holiday party post

[callipygos]

Aphrodite's New York loft is done up to the nines.

The first good look as one enters is of twinkling Manhattan through the big windows, lights bright against a dark winter sky. The windows take up most of two walls; the rest of the space is largely empty, the star of the show a glowingly polished hardwood floor perfect for dancing.

There's a cluster of low-slung couches and chairs at one end of the room, velvet and leather and very inviting. They're situated by the fireplace, which lends them a cozy glow-- though it isn't cold anywhere in here, despite the windows.

Aphrodite is very proud of a few things about tonight:

1) The music, which spans a decent range of time periods and tempos, and will be playing for most of the evening.
2) The decorations, understated but quite lovely: softly glowing lights, silver and gold ribbons wound around columns and draped from the ceiling ... the occasional strategically placed bit of mistletoe.
3) Her dress.

And yes, darlings, there is a very well stocked bar and counter full of snacks.

That's what happens when you enlist the Three Graces to help you plan your shindigs.

Comments

[cutting_edgex23]

X leans into the touch for a moment, then slips her own arm around him, fingers resting lightly on his hip.

"I think it is good. The party. But loud."

And sometimes it is nice not to have to cope.

She looks up at Bruce, then, searching for more useful words.

What she settles on is, "Aphrodite is my friend."

That is more important than fun. Clearly.

(To X, most things are more important than fun. Still.)

"You like it? Here."

It will be better if neither of them are miserable.

[master_bruce]

'Which is why you came? I can see why. She seems nice.'

He turns toward her, putting the other arm around her waist too. For a long moment, he just looks her, a small smile on his lips.

'I like being here with you.'

[cutting_edgex23]

"Yes."

X does not smile back, but she reaches up to rest her hand against the pulse in his neck.

Just for a few seconds.

"I do not think 'here' is relevant. For that."

Just so he knows.

[master_bruce]

'You're right.'

His pulse jumps slightly under her touch. He feels it, and doesn't care. She's probably been aware of it happening before. So he just leans in to kiss her, so soft it's almost not there.

[cutting_edgex23]

"I know," X says, just as his lips brush hers.

It is kind of like a return kiss, in a way.

And if her hand lingers on his pulse for a few more seconds --

What of it?

But eventually she'll move away, just a little.

"We can sit."

It will make it easier to lean against each other, for one. X is rather fond of that.

[master_bruce]

'Mmm.'

When she moves, he can feel a slight flush on his cheeks. That's something new. But he ignores it, and sits down next to her on the bed. A beat later, and he loosens his tie so he can undo his top button.

'How did you get to be friends with her? Just met at the bar?'

[cutting_edgex23]

X's keen observational skills could hardly miss it, but she stays silent on that regard, at least for now.

Instead she shifts a little, leaning against his shoulder and twining her fingers with his.

Then --

"Yes. She does not think I am strange."

Beat.

"And I think sometimes people are afraid of her, too."

Just like they are of X. Well, for a given value of 'just like'. Still.

[master_bruce]

'Because she's a goddess who everyone's attracted to?'

He squeezes her fingers gently, and leans into her too.

'I can think of worse powers to have.'

He doesn't comment on X being strange. because to him, she's not.

[cutting_edgex23]

"I do not know if that is why."

X does not look to be letting go of his hand any time soon.

It is comfortable.

"There are always worse powers. Or more dangerous ones."

Some mutants just gain the power to melt, for one.

And if they cannot quickly control it, they die.

"It is not only for gods. Or mutants."

Beat.

"You know."

They both do, really.

[master_bruce]

'It's about how people use power, rather than the kind they have.'

But she knows that, too.

'I suppose it's different if you're born into something that uses it one way, and then has to adapt as time changes.'

A different set of problems for immortals, probably.

[cutting_edgex23]

"It is easier," X ventures, after a momentary silence. "If you want to change. When circumstances do."

It's not quite like she's living proof of that, but some things are close enough to count.

Perhaps.

Her breathing is slow and quiet, and eventually her head comes to rest against Bruce's shoulder.

Lightly.

[master_bruce]

He likes it when they're like this. Nothing to interrupt. Just them.

'Yeah.'

He tilts his head so his cheek, just barely, touches her hair.



'Wanting to change is easier than having to.'

[cutting_edgex23]

X shifts her own position a little, resting a little more of her weight against him.

"Yes. If you know how to want."

Her hand is still twined with his.

She shows no sign of letting go.

[master_bruce]

He's quiet for a long time; long enough that the noise of the party seems to fade to a dull murmur. He just sits, and holds her hand.

And then;











'I love you.'

[cutting_edgex23]

Her fingers don't tighten on his, though she spends a few long moments studying his face.

Then X leans up, pressing her mouth to his very gently, and stays there for a small space of time.

And before moving back --











"You do not make me miserable."

[master_bruce]

A grin spreads across his face. Just for a second, he touches his forehead to hers.

'I'm glad.'

His fingers tighten on hers, just a little. He doesn't feel the need to add anything more. She knows.

[cutting_edgex23]

Her own fingers tighten in their turn, even as a little more of her weight settles against him.

She does know.

And she is not planning on going anywhere. Not right now.

And not any time soon.