1160/HFC: The Dungeon ReOpening

HFC: The Dungeon ReOpening
Date of Scene:	14 April 2020
Location:	The Dungeon - Hellfire Club
Synopsis:	Dancing drama and drinks at the Dungeon.
Cast of Characters:	Emma Frost, Alex Summers, Lara Croft, Warren Worthington, John Constantine, Sebastian Shaw, Alison Blaire, Henry McCoy, Bobby Drake, Tessa, Carrie Kelley, Betsy Braddock

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Emma Frost has posed:
The Dungeon's wooden double doors open wide again for the first time in weeks to admit 'guests'. The DJ is already spinning some goth-EDM song that pounds the floor with bass, with the holo projector throwing rippling flame-ribbons over the dance floor. Are the staff excited for the reopening? Hell yeah they are. Wait and service staff are wandering the few tables near the bar, dressed in increasingly scandalous gothic outfits (both men and women alike).

Speaking of scandalous outfits...

Emma Frost, board member of the Hellfire Club, has taken advantage of her position to have entered the Dungeon with her boyfriend in advance of the main opening of the doors. She's standing by the bar, in a white micromini skirt of such little material that if her parents saw her there would be //words//, baring both the top of a white lace garter belt at her waist and the bottom at her thighs, holding up a pair of white lace thigh-highs; she's wearing a form fitting, practically painted on white shimmering top the bares her midriff with a deep V baring her cleavage; and the only color that isn't white on her form is the hints of silvery-blue eyeshadow on her eyelids and the flash of crimson red on the soles of her white high heeled Louboutins. She has worn less, in public, in this very Club. But not by much.

The head bartender tonight is Mischa, who is a rather dark humored sort with a heavy Slavic accent. He's also a fantastic drink mixer, and wearing black Victorian boots with silver spats, knee-length black slacks with a skull damasking in the fabric, and black leather suspenders with a pin of the Hellfire Club's Logo pinned to the left one. And... that's it, unless you count the cat o'nine he has hanging out of one pocket casually. He keeps an eye on his under-tenders and the barbacks. Shaw will be here tonight, and Mischa wants none of the mess than happened last time-- to the point where he had personally checked every bottle himself, despite the additional security Shaw had put in place to make sure something like Crane's last but of "fun" doesn't happen again.

Point of fact, there's a fair number of the Club's security forces milling around, too, not-so-subtly checking the faces of those coming in. Seems perhaps Shaw might have had them memorize a few 'unwelcome' faces. Just in case.

On the chalkboard behind the bar, it says in (likely Mischa's) handwriting:

SPECIALS TONIGHT
    * Dirty Whore's Bathwater (vodka, apple schnapps, lemonade)
    * Blowjob Shot (you know what this is)
    * Red Headed Slut (jager, peach schnapps, cranberry)
    * Suck Bang and Blow (a whole lot of booze)

In fact, its one of those LATTER specials that Emma already has in her hand, and she's teasing Alex to try one. But not hers. He needs to order his OWN. Out loud. Without looking remotely embarrassed. He probably can, but still. It's the thought that counts.

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex is looking at Emma. In that outfit, who wouldn't be and still be a good boyfriend! But he's laughingly trying to get out of ordering one of the colorful drinks as Emma presses him to do so. "Look, I don't even know what's in most of these!" he points out. "I mean, Sex on the Beach is about the weirdest one I've tried, namewise."

    He's not nearly as dressed up as Emma is, of course, having gone with a dark green polo shirt that's unbuttoned at the top to cool down, the sleeves snug over his biceps, and jeans that have been washed until they're so thin they might as well be painted on, over black leather biker style boots, a mesh belt not really needed to keep it in place but decorative nonetheless.

    "Alright, alright, I'll try the...Blowjob shot..." he finally relents, holding up his hands. "Though I kinda wanna know what's in it first still!"

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara had come to meet with a contact who'd said he'd be at this gahtering tonight. Having only as much info as she could find online about this place, Lara had chosen a black dress to wear tonight that was tasteful and fun at the same time, fun the sense that it was revealing down her back and tasteful in that it covered up her front. Slit up the side the dress shows off enouhg of her left leg to be additionally fun and alluring. Her arms and and shoulders are left bare and her dark brown hair is down and loose about her shoulders in a relaxed sort've 'care no more' style.

Lara is approaching the bar and she's letting her eyes roam over the drinks, and their colorful names. She smiles at the staff and points to ne. "That one." The Briton says, not wanting to say the name outloud... because she's proper like that.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren Worthington's attire for this evening at 'The Dungeon' is a sleek velvet coat over a white, silk button up shirt with the top two buttons left undone. The shirt's been tucked into a pair of Stefano Ricci jeans in a five-pocket style out of Italy, his Sky Dweller Rolex sitting pretty on his left wrist. On his feet are a pair of Christian Loubotin sneakers outfitted in python snakeskin.

"Alright, alright, alright. Now this is place has an awesome vibe to it." This is said to his companion for the evening. "Ali, should we start off with some drinks? What sounds better..." He reads over the menu and laughs. "I almost don't even want to say those names out loud and ruin my good Christian image. Almost."

John Constantine has posed:
     Gothic themes, and scantily clad men and women? It practically begged John to show up. Not to mention, it had been a while since John himself had indulged in a proper night of debauchery and sin.

     The blonde scouseman entered in, his eyes practically drinking in all of the bodies in attendance. Sidling up to the bar, he leans, and looks over Mischa, mmm. "Gimme a suck, bang, and blow, mate. And a wiskey after you're done."

  "My my my, Emma Frost, the queen of nightlife. As I live and breathe, luv." He comments sidewise to Emma herself, nodding as he puts a cigarette in his mouth and brings up his brass zippo, lighting it. "Excellent party you have." The man was dressed in all of his normal getup, tan trench coat, white dress shirt, and black tie, loosely around his neck. Something about the man was both charming, and off-putting, obviously he never grew out of the bad boy phase.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Sebastian Shaw is seated at one of the tables. The largest one, in fact, though here that basically means "It can fit six, tops, and it'll be cramped." Still, for the moment besides himself it lies empty, barring the presence of the ever-faithful Tessa. Now let's be honest...the Dungeon usually attracts a younger crowd than Shaw tends to socialize with, but this is an event, in his club, and he would be remiss to be completely absent. It's not make-or-break for him, but it would still be nice to have things go well.

And let it not be said that Shaw won't dress the part (Though visitors to the Victorian likely have spotted him "in the spirit of things" there on more than a few occasions). Tonight he's wearing a blood-red velvet waistcoat with subtle patterns of rose-vines visible only up close or when the light hits just-so. Gold-plated buttons adorn the waistcoat, beneath which is a black silk shirt, with lacey falls at his throat and flared cuffs. Black dress pants and handcrafted Italian leather shoes complete the ensemble, along with an old-fashioned top-hat, though that's currently sitting on the table in front of him as he watches the comings and goings of the patrons this evening.

There's no sign that says "VIPs Only" at his table, tonight, nor "Board Members." Much of this crowd may not know him on sight, either, so that could make the evening's visits...interesting.

Alison Blaire has posed:
Alison Blaire's really been looking forward to this evening. The pop star lingering by Warren's side as they take in the room. She's opted to wear less than her companion. Two thin strips of black velvet wrap over her shoulders and cover just enough before meeting at the navel and curve of her back before flowing into a full skirt. Various chains of crystal connect the thin strips of velvet keeping everything in place. Crystal coated heels sparkle where there peek from her skirt.
    Looking at the drink menu, Alison laughs and gives Warren a light nudge. "One of each, extra dirty?" She suggests and quirks her lips in the smallest of grins. Her blond locks blown out into a sleek flat curtain she shakes off her shoulders with a toss if her head.

Henry McCoy has posed:
It's certainly a rarity for Dr. McCoy to attend a club, even more so to attend such a risque re-opening such as this. Yet something dragged him out, perhaps the need to be away from his studies? Tonight he was dressed in a forest green button down shirt, the sleeves rolled up along his forearms. His right forearm sports a fresh white bandage wrap, going from wrist to just below the elbow. He's got on a pair of well-fitted black slacks as well as a pair of polished leather shoes - extra wide.

Once inside, his eyes go a bit wide - spotting some of the outfits that are being displayed by the attendees. Hank rubs at his chin, looking about - spoting more than a few familiar faces. Moving over towards the bar, he slips out a pair of reading glasses in order to peruse the drink list. Oh my. He's got to be blushing under that fur.

Emma Frost has posed:
"John, fancy seeing you here this evening. Is your kind of crowd though, I think. Spooky," Emma replies coolly, reaching over and casually taking the lit cigarette from John's mouth. "Not in here, 'luv', you know better," she idly replies as she stamps it out in an ashtray one of the bartenders had immediately brought as soon as they had seen John. She takes a sip of her own Suck Bang and Blow; as Mischa, smirking, shakes one for John, providing it to the Magician with a wink, followed up by a double shot of Jameson.

"Have you met Alex Summers, John? Alex, this is John Constantine, one of our members. He's a rather interesting sort. John, this is my... //friend//, Alex." There's a particular emphasis on friend that very much means less friend and more carnal.

Mischa slids Alex a shotglass with a layered shot in it, a darker liquid on the bottom and a cream liquid floating on top, with a squirt of canned whipped cream. Emma eyes her boyfriend with a smug look. "Like all shots, you //are// supposed to take it all in one go," she teases.

Bobby Drake has posed:
Bobby Drake's dressed up for a night at the Dungeon, dressed in a pair of black leather pants and combat boots that lace up his calves. His shirt is a dark blue with a burned in darker blue swirled pattern beneath a black vest, and there may even be a bit of guyliner going on. He seems to have come alone, however, just out to enjoy a few drinks and the atmosphere and music, maybe. He makes his way up to the bar and leans against it, "One red headed slut, please." He can't help but grin when he sees Hank approaching the bar. "Hey, Dr. McCoy. Fancy meeting you here. Nice view tonight, huh?" he asks as he looks out over the crowd.

Tessa has posed:
    Tessa, always Shaw's shadow, seemingly, hovers in his orbit; dressed for the occasion in a backless blood red dress with a skirt just short to start the 'is that appropriate?' conversation, complication the matter with being slit up the side, and an open cleavage window, with a black choker around her neck and a pair of open high heeled shoes on her feet which she seems to have remarkable little difficulty functioning in.
    Tessa is not one who typically draws attention to her beauty, but one could say she fits the atmosphere around here... were it not for the blank canvas of composure that is her face, and the fact that she's still carrying a tablet around like a clip board.
    "The change in branding seems to have served the bar well, Sir." She says, then very subtly raises her eyebrows. "Though they have made ordering somewhat of a social challenge." She observes Emma's arrival and adds. "Ms. Frost appears to have bounced back well."

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex has been watching Mischa mix the drink. Layered shot. Amaretto on the bottom, a float of irish cream, topped with whipped cream, as it turns out. He accepts the drink then glances over as John arrives, offering his hand to the other man. "Hey, nice to meet you." he says, looking amused as Emma steals then stubs out the cigarette, then eyes Emma. "I really don't want to try and inhale whipped cream." he says bemusedly. "And I don't see you knocking yours back, either." He sticks his tongue out at her.

    But then knocks it back all the same, leaving him with a whipped cream mustache when he's done!

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley enters after taking a deep breath to brace herself when steping through the doors into the newly reopened club. She'd never been before, not being of age, so when it was reopening to everyone for the first night? Well, her curiosity had been piqued. She's stepping out of her comfort zone in so many ways. The skin-tight little black dress that's worn scoops low enough to show off what cleavage she has, and rides high enough on her thighs that she opted to wear sheer black hose beneath. It's rather basic, really, other than the stitch that runs straight up the back of her legs showing off the curve of lean muscle that was often hidden behind a much longer skirt. Heels that were just a bit on the perhaps too-tall side for her are worn; Jimmy Choos with a strap around the ankle looking as if they were tied on tight. The rest of her look she'd pulled out of an old music video. Bright red lipstick, dark heavy eyeshadow, and her ginger hair pulled back into a french braid to keep it out of her face to show off the high-sculpted cheeks her makeup gave her. Anyone who remembered the 80's knew this look and she was, frankly, killing it. Robert Palmer girls, eat your hearts out.

Now that she was in the din of the club though she felt so very out of place. Immediately her eyes scan over the still growing crowd hoping beyond hope to spot a familiar face or two to latch onto at least until she feels more comfortable. It's with a little bit of surprise that she sees the familiar winged form of Warren and the girl beside him. It makes her curious enough to keep looking until she spots a very-hard-to-miss figure at the bar.

Purposefully striding that way she comes up to the counter in time to see Constantine being served by Emma (figuratively) which earns a quirk of her lips into a smile as she breezes by. Not a face that knew this face. Beyond them she approaches Bobby and Hank earning a little chuckle. "Didn't expect to see you here, Doc," she offers by way of greeting. Bobby is given a nod as well as she adds a friendly, "Hello there."

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara's drink is placed in front of her (a Dirty Whore's Bathwater) on a napkin and she accepts it with a small smile and then a look at the drink itself as she raises it up for a sip. She turns then to place the bar at her back so that she can let her eyes wander the social gathering. She's never been one for parties as a youth, especially when they were forced upon her due to her social standing back in Britain, but when they were on her own time she could see the merit in them. Especially the themed parties, those were easily her favorite. She glances over to Bobby and Hank at the bar beside her and she offers them both a smile and a light nod, then sips her drink once more.

Warren Worthington has posed:
"One of everything? Well, alright then." Warren raps his knuckles on the bar with one hand and flags down the barkeep with the other. "Okay, two of each of the four specials. Start at the top and keep them coming all the way down." He slips out two crisp hundo's and slides them across the counter to person working the bar. Then he turns around and puts his winged back against the counter and looks out over the crowd. "Quite an evening tonight." He tells Alison as he takes in faces, both familiar and new. That's when he sees both Bobby and Hank, "Bobby! Hank! You two want to get your drink on? I'll buy." He slips another couple of bills out and slides them onto the counter. "Get my two, er three, friends here whatever they want." He nods to Carrie. "Carrie, good to see you again."

John Constantine has posed:
     John looks feign crestfallen as his cigarette is taken away from him. "But what is a D/S scene without putting out a butt in someone's mouth?"

  The other Brit in the joint looks over Alex, with a bit of jealousy. "Never 'ad a desire to play with a twin...but I'd make an exception fer the likes a you, and you, Emms." He puts a $50 into his mouth, and leans over the bar, right to Mischa to take, big smile on his face as he does so. "Nazdrovye." He says after, offering his wiskey glass up for a salute, and taking a healthy drink.

  "Emma, luv, you and your 'friend' are welcome over any time." He says with a wink to Alex, and making a strut over to some available corner to take his drinks, and to be 'entertained' by some of these lovely bodies in the club.

Henry McCoy has posed:
Still stammering over the drink order, Hank is in the middle of ordering when Bobby, Warren and Carrie close in. "I'll have a red-hea..." Nope. His brain pauses, reverses, and then spits out a different drink order. "Forgive me, Dirty Whore's... Bathwater." It is clearly not the easiest drink order for the Beast. With that hurdle out of the way, he takes his glasses off and pockets them again. A smile is offered to Lara, a nod of polite greeting. To Bobby, he grins a bit. "Truth be told, I was... not really expecting to come out. But I need to let off some steam. Been pent up a bit, and the research has been my sole focus." A glance to Carrie. "Quite the vision." He offers, bowing his his head to hide his smirk. "Evening Miss Kelley, you look breath-taking."

And then Warren is there, in all his Warren-Glory. "Warren, Allison." He offers over with a smile. "Enjoying yourselves?" His eyes go back to Carrie. "I feel completely out of my element."

Bobby Drake has posed:
"Heya Warren," Bobby says with a grin and an up-nod as he joins them over by the bar. "I am ready to get my drink on, and maybe my dance on a little later. How's it going? Heya Ali." He lifts his drink which the bartender passes over and winks, "Got one. But you can get the next one." He lifts the drink and takes a sip before flashing a grin at Carrie, "Hey. How's it going?" When Lara nods in their direction he lifts his glass to her in salute. "Evenin'" He seems content to lean his back against the bar and look out over the crowd, just taking everyone in for the time being.

He can't help the broad grin at Hank struggling with his drink order, though he tries to hide it at least a little bit behind his glass as he takes a sip of his own. "Gotta get out of the lab every so often, run free," he says, making a gesture with his hand off into the distance. "Good to see you out, man. And sometimes it's good to get out of your element, shake things up a bit." He clearly seems perfectly comfortable in this element, though, himself.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma grins wickedly at John, laughing a bit. She leans up and kisses Alex, getting the whipped cream off his upper lip. "You'll be the first we call, John," she replies with an amused look. She takes a long drink of her mixed drink and glances down the bar, spying Warren (and several others). "Ooh. Ali is here. Let's go say hi. She looks gorgeous tonight."

Warren Worthington has posed:
"Red Headed Whores are pretty good, Hank, it's got a bit of a sweetness to it thanks to the peach schnapps and cranberry juice. Definitely worth quenching your thirst a time or two." Warren nods very sagely at this. "You may wanna avoid the Suck, Bang and Blow though. Great name, but if you're not ready for it, it can be pretty strong. Stick with the Red Heads though, they're..." He makes a chef's kiss gesture and then nods to Bobby. "What's your poison tonight, Bobby?"

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara lifts her drink up to sip from it again before she notes the same drink being given to Henry. "The taste is a lot better than the name would have you believe." She offers the man in the glasses another smile then and a light nod. She overhears Warren's rundown on the drinks and a grin appears on her lips. "Is it safe to try them all, or would one be falling ovr on their way out if they dared?" She asks him before glancing around a little more at all the others and raising her glass up for another sip. She nods softly in greeting to John as he nears to where the drinks are served.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley flashes a grin at Henry that was at once relieved and understanding. "You and me both," she agrees about being out of the element. "I wasn't sure what to wear so I may have done a little stealing off of a look." Her head tips toward Bobby about to introduce herself when instead Warren pipes up. Chuckling at him she gives a little shake of her head with amusement. "I'm not even going to ask where you're hiding all that money you're throwing around, Warren. Thank you."

With a chuckle she offers to Bobby, "As he said I'm Carrie. I'm a friend of Henry's. Sorry if I'm interrupting I just thought I'd say hello." And perhaps hide out awhile though that goes unsaid. Mostly because she's staring at Warren again while *she* begins to blush at his talk of the drink. Alison earns a grin as well with a little chuckle. "Sound like he's had a few already." Back to the bar she requests, "I'll just have a ginger ale, please."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"Emma's stronger than she knows." Sebastian replies to Tessa, a shadow of a grin crossing his face as his blue-eyes wander over to watch her interacting with Alex, and Constantine, and no-doubt soon to be others. "Young Mr. Summers seems like a real go-getter. Even setting aside the benefit to Emma, I'm glad we brought him on board." He considers a few moments and grins, "And if people are a little uncomfortable ordering drinks..." He laughs, gesturing at the crowd in various stages of scandalous attire, "They really ought to get over themselves. Now go and order me a Red-Headed Slut. The drink, not an actual...at least not yet."

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex's brows climb at John's comment as he blinks a bit, his brain thrown out of gear. Did he just...? He then is thoroughly distracted by Emma kisses as his whipped cream mustache is passed on! Which at least reboots his brain a bit.

    "Ah...sure..." he manages after a moment to John, watching John walk away with a faint grin coming to his face. "He's...interesting. Old friend? Hmm...if I had leanings in that direction, could appreciate the bad boy thing..." He reaches up to wipe carefully to remove the creamy mustache from Emma's lip with a thumb. "Sure, let's go mingle..." he agrees with a grin. "Lead on?"

Alison Blaire has posed:
"Henry!" Alison beams and leans in to kiss his cheek lightly. "I'm glad to see you!" She tells him warmly before looking at Bobby. "Gracious, Drake! Better take it easy dancing or you might not get those pants off." She smiles and thinks for a second. "Do add me to your dance card." She asks and looks up at Warren. "That is, if your tender reputation can handle being alone for a bit in this den of wanton fun. I'd hate for it to rub off on you." She coos, teasing Warren warmly with a little bump of her hip.

Henry McCoy has posed:
At the very least, he's surrounded by people he's mostly comfortable with, so that's a plus for Henry. A nod of thanks to Bobby, his smile bright. "I thought I was the one who was supposed to be doling out the sage wisdom, Bobby. Thank you. You're absolutely right." That certainly helps the man relax.

And then Warren - sweet, innocent Warren - chimes in. Hank's eyes widen, seeing as he's standing near a red-headed woman. "Warren, you have impeccable taste, as always." He teases, nervously. "I will likely try one of each over the evening - I've got a lift home, thankfully." He glances over to Lara as she joins the conversation at the bar. "Is it? The ingredients looked quite tasty." A grin. "Dr. Henry McCoy... if you like, I can make introductions with the rest of these fine people?"

As Carrie mentions interrupting, he shakes his head. "No interruptions at all, Carrie." He assures, in earnest. "The look suits you, it does." A mischevious look crosses his face. "And as for Warren, he has a sizable nest egg." He nods sagely. At the greeting from Alison, he blinks - grinning sheepishly. "Hello Alison! How are you?"

Bobby Drake has posed:
Bobby Drake lifts his own red head in Warren's direction, the color of the drink giving it away compared to the other specials. It's got that peachy red color from the schnapps and cranberry juice. "I've got my own red head tonight. Will probably have another one or two. It seems the night for it and I have no class tomorrow." He then shrugs his shoulders at Lara's question and says, "That depends on your tolerance, I guess. If you can hold your liquor, you could probably sample them all, but the Suck, Bang, and Blow will pack a pretty solid punch. Unless I want to wake up somewhere not remembering how I got there, I'll probably pass on that one." He grins. "You're not interrupting at all," he says to Carrie with a grin and offers one hand to shake. "Bobby," he introduces himself.

One brow raises at Alison and he flashes her a grin, "Oh, don't worry. I have less trouble getting out of them than I had getting into them. You're definitely on my dance card." He lifts his drink to her in a salute. Then he chuckles at Henry "Mark this day on a calendar -- Bobby Drake doling out sage wisdom. And I haven't even really gotten drinking yet."

Tessa has posed:
    Tessa nods her head once and says "I'm sure it will become a game quickly, Sir." She says of the drink names. His appraisal of Emma and Alex are fair enough, and Tessa's glad to see things seemingly working out, insofar as they can while Emma's situation remains the way it is.
    "Sir?" She asks, raising her eyebrows slightly before Shaw clarifies his order. "Very good, Sir."
    Tessa's fielded stranger commands out of nowhere, so it's good to clarify.
    She moves to the bar, silently working her way through the milling crowd with surprising grace before she makes it to the bar, turning hazel eye to look at Shaw briefly - as though acknowledging the possibility that she's been set up for amusement - and, as usual, rolls with it. With only a moment's hesitation, and with shocking composure, she orders: "I will take a Red Headed Slut, if you please."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma laughs, grabbing Alex by the hand and practically dragging him over towards the knot of other mutants (and Carrie). "Something like that," Emma replies to Alex's question. As they make their way to the group, Emma waves with the hand that isn't dragging Alex. "Ali! You made it!" she greets the pop star and fellow member of the Club cheerfully. "Oh, and you, Warren," she says mock-flatly. She grins at the others as well. "Are you enjoying yourselves? Carrie, you look gorgeous." For the couple of folks she hasn't met yet, "Hi. I'm Emma, one of the board members here at the club."

John Constantine has posed:
     John passes by Bobby, and stops a moment, giving him a smile before moving on to sit.

  John does stop at a familiar face: Lara Croft. "Lady Croft...a pleasure to see you." Like can understand like, and Lara was a bit of a rogue in the Royals, and John was very much a rebel himself. "John Constantine, at your service." He offers with a slight bow. Not as if he were being presented in her court, but just being slightly gentlemanly.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren looks over at Lara and grins, "Depends on if you want your evening to simply be fun, or if you want it to be interesting. I'd recommend going for one of each to start the night off right, but to each their own, you know?" He glances over at Alison and laughs, "Oh come now, dance the night away if you'd like, especially if you can find someone who can actually dance. I have no rhythm, so I'm here to get drunk and hang out with all my awesome friends like you, Hank and Bobby, oh and new friend Carrie." He gestures at Carrie. "Ali, this is Carrie Kelley, a friend of Hank's. Carrie, Alison Blaire."

The two acquainted, he grins over at Hank and Bobby. "Good taste as usual Bobby." He raises his own drink to him in salute. "And thank you, Hank, but you know that you're far more of a gentleman than I'll ever be. I have fancy clothes and shiny things, but you sir are a true gentleman and a scholar."

And then Emma and Alex are approaching. "Emma, Alex, I hope you both are having fun. Emma, really love the mood of this place, and the drinks are... On. Point."

Alison Blaire has posed:
Chuckling warmly, Alison lifts her glass to Bobby. "Top to bottom." She says in reply with a wink. Turning a bit side to side she looks at Hank. "What do you think? Brush up ok?" She wonders and gives the older member of the group a coy look. Emma's greeting catches her attention. Lifting a shoulder, she blows the club owner a kiss. "I wouldn't miss it, Emma." She tells her and slips an arm about Warren's hips idly. "I brought an angel to keep me from anything too tawdry." She looks to Carrie as she's introduced. "Hi, Alison. Any friend of Henry is bound to be good people. He's dear to us." She tells the woman cheerfully.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley reaches out to accept Bobby's hand in greeting with a chuckle, "Nice to meet you, Bobby. Just remember to hydrate now and then as well." Man she was way too young to be offering that sort of motherly advice. It just kind of happens. A look of mischeif flits across her along with a deepening grin. "Well so long as he's not counting his eggs before they're hatched, I suppose he can spend it how he wants." Somehow, someway, she had to make a pun based on that. It was in her blood.

"Emma," she greets with another smile. "You look great as well. I'm sure your friend can agree," she adds with a wicked smile mentioning Alex. Then to Alison when introduced she adds, "Great to meet you, Alison. And I do try. To be good that is."

Betsy Braddock has posed:
After a little rooftop rendezvous involving donuts and discussion about social lives (or lack thereof), Betsy has decided to hit the town. Purple hair is swept up and anchored with exquisite jet and silver hair sticks, leaving her jet and velvet choker on display against creamy pale skin. Makeup is violet, silver and purple shadows layered expertly on her lids, plenty of liner and mascara, with lips a deep violet shade to match her eyes.

Then there's the dress - black velvet along her front and back, held together along one side with a fine silver chain that sparkles. The velvet ends high on her thighs, showing off long legs that end in incredibly high black heels that lace up to her knees.

She will pause just inside the doors, before she will make her way with hip swaying confidence for the bar. She wants a drink in hand before she greets the faces she sees and recognizes.

Lara Croft has posed:
At both Warrena nd Bobby's rundown on the drinks, Lara lets her smile blossom and her head shake side to side. "I've a terrible alcohol tolerance. These few sips are the first I've drank since my twenty first birthday party, I believe. So I should... probably limit myself to this singular one." She takes another sip before she looks to Henry and offers her hand to him. "Lara Croft. Not a Doctor, though I am working on that. Perhaps someday." She affords him a lighter smile then before John's greeting to her draws her eyes. She's heard of him, though it takes a second for her to recollect from where. His name had come up in a briefing... at the Triskelion. "Mister Constantine." She says to him. "It's a pleasure to meet you. You're someone I was told I should, in fact, meet someday." She leagues that a little vague for now!

Bobby Drake has posed:
Bobby Drake tilts his head as John passes by, studying the unfamiliar face and returns the smile, lifting his glass in a salute of greeting as he passes.

"Oh come on, Warren. The only way you can learn to dance is if you try. How many drinks do we need to get in you before we get you out on the floor?" He flashes a grin, as though he's deciding whether to make this his project for the night or not. He raises his own drink to Warren in return before he takes another sip. Then, a salute to Carrie, "I'm always well hydrated." There's a smile for Alex and Emma when they draw closer as well. "Evening."

Tessa has posed:
    Order made, humility gained, Tessa steps between some of the chatting X-Men with a soft but not particularly apologetic sounding "Pardon me." on the way to bring the drink back to Shaw, offering it carefully and saying, with some self awareness, "I hope that the Red Headed Slut is to your liking, Mister Shaw."

Alex Summers has posed:
    "Nice to see you all." Alex says agreeably, belatedly realizing he didn't get a drink refille before going roaming. Ah well. He can grab a beer later. "Carrie, Hank...and Bobby, right?" he says, still fixing names in his mind from the mansion. "And Lara." he adds as she introduces herself as well, offering his hand as needed.

    And then he spots a hint of purple making her way through the crowd and waves to Betsy. "Hey, Betsy!"

    Yeah, Alex hasn't entirely gotten that Betsy and Emma get along like a house on fire. With gasoline accelerant.

Henry McCoy has posed:
His face lights up when Carrie adds to the pun. "Well done." He chuckles, nodding to the woman. Introductions are being made, so he's not placed in the role to do so. "Are you dancing tonight, Miss Kelley?" He wonders, taking a sip of his drink. Well, not a sip, shooting the shot.

As the banter between Bobby and Warren go on, he nods. "Everyone has something to teach, Bobby. The moment you think you know it all, is the moment you make yourself look like a horse's ass. I am sure Warren's lessons will be fantastic, when he decides to impart them on others." A wink to the Angel.

Alison gets a whistle of approval. "Very stunning, Alison - you always have the knack for fashion." Of course, he keeps his eyes on hers when saying so. She's wearing straps! As Lara and John start chatting he nods to both, not wanting to interrupt. Instead, he turns to Emma. "Evening, Emma. You look wonderful tonight."

John Constantine has posed:
     "Oh?" He offers, before taking a drink from his BBS. Quite boozy, and indeed what he wanted to drink. "I am sure that all you heard was true and not an exaggeration of my deeds." He chuckles before reaching for another cigarette. Turning to a waitstaff. "I'm not lightin' it ya tosser." He was just fixated, and also knew he had quite the reputation in certain circles, involving history and magic.

  Then Betsy walks in, in a dress that makes a statement loud and clear, and begs a bit of attention from the sorcerer. "Oh my."

Warren Worthington has posed:
"I would like to quickly interject, that Lucifer was also an angel at some point, so please, be tawdry. I'll happily act the part of a fallen angel in encouraging such behavior." Warren flashes Alison a quick grin before snaking an arm around her waist in return while looking to Bobby. "Bobby, Bobby, Bobby. I have tried, and I'm okay at the really slow stuff, but I'd rather stand around and look pretty because I'm pretty convinced that I was made to dance in the sky, not on the ground." He finishes down his first drink, puts the glass on the bar and waves for another.

He blnks and looks over at Hank. "Hey! I'll take you sky dancing one of these days, Hank. You'll see just how graceful and such I am."

The barkeep returns with another drink and he takes it and takes a sip. "Ahh, Redheads are just the sweetest."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma spies Betsy entering, a small smirk crossing her lips. She slides her empty glass over to Mischa behind the bar. "Another Suck Bang and Blow for me, Mischa, please. And one for Alex. He's fun when he's buzzed."

"Mm, Miss Frost," Mischa replies, taking the empty glass and beginning to pour liquor into a shaker. "This is strong drink. He will be drunk, not buzzed."

"He's fun that way too," Emma says, leaning up and pecking Alex lightly on the lips.

She glances to Alison. "Behave? In the Dungeon? I think that's against dress code, honestly." She mouths to Bobby 'I love your guyliner, SO hot!' as she takes the freshly made drinks from Mischa.

Alison Blaire has posed:
"You can dance with me, Warren." Alison coos and gestures to Bobby. "Bobby believes in you too." She gestures to the board. "We'll run the board and see if I can't convince you." That said, the pop star picks up her first drink and downs in in a few swallows. "Besides, music like this? You just have to look good and I'll do all the slithering. Right, Bobby? Emma?" She looks to the other two with a lift of her brows before chuckling at Emma's comments.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
The reaction to her rather horrible pun addition earns a large grin from Carrie in turn. It was always nice to not scare someone away with her horrible sense of humor. "I hadn't planned to, but I could be convinced. Seems a shame not to at least enjoy myself a little," she responds to Henry with a glance around the rather crowded area. There were lots of new faces, and a few that she already knew as well. It was enough to make her relax just a bit when she reaches over to take her glass of bubbly concoction that was in no way alcoholic. Someone was breaking from tradition here.

"I feel like I'm already not stepping up to the requirements for this club. Dancing may be a way to make up for my lack of drinking."

Lara Croft has posed:
Lowering her glass after another sip, Lara holds it in front of her as she responds to John with a small smile and a little single nod. "I uh... for lack of a more detailed explanation... am gainfully employed by those at SHIELD who deal in the mystic arts. I'm recovering dangerous artifacts for them that are often associated with elements that might be what you're comfortable in dealing with." She tries to phrase her words in an unusual way, considering this is supposed to be a party and not a place to really 'gab' about work. Her smile fades then but she shows it stronger again for a brief second or two. "Not to bore you with the details, but your name came up in a meeting, about people who might be able to assist me with magic-related issues. So it's nice to put a face to said name."

Bobby Drake has posed:
"I'm sure," Bobby grins at Hank. Then he shakes his head at Warren, "While I'm sure your sky dancing is something not to be missed, I'm pretty sure that you could manage just as much grace on the ground." He nods in agreement with Alison. "See? Ali agrees with me. You should come dance with us." He lifts his drink and takes another sip, glancing between Alison and Warren to see if the convincing is working.

"Behaving is overrated," Bobby says and then winks back at Emma. He mouths back, 'Thanks,' as she collects her drinks.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
There's the slightest pause as Betsy reaches the bar, head turning to look at Alex. There's that slow curve of an affectionate sort of smile. An index finger held up, showing off that metallic amethyst polish to indicate she needs a moment. She'll even play nice.

One forearm rests against the bar as she gives the tiniest lean towards the bartender. "A suck, bang and blow please, darling." The drink name doesn't seem to make her even blush the slightest bit. She will wait her turn for her drink, and will thank the bartender with a smile before she turns. So many faces, familiar and not. But heels will lead her in the right direction, she still has those polite noble manners drilled into her. "Good evening." She'll say the the cluster at large. There's a proper air kiss for Alex's cheek, a polite nod to Emma. "Alex, Ms. Frost." Violet eyes wander further, a smile that warms her face. "Warren. If I had known, we could have .. travelled in together. Alas, no yoga pants tonight." She will tease the Angel, before eyes flick to Bobby. "Now the guyliner... that is certainly a look, Robert. I like it." She will sip her drink, before she turns just a bit. "Alison, you look gorgeous, as always." Eyes will sweep over the pop singer with appreciation. "Hank. Lovely to see you out and enjoying yourself."

Then there's a faint pause, a momentary inclination of her head. "Lady Croft." That proper British upbringing, and all that. She will glance at the man speaking to Lara, a lift of her glass in a silent hello before she takes a sip.

Henry McCoy has posed:
Ohoh! That was a potential yes! Hank perks up. "Well, if you're interested, I'd love to trip the light fantastic with you Carrie." He offers, giving her a bow and offering his hand to her. No comment is made to the sky-dancing proposal from Warren - Henry is made for Terra Firma... or at least somewhere with a cannopy to swing from.

"Betsy! Wonderful to see you again." A smile. He knows /everyone/, clearly.

John Constantine has posed:
     John raises his own glass in regards to Betsy. "Magical artifacts. Indeed, I have experience in that field."

  He takes a moment to pull a card from his trench coat, and pulling it out. "Do give us a ring." He says, offering it to the lady. All that was left was his wiskey, to which he gladly drank, seemingly not hindered by the booze already in his system.

Alison Blaire has posed:
"Betsy. I adore that dress, it's gorgeous on you!" Alison smiles and gives Betsy a little half turn before leaning back into Warren's side. "I'm afraid I stole him for the evening, but I'm always happy to share-especially if you can get him dancing. Maybe we can corner him later." She suggests in a loud whisper before looking back to Hank. "You should ask your friend Carrie to dance, Henry! It would be so fun. What is trip the light fantastic? And can I use that line?" She adds with a bit of light laughter.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Shaw's eyes continue to study the comings and goings, lingering perhaps a bit more appreciatively on a certain Ms. Braddock as she saunters across the room, mentally noting that she hasn't been at the Club for a little while, that he can recall. And then Tessa returns, earning an amused grin from Sebastian as he accepts the drink, "I'm sure it will be fine, Tessa. Mischa knows what he's doing." He sips from the martini glass, and sets it on the table beside the top hat for the moment. "No sign of any trouble, I presume?" He queries to Tessa. The earpiece may be virtually invisible, but it's no-doubt there.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma gives Betsy a dark look over the rim of her drink. "Oh, that //is// right, we do allow just about anyone in here. Point of advice, tartlet, while some folks may be willing to share, even those sorts like to all be on the same page. Alison may be kind enough to share with the less fortunate, but I do not. Come near Alex again with your fat hips or your grabby hands and we will have some unfortunate issues." Emma smiles. It does not reach her eyes. "He's not your territory to mark."

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley reaches out to take the hand Hank offers her with a chuckle... Just in time for Alison to oh-so-helpfully suggest he ask her to dance, too. Her free hand claps over her face just a moment with a stifled laugh as she tries her hardest not to end up blushing again. Before she can think to respond though, the small discourse from Emma causes her to glance over toward the Hellfire Club boardmember and the apparent woman of contention. Which it seems Hank knows.

Glancing back toward him with a more serious face she clears her throat lightly. "Yes, I think we should dance," she agrees with a tip of her head toward the floor. "Maybe give everyone here a little space, too." At least her grin returns again and she gives Alison a wink. "Good luck!"

Bobby Drake has posed:
Bobby Drake offers a wink to Betsy as well and lifts his glass to her before taking a sip. "It seems to be making an impression," he chuckles. There's a little smile as he watches Henry and Carrie, and then a laugh at Alison's question, "I'm pretty sure that's what tripping the light fantastic means, Ali."

Warren Worthington has posed:
"Okay, okay. Fine. I'll go out on the dance floor with you guys and do the white person thing of standing in place and bouncing here and there. Please feel free to mock me later on for it." Warren chuckles, looks at his Redheaded Slut and downs it in one go. Then Betsy is coming over and saying hi and he offers her a smile, "Betsy, good to see you here at the Hellfire Club. I'm afra..." He blinks, looks at Alison, then looks at Betsy. "Wait, what is this about sharing me, I just offered to dance with you and Bobby, jeez."

Emma's comments make his eyes go a little wide. While people talk he slips out his phone and quickly sends a text message. "Oh damn man, don't you hate it when some accountant wants to talk about P&L numbers when you're trying to get absolutely shit-faced?"

Tessa has posed:
    Tessa nods, "No violence or terrorists activities that I could see, sir. All seems well." She reports, though her eye drift and narrow slightly as they fall upon Emma, and she frowns just slightly. "... Though Ms. Frost appears... mildly perturbed." Spoke too soon, she supposes.

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara takes the card from John and gives him another light smile. "Should something come up, you'll hear from me. I need all the help I can get, with some of what I'm dealing with these days." That last part is muttered a bit lower under her breath as she finishes off her first drink. Her eyes go to Betsy when the model approach her, British nobility... they run in to one another now and then. "Betsy!" Lara says with surprise on her voice. Pleasant surprise. She looks the woman over and gives her a half slanted smile. "You look wonderful, as always." She agrees with the others who are addressing Betsy as well. But, the rather direct comments toward Betsy from Emma make Croft turn to the bar. "I'll have another!" She says to the tender with a little raise of her slim pointed chin. Preparing for the night!

Alison Blaire has posed:
Looking at Bobby, Alison rolls her eyes. "Thanks Teach." She ribs and sighs before looking up at Warren as Emma seethes. "I was under the impression you're not into exclusivity. If I'm mistaken I'll take it back." She murmurs softly to her date. A hand rests on Warren's arm lightly and she looks to the bartender. "I'll take a Blow Job, please." She even has the gall to say it with a smile.

Henry McCoy has posed:
At the verbal evisceration from Emma, Hank looks to Betsy - guaging her reaction for the briefest of moments. Then he's got Carrie taking his hand. He turns to her, grinning. "Yes, dancing. I promise not to step on your feet. I'll not make the same to Warren if he gets to close." He teases, motioning to the dancefloor with his free hand. "Shall we?"

He's already picked up the rythym, his natural athleticism giving him an edge in the dancing department.

Bobby Drake has posed:
"There will be no mocking of any attempts at dancing if it gets you out on the floor with us," Bobby says solemnly before he turns to motion to the bartender. "I'll take another red headed slut." He then turns to lean sideways against the bar, idly watching the others gathered around. A brow creeps up a little at the exchange between Emma and Betsy but then he smirks at Warren with his phone and says "Seriously, dude?"

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex blinks a bit at the air kiss, but doesn't seem to mind...though then Emma...well.

    Knives out, darling.

    "Ah..." he manages, looking between the two women uncertainly, obviously pondering if he can de-escalate this...and not quite sure how.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Betsy will simply sip at her drink, violet eyes amused. "Yes, they do let the legacies in, who can trace their family back to old lines of nobility, just as they do some of the noveau riche, no?" There's the faint lift of an eyebrow.

"Alex is a friend, Emma. He's no one's territory or property. But I can understand you feel the need to try and stake your little claim. May I point out, Alex was the one to greet me, first. If Alex wishes to no longer be friendly with me in deference to your clear jealousy issues born out of your personal issues, that's one thing. But that will come from him, not from you. You and your insinuations of issues, hold no threat for me." Betsy's voice is cool, calm, and completely unruffled.

And just like that, Emma is dismissed from Betsy's attention as the model tips back the rest of her drink to turn to Lara. "It's been ages since we've had a chance to drink and have a good time. It's high time we rectify that, if we're both in the city for any length of time. I can get in touch soon, if you're up for it."

Violet eyes slide Warren's way with a chuckle. "I think she meant sharing on the dance floor, Eros." She teases him, as she leans to set her empty glass somewhere appropriate. "Though if it would console you, I can make sure you look wonderfully light on your feet on the dance floor." There's a wink at Alison, as Betsy just joins in the fun.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren lets out a laugh, "No, no, no, I'm not saying I don't mind being shared. I was really talking about how I was agreeing to go out and dance, sheesh." He leans over and gently kisses Alison's cheek. Then he looks at Bobby. "What? I can't totally ignore the rest of the world tonight man, I'm -trying- to be a more responsible person each day. It's a process. A very slow process." There's another passing glance for Emma, Alex and Betsy, and then he's saying to Bobby, Alison, and all of the others. "Alright, so, about that dancing, shall we go join Hank and his date? We can't let him be alone can we?"

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"We'll give her a moment, at least." Sebastian Shaw replies to Tessa, though his eyes do turn to that pocket of conversation. Not that he can hear what's being said, but taut smiles and body language speak volumes. "She's the Queen. She gets to reign however she pleases." He notes, drumming fingertips on the tabletop, "Unless or until it becomes a problem for the greater whole of our guests."

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma smirks. "Oh? That's what you call groping, then? And raging like a child when you found out you didn't get what you wanted? I don't need to claim Alex... I wasn't the one marking territory. And this isn't Xavier's, Braddock. You're in my house here, and Legacy or not, a membership remains intact at the discretion of the Board. Alex can choose who and what he wants-- I don't have to rub my hips and hands all over him in front of children to try claiming what's already been freely offered, because I didn't get to ride his cock."

She takes a sip. "Ironically, you're missing out. He's //damned// skilled. But I'm sure there are plenty of men you can try impaling yourself on later." She puts her remaining drink on the bar. "But I suddenly feel violently nauseated, so excuse me. I need to powder my nose."

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara accepts her new drink from the wait staff and when she's turning back around with it her eyes are back on Betsy who's responding to her. She shows her a weary smile then. "I've so much to tell you since we last saw each other. If you're ever interested in hearing it. A lot has happened, to say the very least." She raises a hand up then to brush her dark hair out of her face and then sip from her drink again. "As it seems to be for you as well." There's a hint of a grin then before Lara spots the person she'd said she'd meet here and she excuses herself with a quiet word and slips over to intercept them.

Alison Blaire has posed:
Smiling, Alison takes the kiss to her cheek and pats Warren's arm. "Yes, It is a club, there should be dancing!" She cheers and waits for her shot to be made. Once it's set out she does the shot as they're meant to be. Leaning over the bar, she picks the glass up between her lips and tilts her head back to shoot it. Plucking the glass free with a hand as she swallows, she sets it down and gives the group a look. Holding a hand out palm up she flutters her lashes. "Shall we?" For a second her eyes slide past to Lara who gets a slow up and down.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley takes a deep breath which is released as they step away from the tension in that area to the dance floor instead. "I can't promise I won't step on your toes," she retorts quietly. "I don't often wear heels when I'm planning to do something physical." There's a pause as she considers the phrasing of that and quickly corrects herself, "Like dancing, I mean." At least the music was easy to get the beat to given it was practically causing the entire dance floor to tremble along with it. Got to love the sound system.

It's a bit of white-girl dancing with side to side swaying of arms, but she doesn't look terribly bad at least. "Seems like things are a little tense over there. Hope everything's all right with your friends."

Bobby Drake has posed:
"You absolutely can, and should, ignore the rest of the world for tonight and have a good time," Bobby disagrees with Warren with a grin, accepting his drink when it arrives and lifting it to take another sip. "A slow process that can be delayed for one more night. That's the spirit!" He grins when Warren agrees to get out onto the floor, and he backs away from the bar, drink in one hand, and the other beckoning Alison and Warren to follow.

Henry McCoy has posed:
Even Carrie might be able to tell he's blushing at that comment. "No worries, I am a sturdy sort of fellow." He grins, dancing to compliment her - not show anyone up. Besides, in the clothes he's wearing, he's a bit bound up! He's nodding to her - wishing the speakers weren't /quite/ so loud.

A glance back at Betsy and Emma with the comment from Carrie. A look back to her then, shrugging a bit helplessly. "If there is an affair of the heart at the root of the matter, it's the best we can hope for. Words are weapons, but it could be far worse."

Warren Worthington has posed:
For a few seconds, Warren kind of ignores Alison and Bobby to just stand there and -stare- at Emma and everything flowing from the woman's mouth, then he looks at Alex, blinks, and then pounds his chest twice and points at the Summers. "Damn bro, way to get a ringing endorsement in such a public place. Don't give out your phone number." Laughing, he then turns to Alison and Bobby and seeing Bobby already heading out to the dance floor, he follows. "Time to hope I don't fall on my face!"

Betsy Braddock has posed:
There's a smile at Lara. "Always. If we need a more private night in, it can be arranged." She will give the other British lady a waggle of fingers in farewell, before she's ordering another drink.

There is a faint sigh, a shake of her head. " I'm sure you know all about groping and raging like a child...much like you're doing now. This isn't Xavier's, no. Here? You can be whoever and whatever you want to be. I was simply being protective of things there." There's a faint smirk. "So terribly crass, Emma. I will surely defer to your undoubtedly far wider field of experience in groping, impaling, and cock riding. I'm here to have a good time, and frankly, you're anything but." She will take her refilled glass, and move towards the dance floor towards Alison and company.

Alison Blaire has posed:
Following the two men, Alison shakes her head a bit. "You aren't going to fall Chicken Little. I've got you." She tells him and gets a little more bounce in her step the closer they get to the dance floor. "This is going to be so fun! I wish I could play with my lights." She sighs wistfully and reaches up to sweep her strawberry blond locks over one shoulder. "I am /so/ ready to dance."

Tessa has posed:
    Keeping Shaw abreast whenever prompted, Tessa idly notes: "Ms. Braddock appears to be going with the 'I know you are, but what am I' defense, Sir."

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley stares at Hank trying very, very hard not to overhear the conversation still trickling over from the bar. Just focus on him. Juuust him. A figure of sanity in an apparently crazy place otherwise. "Sorry. I go running a lot, and like to play around with gymnastics so I'm usually wearing sneakers," she admits chuckling. "Not very fancy of me but when you've got as many brothers as I have too... Sometimes it pays to be able to keep up."

As for the other topic she can only nod in agreement. "Best to let them work things out if they can. Sometimes life is just messy and unpredictable." A pause, then she adds jokingly, "You move pretty well for such a big guy."

Alex Summers has posed:
    Alex has that sense of impending doom that comes with two strongwilled women deciding to tear into each other. Over him, which while not a new experience is not one he's particularly used to. His eyes do widen as Emma unequivocally makes the depths of their relationship very public. Mmm, that won't be good if it gets back to Winston...eh, screw him.

    He knocks back the entireity of his drink, watching like a tennis match at this point and feeling like he isn't close to being drunk enough to deal at the moment. "Uh...so, ladies, maybe..." he begins, then Emma goes stalking off towards the restroom. "Oye..." he mutters.

Bobby Drake has posed:
Once out on the floor, Bobby easily falls into the rhythm of the music, letting the beat carry his steps as he grins at Alison and Warren, seemingly delighted that they're both coming to dance. He finds a spot near Hank and Carrie where they have a bit of room to move. Bobby can dance, and he seems perfectly comfortable out on the floor. "You're not going to fall. We won't let you," he promises Warren, echoing Alison's sentiments.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Reaching the dance floor with the others, he takes a moment to roll his shoulders and takes in a breath. "Okay, so I learned these moves while playing Xbox. Let's see if they hold up." He tells both Ali and Bobby, right before he does the Shepherd shuffle. "I'm Commander Warren and the Hellfire Club is my favorite spot on the Citadel." He jokes. He moves to the music in an okay fashion, but definitely not looking like someone who does this all that often. "Hank seems pretty good though." He says, pointing at Hank and Carrie.

Henry McCoy has posed:
Yep! Best to not overhear the slash and ring of sharp words between Emma and Betsy. Too bad Beast doesn't have that option. Still, he shrugs it off, smiling to Carrie as the two dance to the techno-BPM-electronica beat. "Gymnastics? I fancy myself a bit of an acrobat myself. Have you ever tried free-running? Parkour?" He has no clue who he's speaking to!

A laugh at the mention of his dancing. "Sometimes, we are given the grace we deserve. Sometimes, we practice. I like to think I have both." A wink. "You are certainly no slouch at dancing yourself."

Alison Blaire has posed:
Falling in near Bobby, Alison lets the beat roll through her. While goth edm is not her genre, she certainly enjoys it. The pop star gives her hands a roll as her arms rise and she twines them skyward catching her locks in her fingers as her hips roll rhythmically. She chuckles at Warren and gives a look over her shoulder to Hank. "You're such a nerd, Wings. Put a little sexy into it. I promise you can move."

Carrie Kelley has posed:
That actually causes Carrie's face to light up with a quick laugh at the very question, but a good laugh is what she needed to help lighten up her mood again. A little hip shimmy is thrown in as she glances to the side noticing Warren, Alison and even Bobby also having joined them on the floor. "Now we're talking!" She calls out cheerfully to the group before shifting her attention back to her current dance partner.

"Yes, actually! I love it! Been doing it since I was a kid, back when I didn't know it had an actual name for it. I used to run all over the city." Used to. "There's actually gyms for it now."

Bobby Drake has posed:
Bobby Drake laughs and shakes his head at Warren's Citadel Shuffle and then gives him a thumbs-up with his free hand, still holding his drink with the other as he multitasks, finishing off the drink only to step away just long enough to set the glass aside before he comes back. He slips in closer to Alison to dance with her, perhaps providing a little example for Warren as he matches his movements to hers, then crooks a finger toward the winged man. He's not at all paying attention to whatever tension's going on. He came to have a good time, and he seems set on doing just that.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren watches Bobby's instruction and takes some inspiration from the moves Ali's putting on. "Oh, I see, I'm supposed move my hips more. Gotcha." And with an entirely straight face, he pauses his shuffling, stands still for a moment, then bends slightly and starts to twerk. "Aw yeah, I can really move it. Look at these moves." The twerking thankfully ends, but he does kind of shimmy and move, hips swaying a little and wings coming out slightly so he can kind of bend back a little, hit the tips on the floor and push himself back up to a standing position, offering Ali a quick wink. Looking back over at Bobby, he offers up the fingerguns and says, "Man, you're as smooth as ice."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"Thank you for your concise analysis, as always, Tessa." Sebastian Shaw says with a genuinely amused smirk, before knocking back the rest of his Red-Headed Slut and leaving the empty martini glass on the table. A brow raises at Warren Worthington's dancing, and Shaw can't help but comment, "Good lord. I would've figured Worthington would be better at that."

Alison Blaire has posed:
As Bobby moves closer and matches her movements, she turns so her back is to him and matches the sway of her hips to his. "You are good." She agrees with Warren to Bobby, looking over her shoulder at him. Warren's twerk gets a laugh and as he stretches his wings out Alison nods. "That's it. Let the beat roll through you." She advices letting her fingers trail along the thin strips of velvet down her torso with a body roll against Bobby.

Henry McCoy has posed:
Hank grins, nodding happily. He made her laugh, too! "Well, if you ever want to go running, I'd be glad to go with you." He offers, with a nod. "Make a day out of it? Show me the good free-running parks or routes in Gotham?" He's still moving, still dancing - grace is in his blood. Go go, good genes!

He glances over at Allison, Bobby and Warren all dancing, laughing at the good time and mirth they are sharing. "To good times and friends." He offers.

Tessa has posed:
    "I'm afraid I can't rightly comment on modern mating rituals, Sir." Tessa notes lightly. "Although I'm told that there are things that money can't buy."

Bobby Drake has posed:
Bobby Drake lets one hand come to rest at Alison's hip as she turns and rolls against him, letting the music move them, fingertips brushing over the velvet lightly. "I like to dance," he admits with a slight roll of his shoulders. "And it's a lot more fun with friends than dancing alone." He doesn't have a drink to salute Hank with, but he echoes the sentiment with a grin and a lift of his chin. Eventually, though, he slips away from Alison and nods from Warren to her, "Your turn, Wings." He echoes Alison, "Put some sexy into it."

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley bites down on her lower lip at the suggestion if only to attempt to repress a grin. Then he's cheering on the good times with others, and she watches as Bobby and Warren both dance with Alison. This was a rather nice night after all it seemed. Even if she was wearing more makeup than she probably had in her life before this.

"I can get behind that," she agrees with a wave over to Warren, "You heard the man! Relax!" She teases with a laugh. Looking back to Henry then she gives a nod. "You know, I think that sounds like it'd be great. If you don't mind Gotham being a bit of a mess."

Warren Worthington has posed:
"Wings, ha, I'll try to keep up Bobby." As he moves past the man, Warren claps him on the shoulder. Then he gets close to Ali, watches her for a moment and lets out a sing song, "It's gettin' hot in herre..." He even undoes one of his top buttons before getting into a dance grove, following some of Bobby's earlier moves. "Ali, did I tell you that you were lookin' like a snack yet? Because you are looking fine tonight." Looking over at Carrie and Hank he grins, "I am relaxed!"

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma returns from the restrooms, having 'powdered her nose', so to speak. Her face is a bit less colorful, but she looks icy calm. She walks over to the end of the bar, speaking quietly to one of the bartenders there for a few moments. He nods, handing her a glass of sparkling water with lime, and then she continues to give him some instructions. He continues nodding until she is done, and then he steps away into the back room.

Emma with her water makes her way over past the dance floor towards the table with Shaw and Tessa. "Nice dress," she says to Shaw's assistant. "Where did you get it?" her tone is slightly flat, but at least politely interested. She looks to Shaw. "Well, nothing's exploded and no one is poisoned. It's a success, I suppose."

Alison Blaire has posed:
"Does that mean we aren't stopping for dinner after?" Alison asks Warren as he steps up behind her. Turning about she loops an arm over Warren's shoulder and dances up against him. Looking up she smiles and cants her head a bit. "Come on then, Wings. Move with me." She murmurs and brushes his wing with a free hand, filtering a smoldering light under his feathers with her power.

Tessa has posed:
    Tessa manages the ghost of a gracious smile and nods respectfully to Emma. "Thank you very much, Ms. Frost. I'm afraid they may not appreciate their name being used carelessly in this environment, but I'll be happy to email you the information."
    In fairness, you could probably get it from Shaw. It's hard to miss the fact that the two appear to be color and possibly material-cooirdinated. Though the former is often the case.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Betsy is sipping her drink, a little slink in her walk as she navigates between dancing bodies. "Well look at your moves, Doctor. I had no idea." She will pitch her voice just so, knowing of course Henry can hear her. She will smile brightly with a finger waggle at Carrie, not wanting her to feel that Betsy is ignoring her, though she doesn't know the young woman's name.

Warren Worthington has posed:
"We could, or there's always Ubereats or DoorDash or something. Plenty of options there." Warren murmurs as Alison gets a little closer. Catching the little light under his feathers, he flashes her a grin. Focusing back on the dancing, he worries about moving with her and the music without causing a pile-up on the dance floor, feet steppin' and sliding' along the dance floor. "You really brighten this place up, Lights."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"So far, so good." Shaw replies to Emma, "Can the same be said for you, Emma?" He glances up from his chair at the White Queen, but doesn't comment on the recent tension, "Considerably more VIPs here than I expected tonight, if I'm honest. Not a complaint, mind." Is Tessa Shaw's...accessory? Possibly in more ways than one! But if so, one that seems to carry a certain degree of special consideration. Still, it's Emma whom Shaw remains focused on for the moment, "You're welcome to sit, if you like. However long you need." Because Sebastian recognizes what is either a strategic cooldown or a focusing of one's will when he sees one.

Bobby Drake has posed:
Bobby Drake grins at Alison and Warren, watching them dance as he slips back into the easy rhythm of the music around him, giving them both a little space. He lets his eyes close and lets one song bleed into the next, the bass a steady thrumming. Getting lost in the music for a little while before he starts to drift away from the pair, letting them dance together.

Henry McCoy has posed:
Moves! Yes, clearly! He's dancing for certain, relaxed and enjoying himself. One can almost see the stress shedding from Hank. "Fantastic. I have the utmost faith that you'll steer me clear of the trouble, Carrie. I am sure there are plenty of great places in Gotham." Little does he know. "We'll set a day, then?"

As Betsy gets out on the floor, Hank turns slightly to wave to her. "Glad you're out tonight, Betsy! Been a while!" He grins. "Betsy Maddock, this is Carrie Kelley. Carrie, this is Betsy!" Introductions, they don't even make him miss a beat with his dancing. At least he doesn't show awkwardness while in motion!

Alison Blaire has posed:
"If you let me pick, it's going to be drunk food from a bodega on the way back." Alison warns Warren and shakes her head. "Lights? I could go back to calling you Chicken Little." She taunts with a pointed look to where her hips press against him before flicking her gaze back up to Warren's. She reaches up to ruffle his hair lightly as her figure writhes in Warren's hold. "When ever you want to fly away just say the word. Unless you want to do another Top to Bottom?"

Carrie Kelley has posed:
"We'll do that," Carrie agrees to setting a day, already working over in her mind a few routes that they could follow that wouldn't be too terribly bad. She knew the city well enough. When Betsy comes over to compliment him and finger waggle at her she offers a polite smile and dips her head toward the woman in a nod of greeting.

"Hello! Nice to meet you," she offers in response to the introductions made by Hank. "You should join in the dancing and have some fun," she suggests.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma flips open her phone, skimming it for a moment. "I'm good, Shaw. I'm not my father, after all, regardless of what he may like to think otherwise. If I make permanent decisions, I make them clear-headed and not in anger." The White Queen gives the Black King a tight smile. "Well, not in //hot// anger. But still. It seems the new security protocols are functioning as desired. And our new bar manager is doing quite a good job. You've always had an eye for talent, and lifting them to utilize it." Business is a much better conversation topic right now.

Warren Worthington has posed:
"A bodega!? I don't know if I can justify putting that stuff into my mouth." Warren laughs, at that and the Chicken Little comment. "You started it with the Chicken Little, so at least I have a comeback now with the Lights bit." He glances into her eyes for a moment and then lightly jerks his head towards the doors. "We can jet once you're done with this song, I'll hammer out an order for some food while we fly on back to my place. Sound good?"

Betsy Braddock has posed:
"A pleasure, to be sure. Any friend of his, as they say." Betsy gestures to Henry, with a wide smile. She will sip her drink, violet eyes slipping over to see Bobby. "I think I see a friend that could use a partner, if you'll both excuse me." There's another smile for them both, before she will slink over to Bobby. "Can I have this drink, Robert?"

Alison Blaire has posed:
"Hammer hmm? Phrasing young man!" Alison gasps but nods at the head tilt. "Don't you dare drop me." She warns before easing back a bit so they can start to wind off the dance floor a little. She glances to their friends to make sure everyone else is still having fun.

Bobby Drake has posed:
Bobby Drake has reclaimed his spot at the bar but has a glass of water in front of him at the moment. He takes a sip of it and returns to people watching for a time. When Betsy comes over, he smiles and says, "If you like," and nods back toward the bar, letting her choose.

Warren Worthington has posed:
"A pfft on our phrasing, you hear me? You know exactly what I meant, so don't go phrasing me." Warren lifts a finger and waggles it, even as his eyes sparkle with amusement. "Anyway, I promise not to drop you, and if I do, I'll catch you. So it's alllll goood." Grinning, he leads her off the dance floor and through the the club. He gives Carrie and Hank a wave, and then Bobby and Betsy a wave as well. A nod is given to Shaw, Tessa, Emma and Alex for good measure. "This has been a real blast." He tells Ali as they head out.

Henry McCoy has posed:
Hank gives a wide smile to Betsy. "Careful, he's a cool customer." He teases, winking to her. "And don't be a stranger, yes?" Never misses a beat in dancing, this guy.

Looking back to Carrie, he grins. "Fantastic! I am very much looking forward to it." He really is jubilant about it. "I am afraid I may have to cut short our liason tonight, though..." He says, a bit of a somber tone to his voice.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
"Taking some precautions against a morning after, are we?" Betsy asks Bobby, as she sips at her booze heavy cocktail. "Smart." She smiles. "I should call it after this one, and go get something to eat. I don't have a shoot tomorrow, but you never know when someone wants to bring you in for a test shot or two. You going back to the mansion tonight?"

Alison Blaire has posed:
As the pair slip out, Alison rolls her eyes. "I'm just saying, if anything is getting hammered and it's a food order that is just a missed opportunity." She gives their friends a wink on the way out and tosses a wave to Emma. "It's been fun. Email me, Ems-we can talk about a gig!"

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley gives a little wave of her own when Betsy and Bobby head off the dancefloor, and then Warren and Alison as well. "It does seem like the night is winding down for most," she has to agree with her current dance partner. Chuckling she reaches out to lightly pat him on the arm, "Come on, let's go catch our breath at least before you have to run off. I may do the same shortly myself, though I likely ought to at least make the rounds and say hello."

Bobby Drake has posed:
Bobby Drake lifts a hand to wave as Warren and Alison go to head out, grinning in their direction before he turns his attention back to Betsy. He lifts his glass of water and takes another sip. "Never hurts to hydrate, but I'll have another one with you if you like." He nods when she asks if he's heading back to the mansion. "No classes until Tuesday. I'm almost done."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"Thank you. It's a big part of why this operation works as well as it does." Sebastian Shaw replies to Emma, "Speaking of which, your Alex is a talented fellow. He might have a fairly bright future ahead of him all told." Shaw returns Warren's nod, lifting a hand in farewell to the pair as they depart. "All told, though, I could scarcely be more pleased with the results tonight. Looks like the Dungeon is well and truly back in business."

Henry McCoy has posed:
Ever the gentleman, Hank offers his arm to Carrie, escorting her off the dancefloor. "Of course, you are a member, it'd be poor form for you not to make the rounds." He offers, with a grin. He lets the young lady decide where they are heading - at least to catch their breath.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Betsy will smile at the departing Warren and Ali, before she glances at Bobby. "No need, though you're a gentleman to offer. I'm thinking I may go back to the mansion and make a mess in the kitchen, if you're looking to eat."

Violet eyes catch on Hank with Carrie, and there's a warm little smile to herself.

Bobby Drake has posed:
Bobby considers for a moment or two and then nods, "I could eat something. Sure. You want to head back?" He nods toward the exit, since things seem to be winding down, and begins to pull away from the bar after paying his tab and tip.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley accepts the offer of his arm with a thankful nod as she had begun to feel the heels start to kill her feet. Just a bit she uses that hold on him to help balance herself as she gets back to walking properly with a smooth gait. The path she leads is just to the bar to get a bottle of water for herself, and one which she offers to him just in case. "Thank you for the dance, Henry. It's been a much better evening than I'd hoped coming out here. Take care getting home... I'll text you to work out when we want to go running."