2346/Fireworks and Other Bright Lights

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Fireworks and Other Bright Lights
Date of Scene: 05 July 2020
Location: Central Park
Synopsis: With the show over Kurt and Amanda call it a night.
Cast of Characters: Amanda Sefton, Kurt Wagner




Amanda Sefton has posed:
Late evening. July 4th. Central Park. That means it's actually fairly crowded, as folks are enjoying the Independence Day celebrations en mass. There may even be fireworks later, over by Belvedere Castle.

Amanda Sefton has some appreciation for that -- who doesn't like fireworks? -- but she's not been in America long enough to really appreciate the full scope of being American. So, perhaps this is some place to start.

"Anyway," she says, walking along a curving path with Kurt, "I gave him a crystal, in case he needs more help, but I can't say I'm keen on being a bounty hunter's locator app."

She's telling him about her encounter earlier in the day with a bounty hunter named Bolo. They stopped an interdimensional interloper she christened Uncle Spindley from wreaking complete havoc on Coney Island. Hundreds of terrified tourists running about while Uncle Spindley fed off their fear.

Fun times.

Kurt Wagner has posed:
Ahhhh, summer. Even with the sun having long since set the air remains warm and sultry, a palpable heaviness to it that one just cannot ignore. The sky above is a midnight tapestry only sporatically dotted with the dim, flickering light of the stars, the light pollution of the surrounding city blotting out all but the brightest of them. The dims the majesty of the nearly cloudless sky only a little, an otherwise gorgeous evening to be out and about.

The paths that wind through Central Park are relatively well-lit, little pools of orange light illuminating the night, driving back the dark. Not that the dark would be anywhere as intense as normal regardless, not with so many out and about, spread across the great laws and rolling hills, the night lit up by the glow of cellphone screens and a myriad of like devices. And while he doesn't need such things, they do not bother Kurth Wagner either as he walks along at her side, listening to her story with a little grin on his face, those slightly pointed canines on display.

"It sounds like you are having quite the exciting days since you relocated here," he says. "I'm glad you made it through it all safely. It would seem that the city is a little safer now that you have crossed the pond as it were," he points out lightly, leaning in and nudging her gently with one shoulder before straightening his path once more. "Are you adjusting otherwise? Everything else with your move has gone well, I hope?"

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Amanda grins a little and lets herself be jostled by the nudge. "Well enough," she says. "I've had time to settle in and attune myself well enough to not be caught flat footed. That makes me happy." Three days of meditation and her magic is attuned to the ebb and flow of the City and its energies. It mitigates some of the vagaries inherent to The Winding Way's influence over her magic.

"And Ginny--" she corrects herself, "I mean Pepper has been as kind as I remember." They were briefly flat mates back in London, when Amanda was first starting out on the airlines. "I can't really believe she's letting me stay in her guest room indefinitely. The apartment is... just beyond." She chuckles and gives a self-deprecating shrug. "But, I'll want my own place. I don't think she'll tolerate casting circles inscribed into the floorboards or potions spilt on the stove."

Kurt Wagner has posed:
Those pools of orange light keep him from entirely blending into the night like would otherwise be likely with all that fine indigo fur that covers him but he is still a shadow next to her, apparently unhurried. The crowds of people ebb and flow around them and they no doubt draw more then their fair share of stairs -- if for very different reasons -- though Kurt at least hardly seems to notice, attention focused entirely on her. As the path veers closer towards the woods, the crowd at least thins somewhat, most sticking to the grassy lawns that will offer a much better view of the coming fireworks display.

"It sounds like you have lucked out quite nicely," he admits with that easy smile, tail flicking in his wake as they roam the park by night. "Mmmm, you might be surprised just what friends will put off with and she sounds like a good one," he asserts before a soft chuckle escapes him. "Though casting circles and spilled potions might try anyone," he conceeds. "At least you can take your time and find something that suits you. It is not always easy, admittedly, in New York," he admits. Not that he has ever looked in earnest. Then again, he is rather used to communal living. It seems to strike a chord with him.

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Amanda doesn't mind communal living. But, there are times a sorceress needs her privacy. She laughs lightly, nonetheless, heedless of whatever stares there may be. Not her first amble through a park with this fellow. "I'm just lucky she's hardly ever there. Mr. Stark, apparently, keeps her excedingly busy."

She links her arm through Kurt's on impulse, the familiarity of family bleeding through. "What about you? What have you been doing lately?"

Kurt Wagner has posed:
It is perhaps an understandable perspective. Afterall, Kurt has rarely been on his own in truth, placed in the circus with Amanda and her family, finding and joining the X-Men later and of course Excalibur during his time in England. The bright points in his life have always been with others. Things have not always gone quite so well when he has been on his own.

"Mmm, I can imagine," Kurt says before tilting his head before giving it a slight shake and laughing once more. "Well no, I suppose I really can't. I haven't really ever had a real job, certainly not working for one of the most famous people on the planet," he conceeds. "Still, I'm glad it has worked out so well for you. Not that I had any doubts of course," he assures her before flashing her that bright grin once more. "Have I mentioned how glad I am to have you back nearby, by the way?" he adds lightly. He has indeed probably pointed that out a time or two. Or fifty.

"Things are settling back down. They were rough at the mansion for a time.A particularly nasty piece of work by the name of Sinister really put everyone through the ringer," he admits, that customary bright smile fading into a more serious expression. "I think some of those wounds will take time to heal. And of course Genosha, and now Mutant Town. Sometimes it feels like it is just one disaster after another," he conceeds, gripping that arm tightly for a moment.

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Amanda chuckles softly. "Once or twice," she says. She smiles up at him. "I'm glad to know you're nearby, too," she admits. Her smile fades as he tells her of Sinister and the latest damage to both mutant society and the City.

"It never rains, but it pours," she says. "As I was trying to attune to the City, I could tell it is not well. Not well at all." She shakes her head. "I'm concerned. There are magics at play here, beyond whatever technological attacks have been launched. I can feel them, but..." She grimaces and falls silent for several steps.

"I don't know..." She glances up, now, a little sideways. It's an expression he's doubtlessly seen many times before -- usually when she's confessing secrets to him she's not told others. "I didn't come here on a whim, Kurt. There's... something." She lets out a vaguely frustrated sigh and rolls her head over her shoulders slightly. "Something that started before these... attacks." The recent attacks on the mutants, she means. Before Mutant Town. "The Ways here feel..." Searching for the right word, her nose wrinkles. "Fraught," she says finally. An odd word choice, perhaps. A little archaic. But, she thinks he may understand. Fraught. Unsettled. Dangerous.

"I just don't know how much of that is recent events and how much of that is what drew me here."

Kurt Wagner has posed:
Sometimes it seems like a minor miracle that he has managed to maintain his faith. Those rainy days seem to come with disconcerting regularity and keeping a more or less sunny demeanor throughout is something that Kurt rather prides himself on. It likewise seems rather appreciated by his friends and teammates. Perhaps that helps him maintain it.

While he has no real potential for magic himself it was obviously impossible growing up with her and her mother not to pick up a few things around the theory of the Winding Way and magic in general. He has some experience with these feelings and the way that she 'experiences' them, at least as much as someone who doesn't have them himself ever could. So he falls silent and simply gives a small nod of his head in understanding, his hand slipping down to find hers and give it a gentle squeeze. "Somehow that does not surprise me. For all that this is such a modern city there is so much history in the area too. So much happens here it only makes sense that it would be some sort of convergance point," he admits, free hand reaching up to rub at his chin thoughtfully.

"I suppose I have even more reason to be glad that you are around for awhile then," he says, with a faint smile, yellow eyes gleaming in the dark. "If you find something out, if you need help you know that you can depend on me," he offers up, taking it as a given that she already knows that is the case.

Amanda Sefton has posed:
And she does, quite definitely. Thus, Amanda flashes another smile, allowing the concern to melt away. "I rather hoped you'd say that," she says, eyes dancing just a little. Yes, she expected it, too. "I've missed having a friend around." Busy Pepper not withstanding. "Don't be afraid to call on me, either. My time is far more flexible now, than it was." No more three day layovers in Atlanta, Deusseldorf, or Geneva. Or 12 hour flights halfway around the world and back. "And it won't be such a drain to portal."

Kurt Wagner has posed:
That familiarity is ever a comfort. No one has known him longer or better afterall. It is the sort of thing that just can't be replaced any other way. "Fortunately Westchester is not far," he agrees, that more customary grin reappearing on his features, the worries of mutants and magic banished at least temporarily. "I can make it down to the city fairly quickly, even with my more limited range," he points out. Crossing five mile expanses in a blink of an eye might not be the same as portaling when it comes to convenience, but it is still damn handy. And pretty quick. "You'll have to come visit the Mansion too. Westchester isn't really the speed you're used to, but that's sometimes nice," he points out with a little laugh.

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Amanda nods to that. "I'd like that," she agrees. "I'd like to meet your friends." Because, really, any friend of his is someone she would likely count a friend as well.

There's the sound of whistling in the distance. Above the trees, a bright explosion of red and then yellow and white can be seen, faint booms echoing along with the lights. The fireworks have apparently started.

She glances up at them and smiles again. "You know, I can't remember the last time I saw fireworks." At least not those of the pyrotechnic kind. The Dragon fire over Coney Island doesn't count.

Kurt Wagner has posed:
For all that they see all kinds of remarkable things -- some horrible, some beautiful -- it is nice to know that something like fireworks can still hold a certain undeniable allure. Kurt flashes a grin her way, those yellow eyes glinting merrily once more. "I try to make it into the city for the big events when I can, mainly for that reason," he confesses. It is certainly a better reason then most.

"Shall we find somewhere with a better view? I mean, I can get us up into the trees easily enough, but the lawn is probably a better bet," he conceeds. While the woods aren't so thick as to completely blot out the sky, all those leafy boughs do enough to obscure it.

Amanda Sefton has posed:
"By all means," Amanda says, arm still linked with his. She chuckles, now. "I was jogging by the river the other day when a blue girl teleported in. I thought of you." Because 'poink' smells sweeter than 'bamf'. But she's gracious enough not to say it.

"I think there was a clearing not so far back that may do."

Kurt Wagner has posed:
He gives a little mock gasp of dismay though his glinting eyes continue to dance merrily. "I suppose I should feel threatened, that someone might take what is clearly my schtick. I thought I was the onyl fuzzy blue teleporter in your life," he says with that over-dramatic dismay, holding a hand up to his forehead before that grin slips through, ruining the illusion. "Hopefully the thoughts were kind at the very least."

There is a crackle in the air and another burst above, lines of light trailing briefly across the sky. No time to waste it seems. Giving her hand another squeeze, the fuzzy blue elf winks and then they vanish with that quiet *Bamf*, an inky cloud left in their wake, rapidly dissipating...

...as they arrive back in a clearing, just a little off the path, enough to dim the glow of the orange light posts, trees scattered enough to provide a view of the sky above. The brief scent of brimstone in the air might not be delightful, but it does rapidly fade away at the very least. "Your fireworks display, mi'lady," he says with a grand, sweeping gesture up to the sky above.

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Again, Amanda laughs. "Oh, you are the only fuzzy blue teleporter in my life," she promises. "The girl looked like she had a galaxy of stars underneath her skin. No fur at all."

They *bamf* and, against her usual habit, Amanda makes a light gesture with one hand. A plaid felt blanket appears on the grass, perfect for skywatching. She's not usually to casual with her use of magic... but it's a special occasion. Family reunion, after all.

Bright reds and yellows, white and blue, explode overhead. Faintly, far away, the sound of loud music drifts on the wind, clearly the inspiration for the celebratory explosions.

"Perfect," she says, moving toward the blanket while watching the sky. "We always have made a good team."

Kurt Wagner has posed:
The distant strains of music are audible even this far away from the castle, though still faint enough that it does not in any way obscure the 'natural' music of the colorful explosions over head, those bright streaks painting the deep blue backdrop overhead -- not so different then that fine fur that coats him in point of fact.

"A starry teleporter him? Sounds interesting. I am at least fifty percent less concerned about being replaced then," he says with a firm nod, the corners of his mouth still dancing with amusement. When she makes that little gesture, when the blanket appears on the nearby grass he glances at her with arched brow though doesn't hesitate to pad over. All life is full of magic. This is just one more sort afterall.

"You know, you're pretty handy to have around. I made the right decision to stick around," he says impishly, unabashed grin on his features as he sinks down onto that comfortable blanket, stretching out and folding hands beneath his head as he stares up at the night sky. "You are definitely not wrong about that."

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Amanda mimics Kurt's pose, stretching out beside him. The nice thing about the clearning is that there's no one around to stare. She watches the lights flash and dance in the air.

After a while, as the climax fades overhead, she says, "I'm going to poke around the city some, I think." Her mind has drifted back to the concern that drew her to New York. "See if any of my contacts can help me unearth a lead. I'll let you know when I go." Whether or not he tags along is immaterial. At least someone will know where she's gone if there's trouble.

Kurt Wagner has posed:
No matter how often he sees these sorts of displays there is still a sense of wonder that comes along with them, the excitement of childhood that comes rushing back. So even as they lay there in comfortable silence, watching that symphony for the eyes overhead the grin never leaves Kurt's features.

As the last of the explosions fades away, as the park is once more filled primarily with the sounds of people -- most starting to gather up their things and begin making their way back to the streets beyond this green oasis in the midst of the city, the fuzzy blue elf rolls onto his side, rolling his shoulders a little and propping up his head with one hand. "Probably for the best," he agrees with a little nod. "Please do let me know. I'm sure I can make it down to the city if you need or want my company," he promises before smiling briefly. "Summer session. No classes to teach fortunately so barring emergencies I have an excessive amount of free time."

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Ah, the life of a teacher. "Oh, yes," Amanda laughs. "Eternal summer vacation. Aren't you lucky?" They both are. She remains on her back, but turns her head to converse easily. "I'll definitely call," she agrees. "Things are so much in flux, I'd be glad of the back-up." Translation: The strength of The Winding Way is being more unpredictable than usual.

"It'll take me a couple of days to track down Tesh," -- a contact -- "but I'll let you know when I have."

Kurt Wagner has posed:
Hey, it's not all rainbows and lollipops, but life at Xavier's definitely comes with a few perks. Her certainly finds it rewarding enough, both teaching the next generation and the good that they are periodically called on to accomplish. "You say that because you've never had to teach fourth period history to a bunch of teenagers with superpowers. I've earned every second of the next couple of months," he counters with a playful grin. It is definitely not a calling for everyone.

Honestly, in some ways it is a relief. Dealing with this sort of thing. So much of what they do as X-Men involves reacting. After the fact. Dealing with a crisis after the worst has already happened and trying to prevent it from ending up even worse, or cleaning things up. "I'll be ready. Just give me a call," he assures her. "Otherwise if it takes longer we should at least consider meeting up sometime next week. I'm sure there's still a lot of the city that you need to see. If work and the Way leaves you any time that is," he allows. He definitely knows how it goes.

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Amanda doesn't even want to take on an apprentice, at this point, nevermind a whole class of unruly, hormonal mutants. "You can keep them," she assures her foster brother, mock dread in her tone. "I'd sooner face a marduke demon." And they're not pretty.

But then she grins, more evidence that she's kidding. Mostly.

"Oh, I'll make time," she tells him. "Don't you worry about that. I've got a couple of new client meetings, and I promised Pepper I'd set up some arrangements for one of her department heads, but beyond that..." She gives a half shrug and her eyes dance. "I like this setting my own hours thing."

Kurt Wagner has posed:
Kurt has fortunately been blessed to never have enountered a marduke demon -- at least to his knowledge -- but he is pretty sure he doesn't have any pressing desire to change that particular fact. While he enjoys the variety of experiences that his unique lifestyle throws his way, he doesn't really think that demons will enrich that to any great degree. "You may have a point," he allows with a laugh.

Presumably she will do that the regular way and not with the wiggling of fingers -- the idea of 'making' time potentially disturbing in the magical sense -- and Kurt gives a low, pleasant laugh, giving a little shake of his head. "Mmmmm, it sounds that you have settled right in. I'm that you're enjoying your new job. I'm sure all the travel had it's highlights too but it will be nice to be able to catch you a little more often. I've missed you since coming back from England."

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Yes. For her 'anyfriends', Amanda will move Heaven and Earth. But very rarely will that involve snapping her fingers or wiggling her nose. Unless, of course, they're under attack or something. That's different.

No, it's a pleasure to carve out time for those that matter in her life.

She gives Kurt an easy smile and an understanding nod. "I've missed you, too. You really should thank Pepper, though. She's made setting up my own business so much easier than I think it would have been otherwise." What with being a foreign national and all. "Between her advice and the contacts I've made, as long as I keep hustling I think I'll make it alright."

Kurt Wagner has posed:
That draws his familiar laugh from him and he dips his head ever so slightly in acknowledgement. "Fair enough. By the sounds of it that might prove a little difficult if she is that busy, but should I run into her some time I would be most happy to give her my effusive thanks," he promises her with that sly grin. "Perhaps I can write her a letter instead. I can be pretty effusive in my letter writing as well," he suggests, the corners of his mouth dancing once more. "I have no doubt that you will be. You've always been able to accomplish anything that you set your mind to," he agrees without hesitation.

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Yeah, well, she's years away from the sort of appartment Pepper inhabits. That said, it's not really Amanda's style, anyway. It's nice. Oh,yes. Oh, so nice. But the Romani girl beneath the blonde facade isn't so far removed from the surface. Her tastes run a little less... posh, for lack of a better world. Bohemian, perhaps, instead.

But there's time enough for all that. And she's in no rush.

So, she laughs. "I could hand deliver it for you," she tells him, eyes dancing. "Or, you know, we could just send it in a candygram to the Tower." Stark Tower.

Though, to be fair, Pepper might not appreciate such a thing. So, Amanda chuckles to show she's kidding. "I'll drag her out for lunch sometime. That'll be enough."

Kurt Wagner has posed:
Of course the Mansion is a fairly impressive place to reside in some respects, but full to the brim with other people does definitely dim any notion of luxury somewhat. Oh, all the conveniences are there of course, they are simply shared with dozens of other people. It definitely changes the experience but Kurt wouldn't have it any other way.

"I suppose I could simply bamf my way into her office and leave it on her desk, but I've found that security tends to get rather uptight about that sort of thing," he agrees with a smile that is almost devilish. It would seem there is a side to Kurt that doesn't not find that particular fact a drawback, or at least not as much as he should. Fortunately it would appear that the angel that perches on one of his shoulders is quite adept at drowning out its devilish counterpart when necessary.

"But lunch might be best," he agrees with a smile. "I will behave myself, promise," he offers up lightly. He is a mutant of his word.

Amanda Sefton has posed:
"Not to mention the place is owned by Iron Man," Amanda notes dryly. "Let's not fry your fuzzy blue tail quite yet, yeah?" Not, mind, that she seriously believes he'd get fried. *Bamfing* has its advantages.

So, she relaxes and nods in response, amusement on her face as she agrees. "Lunch, then. I'll arrange it some time -- though I don't promise it'll be soon. I swear the woman lives at work." So, you know, he might actually have better luck just bamfing in there.

Kurt Wagner has posed:
"Oh ye of little faith," he counters playfully, yellow eyes dancing gleefully. Chances are there are some pretty impressive security measures there. Fortunately Kurt does not have any reason to actually pit himself against them. It might be interesting however and as much as he is a curious soul, there are limits.

"I tease you. There is no hurry, though I am always happy to meet your friends, you know that," he assures her with a smile. "It might be just as well. If she had more freetime she might have the chance to show you more of the sights before me, and that would just be unacceptable," he says with a sage nod.

Amanda Sefton has posed:
Again, Amanda laughs. "Entirely unacceptable," she agrees. Her tone turns warmly decisive. "Well, then. I'll find someway to get Pepper to join us for lunch, and you can give me a tour of the Mansion." There's a deal.

The night is still warm and trending toward muggy in a way typical of a big city near the water in summer. The full moon slants down through the trees, a light mist rising on the cooling grass. The sounds of retreating humanity have died down enough to indicate most of the revelers have relocated.

Amanda pulls herself up into a seated position and runs her hands through her hair, gathering it into a loose knot. "I suppose," she says reluctantly now, "it's time we headed back, too..." She gives him a rueful look. "Shame, really."

Kurt Wagner has posed:
"Done and done," the fuzzy blue elf agrees immediately. A fair exchange if ever there was one. The best sort in Kurt's eyes to be certain. "Lunch out there probably won't be quite so orderly as here in the city, but maybe you'll be able to make it out for our next BBQ. Just make sure to bring your swimsuit. The pool and the lake are both glorious at this time of year and I have been woefully denied the chance to cannonball you for ages," he points out slyly.

The quiet is rather pleasant, just a hint of a breeze rustling through the leaves and the faint hum of insects and the distant traffic that still flows over the city's roads. It can be a rare commodity in a city like this, but all good things, right?

Like her, Kurt stirs himself from his resting place, sitting back up once more and leaning a shoulder against her own. "Mmmm, look on the bright side. We are practically neighbors again. I shall be able to pester you shamelessly," he points out with a grin.

Amanda Sefton has posed:
"And so life returns to normal," Amanda says, grin broad, eyes dancing, tone mocking. "However have we managed all this time?"

She thrusts herself to her feet and waits for him to do the same before she waves the blanket away. "I'll look forward to it, Kurt. It's just so good to see you again." She glances back to the path. Her eyes sparkle. "No bamfing," she says, pointing a firm finger at him, "And I'll race you!" With that, she's disappearing along the path back through the park from whence they came.