7709/What

What
Date of Scene:	02 June 2019
Location:	10th Floor - Stark Tower
Synopsis:	Steve hassles Thor a bunch.
Cast of Characters:	Captain America, Thor

---

Captain America has posed:
This has been a visually spectacular night so far for anyone lucky enough to receive an invitation to Tony Stark's birthday party. Granted, the event has been lingering on from dawn until dusk for many days in a row, but tonight is the defacto date of birth for the genius inventor. This mean extra shock and awe, pizazz and confetti, and Steve's somehow managed to talk his way out of immediately attending on something Janet wished to go do -- something about making new friends? Or was it greeting the scantily-clad guest who had appeared in artfully-placed plate-metal looking suspiciously like the Iron Man suit? As Steve sips at his Shi'ar wine, he's betting penny to dollar that Pepper didn't officiate that particular guest's arrival.

Still, as he scans the crowd from his seat at the bar, he spots Thor by the Asgardian's height, breadth of shoulder, and eyepatch. Memory of a recent conversation between himself and the Waspy fashionista jogs him and, with a sigh as if preparing for a difficulty, the Captain rises to his feet to walk over towards the royal.

"Thor!" he calls out, pitching his voice to carry. "Gotta moment?"

Thor has posed:
    It's from the balcony's wide double doors that he emerges, the tall heroic monarch of the people of Kvalvika. His collar is popped and the first few buttons undone, and the pony tail he'd been sporting is now undone leaving his neck length hair a bit of a halo from what most likely was the wind outside. In his hand is Mjolnir, though he lightly shifts it in his grip, swinging it back and then forth just enough for it to make that faint 'whom' sound.
    But then he espies the Captain across the way, calling out his name. A heavy hand is lifted and opened in greeting. "Captain!" He waves a few times then continues into the room, stepping around a few of the party-goers and setting the hammer at his side as he strolls.
    It only takes them a few moments to navigate the crowd and meet up just outside the conversation pit with all the pillows. "Steven, how passes the night for you?"

Captain America has posed:
By the momentary jump of Steve's wheat-gold brows, he was expecting the monarch to have been conversing outside rather than subjecting himself to the cooler rivers of wind high in the night sky. Still, knowing better than to inquire given the inanity of the vein of conversation, he doesn't make note of it.

He's quiet until they reach their anchoring pause by the pillow pit. The Shi'ar wine is still blood-red in his glass and only a third remains. The Captain's fingertips tingle slightly; it doesn't have the sneaky, wicked punch of the Asgardian mead he's become more recently acquainted with more than once. A sip at it and he gives Thor a small wry smile.

"The evening fares about as well as it could. Tony's having fun, we made a showing, might as well make the best of it. Janet's..." He pauses to scan the crowd around them and fails to find her right off the bat. "...around here somewhere, probably wondering if she can convince me to dance." A short laugh and he lifts his wine glass to indicate its contents. "I'll need more'n this to be convinced. You enjoying yourself?"

Thor has posed:
    "It is a fine celebration for our comrade and friend." Thor says as he rests his hands on his hips, eyebrow behind the eyepatch lifting and cocking curiously as he seems to survey his surroundings with only a small amount of nose squidginess.
    He shoots a glance back towards the good Captain and waves him on just as he steps again into motion, moving away from the bar area and towards the alcoves nearby where some have taken to having what conversations they can, just far enough away from the music where shouting is no longer required.
    "Though I do not intend to stay o'er long. I shall return to New Asgard and see if anything has transpired." A brief thought has his gaze distance, then he looks back towards the Star Spangled Sentinel, "Perhaps I shall stop by the mansion to see if any matters require attention."

Captain America has posed:
With a quiet sigh of relief at putting more space between himself and the sheer amount of guitar-laced sound blasting from the stage, Steve walks alongside the Asgardian as they travel to that more quiet and sheltered place. He pulls at the knot of his tie to loosen it after they've come to a pause, perhaps unconsciously goaded on by seeing the state of Thor's own dress shirt.

"You're welcome to drop by. Can't think of anything that needs immediate addressing, but I haven't been back to it for a day or two now. This arrived at my apartment," he explains, plucking at the black-lined tuxedo lapel. In the alcoves, his suit seems dark as dusk rather than navy-blue. "How goes it in New Asgard?" His attention lingers on Thor as nonchalantly as he can manage. "Wedding planning's going well?" The question and accompanying expression seem innocent enough.

Thor has posed:
    Thor scrunches up his good eye a bit and his answer is an easily given, "Well enough," He folds his arms over his chest and leans back just enough to settle upon the edge of one of those alcoves, the two interiors on either side of him empty of others though there are a few abandoned drinks within as well as a few appetizers that haven't been thrown away.
    "I have no craft for such work, so Ellisandra," Then he slightly smiles and looks to him directly, "And Janet, have taken that on themselves." He lifts a hand and casually sweeps it to the side, "For my part, I imagine the showing up and saying the proper oaths will be my main point of focus."
    Then he rests a hand on Steve's shoulder and half-smiles, "And I am at some point to speak to those close to me about joining my wedding party? Though in Asgard that has often been more of a raiding party than what you mortals enjoy I believe." His lip twists, amused.

Captain America has posed:
Steve can, at least, read some evasion in the initial short answer from the monarch. He nods noncommitally as he glances away and across the room, all the better to take any perceived pressure away from the other half of this conversation. The wine still tastes warm and well-balanced on his tongue anyways, not becoming slowly overly-sweet like the mead he'd had before.

His attention returns to Thor from wondering why anyone wants to wear heels //that tall// when the man speaks again. He grins enough to show teeth to hear of Janet's involvement; of course -- nothing keeps the fashionista from nosing in to just about social affair. The insinuation of the wedding party, however, has him letting out a quiet surprised laugh.

"Raiding party, huh? Can't say I've ever been a part of one of those...unless you'd count Assano." The Captain falls silent for a beat, still grinning, before he chuckles and shakes his head again, expression bemused and somewhat amazed. "If you want a mortal brother-in-arms at your side, 'm happy to be there. If you're wanting opinions as to who to ask, just as happy to level with you."

Thor has posed:
    Nose crinkling as he considers the good Captain's words, Thor looks to the side with scrunched up features then back to him. "In times past, my grandfather's time, the wedding party were those that would actually leap to the defense as they carried off his bride. I know not how my father and mother ended up together, but the tale of their wedding was a private affair as far as I have been told." For there is much mystery in the past of Asgard. Even for Thor.
    "But!" Thor says with a grin and thumps Cap on the shoulder, "I would be delighted to have you and Tony at my side. Even Banner if he intends to behave. I know not who Ellisandra intends to have in her party. Though I believe Janet may have finagled her way in there."
    There's a shake of his head and a low chuckle, "But shield-brothers, aye. And, of course, all of our friends will be welcome." He waves a hand to the side as if motioning to the very horizon as if their numbers were limitless.

Captain America has posed:
The Shi'ar wine jumps in the wine glass and thankfully doesn't spill from the friendly thump. Steve seems used enough to the gesture for all he just dimples hard to one side rather than scowling or anything of the like.

"Not surprised to hear that she did," he does comment as to Janet's wilings, tone ruefully affectionate. Another sip of his drink and he shifts in place to lean on the opposite lintel of the alcove, lightly crossing his ankles without devoting excess weight to the balancing point of heels.

"It'll be a grand affair," and the Captain lifts his bulbed glass to the envisioning of it all. "Everyone who gets invited will have memories to last a lifetime." He sticks out his free hand towards Thor, now dimpling. "And I'd be honored to be a member of your raiding party. How often does a man get to be a part of one? Just lemme know what to wear and if I need to bring any...ceremonial weapons or anything. Don't want to break the rules or make a bad showing for Midgard." He seems to want to continue further, but changes his mind with an exhale, holding the thought for the moment.

Thor has posed:
    "Oh assuredly," At the idea of it being a grand affair. "It will be a good thing for our people. We are no stranger to celebration of course, but this will be an exception to our usual fare." Which, as Steve has seen, is nothing to sneer at.
    "There will likely be duels, and contests, and tests of strength. Riddles, riding, and gambling and hunting." He spreads his arms as if trying to take it all into his embrace and then just surrenders for clearly it is an impossible task. "All you will likely have to worry about is how much mead you'll drink, and make sure Janet is around to insure none of the shield-maidens take it upon themselves to seduce you."
    His smirk is wry and he nods once, but then he looks towards the celebration and the stage where the band is taking a break for the moment. He looks back to Steve. "If there is aught you need to know I will make sure you hear of it ahead of time."

Captain America has posed:
Even with the lesser lighting of the alcoved area, there won't be missing how Steve's ears pink at the premise of shield-maidens. He makes a wry little moue at the idea of the fashionista spitting at one of the women. Yes, indeed, a thing to be avoided if at all possible.

"I appreciate that, Thor. I'm looking forwards to it all, even the possibility of having to try and out-drink an Asgaridan. Figure I can hold my own." He shifts in place against the lintel and then gives the monarch one of those signature keen Rogers looks, transparent and free of guile despite the narrowing of attention. "Figured I'd check and see how you were feeling about all of it. It's a big step, getting married. I consider you a shield-brother too. It'd be a smear on my name to not see if there's any advice I can give you."

Thor has posed:
    "It shall be a week to remember." There's a short sharp nod from the tall Asgardian then he looks sidelong at Steve as he offers what advice he can muster. It's perhaps the offer that gains the dubious look. Or perhaps it's the amount of advice brought to the table. But dubiousness is there.
    Though it is quick to be laughed off with a smile, "Ah what is there to be said in truth, Steven?" He again pats the man on the shoulder but gentler this time. "Time will bring all matters together. And I have no shortage of advisors who are willing to look out for what I hope are my best interests." Even Loki.
    He shakes his head, crinkling his nose again. "Nay, fear not. All shall work out in the passage of time."

Captain America has posed:
Fabric whispers as Steve stands up from his lean on the pole. He's wearing a quietly empathetic draw of brows together now, as if he's not certain he's heard the Asgardian correctly.

"Advisors are all well 'nd good, Thor, but take it from me: everyone's got their own agenda. I'd know. 'm not royalty -- hell, not at all, just a guy from Brooklyn -- but advisors...you gotta take what they say with a grain of salt. 'nd yes, I know..." He laughs at himself. "Pot, kettle, black, 'nd all that, but what 'm hearing is that you want others to plan it for you. D'you really? You want someone else at the wheel?" Steve lifts a hand almost as if asking for peace if he hit a nerve or two. "There's being thoughtful about the decisions of others and then there's folks respecting your input."

Thor has posed:
    Sliding down along that wall, Thor looks almost like a teenager having been caught needing to wash the car or mow the lawn. He grimaces and looks away then looks upwards as he sliiiides onto the edge of the seat in one of those alcoves. He holds up a hand as if to stay Steven's words, then looks back to the man.
    "I know, I know. I am not unaware of what you speak, Steven. It is more..." He uncurls his hand, "My talents do not lie in the realm of this task. Planning the wedding. Imagining the future. Making such small choices. It... I find it difficult to care about those decisions and simply want them to please Ellisandra. And if she takes joy in it, then excellent."
    He leans forwards, resting his forearms on his knees and watches the dance floor for a time. "I will do my duty in this matter, but do not ask me to dance a jig while doing so."

Captain America has posed:
"Nah." A hard sigh leaves Steve as he takes up leaning against the wall again. By the set of his features, he got the answer he half-expected and half-wanted to hear in turn. "'m not gonna be after you to make a grocery list of things to do. It's..." He grimaces. "'s'not on the groom to figure out what silver to use or what kind of flower the boutonnieres are gonna be or the color of the table linens. Those're small decisions, sure."

The Captain falls quiet for a significant number of seconds, his eyes downcast. "Think what 'm getting at is you should be happy with it all, Thor. Takes everbody being happy to make a life like that, when married. Wouldn't know, but...y'know...seems to be the trend, from what I've noticed. You deserve a happy future." A subtle lift of his glass again is firm salute to the statement. "'nd 'm honored to be there to support you in it."

Thor has posed:
    An exhalation, then Thor turns to him and says with some hint of exhaustion in his tone as he tries to meet the man's eyes, his one good blue eye flitting back and forth as if trying to see which one is proper for him to look into to get to the man that is Steve Rogers. "I understand. And I appreciate the sentiment, Steven..." A beat, "Steve." He says with a nod of emphasis.
    "But there are times when you cannot think only... of your own happiness." He looks up and to the side, perhaps at the party-goers, at the circles of people laughing, conversing. Then he looks back, "This is the wise move. For my people, for my family."
    He lifts a hand and flares the fingers slightly as if motioning to something behind him. "It is said we Asgardians have a childhood that lasts hundreds of years. Perhaps mine has lasted entirely too long and now I must grow up." A small smirk is there as he looks across the way at some of the young women who had been watching him during the evening. He chuckles and shakes his head, "And high time, too."

Captain America has posed:
There's an echoing chuckle from Steve, more rueful than not. "Believe me when I say that, in a way, I understand." He shrugs his broad shoulders beneath the fitted and svelte darkness of his tuxedo, the undershirt crisply white in the vaguest reach of black lighting from the stage.

"'m not royalty, never have been 'nd probably never will be. But, y'see, this idea about putting aside your happiness for something else? Duty, war, patriotism...I get it. That's what got me into this state in the first place: the idea of serving a bigger cause than yourself, whether or not you're happy about what comes of it, because even if you're one person alone, swallowed up by whatever drives you, you can do something to make the world better for your people. I understand," he repeats, tone still respectful. "'nd I think you're brave for it." There's another self-depricating laugh as Steve glances away towards the dance floor, maybe hoping to spot Janet.

"Figure..." The illumination of his smile fades into something far more solemn. "Figure I pushed all that aside a long time ago. Just want you to be happy, friend to friend." Rallying, he gives Thor a one-sided dimpling of a grin.

Thor has posed:
    "Happiness shall not elude me, Steven." Thor's smile is wry as he straightens, taking a deep breath again and seeming to once again embrace the night and the joviality. "Not so long as I have friend such as you around me." And with that said there's a slightly heavier /thud/ into the back but still friendly as he rises.
    "Come, I'll break open the bottle of mead I got for Tony. I'll replace it in the morning, he'll never know." His smirk is crooked as he says this but then heads on to put action to those words.