15922/A Maximoff Birthday!

A Maximoff Birthday!
Date of Scene:	12 October 2023
Location:	Strawberry Hill Manor (Maximoff Home)
Synopsis:	Pietro and Wanda's birthday goes off without a hitch...or well...almost!
Cast of Characters:	Micola Maximoff, Pietro Maximoff, Thor, Natasha Romanoff, Steve Rogers, Jennifer Walters, Bruce Banner, Scott Lang, Janet van Dyne
Cast of NPCs:	Erik Lensherr

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Micola Maximoff has posed:
There was a birthday party being thrown for Pietro and Wanda Maximoff. Micola had found it important for celebrating birthdays! There was food and drink a plenty and there were still folks that were wandering in. Presents were not needed, so people were asked to just come and enjoy the evening and celebrate another year with their fellow Avengers.

Micola is the blue haired Maximoff so she stands out in the home. The gothic revival has been remodeled and painted by the husband and wife. It has the antique and modern feel to it. Mixing the two phases. There's plenty of bookshelves and artwork around.

There is an older Italian woman that is currently doting over two white haired newborns that having just been clothed in their matching skeleton onesies and tiny shoes. "You sure you're okay with taking them tonight?" Micola asks her mother for the 50th time already.

Pietro Maximoff has posed:
The better part of the last fifteen minutes had been spent tidying up the /whole/ house, by Pietro. It's a short bit of work for the speedster, but important to him. Showing off the house at the party, as well as the twins - his birthday truly didn't enter into it for him. Pietro had time to clean, then change - coming down at a more normal pace in civillian clothing.

Adjusting the cuffs of his shirt, he grins over to Micola, worrying to her mother. "It is very much appreciated." He offers over to the older woman. "I am sure the girls won't be spoiled at all." The man teases, with a slight smile.

Thor has posed:
    There had been some time when Thor had been left to his own devices. Time for his thoughts to wander and be kept as his own. The halls of Asgard though far from quiet had left the elder Prince with a feeling of pensiveness... ever since the Svartalfar envoy had come and gone. There were many questions he had that he would seek answers for. Though no path lay before him that he could trod to gain them. Not for now at the least.
    It was in such a mood that the word had reached him. A simple tweet and flicker of activity upon the cellular device that only of late had he begun to pay even passing attention to. The study of the embassy, a small reminder chirp that signaled a need for attention.
    A message. An invitation amongst a sea of many others that had in the past been ignored, likely though without mlice. Though tonight if he turned away from it... he would truly be remiss.
    "Helde," Thor's voice lifted, the door to the study opening at that summons. "It seems... I have plans this e'en."
    Just a few words that set the evening in motion. That brought about the appearance of a face rarely seen this side of the Bifrost of late. For when the knock sounded at the door there he was. Black suit, white buttoned down shirt. No tie of course. Though at his side was a leather messenger bag. The last piece for him? Was that smile readied for whomever answered the door.

Natasha Romanoff has posed:
She's here for a rare bit of socializing. Or someone asked her nicely. Very very nicely. So Natasha is there, wearing a black dress that's somehow formal SHIELD wear for VIP events where no one is expected to show up with a gun, and yet also wehre no sort of military uniform is required. However it is also off the shelf and somewhat drab.

At the very least she's dressed up for it rather than in informal attire or a combat uniform. SHe would dip her head over at the Odinson, and give a curtsy to Pietro in passing. Happy birthday is mouthed to him.

A quieter look is given to Thor. She hasn't seen him in awhile - not more than in passing since he returned to Earth.

Steve Rogers has posed:
The sound of the motorcycle heading up the drive to the house was quite likely noticed. Not that Steve Rogers is the kind of person to try to make a bike louder. But a 1940s vintage bike isn't exactly the quietest of vehicles.

He pulls it over and parks it, removing his helmet and hanging it from a handlebar while he brushes his fingers through the hair that is short enough the helmet didn't really mess it up much. Wearing jeans and boots and a leather jacket over a nice shirt, Steve makes his way up to the house, knocking or ringing the bell and entering when he's admitted.

A smile is flashed about at Micola and Pietro first, a smile that grows at the sight of their children. A nod of greeting to the older Italian woman, before then the man's blue eyes turn their focus to his other teammates. "Natasha," Steve says warmly, and then he stops and feigns surprise at the sight of Thor. "I feel like I knew someone once upon a time who resembles you," he jokes, offering his hand to Thor for a firm clasping of forearms in Asgardian greeting.

Jennifer Walters has posed:
    Jennifer bursts into the room with a boisterous "Happy birthday!" She's dressed rather casually, wearing a purple dress, over which she's wearing a white shawl to keep out the cold. Breaking up the ensemble, however is a party hat emblazoned with 'Happy Birthday' in festive colors that's on her head.

    She, then, goes around the room, distributing the ridiculous things, grinning from ear to ear. "C'mon," she says to the more dour of the attending folk. "It's a party! You can't have a party without party hats. Just be grateful that I didn't bring the party kazoos."

Bruce Banner has posed:
Not quite as boisterous as his cousin, Bruce makes his way into the party area and looks around to see who is about. He does smile a little at Jennifer's antics. It's been a long day and maybe this is just what the doctor ordered to ease up a little. He notices Steve and moves his direction with a purpose in his eye.

He does wait until the other man has made with his greetings and niceties. Banner might not be the most social of critters, but he is learning to be better at this sort of thing.

Scott Lang has posed:
Pulling out his phone, Scott doublechecks to make sure the place is right. He's pretty sure it's right. The place is big, tons of windows, has an M. Night Shyamalan vibe, it seems to hit the hallmarks. Honestly, he looks like a lost tourist in front of the mammoth home. Wearing a dark blue suit jacket, a simple light grey shirt and a pair of jeans. It's a party so he's trying to be a little dressed up. An uber took him here.

Walking up to the door, he'll knock and wait patiently. In his hands is a bottle of wine, something pricy that Tony picked out (and maybe paid for). It's a red wine and vintage, but that's about all Scott knows about it.

Once invited inside, he'll give everyone a wave. "Been a spell," he greets, pun intended. It's just ironic for some, honest for most.

Janet van Dyne has posed:
Janet's actually on-time. One of the conveniences of being a billionaire is that you can pay other people to work out the schedules *for* you. Which is why her driver drove up from New York two hours beforehand, to pick her up from her helicopter at the airport and deliver her to the Maximoff estate. A year-model Rolls-Royce Phantom-- in wasp yellow, no less-- drops Janet off at the front door, packages in hand.

The fashionista wears a one-piece beige sweater-dress with a short hem and turtleneck, which nicely sets off her camel-hair jacket and calf-high boots. When she's admitted it's with a bright smile of gratitude and Janet steps into the house like she owns the place. "Hello hello," she sing-songs at everyone present. The hat's accepted with a pleased 'ooh!' and Janet promptly puts it on her head at a jaunty angle. The socialite moves to stand next to Natasha, teasing her by being obnoxiously in the assassin's personal space and looking wholly unrepentant about it.

"Looks like we're a timely bunch. Are we putting these somewhere specific, or...?" she inquires, and rattles the two slender boxes in her hands.

Micola Maximoff has posed:
"Everyone come on in and make yourselves at home, we're just getting Sori and Lumi ready to head out with their grandmother for the night." Micola offers a bright smile that reaches her golden eyes. The woman then gives Pietro a look and there's a grin, "It's only for the night, I'm sure she can't spoil them /that/ much." she muses to that as she finishes with a bag.

She gives a wave to all of those that she has met and those that she's still needing to talk to more. "Thank you for the party hats." she tells Jennifer. "Janet, hello." she grins at the woman when she arrives. "Please feel free to settle them on the island or I can take them. Thank you." she comments.

"If you are feeling hungry please feel free to help yourself. Dessert is off on another table as well as drinks. If you've got any allergies please let us know." she points out.

Thor has posed:
    "Ah, Widow." The chance glance caught, a smiling redhead slipping past. Thor's features warm to the moment and the event as he exhales a small breath of something that might be akin to a laugh. It grows to a half-smirking chortle when he sees the blond man strolling up the way.
    Turning to face Cap, Thor shakes his head, "Did you now? Must be difficult for you to now realize there are what? Two souls you have known who are so much more dashing, handsome, erudite as myself?"
    Then the arms are clasped as Thor draws the other man in for a one-armed embrace, his free hand thumping on Steve's back several times as he holds him close. Then he leans back and smiles into the other man's blue eyes, his own single iris shifting back and forth as if trying to decide how exactly to see the man before him.
    "Remind me to tell you a story sometime soon. Your name is known in the far reaches of space. Thanks to me. You are welcome." His lip twists slightly, though he very slightly rubs that corner of his eyepatch with a hint of what might be self-consciousness.
    Once their hostess emerges to lead them toward the festivities he follows along, gaze meeting Micola's. "Thank you, my lady. I do not believe I have had the pleasure."

Natasha Romanoff has posed:
Natasha Romanova would just watch over in amusement as THor goes to give Steve a bearhug. She goes to fold her hands together then andg ives a nod at Micole, "Thank you, Mrs. Maximoff. Your hospitality is appreciated. And happy birthday to you and your twin, Pietro." A year is just another year for her. For Thor the years probably don't counta nymore.
    Natasha looks thoughtful and cocks her head to the side. Age is just a number.. Particularly for those who don't.
    She heads over towards the bar, being thoughtfully introspective for a change.

Jennifer Walters has posed:
    "Cuz!" Jennifer all but shouts when she sees Bruce arriving. She makes her way over to him and gives him an affectionate hug, after which she puts a party hat onto him. Can you just imagine The Hulk with a party hat?

    "How you been?" she asks genuine concern in her voice. "It's been a while. I hope you've been holding up."

    She grins when Janet's the only one who takes the party hat without complaint. "Only you could make these gaudy hats look fashionable," she tells her.

Pietro Maximoff has posed:
So many people! Pietro is quick (ha!) to greet people as they arrive, noting the bounty of Avengers present. A wry grin as Thor greets Micola, the white-haired speedster offering an introduction - en masse. "Everyone, this Micola, the woman who was kind enough to agree to be my partner and wife." A chuckle. A bit of a wave to the elderly woman and the two babies as they are departing. "And that is my mother-in-law, Ariadne. She's sneaking off with our daughters, Sori and Lumi." There! People are introduced.

Truly, he seems content - a hard thing for the Maximoff twin, it's a change for him.

A smile to Natasha. "Thank you. Hopefully, Wanda will be stopping by." He looks to the door, as if she might stroll in at any moment. The tiniest bit of a frown on his face for the briefest of seconds.

Steve Rogers has posed:
Steve Rogers's grin spreads as he replies to Thor, "I'm not sure that Midgard could handle two so handsome, Thor." He returns the thumped back with one of his own, letting go, only to hear this about being known in space. Perhaps there are memories of being declared ruler of Earth that drive the single worry line on his forehead. "That is definitely a story I will have to make sure to hear," he says in a tone no less warm for that slight worry.

Micola and Pietro get a few moments of devoted attention then. "Micola, you have a very lovely home," Steve tells her warmly, and then offers Pietro a firm handshake. "And a fine family from the looks of it," he adds to Pietro while looking over to the children again. "Happy birthday," he offers.

Steve spots Bruce Banner hovering nearby as if looking for a moment to speak with him. When he's paid his greetings to the happy couple, Steve turns his way. "Bruce, we're going to have start making coffee together a thing. Especially now it isn't so hot out. How are you this evening?" he asks, trying to give Bruce a chance to bring up any thing he might wish.

Janet van Dyne has posed:
Janet beams a smile and exchanges air-kisses with Micola when she approaches. Then she gladly hands the gifts off when help is offered. The only 'things' Janet willingly carries are designer handbags and clutches-- and most of the time, she foists them off on her ever-present valet (who has snuck in and taken up an unobtrusive spot on the wall).

Next stop is the bar, and she immediately heads that direction. "Jen, remind me to tell you the story about Marilyn Monroe's flour-sack photo shoot," she prompts the lawyer. "It's absolutely iconic, there's a whole /thing/ behind it."

Janet bellies up to the bar next to Natasha and gives her a little nudge with her elbow before clambering up onto a barstool. "Y'know Natasha, you could have bummed a ride up here with me," she tells the spymistress. "Did you really drive the whole way up here?"

Scott Lang has posed:
"Thank you?" Scott's words trail while he points at Nicola just waiting for a reminder of name. Then he'll make his way toward the desserts. Snagging something that looks chocolatey, he'll grin. Then the introductions begin, Pietro, his wife and the kids.

Scott's quick to give a big smile, waves, handshakes and other greetings. His eyes drift toward the door as he waits, half expecting Wanda to burst through. Like this is some kind of timed cue. Time ticks by, and if Wanda doesn't burst through the door, he'll look back toward the people.

Bruce Banner has posed:
Waiting for Steve to free, Bruce almost gets him answered when Jennifer arrives and crowns him with a party hat. He looks up at it then gets the hug. He returns her hug and tells her,"I am well Jenn. Just busy. It's been too long." He is clearly amused by her attention and when she moves to the next, he looks to Steve.

"I think that would be a good idea sure." he agrees about the coffee,"I need to get out more. Speaking of that, Mary asked if you needed help with your computer so I invited her to come and fix it. I mean, we will keep her in the public areas of the mansion, but she wants to help."

Thor has posed:
    "Ah!" Thor's voice rises as the introduction is made. "Such a luminary to embrace a man of such... vibrant individualism as Pietro." Then he looks across the way toward Ariadne as he moves further into the house, though staying within the orbit of Steve even as he looks for a place to set the messenger bag down. Then he sees the youngsters in passing. "And children! If I had any doubt that I had been remiss it is now clear I have been so."
    Shaking his head, Thor moves toward Pietro just long enough to offer a hand. "You deserve congratulations, and so I give them to you." He leans back and tilts his head just so. "I had never expected to see fatherhood embrace you so, but now... I must say it suits you."
    That said the Thunderer steps back and then follows in the footsteps of the progression. His next destination? It is heralded thus.
    "Hah! Banner!"

Natasha Romanoff has posed:
Natasha Romanova would nod over at Pietro. "Her well wishes are here regardless. We're all here to celebrate her as well." Wanda. Whom as her abilities in magics are, whimsical, emrcurial, and chaotic. Another smile is given over towards Steve, and she glances at Bruce. "Good to have you with us. You could stand to get out a litlte more."

Natasha would give a practiced smile over to Janet, "I had business in the general area, it was simple enough to come over here. It's not that far." At least from the Triskelion. So it's not that long a commute. "Glad to have the company." She and Janet will be spending much of the night over here. Open bar on someone else's tab.

Scott Lang has posed:
"The big guy's got a point, Pietro, but kids can do that to anyone. Make you take a look at yourself; try to be the best person you can be. Someone for -them- to look up to," Scott says with a knowing look. Being one of the few Avengers with children, it's a small club. "You got it covered, maybe I could get some pointers," he smiles. Scott's guilt about prison will weigh upon him. Maybe one day he won't blame himself for lost time. One day those chains will be lifted, but it's not today. Tomorrow's not looking too great either.

Steve Rogers has posed:
Steve Rogers gives a supportive nod to Bruce Banner. "Of course, she'd be welcome to visit," Steve says of Mary Bromfield. "And there no doubt is something or another that will need fixing on my computer at any given time. I should probably just see if JARVIS can take it over but I imagine we stretch him pretty thin already," Steve says in his lack of understanding of the computing power at JARVIS' disposal. "And besides, need to find out when she'd like me to come surprise her brothers," Steve adds. Something else about Mary.

Steve tips his head towards Natasha, and as he sees Janet he offers her a smile. "Looking amazing as always, Janet," he tells her amiably as she stands with Janet. "Ah, and that reminds me, about decorating," he says, and turns to look about the room until he spots Scott.

"Scott, had an idea for some decorations for the trick or treaters that I figured might be right up your alley. And give them a bit of a thrill at the same time. Mind if I stop by later to see what you think?" he asks Scott.

Pietro Maximoff has posed:
Thor receives the same Asgardian handshake that Pietro had read about - firm and proper. "It is appreciated. I would agree with you as well." He mentions, looking to the God of Thunder. "But I have to say that being a father is ... very much something I am fond of. It is a whole world open to me that I hadn't considered previously, in my lifetime." A slight smile. "Please, be at home."

A nod to Natasha, chuckling just a tiny bit. "Yes, we are celebrating her as well. I was hoping to see Lorna tonight as well - perhaps affairs of Genosha have her busy." A shrug. The busy lives of the family.

Scott gets a nod. "Very true. I consider Micola and the children in every decision. It is a whole new perspective on the world." Pietro's past is not spotless at all, the man giving a pat to Scott's shoulder. "You are a hero to your daughter, Scott."

Micola Maximoff has posed:
"Hello Bruce and Steve. I appreciate you both coming." Micola tells the two men as she gets close enough to. "And thank you, we didn't want to become the Addams family, but...it definitely has it's influences." she muses to Captain America. Then she was about to answer Thor, but Pietro gets there, "Yes, I'm Pietro's wife. Our one year is coming up in a few months." she chuckles. Oh crap, it had almost been a year! She returns air kisses to Janet and has no problem carrying things!

Miss D'Angelo (Ariadne) gives a wave and a smile to the Avenger's that flood the rooms, "Good to meet all of you, I'm the Mother-In-Law." she chuckles.

Micola and Ariadne get the twins (who are identical!) ready to go and then start a slow pace towards the door, "I'll be right back. Just going to help mom get them in the car and see them off." she tells Pietro is a murmur. "I think you've got it handled." she teases him. "And it's nice to meet you, Scott." she grins to Antman on the way by.

Janet van Dyne has posed:
Janet /mostly/ manages a civil smile at Steve's compliment. But when he turns abruptly to address Scott, her eyes narrow in flickering irritation at his broad shoulders. Then the expression evaporates so fast that even Pietro might think he was imagining things, and th that perfectly sociable smile returns to her fair features.

Fingernails drum on the lacquered wood while she considers her choices. When the bartender gives her the nod, Janet lifts her chin. "I'll do a mojito," she requests of the bartender, and turns in her seat with one leg crossed over her knee so she's facing outwards to be more social, hooking one of her shoe heels over a stool rung.

When she spots Scott making the rounds, Janet twiddles her fingers at him in an idle greeting from across the room. Then the lady of the house is passing by again, and she beams a smile at her. "Micola, I love this house," she gushes at the other woman. "It's got Gothic Revival written all over it. Is this a family house or did you and Pietro pick it up off the market?" she inquires.

Thor has posed:
    Pietro's words are met with an open smile on the Asgardian's features. Certainly the prince looks a touch haggard, a bit scruffy still with his hair and beard shorn short. Then there's that eyepatch giving him a hint of the halloween season aforehand. But the smile transforms him for the moment into something like his gregarious self.
    Then Micola addresses him and his eyebrow rises, "A year already?" The Thunderer shakes his head and takes a deep breath. "Well if you have endured so long with Quicksilver, then you must be a strong woman of great will." Though his smile given back toward Pietro is meant to perhaps remove any hint of a sting to those words.
    "Madame." When introduced to Ariadne he lowers his gaze in the form of a bow, though trying not to interfere with her departure.

Scott Lang has posed:
"And you to the twins," Scott says back to Pietro. An honesty in his voice that Pietro should hear. It's simply ne Dad talking to another. "Just gotta keep putting the past further behind you," he understands that Pietro's past is questionable. He just hopes that the twins keep Pietro on a similar path.

Seeing Steve approach, Scott stands a little more at attention. Cap's legacy is vast and even spreads into other realms, thanks to Thor. He's among the many people that try to look presentable near the guy, no slouching, stand up straight, that sort of thing. "Yeah! Who would say 'No' to the Captain?" Scott replies back with a mixture of sadness and excitement. Yes, he is an Avenger, but he views himself as a little guy compared to all of them. "We could make the bite size candy into anything but," Scott's not quite thinking in the same ballpark as cap.

A nod and a wave goes to Janet. Though he will pause, "Did I just see that?" he mouths to himself, turning his head. He swears Janet's expression changed, but it didn't last. Now he wonders if it was in his head.

Bruce Banner has posed:
Hearing his name, Bruce turns towards the voice and sees Thor. He smirks a little, wary of a bear hug,"Thor. It's been a long time." he greets the other,"You look like you are doing well." He watches as the other's attention moves on and so he looks back to Steve,"I am told we need to be prepared for her to...geek out I think the phrase was."

Steve Rogers has posed:
"Excellent," Steve says to Scott Lang at his reply. "Hopefully it'll be something to really wow them," he says, a smile growing at the thought of doing that for New York's children. "I think I should probably get a drink in hand before someone pulls out some mead from other realms," he adds with a quick grin, and then goes over to the bar to get a drink.

Outside, a form drifts down from the sky. Wearing a dark purple and red outfit with a cape and helmet, Magneto lands on the front steps, removing his helmet and holding it as his side as he approaches the door. The door's knob turns of its own accord and swings open as he steps inside. "Can it be my son and daughter have aged another year?" the older man announces in the kind of voice that tends to draw attention to it.

Erik Lensherr's eyes go to Pietro, flashing a smile at him. Magneto is just walking forward towards him when he spots Micola, and two babies with hair of a color that catches Magneto by surprise. "What... Pietro... is this...?" he says slowly, the Master of Magnetism caught by surprise by the sight of the twin babes.

Thor has posed:
    After a small bit of time, Thor takes up a place around the small circle that has sprung up around Cap. Moving to stand behind his shoulder and a step to the right, the taller and so very dashing Asgardian tilts his head to the side, listening to the back and forth of the conversation between Steve and Scott. But then his attention is snared by Bruce's words. "Not too long, for it does not seem to have treated you ill, Banner. I am made glad of your presence. Fortuitous it seems."
    A glance to the side at the doorway is given as the prince lifts his chin slightly catching sight of Magneto's arrival. Thor chews on the inside of his cheek thoughtfully then takes a moment to murmur quietly toward Cap, likely in a tone not too easily carried.
    "He is currently..." A pause, then takes a gamble. "_Not_ a terrorist?" For tis true, Thor is not up on current events.

Pietro Maximoff has posed:
There's no frown to Thor, he can take a good-natured ribbing. At least now he can. A year. It's so long to the man, it feels as if it has been forever - in a good way! "A year. And every breath worth it." He assures Thor. "How have you been? It has been too long."

Janet's mask slipping was spotted, but not commented on. It's clear to Pietro that she wants to present the facade - he's not going to disrupt that.

It appears that Pietro was going to respond to Scott and Steve - but the newest guest has him paused for what feels like an eternity to the speedster. He looks from Erik to Micola, then back. "This is my family - my wife, Micola. And my daughters, Sorina and Luminata." The man explains, standing up straight. "I was not sure if you were going to be able to attend. Thank you for being here, father."

Micola Maximoff has posed:
Micola sees the door swing wide and honestly she's heard Magneto's voice on the television. She gives a look to her mother who has Sori and she reaches up to brace her hand against the back of Lumi's head as she comes to a stop and she offers a smile to Erik, "You're welcome to come in." she tells him.

She gives a look to Pietro and lets him take everything in before she says anything.

"Do we need to stay for a little longer so that they can visit?" she offers. Grandparents being negotiable? Stop the presses!

Steve Rogers has posed:
Steve Rogers turns back with a drink in hand now. He grins to Bruce Banner and says, "I think I've encountered that once or twice before. We should be able to handle it."

The entrance of Magneto definitely draws a few eyes, Steve included. The moment at least seems far more amiable than the last time Steve found himself with Magneto. A time that thankfully ended before it turned violent.

Leaning over near to Thor, Steve gives a discrete nod of his head. "Last I saw of him, he surrendered rather than engage in violence over a train carrying... well, things that he had issues with. Well-founded." Steve is a little more tense than he was, but only a little. One wouldn't expect this to be an event Magneto would make a scene, of all people.

And indeed, the older man's focus seems entirely on his family. Including two members he didn't seem to know about. Magneto stares at the two children, a smile growing slowly across his face. Though as much as one can tell he's longing to go to the babes, Erik turns his attention first to Micola. He steps forward. "Madam, I offer my apologies for not having had the pleasure to have met you before this. I know that if Pietro has chosen to start a family with you that it says all I need to know about your character. I hope you can forgive an old man for his absence."

Magneto turns his head to Pietro. "Too many birthdays having known such an absence. I did not wish to miss this one, Pietro," he says.

Bruce Banner has posed:
Social cues. Banner is bad at them. However, there are certain things he just can't miss. Tension in several causes him to frown and looks up. His eyes find Magneto and his brow raises as the moment of "oh, now I see" seems to wash over him. It's been a while since he's been in an instant stress situaion, but not long enough.

Making a concentrated effort to not get too excited. A few slow breaths to steady his heart rate. Nothing has happened, but he knows better than anyone how fast that can change. He nods to what Steve says, but mostly stays in his lane, not staring, just wary.

Janet van Dyne has posed:
Say what one will about Janet, but she is the epitome of 'ride or die'. Even abruptly face-to-face with one of the most dangerous men in the world. All the charming demeanour and abundance of emotional sharing drains away, and is replaced by the sort of bleak expression that lends credence to the phrase 'if looks could kill'.

Janet places herself closer to Micola, not quite getting in the way but making it clear that Micola and the twins are her priority. Still, she's taking her cues from Steve, and when the Star-Spangled Man doesn't cream Magneto with a right cross, she relaxes her posture. Even manages to look convivial, especially when the barman slides her drink over across the counter.

It's collected and Janet pinches the straw to her lips to take a few careful sips-- but totally stays focused on the situation at hand, of course!

Thor has posed:
    "Decently so," Thor had been about to answer Pietro further in the back and forth of the discussion, but the arrival of the Master of Magnetism had caused them to ease apart as Quicksilver's focus naturally needed to shift to the newly arrived patriarch.
    He settles in at Cap's side. Folding his arms over his broad chest, Thor maintains that thoughtful look as he considers the elder mutant, nodding slowly with a small 'hrmm'.
    A moment passes then he nods, "Fortunate then."
    He slaps his hands together then, rubbing them partially as he shifts his attention back. "So, the tale. How the good captain is known throughout the cosmos, his name on the tongue of every pirate and ravager from here to Knowhere."

Micola Maximoff has posed:
Micola is very much focused on Magneto, he's sort of a larger than life presence, especially to other Mutants. When he addresses her there is a smile and she shifts Lumi to reach out and offer a hand, "I know that you are quite busy so there's no need for apologies. Everything works in its own time." she explains. "Do I call you Mister Lensherr?" she asks the older man. She realizes that the mood of the party has shifted and that is expected.

But better to make the most of it!

There is a grateful look given to Janet, but she doesn't feel in danger. At least not yet. For the moment, she is watching things unfold. "Anyone need anything?" she asks the other guests with a smile.

Pietro Maximoff has posed:
There's a nod from Pietro to Erik, the younger man losing some of the tension in his frame. A smile of reassurance to Micola and her mother. Then back to his father, he nods. "Please, come in." The man offers, a smile slowly forming on his face. "I am hoping Wanda makes her way here, and Lorna." A smirk. "Else I will need to run Wanda's gift to her after the party." Quicksilver delivery!

Looking to the assembled Avengers, he nods to all. "I believe you may already know most of the attendees tonight, father?" The man moves to stand beside Micola and her mother. Looking to the former, he smiles. "Perhaps we can arrange a meeting later for him to spend time with us and the girls? Perhaps a dinner?"

Steve Rogers has posed:
Steve Rogers's eyes meet Janet's as they are both a little tense about the guest who it seems might not have been expected by anyone. Whatever things might be, it still probably takes no more for a glance between the two for Janet to tell Steve is only mildly at alert and the suggestion that things are probably ok to let play out as they are. Also there's that look of confidence that Steve gest from knowing Janet is there, having everyone's back.

Turning to Thor, Steve keeps only half an eye on the rest of the party then. "Pirates and ravagers you say?" he asks in a slow voice, as if wondering if he wishes to hear this tale or not. But his expression quickly shows investment, trusting in the Asgardian as Steve says, "Please, regale me with it. I have been wondering at how you've been, my friend."

Magneto's resonant voice has a way of filling the room, even when he isn't seeking to make it a commanding tone. "I assure you, Micola, if I may call you that, apologies were needed," he says more gently. "Please, if you would prefer that you may. Or Erik. I don't know that I am worth of a 'father' yet, but if you ever felt that was appropriate, you would be welcome to it," Erik assures his daughter-in-law.

At Pietro's comment about the other attendees, Magneto turns to survey the room. "I do indeed," he says, inclining his head towards the various Avengers. Steve gives him a nod back when he sees it. Magneto will refocus on Pietro then to say, "I would very much enjoy that, Pietro. Name the time and I will be there."

Thor has posed:
    "Ah yes, we know of him." Thor offers a lift of one hand. A smile toward Lensherr. Not quite the same as the one that touched his good eye when he greeted his contemporaries. But still, it would be a rare soul who could take exception with it. "Good e'en to you."
    Yet that hesitance does not entirely flee the Asgardian's manner. It takes him a slight bit more amount of time before he resettles into that casual ease of being amongst his comrades. "Ah well, you see. It all started at the Starport if you recall."
    Which is the beginning to a tale that will likely take... some telling.

Pietro Maximoff has posed:
The party resumes - though there's always just those eggshells to walk upon. Erik, the gentleman, causes no trouble or stirs no pots. Pietro manages to speak to all, to thank all for attending for the twins. Good wishes are passed on, and assured that he'll send as many as he can towards Wanda if needed.

The cake and food are delicious, more of a Greek bent to the cuisine. Music inspires dancing for the couple, if only for a bit. All in all, Pietro is far less cold than he ever has been in previous encounters.

Near the end of the night, he's a gracious host in thanking everyone. "Thank you all for coming, and blessing our home with your laughter and presence. I am honored and touched that you all took time to come celebrate another year. It means the world to me."