7942/A Birthday For Rachel

A Birthday For Rachel
Date of Scene:	20 September 2021
Location:	X-Factor Investigations
Synopsis:	It's Rachel's Birthday! So Jamie treats her to pizza, gifts, and well, special feelings are exchanged too.
Cast of Characters:	Jamie Madrox, Rachel Summers

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Jamie Madrox has posed:
It's been just a couple of weeks since Jamie's birthday celebration, and already it's time for another birthday - this time, one that Jamie is responsible for organizing rather than being the honoree for. Having helped Rachel actually decide on when her birthday should be, however, Jamie feels it's only right that he should be instrumental in helping her celebrate her first one since arriving here in this time. Or timeline. Or dimension. Or, however one wants to view it. Frankly, Jamie's head starts to hurt just a little if he thinks about it too much; he just knows that Rachel came from somewhere in the not-too-distant future where things are very different than here and she was not given the luxury of anything even remotely approaching a normal childhood. And that is why he's decided on the birthday celebration that he has for this evening.

While he's kept the location a 'secret' from Rachel (provided she hasn't gone deep-diving in his mind), he has given the instructions for casual attire. Which is exactly what he's wearing tonight as he awaits by the doorway, a large paper bag with strappy handles sitting on the floor next to him. Jamie's wearing a nice pair of jeans, mostly clean sneakers, and one of his better t-shirts (better meaning that it doesn't have any rips or stains on it), which is not tucked in at all and instead hangs loosely over his trim torso. The dark green t-shirt actually sports a variation of his own personalized logo, a series of large yellow dots connected by branching yellow lines. As the weather is still fairly warm, he doesn't have a jacket one, his signature trenchcoat hanging on the coat-rack by the stairwell in the back.

Glancing down into the sack, Jamie eyes the pair of gift-wrapped boxes that rest within, each wrapped in brightly colored paper and tied neatly with poofy bows. One of the boxes is sort of square and bulky, the other thin and narrow, and Jamie nods a bit to himself before glancing back over to the stairwell where he awaits Rachel. Despite himself, he's starting to feel his nerves just a bit as he waits, hoping that both his choice of venues for the evening as well as the gifts he's purchased both go over well.

Rachel Summers has posed:
For Rachel, she's flying high right now. It feels like the world has finally started to come together for her. She's doing what she likes to do, and while she isn't out there saving the world, she is changing lives - one person at a time. And while, sometimes there's that slight bit of doubt at the back of her head that screams she shouldn't be happy. For the most part, Rachel's been just ignoring it.

On this particular evening, Rachel has pondered, re-pondered, and pondered again what exactly 'casual' would mean - especially given it's her 'birthday'. Or at least, a day she's chosen as her special day. After much debate, she's chosen a pair of black skinny jeans that hug in close to her curves, black heels, and a cold-shoulder blouse that has sleeves that drift about her elbow, and a simple 'V' shape to the neckline, not too daring, but daring enough.

Making her way down the stairs, Rachel offers a curious glance at the sack, eyebrows arching upwards in curiosity. "For me?" She inquires, as if she doesn't KNOW it is, but still. She does not go thought diving, she's here for the fun, this once at least.

Floating down the last of the stairs, Rachel grabs a small satchel purse from the coatrack and gestures for the door. "After you, Mister Madrox."

Jamie Madrox has posed:
An appreciative whistle sounds out from Jamie as he first catches sight of Rachel in her curve-hugging jeans and shoulder-revealing blouse. "I should have said dress down instead of casual," he jokes, features spreading wide into a grin. "But something tells me that you would make sweatpants and a hoodie look ready for a runway." He pauses only a beat then, as if recalling something and then quickly adds, "Actually, you *do* make sweatpands and a hoodie look ready for the runway, I've seen you in them before." The grin grows a bit bigger, before he follows Rachel's gaze to the bag and offers her a tongue-in-cheek response, "Maaaaybe. If you've been good."

He then opens the door for both he and Rachel to pass through, heading outside to where an Uber awaits to take them to their destination. Jamie doesn't reveal just where that is, yet, keeping up whatever suspense he can, the directions apparently already entered into the Uber app. The driver is one of the quiet types, leaving Jamie and Rachel to their own devices. Perhaps he asked for that in the app as well, but if that's the case he doesn't let Rachel know. Instead, he continues to steal glances of her in her outfit, waiting until the car is underway before he begins in any small talk.

"I was thinking of putting together a big bash," he confesses, "You know, invite everyone from the mansion, have a huge cake and balloons and maybe try for a surprise party or something, but..." Jamie shrugs just a little bit, keeping his attention on Rachel as he talks with her. "Well. I got selfish and thought I didn't want to share you with anyone on your special day. We can do something big next year if you want." He smiles as he speaks, though his eyebrows do lift a bit at the very end. "I.. hope that's okay."

Rachel Summers has posed:
"This isn't Christmas, it's my birthday. I don't -have- to be good, you know." Rachel offers in her matter-of-fact manner, though she punctuates it with a smirk that creeps through her expression. "And I do make sweat pants look good." Confidence has never been Rachel's weak point.

Enjoying the attention she's getting, versus being self-conscious about it, once Rachel gets into the Uber, she crosses her legs, right over left, and lets her foot crook downward.

Listening to Jamie go on about being selfish, and not throwing a big get together, Rachel just laughs. "I am perfectly happy having this be just a small affair, Jamie. I'm still trying to get use to the idea of having a birthday, suddenly being thrust into an uncomfortable situation with people I barely know, it isn't really what I want." She doesn't go so far as to say I just want it with you, but the under current is there, if Jamie is able to read between the lines, at least.

"Though I am getting curious where we're going, and what is in the bag." Rachel admits, though she is also quick to state. "And no, I haven't gone diving for secrets, I'm being good."

Jamie Madrox has posed:
"I'm glad," Jamie is quick to answer to Rachel's concurring sentiment about having the birthday party be a small affair. "I really enjoyed it being just us on my birthday and... Well, like I said, I didn't want to share you. I mean - if you *wanted* a big party, I can always make a bunch of duplicates, but I didn't bring enough cash for that large of a crowd to all have fun playing skee-ball and crane machines." Which might seem to be a bit of an odd comment, at least that is until the Uber pulls in to a side alley in which is the couple's apparent destination.

That location - and the answer to the first of Rachel's curiosities - is heralded by a pair of neon signs that hang over red-and-white striped awnings. One declares proudly in red, 'DiMaro's Pizzaria' while the other reads in green, 'The Penny Arcade'. The pizzaria is done in old-world style, with traditional red-and-white checkered tablecloths and a very small, authentic feel to it, while the arcade boasts all manner of old-style games, from pin-ball machines and old fortune tellers to boardwalk mainstays like the aformentioned crane machines and skee-balls. Neither establishment is terribly crowded yet at this hour, with only a few other patrons seen in each. "To answer your first question, I hope you're ready for some fun," Jamie grins then, "Or, some authentic Italian food at the very least. The arcade is optional, but they've got the best collection in the entire city." He hops out of the Uber, bag in hand, and if Rachel lets him will dash around the back end of the car to open her door for her. Otherwise, he'll get there in time to hold his elbow out for her in a show of gentlemanly courtesy.

"As far as your second question, you can go mental searching all you want, I had a duplicate make a duplicate to buy and wrap the gifts and haven't reabsorbed either of them yet so have no idea myself. In fact, they're both taking a trip to Saskatchewan for the week just to play things safe." For those who don't know Jamie that well it may be difficult to tell if he's kidding about this or not, he rattles off the words with such deadpan delivery. But for Rachel, even without her telepathy it's pretty clear that he's spinning a spritely yarn about how he's gone about purchasing her birthday gifts. He grins then, motioning towards the main entrance and the fancy white lettering that's emblazoned across the double-doors. "Shall we?"

Rachel Summers has posed:
A questioning glance is given to Jamie at the mention of crane machines and something called 'skee' ball. Rachel's brows shoot upwards, then furrow down in confusion. She doesn't ask where he's taking her, but she's still highly curious all the same.

By the time that Rachel and Jamie make it to their destination, the red-head is curiously glancing about the area. She hasn't been to this particular part of Manhattan, and is fascinated by the establishment that Jamie chose for her first birthday here in this timeline. Her timeline, now.

Rachel doesn't wait for Jamie to scurry about the Uber, though she does take his elbow with a quiet grin. "Pizza sounds great, I'm starved." Dropping her hand to her side, Rachel walks swiftly towards the door, though she does, at least, allow Jamie the chance to open it for her, which she offers with another grin. "Thanks."

Green gems cast a glance about the establishment, enjoying the wondrous smells that waft in from the kitchen - there is nothing quite like the fresh, oven baked aromas of a tradational pizza place.

Jamie Madrox has posed:
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"Old world style, they say the recipe hasn't changed since Mama DeMaro first came over through Ellis Island more than a century ago," Jamie announces as he opens the door for Rachel, motioning for her to enter. And indeed, the restaurant does have that authentic, Italian feel with pictures of previous cooks and restaurant owners on the wall and the scent of wood-fired pizza dough and fresh ingredients thick in the air. Also thick is the accent of the waitstaff, who are quick to help seat the couple - towards the back of the restaurant near the kitchen, in a small and cozy booth that it seems Jamie may have called earlier about. "I was on the fence about this or someplace a little more upscale," Jamie says as he slides into the booth next to Rachel, "But I figured... For your birthday, why not treat you to some real, New York history."

After some glasses with water and ice are dropped off, along with a pair of menus that boast pizza varieties from basic cheese to an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink supreme and dozen or more styles in between, Jamie smiles as he glances over to Rachel, watching her for a moment as just enjoys being with her. He remains that way for a moment before he catches himself, cheeks coloring just a bit as he clears his throat, glancing down at the menu and the food choices therein. "Sky's the limit as far as the pizza goes," he states, before turning the menu over to showcase the appetizers. "But we *have* to get their breadsticks here. They're divine."
Jamie then glances down to where he's stashed the sack and the gifts, the expression on his face fairly clear as he wonders if he should present the gifts now, or after the meal. He ruminates on this for just a bit before he ultimately settles on letting the birthday girl decide. "And... Do you want your gifts now or did you want to wait until after dinner?" He grins again then, adding, "I'll admit, I'm as curious about them as you are, what with not having kept in contact with the duplicates who got them. I hope they did okay!"

Rachel Summers has posed:
Settling into the booth opposite Jamie, Rachel casts her gaze about the place once more, taking in the pictures, the smells, the atmosphere. "It's really nice, Jamie. Thanks." With the menu up and Rachel looking over it, she doesn't notice any attention being given her way. Instead, her eyes scan the different recipes, pondering what she might want to get.

"Did you want to share one, or get individuals?" Lifting her head up from the menu, Rachel just catches the slight flush, causing her to raise her eyebrows ever so slightly, before going back to the menu itself. "I think this chicken one, with white sauce, green onions, tomatoes, on a thin crust looks good, and breadsticks sound great!"

Given Jamie just gave Rachel the choice, the red-head is swift to state, "As far as gifts go, right now!" Patience has never been a red-head's calling.

She casts an expectant gaze towards the bags, then back to Jamie, hiding the slight confusion on the fact he didn't pick it, but duplicates of him did. She's still a little fuzzy on how that works.

Jamie Madrox has posed:
"Sharing sounds perfect," Jamie answers, "And yeah, the chicken and garlic sauce looks great. I don't think I've had that before." He motions over the waitstaff to place the order, a portly, middle-aged man with a large, bushy moustache who nods enthusiastically at the pizza selection, reaffirming the choice with a boisterious voice. "Oh, itsa tastya one! You'a gonna like!" He's got a smile that almost is able to keep up with the size of moustache, and collects both menus before he bustles away again, calling back to the kitchen in a string of actual Italian.

No sooner does the waiter leave does Jamie smile, reaching out to give Rachel's hand a warm squeeze at her speedy request to open the gifts sooner than later. "I was hoping you'd say that," he smiles. Perhaps noting the slight confusion, he adds, "Though, I'm just kidding about the duplicates getting these. I mean, even if I did have another one of me pick them up, I'd still be me making the choice. We're all linked, I really can't hide things from myself that easily. Unless the duplicate has been separated for a long time and we're really far apart." He reaches down to pick up the sack then, giving Rachel's fingers another squeeze before he pulls his hand away to withdraw the two gifts from their bag. He sets the larger, cube-shaped one in front of her first, and then smaller, thin and narrow one next to it. Both are wrapped in colorful gold and white foil-style paper, each with a delicately tied red ribbon bow. "Point is, these are from me to you. One's kind of a fun thing, the other..." Jamie pauses, before he turns just a little to face Rachel more directly as he speaks, his hazel eyes making sure to lock on to Rachel's emerald green ones. "I.. I really enjoy spending time with you, Rachel. Like.. a lot. Whether it's out on a case together, or out for an evening like this, just the two of us, or just relaxing at home..." Jamie pauses, swallowing. "I... I just wanted you to know that. That you really mean a lot to me."

Rachel Summers has posed:
The large man with the bushy mustache is given a wide smile, while Rachel also orders a diet soda, feels more right - here - ordering soda versus a glass of wine. As the Italian man makes his way back, Rachel's soon eagerly looking at Jamie with expectation of the surprise. She both hates, and loves surprises, the suspense is something she enjoys, as long as it doesn't last ...TOO long.

Once the boxes are placed onto the table, Rachel is about ready to open them up with glee - when she's stopped by fingers wrapped about her hand, and Jamie, for like the FIRST TIME, begins to express something that Rachel's wondered about, dismissed, pondered, dismissed, hoped, dismissed, and then gave up on entirely. The seriousness of his words and emotions hits her like the proverbial ton of bricks, and she's not entirely sure what to do or say.

Reaching outwards to collect Jamie's hand as well, Rachel returns the gentle squeeze, her own eyes remain locked onto his. "You mean a lot to me, too, Jamie. The time we've spent together has been - some of the best I've had since coming here, and I don't really want it to stop. Not like. Ever." Anything more, and Rachel leaves for the time being, instead she lets go of Jamie's hand, and begins to delve into the packages.

The first opened is the larger of the two, and a laugh echoes forth from Rachel as she plucks up the boxed set of Star Wars, in original format VHS tapes. "Is this..?" She inquires. "Where Han shoots ...first?" It has to be, given their age even if they're in pristine condition. "WOW. First thing tonight, totally watching this - after we pick up a used VHS machine." The laugher doesn't die down, even as Rachel reaches for the second box and begins to open it up.

The long box is soon parted open as a quiet gasp of sound echoes from the red-head. The clear heart-shaped crystal with a Phoenix on one side, and Jamie's symbol on the other is elegant, beautiful and holds more meaning than anything else, even original Star Wars VHS tapes.

Without really thinking about it, the necklace is telekinetically placed about her neck and the red-head is sliding into the booth next to Jamie, her arms leaping about his neck as a long, slow at first, then building with passionate kiss is planted upon his lips.

Jamie Madrox has posed:
Although he didn't realize it, Jamie had been holding his breath ever since he told Rachel how much he realized she meant to him. When she reveals to him that she feels the same way, that breath comes out in a sudden and happy sigh of relief, echoed by the happy and reassured smile that spreads across his lips. "Thank goodness," he gets out then, "I mean, I kept wondering, you know, if you felt the same way, or if I was just imagining things, or what if you didn't and..." Jamie cuts himself off then, realizing he's starting to ramble and stops with a sheepish grin. "I'll, ah, stop now. Let you open up your gifts."

Watching with gleaming eyes, Jamie nods enthusiastically with the question about Han's shooting order. "Where Han shoots first *and* where Anakin's ghost is *not* played by Hayden Christensen," he declares proudly. "And, a few other things here and there. No CGI Jabba... That sort of thing." He laughs too at the concept of finding a working VHS machine, nodding. "Yeah. It was hard enough to find these guys, but... I think the VHS machine might be a little easier. Worst case scenario, I'm sure we can give Forge a buzz and have him whip up something..." You know, as if the mutant gadgetry whiz has nothing better to do than cobble together VHS players in his spare time.

Then... the necklace. Jamie again holds his breath as Rachel goes about hopening the slender package, even leaning in a little with anticipation to watch her expression as she unveils the piece of jewelry with both her and his iconic symbols engraved on the heart-shaped pendant. His eyebrows lift upwards just a bit expectantly, before Jamie's features turn to happiness and satisfaction at the emotional reaction that Rachel gives, that gleam in eyes shining even more when the necklace is lifted in the air and placed about her neck. He doesn't have time to say anything before Rachel's sliding up next to him then, leaning in for a deep kiss - one that Jamie is quick to respond with in kind. The initial suprise as the suddent lip-lock doesn't take long at all to fade in passion returned in kind, his own hands finding their way around Rachel's slim waist to pull her closer to him, making out with the red-head right there in the pizza parlor like they were two high-school kids on prom night.