2014.02.17 - Valentines Day Dance

Young love is in the air! Or at least, there was potential to be.

In the courtyard grounds of the Academy of Tomorrow, a tall hedge maze has been constructed. There are lights lining along the paths, so students might be able to see.

Once the students make it to the center, a large open area has been set up as the main hub of the dance. There are various cute hearts, roses, and other Wonderland-inspired imagery about, along with a romantic gazebo with a photographer present. There is catering present and non-alcoholic drinks.

A small stage has also been erected, and features a band. In front of the stage is an illuminated dance floor with plenty of room for people to get their grove on.

The Queen of the school, Emma Frost was chatting with one of the catering staff. Her hair was one in an elegant updo, with a red heart and rose hair accessories. Her outfit was quite formal for the occasion, a pointed white corset with red beaded detailing across the chest and shoulders, and she wears a fitted mermaid skirt, with a wide red lace panels which made for a wide train.

Kurenai comes in, walking slowly into the scene. A night for firsts and lasts, it would seem. First formal dance...never having attended such an event previously. and it may be her last, given that she's soon to be recalled home, a fact she's shared with no one but Emma as of yet.

Shes still trying to figure out this Valentines Day thing. There is a somewhat similar holiday in Japan, an odd mutation of it involving co workers giving each other candy...but Kurenai never had a chance to celebrate that either. Regardless, she's in a rather daring silk slip dress, and her hair is permed up. if she learned nothing else from Emma during her short time here, it was a little bit if style.

Leo is of course wearing jeans, it's rare he doesn't! They are tight jeans though with a long oversized black shirt, and a stylish red jacket with a black hem along the front breast pocket. He doesn't arrive alone of course, having Fern with him. He doesn't visit the school often these days as he is privately taught by Emma now, unless to visit Bart or visit with Fern to the Academy.

Honestly, this is his first Valentine's Day too, and Leo totally went overboard with it in true Luthor style. Poor Fern's apartment, poor her work space at Hammer Industries (that was yesterday)! With the fact they are 'dating' or whatever the public wants to call it out in the rag mags, he has been less 'quiet' about their 'arrangement'. So that means she was overkilled with roses and other flowers and chocolates. Coming to the Valentine's Day dance is likely a pleasent break from the rest of the heticness Leo has put poor Fern through today!

Ah, Valentine's Day...a day associated with love and affection and all sorts of other completely illogical things that 157 doesn't understand or particularly care about. Whatever the case, though, the small, thin boy is here, dressed quite handsomely...or as handsomely as you can get when you're tiny, thin, rather awkward overall, and have decided to lug around your bookbag despite the fact that you're attending a party. But then, that bag /does/ hold 157's "defensive ammunition," after all. Anyway, either he got it into his head that attending this is part of his duties as a student, or he's planning on using it for recon somehow. The boy arrived a few moments ago, and has thus far simply been staring silently and expressionlessly at the dance floor.

The Five-in-One... or rather the Six-in-One for tonight, had no problem finding there way through the hedge maze for one easy and obvious reason. Esme was reading the minds of the workers as they constructed it. Which now that they think of it isn't really all that easy when you consider what some of those workers were thinking about the young gorgeous blonde as she walked by them.

Tonight they had a little surprise for the students and that is their date and new addition to the collection of "adopted sisters" they have, "Mindee." Who looks exactly like the other members of the Five-in-One's collective mind, can walk in lock-step like they can, and talk when they talk like they all can. And is dressed exactly like them.

A long and elegant white silk ball gown with black lace accents. Their hair is worn slightly curled tonight and their make up much more simple and less dark than they usually wore.

As they examined the decor of the party they saw Leo and Fern. They still had to get a hold of Leo to make amends for their behavior in the past. Especially since Celeste had gotten mostly over her crush on the boy and they considered Fern their friend.

They approached Leo and Fern and say in their beautiful and creepy unison, "Hello Leo and Fern. We hope your Valentine's Day has been a lovely one. We want to thank you Fern for introducing us to Mindee."

They suspect that Fern doesn't even realize that she did as much.

Kurenai spots the Cuckoos making their entrance and smiles to herself. She starts to head over to them but stops short as they appear engaged with Leo and Fern. Stopping short, she then looking around, wondering where to go, or what to do. Then curses her luck that she didn't get a chance to invite Tommy as her date. Hell, even Daimon would have been....a hoot, probably, but...probably for the best she came stag tonight. Instead she walks over to the refreshments table and starts to study every detail in depth.

Sebastian Shaw could not be here tonight, for whatever reason -- his reasons are his own, of course. But he has sent Tessa, the Black Princess of the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle, as his representative. The elegant, mysterious young woman attends without a date, even though it's a Valentine's Day party. She has a fur stole draped on her otherwise bared arms, tasteful silver jewelry, a small black clutch, and a lace dress that creates a powerful illusion of a hell of a view.

Tessa hangs by herself for now, observing the comings and goings of various people. Her face, as ever, is inscrutable. She doesn't look miserable, but she also doesn't look like she's having very much fun.

With a hand resting lightly on Leo's arm, Fern accompanies the Luthor into the festivities. Her skin is a shade that might almost be called tan, for her at least, though to most it's just a darker shade of pale. Her dress is a red that matches Leo's jacket, simply cut with a strapless, fitted bodice, the waist belted and the skirt below flaring out from her hips and falling softly around her calves. In a nod to her suitor's extravagant gifting, there's a fresh daisy tucked into a loose chignon gathered at the nape of her neck.

There's a smile for the sisters as they approach, and a warm greeting. "Hello, girls, and Happy Valentine's Day." Fern's brows lift slightly at the words of the chorus, "Mindee?" She's pretty sure the only Mindy she's ever known was back home in grade school.

And there's something that catches 157's eye...the Five-in-One-Plus-One. Turning away from his observation of the dance floor, the boy slowly walks across the party area, ending up standing near the Cuckoos, their addition, and Fern and Leo. "Initiating preliminary social mode," he says, slowly, as he finishes approaching. "This one has observed that Five-in-One have acquired additional member. This one requires explanation. Please." A very lengthy pause. Then, slowly, he adds, "Happy Valentine's Day." He turns to Fern. "Happy Valentine's Day." He turns to Leo. "Happy Valentine's Day." And he turns back to the Cuckoos. "Has this one properly fulfilled requirements for a greeting on this occasion?"

Oh, and yes, Leo cheated with X-Ray vision to get through the maze. Scold him later, please? In either case, Leo actually jumps, "AHHH!" Yes, he freaked out a bit when he saw there were six. He looks...a bit wary. Yep, he's totally wondering if they are cloning themselves, which is SERIOUSLY creepy. Oh gawd, what if they are really aliens that change people's base generics to be like them! Everyone would be Cuckoos, that be....traumatizing for his male brain! Wait, wait...time to leave the sci-fi behind.

Leo smiles a bit awkwardly. "Hello." He then looks over at Fern and goes, "Don't introduce them to people," in a low tone for hopefully just Fern's ears. Never before has Leo been THIS creepied out by the five-in-one...but he is seriously freaked out over suddenly magically having a sixth.

Though Leo does get briefly distracted as he blinks at seeing Tessa. Now /that/ is someone he hasn't seen in ages, not since his original introduction to Sebastian Shaw.

When Emma was in school, she completely loathed school dances. So she went out of her way for this one to feel just a bit more fun. And if any student was a social outcast, or was too hesitant to ask someone to dance Emma was going to throw them to the wolves.

Her eyes looked about the area, and found a number of young students and guests she would like to see. But first she went to Kurenai, and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, "I'm glad you decided to come, darling. You look marvelous. I thought that dress would be a good fit for you."

Mentally she reached out to Tessa and joked, |"Surprised to see you here, darling. I'm sure you get along with children /beautifully/."|

Kurenai turns her head slowly to Emma and cracks the first honest smile she's given in a few days. She simply nods and murmurs, "Thank you." In her now perfect English. Because yeah, BTW that's happening now. You know, as a thing.

She looks out over the dance floor and bites her lip, wondering. And knowing that now...ore than she had previously realized...she was really going to miss this place. Terribly.

The Cuckoo's, including Mindee courtesy ever so slightly in unison. and in unison the address Leo, "We are in no way aliens, Leo Luthor. And we are also not capable of genetically altering people. But if it please you to think so we won't change your mind for you." Followed by a 6 part laugh.

After that, The girls couldn't help but grin at the reaction there new "sister" was getting them. And they had Fern to thank for it alright. Without Fern they would have never met Gabe, and then never met Cat and thus would have never help "create" Mindee.

A look to the 157 and an answer from one of the Sixe, "There is now one more of us. But there won't always be. It's a special occasion thing, darling." they were sounding more like Emma every day it seemed

They could feel Kurenai's saddness as she reflects on her life here ending. They could even hear the little telepathic conversation that Tessa and Emma were having and wondered who this odd woman was. So much to do. Good thing there was six of them tonight.

When it comes to Wonderland themes, it's hard to get more authentic than Keith. He's basically the theme embodied- Cheshire? check. Purple? Definitely. As a concession to his unusual coloration, he has chosen to wear his usual purple dress shirt and black slacks. While fancy dress is encouraged, a jacket to complete the ensemble would defeat the purpose of his choice- the shirt, basically, helps hide any accidental shedding. Black blazers, on the other hand, do not. One must have these considerations in mind when one is covered in unusually-colored fur.

As he enters the hedge maze area with a certain young man at his arm, he looks around at the assembled group. The classmates with whom he hasn't had much time to interact, due to his 'occupation.'

Kurenai

If she'd seen him on the street, Fern might not have realized that the young man in the suit was 157, except for the giveaway of the fedora that he's taken to wearing. Her questioning look evens as she smiles at him, returning, "Hey Hun, Happy Valentine's Day." Leo's whisper aside gets his arm a light squeeze, and an indulgent grin, but she doesn't comment on his words. She does, however, finally realize that there is one more Cuckoo than usual. Without enlightenment of the Mindee situation, she looks to Leo. He's been here while she's been away, maybe he's more in the loop than she is? That's what she hopes she conveys with the semi-confused look to him, anyway.

Tessa doesn't look at Emma. She doesn't have to. Instead, she busies herself retrieving a glass of wine from a server, nodding to him courteously. |"Sebastian sends his regards, and apologizes for not being here. Other business, I'm afraid."|

The conversation between Tessa and Emma can be picked up by other telepaths in the room, sure, like stray air traffic control messages, but Tessa herself is a figure on lockdown. Powerful minds could pry her brain open, but the effort would probably not be worth it for all the fuss it'd cause. |"I happen to get along marvelously with children. I get along with most everyone, actually. I just don't attempt to dominate them."|

Kurenai decides to step up at last, walking over to talk to the Cuckoos. She glanced down, somewhat fondly at 157, tousling his hair, as she arrived, and then said, "Hello, Sophie, Phoebe, Celeste, Irma, Esme...ummm..." she pauses, counting "Ichi, Ni, San....um." pauses again.

"You seem to have multiplied. This is....new."She smiles not sure where to go from there.

As a normal person Patrick sometimes has a few...faults, but as a bit of arm candy for an important affair he has had better training than one might expect. As the date for a living breathing Cheshire Cat to a Wonderland themed party, though he choose to go all out. On his head sits a fanciful top hat that is so dark a color purple it is nearly black with a red ribbon around its base hodling a white stock card. His hair is dyed black and worn a bit shaggy hanging out where it can be seen. His costume is a near period perfect whtie victorian gentleman's suit with little accents of purple that match Keith's fur perfectly. Locked arm in arm it seems the Mad Hatter has choosen to come as tonight's date for the Cheshire Cat. "I finally get to see where you go to school now...and it certainly lives up to the reputations."

"Understood. 'Five-in-One' have added a further member on temporary basis in order to assist with completing objectives at Valentine's Day dance. This one will not interfere with mission of Six-in-One unless mission presents a danger to this one's own mission. This one will request further explanation at later time." And then Kurenai is there, and he looks over at her. "This one does not believe that the additional member is a kitsune. This one does not believe situation necessitates violent action at this time," he says. Evidently she's never going to live that down with him. Not that he holds grudges...just that his tactical analysis of the Kurenai situation leads him to believe she has a hair-trigger violent reaction that must be defused.

With that situation resolved, 157 turns his attention to the rest of the party, walking off without a further word and heading over towards Emma, looking up at her as he nears. "This one requests explanation of this one's expected duties as a student of Academy of Tomorrow with regard to Valentine's Day dance." a "It's a lovely place, make no mistake," Keith says to his date and fiance. "Though this wonderland seems to have six Alices..." he says, amused, as he looks at the cuckoos as fashion plates. "... and I think I detect a familiar redhead I have not seen since I was abducted by aliens. Let's go say hi--- I'll say hello to Miss Frost right after, I think she may be a bit busy." He nods and starts heading towards Fern, that big Cheshire grin on his face.

"Well, look at what the cat dragged in. Namely, me." He says to her as a means of an icebreaker.

Emma's lips turn into a frown as she caught the thought's from Kurenai's mind. The girl really was among her favorites, and the school will be just a bit empty without her there. Her usual craziness was a part of the school by that point.

To Tessa Emma thought, |"Sebastian isn't anywhere these days, but I'm very glad to see you here. Grab me for a dance at least before the night is through."|

When 157 approaches Emma she linked an arm around his shoulders, "Have fun, dance, and try not to break anything."

Leo still eyes Fern. Yep, she totally didn't agree, but she did acknowledge him. He has no idea what that means. Likely she will do whatever the hell she wants like most women. Leo sighs quietly. But he then motions toward Kurenai, "See, I'm not the only one that finds it odd you are self-replicating!" Yes, he just made a sci-fi joke, Emma would be proud! Though he does silently add 'And distrubing'. Which brings to forefront...

...Leo leans down to kiss Fern's cheek. "Love you." Fern is kind of his pillar in all the strangeness that is his life, the sanity, the 'normal'. If only Fern knew! Good thing the woman is nigh unflappable!

Kurenai smiles a little wider, "Oh...I don't know...they all look pretty foxy to me."

OH GOD! Was that? Did? I don't even? Did Kurenai just flirt? Who is this strange replicant version? Or demon possession? Or did Kurenai find a not crazy person and nom a little on their brains? She then turns to 157 and says "Ill miss not having you around, 157. Even if you do frighten and confuse me at times." She makes a joking sword chopping motion with one arm towards him.

All 6 of the Cuckoo respond to Kurenai with, "Mindee." Then they giggle and step out to walks around 157. Once they are in a circle around him the close in and 157 is receiving kisses. On the forehead, on the tip of each ear, on both cheeks and on the top of his head, "And a Happy Valentine's day to you too." comes the chorus after the kisses.

After that little display of forehead kissing and dramatic cheorography. The girls smile a bit at Kurenai and another one speaks individually, "Our sixth for tonight is our date, Mindee. She is our kindred spirit and our newest adopted sister" They say newest since they had also already adopted Hope Summers as one of their sisters do to her ability to mimic their abilities and join their Hive mind.

After the quick scan on Tessa revealed her mind on lockdown, they became intrigued. While they could probably break through her defenses, especially with six of them at the moment, they were informed that that was "rude" by Ms. Frost so they would not do so.

Sophie split off from the group and approached Ms. Frost and spoke quietly to their mentor and headmistress, "We're sorry to interrupt you Ms. Frost but we would like to know who the black haired woman you have been mentally flirty with is. We've never seen her before and her mind is locked down."

The remaining five looked over at Kurenai and Leo and then all of them looked towards Mindee and then back to Kurenai and Leo, "We'll maybe share what is going on before the end of the night. If Mindee agrees to it. But we will once again give the clue that if it weren't for Fern, she would be here. But we do have to say that we will miss you when you leave us Kurenai, we did not interact enough and we find that to be a shame."

Patrick nods and gives Keith charming smile number three while he watches him in a social situation entierly different than any he has ever had a chance to observe him in. Once led over to Fern and others he changes to friendly and aproachable smile number 7. "Hello, and what the cat drug in is just a smitten fool that would not have had the grades or the money to ever get close to this place if he was not invited as a date." He says in response to Keith's ice breaker while concentrating on keeping his mind a careful neutral blank while staying in character as Keith's mostly normalish civilian fiance.

Tessa wades through the party, toward Emma. "I can feel our conversation being overheard," the dark-haired secretary says to the blonde headmistress. "So perhaps we might as well use our lips, as barbaric as that may seem." Tessa does not give even the slightest indication that she's joking, and has a sip of wine. "That said, the... youth in this room is a poweful feeling."

"I'm sure you'd have excellent grades," Keith says to Patrick with a smirk, "You're a good student, after all." His grin persists. He's sitting on some secret or other, Patrick can probably tell by now.

It doesn't seem that Leo has any better of a clue than Fern as to what's going on with the Cuckoo's. Despite no answers, Leo is definitely right about her being unflappable. There's been so much weird in her life the past year, there's no flap left in the girl, she just rolls with the punches. So her attention turns for a moment to Leo, one hand comes up to stroke his cheek and she murmurs back softly, "Love you, too, Romeo."

There's barely a beat before her Cheshire friend appears, the proverbial 'long lost', and he and Patrick get a smile in return. "Keith, Patrick!" Leo is released for a moment, as Fern steps away for a quick hug offering to each young man. "You both look dashing tonight," she says, giving them an exaggerated look over. The young redhead motions toward Leo, her hand falling lightly on his arm again as she asks, "You know Leo, don't you?" Keith should, as she recalls him being a student of the Academy as well, but she's not entirely positive and manners would have her making introductions if she's guessed wrong.

"This one does not know how to have fun. This one has witnessed 'dancing' but has not been trained in such activity," 157 replies to Emma. "This one will not break anything unless it is necessary to do so for fulfillment of this one's mission or for defense."

Kurenai's mention of him does catch 157's attention, as he looks back over towards that area. A long pause. "Appropriate response to statement is believed to be 'thank you'. Thank you." He looks around at the Cuckoos as they surround him, and the kisses get, well...they don't get any real reaction, though they do at least get a statement. "Input not understood. Explain input and expected response. Please."

Emma gave Sophie a look and crossed her arms just underneath her chest, "My friend, Tessa. I happen to have a few, however you girls seem to be getting more and more popular every day."

She took a look at the newest adopted sister, "...to which we need to talk about soon. Skip your last class on Monday. Time for a chat with Auntie Emma."

Then said fellow telepath makes herself known, "Quite right, but we are in a social situation aren't we? Tessa, meet Sophie one of my Five in one."

"Aw, thanks Fern, you look wonderful yourself!" The Cheshire answers, and then looks at Leo. "Yes... we have met briefly, though we haven't really spoken. If it's not a rampaging psychopath running through gotham, it's an alien abduction. I'm afraid I haven't 'networked' with my classmates as much as it is considered appropriate." He smiles at the younger Luthor. "It is good to meet you. This is my fiance, Patrick." No last name offered.

Patrick scoffs just a little. "I was persistent, not brilliant or talented at anything except sports." When Fern recognizes him Pat moves to fond and excited smile number 2 in order ot hug her back. "Fern! Of course I look dashing, anything is dashing compared to a pair of running shorts and a tank top. Although, I would not recommend this get up for a quick exorcise and lunch in the park." The last said of course referencing how he met Fern. When Leo is introduced Patrick gives him friendly smile number 7 and offers his hand. "I have not though, it is a pleasure to meet you."

A goofy bring appears on the young Luthor's face for a moment at Fern's touch. Bu then he is being greeted. "Hey man," Leo states toward Cheshire, before he blinks at the finace comment. He head tilts as if processing the information. Kinda reminds you of a puppy, now don't it? But seriously, he's just processing the information! But he finally ends in a shrug. He did finally remember that gay marriage was legal in this state. "Congrats on your engagement." Leo even reaches hands out first to Cheshire, then to Patrick to shake firmly, and with professional briefness.

In the back of Leo's head? < Hahahaha, you girls are in troooouble! Likely not very much, but it's the thought that counts. > Yes, he totally projected that, messing around with the telepathic girls after they gave him a fright for reproducing or SOMETHING.

The melodious telepathic voice of the Six-in-One enter Emma's mind and speaks |"It's quite simply Ms. Frost. Mindee is a tactile mimic who is also known as Gabriel and Catiana. We met him/her through Fern. On a lark we allowed him/her to mimic us and found that his/her mimicry allowed him/her to link with us in a manner similar to Hope. We decided to take Mindee as our date for this dance and to show off a bit."|

Sophie however stood by Emma and Tessa still, "We are pleased to meet another telepath, Ms. Tessa. We have not met many in the few years that we have been active in the outside world."

The other girls were still over with the other set of students a smile is shared with 157 only one of them replied to him though, "Input is to show affection. Appropriate response is to say Thank You. And blush if you are capable of controlling those aspects of your biology."

At the same time the girls have caught sight of Patrick and Keith and have become a tad intrigued by them. Mainly because they knew that Keith attended the school and had seen him occasionally but have never interacted with him. The Cuckoos felt like they knew everyone.

A look from Celeste and a smile went to Leo and only her voice came into his mind, |"Be nice. You're not the only blonde beautiful Prince Charming at this school anymore. You can't get buy on that cute ass of yours anymore."|

"Thank you, Leo." Keith felt uneasy addressing the young Luthor by first name- it was impossible not to keep in mind who his father was, after all. He is blissfully unaware of the Cuckoos' focus on him. So far, at least. His mind feels like that of a regular non-telepath, although with a rather unusually strong will operating behind it- not surprising, since his powers require constant focus and will, and he has essentially made strong focus a habit by now.

"It's been a hell of a few weeks catching up on courseload. I don't think that 'abducted by aliens' is a valid excuse." He grins and winks at Fern.

"Understood. This one will respond appropriately as able. Thank you." No blushing. Not that 157's incapable of that, but with his general lack of emotion he just doesn't react that way. And then there's someone talking about alien abduction. Turn. Walk over to Keith. Look up. Stare for several long moments. "Identify alien species responsible for abduction and explain reasons for abduction," he finally says, in his usual slow, even monotone. Stare for several more long moments. "Please."

Emma speaks mentally to Sophie, which all of her sisters hear as well |"You've grown quite trusting lately, my darlings. Be careful."|

However she has to hide a laugh at Celeste's mental comment to Leo. It's true, another gorgeous male young blonde has come to the school, and /Asgardian/! Speaking of where was he?

Tessa gives Sophie a gentle nod. The dark-haired woman eyes the member of the Five-in-One like a jeweler inspecting a diamond. "A pleasure to meet you, Sophie. I have heard much about you and your sisters that augurs a bright future -- in which I am sure we will work with one another often." Tessa lets slip a little bit of a half smile. Sort of. She glances over to Emma. "Is the mental chatter in this place often this... charged, shall we say?"

Unaware of all the mental repartee volleying about, Fern's attention remains on the conversation she's in, although there's one part of her mind worrying at something the Cuckoo's said. She feels she ought to know what they mean by... She blinks, her eyes turning to the sisters plus one. There's one person she remembers now introducing to them, but even as she studies them, she can't tell which are original and which is new. But she has an idea now who it is.

Keith's words and then 157's approach draw her fully back, and it seems she's to wear a perpetually curious cast to her features this evening. "Alien abduction?" she echoes. Now that the questions from 157 are out there, Fern is keen to hear the answers as well.

Keith blinks, and looks at 157. Oh, he remembers the unusual little guy, of course. "Well hello there... long time no see," he quips. "I'm sorry, I don't really know who they were. I just know that they worshipped cats and they thought I was their messiah or some sort. I spent about three months jumping from ship to ship and hitching rides across space to get back here." Which explains where the hell he went for those three months. "I didn't really stop to ask for their names."

Kurenai comes back out from the bathroom, or wherever it was she was at. Maybe she was in the back of the school having a smoke break? Not in character for her, but character changes after time and experience.

But no, seriously Headmistress Frost, no smoking. Kurenai was a relatively good gal...this time.

She goes for a glass of punch though, and a few of the nibbly bits. Red Velvet Cupcake? Don't mind if I do!

She then glances curiously at Tessa, not having seen the woman before, but taking note she seems to be a friend of Emmas. Or Rival? Frenemy? Oh! Perhaps another Headmistress from another school, and someday soon, our rival schools will be united by fate!

Except it won't be her school much longer. Damnit..just made herself sad. She quickly finishes her drink, and then goes back to hanging near/about the Cuckoos.

Leo has to hide his smirk. |"I am the only /true/ Prince Charming, but I thought it was more my winning personality than my good looks."| And yes, he has a sense of humor, but he also has confidence. There may be copies of him, but he's the one true 'Leopold Luthor'. To Keith, he states, "You are very welcome," not seeming to think twice about the young man using his first name. "And I do hope that is a jest, if not, that would seriously stink," meaning the kidnapped by aliens thing. Sadly in this academy, that could be a real thing and not a jest! "Nope, you aren't joking," and Leo sighs at that.

Though he does reach out to tilt 157's Fedora, "Hello kiddo. I forwarded your results to my Father for further review. I'm hoping he can make more sense out of them so I can you some more definite results on those scans. I'm really interested in the...well, it sounds like a programming language. I'll stop by the Academy sometime and take you out for pizza and soda or something to talk about it later."

HOLD THE HORSES! The world has JUST ended! Yes, Leo is being /nice/ to 157!!! GASP! Did hell just freeze over? Leo does seem more relaxed around Fern though. Well, that and llooks like a moron as he sometimes just stares at her, but excuse him his eccentrics and sometimes goofy grins.

Patrick is unaware of any telepathic interest that might be had in him, but has internally been acting as if he was expecting it. His brain at least is a perfectly normal human one, but he has had some training in the basics of keeping out Telepaths...not that it would work with any of the ones in the room with him. He manages to keep his mind blank in that he is not projecting thoughts outwards like a normal person. Any deeper than cursury peek at his mind would show that his mental training was less training and more direct download into his mind.

When 157 moves in and suddenly starts to interogate Keith on his most recent abduction there is a brief fracion of a second where the mask of friendly and not too odd person that Patrick keeps up falls away as he does a very quick threat assesment. "No joke, or way to call home. Worst part about being with a superhero, well that and the occasional person that wants revenge via proxy."

157 is pretty unforgettable, which is a negative in his line of work, but for the moment that's not really something he can do anything about. "Understood. Low probability that abduction was related to operations of access denied or would interfere in operations of access denied or this one's mission. This one recommends that student submit to evaluation and telepathic investigation by Ms. Frost in order to ensure that student has not been mentally altered by experience in manner that would be threat to school and to draw out further information regarding alien entities in event that they attack or infiltrate school to attempt retrieval of student." He spares a glance for Patrick. He's very observant...he caught the momentary drop of 'friendly', there--not that his own expression changes at all. Ever. But he doesn't detect an actual threat, so he turns to Leo as his hat is tilted. "Understood. This one will answer questions regarding language under principle quid pro quo, as permitted by directives of access denied." With that, his gaze returns to Patrick. Staaaaaaaaaare.

Of course, there's concern at what had happened, but since Keith obviously made it through Fern's curiosity eases again. "I'm glad you're home safe, Keith," she puts in softly. She's acquainted with the revenge by proxy concept, and for a second her fingers tighten gently on Leo's arm. Speaking of Leo, Fern notes his conversation with his young schoolmate and the smile on her lips broadens. For all his quirks, Fern has always held a fondness for 157, from the first time he found his way into Anita Bella when she was waitressing. Mental note, ask Leo what scans later. She's still got some catching up to do, although she wasn't away as long as Keith, and it was something that was probably way more fun than being kidnapped by aliens. Although, being adored as a god could have had it's perks. She turns her head, catching one of Leo's goofy grins, and wrinkles her nose at him, grin mirrored.

"I'm glad to be home too, Fern. I need to stop by Anita again, I owe you three months' worth of tips."

The cat blinks for a few moments at 157's recitation, and then he very diplomatically says "I shall keep that under consideration, of course."

His aversion to telepaths had not lessened at all with time. The thought of someone prancing around in his head still gave him the shivers. It's not that he had anything to hide as much as he hated to have people over when he hadn't tidied up.

"... I may ask Mr. Stark about any tests they could do, just in case they may have implanted an alien tracker or something." Now that 157 brought up brainwashing, Keith also thought of trackers. Wasn't that what they were always putting into people, anyways? Anyways, Stark would--

Stark, of course. He realizes now that he hadn't told anyone. And with Patrick by his side, and Fern right there, well... it seemed appropriate.

"Oh, I totally forgot to tell you. I'm an Avenger now." He says,

Patrick has seen far creepier things than 157 staring at him. Cyborg Asgardians misisng half thier faces, and a guy cloned formt he same person he was with an alien device on his arm letters carved in his chest and murder in his eyes for two of them. Hmm, now he is curious as to just what could interfear with access denied, and what access denied is. Patrick eyes 157 for a bit while listening to the other people untill he hears Keith's announcment. "You...congratulations!" He grins at the cat giving him a goofy grin fairly similer to the ones that Leo keeps giving Fern.


 * "We can trust Mindee, Ms. Frost. When she is like this she is one of us. We do not make decisions like this lightly. It's not like we are the Thousand and One or some such thing"| The girls thought to Ms. Frost. Honestly that last part... well no need to worry about 'Fourteen' and what it could mean tonight. Valentine's Day is supposed to be fun after all.

Sophie nodded to Tessa and said, "We aim to please. We are the Six-in-One, the ultimate expression of telepathic gestalt. We expect that that will make it very easy for us to leave our mark on this world." Without waiting for response Sophie went back to her sisters. The girls can be individuals, they just don't like it very much. Sophie does however look over to one of her sisters and says aloud, "Irma, it's your only chance. Do it now or we will all be living with your regret for as long as she is gone."

The one sister spoke to apparent Irma went wide eyed as the other five all nodded at her. She gulped slightly and walked up to Kurenai, "Excuse me Kagemaru-kohai. I am Irma Cuckoo and I would like to know if you would give me the honor of sharing a dance with me."

To Leo, Celeste continued her little telepathic talk separate from her sisters |"It's such a shame Fern is right there and I like her so much. The things I would do to you."|

As for Keith and Patrick, well that's another story. You see the Stepford Cuckoos consider telepathy to be their first language, before they had ever spoken a word they were already sharing thoughts. They can't help but take a brief peak at the surface of the two's minds, it was as normal to them as someone reading body language. But nothing they saw in that brief little glance disturbed them. While Patrick's mind was oddly organized and tight... he was right next to 157 who's thought patterns were so weird they could write a paper about them.

And now another one of the Cuckoo is doing things on her own. Mindee's attention focuses on Sophie, Emma, and Tessa, as if trying to hear the conversation from far away.

In the phsychic field Mindee's attention is really focused solely on Emma as she reaches for the older psychic's mind in an unpracticed, ham-handed way proding to see if the girls are in trouble. The uncontrolled use of power by an unpracticed psychic...

Oh god, all of the teenage love in this room it was almost sickening. Emma excused herself from the current party she was with to make her way to the ultra exclusive and high-security bar present. There were college age students at this party too, but they had to think about all of the younger ones.

She sipped at her white wine and locked eyes with Mindee, making mental contact, |"They are fine, darling. But I appreciate your concern."|

Emma made her way to the seemingly 'popular people' circle forming with Leo, Fern, 157, Patrick, and Keith. Emma smiled to the group, "So much young love tonight, it's inspiring. But I'd rather see you lot on the dance floor at some point. It's fabulous, like the band I hired tonight."

In the background are rocking tunes, and the lead singer looks like he's giving it his all for only a school dance.

Kurenai just sort of blinks for a moment, jerked away from her line of thought. She then smiles warmly over to Irma, brushing aside a few raven locks from her face, before murmuring gently, "I know who you are, silly." It only takes about five seconds for her to stop wondering how the Cuckoos could tell she was interested in asking at least one or two of them to dance. Because duh, telepaths.

She then holds out her hand to Irma and answers, "I'd...yeah. Like that. Lets."

She's content to let Irma lead her to the dance floor, hoping that the big, goofy grin on her face isn't too apparent at this point.

Vorpal 's ears twitch when Miss Frost approaches. He gives her one of her grins "But Miss Frost... haven't you heard? Cats Don't Dance."

Everybody gets one, and Keith just used his up.

"I'm bribing you with pizza and soda, and my company. Ah, I'll think of something to add to the mix," Leo promises 157, "Depending on how much you can provide, depends how awesome it is." He's a relaxed businessman apparently. "I feel you there Keith," Leo comments as if reading his mind, though he is NOT doing so. Leo then shrugs, "It's not kinky, but I can figure that out myself if you want, if you were 'implanted' with anything 'alien'." Yes, he is soooo making a joke of that, but his offer is serious. "It's completely non-intrusive," Leo does add at the end more seriously for Keith. But he nods at the mention of the Avenger part, there is no congratulations for that.

Leo almost loses his expression though at Celeste's comment. Now that is a mixed response! They do appear a lot like Emma, and he is still a guy, but he is dedicated to Fern. |"That would be impractical."| The exactly reasons aren't thought or given, as they are more easily buried thanks to Emma's telepathic assistance recently.

Leo glances toward the dance floor where Kurenai and Irma joined. He then asks Fern, "Would you like to dance Fern?" The way Leo speaks to the woman on his arm is different than when he speaks to others in general. It's more careful, more respectful, though more comfortable than the way he speaks to his Father by far.

If the Cuckoos look any deeper than the well trained mind inside of Patrick's head...they could be in for a surprise. More than a few things he was trained in came from mental imprinting, and there is knowledge there on a world very much like the one everyone live sin, just where Superheroes took to the skys sooner and a number of less than pleasent things happened. When there is a mention of dancing Patrick grins and then rolls his eyes at Vorpal. "You can dance, even if your not sure how. If nothing else with the right music it is just another form of semichoriographed fight...only there are no winners and no one gets hurt. Well, unless there is a mosh pit."

If there's one thing you can say for 157, it's that at least he isn't adding to the whole teenage love atmosphere! Though he is currently calculating and analyzing various possible tactical situations and resolutions should cat-god-worshipping aliens show up to kidnap Keith while the party is going on, as a subroutine. "Understood. Student 'Keith' is now an Avenger. Priority observation target." He turns towards Leo. "Understood. Pizza and soda are of low value to this one as this one may now obtain energy sources from multiple locations. Company is of no value to this one." He looks over towards Emma, as she comes over. (Wait, 157 is part of the "popular people" circle?) "This one has not been trained in dancing. However, if it is part of this one's duty as a student of the Academy of Tomorrow, this one will stand on the dance floor." And with that, he turns and walks on to the dance floor, where he stands rock still, looking at Emma.

Mindee and Esme turn to each other as one and smile as Mindee takes Esme's hand in hers and leads her off to the dance floor. And speaking of kinky, when the two 'sisters' begin to dance it is in a most unsisterly way.

Three months sure is a long time! Fern has some news for Keith as well, as she responds, "Oh, I don't work there any more. We'll have to go out for coffee and catch up." And her lack of restaurant employment has much to do with the fact of not realizing Keith hadn't actually been around (let alone not on earth) for so long. "Congratulations! That must be really exciting, being part of that team."

There's a smile for Emma as the Headmistress of the school approaches, a respectful, "Happy Valentine's Day, Miss Frost. The band is great." Fern is something of a music buff, definitely a dancer, and one foot has been tapping off and on to the songs being played. And then there's an invitation to dance, finally! "Leo, I would love to dance with you," she responds, her smile warm. With her hand on his arm, Fern follows his lead out onto the floor.

"It is! And now I am actually making money, too--- Zatanna hired me to work with her on her magic show..." Keith trails off at Patrick's talk, and he chuckles. "Admit it, you want me to make a fool of myself on the dance floor, don't you?"

He observes Fern as she goes to the dance floor with.. Leo Luthor? "Well well... it does seem like there are new developments." he mutters, and turns to Emma Frost. "Miss Frost, let me introduce my fiance to you. Patrick, this is Miss Frost, headmistress of the academy.... and so incredibly gracious for not kicking me out for being three months behind on my coursework."

Big grin. And a hint of Puss In Boots eyes. Just in case.

Irma smiled at Kurenai and led her to the dance floor, to be nice just in case she decided to upload all of her own skills at ballroom dancing in to Kurenai's mind... temporarily just so the dance can go well, "We.... I am aware you know who we are. But many people can't tell us a part, with good reason. So I let you know that I was Irma."

Celeste was the Cuckoo who was smiling the biggest right now because she was so enjoying the extra confidence having Mindee attached to them was offering |"Well my dear Leopold. We could always share in a deliciously private thought some time. It won't be real, just something the two of us can have."| Man Celeste was being a little minx tonight.

Esme was smiling as she danced with her 'sister' Mindee. Hey that reminds them, the first time they ever talked to Leo they inserted images of the five of them "experimenting" oh how mean that was of them. It was Esme's idea. She was the naughty one after all. In fact, most of the bad things the Cuckoos did were Esme's influence. The "Haunting" of the School, the more recent incident. All Esme's fault. Incestous seeming dancing just seemed right to her anyway.

Sophie walked back over to Ms. Frost and said, "If you wish us to be dancing Ms. Frost." She held her hand out, "Would you do this lowly student the honor of dancing with the most beautiful woman in the world."

Seemed the odd woman out among the Six-in-One was Phoebe... her boyfriend was a teacher... and off planet at the moment.

Patrick grins as he reaches a hand over and runs it along Keith's cheek. "You? A fool? Never! Unless we start getting serinaded by a group of MoTown backup singers. If that happens we will make a fool out of you." When he is introduced the young man dressed as the Mad Hatter flashes Emma Frost his best smile, charming and confident smile number 23. He immediatly drops into a bow, his eyes never comming off of the woman though, with one leg streatched back and his hat removed and held far off to the side with a grand flourish. "A great pleasure Miss Frost." He says as he straightens up returning the hat to his head.

Fashionably late is a matter of personal definition. As long as the party is going, Tony can afford to be fashionably late. He's Dressed in a slick black tailored suit with dark red lapels, tie, and pocket square against a white shirt and black vest with subtle matching dark red accents. Hair wind tunnel tested and facial hair groomed sharp enough to cut, he makes his way through the labrynth with a slow gait and a swagger that is usually not present when he's on the clock for the Academy. He follows his ears towards the music and festivities.

Kurenai meeeps and almost trips over her own feet, but easily recovers. It's just as well, because the mental cubbyhole marked "Ballroom dancing" in the windmills of Kurenai's mind are so bare, not even cobwebs have had a chance to form.

Of course, now that she's had a Cuckoo Instaclass Special, she decides to be a little bold and take the lead...at least on this first dance. After smiling and dancing silently for the better part of a minute, she finally answers, "Well, yes...I know that, but I also have a fantastic memory for detail. You, for instance, have just the smallest extra freckle right...about...there." She gently pokes at a spot near Irma's lips. Of course, it's hard to tell if that's really the case, or if this is part of Kurenai's newly acquired BSing skills.

She leans in and whispers in her ear, "That, and I HAVE noticed how you've been looking at me the last few weeks. It did set you apart from your sisters. Just a touch." The continuingly wide smile of Kurenai shows she has absolutely no problems with this.

"That is where you are wrong 157. Company provides the greatest insight ever," Leo says with a touch of humor. But he is then leaving the group after polite nods. Leo then seriously almost blushes at Celeste's words! He wouldn't have done more than blink if they were alone, but Fern is right there for goodness sake! Luckily he's escorting her to the dance floor and not looking directly at her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. He does NOT respond to Celeste that time. Leo is actually speeches on what he should say or do with the mini-Emma!

When on the dance floor, Leo spins Fern about and takes her into his arms to begin to dance. He is properly trained, but he doesn't rely on that. He knows Fern likes to flow to the music, so he adapts to her own style. And thankfully, Emma taught him club dancing, don't ask...she's a terrible influence.

Emma sighed at 157. Oh he was such a difficult young boy wasn't he? However, a thought occurred especially after Kurenai was given a quick lesson. Suddenly, 157 has all of...Sam Rockwell's dancing knowledge. Yes, the fabulous actor. Emma had a chance to run into him in some Hollywood shindig, and got to thoroughly see his dancing in person. This was now his to use. Enjoy.

A smile to Keith and Patrick, "A pleasure, and congratulations are in order. And let's meet in my office Keith and we can discuss catching up. And Patrick, that is perhaps the /best/ Mad Hatter I've ever seen!"

A quirked brow at Sophie's offer, "Never call yourself lowly. But sure I would love to dance. Ta everyone!"

To Tony, |"You, me, dance shortly. You claim you're an excellent dancer but I've yet to see it."|

And Emma is a /very/ terrible influence.

"Yes, Miss Frost!" Keith says and nods. "Oh, alright..." this was to Patrick. "How about we hit the dance floor... after I introduce you to Mr. Stark?" He says, dangling that before Patrick's eyes. "Since he's one of the instructors here..." he waves in Tony's direction, hoping to attract his attention. In the meantime, he looks at 157 and asks something that had been nagging him for a while "What do you mean when you refer to access denied, by the by?"

Mindee, has been leading Esme in a tango of all things. Even though the music currently playing is nothing like a tango. After dipping her 'sister' into one of theose dramatic, sensual tango dips she spins her towards the edge of the dance floor, then spins her away while reaching out a hand to Pheobe, who's in the perfect place to be smoothly pulled into the dance. Now the three Cuckoos proceed to take over their section of a dance floor putting on a dramatic 'fight scene' tango with Esme and Phebe 'fighting' over Mindee's attentions.

Patrick smiles at Emma and nods. "I know a fantastic tailor or two. They are hardly famous, or even professionals, but that just means they work harder." Not that he is wearing the suit that his friends on the third floor of his building that do cosplay made for him after he went to them for help with design. Despite being at a place like the Academy of Tomarrow he is never one to go anywhere wtihout his cybernetic suit, and since the best Stark Tech has to offer from his home reality can look like anything he wants he just copied the design. "You are jsut trying to distract me from dancing by dangling one of the few people in the world I truely respect in front of me arn't you?" He asks of Keith before answering the cat man's questions about 157 almost without thinking. "Name and nature of a clandestined mission that programing most likely refuses to allowed him to give any but the most oblique information on."

Out on the dance floor, Fern and Leo seem to have adopted a style more in keeping with the music. While Fern has had dance training as well, her boyfriend is indeed well acquainted with her penchant for being less formal. When he pulls her close she tilts her head up, exchanging low words under the music, now oblivious to the others for the moment in the warm embrace. As she pulls her head back, there's a tilt to the grin directed up at Leo, a lift of one brow.

157 looks back over at Keith. "Subject not recognized as authorized. Access denied." Well, that was delightfully nonhelpful, though it probably did confirm Patrick's interpretation. He looks over at Emma again, and stumbles for just a moment as she touches his mind. He seems to freeze up. "Anomalous information detected. This one has acquired knowledge related to activity 'dancing'." There's a long pause. Just because 157 suddenly has dancing knowledge doesn't mean he suddenly has dancing inclination. After several moments pass, however, he speaks again. "No further anomalies detected. No damage to critical functions. Testing acquired data." And with that, yes...157 starts to dance. Solo, moving about the dance floor with a fair amount of fluidity, in and out among the other dancers. He's...nowhere /near/ the level of the actor his skill was pilfered from, of course...knowledge does not change years of neglect of physical capabilities, lack of practice, and occasional catastrophic klutziness...but he's actually doing a fair job of busting a move.

Vorpal stares at What Emma Hath Wrought- namely 157. "... is it me, or did he just level up and learned to dance?" He says, and chuckles "And you bet I'm dangling him. Is it working?" He keeps waving in Tony's direction. Anything to delay the dancing...

Tony Stark surveys the scene cooly, and looks to Emma at one point with an even smirk. It's almost like they're having a conversation without speaking, the way Tony's eyebrow raises. Chances are, they probably are. He gives nods when greeted and he holds a hand up to Vorpal in greeting, as he skirts the dance floor.

As Esme, Mindee and Phoebe have their incestual looking tango of a thousand hearts that is going to have many of the student body here remember kids there are the normal and the non-played mutant/metahuman/alien students that attend the school as well. The Academy is a big school having a specific set of fantasies for weeks more than likely.

For Kurenai and Irma things were a bit different, their dance was slower and more intimate. For Irma, this was the only opportunity she was likely to have to do this, "We've... I've know you were going to have leave before you even told Ms. Frost. We read it from your mind on the same day we met Mindee. When we are the Six-in-One, we are omnipathic. Capable of reading all minds on the planet, and I heard your sadness."

Sophie however was delighted to be dancing with her crush... I mean genetic material provider... I mean mentor! Mentor! That's what Sophie meant, she does NOT have a weird crush on Ms. Frost! Why would you think that!? PERVERTS!

Celeste just stood to the side, her mind still reaching out the Leo's |"I won't bother you while you're dancing with her. I know you are devoted to her and would never stray. Lovely, mind palace by the by. Ms. Frost is such a wonderful teacher. Just remember my offer."| After that Celeste smiled a bit and went over to have some food herself. Too bad Perrin wasn't here, dancing with him might have invoked the right mood in Leo.

Leo just smiles at Fern, and still doesn't say anything back to Celeste. He's a flirt by nature to a certain point, though he often doesn't know how to express himself, but Celeste is right, he is devoted. He nods at Fern's whisper and chuckle, "Now /that/, I wouldn't complain about." After the song, Leo will actually lead Fern back to the maze, this time to see if /she/ can get through it on her own, with him distracting her (A LOT).

Kurenai bites down on her bottom lip for a moment, almost slowing the dance down to a stop as Irma says this. Some people might consider what was just said weird, and creepy, and just a teeny bit stalkery.

But Kurenai Kagemaru, Blade Miko, is not like most people.

She starts to speak, but then doesn't knowing her dance partner can hear her thoughts loud and clear: ~And you heard me alone out of....out of everyone? In the whole of the world?~. It's clear that is probably THE most romantic thing she's ever heard in her life.

Her face is a complex, bittersweet mixture at the moment, filled with potential unfulfilled, elation and despair. And she reacts to it all by simply resting her forehead, tenderly, on Irma's, as she continues dancing with her once more.

Patrick eyes his fiance a long moment before sighing. "Yes, possibly. Only because I want to find out if he has even started work with nanorobotics, controled liquid metals, or nano-fiber armorments yet." He tells his Keith, although he still plans on dragging him onto the dance floor soon. That, or leaving him behind and going out there alone. He is pretty sure he can find someone to dance with him...or given the looks he knows he has been getting from the so called normal students several someones...both male and female that will dance with him.

Vorpal smirks and grabs Patrick's hand. "... oh alright, come on and lead the way." He gestures to the dance floor. "But I hold no responsibility for embarrassment."

Emma danced with Sophie with a smile on her face. It was a delightful moment between teacher and student, mentor and mentored. But then based of any stray casual thoughts and body language, the girl had a crush on her?!? Interesting. Very interesting. Once the song was over Emma smiled to the girl and kissed her cheek, "An excellent dance. Thank for this, and if I don't see you again happy Valentines day my little darling."

Emma made her way to Tony and smirked at him, "Well, better late than never. Care for a dance?"

157 quite suddenly stops dancing, and slowly walks over to the side of the dance floor again, narrowly avoiding being clipped by several dancers as he just kind of strolls on through. Long pause. He looks about the area, and his eyes settle on the unoccupied Celeste. He walks over towards her, and pokes at her arm. Poke. Poke. Poke. "This one requires assistance with testing new data acquired regarding activity 'dancing'. Assist." A pause. "Please."

157 is so not Perrin.

Tony Stark smiles broadly, "Miss Frost." he says, giving the Headmistress a wink. "I was hoping you'd never ask." he leans in and speaks briefly to the bandleader. They exchange a smile and a nod, and he returns to Emma and extends his hand. "May I have this dance?" he asks, the music not quite beginning yet. There's that lull, where the music to come is anyone's guess. Well, almost anyone's guess.

Patrick nods and can't help but have a smug grin as he is drug out to the dancefloor. He plays to win, and even if Keith is the only one he lets beat him he still makes him work for it. Taken to the dance floor just in time for the next song he grabs the Cat for a quick kiss before saying, "There is no one here but you, and me. Forget emberassment, and trust that people will get out of our way because except for the people that are way to focused on them..." He says nodding to Esme, Mindee and phoebe. "All eyes are going to be on us." Once the music starts up again...it is time to make use of the leassons learned from when Keith introduced him to the movie Dirty Dancing.

Mindee, Esme, and Phoebe reach the end of their tango with Esme winning the battle and dipping Mindee ending with a deep kiss like any good tango should. And Mindee opens the flood gates to the rest of the Gestalt in a raw encouragement for Irma to steal a kiss too.

Irma's eyes go wide as she realizes what she just said, "We... I.... We... I... Yes. You called us all Oni the first time we met. It leaves an impression. And... uh..." A Stepford Cuckoo not in control of the situation, yeah it had to be Irma. An amazing singer, composer, pianist, violinist and painter. Horrible talker, "We are all going to miss you when you go. We wish we could cancel the order and have you stay with us. We tried... your Order has impressive mental defenses around their leadership. We... I wanted to know you more. I wanted to show you some experiments in Sumi-e style of art I was working on. Get your opinions."

And then Irma just moved in and kissed Kurenai hard and passionately. That was the thing with the Cuckoos... the collective always wins.

Sophie had no issues with the dance with Ms. Frost ending. She had her moment for Valentine's Day. She was happy. She was interested to see how Emma would dance with Mr. Stark... and wondered what Namor of Atlantis would think.

Celeste looked down at 157 and said, "Observation: The ability to dance will help designate 157 infiltrate better as is it will be able to integrate better in large social settings that include music. Fourteen has agreed to train 157 in better

infilitration."

Celeste smiled at 157 and said, "So let's dance you cutie."

Vorpal grins and laughs, holding on to Patrick. "You do know how to say the right thing, Pat." He waits for the song to begin. "... do what you want with me." He winks. It sounds naughty, but it isn't.

Kurenai blushes slightly at first. "Oh. That....yes. Um. Ha ha. That was pretty foolish of me. Back when I hardly understood anything about the rest of the world, and..." she swallows hard, and murmurs "Please don't blame the Mothers...I don't think it was them. I think it was..." At least she HOPES it wasn't them. There are going to be questions when she gets back to Japan, damnit!

She starts to get a bit more gooey on the inside, heart all a twitter as Irma mentions art. Kurenai has a real soft spot for art, being somewhat accomplished herself. Honestly, it was part of how Irma had caught her eye. "Really? I...I would have really li-MMMPH!"

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how Kurenai Kagemaru got her first kiss.

After they finally come up for air, Kurenai blinks, shakes her head for a moment, grins lopsidedly at Irma, and then returns the kiss...maybe not quite as full-throated (pun intended) but no less passionate. She then hugs her tightly, pressing her face against Irma's neck for just a moment...letting herself have a single, solitary sob...before holding still for the better part of a minute, and then continuing the dance, holding her partner even closer now.

Leo Luthor leaves for The Quad.

157 is definitely going to be asking about that whole "Fourteen" thing one day, but even he seems to realize there's a time and place for things like that. "Understood. This one will be able to utilize dancing knowledge to aid in gathering of information." With that, he offers Celeste his hand, and leads her out on to the dance floor, leading her--such as he's able, being so short--in a nice, moderately paced dance, suited to the song and pretty capable despite himself, but not showy. 157's well aware of his own limitations, uploaded knowledge or no. If he gets going too fast, he'll trip, and tripping is not part of a successful infiltration strategy for parties. And yes, he /is/ also practicing listening in on conversations as they travel about the dance floor, doing a fair job of keeping the dance relatively near certain couples so their conversations can be overheard. Not entirely non-suspiciously, but hey, it's his first attempt...and he doesn't know what looks suspicious.

The band strikes up a sensual Rumba version of "The Way You Look Tonight" as Tony leads Emma out onto the dance floor. The two begin the slow, sensual dance with long looks and circling one another.

The benefits of being a headmistress or a staff of the Academy of Tomorrow shouldn't affect the song. Emma took Tony's hand as he took her out to the dance floor he led her to a very intricate dance that would look choreographed, except it wasn't.

Emma's bright blue eyes blocked blue eyes locked to his, "AS they should be."

Four of the six are done for the night. Phoebe has plans to be "beamed up" by her boyfriend Noh-Varr in less than an hour and she is not going to miss that. But she's also not going to a spaceship in the bulky dress the Six-in-One are wearing right now.

Mindee and Esme have their own plans, that are not for the light of heart. And well.. she won't be Mindee when that is over.

Sophie is going to go back to their dorm and do their homework and plan their outfits.

Celeste is going to stay here with 157 and teach him about dances and social interaction for as long as the two fo them can handle. Fourteen will be solved at a later date.

Irma looks at Kurenai after their two kisses and then flinches for a second then says, "I've removed myself from the Six-in-One. Let's go back to your dorm... before it isn't your dorm. Just you and I."

Kurenai flushes furiously at that. It...does not stop her from taking Irma's hand, and leading the way. It'd be nice, she could show Irma her own work, in both caligraphy and art and illustration...and..ehm...other things may or may not happen. Or whatever does or does not happen, it's all sort of a wonderful, hazy blur that she won't ever forget.

The next morning, she walks out into the lobby, as her Government handlers come for her, pointedly NOT dressed in the same Miko garb that she arrived in. Indeed, she looks more like a young biker punk fashion plate, her in leather jacket and boots, products of one of the shopping trips Headmistress Frost was kind enough to take her on. She glances just for a moment at Tetsuo...damn that man...and then looked back to Emma.

She says nothing, suddenly hugs her tightly, allowing two, maybe three sobs to wrack her body for a moment. Then she is still, her eyes bright. There is no need for words, to tell her what the Headmistress meant to her. She then simply turns away, walking ahead of the handler, making her rush to catch up with her. After an hour of completely shutting him out, her first words to him are, "I'll just come back here again anyhow, Tetsuo. You just mark my words..."