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 Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 11:07 am
There was a tree set up in the corner of Quinn and Lydia's living room, all decked out in lights and tinsel, ornaments hanging from the branches. A few lovingly wrapped presents already placed beneath. The girls hadn't gone crazy with decorations, and if not for the impending arrival of numerous guests, the tree likely would have been the only addition, but Lydia had wanted to throw a party, and Quinn had agreed. Both girls had lost their families when they'd awakened into the Dark Mirror Court, so the court itself had become their family. That's what the holidays were about, spending time with the ones you loved.
It was half an hour before the designated time for the party, and Lydia was adding the finishing touches to the "borrowed" tables the pair had nicked from HITS earlier that afternoon. They'd been placed end to end, stretching across the living room at an angle, but with a festive table clothe and a few nice candles the set up looked pretty nice.
"You ordered the food, right?" Looking up from placing the last of the silverware, Lydia cast Quinn a worried frown. She'd already asked this question, at least twice before. This was the first time she'd ever thrown a party, and she was understandably nervous. On top of that, the majority of the Dark Mirror court would also be meeting the newest member of their ranks, who just happened to be Lydia's boyfriend.
That right their explained the extra care she'd taken when getting ready. A pair of black leggings under an olive sweater dress. Gold jewelry glittering at throat and ears. Her ginger curls had been pulled up and pinned in an artfully casual updo, a few stray loops falling free to frame pale, freckled features and wide, nervous eyes.
She checked her watch for the thirtieth time, 20 minutes left.
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Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 11:24 am
Quinn would seem to be the polar opposite of Lydia in that moment. Her brown-fading-to-blonde hair was down, in loose messy waves that fell to her lower back. And while it was a party (and she probably could've dressed a little nicer), she was simply wearing a pair of torn black skinny jeans, black tuxedo t-shirt, and a red hoodie with holes cut out of it for her thumbs. The colors made it Christmasy and the tuxedo shirt made it fancy and that was good enough, damnit. She was almost positive Lydia would ask if she was going to change before their guests arrived. "I ordered it, I promise," she said with a laugh as she helped with the last bits of decorating around the living room. She stuck a big red bow to the top left corner of the full-length mirror that resided on the wall of the living room that she knew a few members would likely come stumbling through rather than using the front door. "You look nervous. We're not gonna eat Grant for dinner, you know." She was grinning broadly as she watched Lydia check her watch. "I'm sure everyone will love him." She took a few steps back to admire the apartment, nodding in approval in it's appearance. And then she fell lazily onto the couch and stretched. "What time's everyone coming, again?" While that was probably pretty important information, Quinn was awfully absent-minded and would probably lose her head if it wasn't attached to her shoulders.
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Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 11:35 am
Lydia nodded as Quinn reassured her once more that the food had indeed been ordered. They'd decided to have the dinner catered, rather then try to cook for potentially 13 people, and though Lydia wasn't sure how she felt about the idea at first, it was a very good thing they'd gone in that direction. If the red head was this antsy over hosting the party, she'd have been a nervous wreck if she'd tried to cook everything. No thank you.
She frowned as she was told she looked worried, then turned away stubbornly. "I know," she said defensively, toying with the sleeve of her sweater. "It's not just that, it's everything." It'd been a very busy week on it's own, but there was also this whole party to plan. She really hoped everything went well.
Another glance at her watch told here there was 15 minutes left until people should be arriving, but there was always the possibility someone would arrive early. They'd finished decorating, dinner was on it's way with the help of a generous tip(they didn't usually deliver, but Lydia had insisted.). Everything was now done, and all they had left to do was wait. "Um, 10-15 minutes, but I guess any time now really."
For the first time that evening Lydia glanced at her room mate and actually noticed what she was wearing. "Quinn." She frowned, looping her fingers together. "Are you going to change before people arrive?" She didn't want to be a nag, she loved the other girl, but.. That was not casually formal attire, no matter how clever the tuxedo shirt might be.
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Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 11:56 am
Quinn looked down at her fancy as ******** tuxedo shirt and her holey sweater, then looked back up at Lydia. "Aww c'mon, this shirt is awesome." She groaned slightly, like an angsty teenager would do to her mom and sat up on the couch. "I guess I could change..." She chewed at her inner cheek for a moment while she mentally went through her wardrobe. "I can't promise I have much that's very fancy, though." While she was hoping she would get away with her ridiculous outfit, she knew very well how important this part was to Lydia. So with that, she pushed herself up off of the couch and made her way down the hall to her bedroom. When she passed her roommate, she stuck her tongue out at her and then eventually closed the door behind her. When she came out of her room 10 minutes later, she was wearing a ruffly black skirt, black leggings, a white top, black cardigan that remained unbuttoned, and some wicked ******** heels. ( As seen here). Okay, so maybe she did have some nicer clothes wayyyy far back in her closet. Now she went to the fridge, made herself a glass of rum and eggnog and leaned against the countertop to take a sip as they waited.
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Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 12:35 pm
If Grant was capable of feeling such things as self doubt he might have been nervous. If he were capable of feeling things like confidence, he would have been nervous, but trying to hide it. As it stood, though, he was only capable of looking forward to this party with his eager, optimistic excitement that he walked through life with.
Even if that life had completely changed.
He was now something he was pretty sure he didn't believe in. Sensationalized stories in the news, generally fantastic accounts that were very entertaining but they all must have their rational, normal reasons. Even the events in the Surrounding, though they had opened his eyes a little and he had come to accept certain facts about that place, he had spent a lot of time justifying as a large reality television show of some kind.
And now he was one of those people that the news called terrorists, and he had thought were just a story. One of those that had been fighting in the Surrounding, though not on the side he had been defending. He was okay with that, as it stood, because he had his girlfriend. She would explain everything. She made it all seem to make sense, and he knew that she would take care of him, help him learn whatever he didn't understand, and answer any questions he had.
As long as he listened to her, and to those he told her to listen to, as well as their Queen, he was going to be just fine.
He was dressed in a white suit of sorts, not too high end but still likely over dressy for the occasion. He had a silky light blue shirt on under, and a christmas hat with snowflakes on it. He had a basket of cookies in arm as he approached the door, early. It was rude to be late, but was it rude to be early? Maybe he would just stand outside for a little bit... until it was closer to the time he had been directed to show up.
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Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 1:09 pm
"I don't disagree that it's a kick a** outfit, it's just not very fancy.." She trailed off as Quinn agreed to change, a soft smile spreading along her lips as the other girl walked past, tongue poking out in her direction. "And I know you have dressy things, I've seen them."
Head shaking, she watched her roommate disappear into her room, then turned to the empty room to give a last once over. It looked pretty festive, they'd done a great job decorating everything. Hopefully there was enough room for the all thirteen of them, if they all came. She'd sent the invitation along to Ares, but she knew their queen was incredibly busy. A Christmas gathering probably wasn't important enough to warrant her leaving her post in mirrorspace.
Quinn returned in a new outfit, and Lydia nodded in approval. "See, now that's much better." She was grinning as her roommate leaned against the counter, her expression a subtle form of teasing, but a sudden idea made her bounce on the spot. "I'm going to hang that janky cardboard snowflake on the door so everyone will know which apartment is ours." Never mind the fact that nearly all of them had already been there, and half would probably be arriving by mirror. She was exciting, okay? She wasn't thinking straight.
Grabbing the decoration off the counter beside Quinn, Lydia turned and made her way to the door, pulling it open to relieve her boyfriend on their welcome mat. "Grant." She blinked up at him, surprised, not that he was there, but that he hadn't knocked. Regardless, she was happy to see him, and a warm smile slide into place after a second or two. "Right on time." She knew he'd be one of the first to arrive.
She hung the snowflake, then happily grabbed Grants hand so she could pull him into the apartment. "Quinn, our first guests here!" Said guest was given a kiss on the cheek.
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Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 1:44 pm
Quinn squirmed slightly in her silly fancy outfit, obviously much more comfortable in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. She wobbled a little in her heels, not used to the added height and thin point- she was forever grateful that she got to wear combat boots as a Senshi and not ridiculous high heels like many of the others had. She took a big gulp of her creamy, delicious drink, the Rum warming her belly.
An eyebrow raised when Lydia called out to her to inform her that their first guest had arrived. She pushed off of the counter and eventually (trying not to fall over or break her ankle) made her way over to where Grant and Lydia stood. Her drink moved from her right to her left hand and she draped an arm around Grant in a half-hug.
Pffft, hand-shake? No thanks. Quinn was a hugger.
"Nice t'see you again, Grant!" A large smile spread across her face. She was always happy and eager to see new recruits, but tonight would have nothing to do with business, she promised herself. "You're awfully cute when you're not a zombie!" She poked at him before taking another sip from her drink.
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Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 2:28 pm
Today was honestly about as perfect as days could get. Ice skating with Jett for a few hours, then the first annual DMC Christmas party over at Quinn’s. It had taken a little badgering to get Jett to agree to come to the party, but in the end, her wonderful girlish charm had won out.
She had a bag with some candy canes and other Christmas-y treats inside that she planned on laying out when they got to Quinn’s place, hoping that everyone would like the sweets.
Her face was still somewhat flushed from the ice rink and she had done her best to tame her hair, putting it into a soft, loose braid. She was dressed pretty nice, in some black slacks and a bright red sweater, feeling at least somewhat festive. She glanced up at Jett and kissed his cheek, squeezing his hand before knocking on the door, laughing once before shouting at it.
“Quinn? Lydia? It’s Raven and Jett. We’re totally ready to do this thing and have a good time doing it. Let us in.”
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Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 2:29 pm
For every bit as festive that Raven was, Jett was not. It wasn’t that he didn’t like Christmas, it was just that, you know. He was Jett.
He liked the members of the Dark Mirror Court just fine—those that he knew, anyway—but wasn’t going to force himself to hang out with them. It wasn’t like he was BFFs with any of them or missed them too phenomenally, though—if he’d been a bit more inclined to play any social games, he might have made more friends.
Raven’s nagging won him over after only a short while, and it was easy to convince himself that this was better than going home alone and making a grilled cheese sandwich.
He allowed Raven to hold his hand, only because it was warmer than sticking it in his pocket. He was dressed in dark jeans, with a white button up shirt tucked into them and a black blazer to keep out the chill. Even his scarf didn’t scream ‘Happy Holidays’, though it was a gift from Raven for the holidays, so the dark blue scarf striped white and green had to count for something. The most festive thing about him was the girlfriend he had attached to his arm.
His hair was tied into a low ponytail to keep it out of his face; he hadn’t wanted to be blinded by it while ice skating and just had no motivation to primp and preen. He wasn’t coming here to show off—even though he looked damn fine and he knew it—so there was no reason to spend extra time in the mirror.
The last time he had come to Quinn’s place, he’d had wine—and this time was no exception. After finding that he and Raven were going to this party and he didn’t have much of a say in it, he’d had to make an impromptu stop to pick up ‘something nice’, and since everybody deserved a little alcohol, it seemed just fitting to grab a bottle of wine. This time, however, it wasn’t his intention to leave with the bottle.
He stood on the doorstep with Raven, half wondering why the girl didn’t just let herself in; last time everyone had gone to visit Quinn, there had been people Mirrorwalking in, so he doubted that it would have been such a big deal if they just let themselves in.
It was ******** cold out here, anyway, and Raven wasn't tall enough to be of any use in blocking the wind or large enough to supply him with adequate body heat.
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Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 2:40 pm
Tova attended the Christmas party, but she certainly wasn't happy with it. She supposed that there was something nice about celebrating the holiday season with familiar faces, but it mostly just reminded her how much her life had changed in the past year. Last year, she was happily spending the holidays at home celebrating Hanukkah with her parents. This year, her parents were gone and she was celebrating Christmas with her new family - the Dark Mirrors. She loved her allies, and although she wasn't exactly warm to any or many of them, she did view them as family.
Tova hardly had the courtesy to even knock, she had seen Raven and Jett knock as she approached the door, and felt that fulfilled her obligation. After waiting approximately zero seconds, she opened the door and marched on in to find that there was a new member of the family; a new boy. She faked a smile as she approached the group and offered out her hand to the new boy.
"I'm Tova," she greeted, and then eyed Quinn and Lydia. "Is there anything to drink? I need something with rum in it, stat."
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Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 2:50 pm
Before Quinn could manage to stumble towards the door in her stupid high heels when she heard the knocking and voice of Raven, Tova had made herself at home and walked right on in. Quinn couldn't help but grin. She had actually expected everyone to either let themselves in or mirrorwalk, so she wasn't the least bit surprised when her teammate entered.
Quinn raised an eyebrow at Tova, as if she had just asked the most ridiculous question in the history of ridiculous questions. Looking down at the glass in her own hand, she looked back up at Tova and raised the glass with a smirk. "I would never host a party without alcohol." Her hand-with-glass moved to motion at the bottle of Rum on the counter. "There's eggnog and other random crap in the fridge. Help yourself."
She may be co-hosting the party tonight, but she wasn't gonna play servant. She figured if they were all family then they could go through her fridge and cupboards and find whatever it is that they wanted.
"Hi guys!" She called over to Raven and Jett and motioned for them to come in. Her stomach rumbled quietly, realizing suddenly that she was ******** starving. What time did she order the food for again?
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Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 3:17 pm
Lydia smirked as Quinn poked at her boyfriend and slide her hand into his, squeezing it gently. "He's pretty cute no matter what he's wearing," she corrected gently, admiring the pale suit and silky shirt he was currently wearing. She approved of the outfit, it was very nice, and the blue brought out the color in his eyes. "You look great, Baby." Oh yes, Lydia enjoyed her pet names.
She was running a hand along his chest, smoothing away any wrinkles, when the first knock sounded against the door, followed by a now familiar Voice. She would have called for them to let themselves in, but the door opened a second later, and someone she hadn't get met as a civilian strolled in and offered a hand to Grant. Oh, so this was Tova! Lydia'd heard plenty about her from Quinn, but had never had the chance to meet her until now. "Nice to finally meet you outside the fuku, Tova. I'm Lydia, this is Grant." She rose her voice a little on the introductions so Raven and Jett could hear as well, then pointing Tova in the direction of the kitchen.
"Quinn's got all that covered I think, help yourself." Lydia didn't drink often, she didn't see much of a point in it really, but she could admit the combination of eggnog and rum sounded inviting. Her nerves were a little more high strung then usual.
Lydia gave Grant an encouraging pat on the arm before letting go of his hand so have could go and say a proper hello to Raven. "Glad you can make it, you both look very nice tonight." And because she was still fusing over the desire for everything to go perfectly, she couldn't help but add, "thanks for coming."
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Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 5:49 pm
Jett wasn’t going to be an a** and say, ‘More than happy to be here, Lydia!’ after he’d been dragged here, so instead of commenting on that, he stepped into the house after Tova, dragging Raven with him. “You’ve decked the place out pretty nicely,” he commented of the girls’ apartment. He hadn’t dressed up in any way particularly out of the norm, so her compliment meant little to him; he was sure Raven appreciated it far more, however.
Raven always liked to steal the spotlight, and it always seemed easier to get on her good side after saying something about how lovely she looked.
If Jett had not been very obviously taken, he might have spent more time admiring Lydia and Quinn’s attire, but he really wasn’t looking to stir something up. As it were, his eyes landed on Grant and Lydia. He had not missed their hand holding, though acknowledged that perhaps from where he’d been he had only imagined contact. “And you two certainly look lovely yourselves. Grant, did you say?” he asked of Lydia, eying the male as one might eye a child picking its nose in public. “…And who is he?”
He addressed not Grant for any sort of introduction—went right to Lydia. Grant was not someone Jett was even vaguely familiar with, and while he hadn’t met all of the members of the court outside of their powered forms, just looking the male over he couldn’t even guess who he might be—and that bothered him a bit. He wanted to know just who this stranger was, and what he was doing here.
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Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 7:07 pm
Raven grinned and waved to Quinn, before going and giving Lydia a hug. “It’s nice to see you guys again. And you really did make it beautiful in here.”
She blinked at Tova then smiled. “Nice to see you again.” She watched as everyone seemed to circle around Grant, frowning just slightly. Who was he? Was he a new member of their family, or was he just…Lyd’s boyfriend? Either explanation made sense…but...she hoped he had become a new addition to the court. That would be nice. They needed more people.
The blonde released Lydia and went back over to Jett, kissing his cheek for a moment before going over to the couch and flopping down on it, emptying her bag of Christmas sweets on the coffee table. “Ta-da. You guys have the liquor and I have the candy. Aren’t I a wonderful person.”
She didn’t really feel like drinking tonight, not that she ever really did. It was strange, of all the things that she liked to do, drinking was not among them. Not really, anyway. Maybe that would change, but, not any time soon.
“Did you get conformation from everyone else for the party, Lyd? I’m kind of excited to see everyone again…for a happy reason this time.”
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Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 10:18 pm
Quinn always had the alcohol covered, it would seem... Which was funny, because outside of social gatherings she wasn't a huge drinker. But when she did drink, she often didn't hold back. And while she was most definitely under-age here, she justified it by saying that she was legal back home, and that had to count for something right?
Either way, being a girl made alcohol easy to come by, regardless of age, and Quinn was happy to provide.
When she had finished off her drink she mixed herself a second, this one a mix of cranberry juice and Disaronno, both eyebrows raising at the mention of candy. If Quinn was anything at all, she was a glutton, and damn if she didn't have a sweet tooth. She quickly wove through the kitchen and the small crowd gathering and plopped down on the couch next to Raven.
She took a quick sip of her drink and leaned forward to peer at the treats that Raven brought. "Ohhhh what'd you bring us?"
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