3449/STARK Holiday Bash, Part 1

STARK Holiday Bash, Part 1
Date of Scene:	21 December 2017
Location:	Unknown
Synopsis:	Tony Stark launches a giant holiday party with some announcements, to a variety of (...mostly secret agent) guests.
Cast of Characters:	Iron Man, Lara Croft, Cyberdragon, Quake, Hawkeye (Barton), Pepper Potts, Caim Kataras, Red Robin, Melinda May

---

Iron Man has posed:
The party has begun approximately half an hour prior, the bulk of the guests are now arriving, and the valet stations are scrambling to handle it all. Started indeed: but, it is not yet in full swing: the host, it seems, has not yet made an appearance. The band is well prepared to entertain, however, and there are guests everywhere, enjoying the music, ambiance, drinks, and decorations. Speaking of drinks, there are roving waiters all over the place, happy to bring requests out to the guests. Food, though, is in the back area, and already has attracted a good crowd to examine what rich offerings are available.

The stage, though, begins to change slowly, as the lighting adjusts: it now has mild, foreshadowing mood lighting of gold and red inlaid over the silver of previously.

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara Croft had planned to come here to change up her pace of the 'usual' ... generally she wasn't much of a socialite but she'd been trying hard to get out of her hermit bubble and be a more public figure and face. She was donating a lot of money to charities these days, so she wanted to be a bit more open and 'out there' for questions.

So here she was, wearing a black dress that covered all but her arms and her back, a gold necklace was around her collarbone and her dark brown hair was tied up into a nice style. She was in the food area currently, accepting a glass of champaign and letting her eyes roam around the party.

Cyberdragon has posed:
Being only 17, John Coltan wears the pin required as the rules of the party. In truth he's also one of the cooks here. With no real family himself now, he does what he can to keep himself busy, and distracted from lack of holiday company. So he is there helping to mainly cook the food, but also Serve it. All in the practice of eventually hoping to own his own resturaunt. Still in the nearby forest area his large dog is laying down in some of the faux snow apparely sleeping as the Tibetan MAstiff seems to be content to be ignored as he sleeps. John's stedfast companion infact watching everything carefully.

Quake has posed:
Skye Johnson was /not/ a socialite. In fact she was surprised to receive her own, personalized inviation to Tony's party. Though, in retrospect, it was amusing, especially considering their relationship. However, she didn't do parties very well. Sure, she could get on with people. She just wasn't sure she liked people all that much.

Still, here she was, on Clint's arm, wearing a little black dress that looked like she'd been poured into it, along with the requisite heels, and a shawl that kept threatening to fall from the perch it had taken over her shoulders. Likely by the end of the evening the poor thing will be left behind.

Like Lara, she's helping herself to a drink and looking around from the sidelines.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
As it turns out, Clint cleans up pretty nice. Tonight he's in a tux by Janet Van Dyne, and definitely rocking it. Oh, his hair is just slightly messy and he's got his usual stubble, but that fitted tux, makes it all look rakish rather than negligent.

With Skye on his arm, he's by the food, having a cup of egg nog served to him, by the smell, it's heavily laden with rum. "Want one?" he asks Skye, before noting Lara and giving her a nod. "Hey Croft," It was a big party, things were off to a good start if he was running into people he knew already.

Pepper Potts has posed:
While it would probably be fashionable to be more *late* to the party, Pepper is too worried about everyone else having a good time and everything being managed properly. So, she's at the very front foyer at the moment, far from the stage and the grand entrance that Tony will probably be making. She's doing her best to get people checked in, welcomed, shaking hands kissing babies, the like. A smile is given to Clint and Skye as she sees them on each other's arm, a little incline of her head echoing, but there wasn't quite time for conversation yet.

Pepper, meanwhile, is *dressed* utterly gorgeously. Breath taking might be the proper word, or ethereal. She's in a pale blue gown that flows all the way to the floor, almost floating around her feet and mostly hiding her shoes. It's a delicate, feather light material with a shimmering of silver snow flakes that starts down the skirt and gathers closer at the waist. The empire waist is fitted neatly across her slim frame, giving her the appearance of some curve to her shape. Just above her breasts, the flowing material turns into blue lace across her decollatage and sweeping back over her shoulder blades. She looks like some sort of snow angel. Her hair is down in soft, strawberry waves across her half bare shoulders. Her smile, for the moment, is genuine and shining.

Iron Man has posed:
The wait staff are attentive to Ms. Croft and Ms. Johnson, and politely offer that if they would like anything further, they needs to but ask for it.

In particular, the waitress near Clint, when he suggests Skye also have one, smiles to Skye to see what her answer will be: quite happy to fetch another egg nog. The wait staff does react somewhat to the change in color of lights at the stage (it has deepened to gold), however, as if the employees were warned that something were going to happen with that cue, and start to clear out of the way gradually, retreating to the bar. Skye's waitress will wait for her answer first, though.
John Coltan, as an employee that evening, will know that means Tony's arrival is quite soon, and the lighting change will make it harder to navigate with drinks for a short period.

The staff near Pepper are giving her full support in greeting, answering questions, and directing guests towards the event space.

Caim Kataras has posed:
    Caim entered the party, invitation in hand as he leaned on his cane. Normally He spent this time of year back home in greece but he decided to spend it here. He makes his way over to the food table and takes a glass of champagne, sipping it as he watches the various people. He makes his way over to Lara and smiles. "Miss Croft. A pleasure to meet you." He says as he looks around to the various people. Clint gets a curious look.

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara lowered her champaign glass as Clint caught her attention with her name and she looked over to he and Skye, smiling brightly at them she waved her free hand a little. "Hey you two." She said to them. "Looking quite fetching, I see." She'd show them both a little grin.

Her eyes would scan quickly over the rest of the party and she'd take note of Pepper, the woman behind the corporation... the foundation of Stark's empire! (:P)

But it was Caim's appearance and speaking to her that pulled her attention to him now. "Oh... hello." She'd say, offering a hand to him. She clearly didn't know who he was, which is one of the reasons she was bad at this social thing.

Red Robin has posed:
    A clever hand adjusts his pin to be a bit more obvious. Tim Drake is not here to get kicked out. That would be an unforgivable social sin. His date, a leggy blonde with glasses adjusts her pin as well. She looks over at Tim and spares him the slightest of hopeful smiles. "Go." he says, in a ginger, playful tone as he lifts his index finger and smiles. "Go rub elbows with the employees, but show some restraint. Okay? I know you want the internship, but.."

    She interrupts him, "Absolutely. I promise. I know you owe Mr. Wayne a lot, but Stark's renewables programs are just!" His smile is small. "Restraint." He says again, though not in a cruel tone. She leans over and smears her lipstick as she kisses him... on the cheek. It leaves a thick scarlet streak. "You're the best!" That is probably the last he'll see of her. "Call the number I gave you for a car..." Not that she cares. She's off to bend some poor engineer's ear.

    Tim Drake reaches into his coat and plucks out a handkerchief to wipe her lipstick off his cheek with a heavy sigh. He watches his date go off to mingle and gives a little shake of his head. a nearby guest looks at him, and Tim shrugs. "Can't compete with a mechanical assistance." He quips as the man's date chokes ever-so-slightly on her champagne. Tim continues to dab the lipstick off his cheek with a little impish grin. He makes his way to the bar to lean there, and pointing at his little pin. "Your most elegant diet orange soda. On the rocks. Neither shaken nor stirred."

    The bartender has no idea who this young man is and rolls his eyes and serves it up. "Many thanks." Tim pushes his left hand through his hair with a smaller sigh and leans against the bar for a moment to sweep his blue gaze over the room as he sips his drink.

Quake has posed:
Skye smiles at the waitress, and grins at Clint. "Wine, if you have it? Red, please." She's pretty sure Tony doesn't have their frou-frou beer. Egg-nog might be more festive, but she's never gotten behind the whole dairy with booze thing. Now, coffee with booze is a solution she totally endorses, but egg-nog? Not so much.

Lara is smirked at. And not only because the two have worn the stereotypical party attire. Though Skye's hair and makeup aren't as on point as most of the other guests. It's as though she only got half the memo about attending. Still, she looks pretty fine when you compare her to her usual every day clothing. Some might not even recognize her.

Cyberdragon has posed:
While it might be hard for some to move around. John's learned a lot, including knowing his surroundings. As he is carrying a tray of Horderves and some drinks hoping to get the platter to where it is meant to go without spilling it.

He's not entirely the most fluid waiter, but when he almost runs into someone instantly it is lifted high over his head and he turns and spins barely managiing to avoid a collision, as he profusly appologizes for the near mishap.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Clint smiles at Lara's greeting, "Thanks, you too, Croft," he says with a little salute from his egg nog cup. "Rolling solo?" he asks.

"Wine," he smiles to Skye, then coughs suddenly, it sounds like *frou-frou* but surely that's a coincidence.

Then Caim's there, all white hair and red eyes, giving Clint a look. Tony's security is pretty good, so he figures this guy's just weird, not a threat. "Hey, you a fan?" he asks, extending a hand to Caim. "Clint Barton, Hawkeye."

Pepper Potts has posed:
It's like Pepper has sharpened instincts -- she can feel eyes on her which are a bit heavier than your average party goer. Her brows furrow and she turns green eyes about, flickering straight in Lara's direction. A smile blooms across her face and she tilts her head towards the lady respectfully, trying to place if she should know her from somewhere. Meantime, she steals a glass of champagne off one of the staff's trays and drinks it a little too quickly. Pepper may be more nervous than she lets on.

Caim Kataras has posed:
    Caim takes Lara's hand and kisses the knuckles softly, letting go of her hand shortly after that. "I have read about your adventures. I may have an adventure for you to go on, should you be interested. You do like to explore tombs and ancient places?" He says as he watches her. When Clint speaks he turns and regards the man with a slight smile. "I am a fan of your work as well, Mr. Barton. Your skills as an archer and avenger are impressive. To be honest I wouldnt mind seeing how I fare against a master archer like yourself. It has been a long time since I have used the bow."

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara smiled at her friends, Clint and Skye. "Have you two thought any more about my offer?" She asked them before sipping her drink a little more, she didn't want to hound them but it'd been a week or so since she'd offer them her house for rent here in Manhattan.

Lara had given Pepper a return smile too when they'd made eye contact, she figured it was highly unlikely that Pepper would know about her unless she remembered the news from a few years ago about everything that went down on that Japanese island and the death of a famous television star... but what are the odds of that!

At Caim, Lara would show a soft smile and a light nod. "I'm an archaeologist by trade, so 'Yes' ... to a certain extent. I have to know what the job is though and spend a fair amount of time research the ins and outs before I agree to anything."

Melinda May has posed:
Arriving a few minutes after Skye and Clint, May enters the venue quietly, bypassing Ms. Potts by having one of the other greeters direct her. It probably wasn't the nicest thing to do and she'll apologize later with an offering of Chinese tea, but she's not actually here to celebrate. She's on duty. Not that her attire would indicate it.

In complete contrast to her usual, May is dressed entirely in red ( http://tinyurl.com/ybm7eo9g ), with her hair pulled up into a bun secured with a pair of sticks that have flattened spade-like finials on their ends and rings oddly placed at their centers ( http://tinyurl.com/yb42krx7 ).

Stepping through to where the refreshments are being served, she ghosts through the electronic 'trees' as if scoping the place out. For ... something.

Iron Man has posed:
Skye's waitress dips a nod and trots off, her ponytail bouncing. She reaches out a hand to John as she passes him, with a murmer of 'careful' gently. She gathers a few more orders on the way back to the bar, and then lingers there.

Because, the band finishes their current piece and moves to get a break, to applause from the dance floor, and the stage lights up like a gold firecracker, floor to ceiling. For those that have attended a STARK event in the past (...or been in his company for any real extent of time), they well know that the man makes an entrance.

Tonight is certainly no different. Music explodes from the stage area: "Legend" by the Score. Tony comes from the far back under heavy tracking spotlights, and begins what can only be called a parade to the stage through the dancers in time to the heavy beat in the music, greeting guests as he goes: shaking hands, smiling, even doing a few dance steps with one or two of the women he passes along, to the music, headed for the stage.

Tony owns the event, in more than one way. He's dressed in a sleek black-on-black tux, dark violet vest and tie, immaculate.

Tons of phones come out, as people get pictures, prepared for some big spectacle: and of course, don't want to miss it... - for social media.

Pepper Potts has posed:
There is something in the back of Pepper's head that niggles a reminder about Lara. Something she should remember, a news report or the like, but it's not coming to her now. So, she simply makes a mental note to speak with the woman and begins weaving her way deeper into the crowd when that music starts. She knows what is coming next, absolutely knows it. A deep sigh and a small smile and she does her best to get close enough to the stage that she can dash up if anything goes wrong, but she's not stealing the spotlight.

So, there she stands, just on the edge of the stage and the crowd. Looking like a snow fairy in her too-elegant, ephemeral gown and silver shoes. The wave of the crowd is enough to almost drown her, but she takes a few steps forward, "Keep clear of the stage, please..." SHe commands a few more rowdy guests, taming them with her eyes alone. She could still command a room when needed. But then she turns back to face the stage, a genuine, almost proud smile crossing her mouth as she looks up to Tony and watches him completely in his element. Seeing him like this she cannot help but smile.

Red Robin has posed:
    At first, the young man attempts to remain quite happily situated near the bar. He steps away as he notices a few others coming over, undoing his jacket as he does so. His left hand hooks into his vest's empty pocket watch pocket, conveniently cut at a slight angle to allow the mannerism. When one's clothes are made for them, small things like that are easily accommodated. He lifts the fizzy orange diet soda to take another sip. He runs an absent finger over his cheek and sighs as he has to remove a little more of the smear from it with a slight scowl. He nearly steps into the path of a waiter, but then very smoothly  steps out of the way with a sincere sounding, "Please forgive me?" The few steps to avoid an impact take him a bit further from the bar.

    His grin quirks, ever-so-slightly lopsided as he sees his 'date', already having a discussion with an older gentleman who is actually listening to her. Good deed done, he scrubs a little harder at the last bit of lipstick. "Takes talent to smear it on me, but not on you. Well-played." He grouses to himself, then looks about the room, wistfully remembering when his mother would shield him from this. His smile turns a little bittersweet, but even that is fleeting. The woman in red draws his eye, but not because of her countenance, but because of her mannerism. His eyes watch Melinda May, then flick away before they linger too long. He should have expected more security, he silently berates himself, then casually looks about, marking agents and other security folks, muttering names as he notes captains of industry and government officials.

    The sudden upswell of music and light draws his attention, and Tim Drake gives that lopsided grin again at Mr. Stark. He has to sidestep another waitress though, and ends up drifting a few more paces closer to the older group of party-goers.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Clint's expression is bemused when Caim talks about testing skills, "Huh, most fans just ask for a selfie, but, sure, give me your contact details, we can talk." Like Lara, he was going to do some research before agreeing to anything out of the blue. This gave him time for that.

The sudden brightening of the stage lights gets him turning that way, and when the music kicks in, he smirks and shakes his head. He knew that tune, it was on his workout mix. "Legend, subtle Tony," he murmurs fondly and takes a sip of his egg nog.

Cyberdragon has posed:
With things starting to really get Chaotic, combined with the the help he did with the cooking, and his inexperience, John is starting to struggle just a little. Thankfully one of the head waiters let's john know that he can take most of the night off. While his help and eagerness to learn is admired. It is a formal event and they don't need an amateur having an accident such as with the young Tim Drake. And with regret John is exactly that and he knows it allowing the much more experienced waiters and cooks take over. You never start at the top at events like this. Still the little experience he gained was important.

Ceaser, John's dog is in the forest out of the way curled up apparently snoozing. Not very bothered by the noice or music. But for those who know what they are looking for will spot the canine well out of anyone's way. As John heads out of the party area to get on his own suit formally and come out making sure his pin is properly adjusted snagging an virgin eggnog he will start to drink it slowly moving around the area noticing Hawkeye, May whom he recalls from the park some time ago, the woman they called Croft and with a smile, he slowly starts to move through the crowd.

Seeing Pepper he offers he a soft smile, and gives a Nod to Tony. Great event and he is glad Tony managed to arrange from him to help for as long as he did.

Quake has posed:
Skye takes her wine when it arrives, and puts on her party face. Or, for Skye, a smile that isn't a wry twist of a smirk. No, really, people might not recognize her. Out and about, in a dress, not snarking? Who is this girl anyway?

While Clint is recognized and fawned over, she merely watches quietly. Though she does take a moment to steal away to grab Lara's attention. "I was hoping I might see you. Not to bring business up, but Clint and I were wondering if we might meet with you? About the house offer?" Now that trademark twist of a grin comes into play. "We've made a decision."

Melinda May has posed:
May winds up probably a few feet off to one side of where Pepper's standing. It's by no means the best place to stand to watch the stage, but she's not here to watch Stark's antics. He no doubt has more than enough security all over this place. Maybe even the trees themselves. It would be the sort of thing for Stark to do.

May's eyes scan the crowd gathering in front of the stage, looking at Pepper as she admonishes them to settle a bit. She's standing seemingly idly, but she focuses briefly on anyone that ventures too close to the stage. Or maybe just this corner of the stage.

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara would nod her head softly to what Skye had said and she'd show a grin to both Skye and Clint. "Stop by my office tomorrow." She'd tell them, sipping her drink again. "We don't have to talk shop here, here is for--"

When the music started and Tony's presentation was clearly beginning, Lara'd motion to it. "For that, clearly." She'd say with a grin. Her eyes would take sight of the red dressed May and she'd offer her a friendly wave and smile over the distance between them also.

Iron Man has posed:
Anyone nodding to Tony right now is probably not getting through, he is running his show. Reaching the stage, Tony adjusts a small mic at the level of his cheekbone, and reaches a fist up to the lyric 'Won't stop til we're Legend!'. The music drops, to allow him to speak; he opens his fist to open palm and then drops his hand, grin broad. He enjoys these moments. A few cheers from overly guests to his left makes him pause and wink, savoring.

"Welcome welcome, my friends, my associates ... and whoever you are, you more than deserve an invitation," Tony teases a clearly well-dressed young lady directly in front, and she turns bright red. Tony chuckles and continues to announce into the mic, his voice broadcast throughout the event space.

He actually can't see much of anything with the level of spotlights in his face. "Welcome, to the first-- the /first/, of the parties for this holiday season," Tony declares, pausing again.

Pepper Potts has posed:
*First* of the parties of the holiday season. Pepper's expression falls to the edge of getting a headache already, for just a moment, and she brushes one hand across her eyes before using those fingertips to smooth down her loose strawberry blonde waves and then she's beaming a smile at the room again. Her hands fall into the proper applause with everyone else, even if she can feel the exhaustion creeping up. Since Tony clearly either does not see her, or doesn't care that she's there, she gives a little sigh and takes a few steps closer to Melinda. She might not know the woman well, but she's a semi-familiar face, at least.

"Good to see you. Don't suppose you'll be here to keep me sane through all the OTHER parties he's planning this year?" She deadpans quietly, letting Melinda study the crowd as Pepper keeps studying the stage. Making certain all the effects are going off, no one needs her behind the scenes, and that everything Tony wants is going smooth as possible.

Red Robin has posed:
    Observing quietly, Tim has a few taller people get up to block the view. His eyes narrow at one guy who smells like he's been hitting the free booze a little too much already, then recognizes him as a Yankees player, and his eyes narrow further. Running his tongue over his teeth out of annoyance, Tim sidesteps the obnoxious drunk man, and sips his drink. The player lets out a whoop at Stark, and throws an arm back, nearly knocking Tim's drink out of his hand.

    Mindful that there are cameras everywhere, Tim just flinches without spilling, and moves a little further aside of the man.

     His phone buzzes in his pocket, and the young man checks the person calling. He makes a slight face, and moves aside from the revels for a few minutes.

    "Talk to me." He says into the phone in a low voice. "Let me get clear here for a few minutes. Yeah. I missed Bruce's party, and I need to make social appearances. Stark is a good guy, and he does good things, and has fun. Hang on, please, let me get over someplace where I can hear you better?"  

Cyberdragon has posed:
He had intended to appologize to the young man he almost spilled the drinks on, but seeing him on the phone he steps back and will catch him when he is free. Still he listens to Stark, moving around the area so he can listen to him which puts him close to Clint, Lara Croft, Caim, May, and Pepper.

The First of many, and instantly his eyes role some what, already knowing that Pepper has a headache. Roling his eyes slightly he shakes his head.

Right now he just smiles enjoying the party, and listens to Tony's speech. Making sure to use a napkin to wipe his mouth clean of any of the Eggnog he might have there after a small drink. He has to wonder what Tony has in mind.

Caim Kataras has posed:
    Caim reaches into a pocket and pulls out a card with his phone number on it and address. He then moves to hand it to Clint and turns to regard the stage with a bit of a smirk. He then watches to see what the man will do. He then chuckles when he says it is the first of many parties and sips his drink.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Clint takes Caim's card with a nod, "Thanks," he says quietly before putting it inside his jacket. Then he waits with the rest of the crowd to see what Tony's got in store, slipping an arm around Skye's waist while he does.

Melinda May has posed:
With a nod in response to Lara's wave hello, May looks across the crowd again before focusing on Pepper as she drifts closer. She is likewise not all that familiar with Ms. Potts, but she knows more than enough to not shift away again as she might if some random party-goer were to approach.

"Good evening." She considers the question about being there to keep Pepper sane, and after a moment nods. "That could probably be arranged." And, there's probably more than enough precedent that if some papparazzi sort snaps a photo of May hanging around Stark's executive assistant, it'll simply be written off as the additional PA staffing that can happen at any given moment.

"Should I bring my own tea?"

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara finished her first glass of champaign and then flagged down a server with a slight raise of the empty. When they reached her she exchanged them for another... her ability to consume alcohol wasn't the most legendary, but she'd push it to its limits in the name of a nice evening out away from dusty books and ancient mysteries... at least for tonight, she owed her mind a different direction for one evening right?

With a fresh glass, Croft looked back to the stage and smiled at Stark and his ability to play a crowd so effectively. He was a showman, for sure.

Quake has posed:
Skye gives Clint a smile as he snugs that arm about her waist. Lara is nodded to. "Of course. Not here, or tonight. Just wanted to let you know. You know?" The young woman grins.

Clint's fawning groupies are smirked at, she leaning in to whisper to him, "Can't take you anywhere, can I? Though I should go say hello to Tony at some point." Though at some point looks like it will have to be later in the evening.

May gets a wide-eyed look of appreciation. Who knew May washed up like that? If it weren't for that aura of 'I could kill you with an unsharpened pencil' about the other woman, May would have oodles of men (and women!) fawning over her.

Iron Man has posed:
"I've a bit of something new tonight to reveal... so if you're on the edge of your seat over that, you'll have to dangle there a bit longer, but... let's just leap into the entertainment for now, shall we?" he says, tapping a few interactive finger-strokes on a slightly glowing object on his left wrist, and starts to walk off the stage stairs back down to the event floor. It's more a cocky saunter than a walk, really. The ceiling spirals in opening sections, and an array of acrobatic female dancers drop on golden ribbons, the 'Legend' music kicking back on again for their performance of aerial dance. They are dangerously high hanging off the rotating platforms. Tony wades down into the guests in front, greeting and smiling.

And turns his head to spot May, and then his gaze lands on Pepper. He blinks a few times, still doing his handshake thing, but is staring at Pepper in her ethereal, snowy dress. He 'finishes' with the handshake and ditches the person he was 'talking' to, to approach Pepper directly in the sea of guests.

Pepper Potts has posed:
A slightly wider smile to May, one of both relief and sardonic amusement, and Pepper states dead pan, "I'm certain we could order any special tea in you wanted, if it will tempt you back here to keep me sane through this all. Not necessarily worried about security. Just worried about falling asleep before midnight. I'm too old to party ten nights in a row... I don't know where he gets it." She mutters to Melinda, already sounding just a touch exhausted, but chances are Pepper was up at the crack of dawn doing everything she could to keep running and holding Tony's company together -- the way it always was.

She missed what he was doing the last little bit, having kept her eyes on the woman beside her, so it's a bit of a surprise the moment she realizes Tony is coming at them. Then she sees his look. That look directly towards her, the blink, the staring... It's enough to make her blush, just a little. For a heartbeat, Pepper looks a decade younger and like there is no one in the world other than the man in front of her. She shifts forward, dress flowing like snow and air around her, standing just a bit more straightly elegant on her heels. "...Mr. Stark. I wondered if you'd ever come down from your throne..." She murmurs softly, gesturing to the entire stage. It really was his Kingdom.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
When Skye speaks to Lara, Clint blinks, "Oh right, the house, yeah, we should definitely talk about that," he says to the ladies.

Skye's remarks though get a smirk, "Price of fame," he says with that smug look on his face. Though in this case it's for effect. Seeing Tony wrap up his time on stage, he says, "Now's your chance," about speaking to Tony. As his eyes track Stark there, he catches sight of the figure in red by Pepper and gapes. "Holy shit, is that May?"

Melinda May has posed:
"I'll show you a few things I've learned that might help you survive a little longer." May seems about to say more, but she stops when Tony approaches, and takes a small step back from Pepper. Even as she does so, though, her attention sharpens just that tiny bit more, minding their surroundings as Stark and Potts are distracted by staring at each other.

If she's aware of Clint's reaction to her attire, she doesn't react.

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara sipped from her second glass of champaign while she glanced over away from Tony's presentation toward her friends that she'd nod to and offer a smile, she was hoping they'd take the house... she was hoping to hear that they'd love living there too.

At the show that took over the stage in Tony's wake though, Lara's eyes would watch and marvel at the skill and grace of the performers. After a moment though, Craft would separate herself from the onlookers and walk toward the line of food for guests, her eyes searching over it all.

"I'm not even sure where to begin." She muttered, mostly to herself.

Iron Man has posed:
"Come down? I'm still on it," Tony assures Pepper automatically, and stares at her for a few additional awkward beats, clears his throat and casts a smile to others nearby, including Agent May. He may have done that, but it is a bit cursory -- all his attention is on Pepper at the moment, obviously, which could be both positive and negative.

"You look worried. Relax, Pep. The show's going as planned. ... Drink?" Tony suggests to Pepper, abruptly. And flags a waiter immediately: super easy to do when half the waitstaff are looking at him in general.

The performers take only the most brief of breaks, as the music changes to something that is a bit more in their wheelhouse perhaps, a more orchestral piece. Indeed, they improve, graceful acrobats holding the attention of many guests: it is indeed a great time to claim food or drink.

Cyberdragon has posed:
WEll sadly with out a date here and more or less feeling out of place. John decides that it is time to head home and he will head over to the forest area to snap a leash on his dog and head off out of the area through a back door. making sure his exit is as un obtrusive as possible.

Red Robin has posed:
    Returning from the phone call, looking vaguely put upon as he pockets the expensive electronic device. Tim's thumb slides into the watch pocket on his vest and he watches the stage.

    He is definitely the odd man out of the crowd he sort of emerges close too, what with them being a few years older at least. He sips a bit more from his drink before remarking. "He would have been a hell of a performer or producer. It isn't fair for one guy to be that brilliant and enjoy life and performances so much. Usually geniuses are tormented." Like an 18 year old kid knows anything about that?

Pepper Potts has posed:
"Well, yes, of course. It's your party. I suppose you'll be up there all night. Just... remember to enjoy yourself too. And don't drink too much, the season is young." Pepper states warmly, an earnest touch of worry in her voice. She then slips up to her toes so she can lean over and press the quickest of kisses to his cheek -- surely just a business formality of old friends, right? She must have hidden perfume away upstairs because, in that close moment, she leaves a wave of vanilla and sandalwood in her wake.

Then she's settling back on her heels and moves a few steps away. "I should check on the next band and make certain things are going smoothly downstairs. Enjoy the party, Melinda. We'll speak longer, later on. Have JARVIS send for me if you need, Tony...I'm going to keep things running smooth so you can have fun yourself." As always. That's all Pepper ever did, really. And, with one last smile, she disappears in the crowd to keep arranging things.

Melinda May has posed:
May watches Pepper take her leave to continue coordinating from the background before turning to look at Tony again. She doesn't say anything, though. She doesn't need to, most likely. After all, Stark may act like the world's dumbest genius, but he's not as completely socially obtuse as he likes people to think he is.

"Are you planning to have an event every day, or do you intend to take a break in there somewhere?" She's mostly asking for Pepper's sake. Either way, she suspects Potts is going to be even busier than her usual.

Iron Man has posed:
Tony watches Pepper go with a distracted intensity, then suddenly is back to the party, and turns to the kingdom at hand with a warm large public-face smile. May's question makes him chuckle, "Every day? Hardly. I need time to enjoy being hungover."

He checks in on the acrobats visually, as if looking for something, and then smiles to May and those near her: "Ah! Just about ready for the reveal. Excuse me," he says, without waiting for a reply, starting back to the stage stairs.

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara had gotten herself a plate of fruits and vegetables and she'd moved to one of the stand-up tables that was present not too far away. She sat her glass and plate down and then used a little fork to poke at the food she'd gotten, she should've gotten something a bit more filling but she was more than a little self conscious at something like this!

Another sip from her champaign was had and she looked up to see Mister Stark headed back toward the stage.

Iron Man has posed:
The music reaches a crescendo, and the performers spin out wide, and there's an explosion from each of the circling ceiling panels of shimmering snowflakes, that burst out and start to shower towards all of the guests. But then something happens.

The snowflakes catch in the air as if on an invisible ceiling, a patterned flow of the snowflakes seeming to hover overhead on that pane, which then slowly start to discend, like natural snowfall.

"Presenting a new development in force shielding, capable of reducing speed without disrupting even a snowflake's shape, and, most importantly, keeps these performers perfectly safe," Tony says, with a gesture, smiling, to the applause at the rather beautiful snowy show. One of the performers lowers herself on a golden ribbon, and clearly has assistance from the tech to slow her ease to the stage. Tony catches her and applauds her. "Wonderful performance, well done, Flying Dragon Dancers," he says, as the dancers bow.

The band starts back up in full blast for a section of open floor dancing as Tony comes off of the stage to finally mingle and order a drink.

Red Robin has posed:
    "Antigravity? Low speed repulsor? Inertial dampner?" Tim muses to himself and the people in his general vicinity. He pauses, then snorts to himself. "Air brakes. Bugs Bunny did it first, regardless. Cool technology."

    His brain races at the idea of a harness to prevent falls.

    "Effective bullet screen, maybe. Through one up in front of the president as a sort of nondescript Pope-mobile." he looks sips his drink. "Keep frisbees off the lawn too." He notes. His smile is crooked. "Alfred would like that."

Melinda May has posed:
Stark's announcement and display of the force shielding actually elicits a reaction from May. She raises her eyebrows. Fury is most definitely going to want to know about that. And then as Tony steps off of the stage again, she moves to fall into step with him.

"Ms. Potts asked if I would be sticking around to ... how did she put it? Help her stay sane." She tosses the man a glance. "Do you want me to do that? Because it can be arranged."

Quake has posed:
For her part, Skye has been sipping her drink, trying to look like part of the scenery. Now that it seems the show is done, she gives Clint a kiss to the cheek. "I think I'll mingle a tiny bit. Say hello to Tony at least." And May. And perhaps a few other guests she doesn't know.

Tim's comment about frisbees is caught in passing and smirked at.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Clint smiles to Skye, "Have fun," he says to her as she slips off to mingle. "I'll join you in a bit," he says spotting some of the Avengers and giving them a nod. He leans down to kiss her cheek in return before hitting up the serving staff for another egg nog before some light mingling.

Iron Man has posed:
Tony arches a brow sideways at May, and the large smile loses a few wattage as he takes in what she asked about. "If Pepper wants your help, you have my go ahead with it," Tony says to May smoothly, as if all of the show he just gave was less interesting than Pepper asking for a personal SHIELD agent to contain sanity. Maybe it is, since it's newer information to Tony. "Smashing dress, by the way," he adds to May offhandedly; he's not blind. Hardly.

Red Robin has posed:
    Skye gets a cheeky grin in return. "Need to have a wide market." he assures her. "The mean old man market is a chief demographic." Time Drake playfully notes. He sips his diet soda finally finishing it. He is obviously impressed with the technology, though the astute might note him checking the time on his wristwatch with a too-casual sort of look.

    As a waiter moves past, Tim places the now empty glass on the tray. "Thank you."

Quake has posed:
"Mean old man? As in hey you kids, get offa my lawn?" Skye pauses on her way to greet Tony to have a moment with Tim, noting the glance at his wristwatch. "Yeah. I'm feeling the same. Kinda like a weed in a flowerbed. Place looks great though. Skye by the way. Nice to meet you."

She shifts her drink from one hand to the other, and extends her now free hand to Tim to offer a handshake.

Melinda May has posed:
May nods to Tony. "I'll arrange it with SHIELD ops and be back here first thing tomorrow morning." Of course, she fully expects that Tony won't be awake and moving about until at least 1 or 2pm. But that means that she and Pepper can get some actual work done. She takes a quick mental inventory of what clothes she'll have to put up with for this particular mission, and she's already mentally grumbling. But, as usual, she doesn't let her thoughts show on her face.

"Thank you," she replies when Tony comments on her outfit. And then she promptly deflects by looking toward where Skye is saying hello to a young man. "You know that kid over there?" It would make sense that he does, after all, this shindig is very strictly invite only.

Red Robin has posed:
    "As in the sort of guy tormenting the Scooby gang, yeah." Tim Drake agrees. He has a calloused, hard hand despite his, let's be honest, pretty boy exterior. "I'm Tim Drake. Jack Drake was my dad. Bruce Wayne adopted me. I'm the sacrificial goat for Tony's party." His tone matches his lop-sided little grin. It's warm, and obviously poking more fun at himself than at anyone else.

    "It's really nice to meet you, Skye. You keep rare company, on the arm of an actual honest-to-goodness Avenger all night." He files away the face and name. "Tony was nice enough to attend Bruce's party a couple of weeks back. I was stuck handling school stuff. Couldn't attend Bruce's party, and Bruce won't have me being a homebody, so, umm, ta-da?" There is that little crooked grin again.

    he was actually in sewage up to his waist chasing down some invasion weapons.

Iron Man has posed:
Tony isn't deflected at first, he's still looking at the 'dress'. Or whatever is in the same vicinity as the red dress. It's not like he hides it, either. But he does finally glance over, taking in Skye first, then the young Tim Drake. "Yes, sure. He is a Wayne," Tony answers without issue to May. "Nice kid." Which probably means 'smart kid', with the tone Tony uses. "Skye decided to accept the invitation, I see. I'll get through to her yet," Tony observes, pleased. "Big SHIELD turnout. Hope you're enjoying yourselves, and it isn't all business."

Quake has posed:
There's a flash of grin for Tim, along with a shrug. "Clint? Yeah. He's my date." She says it all casual as though they're not dating or living together. Which is totally typical of the woman. "I'm not actually sure why I got invited. This really isn't my schtick."

Her own shake is firm enough, but it doesn't have nearly the markings or callouses that Tim's does. Some few, but not enough to really inform as to her position in things. Nothing a person could point at and identify a weapon choice, or a profession. She's something of an anomally that way, it would seem. "Ah, yeah. The orphan gig. Tell me about it. Lucky you, though. On the adoption, I mean." She hadn't been so lucky, that very state prompting her running away and taking to the streets at a young age. All the while oblivious to Stark's attention on her and the young Tim.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Doing the rounds of his Avengers buddies, Clint makes his way over to Tony and May. "Who's the new girl, Tony?" Clint greets the pair, before putting on a surprised look, "May? Is that you?" he smirks. "Great disguise."

Red Robin has posed:
    The 'good kid' has a good handshake. "Bruce wanted to thank you for making his party and livening it up like you did. He also told me to try to get out of the house, stop being a homebody, and to 'lighten up, live a little'." Tim Drake's grin remains there. He pivots his blue gaze to Skye. "You're an agent." He tilts a brow. He looks back at Tony. "Is everyone here but me either your employee or a spy?" He pauses. "Or a local sports star?" He allows the last one, remembering the Yankee 'Star' who nearly spilt his drink.

    "Avenger." Tim Drake has to be careful to not put the 'Robin' voice on as he offers Clint his hand. "Apparently Mr. Stark has invented a frisbee and arrow blocking shield. Does that mean you are hanging up your bow?"

    He hastily adds, 'All kidding aside. Fascinating tech. Low grade repulsors, Boson, gravitons. Call it Air brakes. You'll make another fortune." His thumb slides out of his watch pocket as Tim Drake alters his body language so he is nothing more than just Wayne's smart kid.

Melinda May has posed:
"I didn't think she'd refuse." Though May is honestly surprised that Lewis couldn't be here. Well, maybe that's why Stark has arranged for multiple events. "I think I'm the only one here actually on duty." Probably not, but any other on duty agents are likely being far more subtle about it, acting as waitstaff or similar.

And then Clint saunters on over and tries THAT comment. May simply looks at him flatly with a slightly tilt to her head that is exatly enough to make the overhead lighting glint off of the metal 'sticks' in her hair.

Anyone within a couple of yards from her and familiar enough with various martial arts styles might recognize that she's wearing actual weaponry as hair accessories. Probably because she couldn't exactly conceal her sidearm in her current outfit.

Then, just as quickly as she silently stared Clint down she focuses on Tim and her seeming casual glance visually evaluates his potential threat level. And she sees when he shifts into 'harmless kid' mode, and doesn't believe it for a second.

Iron Man has posed:
And here I was going with 'mid-air slow-downer,'" Tony says in dismayed deadpan, to Tim's commentary of what to call it. "The goal was a bit more broad than fortune. It was to make all of the uncomfortable agents glad they came and didn't 'waste' a night on having a good time against their will," Tony chuckles, diverting to Clint with an open handshake to greet him, and spots... his drink.

"I'm behind," Tony states, urgently, and signals the waitress to bring his drink immediately, with a sharp look and snap of fingers at her. She rushes one over and Tony's downing it. Priorities.

Quake has posed:
There's a singlular arch of brow from Skye. "I'm an agent, huh? What screams that about me." She's grinning though, turning to regard Tony herself, moving closwer that actual conversation might happen.

Clint gets a whole grin of his own. "Fancy meeting you here, stranger."

A nod for the others. "Stark. May." Her own glass nearly finished as Tony galls the waitress over, Skye finishes the dregs and gets herself a fresh glass while she's at it.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Clint smirks at that flat look. "Good to see you too. Nice pins," he says about the weapons in May's hair.

Tony's hand is gripped, but then Stark is off for a drink and Clint lets go, "Good to see you too," he remarks taking a sip of his drink, when the 'good kid' calls him Avenger. "Avenger is my father, call me Clint," he jokes as he shakes Tim's hand. "And nah, there's always some crazy new tech thing out there and so far, I haven't found one to make me hang up the bow."

A glance is given to Skye, "I don't usually do this with strangers," he jokes leaning down to kiss her cheek. "But I could swear we've met before."

Red Robin has posed:
    "Flying disc repeller." Tim says gravely at Tony, giving a little nod. "Regardless, you already know its a good idea. But I'll tell you it is anyways. The tech is awesome."

    "You were surrounded by Agents, Miss Skye." Tim says quietly. "I'm the ward of a billionaire playboy. I know what security looks like. Barbara Gordon is a friend of mine, so I know a ton of police. So, I know they are all kinda clannish. You were one of them. I took a chance."

    Tim grins at Clint. "I'm Tim. A real honor to meet you. It takes guts to shoot at aliens with a bow and arrow." There is no irony or cruelty to his tone, just honest approval and admiration. Melinda May? Tim looks at her. His cheeks go about 17 shades of red. If he has a weakness, it's girls who kick butt. To the young man's credit, his eyes never dip. Never. Dip. He maintains eye contact. "Hi. I'm Tim." His voice is a little strangled though, as if slightly embarrassed.

Iron Man has posed:
Tony gestures around to the little circle, addressing the waitress, "Refill everyone." Including him, he hands her back his empty glass. "There may or may not have been some artillery tests into the field last week that were, in fact, awesome," Tony remarks to the young man. And then comes an enormous smirk that surfaces upon seeing Tim react to May. Oh man. "Hmmmmmm. Excuse me, I'm in the splash zone," he says lightly, stepping aside a little away from what might occur between May and Tim, amused, to meet a few people that were so patiently waiting nearby to get his attention.

Melinda May has posed:
May nods to Skye when she offers a greeting, though the way she watches Tony demand and promptly inhale a drink makes it clear she's already calculating how difficult Stark is going to be to deal with later. Sure, she could curtail his imbibing by tasing him and watching TV while he drools into a carpet, but that thought has never really sat well with her. He's got an electromagnetic medical device on his person according to SHIELD records, and that's not something to play with. Ever. So, she mentally prepares for having to be the man's designated driver. Figuratively.

Tim's greeting to Clint and then reaction to her would be flattering and a bit amusing but, well, based on the pin on the kid's lapel, she's nearly old enough to be his grandmother. Just, no. "Tim." She offers him a handshake, noting that the kid manages to maintain eye contact even if he is redder than a prize-winning tomato. "Call me May."

When Tony indicates for everyone to have refills, that's goign to be a challenge for May. She's not so much as requested a glass of water yet.

Quake has posed:
Skye smirks at Tim. "Surrounded by doesn't mean I am one." Nope, she's totally not admitting that. And his little divulgences have a few wheels spinning in her head. It's probably a dead end of a lead, but one never knew.

Clint's kiss to the cheek, gets a saucy little twist of lips thrown his way, as well as a hand gesture to her forehead that he's more than familiar with.

~Asshole~

She just shakes her head and takes her refill, noting to Tony. "I still owe you lunch, by the way. And the show was impressive."

Red Robin has posed:
    He's eighteen. But, yes, he is completely aware that he's blushing. 'Tim." he assures Melinda. "Just Tim." He shakes his head at the waiter. "I've made a big enough idiot of myself without asking for another diet orange, thanks though." The teen's lips quirk into the self-aware, crooked grin. His left hand waves the waiter off from him, making sure to show his pin. He has a heck of a grip from a rich kid though.

    He is so glad he has someone to look at that is not the older woman. "I would have liked to have seen you slow artillery shells. Would have been cool. Who doesn't like explosions?" He lowers his hands, and while he is still blushing, he isn't looking at her anymore. Yup. Totally in control. He notes to himself to ask Tony later if she's got a daughter or something later. His left hand too casually pushes his hair from his face as he sets his jaw.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Clint grins broadly when Skye signs to him. He points with both index fingers and brings them together.

~Same to you~

He glances at Tim, parsing his words for scorn and finding none he gives him a nod "Thanks, good to meet you. Actually I don't think I caught your-" then he says it looking at May and turning beat red. Clint grins shooting a look to Skye.
He smiles when May takes it well and Clint accepts his refill. "So, Tim, what do you do exactly?" he asks.

Iron Man has posed:
"It's hardly over. There's more performers," Tony tosses out to Skye as the other people withdraw. "And mmmhmmmm you do; say, dig through those toys yet, Oxeye? I'm waiting; there's more," Tony 'explains' elusively to Skye/Oxeye. The drinking is leading to his attention being drawn... all over the place, as if he felt he's missing his party to an extent. Or he's looking for somebody.

Tony tips his glass to Tim in response about the explosions, though.

Melinda May has posed:
May watches Tim for a second or two longer, then looks at Skye and Clint, and with the faintest shift of her Vulcanesque expression toward sternness, she makes a gesture at the pair of them, her right hand hitting the upturned palm of her left hand in a chopping motion.

~Stop.~

And then she's looking at Tony again. "I need to go check in so I can make sure my schedule is clear for the next several days." It's left unsaid but heavily implied: don't get into trouble while she's gone or there will be consequences.

Her eyes land on Clint and Skye and Tim briefly as she moves past them and toward the exit, the nearly floor length gauzy fabric of her outfit billowing behind her a bit like Thor's cape is prone to.

Red Robin has posed:
    "Spend Bruce Wayne's money." Tim Drake admits. "He took me in after my parents..." The young man doesn't finish the sentence. He actually clears his throat. "Uh, My dad was Jack Drake. Drake Industries. Now I'm a Wayne. Sorta. I'm off to college now. Just knocking out the stuff that I wasn't allowed to test out of. Computer sciences, and likely another science course, I ... I am good with numbers." His left hand gestures as if to brush past that. "Business bores me. No offense. And people get weird around money and orphans. Numbers don't."His smile comes back, vaguely mocking. "Dad would say that business is numbers, but... that was his thing. I want to do my on. I like uh, well, we don't understand impact for example?" He sort of gestures at the stage where Stark's display was. "In court they talk about ballistics like we know everything. People have survived falls from thousands of feet with just broken legs, and other folks die from ten foot falls. The universe is like, weird, man. I like those numbers."

    Maybe that explains the callouses, self-defense courses as the ward of a gajillionaire?

    Oh Dear lord. She moves like a tigress. Tim sweats. Just a little. Why did he have to wear the three piece suit? Where can he find a girl like that? Do they come in his size?

Quake has posed:
Skye's smirk for Clint's return to her slips away some as she watches Tony. Either the man is looking for something or someone, or he's had too many in rapid succession drinks. She suspects the later, or at least some combination of both. But short of bumping into him and spilling his drink, or reaching over and divesting him of his latest, she's in a slight bit of a bind there.

"Uh, yeah. We need to sit and talk. Maybe not here or tonight, though?"

So much for not being anyone, huh, Tim? Then again, she could just be the IT girl. Right?

It's May, though that grabs Skye's attention with a full out startle of a blink, then a chuckle. "Well played."

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Clint offers Tim a smirk, "Good way to live, I guess," he says. Totally not jealous or anything. Clint had done the orphan thing too, but had run away to the circus before his Daddy Warbucks showed up. Still, when Tim balks at saying the 'died' when it came to his parents Clint understands. There was no good ending to any orphan's story, just less shitty ones.

"Sounds like you have a lot going on," he says, before smirking along with Skye when May catches them. ~Sorry~ he signs back, but by the smile on his face, he doesn't mean it.

Iron Man has posed:
Tony's attention lances back to May as she makes a statement about making sure her schedule is clear. Evidently May doesn't mess around, she makes plans into reality. Good to know. But Tony gets his attention focused back onto Skye when she responds to him, though he does pause before answering, handing off his most recent empty glass to passing waitstaff that clearly knew it was coming. They're used to Tony.

"No. Tonight is to relax and enjoy, not be grumpy about my gifts. Can I ask, what convinced you to come? Purely for scientific interest, if I should I want to replicate the conditions again," Tony says with a sly smile to Skye, but the expression is relatively friendly. "Was it this one?" he asks with a toss of head towards the other Avenger.

Quake has posed:
Skye is back to smirking at Tony. "What, jealous? You had your opportunity to ask me out. Not my fauilt if you didn't." Mind you, Clint hadn't asked her out either. That whole story was a comedy of purely Clint and Skye fueled errors - with a little nudge from Nat. Which didn't make sense, but there you go.

"I got an invitation," Skye says simply as to why she came. Though she'd have come as Clint's date regardless, so one might suspect she's prevaricating all around.

Hawkeye (Barton) has posed:
Yep. How Clint and Skye got together was a comedy of errors only the two of them, plus Nat could put together. He shakes his head fondly at the thought. "I'll let you two talk," he says with a sip of his drink and a further shake of his head. "Find me later?" he asks Skye.

Iron Man has posed:
"I see. The flower responds to printed matter on special paper and... the incredible selfie played a role, no doubt," Tony decides aloud of Skye. And then seems to... realize something. "I've forgotten to eat." Just a statement. "Hungry?" he suggests to Skye simply, inviting her to come with via a hand motion, to continue to chat for now.

At least, that is, until the party pulls the king back to the throne for more announcements or showmanship!