ton of other buildings ... " She says with a grin.

"Jay likes to take flights at night so he'll come up here and just launch off the balcony. I picked this particular penthouse because it faces away from a majority of the other buildings, so he will have a good chunk of privacy. He's still careful though." Her lips press together for a moment with a sigh.

"That's pretty cool your Vespa got pimped out. I kinda want to buy a really nice car for Jay but he told me no, that he wants to buy his own with his own money."

Nightingale has posed:
     "The Vespa was actually one of the fixer-uppers in the back of the garage. I wanted to work on it for shop class, but Mr. Summers got to it before I could. Turned out it's one of the GTS 300 Super's, the ones that actually manage highway speeds pretty well, instead of one of the little putt-putt's." Shannon nods, a smile of understanding tugging the corners of her lips upwards. "I can understand that. Was looking forward to putting in some of the work on the Vespa myself... hey, it's pride, ya know?... but at least this way, I know the work is good."

     The view is indeed a stunning one, with the skyline looking like something straight out of a postcard, or the set of a movie. It's enough to make her step back and take a deep breath, soak it all in, wings spreading open wide as if to catch the wind. "I haven't worried about privacy or hiding what I am much yet. It's... backfired a few times, got myself attacked but good once or twice just for going to get a pizza or a burger. There's still decent people out there who step up, though, so it all turned out okay."

     Glancing over at Andrea, she grins wide. "So. Guess this means I'll have to start planning for your birthday, and Jay's, and... holy crow, there are a LOT of Guthries to plan for...."

Rage has posed:
"My birthday is on Valentine's Day, so that's easy enough. Jay's is on the first of Feb. We technically shouldn't forget each other's birthday's." Andrea grins with some amusement. She shifts her jaw some in thought, tapping her fingers on the top of her knee. "Yeah, there is a /lot/ of Guthrie's to plan for. I've hit the point that I'm just going to send them Visa gift cards or something and let them run around their favorite store."

As Jean-Pierre brings out the food from the elevator that leads to the patio on a rolling tray, she hops up to help him out. "Thanks, JP. I'll handle it from here." She says, giving him a bit of a shooing. "If you need to take off, don't worry about staying around. I know I had you for another hour but I think we're good. Tell Armando I said Hi and thak you again for loaning you out." Reaching into her pocket, she pulls out a check and hands it over to him, then grabs the table and rolls it over to their area.

"Okay, chicken and roast. Fruit salad. Garden salad. Birthday cake and ice cream for dessert. I even got a popcorn maker in the living room if we want to snack on something else later." She takes out the dishes and silverware from one of the drawers connected to the rolling table, plating the table for her friends.

Pixie has posed:
Megan Gwynn had followed the fancy footman and Shannon up to Andrea's apartment, Megan has gasped and rushed back for something, "Sorry, I forgot something!"she was lazy enough to actually port away then port back a moment later, carrying a bouquet of flowers which she hands Andrea sheepishly, "I meant to give these to you!"

She hands her the flowers, blushing a bit at the Nevada thing. "I did teach him a few steps but.." she shrugs, glancing around at the spacious place, "Wooow it's sooo big and beautiful!" she's afraid to ask how much it cost. "And if you don't wanna celebrate your birthday that's fine Shan but I think birthdays are special things to remember." her nose twitches at food though, "Ooh looks good!"

Nightingale has posed:
     "I think the Guthries must be the Weasleys of Xavier's," Shannon quips, her glacier blue eyes twinkling with mirth. "Can hardly shake a stick without running into another one either incoming or outgoing."

     Megan's opinion on birthdays is noted, and gives the angel-winged healer pause. "I always used to celebrate with my ex-best friend before I manifested," she says, her voice gone quiet. "Afterwards, there was just my mom and dad, but no friends to hang out with on the day, so it kind of just became another day. Now it's all changing back again." Both Andrea and Megan get a huge hug, wings and all.

Rage has posed:
"They are like the Weasleys. Jay especially with his red hair." Andrea says as she motions for them to jump into the food. She'll go last. "Birthday girl goes first." She says with a grin, returning the hug back to her.

"Well, now you got a boat load of friends in super-school to hang out and do stuff with."

Taking the flowers from Megan, she grins to her and tucks them into a flower pot for now until they can head back in so she can get a proper vase. "Thank you, Megan. These are super cute." Her grin widens some. "I can't wait to watch Nevada dance. He won't show me what you've taught him. He's such a jerk." She gives a small pout.

Pixie has posed:
Megan Gwynn smirks, "You know, they should totally dress up like that for Halloween!" she giggles, but nods in agreement to Andrea, "Yeah, Andrea's right, you got us to celebrate with so that's not too bad." to Andrea Megan just chuckles and shrugs, "I feel bad about his back issue but he's a decent dancer in spite of all of that."

Nightingale has posed:
     "Yeah, I've got everyone at school and I've got you guys too. So it all worked out in the end. Now I've just got to get used to celebrating again." Shannon blushes ever so slightly but nods, heading for the table and plating out a nice assortment of the dishes that had been prepared, just a little bit of each, leaning more towards protein and vegetables. Just wish there was something I could do to help Nevada, so he wouldn't have to suffer so much with his back. Was he born with back issues or did they manifest later?" Ever the healer, it's impossible for her to hold back from asking those questions.

Rage has posed:
"He was born with it, yeah. So when he shifts and becomes the wolf, his spine doesn't heal like mine does. He can't regenerate like I do. It's like when we were born, our souls got split in half or something. He tried to explain it. We weren't supposed to be twins. That wasn't the deal our sperm donor made with our mom. Just, you know.. biology sucks. So, I got the body, he got the mission. It still makes my brain hurt. But there is nothing we can do to fix him unfortunately. Maybe Foley since he's an /Omega/ mutant." There's an amused noise from Andrea. "But even then, Nevada wouldn't get healed. He carries this with him. Doesn't want to cheat the system. Sides, I think he's immortal."

"Our father was thousands of years old before he gave up his immortality to fall in love with our mother." She trails off a bit with a frown, then glances off to the side as if feeling a pang of guilt. "And my mom went back to her old life with Tom and didn't look back. I don't get those two. According to Nevada, he still loves my mother and I guess .. she feels 'something'. I don't know what happened overseas when she was dying. I don't want to ask her either."

Pixie has posed:
Megan Gwynn nods slowly, thoughtfully, "And there's probably no magical cure for him either I suppose.." she sighs, "I know he probably wouldn't appreciate it but I just feel...Really bad for him..But I guess it could have been worse. At least he can still walk right?" she smiles hopefully.

Nightingale has posed:
     Nodding slowly, Shannon sighs a little bit, then puts a smile on her face. "True. He can still walk, and it would seem, dance." She can't resist nudging Megan in the ribs lightly, giggling. "We each of us have the hand we're dealt. This time, I like to think I lucked out on mine, since we're all here."

Rage has posed:
"Yeah, he can still dance .. sorta.. but when he comes home from praticing with you, he's complaining and cussing up a storm." Andrea laughs softly. "He puts on this brave face or you because you're hot and he's into you, but soon as he gets home he melts on to the couch and whines while shotgunning pills. But, honestly he's having the time of his life. He's never had a girl really interested in him he's told me. Not a lot of girls wanna hook up with a 'cripple' in his opinion so he's been sorta jaded." She takes her plate of food and tucks into it. "Which is a shame because he's really cute. I think he just needs a confidence boost."

Pixie has posed:
Megan Gwynn sighs and shakes her head, feeling even worse. "I'm sorry. I didn't know I caused him so much pain, I mean after that lesson he seemed alright.." now she's feeling even more guilty. "Maybe I shouldn't have pushed him so far..Just wanted to help him out." as for being into him, Megan just hesitates, "He's a nice guy, just.." she shrugs, falling into quiet thoughtfulness.

Rage has posed:
"Don't worry about it. He's fine. He really is having fun and that's what's most important. Sides, he is used to the pain. Just walking a long time gives him issues." Andrea pops a bite of chicken into her mouth, chewing and swallowing. At Megan's hesitation, her brows lift upwards. "Just.. what? You aren't into him like that?"

Pixie has posed:
Megan Gwynn shrugs, "Oh no, he's really sweet and I kinda like him, just..Kinda into Conner too, although I'm trying to figure out why Kitty told me he's bad news but not much else to go on.." she sighs, "Guess I just don't want to see Nev get hurt because of me either, or if I should be giving him hope, it's..A bit of a mess.."

Rage has posed:
"Well, I don't think Nevada would get upset if you wanted to cut things off with him. He's a big boy. I can talk to him if you want." Andrea says as she takes another bite of food. "What's up with this Conner guy anyways? Do you like, like him? Or is he just a crush or whatever? If Kitty thinks he is bad news, you may wanna ask her about it though. I kinda wish I heeded that advice a few times myself when I was younger." She stabs another piece of chicken and dips it in some sauce before taking a bite. "But life always works out in the end."

Nightingale has posed:
     "Nothing says you can't wind up good friends if nothing else," Shannon chimes in. At least in this aspect of matters of the heart, she's had a few choice bits of experience. Nibbling on a little bit of turkey, she goes silent for a few minutes, listening. "Best thing, just... let things develop as they will. Not that I'm an expert or anything," she amends.