I CAN'T IMAGINE THERE'S A WAY —

[retravel]

WHO: Fitz, SHIELD, and you!
WHERE: New Amsterdam's medium-est bar: Refraction
WHEN: 01 September
WHAT: Leo's turning 31 100
NOTES OR WARNINGS: TBA

[ On his actual birthday, Fitz celebrates with his two closest friends (the people who’ve kept him together, despite wobbles along the way). Bobbi and Daisy, however, know that when Fitz says I hate people and don’t want to celebrate in the middle of a secret war he means I hate being alone, even on days without symbolic meaning. Daisy and Bobbi send out the mass evite, and Bobbi uses her powers of persuasion to find a more upscale venue for a discounted rate. Due to the flipped schedules in the height of New Amsterdam’s summer, Fitz’s party happens in the morning (the new night for anyone working a 9-5 gig), sun rising high over the city as it begins.

Welcome to REFRACTION, a classy bar tens of floors off the ground, with a stellar view of the city, not far from the river. Beams of light weave across the back area of the venue, well-lit by various glowing fixtures. Something about the place has an old world flair, with its dark colour scheme and minimalist decor. Maybe today’s an acceptable excuse to dress smart, celebrate with a friend, and drink up:

— enjoy the food (which might have had British roots at one point, but it’s hard to tell given the variety of fusions on display in bite-size portions) and initial round of free fizz, compliments of the host (and the host’s super stem friends)
— buy drinks at the bar and get wankered (as the birthday boy will be, around the new midnight)
— people watch from the tables and sofas
— dance to NA’s top synth pop hits (coming through hidden speakers above and holograms of the singers at some tables, activated by the proximity of nearby implant viewers)
— try a piece of cake, reading Happy 100th Birthday, Fitz! and looking a bit like it came from the same space-themed, child's birthday do as the evite. If your piece of cake has a wee star inside it, it means you’re one of the lucky winners and get a freebie at the bar.

As a nice establishment, rowdiness will only get you tossed on your arse by the bouncers, so everybody be cool.

At one point, someone nudges Fitz forward to say something. Dressed in his finest blues, he cuts a smarter figure than the usual corporate cut-out. ]

Right. [ said in the tight voice of someone who is definitely on the verge of crushing the flute in his hand. ] I never know what to say, and I didn't have time to prepare because, ah. Surprise. [ he splays out his free hand. ] So I will just say that — that there's someone I wish was here, despite all the horrible happenings, but that I am so so grateful that you're all here despite them, too. It's not for — forever, but it's pretty nice. Right now. [ As another SHIELD agent said: We have what we have when we have it. That's it. ] Thank you. Cheers!

( if you don't think the SHIELD losers would have invited your character, please feel free to come up with a semi-plausible reason for attending. gatecrashing, plus ones, hearing the commotion and wanting to be nosy. all are welcome! )

Comments

birthday boy

[possidetur]

( for as "nice" as everyone's dressing vanessa isn't actually quite so fancy. she's not been back too long and getting herself organised-- if only the dresses of her era existed, she'd have looked incredible.

but the simple fact that she's attended is something. crowds are not her thing. she used to enjoy parties, seeing people so happy and now-- now vanessa has problems with crowds but it is something she'll do for a friend, particularly for an event so special.

even if much here is strange. the music, the look of the bar. will she ever get used to this? in a way she hopes that she doesn't but that thought is for another day )

Happy birthday.

( it's said quietly, a small smile on her expression as she approaches him )

[retravel]

[ they've hugged before — when he thought she'd been lost in the chaos of the monster attack, but it still seems too forward now. instead, he brushes a hand over hers, so a buzz of affection passes through the bond, there and gone. ]

Thank you, Vanessa.

[ first-name basis post their recent heart-to-heart, huh. ]

I'm glad you made it.

[ not just to the party but back from wherever they go, during the disappearances. ]

[possidetur]

( her smile turns fonder at the contact, the affection dancing through them. it's a strange feeling knowing exactly how someone feels but in this case it isn't unwelcome. it's been too long since vanessa has felt real and pure affection. since she's wanted to )

I wouldn't have missed this.

( crowds may be one thing that isn't always so pleasant but for a friend, someone so very dear to her that has helped her so much-- she wouldn't have missed it )

Though it's far from the parties I remember.

[retravel]

[ his own smile widens, evidence of how at ease he feels in her presence. ]

Were those parties grander affairs? [ teasing. ] All proper dancing and interlocution.

[ a far cry from this glowing bar of the future, he imagines. ]

[possidetur]

Some of them were.

( though, for as much as vanessa was fond of them, enjoying a good evening out and dances, she didn't engage in them often. her youth was one thing but after the trouble started she kept a quieter life )

Some of them turned to other forms of entertainment. Specifically spiritualism.

[retravel]

[ he makes a polite noise of acknowledgement but his brows go up. ]

How do you mean?

[ she's talking to mr science man over here. ]

[possidetur]

Seances.

( there's a little more care to her words. though many found them to be fun occasions vanessa had also experienced some of the less pleasant effects of them )

Contacting the dead is a very popular event.

( still, there's an amused smile to her words )

[retravel]

[ his mouth twitches, the smile turning a touch nervous.

what would his dead say to him? it should have been you. ]

Is it? [ measured. he scratches at his jaw. ] Seems like it could be, ah, a bit of a downer.

[possidetur]

Depending on the reasons, perhaps.

( though, ah-- )

Though do you really believe that they have done so?

( she can, or at least could before coming to this place but most that 'practiced' such arts at parties had no real skill )

[retravel]

Nothing's ever created or destroyed, so. Maybe.

[ and he was nearly dragged to hell by the ghost dimension... ]

Do you?

[possidetur]

( interesting. she doesn't know about all of it but belief is something to keep in mind )

I have to.

( a rare admission. something she trusts him with even if few others )

[retravel]

[ his interest spikes again, eyes flickering over her. ]

How do you mean?

[possidetur]

( vanessa leans a little closer, voice turned to a whisper )

There's always more to the world. We all now have some power, do we not?

( something that they didn't have before. the ability to feel what others do and, perhaps, more. but what if some had a power before? )

[retravel]

Now we do.

[ he catches her meaning, and his features lift.]

But before —

[possidetur]

( she leans back, giving a nod )

It was a feeling I had.

( and so much more )

Spirits were a part of it.