14616/Met Gala 2023

Met Gala 2023
Date of Scene:	15 April 2023
Location:	The Met
Synopsis:	The annual event is a success. Everyone who was anyone attended! Or just those that had nothing else to do that night.
Cast of Characters:	Betsy Braddock, Emma Frost, Valeria Richards, Clea, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Stephanie Brown, Alexander Aaron, Janet van Dyne, Daisy Johnson, Selina Kyle, Richard Swift, Caleb Dykstra, Tim Drake

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Betsy Braddock has posed:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is famous worldwide. From the art and music to tonight's focus, fashion. For it is the annual Met Gala, as it was known to most. In truth it was the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute benefit. Perhaps that association with the theater side of things was what brought out the elaborate displays created by the giants of the fashion world.

The Met Gala was the night to be seen. The clothing was often stunning--though that was a double edged sword. As with most events that involved celebrities, there would be a best and a worst dressed list by the time all attendees were inside.

Attendance was limited and invitation only. There was a strict no-photography policy once one made it into the interior. Though there were many a photo floating around online taken from the bathroom mirrors where people took their moment to commemorate their evening.

But before one entered, the red carpet awaited. Laid out, a barrage of photographers and reporters trying to speak to everyone and find out Who they were wearing tonight! It was their moment to shine before entering the privacy of the interior and the event itself.

This year's theme is "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty", a homage to the imagination and creativity of Mr. Lagerfeld. "What would Karl do?" is the question each attendee was asked to show in their choice of attire.

People had already been arriving, the flashes from the cameras turning evening into daylight as each had their time in the spotlight walking that carpet. There were ropes holding back spectators and the red carpet led to the steps then upwards into the building.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost is going along the VIP Entrance. Emma's gone with something that's rather distinct as far as outfits go. One goes to these sorts of events to show off. To show off how rich one is, how trendy one is.. Emma herself is going for something that shows off very much the first.

Oh so very much the first.

A long, diaphonous gown hanging down her body, from her shoulders to her ankles, covering merely the front and back of her, made up of long strings..

Of diamonds and jewels. SHe's gone to a great deal of effort (and god knows how much expense) making an outfit that shows to the entire -room- how wealthy she is. (https://i0.wp.com/worleygig.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WAYOFX2021003_Dauterman_HellfireGalaDesign-e1617134092869.jpg?ssl=1)

Valeria Richards has posed:
While most people pull up in fancy limosines or othersie very flash cars. Only one car is ever truly Fantastic. And it's that one that comes to park at the roadside end of the red carpet vertically.

Valeria Richards having been the member of the Fantastic Four to fly the flag. A HERBIE in the driver seat while the young blonde woman alights from the back. The woman's dress in sot black leather, a zipper running down from neck to hem while sleeaves are short and the hems reach her knees. Black pumps with a few inches of stiletto heel make an already tall woman hit nearlly six feet.

Makings her own entrance along the carpet, she walks like she should be on a runway, just slower since she's not under too much time constraint. Well a fashion one. A few pauses to show off all angles of the dress. She might have had some coaching from a very different designer in the past. The reporters that ask what she's wearing get playful smiles and points at the signage. There was a dress code after all. And sometimes it's fun to follow the rules. The only accessories worn a pair of gold electrum rings on her middle fingers. When you might need a quick change but it would mean the night is about to be very bad for anyone that disruptive.

Clea has posed:
The Avenger's PR team had a field day with this. Clea was at least one of the group that was going up as the sacrificial lambs to go around and smile at people. She had the training and well...it was for charity! The white haired woman is out of her usual clothes and been zipped into a rather lavish strapless gown that is a deep purple with black beading and poofy skirt. Her white hair has been tamed back into a series of intricate braids and then leaving some lengths straight and down her back.

She was greeting people with a smile and a shake of the hand, posing where the cameras wanted her to pose and trying not to let too much of her aura bleed off. She was dateless, which was probably surprising no one.

There's a look from one of the cameras down to her feet and the woman gives a little sigh as she goes back to floating, "I hope they don't get too disturbed by my floating." she mutters to the person that's been assigned to helping her climb the stairs for the photographers to take a million pictures as they do.

Bruce Wayne has posed:
Bruce Wayne arrives via limosine, as customary, a hired car as Alfred has been given the night off. Wayne's trust manservant had reputedly had a negative reaction with Anna Wintour and no longer wished to serve at functions which she might attend.

He's flying solo tonight, without a date, a known bachelor once again. He wears a replica of a classic tuxedo variant worn by Lagerfeld himself ( https://imgur.com/a/aRMgxpY ). He keeps his hands in his pockets, his eyes hidden behidn sunglasses.

The visual menu within the glasses responded to his eye movements, identifying each photographer and comparing them to a database, looking for connections to fringe groups or potential terrorists. An automated routine seeks out errant bulges or signs of hidden weaponry. And, of course, all of it is fact-checked by Batman's eye, going through every detail every fact, flickering sometimes faster than the computer itself.

He allowed a smile for the cameras. No sign of a threat. Yet.

Dick Grayson has posed:
    Next out of a limo is Richard Grayson and his fiancee Stephanie Brown. She's as lovely as ever in a black Lagerfeld dress which does not make it to her knees and a crossover bodice which leaves a small amount of skin visible in the center of the dress. Grayson is wearing a perfectly tailored Armani tux all in black except for dark purple lapels and cufflinks.

    When the pair make their way down the carpet to the photo area, he smiles and waves to the crowd while the press takes their pictures. He's got Stephanie's hand in his the whole time, even as she gives the paparazzi a slightly smaller wave then he did. After a moment for pictures, the pair make their way into the Met and join the crowd in the museum.

https://i.imgur.com/7BeQ7la.jpg

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown has been to enough of these to be better at them. Though she still gets butterflies in her stomach when dealing with the paparazzi and the red carpet. The dress helps though. The beautiful garment can't help but make a woman feel more glamorous, which doesn't hurt her confidence.

She stops alongside Dick for the pictures. One of the photographers calls out, "Show us the ring, Stephanie!" She gives them a playful smile back and says, "Nope, sorry guys, that's just for us," as she playfully covers up the engagement ring for a moment before moving her hand away. A few pictures snapped of it though she doesn't go out out her way to display it for them.

She draws in a deep breath as they move on towards the building itself. "Ok, made it through the worst part," she tells Dick, flashing a smile at him.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Upon the red carpet, Betsy Braddock was showing her expertise and ease at being in front of a camera. Taking her time to pause here and there, giving plenty of time for the photographers to get a glimpse of the dress she wore and the man at her side.

As befitting such an event, she had chosen Karl Lagerfeld for her gown. A lovely deep blue that was classic yet nouveau at the same time, as befit the man. ( https://i.imgur.com/3iZLV15.jpg ). The gown didn't allow her to move quickly due to the tightneess of the skirt at knee level so she was taking her time.

She paused as one of the reporters put a microphone in her face, of course demanding to know who she was wearing. Which would get a brief laugh and a smile. "Karl, of course!"

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    It is easy to get lost when one follows in the wake of an individual like Elizabeth Braddock. She draws the crowd, the flashes, the questions, and the requests for interviews. Her current associate of the male persuasion follows along after her playing a good role as background enhancement. The young blond man with the sandy hair and the hint of scruff looks like one of those European male models one sees with too pale eyes that lend them some sort of hint of the alien or the other. Yet when he stops to stand beside Elizabeth, his smile seems to brighten his gaze.
    A reporter hollars at him, "Hey you, hey you with the face!"
    Which causes him to blink a little.
    "Who are you wearing?"
    Which causes the young man to hesitate for a moment. He had just asked Betsy this like seconds ago. But then he remembers, "Oh, Ralph Lauren?"
    The reporter turns away.
    Which causes Alexander to give some measure of reflection on the black tuxedo with tails he's wearing, its token affectation toward the fashionable being that the vest and bow tie are white. FASHION!
    Though as they enter he's on a telepathic link to several others, Alex's 'mind' can be heard. << We're heading in, how's it looking? >>

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would smile over as she would see Betsy, giving a light bow o fher head. It appeared that most things tonight were of the 'gauche' category of which the layperson sometimes associated with fashion. And what the layperson assumed of course was wrong. The people, the influence, and all the wealth and resources they had here were what made everything important.

The purple haired Clea gets an interested glance from Emma. One of the Avengers? Interesting. Of course theyw ould have a contingent here.. If only for monitoring purposes.

Janet van Dyne has posed:
For Janet van Dyne, the event is not just about wearing Lagerfeld. It's about holding up her reputation as a fashion designer. And it's a high challenge for any artist, to be tasked not just with making something original, but improving on someone else's designs.

So when Janet emerges from the limousine, she's wearing a classic knee-length pencil skirt up around her midsection and a matching bolero jacket of the same ivory-and-beige tweed. However the coat cuts off around mid-rib, baring her tummy and most of her lower ribs to the air. A single gold chain holds the bolero shut, and with it, keeps her modesty mostly intact. Her jewelry likewise complements the outfit; gold earrings and bracelets, and a long double-loop necklace with polished stone beads that catches the light at unusual angles. It all matches, right down to her gold-painted stiletto pumps. A few tropical flowers add a pink accent to her deliberately mussy brown hair.

She pauses for the obligatory photos, flashing the photographers her dazzling smile and pausing in expert postures so they can get her in the perfect lighting. Once that's done Janet heads into the Gala proper, recognizing more than a few friends among some of New England's aristocracy.

Daisy Johnson has posed:
Daisy was never the type to walk down a red carpet in a long dress. And tonight won't be the time she changes it for the hacker turned SHIELD Agent is already inside. And not in a dress. (gasp) Instead she is in a pair of slim black pants, white button shirt and a loose tie. Very avant-garde. Very Lagerfeld. She was also on the other side of the counter as a bartender because tonight she was here on a mission.

Now she only had to be believable as a bartender. But as Matt had said 'You can do this with your eyes closed' when they were training early on for this. Now to actually do it.

People are already starting to flock in so she lets out a sigh, leaning forward on the bar counter, elbows on it.

<< So far, so good. >>

Selina Kyle has posed:
Another, perhaps less well-known woman arrives at the VIP Entrance alone, stepping out of a rented limo. Miss Selina Kyle is dressed in elegant simplicity, black highlighted with white. The gown is black satin, fitting so closely that she was likely stitched into it. Strapless and sleeveless, the skirt flares out wide at mid-thigh, where white pleats allow for the expansion. A three-quarter sleeve bolero jacket in white fur is worn open, accented by a fabulous choker of white diamonds.

Selina walks slowly and carefully, movements belying a natural grace and poise. The dress is so long that she could be barefoot, although the manner of her walk suggests heels. Cluster earrings sparkle to match the necklace, as does a single bracelet on her left wrist. She pauses for the obligatory photos, indulging with a warm, playful smile before proceeding inside.

Green eyes flit about the room, noting familiar faces along with other things common to her profession: valuables, cameras, guards, escape routes...

Richard Swift has posed:
The Shadows move, and the Shade appears. Tap. Tap. Tap. His cane taps the ground as he moves from the shadows into the light. As always, he was not on the "red carpet" but in the background, quiet, discrete and silent. His eyes scan forward, absorbing those arriving. It was...fascinating.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Once inside, there was no less excitement. For the first part of the night was the Cocktail Hour. There were many servers in perfect suits moving around to offer a choice of beverages, alcoholic and non. There was a full bar so the offered flutes of champagne were not the only fare. Special bars were setup in various rooms as well, to allow people to order something more special. And more expensive. But it was all for charity, of course!

Finger foods were offered on silver trays. There would be a meal served later though, so nothing too heavy. The rooms were abuzz with sound as the attendees were able to move about, mingle with their fellow guests.

For this portion of the night was about Karl Lagerfeld. There were many of his most famous designs on mannequins on display inside large glass cases which had ropes set about three feet to the outside of them to keep people from getting too close. There were at least 50 different designs on display, scattered through a few different rooms.

It gave everyone something to look at even as they milled about, meeting their fellow attendees.

Emma Frost has posed:
These sorts of things are where you go to be noticed. Emma Frost keeps up a smile, surveilling the room for those that are worth her time, those that are the hangers on, and those that are just here to bask in the adulationw hile wearing something far beneath the standards of this gathering.

She smiles over at Janet and goes to approach her old school-mate. "Janet, darling, how has business been? I hope that you've had some good sales lately." SHe would reply over to the most famous designer of the evening present (sorry Karl!) and head on her way.

Dick Grayson has posed:
    Richard circulates with the rest of the trendy crowd, greeting this or that acquaintance or social contact. Through it all he keeps his fingers interlaced with Stephanie's so she doesn't get overwhelmed and bolt. She's introduced to a number of local politicians, random rich people and an ambassador or two. He finally lets go of her hand to appropriate two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter, offering one to Steph.

    Speaking quietly into her ear he says, "You're doing great, getting the hang of these things. Just keep in mind that to the paparazzi we're not so much people as characters - the Billionaire, the Genius, etc."

Clea has posed:
Clea's getting insane questions. Things like is the white her real hair color. What does she use to float? Is she a Vegan? Does she have a boyfriend? What is this nonsense?! She's keeping her smile plastered on her face even as the bulbs keep popping and flashing. She was glad that she didn't ask Bruce to do this. He'd have been making new patio space in this mess.

"I don't think they'll mind you floating, ma'am." the handler tells her. That causes her to laugh a touch, "I appreciate that. And thank you." she states.

She finished off the photos and small interviews with grace and a smile. Her handler leaves her to her own devices once they are past the red carpet and the woman is quick to take up a drink and takes a moment to step off to the side to just quietly regain some sense of personal space and prepare for having to mingle more.

Stephanie Brown has posed:
While Stephanie tries to be on best behavior as she meets the members of high society, ambassadors and the like, the girl within still shows through. She draws a peel of laughter from the wife of one of the ambassadors with a comment about the country they are stationed in, and a grin from the ambassador himself. A comment to the rich owner of a restaurant chain about something no longer on the menu draws a few questions and look of interest like maybe the man will have to look into it.

As they move away and Dick gets Stephanie the champagne, she lets out a breath. "Well, I haven't managed to put my foot in my mouth yet. Which is great, because these are really killer heels and I'd hate to, you know, salivate on them," she says, thankfully at a low volume for just Dick's ears.

She glances back at the doorway, and the press on the walkway to it on the other side. "Yes," she tells Dick, leaning closer to say softly, "I'm just dreading the day that Poor Cinderella plucked from Gotham U turns into, 'daughter of escaped felon Cluemaster'. I'm just glad the novelty hasn't run out for them yet."

Stephanie motions over to the table that Bruce has gotten for the family who were coming. "So how many people here would you say you actually know? Half?" she asks him as they head over to it.

Richard Swift has posed:
Ah yes. The inside. this was where the fun began. The Shade aka Richard Swift was dressed to the nines. Tuxedo. Top hat. Cane. Everything was of the highest quality purchased from the best tailors in England. Scanning the room. Swift nearly smiles, enjoying the exquisite spectacle. It was here that he found he actually felt something.

Taking a mug of tea, Swift sips, and slightly frowns. It could be worse. His eyes spit Frost. Then he moves to the opposite end of the room. Noting others present, Swift decides to remain solitary...for now.

Bruce Wayne has posed:
Bruce Wayne ducks into a restroom quickly shortly inside, seemingly to wash his face and hands, mostly to cool his skin after the intensity of the lights on the red carpet. In the process, he putt away hsi sunglasses and covertly puts in a pair of ocular-recording contacts. They transmitted a live-feed on a covert frequency to a nearby server attached to a hundred thousand others, a sea of swarming seas that somehow got information back to the Bat-computer.

Nothing traceable, unless they wanted to bat hacker cred with Oracle and Red Robin. Good luck, Zero Cool.

He steps out just as someone says "No cameras!" loudly. Not official ones anyway. Bruce turns his eyes to the crowd and begins to circulate. But first things first.

He seeks and finds Selina Kyle, a hunter on the trail of his favorite prey. In some ways, she's his arch-nemesis as much as the worst of his enemies, even if he also had felt...

None of that now. Public face. Public function. Millionaire playboy, god dammit.

He snatches a flute of champagne and dodwns it easily, selecting another before spinning. They would have no intoxicant effect, he'd treated his blood in advance. He couldn't even taste the stuff and he preferred it that way.

If he wanted to get drunk, he preferred whiskey. But he didn't want to get drunk tonight. And he wouldn't waste whiskey that way. And so, champagne.

"Selina," he says, approaching directly, "Wasn't sure I'd see you here. I remember Lagerfeld having some rings stolen the last time I saw you and him at the same function. Paris, wasn't it? I just missed you," he smiles, offering his hand and leaning in for the sophisticated society cheek kiss, if permitted, of course.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Once they were inside, the masks could be dropped. The need for the perma-smile, the perfect posture and the posing just the right way? All gone as now they could relax. A little. After all, the place was filled with a host of celebrities from every walk of life, be they singers, actors, models, designers, politicians, or just the uber-rich who were bored at home and needed a night out.

Betsy kept her arm slipped through Alexander's once they got inside, allowing her to be closer to him. Though her mind was active, having a couple of different conversations at once.

The first was to Emma as she caught the woman's eye. Giving her a brief nod then sending out that mental voice. <<You look amazing, Emma. As always.>>

But another part of her mind was specifically for Daisy Johnson and Alexander Aaron. <<So who is this person I am supposed to be scanning again?>> For tonight was not just about leisure for all the attendees. Just most of them.

Janet van Dyne has posed:
Janet looks back at Emma when she's hailed, and switches from a politely friendly smile to one of sincere warmth. "Emma!" she declares, and exchanges a fingersqueeze and quick kiss to the cheek with her oldest friend. "Business is going just fine, thank you. Our market cap just keeps going up and we're opening a new factory in Bangladesh this year. Gonna make the big foray into Indian fashion, we finally got the handle on how to make dhaka muslin-- if you want a shawl or something, let me know early or it'll be gone five minutes after we put any up for sale," she advises the platinum princess.

Janet retrieves a fresh drink for herself and flickers a glance around the room. There's Betsy; Janet beams another friendly smile at the Brit before looking back at Emma. "How's things in the tech world, though?" she asks Emma somewhat solicitously. Bruce's interaction with Selina isn't missed, and Janet flashes the duo a glance of sly amusement that speaks volumes about that encounter.

Selina Kyle has posed:
Selina Kyle's delicate fingers lift a glass of champagne from a passing tray without so much as a glance, the woman's attention focused elsewhere around the room. She passes on the finger foods, at least for the moment, while taking a mental role call. Not all of the Bats are present, but they do make a good showing.

She makes her way slowly about the room, counter-clockwise. Hollywood royalty, politicians, local celebrities, Selina is equally charming with all.

She spotted Bruce well before his approach, of course. Quaffed champagne? Of course he's already popped some pill from his utility belt to counter the effects.

Selina turns at the last moment, dark brows lifting and red lips pulling into a wide smile. "Well hello, Bruce." she replies. Then she laughs softly at the thinly-veiled accusations. "Really? Did he? I'm certain that was only a coincidence, of course. You musn't believe everything you read in the gossip pages, after all."

The cheek kiss is accepted and returned, her fingers giving his hand a light, lingering squeeze as well. "It's wonderful to see you again, of course. I have truly missed our... talks."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    Like a bulwark against the world, Alexander moved along further into the room with Elizabeth. He was the proper picture of silent arm adornment for the super model, his footsteps light and easy as he walks. Within the main area proper he looks about, meeting glances, returning smiles. Nobody greets him by name, at least so far. Elizabeth gets the lion's share of smiles, waves, tittering greetings and wry comments.
    Though on that small connection between minds, his resonant voice reverberates with its own unique mental rumbling as he responds. << A Mr. Bauer. James Bauer I believe... >>
    A flicker of an image appears in that small link of a blond man in his middle age whose face is mostly teeth. << I don't have eyes on him. See anyone around the bar, Daisy? >>

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would go to offer her arm out to Janet as the Avenger comes and gives her a kiss on the cheek, "Janet, darling, it's been far too long. I do presume that the local season has been quite busy for you." She would listen attentively. "Lovely. I know nothing about the fabrics of that part of the world but they've always looked amazing. And if I ever have the need for one, I'll let you know." And platinum QUEEN, thank you very much.

She gives a glance over to Selina and Bruce. "It does appear that the game's afoot." Recalling some society gossip pages. "And MIster Wayne is quite a catch." Well, for a manchild playboy. Emma would return to her conversation, "Quite well. Business is not quite as booming as I would have hoped. But much of it is investment in the Starport. Those sorts of things will take awhile before they pay back. The negotiations over technological rights and patnes will be a few years."

Quick telepathic query sent to Betsy while Emma picks up the back and forths of communication. <<Somethign amiss?>>

Richard Swift has posed:
Sipping his tea, The Shade watches and remains quiet. You never know what culd be observed from a party of this nature. A Van Dyne. Braddock. Wayne. Grayson. Frost. The creme de la creme of high society. Something Swift could appreciate big time.

Deciding on a handful of finger sandwiches, a few sweets, and a canape or two, Swift settles into the background to watch. And enjoy. The Black Bishp of the Hellfire Club was all ears. And eyes.

Dick Grayson has posed:
    "Actually know, really, almost none of them. Most of the people hover around the acquaintance level, with maybe knowledge of someone's little triggers that you want to avoid when making small talk. After all, we don't have much in common with them except for bank accounts full of numbers with far too many zeroes. I suppose I might like one or two of them if I did get to know them, but we're usually keeping pretty busy." He's keeping his voice low, almost whispering into Steph's ear so as not not offend any of the barely-known crowd around them.

    The two of them make their way over to where the various Waynes will be gathering as he scans the crowd, keeping an eye out for potential trouble as well as people he might want to talk to.

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
How come he's here?

That's the question that runs Caleb's mind as he readies his waiter uniform in the staff backroom. Wind back the clocks, and he's being told by the Boss' henchmen's henchman that they want to keep tabs on a certain person of interest - and of course, there's no point about asking about them getting a proper investigator for the job. It's do or suffer - or better yet, someone he knows suffers.

Cheap bastards!

So here he is, sucking it up, fixing himself in the mirror, putting on his best neutral expression, and getting ready to roll.

He exits the service backrooms for the bar, grabs a tray filled with filled glasses, and starts moving about for people to help themselves.

Clea has posed:
Clea is doing her best diplomatic speaking this evening. Talking to those that come up to her and commenting about what they might want to hear. The sorceress supreme of the Dark Dimension doesn't look bored. She was very much used to this sort of thing in her long life.

She'd be alright!

She gives a look over the crowd and notices a few known faces, but she doesn't move to interrupt anyone given there is a very enthusiastic gentleman speaking to her about crime-fighting. Oh boy.

Valeria Richards has posed:
A glass of champage is collected once she's inside the venue and Val is still all smiles. The benefit of being over twentyone, if by weeks is she can not have to worry about carding and the like.

She does actually know a few people. Bruce and Dick get a raise of her glass through her mingling travels. She had dated Jason a couple years back now. Janet and Emma get the same and a wink at each of them along with. One being a mentor, the other being Sue's predecessor at the club. Still a good mentor from what she heard out of Westchester via her brother.

For now though shge's just doing the lap of smiling and greeting.

Bruce Wayne has posed:
Bruce Wayne smiles to Selina, the two of them perhaps almost circling one another, like panthers. But dignified. Civilized.

"Personally, I blame the Vatican for lending the pieces out in the first place. But I'm sure they got an excellent insurance payout. And I heard they got them back somehow later. Probably from the Black Market."

"Just a rumor, of course. You know us billionaires. Full of stupid ideas. Luckily, I don't have a Twitter. Or whatever copy of it Stark tried to monetize."

"It is always my pleasure to see you, Selina. You are beautiful. I think I've told you taht a hundred times, at least. Everyone of them true."

He raises his glass and clinks it against hers, "Stay out of trouble tonight. Remember. I'll be watching," he says with a wink.

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown sees Selina and Bruce circling each other. She reaches over, resting a hand on Dick's back to get his attention and draw it that way if he hadn't noted them already. "Maybe going to need another of these," she says with a sigh, tipping back the rest of her flute of champagne.

Seeing the wink that Bruce gives, Stephanie relaxes just a little bit more, and lets her eyes wander around the rest of the room. "Which charity is this going to again?" she asks as she looks back to Dick. "And where are your brothers, by the way? I'd have thought Damian would have made his own tuxedo to show off by now."

Daisy Johnson has posed:
Thank God that many of these socialites didn't go much beyond the normal champagne flute when approaching the bar. And that Daisy knew how to do quite efficiently, and with a smile! Nothing like pouring 200 dollar bottles a minute for guests. But such is the high life.

Her eyes are scanning though, over the crowd, noting a few people she has met before. Even if most she has only seen in magazines and newspapers. And oh darn, is that Bruce Wayne?

<<He hasn't been at the bar.>>

Attention focusing back to the matter at hand as she now serves a vodka with a touch of a lemon twist to an adventurous old lady who's all smiles. "Starting early today, eh?" Daisy says to the woman's reply. "Oh darling, I only learned the joys of drinking late in life, I got to catch up mmm?" followed by a wink to which Daisy just laughs and slides the glass towards the woman.

<<Bauer is a suspect on some threats being made to union workers here in the city. We want to know if it's true or not>> she explains over the link to Betsy.

Selina Kyle has posed:
Selina Kyle laughs softly, her own paces slow and measured while she and Bruce talk in their slow, polite orbit. "Or perhaps whoever -borrowed- them simply chose to return them." she replies, a bit too casually. "After a small cut of the insurance payout."

"Just a guess, of course. Some of us don't have the luxury of indulging in idle speculation like the fabulously wealthy." He compliments her and she accepts it with a warm smile... that tilt of the head... the bat of those lashes.

"And I never tire of hearing it, Bruce. You are charming as always." Glasses clink and only then does she take a sip. "A woman likes to be watched by a man, you know." Selina replies, answering his wink with a lift of a brow.

"I absolutely -adore- your cufflinks as well." Little cats with ruby eyes, if anyone is close enough to look.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
<<Not really. If you spot this man, please do let me know?>> Betsy sent over to Emma that image of James Bauer. <<I really need to catch up with him.>> And she continued on as though she was not having a conversation telepathically with a person on the other side of the room.

A glance was given toward the bar and Betsy nodded that way before leading Alexander over that direction. Because champagne was just not going to be strong enough to get one through a night like this. The place was crowded, the outfits elaborate in some cases. The room was a touch warm from all the people within though they were spread out somewhat and able to move freely.

<<I will try to start scanning for him.>> This was offered mentally to Alexander and Daisy. <<Though it will be more scanning for those around him since people do not tend to be thinking about their names when not introducing themselves.>> And she started her mental tiptoe as she sought out James Bauer in the crowd.

Janet van Dyne has posed:
Janet glances over her shoulder at Emma's observation, and flashes an amused grin at the blonde. "Bruce is an old friend, and Selina is dear enemy of mine," Janet informs Emma. Because for Janet, her world includes room for important people like a long-term frenemy to periodically antagonize.

"Really, his whole little clan are delightful men and women," she clarifies. "They're all about our age, too. The tall one's Dick Grayson, and his girlfriend is Stephanie," she tells Emma, and nods pleasantly at those two notables. "And there are a few others running around, of course. We might even see an appearance from his other boys."

She wiggles fingers at Valerie to get her attention and invite the younger woman over to her little social circle. "Val, come say hi to Emma Frost," Janet invites.

Tim Drake has posed:
    While Tim was a member of the Wayne processional that entered via the red carpet, he'd purposefully allowed himself to fade into the background. He could play at being a socialite because it's one of numerous skills he'd been taught, but that doesn't mean he has to be the one at the forefront of it all, especially not with several other members of the family already having stepped out of the limo ahead of him.

    And when one of them is Bruce Wayne himself, well, it's easy to blend in with the crowd rather than stand out, and Tim's just fine with that. Even the Lagerfeld suit he's wearing is much more subdued, just a standard pinstripe with thin tie, adhering to the theme in the barest sense. All of it means he's quick to make his way through the standard meet-and-greet aspect of this, most people more interested in more interesting people, and so Tim installs himself at the Wayne table early on.

    It's only happenstance that he's actually on the floor mingling when Dick and Stephanie take their places there. "Okay, have either of you been reading their lips? What are they saying?" he asks, sotto-voce, when he joins them, a champagne flute untouched in his hand.

    He needed the prop. Easier to do this whole thing when you have something to hold and gesture carelessly with. Makes the acting more believable.

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown turns towards Tim as he arrives over with she and Dick. She gives a quick shake of her head about reading their lips. "I was too afraid it was like, old people romantic stuff," she tells him. She manages to do it with a straight face, but nothing suppresses the little twinkle in her blue eyes as she tells him that.

"Crap, he's probably reading my lips right now isn't he," she says, her shoulders shaking slightly with laughter she keeps quiet. Stephanie reaches over to adjust Tim's suit jacket. "You look good all fancied up, Drake," she tells him.

Emma Frost has posed:
As the reply comes in from Betsy, Emma would send a mental nod <<Of course.>> Betsy was just as capable as she was at sweeping every single individual in teh room to look through their eyes for the individual, so the fact that Elizabeth wasn't or asking her to mean that the necessity wasn't particularly extreme. Emma would go to give a smile over at Valeria while twirling just enough in case something exploded off the girl to maneuver around..

"Ah, yes.." Over to Janet's indication of Dick and Steph. "That's Bruce Wayne's adopted son, right?" She would try to pull that recollection over from the society papers. "And Ms. Richards, a pleasure. We've met in passing. Or should I call you Doctor Richards? Or have you not added that bit to your resume yet?"

Bruce Wayne has posed:
Bruce adjusts his cufflinks carefully at the last remark from Selina. They're small cats, platinum instead with small ruby eyees, gleaming and a little devilish, but in a playful kind of way. Whimsical choice for a middle-aged billionaire, but then, Bruce Wayne's always been a bit of an iconoclast. Gotham will do that to a man - some people say the water made you crazy. But Bruce probably didn't even drink water that hadn't been flown in from a Switzerland ski slope.

He'll leave Selina to her own affairs for now, drifting over towards Stephanie and Dick, approaching them with a rapid step, "I've got eyees on Catwoman. The Shade is here, but he's not an active threat according to current League records. Just an old immortal, probably here to look at the pretty dresses. Immortals love fashion. It makes them feel alive, if they keep up with it. It usually ends up making them dandies that stick out like a sore thumb. The men anyway. The women are far more cunning. That's a stereotype, of course, but I can cite multiple..."

He turns, shaking hands with an approaching film producer, "Jordan, Jordan, hey, oh, yes, pleased to see you, too."
"Yes, I absolutely would like to hear about it, but right now..."
"It does sound like an exciting project. I love the monster in the script with the--oh, you cut out the monster?"

"Look, i can't get into this right now, I'm here with mhy son and his fiancee, look, call the office, you know the number, I know you do, get yourself on the schedule. I'll probably only canel on you twice."

He gives a barking laugh, another firm handshake, dismissed.

"Keep your mental guards up. Emma Frost is in the room. I should say hello," he says. He gives Stephanie the society cheek, Dick a quick handshake and heads towards Emma.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    It didn't take too long for a particular social circle to materialize in the way people mingle in such events. Just the way souls wander and return, trills of greeting, people laughing. That lovely doppler effect as one wanders closer to a group of people talking and their conversation becomes more clear. A slight smile is given by the young Olympian as he nods slightly in a direction across from the bar and near one of the displays of Karl's work.
    << I think... that may be him. With the mayor's wife? >> Though he wasn't too up to date on the current who's who of the city.
    Then he raises his voice slightly, "I believe this is where we part ways, Elizabeth." He says with a small nod and indicates the man in that circle of listeners who clearly are horribly entertained by his latest anecdote.
    "Champagne?" He asks her as he steps away, fetching them their drinks apparently.

Clea has posed:
Clea gives a smile as one person leaves and the next approaches. That purple hued fire crown of hers was starting to show and casting an eerie glow on those around her. Someone just gives a point to it and 'ooooos' after it. Apparently they think it's a party trick.

It might be in this weird world.

She takes a moment to sip from her glass and tries to zone out the take of being part of a singles auction, that just sounded like something bad was going to happen. "Will you excuse me? I just need a bit of air." she states to the small group around her. She was definitely needing to step out for a moment and get some fresh air.

Selina Kyle has posed:
Selina Kyle looks pleased when Bruce adjusts his cufflinks... and likely counts them as well. Her wandering gaze lingers on the trio of Dick, Stephanie and Tim. Just long enough to catch attention. Her smile widens a touch, a slip of a wink, and then she shifts behind a passing waiter and a pair of guests.

For a moment, Selina Kyle disappears into the crowd. No, there she is again. Approaching Janet and Emma, she brightens.

"Well, now isn't THIS a treat!" Selina offers. "Emma Frost and Janet van Dyne, together in the same orbit. I should have brought sunglasses."

Dick Grayson has posed:
    Richard shakes his head in reply to Tim's question, "Nah, Bruce is a big boy, I think he can handle her on his own." As the man himself disengages from Selina and heads over to where his family is gathered, he continues "See? No punches thrown or anything."

    He shakes Bruce's hand when it's offered, saying quietly "They're always up, but I still think it may be worth laying in a good supply of Gambutrol for events like these, it's not like we can't afford it." He shrugs a bit, "Beyond that, so far seems like business as usual, haven't seen the Penguin trying to get into the freezer or anything."

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
Caleb, the waiter, makes his way through the crowd, holding his tray in his hand as best as he can. (Look, he's not a professional waiter, okay? First time he's doing this.) As he does so, people take one, two, three glasses, all the while collecting the empty ones. His eyes move through the crowd, eventually landing for a second on a young woman in a bule-and-gold left cut dress.

Person of interest found.

Daisy Johnson has posed:
"The Mayor?" Daisy says it out loud instead of on the link. Which makes the socialite she is serving to reply. "Actually, I am a Senator." a brow arching as if he had just been insulted. Daisy's cheeks go a touch more red and she sighs. "I am sorry, Sir." then finishes serving up the two flutes of champagne for the SENATOR.

<<He has connections. But not too surprised, considering he was invited here.>>

<<Eyes on him if you can, Aaron.>> Beat. <<If I wasn't undercover I think I would be fired tomorrow.>>

Tim Drake has posed:
    That neither Steph nor Dick can give Tim the deets on what just went down between Bruce and Selina makes Tim cluck his tongue. "It's just information gathering, you know, for fun," he says, and then lifts his champagne up to not-quite take a sip. It gets to his mouth, and then Bruce is right there, so Tim hums tunelessly and sets his glass down.

    He doesn't miss the brief look Selina throws their way, and he returns it with a tip of his head to the left to acknowledge. Then he disengages from the table with a quick, "I'm going to go look for canapes," which is actually some kind of code for him going to go snoop on what Selina is up to.

    Or maybe he's actually just going to go say hello to Janet! Either way he finds a relatively non-objectionable politician to engage in some light discourse with near the group of women, perfectly positioned to be able to schmooze his way on over at some appropriate point.

Valeria Richards has posed:
"Doctor Richards is my father. I'm Still Ms. It's kind of fun when I correct folks when I do consulting work at some of the colleges. I'm not a doctor and I'm teaching them! The formal work for it just feels like I'd be wasting time when I could be working on real stuff and not academic beurocracy." she explains to Emma.

Janet totally got a little hug and a peck of a kiss on the cheek. Selina gets a grin and a wink! "Welcing goggles. Sometimes it's like staring at an eclipse!" she says playfully. "Tried to get Mom to come and bust out the good stuff. Well. It's not my favorite designer but still." she says and winks to Janet. Said fave designer. "But the foibles of all the stuff she has on her plate. Mom, hero, business woman. I should just program a HERBIE to run the biz side for her!" she considers and almost drifts into thinking of software code.

Emma Frost has posed:
At the approach of Selina Kyle, Emma Frost would smile, "Ms.. Kyle, I believe?" She would offer after a moment. "So you're in rather elite circles here." POlite 'rich and bored' way of nudging the other woman to introduce herself and list what made her important enough to be here.
    "I suppose in your family there are enough of them." To Valeria, at least. The woman's commentary on academic bureaucracy gets a laugh. The approach of Bruce Wayne has her attention. "MIster Wayne, a pleasure." To her nominal competitor in a great many fields, after all.
    He was one of the few with a pedigree older than her own and much, much more wealthy. "Congratulations on some of your recent acquisitions." She would gesture at him to join the circle of chattering.

Janet van Dyne has posed:
Janet turns when she's hailed, and gives Selina a positively vulpine smile. "Selina!" she squeals, and offers the woman a finger-squeeze of greeting-- though she pauses a beat to visibly make sure her clutch is properly locked shut before the two can embrace. "It's always such a pleasant surprise to see you out and about in social circles." One would be impossibly challenged to quantify an insult in that remark... but all the same, Janet's eyes glimmer with amusement at the unsaid implication of where Selina *ought* to be.

"Val, Emma, this is Selina Kyle, she's one of Gotham's most prominent animal rights philanthropists," she explains. "Selina, this is of course Valeria Richards-- Sue Richard's daughter."

"And of course you've heard of Emma Frost," she reminds Selina. "She and I have been friends since we were in skirts. Went to the same boarding school together," she clarifies.

"But what brings you around to the Gala, darling?" she asks Selina with genuine curiousity. "I never would have pegged you for a Lagerfeld enthusiast."

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Betsy gave a nod to Alexander but then changed the order. "Whiskey neat, please." Because she really was not up to the whole bubbly thing. It was fine but it wasn't her favorite. In fact, she had this love of beer but knew ordering one would likely end up being whispered about in this sort of a crowdd. Thus, she moved on her way into the crowdd, starting to make the rounds between small groups of people here or there. All while mentally scanning the crowdd for her target.

Then she spotted him, through the eyes of the woman on his arm. A woman who didn't think much of her escort but she enjoyed his money. Betsy locked onto the mind of Mr. Bauer and began to scan for the necessary information.

Outwardly, her eyes didn't widen. Inwardly, she was surprised at what she found. Her mental voice went out to Emma. <<I found him.>>

She moved to join the circle Mr. Bauer was in, listening to the conversation and laughing with others. She watched as he scanned the room. And when the man spotted Alexander Aaron in the crowd, Betsy got a Strong mental image. <<Alexander? Agent Johnson? I do believe we have found your man. He truly does not like John Aaron. In fact, he would like to see him dead.>>

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    Settling in to the right of Daisy, Agent Aaron gives her a nod and seems at ease when another patron of the arts wanders up to place an order. He hears the voices of the others in that link then answers the bartender first.
    << Got eyes on them in the mirror three o'clock next to the... what is that? A guy dress? Or a kilt? With crotch straps? Weird. >> His eyebrows rise slightly in consideration as that order is tended to, then it's his turn as he steps up to Agent Johnson.
    "A flutes of champagne, and whiskey neat." Those pale hazel eyes meet hers, then he shakes his head and says softly after a click of his tongue, "To think you used to be my guidance counselor. How the mighty hath fallen."
    Then the news from Psylocke is given over that link and Alex shares a look with Daisy. << So that's the guy? Our first guy is the guy? That's anti-climactic. >>

Selina Kyle has posed:
Selina Kyle's head tilts a little, the smile holding at Emma's greeting. "Well the air -is- somewhat rarified, but so far it's been still breathable." Selina offers neither a reason nor an invitation, however. Her own smile suggested that perhaps she knifed the doorman.

Then Janet squeals and Selina gives the woman her full attention. It's a warm enough embrace, and Selina makes sure that Janet can feel both hands clutching her upper arms. "Thank you, Janet. And it's always a pleasure to be seen amongst the idle rich." Yeah, people will be pulling -that- one of of their backs later.

Selina turns towards Valeria offering her a hand as well as a smile. "It's a pleasure, I'm sure. You are certainly in good company with -these- ladies." As if other company might not be so good.

"Not a Lagerfeld enthusiast? Darling, I'm -wearing- Lagerfeld, of course. And I *so* enjoyed his show in Paris." The one where Bruce was quick to point out that the designer lost some expensive rings."

As for any other potential reason for her to be at the Gala, she let silence be her answer to Janet as well.

Daisy Johnson has posed:
<< Let's not jump to conclusions. Just because there's dislike we can't be fully sure until we get to have a word with him. >> Besides, it's not like mind reading serves as proof if they wanted to act legally. Daisy then brings a flute and a glass on the table, first pouring the whiskey and then finally the champagne. Almost mechanically. She is becoming a pro at this...

A brief look is given at Alexander at the little jab and she just shakes her head at him, "You do realize you can't talk much, do you? Mr. Arm Candy." a touch of a smirk back at Alexander, eyes then back on the man.

<<But yea, we got what we wanted. Thank you for your help on this, Betsy.>>

Dick Grayson has posed:
    Sparingly sipping his champagne, Richard scans over the crowd. He can count on the fingers of one hand the number of these things that haven't been interrupted by supervillains, TV producers from another dimension or stampedes of dinosaurs. Summed up, he never relaxes at these gatherings, it's just too big of a target.

    In a quiet aside to Steph he says, "We can probably escape fairly soon if you like, I know these gatherings aren't a lot of fun for you. You are getting better at dealing with them though, we'll have you exchanging unmeant platitudes with rich people you don't know in no time."

Betsy Braddock has posed:
<<This is...beyond dislike. He has already hired someone. I will fill you both in fully after the event.>>

Betsy continued to chat in that circle then glanced away and wandered off in the direction of the bar. Work was done. Time to simply enjoy. And the myriad of fashion on display had her wandering to people watch a bit.

Emma Frost has posed:
Emma Frost would smile, "Then charmed, Ms. Kyle. I can't say that anyone who's a friend of Janet's is a friend of mine, but Ms. Van Dyne does have excelent taste in associates. If you're among her circle, then that makes you a very, very formidable person. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, even briefly." She would bow her head over.

"I'm still not sure which of us was the worse influence on the other there. I was very much the spoilt rich girl then.." And now has just taken the time to get embittered and jaded and see teh world for what it was, on and off.

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    Alex's grin is wry, but then he straightens up and affects that look one has for their societal lessers, straight down the nose with a slight silent 'harumph' that can be seen if not heard. He does, however, accept the drinks and holds them up. There's a slight sniff given as if he had never encountered such perfidy before. Then he's moving off back into the crowd.
    He does a passingly decent job navigating through the crowd, heading back to rendezvous with Lady Braddock. Once there he takes up his place by her side after presenting her drink to her. "You'll never believe what that bartender said to me."
    He makes another harumph, this time audible.

Tim Drake has posed:
    As it turns out, Tim's supposed "non-objectionable" politician turns out to have a fair few objectionable opinions when away from the public eye. Is there a commotion?

    No, of course not. But there is an extended debate that means Tim never quite gets to say hello to Janet.

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
Caleb nears the young woman, who seems to be somewhat sad and upset. Quite pretty, in fact - red haired, beautiful smile, probably an up-and-coming actress?

He holds out a glass of champagne from the tray to her. "Please. Because I don't believe ladies should be upset this evening."

The reply to him? Well... She grabs one - no two - glasses and she unceremoniously gulps one, immediately followed by the other, and places them hard on the tray. Any stronger, and the tray would tip over. And then she dismisses him without even a word.

But she doesn't even give him time to leave, since she all but storms away through the crowd.

He's just there for a moment. "Now I remember why I hate the upper crust...", he mumbles to himself. "And Jack Dawson you're not, Dykstra."

Dick Grayson has posed:
    Socializing turns to dinner, then back to socializing so everyone can say "Well, I was talking to Bruce Wayne the other day and...", which turns to some of the younger crowd slipping out of the place to find something more fun to do. Like maybe root canals without anesthetic. But the Wayne flag has been flown, showing the socialites what fine men are following in Bruce's footsteps. <If only they knew the truth.)

    Richard and Steph are in fact two of the first to slip out. They've put in their time and besides, the duck will be missing them. She knocked over the magazine rack last time they left her alone for too long.

Valeria Richards has posed:
The dress, the shoes. Almost all of the ensemble Valeria wears is Lagerfield's work. "Nothing wrong wit Lagerfield, but when my mom's best friend is also one of my best friends Mom, and is alao in the gaem. Gotta back the 'Fam' as the cool kids say!" Val explains her own preference.

Familial bias is perfectly valid. The champagne is slowly sipped on. The girl staying rather sober for now. Which probably helps explain the slight awkwardness. At least she does have a friend to lean on in case of a social goof in Janet.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
The whiskey is accepted with a murmur of thanks from Betsy. She stands facing Alexander, their own little circle in a sea of celebrity. "From your reaction, I suspect it wasn't 'have a good night, sir'."

Since she's actually talking to them mentally, it's always fun having to play that role of being something other than what she is. For now, she's that perfect image of a supermodel and her date. While mentally, she has obtained all the possible details from the mind of their prey. Which they will then be able to follow up on and get actual evidence that can be used in court. Hopefully. Or they can simply wait until the assassination attempt and foil it. That might be more exciting. Maybe not for Mr. Aaron though.

Janet van Dyne has posed:
Janet's grin spreads approvingly at Selina's casual barbs. "Oh, I've missed you," Janet assures Selina, and lays a hand on the woman's arm for an affectionate squeeze. "No one wants to play with me anymore at these events," she says, and pouts a little theatrically.

The socialite retrieves two champagne flutes from a passing server and offers one to Valeria and takes one for herself. Janet rests her arm across Val's upper back with a familial sort of affection at the praise being lavished upon her design sense.

"It's true though, Emma and I got into all kinds of trouble in school," Janet confirms for the other two women. "THough I think I was by far the worse offender. I was expelled from school for a senior prank gone wrong," she says, and grins shamelessly at the memory.

Selina Kyle has posed:
Selina Kyle returns Emma's smile with one of her own. "Why thank you, Ms. Frost. That is quite the compliment, coming from you." She considers her glass, then. "Oh Janet, you know I -adore- seeing you at these events. I will simply -have- to get out more. I'd forgotten." Fingers toy with the glass. "Now if you will excuse me, I need to powder my nose. All the champagne. It was very good seeing you ladies."

The glass doesn't have so much as a lipstick print.

Selina's path is... varied. Slipping in and out between Gala-goers, the observant will see her flirting with disappearing. And then she is back in view again, heading to the ladies room.

Once she passes through the door, Selina never emerges. Out through a window, down the back steps, dodging spotlights and cameras, she vaults over the fence (still in the gown).

Down the street there is a motorcycle hidden in the bushes. A leather jacket is pulled from a saddlebag and the gown is stuffed inside. The fur bolero finds the other. Beneath, she wears tight leathers and boots.

With a low rumble, she starts the bike and disappears into the New York City traffic.

Valeria Richards has posed:
"Cause we like you too much and insult banter we usually save for the bad guys these days!" Valeria points out as she leans against Jan and her wrapping arm. Conveniently trading her empty glass for a fuller second.

"It's probably for the best I didnb't go to a formal school. As much as I know I'd wear the tartan skirts well."" the Lagerfield dress proof enough of that. "I'd probbaly get expelled destroying any science labs because I needed more resources than it had for my own experiments." accidents happen and well. It's probably cheaper to just renovate the labs and claim her father blew something up at home.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
There were a few musical tones that came over the public address system, letting everyone know that the time for the next part of the festivities were about to begin. For the Gala was not simply standing around sharing drinks and socializing. A high-end meal was served.

Seating was assigned and planning for it took weeks. After all, they didn't want exes stuck facing one another for an entire evening, nor people who had some sort of feud at the same table. And such things could change in a heartbeat, even on the day of the event itself.

But in the end, after the five course meal was consumed, there would be the musical entertainment of Bastille. Which, by that point, people would begin to wander off. They would go somewhere private and change into less elaborate--but no less expensive--clothing for the after parties throughout the city.

And the Met would have their funding for the Costume Institute for another year.