| Belated Holiday | |||||
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| What: As the students return to Xavier's School for the Gifted there's one last Holiday Hurrah waiting for them. | |||||
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Decorations were up in abundance. Despite being a few weeks removed from the holidays the spirit was alive and well at Charles Xavier School for the gifted. Lights were strung up inside and out for Christmas, Chanukah and the other holidays celebrated at this time. Even those that celebrated solstice and yule had a little something (yes, Logan did his homework in the name of fairness). It wasn't just the sights that reeked of holiday cheer, but the smells too.
In the sitting room he had a fire going. From the kitchen there were all manner of sweet aromas that wafted outward. Homemade fudge, sugar cookies of all shapes including blue and white star of Davids, Christmas Trees, regular stars, pentacles designed on simple circles and the like, latkes, chex mix and more. Roasted chicken, ham, scalloped potatoes, mac and cheese, green bean casserole, rolls and other dinner foods were catered and set up self-serve/buffet style in the kitchen with the treats. Why the dinner foods were catered was a simple lack of room in the kitchen. Xavier's kitchen was big but not big enough to handle that many desserts AND dinner goodies. They just lacked the equipment, but everything was there thanks to Logan's cash and the generosity/time of a few baking inclined students.
Leaning on a wall was Logan who had a plate in hand. On it was an extra chicken leg he had special ordered, scalloped potatoes, sweet potatoes and a small ear of corn. Gesturing toward the kitchen he said to anyone, "Help yerselves." After people poured into the room with the plates and looking situation Logan spoke, "Thanks fer comin'. Classes will be startin' soon, but ain't no reason ya can't have a little fun getting back. If ya got a gift fer yer friends here put em' under the tree," Logan gestured to the treetthat was up, fully decorated, plastic with the built in lights that shifted from all white then to color with a slow fade after every few seconds (normally Logan would have done the real thing, but since it was so late in the year sacrifices had to be made). There were already many wrapped gifts waiting to be exchanged under the tree.
The room had everything from lights around the mantle, a little garland, the aforementioned fire, and even some mistletoe that hung in a doorway. He was trying to make the place feel warm, inviting and like the holidays. His eyes scanned the room for attendees. He had gifts for many people waiting. Those Logan had heard were attending he had managed to get a gift for. Students the man didn't know too well did have some envelopes addressed to them. Yes, the Holidays were alive and well here, at least for the moment.
Josie steps in, dressed in a colourful sweater and a pair of jeans, just as Logan gives his welcome, smiling brightly. "This is awesome." She has a few packages in her hand, all small, which she drops down under the tree before she steps towards the kitchen.
Kitty Pryde was there early, helping with the baking and the decorating-- hey, it's a lot easier when you can float, and with some clever application of her powers, she manages to make sure things are solid at the right times to decorate. She ends up walking around as students filter though, not carrying a plate like Logan but just sneaking back to grab handheld goodies to much on at first as she likes. She'd been gone for awhile, so she's really enjoying catching up with people, meeting faces old and new.
Bobby arrived early as well, providing a unique wintery charm wherever it was needed. Snow and ice. He made sure there was snow and ice wherever it was needed to make the place look more festive. He was helping set up the other decorations too. In jeans and a comically ugly sweater depicting Spider-Man as Santa, he's got a mug of hot chocolate as he spots Kitty and approaches her. "Hey."
After realizing they were late, Sahira practically pulled Cessily clear out of the house which isn't exactly a good idea when she mostly liquid metal! It took a few minutes of fast driving before Sahira pulls in and parks. It takes a minute and two more before she is running into the mansion. "Woah. This place looks awesome!"
Cessily Kincaid was helping Sahira and her roommate with moving furniture at their new place, when, mid-work, she was reminded that there was a party going on at the Xavier Institute! Both Sahira and Cessily hurried to return to the Institute. Thanks to whatever god in Asgard, Olympus or wherever that were watching, Sahira has a car, so it doesn't take them TOO long to arrive at the Xavier Institute. "Oh, yes, it's pretty big, isn't it?" she says, before noticing Wolverine, and the metallic girl waves to the guy.
Kitty Pryde is dressed in a white turtleneck with a royal blue cabled sweater over top, and blue jeans. She grins, proffering one of her stash of cookies at Bobby when he comes over. "Hey," she replies, and turns back to look around the main floor of the school. "Logan really went all out organizing this.. looks amazing, huh?"
Logan, dressed in jeans, a black t-shirt and a black leather coat with yellow accents continued to watch the group. "Glad to see everyone that could make it," he gave a nod. "Everyone gettin' enough to eat?" His eyes went to the fashionably late crew, "Help yerselves to some food. Get comfy," he was just trying to be helpful. "Since we're here, it's a new year, what's one thing everyone hoping to accomplish?" he asked. This was just to see what everyone was looking forward to be it personally or professionally. "Yeah, who knew he was Mr. Holiday Party," Bobby replies to Kitty. He waits for Kitty to be looking away before trying to playfully steal a cookie. He glances around before leaning closer to whisper. "Hey...I have a bunch of extra marshmallows and a pair of marshmallow guns stashed if you wanna spice the party up a little," he offers. Wolverine's question gets a shrug. "Samn this as always. Promote the dream, get a date, look cool doing it."
"Don't come cryin' to me when the room pelts ya with marshmellows," Logan said with a smirk toward Bobby. His eyes went to the room before he chuckled at Bobby, "You never look cool doin' anything." There was a smile on Logan's face as he was making fun of the long standing student. It was in good clean fun.
Kitty Pryde snrks, and waps at Bobby's hand when he gets a cookie! "Hey!" she cries. "..If you're gonna eat one of my cookies, you should at -least- go for one of the good ones." she grins, offering him one that has fudge in the middle, though her eyebrow raises soon after. "..Oh, really now?" she wonders, though before she can ask for specifics Logan asks his question and her expression clouds a bit. "...Hmm." she muses. Usually she'd agree with Bobby.. but a run in with Mystique recently has had her thinking.
Cessily Kincaid is wearing jeans, and a red sweater, and she relaxes a bit after she finds out they're not TOO late for the party, smiling softly as she looks around, "Wow, Mr. Logan, you really went all out for the party." she nods softly, before looking at the table of food prepared, "For some reason I don't think you prepared all that yourself." she giggles softly. Then Logan asks the question, and she smiles, "Well... all I want are my parents to accept me, really." she says, rubbing the back of her head.
A roll of thunder can be heard suddenly. It wasn't due for rain. Then Ororo comes into the room wearing her favorite multi-shade gray sundress and sandals - she used the thunder to herald her arrival as she walks right up to Logan, hugs him, and kisses him. "Great job on the party, Logan."
Sahira looks around just a bit nervous. The only two people she knows at this party are Logan and Cessily and that's only because she has actually met them. She goes over to the food table and makes herself a plate up. She pops a cherry tomato into her mouth and eats it quick before responding to the man. "I want to learn to fight, learn to use my abilities, and not be afraid of myself anymore. Yeah thanks Logan this is awesome."
Josie comes back out of the kitchen and smiles as she sees Cessily, waving with her free hand. Her other carries a plate of food. She moves to find a place to sit down and says to Logan's question, "Well, I turn 16 this year, that's accomplishing something right? Making it to 16?" She grins as she says it. Then, more seriously, "I don't really know. Planning ahead isn't really my thing."
"Oh you are so askin' for a snowy mashmallow barrage," Bobby replies to Logan, sticking his tongue out at him. "And I always look cool. Coolest mutant around, he adds, puffing out his chest. Taking the offered cookie, he grins to Kitty. "Yep. Bought too many when I picked them up for the hot chocolate," he adds, lifting his mug a little.
"Hey darlin'," Logan said smiling softly. He kissed the woman back and hugged her as best he could, one hand was holding a big plate of food. "'Ro, Kitty, what are you two lookin' forward to this upcomin' year?" he smirked then gave Bobby a daring look if he wanted to bring out the marshmallow guns. His eyes went back to Ro just to admire the view before saying, "Get yerself somethin' to eat darlin'."
Kitty Pryde grins. "What're we gonna do when it's not the holidays and we can't trick you into making hot chocolate all the time anymore?" she laments to Bobby, and waves to Storm when she sweeps in.
Cessily Kincaid blink as she hears the thunder, and she jumps a bit, before she notices the arrival of Ororo and waves to her, "Hey, Miss Munroe." she says, before approaching Sahira at the food table, "How about we go and talk to the others? I'm pretty sure you don't know many people here, right?" she says to the new girl.
The rumble of thunder makes Bobby glance up. "Either Storm is here or the Blob fell over," he jokes. Storm's appearance gets a wave of a cookie before Bobby winks to Kitty. "I've got plans for all the seasons, babe."
Sahira smiles and waves to Storm. She is after all the first mutant Sahira really encountered, not to mention the one that sorta got her brought to the school. She idly nibbles at a cookie as she tries to decide if she wants to go try to get to know people or not. Thankfully the answer is given with Cessily's words. "Alright. Yeah I only know you, Logan, and Storm." She smiles a little and follows after the metallic maiden.
This pronouncement only makes Kitty grin wider. "Well, if you need a partner in crime, you know who to call." she chomps into a cookie of her own, still musing about Logan's new year resolution question. Is it getting too ahead of herself to hope for some sort of tangible progress for all of them? Is it something she could really do by just applying herself? After all, they all have been for years and years now, but...
Cessily Kincaid nods to Sahira, "Alright, let's get Sahira to meet Kitty and Bobby, and so she walks to the two, "Hey there." she says to Kitty and Pryde, "I almost lost the time for the party, I was too distracted helping Sahira move in to her new place."
Ororo Munroe smiles. "My name is Ororo, Miss Sahira," she murmurs as she lets go of Logan. "And what I look forward to most is learning how to be a magician," she muses. "I'm already learning a lot about it." She smiles faintly as she walks over and gets some of the chex mix, munching slowly on it. She wonders if she startled anyone with her thunder-shock.
Sahira gives a smile. She extends a hand to first Bobby and then to Kitty. "Hello, My name is Sahira. I am the new girl. Ms. Munroe err umm... Ororo figured I should be a student here for a while so I can learn to do things and to protect myself... But really I think it was so that yall could keep an eye on me so I don't destroy anything." She laughs a little. Then turning to glance at Ororo she sticks her tongue out. "Oh fine! At least you didn't call me Mrs. Dash. I'd have just lost my senses if you did!" She giggles.
Eating his corn Logan picked a lot of finger foods because of the animal that lingered underneath it all. Sometimes he just didn't want to use a fork unless necessary. Hearing answers he nodded, "Ain't no rules fer this. Once ya get yer feel if you wanna shoot each other, shoot each other. If ya wanna open stuff we can open stuff." That was the thing about Logan he was pretty open to things. "Sahria's good people. Nice to meet ya too newbie," he nodded to Cessily. "Make yerself at home."
Kitty Pryde nods to the two newcomers, scooting to the side to include them, and shaking hands as offered! "Hiya! Hey, no worries, after all this effort, you can bet this party's going to be going on all evening! I actually probably won't be able to stay for the end.." she admits. She grins to Sahira. "Hey, those are all good reasons that just happen to overlap's all!"
Josie had, indeed, started looking towards the window at the sound of thunder but then grins as Ororo comes in, waving to her as well. She starts to eat a few mouthfuls, but as introductions are made she swallows and adds to Sahira, waving, "I'm Josie. Or Undine, whatever. Welcome to the school!"
Ororo Munroe shrugs. "Shoot?" she asks softly, eyebrow raised. "Shoot what?" She sits down on a chair, looking around. "Josie - I haven't seen you in a while," she states as she is waitign for people to come to her, not vice versa, but stays near Logan.
Sahira smiles, "Oh if we are giving our other names too umm... I'm Burlesque. Nice to meet you Josie. Thank you! Don't get me wrong it was suggested I go with Copycat but I think there is already a hero in Cleveland who goes by that so Burlesque it is!" She giggles a little bit. "Well... When I sorta used Ororo's powers, she grabbed me and made me drive up here before any harm could be done I guess. The only one I actually wanted to harm was some douche canoe who was beating a poor girl senseless."
"So what's it gonna be gang?" Logan asked with a smirk after wiping his fingers on a napkin he had. A hand went around Ororo for a moment. "Bobby thinks he can shoot all of us wit' some marshmellow guns," he explained. "Icehead thinks he's a crack shot and he's throwing down the gauntlet." Kissing Ororo's head the hand slipped away so he could have worked on the scallop potatoes with a fork. "Like I said whatever ya wanna do gang. I can be a santa, start handin' stuff out unless ya wanna prove Bobby wrong."
Cessily Kincaid smiles to Josie, "I'm Cessily. Or Mercury." she says, the metallic girl bowing gently, "It's nice to meet you, Josie." she says,before looking at, before looking at Bobby when Logan announces the challenge, and Cesily giggles, "Well, I think I'm a pretty hard to hit target. Or at least I like to think so." she says softly.
Kitty grins. "Actually, there's -two- marshmallow guns." she corrects. Might not be just Bobby's aim people would have to worry about! She nods to the other girls, pointing to each, "Undine, Burlesque, Mercury?" Soo...water, um.. uh...exaggeration?" she wonders, remembering the copycat reference, "And well. Metal." the last not being much of a guess. She points a thumb at her chest. "I go by Shadowcat nowadays." she proclaims, and glances over to Bobby, since they all haven't given him a chance at all to introduce himself yet!
Josie smiles up to Ororo and says, "Yeah.. I left early for Christmas vacation, 'cause my dad had some money saved up and some old friends he wanted to visit for the holidays." She looks to Cessily and smiles, "You too."
"Glad ya all came and if ya wanna take a shot at 'Ro I dare ya Kitty," Logan was grinning ear to tear. His eyes looked at Kitty wondering if she was going to take such a risk. He knew Ororo wasn't going to play far. Looking to Josie and Cessily he handed them two unmarked envelopes. Inside were two fifty dollar amazon gift cards. He gave them each a nod. "Welcome to the club, you two. Get yerselves somethin' nice."
Sahira smirks to Kitty, "Exaggeration? Okay lets go with that for now. I think that works don't you?" She doesn't tip off what her powers are. The only only three people in the room who have seen her in action know what she can do ain't saying much and that makes for a very good strategy. "I don't mind playing. After all what is a poor little exaggeration like me going to do?!" She giggles. Oh yes she's in a Sassy mood.
Cessily Kincaid giggles softly at Sahira's response, and then she nods to Sahira then looking back at Logan, "I'm all in for a bit of fun dodging marshmallows." she says, nodding with a grin, "It could be fun to warm up the place." she giggles.
Kitty sticks her tongue out at Logan, though she winks at the same time. "Me against both of you? Well, maybe, as long as there's a no-wrecking-the-mansion rule." she grins. She doesn't have to play fair either, though she is at a disadvantage.. a lot of what she knows she learned from those two. She blinks at Sahira's challenge, but the grin returns quickly-- she seems intrigued if anything. "Oh, yeah? Y'know we could always swap out marshmallows for snowballs, more to go around!" and also if Bobby's on her team, that might even the odds again.
Bobby's been waiting quietly while all the introductions are made, sipping his hot chocolate. He ends up with a whipped cream and chocolate mustache for a moment but licks it away. "Name's Bobby otherwise known as the amazing Iceman," he finally introduces himself. "Hey, us against them," he chimes to Kitty. "I got your back," he adds. Sahira's sassiness gets an arched brow and Bobby looks to Kitty. "A snowball fight would be seasonally fitting."
"Yeah! Save marshmallows for hot cocoa afterward. I am all for a nice snowball fight. Don't worry, Not like an exaggerated girly like me can go much harm to such a big, strong and cool guy like you." She winks at Bobby and just leans against the wall with a grin.
Ororo Munroe just relaxes and watches the young ones at play. "I remember when i was that carefree," she muses softly as she glances up to her room. She points her index fingers at each other, a few inches apart and concentrates. She is tuning out everyone else - and then a tiny lightning bolt connects her fingertips. "Ah..." she murmurs.
"Sure ya wanna mess with her?" Logan gestured to the lightning lady. His eyes went to Sahira, Kitty and Bobby. "We can have a snowball fight if yer willin' to be lose," Logan said softly to the group before standing up. His eyes darted between everyone waiting to see what they wanted to do. He would have welcomed a snowball fault.
Josie grins and says, "Yeah, a snowball fight would be fun!" She glances to Ororo again, eyes on the lightning between her fingers rather than the woman's eyes to notice the unusualness. She quickly finishes the last few bites of her meal, then puts the plate aside and hops to her feet.
Kitty Pryde says, "Hey, at least Ororo won't try to eviscerate me..sounds a lot more fun than that one holiday fight I got into!"
Ororo Munroe shrugs. "No, but I abstain for I could defeat you all at once by calling a blizzard." She smiles softly. "I'll watch from in here."
Bobby Drake smirks. "As long as it stays a snowball fight and doesn't mysteriously turn into a blizzard, hurricane, or other weird weather fight...sure," Bobby replies, finishing off his hot chocolate. Setting the mug aside, he stretches. "Yeah, be better than most holiday fights I've been in too."
Cessily Kincaid blinks, then raises hands, "Are powers allowed in the snowball fight? Or just the old 'pick snow off ground and throw it'?" she asks, a grin on her lips.
Sahira smiles up to Ororo, "Aww you should totally play! Besides a blizzard would kinda level the playing field a little bit!" She giggles and looks at Cessily with a grin. "That is the question isn't it? I mean, You all do have me at a disadvantage." She stops there before pushing just a little further. She is being Sassy but she doesn't wanna push the envelope. "But really you should come play! You aren't too old to throw snowballs right?!" She exclaims to Ororo.
Taking a big bite of his chicken Logan tried to finish it off then he went outside. Dipping his hands into some of the snow to wash them off. Flicking off the snow he pulled out some gloves from inside his coat. Black leather that fit him, well like a glove, and he dipped his hands back into. Waiting for the others, "No powers. Storm can help us with if we need more. This way Iceboy can't cheat," Logan declared and waited for sides to be picked as he stood on one side of the yard.
Kitty Pryde steps outside spryly, nodding to Logan's terms; it's fun to play with powers, since this is one of the few places they can, but if Storm can't play at all otherwise, this can certainly also be fun!
Ororo Munroe steps outside. "I will remain neutral. But I will do this," she states as she gazes up at the sky, her eyes glowing. The thin clouds across the sky thicken as it gets colder... then it starts to snow. Not a blizzard but a steady snowfall. Storm sits on a lawn chair after brushing it off - still in clothes more suitable to summer.
"Hey, I can make plenty of snow for everyone too," Bobby replies, tossing a ping-pong ball sized snowball at Logan. He follows the others outside, stretching his arms. The snowfall gets a whistle and Bobby looks around. "Oh yeah, anyone breaks a window and I say we blame Cyclops."
Sahira actually remembered some winter clothes this time so she is ready to actually go outside and play. She zips up her coat and puts on the cutest mittens ever, featuring a cute pink my little pony character. She giggles a little. "Lets get this party started!" She steps outside with the others and looks at Bobby, "Whose Cyclops?"
Josie follows the others outside, pulling a pair of gloves from her pocket to pull on. (They look to be her X-uniform gloves.) "Sounds fair to me," she says to Logan, smiling. Then she looks up as Ororo calls the snowfall and laughs, "This is perfect!" The delighted laugh turns into a giggle at Bobby's call to blame Cyclops.
"An asshole, but an okay leader...sometimes," Logan was quick to take a jab at Cyclops because well it was cyclops. "Whose on teams or is this a free-for-all?" he was readying a snowball. His eyes went to Bobby as the pingpong ball didn't go unnoticed. Eyeing the student for a moment he looked to the other to see what they wanted. He was now itching to pelt someone. "Make up yer minds quick I ain't got all night."
Cessily Kincaid grins as well, as she dons her gloves as well, "Oh yea, let's get this started! Is it 'us versus them', or are we splitting teams... or is it free-for-all?" she asks, grinning softly as she heads outside with the rest of the gang. Immedially she searches for a good snow bank to make her stand!
Kitty Pryde snrks at Bobby. "That'd go over well." she quips in reply, and gets her coat and some gloves of her own. Rather than answer Logan she throws a snowball at Bobby; he's the fairest target since he already threw one.
"Every mutant fer themself!" Logan screamed then immediately ran for cover. He popped his head out then tossed one toward Cessily since she was new. This was her official welcome to the club. Bundling up more snow he ducked down again fearing retaliation. Surprisingly the man was able to move quick in his cowboy boots.
Sahira takes off running for safety. She quickly tucks in behind a tree. Bending down, she forms a quick snowball or two so she is ready to throw at anyone she sees. Peeking around the corner, she tries to see if anyone is coming.
Cessily Kincaid finishes building up her small snow fort, and just as she peeks her head out to scout for potential targets as she prepares a ball of snow... she gets one right in face, courtesy of Logan. "Eek!! Cold!!" she gasps as she brushes her face with her free hand, before narrowing her eyes at Logan and tossing her snowball at him.
Ororo Munroe just watches, sitting in a lawn chair, continuing to let it snow. She is not participating, just serving as referee and snow maker.
Kitty Pryde has to stop herself from immediately phasing out-- no powers! She lets out a happy 'eek!' and and heads for the porch of the mansion, using the wall as a barricade while she scoops up snowballs of her own!
Logan ducked long enough to avoid Cessily's snowball. However when he looked up the man was a prime target for Sahira, Kitty and even Bobby if they dared. Luckily the man had an ace in the hole just in case.
When Kitty pelts him, Bobby gives her a scandalized look. "Oh, the betrayal!" he says overly dramatically. He runs for cover, scooping up snow along the way. Once he's got a nice supply, Bobby starts tossing snowballs at anyone he sees pop up.
Cessily Kincaid grumbles softly when she saw her snowball missing Logan's head... but it's ok. It's alright, because SHE WILL HAVE HER REVENGE!!!... ahem. Anyways, Cessily is then quick to prepare not one, but four more snowballs. As she was about to toss the first one, she narrowly dodges Bobby's thrown snowball. Her neck MAY have bent a little too much than is allowed for normal human beings, though. Still, Cessily straightens up and tosses that ball, aiming at her latest assailant: Bobby.
Kitty Pryde calls over the wall, "Just getting things started; figured you'd thank me!!" to Bobby, and pops up a moment later, armed and ready to dole out frosty wrath! Since Logan is in sight, she throws his way, though she herself is now a ready target.
Sahira is hunting for the one called her an exaggeration! Well by hunting, poking her head out every so often to look around. And then Bobby comes running into view. She pokes out and lets a snowball fly to peg him in the back before tucking in behind the tree again. She stays quiet. Or would if she could stop giggling!
Getting pelted by Kitty made Logan duck down. Wiping snow off his face he tried to flag Ororo down in secret. Whether it was fighting or friendly fights Logan wasn't afraid to play it dirty. About the only thing he played fair in were wagers. Everything else he was willing to get a little dirty. So, calling upon his weather goddess girlfriend for help WASN'T above him. He tried waving to Ororo then pointed toward Cessily since her attention was off of him. Then he pointed toward Kitty for the simple sake of revenge.
Ororo Munroe raises an eyebrow to Logan, shaking her head. "I'm just making snow, dear. If I throw snowballs I'll have them thrown at me... if I use powers everyone will retaliate. It's best if I abstain."
Cessily Kincaid doesn't wait to see if her ball hit. She immediately dives back into her makeshift fort to pick up two more snowballs. One in each hand, and then she looks around, noticing Ororo speaking something to Logan. He was cheating? Oh, now it's on! Both her snowballs are thrown, both aimed at Logan!
Kitty Pryde is tossing snowballs every which way; There's Cessily, though Kitty may be too slow to catch her before she dives away. There's Sahira, focusing on Bobby-- well! A prime target! Kitty flings one her way as well, chortling.
Josie lucked out as nobody threw a ball her way in those initial moments, as she runs to find the closest thing to a protective snowbank she can. Laughing, though, she gets right into the fight as soon as she has a ball of snow packed in her gloved hands, throwing it at Kitty.
Sahira eeps as she catches a snowball to the side. "She quickly looks to see where the ball came from. She quickly makes a beeline towards Kitty. Just as she feels she is close enough to hit, She dives and does a John Woo esque roll. In mid roll she snags a bit more snow for a second snow ball and lets both fly as soon as she is able to. Both headed toward Shadowcat!
Getting pelted by two snowballs by Cessily made Logan duck down. His mind reeled with everything that happened and he started to laugh. A belly filled laugh that probably echoed in the air. Some may have found it creepy because when did he ever laugh? It just felt good to have students back, playing around and just acting like how the school should have. There wasn't any threat to take care of. They were able to let their hair down. Standing up with a handful of snowballs he just began to toss them at anyone that appeared not caring about the fact he was now the easiest target on the field. For the moment he was grinning ear to ear.
After his first barrage, Bobby went into cover. He wasn't holding still though. No, Bobby was moving as sneakily as possible, climbing his way up into one of the trees on the grounds. He grins as Kitty pegs his former cover and sends a snowball flying her way from above.
Cessily Kincaid dives in to avoid the ball tossed by Kitty, but isn't fast enough and is hit on the top of her head. "Dang it!" she says, brushing the snow off her hair, just as Sahira decides to sprint across the yard, and she smirks, grabbing her last ball and quickly tossing at her, before diving back into her fort to prepare more snowballs!
Getting pelted by two snowballs by Cessily made Logan duck down. His mind reeled with everything that happened and he started to laugh. A belly filled laugh that probably echoed in the air. Some may have found it creepy because when did he ever laugh? It just felt good to have students back, playing around and just acting like how the school should have. There wasn't any threat to take care of. They were able to let their hair down. Standing up with a handful of snowballs he just began to toss them at anyone that appeared not caring about the fact he was now the easiest target on the field. For the moment he was grinning ear to ear.'
Kitty Pryde 's chortling is cut off abruptly as she gets pegged right in the face by Josie! Well, it's her own fault, since she left little else exposed over the railing. Too bad; this leaves her all too exposed for Sahira's double blast! When those hit her too she opts for just falling back, sputtering snow from what should be the cover of the porch wall.. should be, until Bobby manages to be high enough to send one last snowball spattering over her from above! She's laughing helplessly by the end of it, back turned to the wall for the best cover she can manage and digging snow out from the collar of her coat.
Takes a hit all her own from Cessily. She laughs from it as she makes a few more snowballs. Then she is off running again. This time to the Make Shift fort! One ball goes flying towards Logan while the other goes towards the metallic girl but she is left wide open to a few other attackers.
Cessily Kincaid prepares a new stash of snowballs, and she looks up just in time to be pelted on the shoulder by Sahira's ball, and she grumbles, but then smirks as the girl seems to be rushing toward her! Such an easy target! She grabs two balls and tosses them both at the charging Sahira, though that left her open to be hit on the side of her head by one of Logan's snowballs. NOOOooooo.....
Josie giggles as Kitty is hit so many times in quick succession, ducking again to get another snowball ready. As she comes back up she gets a faceful of snow from Logan as well. After wiping her face clear, she grins and throws her own snowball back at him.
Kitty Pryde is recovering quickly though, and re-rolling ammunition for another volley! She can hear them all running around behind the wall...
Still perched in the tree, Bobby rolls up some more snowballs. Grinning to himself, he watches people scramble and then tosses two more snowballs. One at Logan and one at Sahira.
Getting pelted by everyone just made Logan laugh as he went to the mansion. His hands went up in a "T." Laughing he was just wiping snow away from well...everywhere. "Alright gang ya got me. I think I'm out," he was smiling. Looking down to Ororo, "Who else should be out beautiful?" Just in case some of the snow that was on his coat he shook it out on her just because he could.
Ororo Munroe shrugs as she stares at Wolverine, eyebrow raised as he d rops some snow on her. It starts melting pretty fast- Storm's body temperature would be pretty high right now.
Cessily Kincaid sees Bobby's snowballs flying, and she quickly traces their trajectories back to the source to find the snowman, and she smirks, deciding to dedicate two snowballs to the blond guy, doing her best to not hit any tree branch on the way.
Kitty Pryde is looking for Bobby too; someone hit her even from her spot of safety, and from above! When she peeks up to see Cessily heading his way, she prepares to fling snowballs at Bobby too as soon as he's focused on Cessily!
Slipping inside Logan gathered up a handful of gifts. Stuffing them into a paperbag he went back outside. Since he was out the man tossed one down to storm. It was a small box, no bigger than an over-sized novelty die that should have hung in from a car-rearview mirror. The present was green with a red ribbon. Waiting for others to get out Logan pulled out a cigar and lit it up with a stick match while he waited. The man was still smiling seeing everyone so intent on this game.
Sahira continues her moving around as she collects more snow to make certain she can peg someone else! Then she gets a sly idea... First she Sneaks up on Josie and tosses a snowball at her. Then she moves forward, "Cessily, Lets get Bobby! Lets team up!" Yes an infamous alliance!
Not expecting anyone to find him in his hiding spot, Bobby's caught off guard by the attack from Cessily. He yelps and sputters...falling backwards out of the tree. Reacting on instinct, he forms up a huge snowbank on the ground and falls into it with a FLUMPF.
Ororo Munroe moves inside with Logan. "Tehy'll be fine - they're not children anymore to need a referee." She opens the littel box, wondering what's inside.
Kitty Prydelaughs as Bobby gets thoroughly pegged as well, and walks out. "...Hey, I gotta get going before long, I think I'll have to bow out too." she shakes snow off her jacket though as if assessing the damange. "..Nice shots, though!"
Inside was a jewelery box. Popping it open was a necklace it looked custom forged, silver. The chain was a simple silver that matched the dog-tag like charm that hung off of it. A long pill shaped charm was simple and it had three kanji characters on it. Logan waited to see if she could have read the characters or not.
Cessily Kincaid grins at Sahira's offer for alliance, "Sure thing!" she says, waiting for Sahira to approach before she looks around for Josie, wanting to toss a couple snowballs at her as well! She's the only target she hasn't hit so far, now.
Josie blinks, a moment worried as Bobby starts to fall, standing up straight, but then grinning as he lands safely. Unfortunately, this momentary concern puts her into the line of snow.
Ororo Munroe raises an eyebrow as she looks at it - then with a huge smile she gives Logan a hug. As she does - the clouds break a moment, illuminating Logan and Ororo in a ray of sunlight about four feet wide as the snow continues to fall. "It's wonderful..." she whispers, giving him a kiss.
After a moment, Bobby pops out of the snow and rubs his head. "Ow," he mutters. He starts making a bigger snowball...but notices his watch. "Oh crap," he winces. "Sorry but I gotta run too!" he offers, starting to jog towards the mansion.
Kitty Pryde blinks as Bobby starts jogging. "Hey!" she calls. "Don't forget your presents!" though she can't really complain when she has to cut out early herself.
Sahira shrugs, "Well I guess this is it!" She brushes some snow off herself. The whole John Woo style roll got her coated in the stuff. "So what now?" She asks curiously as she moves towards the front door.
Cessily Kincaid nods softly, "Yeah, I guess that's it." she says, before smirking softly. She pulls the back of Sahira's sweater collar and drops some snow on her back, before running away, laughing.
Kissing back storm Logan smiled at her. His eyes looked into hers for a moment, "Tried to give ya something good. I was kinda nervous ya wouldn't get it," the words were soft as he said them. His eyes went up to the sunlight and he tried not to get blidned. By now others were coming up to the mansion, "Give out gifts. Get warmed up. Eat goodies. Do whatever we're gonna do as a group or separately. Some of us are leavin'."
Josie grins and, except for her clothes, she's instantly dry as she steps to follow the others again. "Yeah, warming up would be good."
Kitty Prydeflicks a little snow at Logan with a smile. "I wanna see you open your presents first." she informs him. "So you haven't quite gotten rid of me yet!"
Sahira smiles and idly goes to see what is going on. The new girl isn't expecting a thing given that she is so new but she is still curious to see what else is going on! So back to the warmth!
And then it happens. Sahira SCREAMS!! As she gets a very cold reminder of the weather. "OH you are SO toast Cessily! I swear I am getting you back for that!"
"Everyone inside. Let's get warmed up. Exchange some gifts, call it a night," he said to the group before sliding inside. Kicking off his boots then slipping off his coat Logan went to the fire with the sack he had filled with presents in hand. Once people were settled Sahria was given a box that was silver with a red ribbon. It was about the size of a box amazon would have sent for a small amount of DVDs or books. "Here ya go."
Kitty was tossed a yellow wrapped present with blue ribbon. It rattled a when he tossed it. "Here ya go."
Inside Sahira's gift was a big book that was on meditation, breathing exercises and control. "Could work the next time ya absorb powers. Keep ya focused. It's helped me, could have application fer ya."
Kitty's gift were two framed photos that collapsed together. On one side was an older photo of him and Kitty back when she wore the standard uniform. The photo was cropped a little to focus on them. Then the next was one that was a little closer to the now. There was a note written on the inside, "To all the memories and a hell of a friendship. - Logan."
Cessily Kincaid grins and sticks her tongue out playfully at Sahira as she heads inside first, to escape any cold wrath from her friend. Once inside, she stretches, enjoying the warmth of the place, and goes for some hot chocolate drink to warm up a bit more, while Logan distributes some gifts.
Kitty Pryde catches the package, and awwws when she unwraps it.. "Logan..thank you." she says, touched as she looks at the pictures with a small smile.. it sure has been a long time. She shakes her head to keep from being too sappy. "Go on, open yours too!" she collects it, passing the box shaped package in sparkly blue and silver over. She also has a little drawstring velvet bag she presents to Storm with a, "It was kind of short notice, but.. I hope you like them!"
Sahira accepts the gift and blushes, "Oh my... I didn't get anyone anything! I wish I could have. I just..." She goes quiet and opens the package to see the book on meditation. She gives a smile, "Thank you so much! This will help a whole bunch!" She is going to be studying that one.
Cessily was handed an unaddressed enveloped by Logan. It was simple, blue and inside was a fifty dollar amazon gift card, "Next year it'll be somethin' nice, but enjoy it kid." Logan nodded then he started to open Kitty's gift. There was a raised brow as he did so. Unsure what was inside the blue and silver wrapped item he just waited to see the contents as his fingers tore away at it.
Inside Logan's box are a few very festively colored cigars, ranging from candy stripe to snowflakes to holly berries. For Storm there's a few seeds, in little baggies tagged with what they are. Plumeria and Hoya, flowers Kitty came across on a trip and thought of her friend. She managed to track down a place selling them when Storm came back.
Ororo Munroe nods as she gives out, to most of hte long-term students, small boxes about six inches high. She doesn't have anything for the new people yet. The boxes contain a small miniature sculpture of the person in question carved out of wood. Pretty realistic. She murmurs, "thank you, Kitty. I'll be sure to plant them immediately."
Sniffing at a few of the cigars Logan was taking in their scents. He figured they were going to be treated like dessert wines. Special treats here and there when he was feeling festive. "Thanks kid," he nodded with approval. The candy striped one he had a feeling was going to go first.
Cessily Kincaid smiles softly at the gift she got. "It's ok, it's the thought that counts, Mr. Logan. I haven't gotten a gift for years. It really means a lot." she says, approaching Logan to hug him and give him a kiss on the cheek if a llowed.
Kitty Pryde grins at her friends inspecting their gifts, grinning wide at Logan, and nodding happily to Ororo. The cigars do seem to have faint holiday scents to them. She doesn't say anything to Cessily, but smiles at the exchange... Logan really did go all out to look out for everyone.. a lot of them helped with the food and all, but he even made sure they all got gifts. No one left out here. Kitty is surprised by the souvenirs Storm hands out. "Oh wow, those are amazing!"
Sahira opens the book up and begins reading over the note on the inside. She begins reading the first page, The idea of practicing up on her ability to meditate would be a wondrous thing. That would help if she ever copied a psychic again.
Opening his gift from Ororo Logan looked at the carving. His eyes softened. There was a spot or two in his office it was going to go. "Thanks Babe," he gave the woman a nod before getting up to give her a soft kiss. Pulling Ororo up onto her feet he went to sit back down and pulled the woman into his lap. "Still plenty of food gang. Help yerselves. If ya gotta go, ya gotta go. I know some people are clearin' up," Logan said to the room wanting them to fell welcomed, but not wanting them to feel obligated to stay if they had places to go.
Kitty Pryde is one of those leaving, sadly. She waves her goodbyes to those in the room, and wishes the new students a great experience at the school before heading out! "Happy holidays everyone! I'll see you soon!"
Josie grins and steps over to the tree to pick her presents up to hand them out. Well, to the teachers, since none of her student friends are here. She smiles as she takes the little sculpture from Ororo, "Oh, thank you!" Then she nods and says, "I better go change into something dry. But, I gotta say, this year's Christmas party, even better than last year's... well, last year's before the plague stuff ruined it. Way better if you count that." She grins and waves.
"Hey, this is yer home now kid. Yer gonna get gifts, have guys n' gals flirt with ya. Get used to this," Logan said to Cessily who was getting choked up on a gift. "We take care of our own here n' someone's gonna find ways to make ya smile. Trust me," he gave Ororo a quick look then he looked back to Cessily. "I came here more animal than man, kid. It took some time, but now I'm teachin'. Wouldn't trade it fer the world. Wouldn't be the man I am if it weren't for the school. Keep yer head up 'cause yer world's gonna change fer the better."
Ororo Munroe nods. "I came here believing I was an African tribal goddess... I was ignorant of American customs..." She sighs softly. "But one person still believes I'm a goddess..." she muses, winking at Logan.
Sahira smiles and gives Cessily a big hug. No light show so she isn't copying powers. Just hugging her. "You are still super cool, even if I owe you so bad. It's coming too! You won't know when or where, but I will be paying you back for putting snow down my back!" She giggles a little and smiles to Ororo and Logan, "Everyone is awesome around here!"
Sahira smiles and begins moving towards the guest rooms, "I think I need to turn in. Too tired to drive, Is it alright if I crash in one of the guest rooms again?"
Cessily Kincaid nods softly, before yawning softly. While her body doesn't need sleep, her mind still does, and tired she is. "Yes. Thank you, Mr. Logan. But I think I'm getting a bit tired, so I guess I should go get some sleep. I had a wonderful day." she nods gently, and then hugs Sahira back. "I'll be pouring more snow on your back before you get some snow on mine." she giggles back, "I don't see why not. And I'm heading to my room, as well." (and OOCly need to build my room, here...)
Logan nodded to Xavier both out of greeting and for Sahira to get an answer to her query. He figured the man would have said "Sure," but he was going to difer to the head honcho. A hand stroked Ororo's face, "Yer many things to me darlin'," the words were said softly. As the girls were leaving he gave them nods, "Don't be strangers. Both of ya. Office is upstairs. Knock if ya have any problems or need an ear," the hand just continued to stroke Ororo's face as Xavier was given a nod, again, in greeting. "Chuck. Gift's down there," Logan nodded to a big gift wrapped in red. It had a simple blue bow. Out of all the gifts tonight it was the biggest gift given. Once opened inside was a well packed bottle of brandy, top shelf quality, good brand and eyar. Next to that was a box of cigars identical to the ones he smoked, "In case ya got a reason to celebrate or mourn. Good fer cold nights too."
Charles Xavier answers on cue from the doorway as he enters, "Of course it is."
Charles Xavier ohs, rather surprised... usually he takes more of an active role in the planning himself, but Logan wanted to this year, so Charles left him to it-- and from the outside to the inside it was clear the man had taken the task to heart. Charles did get small gifts for everyone, and certainly wasn't expecting anything in return, so when he heads over to investigate the box Logan indicated, it's with a great deal of curiosity. Opening it up he smiles over to Logan, half amused, and entirely moved by the sentiment. "..Thank you, Logan. May we all find more of the former on this new year."
"New year. New victories. New reasons to celebrate," Logan nodded toward the bottle. He was quite comfortable sitting on a chair with Ororo curled up on him. "If anyone's earned that drink 'round here it's you, Chuck."
"I'm not so sure of that, in fact." Charles replies, still smiling. As the youngest occupants of the school seem to have mostly moved to other rooms or headed to bed, he wonders, "Perhaps you would care to join me?" raising the bottle.
Ororo Munroe hands Xavier a small box that has a figurine of him sitting in his favorite wheelchair, carved of wood. She says nothing else, smiling softly as she moves back to snuggle with Logan.
"Only if the lady gets a glass too if she wants one," Logan said softly but he gave a nod. He was also showing zero indication to getting up due to comfort. "Don't mind if I stay sittin'. Kind of comfy," he smiled at the man. Logan also radiated a rare sense of peace so seldomly felt by Xavier before.
Charles Xavier opens the box, and smiles at the little figurine. "Remarkable.." he sees the one Logan was given nearby as well, and wonders, "Did you have these made all from your memory?" some of the details are especially impressive. He heads to a side table to collect them all glasses, setting them on a tray to bring them to the other two. "I meant both of you, of course." he informs, and passes them their glasses.. he can do that, and besides, he hates to think of dislodging either of them when they're so clearly content.
Ororo Munroe smiles as she takes it. "I did some woodworking while in Africa - I made them. Not the best, but it should be recognizable at least..."
Taking the glass he waited for it to be filled. "I thought they were good darlin'" He kissed her cheek. When the glass was filled he waited for everyone to have their glass filled. "To new beginnings?"
The glasses are filled without undue delay, and Charles agrees, "To new beginnings." it's really the only toast for a new year in a place like this, a place meant to give those like them a chance for a second start, a place dedicated to a new beginning for all the world.. and especially appropriate now, considering the happy pair he's toasting with. Yes, very appropriate indeed.
Ororo Munroe nods. "To new beginnings," she murmurs, clinking her glass with Logan's. "So, professor, what do you think of our little party? I made sure there was plenty of snow for everyone..."
Logan sipped the first drink and was quiet as Ororo and the professor talked. He wasn't sure if the two had met since her return so Logan didn't want to interrupt. Watching them he remained silent and just worked on his drink.
Charles' glass clinks lightly against the others. "Yes, I saw that when I arrived!" Charles replies, after an appreciative sound from sipping his own drink. "The school looks splendid.. and it's easy to tell that everyone enjoyed themselves a great deal. Especially the food; we may actually be able to fit what remains in the refrigerator, even." it's said like a joke, but a holiday feast for this many people makes that a very real possibility if people don't eat well. "..I'm only sorry I was held up as long as I was."
Waving a dismissive hand was Logan's response. He sat there working on what remained of his Brandy. The man was still letting the duo talk as he didn't want to interrupt.
"Don't worry 'bout it Chuck. With students like Kitty n' Bobby becomin' teachers we can handle the new students. So if ya gotta be places, do other things, the house ain't gonna fall apart too much without ya," Logan gave a smirk to the man.
"No.. no, perhaps not." Xavier smiles wanly. "Still. At the end of the day, this is what everything else I do is for.. for these young people, and the capable men and women they grow into. Even if I don't need to be here a certain amount of time for their sakes, I think perhaps I still do for mine."
Logan nodded to Charles. "It's still good to see ya Chuck. Everyone's missed ya these past few months," Logan admitted looking toward the head of the school. "People haven't forgottem who helped them here. They haven't forgotten whose name is on the building. We all remember," he gave a firm nod.
Ororo Munroe nods. "Yes... some were in worse shape than others..." she whispers. With a a bit of a smirk she says, "Though one could say that the role of teacher at this school is a bit of a step down from my prior vocation."
Charles Xavier knows full well that a large part of the work he used to do is handled by others now.. by his own students. And by necessity as well, as there are so many more now than the less than half a dozen he started with. And he's prouder than he can say of that. Still...it is nice to still have a place in it all. "While I think my lecture tour over the past few moths was received fairly well, I hope I shall be seeing far more of everyone for awhile." he smiles at Ororo. "Not at all, Ororo. ..Though I admit the title is perhaps slightly less impressive."
"It was, but you should show up more Chuck," Logan nodded to the man. His eyes went between the pair, "Eh, she's a Goddess to me. All that matters," he smirked. Finish his drink he set it on a nightstand. Getting comfortable on the chair he was on he looked between the pair, "It's good to see you. Sometimes we can use ya Chuck. Ya give us hope, y'know. No matter what ya think."
Ororo Munroe snuggles on the chair with Logan, getting more comfortable. "Yeah... you just have a way to show a person that they'rem ore than just a monster. To bring out the best in people. Not just your telepathy - but more than that. You... are a natural leader." She ponders. "Teh day I picked your pocket was the beginning of the best time of my life - I just didn't know it then."
Charles Xavier assures Logan, "I intend to. I missed all of you a great deal as well, you know." he turns an amused look on Ororo; "Why thank you, at least I think, though I must say back then I never would have guessed how we would end up meeting once again."
Ororo Munroe nods. "You kept tabs on me all that time with Cerebro, didn't you?" she asks softly.
Looking down at the fire that was dying Logan was silent for a long while. "You know the mess that I was when I showed up at yer door. I wouldn't be the man I was without ya. I told a new girl, name's Cessily, place'll do wonders fer her. She probably looks at herself the way Hank did when he turned blue. She ain't different. I think she needs to see that," his gaze flicked up to Xaiver. "Yer the best one here to show her that." Then he quieted down to let Ororo talk.
Charles Xavier listens seriously at Logan's words. "I think perhaps you underestimate your own ability to inspire, my friend. Where you began, the hurdles you've overcome.. it's a powerful thing, inspiration. --Though of course, I'll do everything I can." he turns to Ororo then, admitting with a smile, "As a matter of fact, I didn't have Cerebro then-- though it is how I found you eventually."
"I think yer barkin' up the wrong tree there, Chuck." Logan suddenly sat up and had Ororo in his arms. "It's gettin' late. I'm gonna take the lady in then hit the hay. Don't stay up too late. Classes begin soon," Logan gave Xavier a respectful nod and started to head upstairs toward the attic. "Enjoy another glass fer me," he said his words echoed a little before sliding up the steps.
Ororo Munroe smiles softly as she waves to 'Chuck' then heads upstairs as well.
Charles Xavier nods to them both, smiling softly. "I may at that." he answers Logan. "..Good night, to the both of you." and as they head up the stairs he adds, "And Happy Holidays."