2898/Peter Parker's Party Plaza

Peter Parker's Party Plaza
Date of Scene:	19 October 2017
Location:	Apartment 4A, Bedford Towers
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Spider-Man, Wolverine, Karen Page, Psylocke, Polaris, Nightcrawler

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Spider-Man has posed:
Peter was a nervous wreck. He never hosted a party before. Oh, sure, there were the times that he had a birthday party, usually arranged by Aunt May, but being the science enthusiast that he was, and is, it was always a bit difficult to get people to come. You get that when you start wearing dress shirts and sweater vests at fourteen. But this was his first bona fide party. They had a poker table set up, pizza, chicken wings, napkins, paper plates for ease of tidying up, beer, soft drinks, all the usual stuff, plus there was music.

There was no real reason for it, no special occasion, but Peter had wanted to throw a party, and had invited friends from Empire State University, where he was working on his doctorate; the Daily Bugle, where he worked as a freelance photographer and occasional technical support; and Xavier's School, where he was supposed to be at eaching assistant, but ended up teaching his own class. He was just putting the last touches when the doorbell rang and he leapt, since no one else had arrived yet, doing a brilliant somersault, over the punch bowl, and to the door, where he opened it to greet..

Wolverine has posed:
    Patch is trying to figure out why he is here. Yes, he was smoking a cigar, the smoke covering the half of his face that was not hiding the black leather patch covering his right eye. His eyes scan the room casually, as though bored, checking out who was here.

    In the back of the room, deep into the shadows, Logan tilts his head under a dark, black, cowboy hat leaving only the embers at the tip of his cigar to illuminate the lower scruffy, unshaven, parts of his face.

    Leaning up against the wall with his left foot against the wall, and his right foot supporting his heavy, muscular frame, Logan takes the cigar from his mouth, and exhales rudely. And sniffs.

Karen Page has posed:
    Karen Page. Loveable right hand woman to Nelson and Murdock. Erstwhile journalist. Generally curious and unflappable. She didn't do things like this often, but lately it seemed accepting random invitations was becoming a thing. And Peter seemed nice enough.. Besides, he might be an in to a published article, and she wasn't going to blow that change.
    She's dressed casually - she only had one fancy dress anyway - and has a very large bottle of rather cheap wine to offer her host. After Gwen had tossed the lastest bit of cash her way, the wine and tonight's poker game actually fit into the budget. Kinda of. Okay, it was a squeak, but she was telling herself she deserved this.
    "Hey, hope I'm not too early? I brought booze." Everyone's favourite party statement.

Psylocke has posed:
    "No smoking," comes the clipped British accent from one Betsy Braddock. "I don't want there to be any issues with security deposit because the place smells like smoke. When we move." If. Peter has been rather resistant to the idea because he's stubborn and wanting to pay for it instead of letting her do so. Independent streak a mile wide to go with that sense of responsibility. Always wanting to take care of everytone else and neglecting himself.
    She's dressed in a pair of jeans and a Manchester United jersey, the red a little off with her purple hair but apparently team loyalty trumps coordinating colors. She has a pair of slip on shoes on her feet as she finishes pulling out three beers from the fridge. The lids are popped off then she carries one to the poker table to set at Peter's seat. The other she carries over to Patch since she's taking away one of his loves for the night. The other she takes a sip of. Her dirty little secret: she loves cheap beer.

Polaris has posed:
Lorna and Kurt arrive together, knocking at the door with good natured bickering. She could have flown them, he ensured they drove. All the same, they are here. The Xavier staff with gifts bread and cheese for the event. The pair are casually, if cutely dressed in complimentary colors. At least it's not matching sweaters.

Nightcrawler has posed:
    "I cannot believe you talked me into this. What is next, matching sweaters?" Kurt asks, kissing Lorna's cheek. He also brought a couple of packs of beers. He pops the top off on one. "Only one." He promises Lorna. "I have to drive."

Spider-Man has posed:
Peter casually takes the bottle of cheap wine, not that he'd know the difference, that Karen offers. "Oh, why thank, but really, you shouldn't have." He read the label, not really knowing it's significance one iota, "Australian, nice." That's about all he got from the label. It was yellow and it had a kangaroo on it, so it must be made in Australia. Thankfully, his hunch proved correct.

"No, no, please, come in, just," and seeing the smoking Logan in the background, Peter scratched the back of his head. Hmm, must have missed that guy. "Why not say hello to Logan." He didn't actually know Logan's first name, or was it last? Just knew the guy was the groundskeeper, and former history teacher. He greets Lorna and Kurt in turn, making the requisite introductions.

Not as many people came as Peter had invited, but he was more than happy for the people who did accept. He does aside to Kurt, actually doing it loud enough that it can be heard, "at least she doesn't make you watch soccer." He was teasing, since he had found he rather enjoyed the sport, plus Kurt probably liked it himself, being German, or was it Austrian. Peter wasn't sure, but somewhere in that area with his accent.

Wolverine has posed:
    Patch snorts, watches as Page arrives, and looks at Betsy. "Complete package darlin'. My handsome face, and this." Patch holds up the cigar in his right hand, and heads over to grab a drink. "Least ya' could do is allow me that, considerin' the shirt yer wearing. Ugh."

    Looking at Peter, up and down, left and right, Patch puts the cigar out, making sure no one saw that he was following Betsy's instructions. After all, alpha male.

    Grumbling to himself, Patch takes the beer from Betsy, winks with his one eye showing, and takes a swig. Grimacing slightly, Patch says, "No Canadian beer? Hurumph." Patch then moves back to the back of the apartment, but not before stealing some of Kurt and Lorna's cheese.

Karen Page has posed:
    There's a slight smirk from Karen as her wine is appraised, and found educational, if not wanting. "I figured you're supposed to bring something to drink to these things, though now I wish I'd brought a six pack. Looks like beer was the thing." She shrugs, making it a neither here nor there thing. "I'll drink it if you have a glass. Or if you don't."
    It's meant to be a joke, really. The bottle is rather large - in metric, the things 1.5L, which, while not Canadian beer, does at least give a taste of 'home' to Logan if he's missing all things non-Imperial.
    "Logan.. Logan.. Logan?" He's probably not Betsy. Or Lorna. Which does narrow her choices down. "Well, I'm Karen. Pagey if you really feel like it." It's a global greeting.

Psylocke has posed:
    "Do not mock the Reds," Betsy says in a warning tone. For her, Patch blinked. With his other eye covered, that's what a wink looked like. She wanders over to the couch with her beer, setting it on one of the matching pairs of end tables. They are about the only thing that matches in the apartment. She doesn't go to the poker table. With Tatum not being able to join them, it wouldn't be fair for her to play. She wouldn't cheat but the mere idea that she might would be there for the people in the room who knew her abilities. Thus, she would be sitting out of the game. She would however be enjoying the party atmosphere and playing hostess to the best of her ability.
    "Thank you everyone for coming. We wanted to do a house warming but with more beer and poker instead of all that stuffy...stuff." She heads to the kitchen at Karen's request to get a glass for the wine.

Polaris has posed:
"I can drive, and it's not like they're even the same color, it's-" Lorna throws up her hands. "I can take my shirt off if you prefer?" She says more wickedly to Kurt and looks at Peter. "Not at all helpful." She informs their host and waves cheerfully to the others. She reaches for Kurt's keys. Lorna's not much better at driving than she is at cookie.

Nightcrawler has posed:
Kurt Wagner tucks a beer into Logan's pocket as he passes. That is a buddy. His arm never seems to leave Lorna/ He has this casual arm about her slender waist, and it is absolutely disgusting how happy he is. Lorna's got a ring on her finger. Kurt is nursing his one beer. Much like Logan, he is not entirely certain why he is here, but he was told to get dressed and come. So here he is. he looks about and tilts a brow at Besty. He notes to Lorna, "I I am nicht sure it is that sort of party, but if so mein life just got more interesting." He pfts. "One beer is just one beer." They are nattering back and forth, sure, but Kurt is beaming. He is do disgustingly happy, like all the time anymore.

Spider-Man has posed:
Feeling that he is being watched, Peter suddenly stands straight, and appears to be a normal, ordinary photographer, doing nothing of note, and he's being extra careful not to. Curious that an apparently beta male would be here with Betsy Braddock, but maybe she liked geeky men?

"I'll have some with you Karen. We've got paper cups," better for the environment than plastic or polystyrene, "or if you'd prefer, we have glasses in the kitchen." And as she goes to find Logan, he catches the sound of Betsy and Logan getting into a bit of something. He walked over to Betsy, who seemed to be opting out of the poker game, and gave her a peck on the cheek as he whispered something in her ear, before heading to the poker table himself, where she had left him a beer, a Guiness. She might have liked cheap beer, but the few times Peter did drink, he liked nice ones.

It was at that point he heard Lorna offer to take her shirt off, and he nearly choked his beer on the table. He managed to avoid it, but only by swallowing hard and doing his darnedest to keep his lips together.

Wolverine has posed:
    Patch smiles and takes another drink of the beer. "Karen. Pleased ta' meet ya'." Patch sniffs quietly, and nods. "Thanks fer the beer. Logan is fine. " Patch then turns his attention to Betsy, as she talks about ME. "Huh. Chelsea's gonna take it this year. Not the MU." Patch grins.

    Patch avoids the discussion Kurt and Lorna were having not wanting to be a part of that. Trouble in paradise. Walking over to the snacks again, Patch takes a handful, and moves to the background. Passing Kurt on the way..."Huh." Patch notices the beer in his pocket. "Tha's fortunate..." Shrugging, Patch grins, and opens it so he is drinking two beers at once.

    Looking Peter over, Patch smiles, and shakes his head as Peter responds to Lorna's comment. "Poker huh? Naw, just gonna sit back here and watch." Patch blends into the shadows, and drinks his beer...with the occasional trip to get snacks.

Karen Page has posed:
    "Uh.. surprise me?" Karen tells Peter. "I mean, I'm a grownup, so I feel like I should say bring me a glass?" Which is where Lorna's offer of taking her shirt off comes into play, Karen laughing softly, "Or, we can go for full fratboy experience, but you really should have warned me it was going to be strip poker. I'd have put another layer on."
    Logan gets a smile. "Nice to meet you too. Got an extra of those cigars? Not for smoking. For ambience. I'll give it baack at the end of the evening."
    Wisely, she stays out of the domestic discussion.

Psylocke has posed:
    Betsy is already in the kitchen grabbing a glass for Karen so when she hears Peter is going to have one too, she eyeballs his beer sitting at the poker table. But she grabs a second glass, just in case. They are placed on the small bar that seperates the kitchen from the living area. If it can really be called a kitchen. It's rather small. Yet the bar is covered in the various snacks. "Here you go, Karen. And what? Strip poker?" Her eyes widen slightly at the suggestion and she shakes her head. "Glad I'm not playing after all."

Polaris has posed:
"Oh my word." Lorna huffs and looks at everyone. "I'm hardly going to be stripping, that would be most unbecoming. My boyfriend is just miffed we aren't clashing. Fiance, rather." She corrects herself and nudges Kurt, smiling at him. "Really, I'm pretty sure theres a rule about strip poker and umm, government officials." She'll have a soda pop, choosing to stay sober.

Nightcrawler has posed:
    With a little turn and pivot Kurt pulls Lorna close. They do a couple of quick little dance steps. He twirls her, pulls her close, kisses her cheek. "Nein. No strip poker for me." he assures everyone. He offers Karen his hand, introducing himself and Lorna. Karen will get a chaste, continental kiss on the the back of the hand unless she shows obvious discomfort around him. Lorna, he introduces as 'mein fiance'. Lorna gets a wink. He is clearly over the moon over that woman.

Spider-Man has posed:
Peter was trying to be a hospital host, not suggesting there was anything wrong with the beer that Betsy had brought him. Plus, with his metabolism, he could drink them both and be fine. One of the advantages of having the proportionate... everything, of a spider, was that he could handle his liquor. Come to think of it, that had nothing to do with spiders, but he could still handle his liquor. He was just very out of practice with it. He didn't like the taste, usually, and it didn't have any effect on him, so why bother?

Tugging at his shirt collar at the mention of strip poker, he looked around. He wasn't so sure about that. This was all meant to be in good fun. But he did say, when Betsy said she was glad she wasn't playing, "... i-if uh, we er, play that Betsy, I'm not playing unless you are too." He patted the empty chair next to him, daring her now. Mostly because he was hoping she'd chicken out and then he'd not have to embarrass himself in front of their guests. He was so relieved when Lorna and Kurt opted out that he felt comfortable enough to let out a sigh of relief, making an audible, "phew."

Karen Page has posed:
    Karen blinks at the kiss, but she's not offended by it - more it's unexpected, and amusing in a quaint sort of way. "Nice to meet everyone.."
    A quick mental calculation about the room comes up with two couples and herself and Logan. "Uh.. the strip poker thing was a joke? You know, frat boys? Drinking games? Besides, I think some of us are outnumbered here at this party with the cute couples business."

Psylocke has posed:
    Speaking of couples...
    "Fiance?!" That gets Betsy's attention. Hostess duties are forgotten. The kitchen is abandoned. There are certain rules that she lives by and the one that has taken over is simple and necessary. "Oh!" Her eyes go to Lorn's left hand as she walks closer to try and inspect the ring. "It's gorgeous! I knew you two were dating but I didn't realize how serious it was. Congratulations!"

Polaris has posed:
Danced about, Lorna is mollified and she smiles, letting Betsy inspect her ring. "He sprung it on me in Genosha. I'd be a dummy to let a man like Kurt get away." She smiles and looks at Kurt with a cheerful expression. She looks to Karen and scrunches her nose before explaining. "You've never been to an Xavier's party. The trouble with working so closely with former classmates...things get out of had fast in our circle." She looks to Logan who of course is content melting into the shadows.

Nightcrawler has posed:
    "Most of us grew up together, in some way. We all remember when people had awkward teen years. or different faces." Kurt gives Betsy a little look but does not spoil her secrets. "Or who was who's first kiss. Logan is a bit older, but he was about. It is like a family. we fight. We get into arguments, but we all love each other very much." He pauses. 'Some more than others." he offers Betsy a hug. "Happy for you." He promises.

Spider-Man has posed:
Peter looked as mortified as Karen, and he didn't get invited to the Xavier's parties much, perhaps because he was still in the dark about their connection to the X-Men. And with the poker seemingly of less interest, he gets up, holding his beer in one hand, and heading to get some of Karen's wine with the other. Yeah, he's going to make himself look like the world's nicest alcoholic if he keeps this up. Listening to Kurt's words, he nods, and finds out a little more than he knew. Whispering to Karen, he said, "I'm as much an outsider as you are in this. I started teaching a class there halfway through last semester. Started as a T.A. Kind of ended up with my own class."

Karen Page has posed:
    Karen can only shrug and agree about her lack of attendance at Xavier's parties, "No, can't say as I've been invited to any of those parties? Not sure I know the crowd, even."
    She spares a smile for the newly engaged couple, "Hey, nice. Cogratulations and all that. I'd say we should toast, but Peter and I seem to be hogging the wine. Beer suffices. Or whatever."
    Peter's whisper has her nodding and murmuring back, "Lucky. I'm a bit jealous. The nine-to-whevenever the bosses are tired of working thing isn't as exciting as you might imagine." Which is only half true. She really does love her job.

Psylocke has posed:
    "Karen, most of us are teachers at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Which really is a terrible name, now that I think about it. Youngsters? Charles was showing his age with that one." Betsy goes back to explaining to the one non-teacher in the room as she settles in the chair Peter had patted for her. After retrieving her beer from the end table. "Some of us have known each other for years. Some are newer. Always room for more. Ever thought about teaching?"

Polaris has posed:
"The school is fond of hiring people who practice in their field. We even have Lara Croft teaching some classes. She's real popular with the students." Polaris says cheerfully and drinks her soda, finding some wall to lean up against.

Nightcrawler has posed:
    "Or not. We can always use able hands in administration." Kurt pauses. "Ja. I am now the school recruiter. I have been in mutant town this last week. next years class?" Kurt is already proud of it. "The will be special." His smile is genuine. Kurt Wagner has street cred in Mutant Town. His arms settles on Lorna's hips A clever eye might notice his tail touching her ankle. Apparently they really are as close as that ring would indicate.

Spider-Man has posed:
"Now you know a few of them," Peter grins to Karen, before adding his own, "congratulations to you two. Way to go. Hear, hear." And sets his drinks down, on coasters, so he can clap his hands. When Betsy comes to sit back down next to him, he'll reach for one of his drinks with his outside hand, and the one inside, near her, takes her own hand in his, giving her a gentle squeeze.

"Karen works for one of the hottest new legal firms in New York, and she's an aspiring journalist. Just, don't make the mistake I made and accept freelance work. It pays even less than I imagine crime would, assuming all those afterschool specials were telling me the truth, that is."

Karen Page has posed:
    Karen finds herself a perch, with her glass of wine, and considers the psuedo offer on the tble. "Me? Teach?" She gives a blink of sorts, and makes a small noise in the back of her throat. "Never really thought about it. Not even sure what someone like me could offer." Not that the extra bit of cash in her pocket wouldn't be welcomed. It would be nice not to have to rob Peter to pay Paul most months.
    Peter's description of her job gets a chuckle. "I see you've been reading the PR speil I put out, Peter." A nod given to Kurt. "I guess you could call me an administrator? I do have a background in accounting. And much as Peter makes it sound fancy, I'm nowhere near published. I dabble. Mostly I keep the boys in line and the office afloat."

Psylocke has posed:
    "It's a thought. There is a rigorous screening process," Betsy warns, knowing that there are a few people in the room who will understand how rigorous she means. "But if you made it through that, you would be on your way. And we seem to have a teacher's assistant position open so you wouldn't have to take on a class of your own right away." She squeezes Peter's hand, since he seems to be more 'teacher' than 'assistant' now. "Is Bobby teaching Accounting? If not, that's a possibility too." She considers a moment then reaches out to touch the minds of the others in the room, leaving poor Karen out of the loop. >>Should I warn her what type of screening process? So she knows what she's getting into if she decides to try it.<<

Polaris has posed:
Leaning her head against Kurt, Lorna looks at Betsy and thinks. "I can't say for sure. I saw him briefly a little ago. But not recently." She admits and thinks for Betsy >>We do hire civilians, Ms. Croft and Mr. Parker case in point. No sense in scaring her if she's just making small talk.<< She looks to Peter. "So, are working on a Phd, right? How is that going?"

Nightcrawler has posed:
"I need a staff." Kurt says quietly. "A few people to run the office. Who do nicht stare at the students, who understand that the school is nicht a business inasmuch as it is a lifeline to many of the students." Kurt modulates his voice carefully. >Wait to see if she is interested.< Kurt sends back after a moment's consideration.

Spider-Man has posed:
Peter oh so briefly made a face when Karen finds herself a perch in his favourite chair. It's by far the most comfortable chair in the place, but also the oldest. It's been repaired so many times, even has a few extra things, like a built in refrigerator. Too bad Peter rarely gets to sit in it. He's far too busy with his life as Spider-Man, teaching, studying, and being Peter with aunt May, E.S.U., and Betsy.

The face only lasts for an instant, and is quickly replaced by a smile... which turns to a frown when Betsy mentions that his position is open. Even if he has sort of become a teacher, nobody has officially given him that role, or pay. He just shows up, does his thing, and is still known as Mr. Parker, the T.A. He does appreciate the return of his affection. "The school is primarily for mutants, and part of the reason I'm a teaching assistant there. I have a minor in genetics."

Lorna's interest in his studies gets her a warm smile and probably a groan from everyone in the room as he invariably goes into some rather boring and complicated specifics, using terms most of the people have never heard of, let alone know the meaning of. But Hank, oh Hank would have loved it here. It's probably why Dr. McCoy arranged for Peter to teach his own class.

Karen Page has posed:
    There's a titter of a laugh at Betsy's mention of a screening process. "What kind of screening? Are we talking blood tests and a polygraph to see if I'm hiding something nefarious up my sleeve?" The young woman looks amused. "I could spare you the trouble of that if you wanted." She doesn't elucidate just what it is she'd spare them hunting up on their own.
    Kurt gets a small sigh. "I'd love to say yet, but I kind of have a debt to pay to my bosses. If you were talking some sort of night class, or my afternoon off, I'd be your girl, but I can't take on a fulltime job. And I'm probably describing much more part time than you're thinking. I am, however, a whis at keeping files in order. And I would be glad to take that one as a contract job if you're needing it." Since the topic of work came up and all.

Psylocke has posed:
    That earns a nod of the head from Betsy but she doesn't press anymore. In the world of administrative, she leaves it in Kurt's capable hands. He's the one needing help with his new position and it sounds like Karen might be in a position to help.

Polaris has posed:
Lorna tries. She really tries to listen to Peter's explanation but she's no Hank. She eventually tunes out a little-it's not about rocks after all. She blinks and drinks her soda slowly. "You're gonna be amazing at recruiting dear heart." She tells Kurt encouragingly.

Nightcrawler has posed:
his snort is soft. "Good enough." Kurt takes a long drink from his beer and discovers it is empty. He Looks about for the recycling bin. "Ja. Mein degree is in Religious studies Not so much with that degree of technical talk." He admits, quietly.

Spider-Man has posed:
Sensing Kurt's frustration, Peter gets up to collect Kurt's empty beer bottle, taking it into the kitchen with the other empties, and returns with another beer, which he hands to Kurt, but whispers in the fuzzy elf's ear, "don't worry, it's non-alcoholic." Someone brought non-alcoholic beer for just such a reason. Returning to his seat next to Betsy, he takes her hand in his, "Karen would be an incredible asset to the school. She'd get my vote, if it were a democracy, and I got a vote."

Karen Page has posed:
    Karen sips her wine and smiles at Peter's vote of confidence. "I already like you, you don't have to say nice things about me." She nods, though, growing more serious. "I can see why you'd want to be careful. I can't imagine it's terribly easy for the students there."
    She's given up being surprised by most things these days. If there's one thing she can say, it's New York isn't Vermont. Not by a long shot.
    "However, I feel like I'm hogging the conversation. I'm sure we didn't all come to play help Karen get a part time job. But if you want to talk later, Kurt, we can have that discussion? And didn't someone say there would be poker, or have we decided to skip that and head into mellow."

Polaris has posed:
"I have never minded a nice, social party." Lorna remarks and untangles to get herself some bread and cheese and other snacks to fill her tummy. Once she has a plate she returns to Kurt's side with a look at him as she munches. "Look at me-not forgetting to eat today." She teases him and smiles at Karen. "So, how do you know Peter?" She wonder.

Nightcrawler has posed:
    "I am more interested in some full time staff. The amount of paperwork a school can generate is truly monumental." Kurt admits. "I am still digging out of the paperwork I generated last week." Kurt's smile is warm. "If you wanted full time work, with Betsy and Peter vouching for you? i would hire you more or less on the spot." He looks at the beer, and thanks Peter, adding to Lorna. "I know. it is like you are paying closer attention to such trivialities. Dankeshoun, liebling."

Karen Page has posed:
    Karen shakes her head, lips bowed in a smile as she thinks baack on meeting Peter. "Okay, so, you have to understand I'm slightly embarrassed about this, but we met at the coffee shop around the corner. I was digging at the bottom of my purse for the change I was sure was there - you know how you toss it to the bottom of your purse for emergencies?" She gives Betsy a wry grin. "My life is full of those emergencies, and it seems I'd spent it already. There I was with my very large, and very necessary black coffee and no money to pay for it. Peter was behind me in line and came to my rescue. We've been trading off coffees since. More like he's been treating me to them and I kick in when I have it. More often now that Gwen is living with me. She's.. uh, well, different." Karen's polite nod to Gwen doesn't use the front door and hangs out on the side of the building.
    The plate of noms is eyeballed, Karen getting up to get some of her own, pausing first to tell Kurt sadly, "I really wish I could take the offer. I probably will kick myself later for it, lord knows the pay alone would be worth it. It's just.." She shrugs helplessly. "Nelson and Murdock make a difference in people's lives. I know it firsthand. I can't just up and leave them, much as I am probably exactly what you're looking for." And she probably is. She runs their office singlehandedly.

Polaris has posed:
"I get suffering for a cause, believe me." Lorna smiles to Karen and finds a comfy, cozy seat. She sighs and settles in, beaming at Kurt. "We met at the school. I was a teenager with the worst brown dye job on the planet." She remarks and chuckles. "That was back when I hid being a mutant." She explains to Karen lightly.

Nightcrawler has posed:
    "Miss Page." Kurt adds, his resonant tenor warm. "Our school is why some of us are alive. I will nicht disparage your work. I am sure it is gut, und you fight the gut fight." Kurt settles in close to Lorna. "You would be doing gut work with us as well." Kurt gestures with his tail. "But I am trying to poach gut staff. I am sorry."

Karen Page has posed:
    Karen laughs, tossing a look over her shoulder as she piles up a plate of things to eat. "Well, if we'd had this talk a couple weeks ago when the pipes in the basement burst, you'd have yourself an office administrator. That was a test of my willpower." Her attention turns back to putting food on her plate. "It is good work. They help people who can't help themselves. When nobody believes in them. They saved my life, really." In more ways than one as far as she's concerned.
    When she returns, her perch had been claimed. A man and his lazyboy and all that. "Smooth move, Martin," she joshes him. Turning her commentary upon Betsy as she takes up a spot on the floor, sitting comfortably cross-legged, wine glass nearby for easy imbibing, "If that was supposed to make me run screaming, you'll have to try harder. Unless the scary part was the dye job, in which case I see you've found a better box. Or a better hairdresser."

Polaris has posed:
"What? No. The green's all natural. It's part of my mutation." Lorna arches a green brow at Karen and shakes her head. "I'm gonna guess you don't follow current events in Genosha often." She assumes and loops her fingers about Kurt's wrist. "You are a competitive recruiter after all. I like it on you. Can we borrow your skills to recruit staff on the island?" She asks lightly.

Nightcrawler has posed:
    "Well, anything for mein princess." Though saying 'mein princess' raises a couple of beads f sweat on his brow. he gives Karen Page a little nod, and moves to let her sit. He just, hops over onto the wall and clings there with dramatic ease. "Go ahead, please take a seat. As a gentleman, I must insist. I can hang around here." Ugh. The pun.

Karen Page has posed:
    She waves Kurt back, Karen happily ensconsed now on the floor. "Don't trouble yourself. I'm still able to get up off the floor. As a strong woman who has been known to yell at strangers and make them listen, I insist you sit with your lady and leave me the floor. Besides," she tells him with a smirk, "I'm already on the floor. I'd have to get up and it would jsut be a pain in my ass."
    Lorna gets a head shake. "Sorry. If it wasn't basement flood related in the past few weeks, or dealing with the aftermath of the invasion, I didn't pay attention to it." Which was only a small little lie. There was that side project she was working on, but it didn't have to do with Genosha either, so she was pretty safe there. "I like the green. Not a colour I could pull off. Look like I'd had the eternal flu with my colouring." Karen makes a face.

Polaris has posed:
"Thanks." Lorna murmurs and snacks, offering things to Kurt. She even set some meat on her plate for him to snack on. "Kurt is a gentleman through and through. Don't be surprised if he tries to insist." She warns and smiles at Kurt. She eyes his clammy forehead and archer her brow in a silent question.

Nightcrawler has posed:
    "Princess diaries give me future prince consort sweat, your majesty." Kurt nods at Lorna. He tilts a brow at Karen Page. "Do nicht make me teleport you. No one will like it if I do that in here. ooh!" he reaches for the little meats. "Little sliced meats. Mein favorite."

Karen Page has posed:
    Karen mouths the single word, 'Princess' and looks at Lorna questioningly. "Let me guess, that whole Goshen thing? Something I don't want to know, or am I making a fool of myself over some private joke?"

Polaris has posed:
"My dad rules an island nation of mutants, has for a while." Lorna shrugs and looks back up at Kurt. "I promise you it gets easier, and there can be little sliced meats at all the parties-if you like." She offers, sharing the plate with Kurt and smiles. "At least I'm not still in the coloring my hair phase. I really thought it was fooling people."

Nightcrawler has posed:
    The blue fuzzy elf frowns a bit and he notes, quietly, "I will never blame you for that. I can understand wanting to blend in. I can appreciate that it can be difficult to always have people staring." Kurt lifts a hand and his tail. "Sometimes I wish I had a device that would let me hide. Or at least let me look normal. Even today." Kurt admits it. "But." He says, "I am who I am today because of mein appearance."

Karen Page has posed:
    There's a slight frown from Karen over the whole 'rules an island nation', the woman giving a short, surprised, "Oh. OH. Ooooh." She starts to say something, then thinks better of it, "You know what, I'm just going to make an executive decision here and go with you get enough of the your highness when you're at home and file that away for should I ever visit there."
    She allows a grin, though. "As for the hair, who did any of us think they were kidding when we were teens?" Not that she's that much older than that yet. "Mind you, my rebellious phase was heavily tainted with the fact I grew up in Vermont where being a problem child meant you didn't say please and thank-you at the dinner table and sassed your elders. I didn't dare try something as brave as dying my hair till I got here. Spent two whole weeks with black hair until I finally decided that it made me look like Elvira Queen of the Damned, but without the cleavage, and went back to what you see here. Not quite red, but red enough. Mousy as hell, but at least it suits me."

Polaris has posed:
"It's a nice color. I tried blonde once." Lorna looks at Kurt. "Remember the summer of blond? Bunch of the girls did it." Lorna looks to Karen and nods. "I do try to avoid standing on ceremony at a friends house. When I can anyway. If we were terribly public I'd have to be much more polite." She remarks and feeds Kurt little sliced meats to make him happy. "I love who you are. I'm gonna marry him." She tells Kurt cheerfully.

Nightcrawler has posed:
    The fuzzy blue elf tilts a brow. "I liked you blond." Kurt admits. "Was a good Summer for me. But I was far too shy to talk to you then." The truth comes out. "Your Summer of blond? it was after the one girl in the mall? she asked me out und then put pictures of me on facebook." It was cruel what she said. "I was nicht so gut that summer. also, i was short, und you all sprouted like 4 inches over that summer. Und grew .. figures." his cheeks grow more red. Kurt was a late bloomer, apparently.
    Kurt clears his throat. "Karen. Name your price/" Wait? What? "You have nicht stared at me once. You have nicht asked to feel mein fur. You have nicht stared at mein hands." He slides off the wall. She's impressed him. "There are children at the school who could use a beautiful woman nicht one of the mutant teachers that does nicht stare. You should consider it." His voice shows his admiration.

Karen Page has posed:
    Karen shrugs at Lorna. "I'm an ugly crier. Trust me, you don't want this complexion. We're talking blotchy red face. Snot. Bloodshot eyes. Real horrorshow." She shakes her head. "And if I say anything that comes off wrong, let me know. I generally just try to treat people decently. It's done me fair good stead so far."
    Her glass of wine is midway to her mouth when Kurt's blurt of an offer comes out. "Huh? Stared at you?" She seems genuinely surprised by his comment, her brow furrowing. "Of course I didn't stare. It's not just impolite, it's not necessary." Her lips quirk back over a grin. "Trust me, we get all sorts in the office. Maybe not mutants. I don't know, I don't ask. But people who are down and out and on the worst days of their lives. I'd be a piss poor representative of our firm if I couldn't show decency and compassion. And besides, you're kind of cute, if taken. You shouldn't tempt me, though. I could really use a two-bedroom apartment."
    Her cheeks do take on a faint pink hue at the commentary of beautiful woman.

Polaris has posed:
Lorna chuckles and looks to Kurt. "Lady killer." She accuses lightly and sips her soda. His story draws some surprised. "Really? You liked it?" she seems charmed by the revelation and nods to Karen. "I'm with you-on the staring thing. It's not in anyway helpful to get caught up on how different we look."

Nightcrawler has posed:
    "Of course I liked you, Lorna. You blossomed. i was 13 und short." All those tall girls with what at the time seemed to be curvy figures. Kurt Holds out his hand to Karen. He pulls u his shirt. "Most people have asked by now." He offers her a chance to touch his forearm. His fur is like velvet. Short, incredibly soft and very thick. "Think about the students. I will go to bat for you, if you are as gut as I think."

Karen Page has posed:
    Karen is smirking at Lorna when the forearm is offered, again, taking her by surprise. "Seriously? Doesn't it make you feel weird when people do that?" Her gaze falls upon Kurt questioningly. She hestitates, really quite uncertain about the matter before tentatively touching the fur. "Wow, a lot nicer than most people's hair. But you really didn't have to do that, you know that, right?"
    She looks more than a little embarrassed now, hding it in a sip of wine before sighing and offering, "Right. So full disclosure if we're all offering up secrets. Though mine's easy enough to find if you look, and probably really discounts me for that school position. I was charged with murder. I was cleared and all, but that stupid little ticky box on job applications remains. So, when I say I know how it feels, I know how it feels. Staring doesn't make anything better."

Polaris has posed:
"Murder? Is that all?" Lorna blinks, not in the least troubled. Some crowd she must roll with. "We're mutants. Charged and cleared is hardly a road block working with mutants." She points out and sets her now empty soda aside. She crushes the can with a look and tucks her feet up onto her chair. "I think he like sharing-with kind people. Good people. He's a stud wrapped in a blue velvet painting." She smiles at her fiance.

Nightcrawler has posed:
    The blood can almost be heard rushing to Kurt's face. He gos indigo in a hurry. CLearing his throat, Kurt shrugs. "The courts of public opinion can be very fickle, fraulein." He tells Karen Page. "We get in trouble some says just for breathing it seems." His shoulders roll into a shrug. "It is how it is."

Karen Page has posed:
    Karen's gaze drops a moment before looking back over the pair. "You two were probably sickeningly cute when you were younger. And most people don't care that you're cleared. They just assume that you had a fancy lawyer who got you off the hook for something you actually did. Truth doesn't matter terribly much in the equation. I don't talk about it much. It was a pretty horrible time in my life."
    "But it's helped in my job. I see people very differently now. I try to learn more about them before I judge. The courts of public opinion are cruel," she corrects. "You're good people. I'm really glad I accepted Peter's offer and came tonight."

Polaris has posed:
"All of us were like puppies in a basket, all noses and elbows and tails everywhere." Lorna nods. She looks up at him with warm eyes. "I'd actually stuck to dating humans before Kurt, like I could prove we could all get along and that was more important than what made me happy." She murmurs and smiles at Karen. "I'm glad we met too. Always nice to know a friendly reporter slash lawyer's assistant."

Nightcrawler has posed:
    His smile is broad. A little toothy, but broad. He has little fangs. Of course he does. Kurt's tail gives a couple of little slashes like a happy house pet. He tilts his brow. "All of that, and she is honest too. But, Miss page. Consider it." He means a job.

Karen Page has posed:
    Lorna gets a smile. "Noses and elbows. I like that. It's kind of like how we all were at that age. Everyone yipping about trying to be seen and important." She nods, then. "We want things. Sometimes they're the right thing. Sometimes they're just things we think will make us happier. I'm glad you figured it out, though."
    Karen shakes her head at Kurt, and waggles a finger. "You are bad. But I have to be honest - again - I don't just work for Nelson and Murdock because I need a job, or because they do good work I believe in. They took my case when nobody else would, pro bono, and they helped get me off. I'd be in a cell somewhere if it weren't for them." Or dead. She couldn't forget the or dead part, the memory of that clouding her features for a moment before she banishes the thought with a sip of wine. She's already had enough of those nightmares; she wouldn't allow them to own her anymore. "I tell you what, though, if I ever find myself looking for a job, I will most definitely take you up on it. And okay, those fangs. They're.. I'm sorry, they're just perfect." Her wine glass is peered at. "I have not had enough of this to be saying these sorts of things. Whatever has gotten into me?"

Polaris has posed:
"The fangs are really charming." Lorna agrees and slides her hand in Kurt's. "She's got her cause like you do, love. Once you have cards you'll have to give her one-in case her schedule frees up." She tells him lightly. She looks to Karen. "You're remarkable, your lawyers should pay better with a gem like you making them look so good."

Nightcrawler has posed:
    "I will send her a card. Murdoch and Nelson, ja?" He asks. "Or was it Nelson und Murdoch?" Kurt apparently was listening. he softly sighs though. "but... we will treat her better, Lorna." He almost whines. He settles in close to Lorna and his tail wraps about her ankle adoringly.

Karen Page has posed:
    "Nelson and Murdock," Karen supplies smoothly. "I have a card, and you should see me when I'm really trying to sell the firm."
    Her lips press into a line of amusement. "They really should pay me better. However, social justice doesn't exactly pay well. I can't complain too much. I have a roof over my head. Work I like. I meet interesting people. Regular meals. Life could be a lot worse. Now, if you could clone me, we could solve all our problems. I could jot back and forth between the two and leave my clone behind. Of course we all know what would happen. Everyone would love her more than me, and then where would I be?"
    She grins, nibbling on a piece of cheese.

Polaris has posed:
"I think that beautifully sums up having siblings." Lorna says and smiles. Kurt's whine gets a laugh from her and she nudges him. "Now you have an idea of what to look for for your recruiting. Think of how helpful that is." She lofts her brows. "Now you might consider more humans with a background in more altruistic efforts." She sets the plate aside and looks between the two. "We probably shouldn't impose much longer on poor Peter. I think he's wiped out."

Nightcrawler has posed:
    "Ja. Though he and Betsy vani--." His eyes get really big. Kurt clears his throat. "Time for us to go, ja." he agrees. he moves to stand up. He offers to take Karen's hand and leave another kiss on it. "You have really taught me something this evening, fraulein. Danke."

Karen Page has posed:
    There's that pretty little dusting of pink across Karen's cheekbones again. "Thank-you, I think? I'm not sure what I did other than be me."
    She gets up herself, and gathers the dishes and empties balancing them all together to take out to the kitchen.
    "You probbly already have someone who does this for you, but think about us if you ever need legal aide. They do good work. And they believe in their clients. I've never seen Matt or Foggy do anything but their best for someone. And listen to me, pitching the firm. Let me put these away and I'll get you that card. I'd love to talk again sometime. This has been such a lovely evening."
    She disappears with the dishes, and puts them in the sink, stopping herself from actually washing them, not because it's not her apartment, but because the others are right. The host and hostess disappeared long ago and they've been making themselves comfy in a livingroom that's not theirs.