4558/And Jack Frost Nipping At Your Nose

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And Jack Frost Nipping At Your Nose
Date of Scene: 31 December 2020
Location: Warren's Penthouse
Synopsis: Stuck in the city after working through the day, Kitty ends up at Warren's to celebrate New Years Eve in the midst of a heavy snowfall.
Cast of Characters: Kitty Pryde, Warren Worthington




Kitty Pryde has posed:
New Year's Eve? Who works on New Year's Eve? Kitty Pryde does, apparently. The offices at Fisk Enterprises are pretty much empty. All of the employees having taken vacation for that beautiful stretch between Christmas and New Years. Forgetting about work while they can. Kitty's project that she's been hired contract to complete depended on network infrastructure that she was waiting until today to switch over, giving time for end of year closing without chance of it causing any interruptions. So Dec 31 finds her not just having made the commute into the office rather than working remotely, but even working a bit late in the day.

A streaming station is playing Christmas music. Well, not Christmas now so much as 'wintery'. After a song finishes, the station weatherman cuts in. "Looks like the snow squalls we were expecting have been intensifying as the cold front from Canada runs into extra moisture moving in from offshore. Snow advisories are being issued for the greater New York area, and the Metro Authority is warning that above-ground public transportation will be shut down.

Kitty gives a soft sigh, entering a few commands to run some tests on the new network lines that are now up and running. "So much for the bus back to Salem Center," she murmurs. Over on the corner of her desk, a wrapped Christmas present draws her eye. "Well, maybe I can make use of the time," she says, pulling out her phone and calling Warren Worthington. When it connects, Kitty greets him, the phone conveying the warmth in her voice. "I was wondering if you didn't have plans, if maybe you wanted to grab that bite to eat and show me your place tonight? And someone /might/ have a Christmas present for you," she tells him, grin also carrying through in her voice.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Being the holidays, Warren currently finds himself at his penthouse, having sent everyone who didn't already have the vacation time booked home from WI for the rest of the year. Alone, he sits by the fireplace lounging with a glass of wine when Kitty makes her call.

Greetings exchanged, Warren smiles into the phone and chuckles, "Of course, Kat! I can't take you to the cafeteria at WI since it is all shut down for the holidays, but I am sure I can finagle a reservation somewhere in the city, or baring that I can just whip up something here at the penthouse. I'm no slouch when it comes to a kitchen, I had to help cook to feed Hank after all. Do you need me to send a car for you, or should I just come pick you up myself? According to the news the weather is going to get pretty dicey. Just let me know when and where and we will get you over here."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
"Oh, a car, that would probably make things easier," Kitty agrees after just a moment's consideration. "I'd normally say I could just take the subway, but... well, have you rode the New York subway on New Year's Eve?" she says with a warm laugh.

Kitty finishes up on the computer, closing things up. "How about you send a car, and whip something up while I'm on the way?" she suggests, standing up then and locking her workstation she was on and grabbing her jacket. "I'm at the Fisk Enterprise offices at 12th and Main," she tells him, "And will head down to the front entrance."

She slides her coat on, pulling out her gloves from a pocket but keeping them in hand as she picks up Warren's present and then heads for the elevator down to the lobby. "Looking forward to seeing you," she says.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren Worthington says, "Kat....do I look like I have ever rode the subway? Ever?" Warren jokes, the humor radiating through in his voice. "That's not to far, I'll have a car there ASAP, which given the traffic on NYE will be about 20 minutes or so if I estimate this right. Seeing as Fisk and the rest likely aren't around tonight, I can safely say that any stretch limo that shows up out front will likely be for you. I'll see you in a bit."

Hanging up the phone, Warren slips into the large deluxe kitchen area of the penthouse and starts to prep for dinner. A couple of steaks are pulled out to be brought up to room temp, potatoes are prepped and placed into the oven, and asparagus is drizzled in olive oil and salt before being put into the oven to roast. By the time Kitty arrives, the apartment is starting to smell of the cooking food.

Kitty arrives to One Madison, and is promptly directed to a private elevator by the doorman who was expecting her arrival. The ride up to the 58th floor is quick as it is a dedicated elevator to the penthouse, and the doors slide open to Warren's apartment. All three floors of it."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty's laugh had confirmed even before her teasing words, "Warren, I doubt I've ever seen anyone who even looks like you on the subway." She hangs up and heads down, finding a bright smile on her face that was absent earlier in the day with having had to work.

The ride goes without a hitch, and while not her first time in a limo, it does keep that smile on Kitty's face. Send a car for her. She'd been imagining he was going to get her an Uber.

Arriving at Warren's building, Kitty rides the elevator up. She pulls off her gloves and returns them to a coat pocket, and after a moment, the dark overcoat as well, thick for winter but stylish enough to look well within the corporate environment at the office. A box wrapped in deep blue paper with a silver ribbon and bow about it is under one arm.

The doors open and Kitty steps out, gaze going about the beautiful penthouse. Far more than she had expected, there's almost too much to see in that first glance. Kitty herself is wearing black pants that fit her snuggly, and a dark sweater that melds to her enough to show the narrow of her waist and other curves. A lovely necklace hangs down, accentuated by the black backdrop of the sweater, the Christmas gift that Warren gave Kitty.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren is in the kitchen area, lifting a hand in a wave as Kitty departs the elevator, "Hi! Make yourself at home. You can just place the coat anywhere, or if you really want to stand on ceremony there is a coat closet to your right, and there is wine on the counter. I won't tell if you won't." he jokes.

Warren is dressed similarly, in a black mock-turtleneck that fits snug to his torso, tailor made so the angelic wings are able to protrude from the back, and a pair of nice likely-designer jeans. Being home, he has chosen to be barefoot. "You look lovely, Kat. Black makes that necklace pop brilliantly. How hungry are you? I can toss the steaks on now and we can eat before the tour, or I can wait and give you the tour first before dinner?"

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty Pryde slips off her shoes at the entrance, setting them aside and then moving over to hang up the coat in the coat closet. She walks over to join Warren in the kitchen. Though the penthouse, and especially with all of the beautiful Christmas decorations up, turn her movement into one of those slowly turning walks. Her eyes drawn by holly running along the ceilings, the twinkling of Christmas lights running up the staircase and along the walls or ceiling. Knick-nacks set out on a table here, or a counter there, a small snowman that looks so real Kitty has to touch it to confirm it isn't made out of snow!

Her attention is drawn back to her host though as he comments on her appearance. "Thank you," she tells him, a bright smile beaming over towards Warren. A hand goes to the necklace, fingers gently brushing the Star of David charm in a way that makes it feel a treasured thing for the young woman.

Kitty continues on to join Warren in the kitchen, "Oh, I could wait awhile if you're not famished yet," she tells him. "And your place is just amazing. I thought the decorations at the school were impressive," she says. And indeed, they are. But so are the ones in the penthouse. Kitty moves over, setting the Christmas present on a counter to free up her arms as she offers Warren a hug of greeting. "The tour sounds great," she confirms.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Wiping his hands on a kitchen towel, Warren accepts the hug warmly and returns it equally. "Sure. It will give the steaks a chance to marinate just that much longer. I tried to make sure everything was kosher, but if you decide not to eat something I won't be offended." The sometimes Angel smiles warmly, lifting a shoulder into a shrug. "At worst I will order out something. I'm sure there is a Chinese food place open somewhere that I can get delivered," he finishes with a wink.

Taking his glass of wine and lifting it to take a sip, Warren starts to move out of the kitchen and wander the bottom floor, "So..the tour. This is the main floor of the penthouse. As you can see, it houses the kitchen, a dining room over there, and the living room that goes up two of the three stories. Fully loaded entertainment system with all the trimmings. It also has a wrap-around porch outside, giving it some great views of the city when it is warm enough to eat out there. Also gives me a place to take off and land when I travel by my own power," he ends with a chuckle.

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty gives a warm laugh during the tight hug as Warren speaks of making sure it was kosher for her. The man's thoughtfulness makes her smile brighter as she says, "I'm sure it'll be fantastic. And far better than the bowl of cereal I'd have ended up with otherwise."

She picks up the glass of wine that Warren had mentioned for her, taking a sip of it. "Oh. Oh. This is so good," she says, pausing to check the bottle and see what it is. Not that she is likely to be able to afford a bottle of it herself. Though maybe someday.

She moves along with Warren through the beautiful penthouse as he shows her the different rooms. "I admit I had something gorgeous in my head for it," she says of his penthouse home. "But this just totally blows away my mental image. The ceilings," she says, gazing up at the two-story tall ceiling for the living room.

She pauses to look out the window at the balcony that wraps three sides of the building. The railings and furniture are coated with snow like a thick, fluffy looking blanket that sparkles in the light. More flakes drift down from the sky, swirling here and there on the winds that wind through the skyscrapers.

Kitty turns back, leaving the view for later as Warren leads her through the house. When they reach the Christmas tree, she pauses to set the wrapped package beneath it. "You can get open this whenever you want," she tells him, "But it deserves at least a few seconds beneath the tree I figure. Did you have a good Christmas?" she asks, taking another sip of the delicious wine after.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren chuckles, eyeing the package as it is placed under the tree, "It was nice! Quiet though. With my folks gone it was just me, but on the bright side I got everything I wanted from Santa. How about you, did you go spend Hanukkah with your parents?" The Angel winks, hiding his grin behind his glass of wine for a moment. "I'll open up your gift before you leave, I promise. Don't let me forget."

Warren leads Kitty up the spiral staircase to the next level, "Up here on the second floor we have my office, the library, and the rec room. The office opens up on one wall to face the living room, so I can flap up here from the living room if I ever need to. Seems silly, but it works. You would probably love the library, my mom was a collector. I lost count of how many first editions are in there." he chuckles. "The rec room is, well...a rec room. It's nothing special."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty's eyes twinkle just a bit at the mention of Warren opening the present. "I'll definitely remind you," she says. "And yes, I went home for the final three days. Mom's doing well. It's been a rough year, what with my dad," she tells Warren. Kitty's dad had moved to Genosha as part of his witness protection resettling. He was there when Brainiac's Wild Sentinel's attacked.

She doesn't leave the conversation on that sadder note though, saying, "Mom loved having me there. She loves to cook and bake, as everyone knows from the care packages she's sent over the years. Having me there to help really made her day," Kitty says, her smile growing soft and warm at the memory of being with her mother.

A warm laugh is given about Warren flapping up to his office. "Hey, remember you're talking to the girl who shortcuts through walls, floors and ceilings all over the school," she reminds him. "I absolutely would do the same if I was you," she assures Warren.

At the top of the stairs she looks around, and has to go peek in the library after hearing Warren. "Oh. My yes," the self-described philomath says, her love of learning just for the sake of learning causing her to run her eyes over all of those beautiful books.

"It's such a beautiful home, Warren," Kitty says with a dreamy sigh. "Now I'm surprised we see you up at the school at all with his place to come home to," she says, turning back to face him. She smiles up at him softly and shrugs. "Though, I'm really glad when you do. You always manage to bring a smile to my face."

Warren Worthington has posed:
Seeing Kitty's reaction to the Library, Warren pauses at the door and opens it, leading her inside to look around. It's a large room, packed floor to ceiling with rows and rows of books of all sorts and subjects. All of it seeimgly disorganized and in no semblance of any order, but there is everything from 1st printings of Tolken to the most recent novel by King. "Go on, take a gander. The rest of the upstairs is just the master bedroom and a couple of guest rooms. One of I am expecting you to to use tonight given the way the weather is starting to turn."

"Honestly? It get's lonely being here all by myself. It's a big and beautiful place, but sometimes the walls close in on me ya know? I want for pretty much nothing here, but at least at the mansion there are people who value my company, and I value theirs. It's why I brought that sack of gifts the other day...just to get a bit of that 'family warmth' I was lacking here in the city." Warren smiles, shrugs his shoulder, and then takes a sip of his wine. "I'm glad you got to spend time with your mom. I am sure she loved having you there for a few days."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty Pryde makes her way over to the book shelves as Warren brings her inside. The glass of wine is held in one hand, dangling from her fingertips as Kitty focuses on the book titles. She moves slowly along the shelves, pausing here or there to remove a book from the shelf to see the cover, and sometimes to open it to the first page, seeing that first edition for herself on a rare work or two.

Another sip of the wine is taken, Kitty savoring the delicious flavor as she turns back to Warren, walking over to join him as he talks about the penthouse, and his visit to the school. "Well, I'm not that far away when I'm in the city," Kitty offers, moving over beside Warren, and if he allows slipping an arm around her old friend's waist and leaning against him. "And getting to see you more would be a bright spot in my life. There should never be a need for feeling lonely here," she says, looking up at the golden-haired man.

Kitty nods then, "Yes, she was happy to have me home. She's been keeping busy, some book clubs and a group she plays cards with. But I can tell she feels the house is a little empty, too," Kitty confirms.

"So... want to open up that present?" Kitty asks, her smile suggesting she's looking forward to seeing Warren open it.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Watching Kitty go through the Library with gusto brings another smile and small chuckle to Warren's lips. He isn't the philomath she is, so he doesn't use it as much so it makes him happy to see someone enjoying it.

Warren is open to the sidehug, and places his arm tenderly over the back of Kitty's shoulders in return. "You're always welcome here, Kat. Ever need a place to crash or don't want to trek all the way back to Salem, you are always more than welcome to spend the night here. The bedrooms are always made up, and I will leave your information down with security so they give you access."

Taking his glass of wine and finishing it off, Warren lets the glass dangle from the fingers of his free hand, giving Kitty a nod. "Sure. We can head back down and I can open your gift. Let me sear the steaks first, and then it will give us enough time for dinner to finish up in the oven."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
The offer of being able to stay there when she needs draws a smile from Kitty. "I'd appreciate that. I have a friend, Colleen, who has a dojo in Chinatown that I have crashed at a few times. Though somewhere that Lockheed can fly down to join me would be kind of nice. Not to mention? I get to see you," Kitty tells him.

She descends the stairs again with Warren, going into the kitchen with him. She gets the wine bottle, filling Warren's glass, and topping off her own which was getting quite low as well. "If it's ok, I'll go fire up that fireplace I saw in the living room while you're working on the steaks," she offers. If that sounds good she heads off into the living room then.

Before long some music starts up as well, apparently Kitty found and mastered the sound system. Sara Bareilles' Winter Song fills the penthouse with the soft sounds of piano an lyrics. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkOKCWDJ4iA)

When Warren returns to the living room, the fire is warm and crackling merrily. Kitty is over at a window looking out and sipping her wine, the lights turned down so she can see out more easily. The snow is falling heavily though the winds have died down a bit. City lights twinkle brightly, islands of light in the snowy white, a backdrop silhouetting Kitty's shape against the wintery cityscape.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Coming in from the kitchen Warren arches a brow at the song selection as he pays attention to the soft piano and lyrics, but doesn't mention anything as it could just be what was on rather than a specific song choice.

Taking a sip of his wine, Warren sets the glass down on the coffee table in front of the fireplace as he makes his way behind Kitty, reaching up and placing his hands on her shoulders if she allows, "Beautiful, isn't it? Being able to see the city from up here? You loose perspective when down on the street, surrounded by all the glass and concreate. Up here you can see the beauty of it all."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty Pryde glances over her shoulder at Warren as he approaches, giving him a smile as she turns back to the view and takes a small sip of her wine. The smile grows soft at Warren's comments, Kitty nodding her agreement. As Warren moves behind her, the young woman leans her head back against the taller man's upper chest, sharing the moment with him. "You can really miss the forest for the trees," she agrees.

"All the traffic and the... attitudes," she says, breaking out in a quiet chuckle. "I figured when you guys came and recruited me for Xavier's, that I knew what New York would be like. I mean, growing up so close to Chicago," Kitty tells him. "Chicago may be a big city too, but the people are /quite/ a bit different," she says with a laugh.

Kitty reaches out, resting her fingers lightly on the glass wall that separates them from the cold wintry night that casts the city in such a beautiful light. "Winter is as magic of a time as there is though, isn't it?" she asks. "I really like the city like this. I don't think I've ever had a view like this during this heavy of a snowfall," she says, turning her head to look back and up to Warren behind her, shining a smile at him.

Warren Worthington has posed:
"It's why I like flying so much," Warren confesses as he looks down to meet Kitty's eyes with his own. "Being up here, with the birds and the clouds always puts things into a different perspective that not many people have the ability to see. Sure, there are planes and the like, but it isn't the same being in a metal tube crammed in with others. It lacks the serenity of it all. You don't get the feel of the wind in your hair, or the smell of the fresh air."

He chuckles, "Yeah. New York is its own beast. You can't really compare it to anywhere else except for the very basics. Other than being a concreate jungle, the people are the real city and the people here are unique in every sense of the word. You get all types, and they all intermingle."

Warren looks back from Kitty to the window outside, nodding. "It is. The snow just brings an added element with how the light reflects off it. If it wasn't so cold for you, I'd offer to take you out for a flight."

A soft sigh escapes his lips as he smiles, leaning down just a bit to place a friendly kiss on the top of Kitty's head (if she allows) and smiles, "Maybe sometime when you are better dressed for it."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty relaxes back against Warren, his talk of flying giving the younger woman a bit of a dreamy look. "I try not to get involved in too much power envy," Kitty says, her lips curling in a bit of a grin. There are plenty of students over the years who have gotten a bit lost in that hole. "But watching you sail through the air so majestically? It was hard not to find myself wishing I could do that," she tells him.

The gentle kiss into her hair draws another smile from the young woman. She turns slowly to face Warren, shoulders resting against the glass behind her, but her hands gently resting on Warren's hips if he lets them. "Not even someone's flying like Jean or Rogue make me feel that quite the same, either," she says. Kitty's eyes go from Warren's face, to those lovely white wings of his. If he lets her, a hand reaches up to softly caress over the downy feathers. "There's a grace to the way you fly. You don't just... move. You flow. You don't work against the air, you become one with it," she says.

Her eyes drift back from the wings to meet Warren's gaze, before she looks down for a moment, the tiniest bit of color in her cheeks as if she's worried she said too much. "I would love to experience that with you though. It might be a little cold for me," she agrees, her hand returning from his wing to his hip if he allows. "Though getting to glide through the snow. Above New York, so quiet and peaceful for a change? It would be like a dream," she says.

Warren Worthington has posed:
The touch to his wings causes them to flutter a bit, the feathers ruffling slightly under her touch as she trails her fingers across them. Warren closes his eyes for just a moment to enjoy the sensation, "Jean and Rogue defy the laws of gravity, forcing it to bend to their will with their power. I'm natural," he comments, "I ride the currents, I let the wind direct me where to go. They may 'fly', but I /fly/."

As Kitty looks away, Warren lifts his hand from her shoulder and places his fingers softly on her chin if she allows, lifting her face to look at him again, "Go grab your coat." Warren says softly, a smile forming on his lips. "Let me go take the steak out of the oven and I'll take you for a short flight while the steaks rest. You should be warm enough for that long."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
The young brunette woman smiles and nods in agreement at how Warren understands so clearly what it was that she sees in his flying. As he touches her chin, she lefts him guide her eyes up to meet his. Her own shine with warmth as they do, lifted as his gaze holds hers. The direction to get her coat makes Kitty break out in the most beautiful of warm smiles.

"Alright," she says, not trying to hide how pleased she is by Warren's choice. She leans a little closer, going up slightly on her toes so she can brush a tiny kiss to Warren's cheek. "I should be able to manage it for awhile," she agrees of the cold as she lets herself settle back down off her toes. "And there's a fire for after, besides," she says, that fire reaching the point of generating some coals that are beginning to put out a warmth nearby.

Kitty's hands slips free as she heads back towards the entrance to the penthouse, head turning to glance back over her shoulder to Warren with a smile, before she turns a corner out of view. She'll be back soon enough with the coat on and her gloves pulled on as well.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren watches the younger woman bound off towards the closet until she is out of view, only then turning towards the kitchen. Smiling, Warren moves into the kitchen and removes the steaks from the oven, placing them on a cutting board and setting a sprig of rosemary and clove of garlic on each to help absorb the aroma and flavoring of the herbs.

Satifsfied, Warren makes his way towards the door that leads out to the balcony as he waits for Kitty to return. As she returns, he opens the door that leads out to the terrace, "Ok, if you trust me I will get behind you and hold you by the waist. If you prefer to have an anchor point and want to face me to put your arms around my neck, that's fine as well. Your choice."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty returns, carrying her shoes to don them by the door rather than wearing them across the penthouse floors. She slips them on and then glances out at the night. So peaceful and snowy, the constant rain of fluffy flakes showing a myriad of twinkles as they catch bits of city lights on their slow floating towards the ground.

She turns back to Warren, moving a hand to rest against his chest. "Oh Warren, my trust for you is implicit," she tells the man. Her smile beams at one who has been a constant positive in her life for the last half-dozen years. Literally saving each others lives more times than she could probably count.

She slips her hand into Warren's before stepping out the door onto the balcony, leaving prints in the snow. Kitty moves over in front of him, much as they were while looking out the window then, facing away but backing up close against the man's warmth. When his arms go about her, she'll hold her own atop his.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Once they are in position, Warren wraps his arms around Kitty's waist and pulls her in close, "Ok. Here we go. If you get too cold, let me know."

Warren extends his wings out to the side, stretching them out to their full wingspan and getting them ready for flight for a moment before he gives them one tremendous flap which brings them up into the air, and over the side of the 60 story building as he starts to soar over the tops of skyscrapers, banking towards Central Park.

He flies slow, to keep the wind chill down as best as he can for one reason, but the other is so Kitty can take the time to enjoy the view. Over Central Park he drifts lower, to fly close enough to the treetops that Kitty could reach out and brush the snow from the tops if she wished, then a trip over towards Rockefeller Center, to see the tree and the ice skating rink before moving over to take a pass over Times Square before soaring back up over the tops of the skyscrapers, where the only sound is the rush of the wind as it moves past their ears.

Kitty Pryde has posed:
The flight is like something from a dream. If Kitty had just imagined it, her mind would fill any time in the city with the sounds of traffic, the engines of cabs racing for the next light, the occasional honk, and the cries of street vendors.

But there is just sweet, serene silence but that sound of the breeze from their gliding, and the occasional flap of angelic wings when Warren adds lift to their flight. Kitty gives a thrilled voicing as they glide down over the Park, the white capped trees rushing by so close beneath. She reaches down to dangle her fingers through the top inches of that snowy topping, breaking out in a joyous laugh at the little explosions of white that result.

"So beautiful," she says softly as they float past the Rockefeller tree and climb higher, where the electric lights of Times Square cast their light out on the falling snow. The crowd might be smaller than normal, but there are still people wrapped in thick coats braving the cold, waiting for the later drop of the ball to signify the New Year, though most are huddled in the bars that line the Square for now.

They climb into the sky, leaving the city below on those wide sweeps of Warren's beautiful white wings. Kitty gazes down from on high at the city, watching the falling snow about them and soaking in the sense of purity that the snow gives this city that has come to be part of her home.

She becomes noticeably lighter to Warren. Just as solid, but a fraction of her weight, not that she was any difficulty for him to hold. Kitty reaches back to his shoulder and then slowly turns in his arms to face him. Her hands going up to his shoulders, continuing along them to meet behind his neck as she faces him. "This is magic, Warren," she tells him. "So beautiful," she says, her cheeks just slightly rosy as she shines that beautiful smile at him.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren grins down at Kitty, slowing down a stop and hovering there over this city in order to make conversation a little bit easier, "It's not magic, birds do it every day. What you do, that is magic. I'm not just talking about phasing either. What you do with those kids, that is real magic, but I have to agree and the beauty. I'm not hating the view right now either..." Warren winks as he looks to Kitty, "You warm enough? Should we head back, or do you want to get some altitude? We haven't even hit the top of the ESB yet, once you get above that you can see from one end of the island to the other."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
They just seem to be floating there but for the gentle flap of Warren's powerful wings keeping them in the hover. Kitty is relaxed, held in Warren's arms about her waist, her body against his own. His comment agreeing about the beauty gives Kitty a warm, shy smile, her gaze dropping from his for a moment before looking back up, the smile growing.

She confirms, "I can last a little longer. Seeing that view would be wonderful." Kitty looks past Warren's shoulder, watching the sweep of his wings. The beautiful, pure white feathers fluttering in the breeze between flaps. Seeing them in motion up close like this is quite the treat. The few other times Kitty was carried by Warren were during fights or other moments that did not lend themselves to enjoying the moment like this.

"This is probably the best New Year's I've ever had," the young woman tells Warren, looking over into the man's blue eyes which she's ever thought only further the angelic impression the man's wings give. Her voice softens. "Thank you, Warren," she tells him quietly.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Affirmation of the request to continue causes Warren to surge forward with a powerful flap from those angelic wings, lifting them both higher into the sky where the air does get a bit colder, but soon they are hovering once again just under the cloud cover with a view that few get to see. "You're welcome, Kat. I'm honestly shocked I haven't given you a ride before like this. I'll just have to offer more flights to make up for lost time." the winged mutant comments with a smile. "Happy New Year."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
The view takes Kitty's breath away. Far more than the cold does! She gazes out at the sights, and with her facing Warren now, he'll be able to see her expressions. See just how much she is enjoying it. Another dreamy sigh. "Yes, I definitely have power envy," she says finally turning, her attention back to Warren for a moment and grinning at him. "Granted, I could get up here with my power. But for me it would be like climbing a set of stairs all the way up to here. Which, I probably should never mention to Logan. Or he'd work it into my training regime," she says, laughing at the end.

Warren will be able to feel a little shiver pass through Kitty, the wind a little stronger here, the air a little cooler with the altitude. Snowflakes fall, landing on her hair to add their twinkling crystals to the dark brown locks. "I will definitely take you up on that," she says of the offer of more flights. "Shall we head back now I've made you work up an appetite for those steaks?"

Warren Worthington has posed:
"That...sounds like a hell of a lot of effort." Warren says with a laugh as Kitty talks about climbing up here like stairs. "You secret is safe with me, I won't tell short, hairy, and grumpy."

Warren starts to let the pair decend slowly, his wings furling out to start gliding in a controlled decent as he backs towards the penthouse. One might think it is hard to spot from this distance, but Warren knows where it is by heart even if his eagle like eyes wouldn't be able to spot it.

"You're probably freezing. People are going to kill me if you catch a cold from being out here...let's get you back so you can warm up by the fire, but I will pencil you in for the first warm summer rain."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty's hair isn't bound up in a ponytail for a change, allowing it to waft gently in the breeze of their descent towards the distant penthouse. Kitty's eyes are not nearly as good as Warren's, and she looks down, working out where they are in her mental map of the city. Which granted is pretty good given how many times she's flown the cloaked Blackbird about above the city.

Her eyes drift back to his. "I won't tell on you if so," she says with a soft laugh. There's just the smallest amount of chatter to her teeth, but she doesn't let it diminish her smile. "What's it like flying in the rain?" she asks him. "I want to imagine it as flying through a warm shower, but then I don't know how hard it is having that water on your wings," she tells him. Though she's definitely seen him flying in all manner of weather to know he's more than capable of it.

Through the falling snow, even Kitty can see the penthouse now. The lights of the kitchen are brighter in that part of it, while the immense living room is more softly lit by the fireplace.

Warren Worthington has posed:
"Pretty much that," Warren agrees with Kitty as they softly touch down on the terrace of the penthouse. "If you ever went out and just played in the rain during a summer storm, it is exactly like that...just much higher and with the wind blowing constantly against your skin. On a humid day, best feeling in the world. I'll also have to take you up sometime during sunrise and sunset."

Once on the ground, Warren just hold onto Kitty a little longer before seeming to realize they are on solid ground, and he slowly lets his arms fall from her waist. "You should get inside, and get warmed up. I'll go make us plates."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty Pryde's feet settle back to the ground. The core of her body that she'd phased inside to make it weightless from Warren's standpoint is allowed to return to normal. The young woman looks up at the taller X-man, her arms still gently wrapped around his shoulders. For those long moments, there's nothing said, just the young woman resting lightly in Warren's embrace and looking up at him.

When he drops his hands, she lets her own slip from his shoulders too. "Alright," she agrees. She pulls off her gloves and then reaches up, brushing her fingers very gently to brush some flakes of snow that have taken purchase in the man's blond locks. Like a snowy crown. It makes Kitty smile as she dislodges them, then dusts his shoulders as well. "Thank you," she tells him, going up onto her toes again to brush a peck to his cheek, lips just a bit cooler than before. Kitty slips back inside then, removing her shoes and setting them aside as she removes the coat and goes to return it to the closet before returning to the fireplace.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren smiles, watching her walk inside only to follow behind a moment after.

"I'll bring you some more wine, I know technically I am contributing to the delinquency of a minor, but for heaven's sake you've been placed in far worse situations than having a glass or two of wine!" Warren jokes as he makes his way towards the kitchen to fix the plates for dinner. Soon he returns with a pair of plates with sliced steak, baked potato, and roasted asparagus. "I didn't know what you wanted on your potato, so I left it plain. I can grab butter, and sour cream, cheese. I'd offer bacon crumbles as well, but..." he grins.

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty laughs at the bacon crumbles. "Good call there. Though the smell of bacon it makes me want to cry sometimes," she tells him. While he was making the plates, she's returned to the fireplace and is now sitting beside it, her legs resting alongside, bent at the knee as she sits upright.

The fire itself is crackling now and then, shedding warm light on the room and radiating even more warmth. Kitty added another log recently, the flames licking along it as they welcome it into their fold.

"Plain is fine," she tells him, not wanting Warren to make a return trip to the kitchen. She smiles as she takes the offered glass of wine. "It's a sore spot, our drinking age," she tells him. "I mean, for three years I was able to drink while I was going to school in the UK," she says. "I got served in the pubs the same as anyone else, without anyone batting an eye. And I come back to my own home and can't buy a bottle of wine for dinner?" Kitty says. She switches to a good rendition of a cultured British accent. "Sheer rubbish," she says with a grin.

Kitty lifts up her wine glass towards Warren and says, "To good friends. And good lives. And flights in the snow, or rain," she offers as a toast.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Thumbs back toward the kitchen after setting Kitty's plate down on the coffee table by the fireplace. "It's no trouble to go grab anything. I mean, it's literally right over there. Hell, I'm just going to go get it."

Warren sets his own plate down next to Kitty's and quickly retrieves the butter, etc. before returning and taking a seat on the floor next to Kitty.

He raises his glass to join in the toast, "Hear, hear," in a cheesy bad version of his own attempt at a British accent. Having not lived in the UK< he is at a serious disadvantage.

"Well, I'm not going to stop you. I'm firmly of the belief that if you are old enough to put your life on the line, you are old enough to put fermented whatever into your stomach. You have my permission to raid the bar or wine racks any time." chuckles Warren. "Now eat up, before it gets too cold, Kat."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
The extra trip to the kitchen gets a grateful smile from Kitty. "You didn't have to," she tells him, but makes use of the butter that he brings back, melting some over the steaming baked potato.

She touches her glass to his and takes a sip of it as they make their toast. "Thank you," she tells him at the offer of access to probably what is the most well stocked bar she's been around short of an actual bar. Actually, possibly better there, surely in quality!

Kitty begins eating as well, cutting into the steak and eating small bites at a time. "Oh..." she says before giving a heartfelt sigh. "You did an excellent job. And on such short notice too," she tells him. She tries each of the dishes, enjoying the roasted asparagus and the potato. "Did you mother teach you to cook like this, or your father?" she inquires as they eat together.

Partway through the meal, Kitty wipes her fingers and lips with a napkin and excuses herself for a moment to go over to the tree and retrieve Warren's present. She returns with it, taking her seat close beside the male X-man again, within the warmth cast by the nearby fire, and sets the blue-and-silver wrapped box down where he can get at it. "A belated Merry Christmas," she tells him.

Warren Worthington has posed:
"Neither," Warren states between bites as he eats his steak along with Kitty. "I taught myself. Mostly I got started at the mansion and then I just took a liking to it. Sometimes I experiment with various things, but things like a steak dinner are easy enough as long as I have the right ingredients on hand. I'm just lucky I had the meat in the fridge instead of the freezer, or we may have just been having frozen pizza."

Warren arches a brow as Kitty get's up and watches her as she moves over towards the tree, setting his fork down to take the gift from her, "You really didn't have to Kat, but thank you." the winged mutant says with a grin on his face. He starts to unwrap it slowly, pulling the tape up at the corners and removing the tape as best he can instead of tearing into it like some animal, or Logan, would. Finally, he unwraps the last layer...

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty oos quietly. "So a self-taught cook? I tried that once, when I was younger, and I think mom and dad had to replace the oven," she kids. She takes another bite of the delicious steak, giving a contented sigh at the taste. She's warmed up a bit, back inside and sitting in front of the fire, plate resting in her lap, legs crossed beneath.

As Warren starts to open the present, she sets the plate aside though, looking between the gift and Warren's face as he as slowly removes the wrapping paper. Within is a picture frame. There's nothing inside of it, but Kitty leans over and says, "There's an on switch on the side here." Indeed there is, and a little plug where a USB can be used to upload pictures into it. She turns it on and sits back, watching.

The electronic picture frame starts up, showing a map of the United states. A moving image, as a little light comes on near New York, and then another over near Pittsburgh. More lights come on with increasing pace. Many are around the New York and New England area, but lights can be found marking spots in Texas, Colorado, California, and many other states.

Finally the lights seem to finish coming on. And then map zooms in on one of the dots in New Jersey. It turns into a picture of a woman, with a date beneath it, April 5, 2015. She's mildly pretty, dark hair, laughing in the picture which seems to have been taken at some club or bar. Then the picture morphs into a second picture. This time it's the woman, a few years older, with a family. She has a very young baby in one arm, a toddler on the lap of what is probably her husband.

The picture zooms back out to the map with all the lights, and then it zooms in another light. An older man this time. The first picture is just him, the date May 12, 2018. A second picture is him at what appears to be his retirement party.

It keeps playing, zooming out to the map filled with dozens and dozens of lights. Then zooming in on one, showing two pictures of a person.

Kitty is watching Warren's face as it plays on. "These... are all people whose lives you saved. I mean, we've saved the whole country, the world, so it's not everyone you've helped. But these, these are people you directly saved yourself during our missions," she tells him. "I got their pictures off of social media and... um, well. Merry Christmas," Kitty says.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren looks at the frame as he unwraps it, about to say something before Kitty cuts him off and turns the video frame on. As the map of US appears and the little dots start to show up, the Angel's brow moves up quizzically, curious as to what this is, and as random pictures start to show Warren looks up to Kitty even more curious...until she explains.

As she starts to explain what it is, and who those people are, the winged mutant looks back to the frame, and stares at it for a long while. "How...?" But then she explains, and he looks over to the young woman, his eyes wet and threatening to spill over into tears.

"How did you get their names? I mean, I don't even know their names..."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty watches Warren's reaction, the emotions spilling over onto his face. She slides over closer to him, her own expression from seeing his reaction as if the room is maybe getting a little dusty or something. "I couldn't get every single person, but I got a lot. I have to go scrub footage to help us stay secret," she says, looking down and giving a tiny shrug before saying, "and I keep records of all that. So some of them I had leads on from that. And the Professor put in a bit of Cerebro time to help me find a few people," she tells Warren.

Kitty looks at the frame. "The second picture is always after. So you could see a little of what they went on to do in their life," she tells him.

Kitty looks down at it. "You've helped so many people. I don't know if you ever realized how fitting 'Angel' is for a name for you," she says, looking back up into the man's blue eyes.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren is quiet for a long moment as he stares down at the frame, rendered speechless by the gesture, the effort that must have gone into making such a gift, and the sheer magnitude of what it actually is and represents. Silently, a tear falls. A single glistening drop that escapes the confines of his eye and rolls slowly down his cheek.

"I...I don't know what to say. I mean, I just saw something in a store and it reminded me of you, so...but this. This is so much more. This is heart, body, and soul wrapped up in a bow, Kat. I might have more money that I will ever need in my lifetime, but you are far, far richer than I will ever be."

He looks away from the frame and up to meet her eyes, a smile on his face as the tear treks down over his cheek, "Thank you."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty Pryde's hand moves to the necklace that Warren got her. "You got me something that touches my faith, Warren. It's not just something from a store, I assure you," she says, shining a soft, warm smile up at him.

Kitty's hand goes to the back of her neck. "Well, you're a difficult one to shop for," she teases gently. "And I've been working on it off and on for awhile." When she sees the tear trickle down his cheek, Kitty reaches over if he lets her, and softly brushes it away with her fingertips.

She leans forward, brushing a tiny kiss to his cheek if he lets her, and then offers him a warm, tight hug if he'll accept it. "And I'm richer for having friends like you," she tells him.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren Worthington chuckles, reaching up to take her hand as it brushes against he cheek and brings it to hips lips in a friendly kiss to the knuckles if she allows. "I can be a bitch to shop for, that is true. What do you get for a man that has almost everything?"

Letting her hand drop as she moves in for the hug, Warren reciprocates both the hug and kiss to the cheek. "I know just where I will put it, too. On the mantle over the fireplace. Anytime I see it, I'll be reminded of you."

Letting her go slowly, Warren sits back on his haunches and reaches for his glass of wine. He holds it out in front of him, "Happy New Year, may it bring you all you wish for...and right now I am hoping that might be chocolate soufflé with vanilla sauce, and a small glass of port on the side, because that is what I have arranged for desert."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty smiles softly at the kiss to her fingers and then gives a warm laugh as he states the problem with gift-buying for billionaires. "Exactly. If there was something you wanted you are quite capable of buying it," she agrees.

The young woman smiles as he mentions putting it on the mantle, her eyes going up there. "I'm lucky to be surrounded by so many heroes. Big damn heroes," she tells him warmly. "You all were great role models to help a dumb kid get her head straight," she says. Well, she was dumb about a few things anyway. Afraid of Kurt when she first saw him. Though her choice of words might be more self-deprecating than deserved.

"And that sounds wonderful," Kitty says about the dessert. She gathers her plate back, having one or two last bites left on it that she finishes off. "You're making souffles, and I am happy when the poptarts don't catch fire in the toaster," she says with a laugh. "You really do have this cooking thing down. So do you cook for yourself most of the time?" she asks, rising finally with her plate, apparently planning to go with Warren to help.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren chuckles and leans back against the coffee table, letting his wings act as pillows of sorts, "That's true enough, so I really appreciate the effort that you put into this, Kat." he says as he holds up the frame

Glancing over at Kitty as she utters the 'Big Damn Heroes' phrase, "I'd ask if you were a Firefly fan, but then I remember who I am talking to," he says with a chuckle. "At least you didn't get me a knit hat, though a man wears a hat like that people know he ain't scared of anything." Warren winks, the smile widening on his face. "You are also anything but dumb. You may have been young, but certainly not dumb. Smarter than I am, I guarantee it."

Warren shifts again, finishing the last of his wine as he moves to stand to go get the dessert. "Yeah, I do. I suppose I could just order out, or have things delivered, but there is a subtle joy to cooking. I don't know, I like it. I mean, I am not ever going to be a michelin star chef or anything, but I can hold my own as long as I have a recipe. More wine? I am going out on a limb here, but I am going to assume you are staying here the night? To steal a line from a song, 'Baby, it's cold outside'." The living embodiment of an Angel smiles, heading off towards the kitchen. "Guest rooms are all made up, and I am sure I have some sweats or other comfortable items of clothing you can use. I can send down to get those cleaned and pressed so they are fresh and ready in the morning."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
The laugh and grin that Kitty give at the Firefly comment are full of mirth. "It does kind of go without saying," she agrees with another laugh. "Browncoats unite."

She rises with Warren, and glances up at his head at the mention of a knit cap. She reaches up to ruffle her fingers for a moment in the man's gorgeous blond locks. "You would look good in a cunning hat," Kitty decides before dropping her hand back to her side and walking with Warren to the kitchen.

"I'm not actually as hopeless of a cook as everyone at the school makes out," she says. "Though I've had enough disaster attempts I won't argue the point very strenuously. But, never tried a soufflé. Too much self-awareness for that," she says.

Another quiet laugh sounds as Warren brings up the song. "Depends, can I get you to sing the whole song to me first?" she teases. Kitty sips the last of her glass of wine and then sets it with Warren's as she moves to help by pouring the port if he directs her to it. "Yes, if you're good with it. I don't relish trying to get up to Westchester in this. The plows won't make it until morning," she says, the rural areas always playing second fiddle to the metro area for such services. "Are we going to watch the ball drop?" she asks of the impending New Years.

Warren Worthington has posed:
"Just as long as you start referring to me as Captain Tightpants, we are all good," jokes Warren with a laugh. "I don't know if I could pull off a cunning hat...there are limits. I'll have to try one on sometime. We will just have to see, but if you get me dressing up as Jayne, I'm putting you in that Kaylee dress next Halloween. Shiny."

"I'll be honest, Kat, these may have failed horribly. I don't do nearly enough baking as I do just normal cooking. I followed the recipe, but who knows. I give it a fifty-fifty chance we don't end up with a fallen pile of mush."

Warren grins as he directs her to a small bottle of fortified wine, "Deal, but you have to sing the other part," he says as he opens the oven and peeks in at the pastries. "Well...they don't look horrid, so I will call it a success...and of course we can watch the ball drop if you want. I'll put it on when we get back to the family room."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty gets the bottle and begins opening it. "Oooo. Fallen pile of mush, my second favorite, Captain Tightpants," she promises him with a wink. She gets a pair of fresh glasses and pours a reasonably healthy dose into each glass, before turning to see how the soufflé turned out.

"They look fantastic," she confirms. "Nicely done. I'm going to have to put in a good Yelp review for Chez Worthington," Kitty informs him. She continues in a tone as if reading said review aloud. "The ambience was truly breathtaking, with a view of the city that made me feel like I was being carried aloft by an angel," Kitty says. "The quality of the food was only surpassed by the charm of the staff. I am definitely looking forward to returning here in the future," she finishes.

Kitty gives the fortified wine a little swirl and inhales the bouquet. "Mmm. I may have to add a compliment for the sommelier," she says.

Warren Worthington has posed:
Laughing again, Warren sets about removing the soufflés from the oven and setting the ramekins onto a plate, drizzling each one with a white vanilla sauce, and placing a little dish or more sauce for dunking should it be wanted.

"I would hold off on any reviews yet," Warren utters with a grin as he passes over one of the plates and picks up his own glass of port in order to return back towards the family room. "With quality and service I am sure there is going to be a hefty bill, and don't forget the tip. Though, return visits are always encouraged."

Taking a small little sip from the port, Warren grins as he makes his way back to the couch, taking a seat to one side and placing his plate and glass onto the coffee table in front of him before picking up the remote for the entertainment center and turning on the TV to one of the NYE specials on, pausing a second before taking a look to Kitty, "I assumed you meant on TV? Unless you wanted to get bundled up and I can fly us over there?"

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty takes the offered plate, drawing another deep breath. "I don't know, this aroma isn't making me think anything about the review is apt to change," Kitty tells him. "Unless I need to file it in the morning under Bed and Breakfast instead?" she says, glancing towards the stairs that lead up to the bedrooms.

The young woman follows Warren into the living room and takes a seat beside him on the couch, her plate also going to the coffee table. She takes her first sip of the port and lets out a happy sigh. "That's like... a party in my mouth," she concludes with a soft laugh.

She turns, glancing towards the windows where a bit of frost has formed on the outside of the glass. The snowflakes are falling thickly, visible both out the window and on TV. The holly and lights decorating the ceiling and the Christmas tree create such a wonderful holiday environment. "Why don't we watch it here?" she agrees. "Though you're sweet for offering to take me over there," she tells him. "I'm really enjoying tonight, Warren. What seemed like a New Years that I might end up wanting to forget when I went into the office, has turned into one of the best I think I've ever had."

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren chuckles, "Sure, we can make it a bed and breakfast. I'll cook eggs and.." he pauses reaching up to scratch at his chin, "Well, I was going to say eggs and bacon, but...yeah. Maybe I'll just have some bagels and lox delivered instead. Or maybe I will just make some French Toast," he says with a grin.

"Just wait till you try the port after having some of the soufflé. That addition of the chocolate notes to the port changes how it tastes for the better. I think you are going to really enjoy it."

Warren looks back out to the now frost covered windows and nods, "Yeah...probably a better idea to just stay here in the warmth by the fire and watch everyone else freeze their butts off." He turns to look at her, "Well, thank you for coming over. Had you not, I would have just been here doing god knows what...but it certainly wouldn't have been as entertaining as this. I'm glad I could help make your night be special."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty Pryde gives a quick little wave of her hand. "No no, you can have bacon. Really I don't mind," she says, but smiling as if she's touched that he remembers such things and would give up his bacon for her.

"Alright," Kitty agrees about the pairing of the soufflé and the port. She takes up her plate and gets a bite of the delicious-looking dessert, making sure to get a healthy dose of the white chocolate sauce with it. She eats it slowly, taking her time to savor it. "Mmmm," she murmurs softly with a contented sigh. After, she picks up her glass again to take another small sip of it. Her head does a little twist, one of appreciation and conceding Warren's advice was spot on. "That does add something to it,"  she agrees. Kitty lets the flavor sit on her tongue for a little bit before saying more.

When she does, Kitty gently leans over to nudge her shoulder against Warren. "You really have. And besides, baby, it's cold outside," she tells him with a teasing look. "You know, I'm trying to think if I've ever heard you sing before. I mean outside of everyone singing Happy Birthday for Jean or the Professor or someone."

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren lifts his arm, offering for Kitty to snuggle in beside him after she gives him the nudge and starts to sing, o/~ Oh you really can't stay.... o/~ he starts with a chuckle. It sounds like one would expect Warren's voice to sound like as he continues on for a stanza before stopping. It's decent, smooth and a rich baritone.

"Am I going to invest in a karaoke machine for Xavier's? Give something else for the kids to distract themselves with?"

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty takes another sip of the port and then sets down her glass as Warren moves his arm to make room for her. The young woman slides over to gently snuggle in against him. Back out of their jackets that they wore outside, his warmth is much more noticeable through just the turtleneck, and even after the time at the fire, Kitty seems to welcome it.

She rests her head against his shoulder, grinning softly as he starts singing the song. As he takes both parts by himself at first, giving Kitty a chance to hear his voice, that grin softens and turns into a warmer, gentler smile. Kitty's face lights up a bit, not having thought Warren's singing voice would be poor, but he's surprised her with just how soothing his deep voice is to hear.

She starts up the second verse with him, "o/~ My mother will start to worry ~/o (or maybe Jean!)" she sings, improvising a bit beyond where her line is supposed to end. She gives a warm chuckle and says, "We've been doing karaoke at Harry's sometimes. I think people would love it," she tells him as she soaks in the man's warmth.

Warren Worthington has posed:
After Kitty accepts his offer to snuggle in, Warren lowers his arm back down and places his hand on her shoulder, chuckling at the line about Jean starting to worry. o/~ But baby, it's cold outside o/~ "I wonder what she would worry more about, that you were stuck out in the snow, or that you are stuck here with me," he jokes. "Speaking of, do you need to let her know where you will be so she doesn't worry? I don't know if she was expecting you back tonight or not."

Warren reaches out to take another sip of his port, "I'm shocked the mansion doesn't have one already to be honest, but I will make sure one gets delivered in the next few days. You will have to let me know when Karaoke night is so I can come and join in the fun. As it is I should hang out over there more often, just for the company if it is as good as it has been this evening. Thank you for coming over."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty breaks out in a soft grin and shakes her head. "No, no need to call," Kitty tells Warren. "I'm a grown woman now, and she has a school of students to worry about," she says as Warren takes the sip of the sweet port.

The young woman looks up into the blue of Warren's eyes and she breaks out in a soft, private smile for him. "Probably that I was stuck here with you," she softly teases. Her expression turns a little more serious, the teasing look passing. "Probably would remember me admitting a bit of a crush on you at one point," Kitty admits, a hint of color coming to her cheeks.

She picks up on the talk of the karaoke quickly as if to prevent too much attention being given to that comment. "Definitely, and you get to open up the festivities with it. First song. Will have to pick out something special for it," she tells him. "And more reasons for you to come over would definitely be a positive."

Warren Worthington has posed:
"Wait, what?" Warren blinks as he takes a look to Kitty and her reddening cheeks. "At one point...so, no crush anymore? Oh how fleeting the sparkle in a young woman's eye," Warren teases. "And here I thought you had the hots for Pitor." Warren chuckles, taking a small sip from the glass of port, "Yes, yes you are most certainly a grown woman now. I've noticed. A beautiful one at that, so I am sure you are going to have no issues in the romance department. Hell, I'm shocked you aren't beating guys off with a stick by now. Just be careful, those high school boys are going to have hots for teacher, or counselor as it may be."

He clears his throat, "Yes. Karaoke. I'll do my famous-in-my-own-head rendition of 'Broken Wings'."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty's mouth opens and then closes again. That blush, originally just the softest little dusky rose color, spreads a little more as she looks up at Warren. "I... well, that is," she says, and then finally breaking out in a soft laugh as Warren manages to leave Kitty just a touch flustered. Her eyes drift away from him as she says, "Maybe, you know, a little bit might still remain." She clears her throat softly before looking back to him.

"And, well, I did, Piotr I mean," Kitty says. She looks down then and gives a little shrug of her shoulders. "We didn't keep in touch like I'd have thought, while I was away. And since I came back..." she says, then looks back up to Warren. Shrugs again and gives a tiny shake of her head that says enough of where that is.

She gives a quiet laugh then, "Thankfully I haven't had any declarations of love from students," she tells Warren. "I've dated since but... well, I was all alone with no one to give me a New Year's kiss, so that kind of sums that up, right?" she says.

Kitty rests her head back against Warren's shoulder, and her hand moves over to lightly rest on his chest as she looks up at him. "Honestly? When I called I was expecting you already had plans. I just couldn't imagine a guy like you not having had to turn down a half dozen dates for New Years, for the one you accepted."

Warren Worthington has posed:
Warren chuckles softly at Kitty's distress watching as the redness spreads over her cheeks. "Maybe, huh? Well, that is certainly better than being old and has been," he winks. "Pitor's loss is certainly someone else's gain, to be sure. As for your students, I don't know...you might not have gotten any declarations, but that boy the other day seemed to be giving you a look I remember giving girls when I was around his age. What was his name..Drake? Maybe I was just projecting my own attraction though."

Warren lifts his glass to his lips and takes another sip, "I've been busy with WI. It's not like I get out on the social scene all that often, and when I do I am swarmed. I don't have the time to figure out if they are interested because I am rich, or because I am 'famous', but I certainly know it isn't because they have gotten to know me. Hard to get to know anyone, really, in a situation like that. There is always the HFC, but that isn't exactly prime dating grounds. I wasn't going to presume anything, Kat, but if you are looking for a kiss when the ball drops....well, I'd be honored."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
It's Kitty's turn to chuckle softly. "Drake's great, not one of the students actually, Rogue found him and he needed some guidance and training. But, I know what you mean with him, he's a bit taken with the whole superhero thing and it shows," she tells Warren. Over on the TV, a singer is performing, while the crowds have left the bars, packing in Time's Square again despite the cold and snow as it gets nearer to midnight.

There's a slow nod given as Kitty hears what it's like for Warren. "You're a very genuine person," she says quietly. "And that combination probably does draw enough women to you who aren't, that it must be tough to find the good ones sometimes," she agrees.

Kitty's fingers gently brush a inch or two back and forth where they rest on Warren's turtleneck. "Speaking of being genuine, if I'm honest, I was kind of hoping you might," Kitty admits to Warren. She gazes at him for a moment before looking away, eyes dropping as she smiles. "Far from old and has been," she affirms. "And, who knows, I might have to reevaluate at the end of the night," she tells him. "You know," she adds with a tiny grin, "For my Yelp review."

Warren Worthington has posed:
"Well whoever he is, it looked to me like he was giving you 'the eye'. I think he might have been a little jealous when I walked in. It's tough being a boy that age, and with you being close to his but in a position of authority...I can see where the attraction can come from."

As the clock starts the final countdown to the ball drop Warren slowly reaches his hand up, gently resting it on the side of Kitty's face and tenderly returning her gaze to his as he brushes away a stray lock of hair, "Well, then let's hope I do this justice. I'd really hate to get a bad Yelp review. Do you know how that would ruin my reputation?"

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Kitty shifts where she's relaxing in the fold of Warren's arm. Sliding her body up his a little more to bring her face up a bit nearer to the taller man's. She looks up into the deep blue of his eyes. "Well, I'll be gentle with him then," she tells Warren, though her eyes drift across the X-man's handsome visage as if her thoughts are not on someone back in Westchester.

The girl's eyes briefly close as that finger caresses along her cheek to tuck back the stray lock of soft brown hair. They flutter back open again and look up into his eyes as the host on the television starts counting down. "10... 9... 8..."

Kitty's hand slides up from Warren's chest, moving until her fingers start to curve along the spot where his neck meets his broad shoulders. "7... 6... 5... 4..."

She draws a deep breath, tongue touching at her lips briefly as she looks up at Warren, head tilting to turn her face up towards his.

"3... 2... 1..."

Warren Worthington has posed:
As the ball drops, the clock strikes midnight, and the fireworks start to go off all over the city, Warren tilts his head the other was and gently presses his lips to Kitty's. At first, the kiss is somewhat chaste but then as it lingers past the first millisecond the winged mutant deepens it slightly, testing the boundaries as to where this kiss is going as he parts his lips slightly and tentatively.

Kitty Pryde has posed:
That slight lingering flavor of the dessert and the port make the start of the kiss a sweet one. If that impression lingers or even grows more with time, it has less to do with recent flavors and more to do with shared emotions.

Kitty's lips slowly part as Warren's do, the kiss mutually deepened by man and woman. The softest caress of her tongue teases against his lip before retreating. The young woman's body, already snuggled close, just seems to melt against Warren's brawny form. Warm curves nestled in against his chest as her other arm joins the first in sliding around his broad shoulder, hands meeting behind his neck. The sounds from the TV are forgotten as Kitty shares the warm, increasingly sultry kiss with him, showing no desire to have the kiss end yet.

Warren Worthington has posed:
The parting of her lips is taken as an invitation, and as Kitty's tongue moves to caress his lips Warren's slowly intercepts it with his own, following it in its retreat to brush softly against her lips. He moves to adjust his body to make the kiss less awkward, turning more sideways as the hand on her shoulder pushes gently to lead her into a less contorted position. His lips part slightly farther, tongue now playing freely within the confines of their mouths as his pace of his breathing starts to quicken.

Kitty Pryde has posed:
The young woman, already held in the curve of Warren's arm, lets him guide her body, a leg bending at the knee as it slides over to rest atop his thighs as the young woman sinks into his embrace.

The kiss thrills Kitty to her toes, which if there were any eyes open to see might be spotted curling in their socks! Her lips and tongue tease and play against Warren's own, welcoming him deepening the kiss until he can feel how he sends a shiver of delight through her.

Kitty's arms cling to him to hold herself in against his warmth. A quiet, beautiful-sounding mewl briefly is given into that warm joining of their lips, the young woman's heart racing a bit faster than it was in those final moments of the year 2020.

Warren Worthington has posed:
The kiss in reality probably doesn't last for more than a few seconds, but seems like it lasts for so much longer. Slowly and hesitantly Warren breaks the seal of their lips, pulling back slightly to mutter a quiet, "Happy New Year, Kat," as he brushes his thumb across Kitty's lips to move some of her dislodged hair away from falling against her lips as he watches her face, his eyes searching hers. "I can't say that I could have wished for a better end to the old one."

Kitty Pryde has posed:
Slowly their lips part, and Kitty's eyes stay closed for long seconds after they have. As if she's enjoying those last echoes of sensation inside, of what it was to kiss the man and discover yet another way that he matches the heavenly nature of one of his names.

Finally her eyelids flutter open to shine a smile at him, and seeming to savor that soft caress of his thumb, brushing her just-kissed lips to tease that lock of hair away behind her ear. "Or a better start to the new one," she whispers to him. Kitty leans her head forward, but to rest her cheek against Warren's as her arms tighten, letting Warren feel in the warmth of her hug how wonderful he has made this night.