15932/TCOMC: The Release Party

TCOMC: The Release Party
Date of Scene:	21 October 2023
Location:	Sion - Nightclub
Synopsis:	After the premiere of 'The Count of Monte Cristo', attendees head over to Sion for the release party!
Cast of Characters:	Michael Hannigan, Ben Reilly, Norman Osborn, Jaina Hudson, Billy Batson, Phoebe Beacon, Richard Stadler, Caleb Dykstra, Damian Wayne
Tinyplot:	The Count of Monte Cristo

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Michael Hannigan has posed:
This Saturday night Sion is the place for celebration. After well over a year of work on the musical film, The Count of Monte Cristo has reached completion status. Those involved with the process and the industry have been treated to the first showing of the finished product. Along with those involved, several special guests and lucky winners of tickets from a combination of charity drive give aways, auctions, and promotional events sposored by Oscorp also got to view the film as well.

And now it's time to party!

Yet another pair of well dressed persons have arrived and showed their invitations to the one watching the mirrored entrance. After a bit of inspection, the door is opened, granting the new arrivals entrance.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thumpa Thumpa Thump Thump Thump. Thumpa Thumpa Thump Thump Thump.

While the sounds of music escaping from the door hints to those strolling along outside of Club Sion that club is open, the sign outside stating that a special event is going on inside is more than enough to indicate it's not quite a regular night there. If that still was not enough, the photographers stationed outside taking pictures of those arriving should be another indication.

It's likely the hottest party in New York tonight.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inside the club is in full swing. A decently sized list of local musicians fill up the roster coupled with some excellent DJs filling in the gaps between stage sets. Regardless of who is playing, the music is primed for dancing. There are a number of bodies already moving upon the dance floor while the tables that surround the floor are being occupied by other guests who have opted to relax and have drinks. Upon those who are drinking alcoholic beverages, black and gold age verification wristbands appear to be the common theme. For those without, well, there are plenty of alcohol free options available should they want something from the bar.

On the upper floor, other guests are situated, observing the party below but not having to talk over the sounds that are being blocked. They've forgone the dancing and instead are using the time to network, cooking up ideas for future projects as they look to the fishbowl below to determine who to use.

As for one Michael Hannigan, he is currently out and about as his stage persona of Nick Drago. Gone are the second hand clothing and in is the simple but pristine attire of his suit. The red of the dress shirt pops in contrast to the black of the rest of the attire. Even the ribbon that holds back his lengthy locks is of a black fabric. He has joined the other fish swimming about the first floor. Currently he is chatting with Dimitri Carpentier, the man who portrayed the chief antagonist, Fernand Mondego.

Ben Reilly has posed:
While he is not entirely sure how he merited an invitation to the hottest party in New York tonight, Ben Reilly is certainly going to do his best to enjoy it.

Although truth be told, his mind fell into a bit of a dark place while watching the story play out on screen. The idea of deception, questions about who is who, and one's place in the world and reinvention cut really deeply to the core of who he is. What he is.

And so by the time the movie has concluded and the gathering has made its way to the party, he has made his way rapidly to the bar. He is not a drinker, never has been, and neither was the man from which he was cloned. But tonight?

Tonight might be a three or four drink night.

Maybe eight.

Norman Osborn has posed:
Through the entrance, an older, fit man in a tuxedo enters, with a beautiful Asian woman on his arm. Norman Osborn smiles to the people at the entrance who greet him, offering congratulations on the film that Norman himself sports a producer credit on.

The woman on his arm might be known to some, a business woman and philanthropist from Gotham. Norman takes another congratulation before turning his smile to Jaina Hudson. "I'm quite glad you were able to join me tonight," Norman tells her, reaching over to rest a hand on hers for a moment. "I can't think of a more charming person to have viewed the screening with," he tells her.

He smiles at the lovely woman, who favors her famous Bollywood mother in her appearance. Norman quietly runs through in his mind his research on her. Jaina owning a company that has dealings with one Norman recently bought out. Leaving him wondering just how much of a coincidence meeting her the other day had really been.

Jaina Hudson has posed:
A dress, and heels, on a tallish Indian woman of striking good looks makes for...well...a stunning figure. On the arm of Norman enters Jaina. She is wearing the proverbial 'little black dress', short, though not especially low cut, with matching black stilettos. She says to her 'date'? 'Escort'? 'Chaperone'? as they walk, "So, as I was saying Amalgamated isn't going to be able to provide the throughput you need for at least another fifteen quarters. We are talking almost four years of upgrades. It makes more sense to keep the current customerbase while expanding production, THEN turning over to Oscorp production full time...." That she is at a movie premiere afterparty does not seem to faze or awe her at all. She barely gives a glance to the entertainment, or the other fancy actors and directors that are hanging about. This isn't 'act like you've been there before', this is 'I grew up in this environment and treat it like second nature'.

Billy Batson has posed:
Billy Batson has stepped to one side and is speaking quietly into his phone. "I can send an Uber for you or you can... you know over here... I'm pretty sure you can borrow a dress from Rosa... oh, you have a date. This is different. Nah, I'll be fine, have a flute of sparkling cider and slip out. She's busy. I don't know. Just busy. Irie is not imaginary! See you later... I want to hear about this date." He closes the phone and hits the bar for a cola.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Pheobe Wayne was in the house tonight, sparkling smile, dangling diamond earrings that catch every light and sparkle, her pink hair braided in intricate waves as she manuevers around the crowds. She was wearing a black dress with cap sleeves to cover her shoulders that melted into a blue ombre, round-toed heels adding to her height. The matte black-cherry lipstick she was wearing was still perfect. She had the smokey-eye thing going, and she had a blue-to-black iridescent clutch in her hand as she moves about the bar.

    She wasn't great with crowds, but she was here to support Nick and help lend the Wayne name to the considerable star-power of the movie.

    That and she had a blast slinging boxes of skittles and sour patch kids to people during the pre-show.



    And then as she makes her way to the bar, she thinks she sees a familiar back of the head -- and keeping him in her side-view, she leans over.

    "Hi, could I have a Shirley Temple please?" she asks with a bright smile.

Richard Stadler has posed:
Richard Stadler was certainly going to the premiere of the movie itself; A few days wrangling teenagers and ensuring they didn't make the exceedingly bad life choices that followed a lot of those working in the film industry was worth a ticket, and he hadn't been to one of those before. And... well. He wouldn't lie and say he didn't have a smile on his face when some of his students showed up in background roles.

On the whole, though, a rather fine 'Nick Drago' film, if he had to use his own limited knowledge on the subject. But despite the success of the premiere, he had almost headed home afterward. He was feeling all of his near half century, and the last thing he wanted to do spend an evening sweating in a rented tuxedo among a sea of humanity and loud music.

But, like the film premiere, he realized he hadn't done something like this in a while, and, as far as he knew, you only lived once. Which meant he followed in past one of the producers who had a finery suit and much finery company than he could hope for. Wristband on his wrist, he headed to the bar and made the smart call.

"Ahh.. Could I get a glass of ice water?" He said, before grumbling and speaking louder. "Ice water!"

Music. Bah.

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
Well, of all the familiar faces here that took part in the movie, Caleb's is one of the likeliest to be recognized. His part is so small as an extra, that some of the upper crust might wonder why is he here at all. Just a while back he heard someone say 'wasn't he one of the stunt doubles?', while another said 'I didn't know extras were allowed...'.

Well, whatever. In Gotham, the crime boss he parted ways with and his underlings had said a lot worse, and took advantage of him, so he had a very thick skin regarding socialite gossiping.

Sitting on a couch nursing a drink, a young girl is sitting by his side, dressed in black and purple tones. Caleb is dressed also in dark, but his second tone is a dark red, and no tie. Stylish, but not that he would obfuscate the others around him - if anything, more designed to slip by.

Both are drinking something non-alcoholic: Sheila - the young girl - is drinking an orange juice, while Caleb drinks something green and likely minty.

Damian Wayne has posed:
At least Ben can drink. Damian, on the other hand, is in the wrong country for such. America and it's archaic laws. However, he had agreed tonight to accompany Phoebe and provide an arm for her to claim. Surely there is a security detail somewhere nearby for the pair of Waynes.

However, to match Phoebe, he has dressed to the nines. A finely made woolen Turnbull & Asser tuxedo of black. A white button shirt is beneath, tied off at the neck neatly with a hand-tied bowtie of black. A single button is engaged on the tux that was custom made for his youthful grace and he carries himself with the same training as one that spent years in a private boarding school before doing a couple of years at Happy Harbor. For the social experience, his Father had said.

The pants are tailored, leading down to polished black Italian leather shoes that pad gently on the floor of the theater. The only splash of color is a square of blue ombre that matches his escorts dress. His hair is carefully cared and coifed into a slightly elevated slicked back style.

However, now that the lights are up, it gives Damian a chance to scout those that came in attendance, bright green eyes that exuberate youth are also attentive and taking it all in.

He'll probably write a detailed report later. "Apple highball with Ritual Zero Proof." he orders for a drink.

Billy Batson has posed:
Billy Batson reacts to the sudden female presence in his peripheral vision with a slight jump. "Irie, you ma... oh. Hi Phoebe! Sorry. Nice to see you. I thought Irie made it. Am I salvaging this at all? You must no what I mean. Sometimes she's just there. I just get jumpy. I used to have a bullying problem." He pulls a stool out for her.

Norman Osborn has posed:
Norman Osborn escorts Jaina further in, the young woman receiving his full attention as she brings up Amalgamated Chemical. And confirming for Norman that the chance meeting of the Gotham woman was likely not so much something that had been left to chance.

He smiles to her, giving a small nod that seems related to what she is saying. "I suspect the run up won't be quite so long," he says, knowing the statement might set Jaina's mind down several different paths of wondering. Does Norman have another company involved with the Amalgamated acquisition as well? Does Oscorp have a new technology that could be deployed there? And if so, what impact might it have on her own company?

No more than the seed of those thoughts is given by Norman as he then gives Jaina's hand a soft pat where it rests on his arm. "I think drinks might be in order. What is it that you favor tonight?" he asks as he walks her towards the bar. They end up at a space beside Phoebe Beacon. Though Norman doesn't recognize the young woman, he gives her a charming smile and nod.

Ben Reilly has posed:
Something nags at the back of Ben's mind as he stands at the bar obtaining what will be the first of likely many drinks. He starts to regret having come, or at least, regrets not having read the book first.

But then a familiar voice appears behind him and he turns around, managing to manifest a smile on his face despite his overall mood.

"Phoebe!" he says, the excitement registering at least as earnest. "How are you? It's been..." He thinks to himself. Yeah, it's been a while.

"What brings you here?"

Jaina Hudson has posed:
"A whiskey sour." Jaina replies politely enough as she's led along towards the bar. She doesn't seem to take note of Phoebe at all. Why should she? Rather she continues to press Norman, "If you think you can cut that in half, you're STILL talking two years of nothing coming out of that company. So, either you're trying to screw me by cutting off my main supplier, or you're just doing this as some sort of power play to get my attention. Which is it, Mr. Osborne?" Jaina asks, narrowing her eyes as she looks at Norman, considering him.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Phoebe gives a small smile, leaning back a moment to look to Billy with understanding.

    "Big crowds don't seem to be Irie's thing -- she has to work out some of her nervous energy, I imagine -- but really, if you're mistaking me for Irie -- maybe it's time to get your prescription checked?" Phoebe gives a small smile, the young woman motioning to the green-eyed young man behind her.

    "This is my younger brother, Damian Wayne. Damian, this is Billy Batson, he runs a podcast about various superheroes. He's recently made complaints tha--"

    And Ben turns around. She feels her breath halt a moment, dark eyes sparkling. Of course some things have changed. She wears a wide ribbon of a choker-collar around her neck, very elegant, and her braided hair ... it's dusky pink.

    "Ben!" she gives a bright smile. "Oh my gosh, it has been, over a year! And -what- a year!" she allows her shoulders to drop slightly, the young spare heir giving a smile to Norman Osborne, straightening a little -- of course she knows Norman Osborne. Business mogul right up there with Bruce Wayne.

    "Come over -- this is my brother Damian, and my friend Billy. I'm a friend of Nick Drogo's, so I'm here supporting his project." she explains with a grin.

Damian Wayne has posed:
With Phoebe drawing in all the attention, her escort lifts a brow. "Well," Damian reasons, "Your last name was Beacon." That said with a mote of amusement as the young man that has been beside Phoebe this entire time first notices Billy. "Hello, Mister Baston. I hope you are doing well. Especially with the young lady who could not attend tonight." he offers politely.

He doesn't know Ben, so there's nothing there. Sorry, Phoebe, on your own.

Norman, HOWEVER. "I must congratulate you, Mister Osborn." Damian offers with a smile, polite and sweet as sugar. "I had thought my father's bid would have been enough to make the grade. The Oscorp bid was unexpected." His hand is extended to Norman, and his date. "Damian Wayne. This..." a gesture to the perfectly coifed and manicured Phoebe, "Is my adopted older sister, Phoebe. It is nice to meet someone that has consistently made the Fortune 500 for the last ten years running."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
With each person arriving to the bar and getting situated there, the bartender's alert eyes keeps track of the respective wrists. Ensuring that those who order the alcoholic beverages are allowed to order them. He doesn't even need to check Sheila. Definitely no alcohol for that child.

There's a pause as Damian starts opening up with his order. A brow starting to lift before he specifies the composition. A nod is given and he turns to create the mocktail.

After an exchange of laughter comes from between the costars, Nick gives a nod to Dimitri before they part ways. Glancing over towards the bar area, the rocker smirks to the gathering of familiar faces. The performer makes his way over. Seeing Phoebe currently engaged, he ends up moving over towards Caleb, Sheila, and Richard. "Evening guys." He greets. "Glad you could make it."

Ben Reilly has posed:
"Yeah, quite a year," murmurs Ben, reaching up to rub at the back of his head with his spare hand as he takes a decidedly large drink from his glass.

"It's good to see you. I hope everything's been good, and all." He looks over at Damian and Billy and smiles to each of them. "Pleased to meet you both. Ben Reilly."

But something isn't right. Something is distracting him.

There's a buzzing in his head, and he has only just started drinking. Which is probably not a good sign.

Billy Batson has posed:
Billy Batson regards Damian coolly for a couple ticks. Then he smiles and sticks his hand out. "Oh I know Damian from school. Nice to see you again." He heaves out the stuff about Damian dating Freddy -whatever, none of his business. He also leaves out the business of stalking him on suspicious conduct. After all Damian was right and Billy had a secret named Shazam. Which he now knew.

Billy turns to Phoebe, "She, lacks life experience. I helped her learn to drive, and Damian and I taught her to swim. This sort of thing helps but yeah. She needs more confidence, for... ordinary life things."

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Phoebe's eyebrows draw up, and she looks at the distracted look Ben's getting. And she goes to cover for him:

    "Did you forget to pick your cat at the daycare again?" she asks, offering Ben a quick out if needed.

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
Caleb frowns at the mention of the name Phoebe, and as the conversation develops into the mentioning of Damian, he starts to turn his head to see...

And it's Sheila that's jumping out of her seat to go and join the familiar face. "PHOEBE!", she says with high-pitched enthusiasm. "You made it! I'm so glad!"

Caleb gets up and approaches, taking a large gulp of his drink and stting it on a tray nearby. "Hey there, Phoebe." To Damian, "Damian." He looks at Billy and Ben. "I... Don't think we've met. I'm Caleb Dykstra."

Richard Stadler has posed:
     Stadler does recognize a few voices, a few people, and...

He frowns a moment, grabbing a glass of icewater, sipping it, and looking over those about. "Folks, the last time I checked, the drinking age in this state was 21, and there seems to be a... /lot/ of you hanging around the bar here." Hey, at least being a buzzkill was a familiar role. Or maybe he just fell into it because he recognized a lot of those in finery from the hallways of Happy Harbor. And elsewhere.

"Ms. Wayne. Good to see you again. Were you involved with the production? I may have missed something in the credits. Mr. Wayne, Mr, Batson, Mr. Dykstra- Please watch you sister." He just seems to be a be oddles of fun. But at least there was another adult just about.

"Mr. Drago!" He would actually make an attempt to be personable, holding out a free hand to the man as he approched. "I have to say, it was not a bad film. I felt like it went over quite well. Any word from the critics? Or... do they see those things earlier?"

Norman Osborn has posed:
Norman Osborn and Jaina arrive at the bar, and Norman has his attention drawn by Jaina pressing him on the business venture. "Miss Hudson, I never... well, I rarely would devote such resources merely towards getting someone's attention. Though if I were to, there are likely few women whose attention would be so worth it as your own," he says, giving the back of her fingers a soft kiss before he smiles at her in a charming fashion and then turns to place her order. "A whiskey sour, and a glass of the Macallan," he tells the bartender.

Norman starts to turn, which would have the effect of bringing him face to face with the clone of Peter Parker, friend of his son Harry. Though Damian Wayne draws his attention just before Norman has completed the turn. "Ah, yes, Bruce's son," Norman says. He offers Damian a handshake. Norman gives Phoebe a warmer smile then, saying, "A pleasure to meet you as well. Norman Osborn, and this is Jaina Hudson, who hails from your own hometown," he adds. "If it came as a surprise then I'll take that as compliment, Damian. Your father's business acumen is of course, so very well known. But there is always an opportunity for win-win relationships," he says. Norman's eyes flit over to Jaina for a moment. Was that a message for her as well as for the Wayne scion?

Billy Batson has posed:
Billy Batson nods in agreement to Caleb. "Billy Batson here." Well Shazam met Caleb performing some shady business. He's a little surprised to see he wasn't lying to the Big Red Cheese about having a sister.

However, Caleb knows Phoebe and Phoebe is a straight shooter from what he's seen. He lets that go and instead smiles at Sheila,

"And who would you be? I'm Billy."

Damian Wayne has posed:
If there is any history between Billy and Damian, the younger Wayne doesn't seem to be showing it. Instead he's allowing Phoebe handle that part of the conversation, while he provides some much needed cover for her by intercepting those that he can handle more professionally.

"Hello, Caleb." he greets, his tone polite, as he makes note of the young man and then down to the girl that is rushing Phoebe. "Do you know my sister?" he asks Phoebe. "She may be a little busy at the moment, perhaps she can talk to you later?"

Now that he has his non-alcoholic drink, he tips in greetings of Mister Stadler as he steps away from Phoebe, allowing her to touch the spotlight of society that has been hoisted upon her in this moment.

His attention is instead focused upon Norman, "Ah. I have only started to dip my toe into my father's business affairs and the largesse of companies and ties that he has. I hope at some point that I could show myself to be as much of a force as he is. But I am sure that there could be opprotunity between Oscorp and Wayne Enterprises. I believe you have a son around my age? Perhaps I can invite him for an outing sometime." he suggests.

Ben Reilly has posed:
"What?"

Ben turns and looks at Phoebe, and confusion washes over his face. And then off, as he nods quickly. "Oh yes, of course, how silly of me."

He swallows the last of the drink, and smiles at Phoebe. It's a forced smile that doesn't touch his eyes, but the effort counts, right?

"Let's catch up, soon. I just got back into town a couple of weeks ago and have been sorting, uh, some things out, but..."

He doesn't finish the sentence, moving fluidly through the crowd to check on his "cat".

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    "Mr. Osborn, Ms. Hudson, the pleasure's mine." Phoebe comments, and she gives them both a pleasant, if distracted smile. "From Gotham as well? I'm so, so sorry." she offers as a joke to Jaina, and then turns again.

    Phoebe hears her name again. She feels her heart rise in her throat as she turns, and her smile grows a little wider as Sheila comes up to join her. The hair on the back of her neck stands up. Her chest tightens, closed in a little bit as she is and Damian might be able to pick up on the discomfort.

    "Sheila! Oh, look at you!" she states, drawing down a little to her eye-level, balancing perfectly in those heels (which are DEFINITELY not stillettos), "Here to celebrate the accomplishments as well?" she gives a grin, "Did you catch one of the skittles boxes I was slinging into the audience?" she asks playfully, and then gives a smile up to Caleb.

    "This, is Miss Sheila Dykstra, and her older brother Caleb Dykstra. Also originally from Gotham." she gives a smile to the grouping.

    "And Mr. Stadler, what a pleasure to see you here as well. Did I miss a memo about a Happy Harbor meet-up? I'll get out of the way if so!" she jokes, and as Ben leaves she gives a smile, and motions with her eyes upwards. As in the Rooftops. Because hey, best place for a quiet conversation.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
The general proximity of Nick to the excited shout Shiela lets out causes for the musician to turn his head quickly. Not to look accusingly at anyone but more to not pick up as much of the sound being produced. "Well, she's got lungs." Nick comments lowly, bringing up a hand to his ear, slightly wincing. A glance shifts over to Richard. Hearing the commentary regarding alcohol he gives a slight smile. "That's why we have the wristbands." He responds, holding up the band that declares him to be over 21. "Also the bars have juice, soda, and-" He nods to Rick's glass. "Water."

Seeing the hand offered, he takes it, giving it a shake. "And thanks, Mr. Stadler." He replies, going with the form that the teacher has selected. "Coming from you I will take that as a compliment. As for the reviews, we'll probably hear about them later. But kind of a pinch of salt thing with some of them."

Hearing Phoebe call out to Richard, Nick tilts his head to look to Phoebe, lifting up a hand to give her a wave.

Norman Osborn has posed:
"I'm sure Harry would enjoy that," Norman replies to Damian of the offer of inviting the younger Osborn. "Probably a good idea for the future leaders of tomorrow to get to know one another, at that. Harry could certainly use focusing his head in on more serious matters," Norman says, his tone of his son at the end a touch critical.

The drinks are delivered and Norman delivers Jain's whiskey sour to her before taking his aged scotch. He sips it and then Phoebe is drawing Norman's attention back. Just in time for Ben Reilly to have turned and head off across the room. Norman gives a moment's pause, thinking that looks like young Peter heading off across the room. If so he'll have to catch him later. Good kid, that Parker. Too bad Harry isn't as serious about his studies.

"I was quite pleased with how the film turned out," Norman comments to those around him. "I wish I'd had more time for it, but being a part of the production process, making decisions on filming locations and such, was really quite the experience," he says.

In truth his assistant did more in Norman's producer role than Norman did. But he did attend some of the production meetings. Perhaps to the frustrations of others of the cast as the senior Osborn rarely bends his opinion once formed.

Richard Stadler has posed:
     "Oh, I understand." Rick said, giving a bit of a rueful smile. "But have to keep these kids honest, you know. Crowded party, bartenders don't remember faces too well and the next thing you know one of these kids," he say, again, referring to a group all over the age of 18, "sneaks a rum and coke or an old fashioned they're not prepared for." He says, taking a longer pull on his ice water. "Or maybe I just don't know how to have fun. Here's hoping the reviews come through positive, though. It's a hell of a thing to have on a resume, I'll tell you that."

To Phoebe, he gives a bit of a comical nod. "Seems that way, doesn't it? Granted it's nice to see a lot of the old students here, thriving well enough, but there's a method to the madness. Someone connected with the production," Safer that way; he didn't know how... deep cover the Nick Drago persona was, but caution was a watchword, "invited a number of the students to help out with the production. You might have noticed one of the Geishas? Another previous student; haven't seen her about, and I hope I'm just missing her about. Bouncers probably aren't, but, well."

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
"I'm Sheila", the young girl says to Billy. "He's my older brother." There's a bit of pride as she says that. "And nice to meet you, Billy." Turning her head to Phoebe, she drops her chin. "That was you...??" She chuckles, "Well, some people really should learn when to be quiet during a movie."

Caleb all the while, listens to the interactions, and then, Richard walks into the scene. Now, he doesn't really know Caleb, the ferociously ever-protective brother. But Caleb takes the recommendation like a champ, and he nods. "Yes, well... When it comes to watching over my kid sister here, Mr. Stadler, first comes me, myself, and I, /and then/ the Almighty. So not to worry." A winning smile.

To Osborn, he listens with a smile, but the difference in social strata is so much, that he makes no comment, only cheers timefully.

Damian Wayne has posed:
There's a small chuckle from Damian to Norman. "My father believes that I should socialize with my peers more often. Most of my life was spent overseas in private schools and training and it never allowed my social life to flourish. So he suggests that I take outings such as this to collaborate and fraternize with both peers and scions of society. I am sure he would be pleased to know that we have met." Damian offers a polite bow of his head to Jaina. "Your date is rather lovely, and I should not continue to take you away from her. Have a good evening, Mister Osborn."

Excusing himself from Norman, he returns to Phoebe's side, a hand on the small of her back to alert her that he has returned and an inquisitive lift of a brow to assure that she is well and able to continue, even as he is taking out his phone, in case they need an excuse to depart.

In the meantime, as Norman mentions the movie, Damian agrees. "It was quite entertaining." In truth, Damian was slumped in his seat for most of it B-O-R-E-D. But the movie really wasn't his cup of tea. Not near enough explosions and slashery.

Or a romantic movie with deep rooted and growing ties between two people from unexpected backgrounds coming together to discover the others heart even with the animosity of their different lives and the difficulty of the world around them.

He's totally a sucker for those.

But you can rip out his nails and he'll never admit it.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
"Although, if they're all sitting here instead of blending into a crowd, doesn't that make the policing job easier? Spot someone with no wristband sipping a drink, take it away." Nick comments, head turning as Rick brings up the connection with a mention of 'someone'. Nick chuckles, "Happy Harbor has a work study program with Shaw Studios and some Entertainment Industry studies options. Through that, they had opportunities to pick up some film work. Mostly extras work but it's interesting."

Jaina Hudson has posed:
The flattery seems to get Norman nowhere, as Jaina just hmms quietly at his response. She takes a sip of her drink, and looks pensive. Then people are speaking around her, Phoebe gets a polite smile and a quiet, "Pleasure," and the Wayne child gets a glance after he calls her 'lovely', but no real interaction. It would seem Jaina is falling into her thoughts, plotting, or just listening to the conversation swirling around her. She takes another longer sip of her drink.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    A couple of people peel away, and Phoebe has an exit -- straight out a window, but hey, she'll take what she can get. Damian's touch on her lower back appears to startle her out of thought, she jumps, tensing against him as her hand reaches up to grab at his arm, but she relaxes. She gives a small nod of her head to Damian. She's all right.

    "That was, indeed, me. I did get someone upside the head with a couple of skittles for talking during the quiet parts." Phoebe playfully replies to Sheila. She receives her Shirley Temple (after the bartender tries to get her attention twice) and she gives a wave to Nick from her place against the bar.

    "See, this is my younger brother, Damian. He's only a little bit younger than me though." she motions to Damian by manner of introduction of the younger siblings.

Norman Osborn has posed:
Norman gives a quiet chuckle back to Damian. "Well, then perhaps the two of you might rub off on each other a bit. Though I should warn Bruce of the possibility you might take after Harry too much," he says with a wry smile for the young Wayne Ward. "I'll let Harry know and you two can get in touch," he says, nodding then as Damian turns back to Phoebe.

Jaina gets Norman's attention again then. His eyes study her briefly as he takes a sip of his scotch. "We can discuss business matters more later," Norman says, the tone somewhere between a suggestion and a statement. "Somewhere a little less crowded and noisy," he suggests. His eyes go over to the dance floor. "Do you fancy a dance, Ms. Hudson?"

Damian Wayne has posed:
Phoebe has it together. At least, she's doing a good job of acting like she has it together. Damian may know better, but he's not going to push her on it. Instead, he holds up his phone, as if sharing an interesting TikTok that he found with her.

'I'm heading out. You got this?'

At least he's being polite and /asking/ before bailing on her. It's a marked change from a couple of years ago where he'd just left.

Of course, it may be because she's his ride home.

Jaina Hudson has posed:
"Perhaps," is Jaina's one word reply to Norman, before she pulls her cellphone out of her pocketbook, and sends a quick text message to someone. She deposits it back in her clutch and considers Norman's request. She considers for what might be longer than polite. A fair amount longer than polite, before she replies, "A dance would be nice, yes."

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Phoebe reaches into her clutch and pulls out a key fob, and this she hands over to Damian with a smile.

    "Totally understand, take my car home. I might meet up with one of my old friends in the area." she gives Damian a smile. "I'll find my own way."

    Which means Phoebe was going to cheat. Like a cheating cheater. A cheaty cheating cheater.

    And she states softly in Arabic: <Sometimes a crowd yelling my name is troublesome.>

    And she gives her taller 'Little' brother a smile.

Richard Stadler has posed:
     Rick isn't a social butterfly (at least not in places like this; state functions have him a little more wiggle room), but he keeps his eyes open. The movement of Damien over to Phoebe was routine, but he frowns when he sees her tense up at the contact. It took him a moment to dismiss it, but he keeps it in reserve, just in case.

To Nick he nods. "That was it. Honestly, a lovely place, and I'm glad to have some of the film industry actually in the city, and not just on some backlot in Vancouver. ...That's where they film the new stuff, right? I know they filmed that space show with the Air Force there." He noted, before looking over to Caleb.

Who gets a rather large smile. "Now, /that/ is good to hear; brothers should be protective of their sisters, esspecially the younger ones. I'd try to do the same, but I haven't seen mine in..." He says, before frowning thoughtfully. "Well, the 'teens, I think? That sounds about right."

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
"Pleased to meet you, Damian", Sheila says enthusiastically. "And Mr. Stadler, my brother doesn't drink, nor does my dad back home", she assures the teacher.

Caleb places his hands over Sheila's shoulders, like a guardian angel.

He looks at Norman and Jaina, his date for the night, and he offers a polite wave as it seems they are departing. Next he turns to Phoebe and Nick, "Man, about that thing I told you guys about, my god, do I have a sequel to tell..."

Damian Wayne has posed:
Damian will totally not wreck Phoebe's car. He's a decent driver. And they're not in Gotham. So it's unlikely that he's going to use it to chase after anyone.

A quick little one-armed hug is given to Phoebe, just to reassure him, and then, he responds to her in Arabic, flawless in his tone.

<The ones who shine from within do not require a spotlight.>

A quick little fleeting smile to Phoebe, before he is starting to make his way out of the crowd, a polite goodbye to Sheila, and nod of his head to the few people he knows.

If he times it right, he can get home, changed and on patrol.

Norman Osborn has posed:
Norman Osborn takes Jaina's hand to lead her towards the dance floor. As they do and they pass Nick, the industrialist gives a warm smile his way, and a gesture that suggests their trip to the dance floor and so not coming over just now isn't being rude. Caleb also gets a nod from him, Norman glancing to the young man's sister, not many children out at the club, as they continue on.

And then he and the Indian woman are out on the dance floor. Norman is a pretty fair dancer, having had to attend any number of galas and events where he had the opportunity, or even the need as he hob-knobbed and made deals with others from high society.

He'll guide Jaina about, twirling her gently but to devastating effect with her little black dress and the woman's God-given beauty. Even if she has her mind more on business, Norman seems to enjoy the time just the same.

Jaina Hudson has posed:
Jaina Hudson glides out to the dancefloor with Norman, and matches him move for move. It would seem she's a fairly talented dancer as well. She seems to enjoy herself, occasionally murmuring things to the man, but she does also seem rather reserved as they move with the music. Maybe she's still mad about the business deal.

Richard Stadler has posed:
     "Well, I'm glad to hear that, miss." Rick says over to Shiela, holding up his own glass of water. "I keep it limited, myself. Esspecially not in a place like this. Hard enough to control thermal regulation if you're going with alcohol." He notes, a font of good advice, obviously. And it's almost drained, it seems, as he places the glass on the bar. "In any case, it looks like we're seeing responsible activity from all of you, and it is," He says, making a show of checking his watch, "...Late enough for me, and as weird as the subway is, I'm not looking forward to the looks I'll be getting on the D train." He notes, before stepping back. "Nick, good to see you."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Nick nods, "This one was split up between Metropolis, New York, Gotham, and the on site locations. No need for Vancouver this time around."

Seeing Norman walk by and give a nod, the primary cast member returns the gesture. Being Norman was a producer, there have been sightings before. So, understandable he'd want to actually go party at a party.

As Rick makes his farewells, the musician looks back to the teacher. "Good to see you too, Rick. Glad you could come. And sleep well."

Nick turns back as Caleb starts mentioning additional stories. Curious, he turns back to the student. Listening in to what there is to tell.

And so the party continues. There is much dancing, chatting, drinking, and deals made up on the second floor of the club. And when the last of the attendees make their leave, they will go forth to do various things.

For some it might be a chance encounter that leads to something else.

For others, they're going to go to the safety of their home and Ursula out of the way too tight dress or suit they had packed themselves into.

And others? Well...

Who wants to have ice cream fancy style?