Marvel Universe 616

Tommy was casually relaxing at the bottom of the steps when David jogged past him. The two exchanged a quick nod before David dissapeared around the corner. Tommy was alone for a few more minutes before a student approached him.

"Hey uhhh... you're uhhh Tommy right? Castilloni?"

"Castellano."

Tommy corrected roughly. The student nodded excitedly. Probably 16 or 17 with shaggy brown hair and the beginnings of a scraggley beard. The teens eyes were a bright green but had a wild look to them. His nervousnes poured off him in waves. Tommy arched his eyebrow curious what this was all about.

"Right yeah sorry man, yeah hey I was wondering... Uhhh like if you have anything?"

Tommy just stared at him, his eyes squinting slightly as his mind was already beginning to work out what this kid wanted.

"What?"

Tommy asked as if daring him to ask again. The teen rubbed his arm anxiously as he looked around, making sure no one else was in the hall way.

"Yeah you know man... you uhhh got any stims?"

Tommy grumbled under his breath and shook his head.

"I don't deal in that shit chief."

The teen persisted, getting on the step beside Tommy as he crouched next to him.

"Ahh c'mon Tommy man, I can pay."

Tommy's patience was wearing thin but he tried to keep a lid on his anger.

"I said I don't deal man. Get the fuck outta here."

Tommy growled. The teen pressed just a little further, reaching out and grabbing a handful of Tommy's jacket sleave pleadingly.

"Hey man c'mon I know you got what I need dude. I just need one hit man, one!"

"PIECE OF SHIT!"

Tommy surged to his feet, a curse tearing from his throat as he pinned the skinny young teen, half his size to the wall at the base of the stairs. Castellano had his shirt collar in his grip as he nearly lifted him off his feet as he pressed him against the wall.

"Get this through your head you junkie piece of shit! I don't fuckin deal! And I don't know who does! You hear me?! Hey!"

Tommy said, pausing to slap the teen in the mouth as the junkie turned his head in terror. The smack refocused his attention on the angry Italian in front of him.

"Pay attention when I'm talkin to you! Now you get the fuck outta here and don't come dickin around me again looking for a fix or I'll break your fuckin jaw! You got that you little shit?!"

The teen was near to tears as he shook in fear. Tommy slapped him again, blood began to form around the kids teeth from the second blow. The junkie shook his head in submission.

"Y-Yeah, sorry."

Tommy growled and hurled him off the last step, sending him sprawling to the floor.

"Get outta my fuckin hallway you stupid fuck..."

Tommy growled dangerously taking a single step towards him, shadow beginning to radiate from him like thick black smoke in response to his anger. The junkie took off without a second look, sprinting out of the hallway. Tommy glared after him, visibly still furious about the incident.

Luke wondered quite innocently down the hallway to the stairs, where he had planned to meet with Danni, when a boy rushed past him like a bat out of hell. He looked rather...distressed, Luke was going to ask him what was wrong but the kid didn’t give Luke a second glance, he just ran like hell itself was after him. Luke followed the boy with his eyes until he turned a corner and Luke stood there stunned for a little while before resuming his previous course of action.

Well...that was weird. Maybe he just had to many skittles...do they even have those here?

He carried on walking until he reached the stairs, he checked his phone and noted that he was a little early so should probably wait for Danni. At the bottom of the stairs he saw a boy he had not met yet, he was a well dressed, slightly mean looking guy. Slick would have been the perfect word to describe him. Luke, with the memory of the terrified boy still fresh in his mind approached the boy, smiling cautiously. He could still see a lingering anger in the kids face as he got closer. Running his hand through his long brown hair as if he was completly carefree he began to speak to Tommy Castellano.

“Sooooo, just walked past a kid who looked like he caught a glimpse of Satan in the Shower, what you do to him?” Luke asked his usual British accent. His tone, yet not provocative was still rather stern. Luke had dealt with bullies before and hated them, and may have mistaken Tommy for one of these Jocks he had heard about.

“Sorry to be so forward but, that kid looked liked he’d been gripped up or something, and I’m sure such a mature role model for the next generation, such as yourself, couldn’t have done such a thing.” Luke asked with an obvious tone of sarcasm. Yet despite all his provocative words, he still wore a smile on his face.

"Al-Alex! I mean, I'm Alex. So.... I take it everyone is kinda going to this thing? I think that one girl inviting people said she was trying to get everyone. Though she was talking...... really fast, so I might be wrong." David looked at him strangely at first, but as he finished a small smile came to the surface. "Well, I don't know what girl you're talking about, but even if you weren't invited by her, you can come with me." David looked Alex up and down once. "If you don't mind me asking, why are you wearing that? It isn't exactly cold in here." Before Alex could answer...or try to answer, an angered voice was heard from down the hall.

"PIECE OF SHIT!" David looked down the hall. "What the...C'mon, let's go check it out." David started down the hallway, not checking to see if Alex was following. As David got closer, he could hear more being said. "...I'll break your fuckin jaw! You got that you little shit?!" Is that Tommy talking? David started to pick up the pace. "Heh, maybe there's a fight going on, and somebody is about to get ripped limb from limb. But one can only hope, right David?" Can you just shut up? David was nearing the end of the hallway, which was next to the stairs. "Get outta my fuckin hallway you stupid fuck..." He turned the corner and saw Tommy, who was still clenched up with anger. "What the hell is going on here? Everything alright?" He looked over and saw that someone else had beaten him to the chase, although David asked anyway.

Tommy turned to the voice with a fuck off on his lips but managed to bite his lip. He looked at the guy who spoke, around Tommy's age with curly brown hair and toned, yet slim physique. Tommy took a step toward him with a forced smile on his face. His temper still receeding, every word sounded like an insult.

"Who me? Naah hot shot. We were just having a quick chat. Why... You know him?"

Tommy asked like a dare. Castellano wasn't sure if this guy was a friend of the junkie or one of his delaers. Or worse, some boy scout looking to right wrongs and get involved in others business. Either way he was in no mood to deal with any of the above but was trying his best to supress his more violent urges. Urges he would have acted on by now back home. He could've just explained the situation. Told the guy what happened, that the guy was looking for drugs. Problem was Castellano didn't have anything to prove nor did he have to explain himself to some stranger. Staying out of the life wasn't easy and getting judged by everyone he came across didn't make things any easier.

"Well, I don't know what girl you're talking about, but even if you weren't invited by her, you can come with me." Alex could feel something akin to his version of a smile. "S-seriously? That'd..... be swell." Did I really just say 'swell'? Oh my God, I'm a dork. "I don't get to go to a lot of parties...." At all... Alex lifted his head up, so the brim of the hat no longer blocked his view of David's face. He could sense that this guy was okay, even though he looked the sort to hang a nerd by his underwear from a flagpole. "If you don't mind me asking, why are you wearing that? It isn't exactly cold in here." "Uhhh....... well......." "PIECE OF SHIT!" Thank you, God.....

Someone was yelling down the hall, and like there was vengeance to be had. "What the...C'mon, let's go check it out." "Do we have to?" Did I say that out loud? Before he could react, David became the "Fred" to Alex's "Shaggy". He was pretty sure David didn't realize it, but he had literally dragged Alex along. The one that appeared to be doing the yelling looked like a young "wise guy" from an old mob movie. Dapper and prim, like he was heading to someones wedding. Or funeral. He looked like he was having a conversation with some other guy, presumably about what happened earlier. David looked like he was about to get involved as well, but Alex found himself barely poking out from behind the corner......

Huh..... wonder if this is going to end more like God Father or Good Fellas?

Danni O'byrne

Luke couldn’t help but chuckle a little bit after hearing the guy speak
.
“That has to be the coolest accent I have ever heard, honestly I thought it only existed in old gangster films.”

Luke jabbed a thumb behind, indicating the kid that just left. Two more people turned up who seemed to know the slick fellow.

Better not get into a tussle here, if more turned up I’d be buggered.

Luke continued to watch the other two as he spoke.

“Know him? Pfft I only know about four people in the entire building so far and it looks like I’m better off that way, not knowing him I mean. Wouldn’t want you to try and cave my skull in now would I?”
Luke looked at his phone, it was almost seven and this was the spot he was meant to meet Danni. Which was a nuisance because it meant Luke couldn’t leave the spot to defuse the situation. The other two eyed him suspiciously, well one of them did. He presumed the one dressed for a skiing holiday was also watching him carefully.

“Besides I’m new here, I don’t know if that kid was some poor nerd who you just ordered to do your homework or whether he is some kind of low life that just tried to mug you. So I’m not going to jump to any conclusions here...” Luke stopped briefly, carefully wording his sentences “But what I do know is you just scared some poor kid out of his wits so forgive if I am a little hesitant to smile happily at you whilst I stand here.”

That moment Danni flew into the hallway from the corridor, as smiley and cheery as ever.

“Heeey~ I don't recall that we'd be joining other people...?”

Luke bit his bottom lip Well This is awkward

"Uh I think it's time we got to the party Danni, this fellow seems to have had a bit of an encounter with another...smaller...student. As you can see he is still a bit snarly and maybe we shouldn't bother him with our yano...generally positive outlook." With that he gave Tommy a smile that just seemed to say I don't trust you Bully

“Did I miss something?”

"Nooo lovely, don't think you could upset someone if you tried" Luke said with another wink and a smile

Tommy nodded as his fiery eyes locked onto the pale green ones of the guy in front of him while a bold grin flashed on his face.

"Smart guy..."

Tommy said as he took a single step closer to the guy. Tommy took a minute to allow the sparking anger to cool to a low boil as he adjusted his platinum cuff links on his suit. He rose his gaze, his eyes flicking to the girl at the guys side for just a second. Tommy always had a soft spot when women were involved. That meant he wasn't going to make good on this guys fear about him caving in his skull.

"Excuse me miss, me and your boy we're just having a few words we didn't get to finish. If you'll just give us a minute. I don't like leaving business unfinished."

Tommy said to the girl, his words gentle almost apologetic yet foreboding. His eyes flicked up to the guy in front of him and locked on.

"Let me tell you somethin Mr. Smart Guy. Back where I'm from people like you don't last long. They talk tough and try to help the helpless and all that bullshit. You know where they end up? In a gutter holdin their guts and screamin for their mothers. You know why that is your Majesty? Because they assume. They assume just like you did. You see that fucking limp dick running scared and you assume the big bad Guido was smacking him around for no god damn reason. Don't let this mutant high bullshit fool you. This ain't high school and I'm not some playground bully lookin to rough up nerds for their lunch money. You wanna be the good guy hot shot? Why don't you get your fuckin facts straight before you start slinging accusations around."

Castellano paused to chuckle as he shook his head. He took a step back and looked at the guy almost like he felt sorry for the guy.

"You know it's funny, back home I probably woulda made good on your little joke. Hell mighta done worse... Guess it's good I'm not huh?"

Tommy shook his head again with just a hint of a laugh. His eyes flicked to the girl and he gave her a quick nod.

"Sorry about the cursing miss. Captain America here just got me a little riled up. Won't happen again. You two have a good night."

His gaze turned back to the boy scout, a hollow smile on his face.

"See you around Cap."

Tommy said before walking off, his anger still smoldering within him but there was something else there too, loneliness. Things were becoming painfully aware that Tommy Castellano didn't belong here.

David looked from Tommy, then to the other kid. He could feel he tension in the air. "Oh boy, I hope they spill eachother's guts all over the floor. My money is on the pissed off Italian." "You know it's funny, back home I probably woulda made good on your little joke. Hell mighta done worse... Guess it's good I'm not huh?" "Yea fucking kick his ass! Wait...they aren't going to...WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SHIT!? Remind me to fry mob boy over there for being a pussy!" David ignored the voice in his head and watched as Tommy walked away. Well...I guess that could have gone worse. Well this is an interesting situation to be in. He stepped foward towards the other kid. "He's not that bad, you just caught him...uh...in a bad mood." "Ya...you caught him on his fucking PMS! Damnit, why can't he be the type to actually carry out his threats?!" "My name is David." He put out his hand to both the guy and the girl. "Oh, and this is..." As he looked over his shoulder. "...this is Alex. We were just heading to the party, and you two are welcome to accompany us."

Luke continued to smile throughout Tommy’s rant, at one point he nodded and before long his thoughts began to run wild.

Pssshht maybe he is a real mobster, remember that one we tied up outside the police station. He was given it all the, where I’m from crap as well, shall we kill him?

Luke’s smile faded as soon as the thought entered his mind, he had never had a thought like that before, why had he thought that? Kill him? Why would he ever do that?

No, god no. What the hell is wrong with you sometimes Luke.

With that Luke came back to reality and quickly resumed his grin.

"You know it's funny, back home I probably woulda made good on your little joke. Hell mighta done worse... Guess it's good I'm not huh?"

“I didn’t say you would cave in my skull my friend, I said you’d try. And try you would.”

"Sorry about the cursing miss. Captain America here just got me a little riled up. Won't happen again. You two have a good night."

“I’m British, but thank you for the comparison.” Luke said seemingly un-phased by Tommy’s outburst. Back home Luke had often responded to such speeches with violence, but he was much younger then, and over the years realised violence tended to lead to more violence. He developed a thick skin when it came to verbal insults a long time ago. “Hope you and your friends have a good night too.”

With that the boy turned around and went to leave "See you around Cap." He said, it was clear he was still about to blow at any moment.

“See you around to my friend.”

Luke turned to Danni, who he thought may have been a little distressed by the outburst.

“Let’s try and not let that ruin our night” he said delicately “People like that aren’t worth worrying about. Let’s go upstairs and meet some new people. Besides I don’t think it was me that got him angry...” Luke sighed heavily “Unfortunately he didn’t like my tone and I became the focus of that anger, but I really don’t think he meant to direct it at me. Hate to be the guy he is really mad at.” Luke said with a smile “You look pretty tonight, let’s go upstairs so you can make all the boys blush huh?”

Suddenly David approached the two, Luke eyed him cautiously as he approached.

"He's not that bad, you just caught him...uh...in a bad mood."

"I figured" Luke said rather sternly "Sorry, I do not mean my words to be provacative, my name is Luke and this beautiful young girl is Danni."

"...this is Alex. We were just heading to the party, and you two are welcome to accompany us."

Luke waved to Alex before shaking his head in reply "I'm sorry but I would rather not have a repeat of that incident, I do not think it would be wise for me to be close to him right now. Perhaps I will see you at the party, when he had cooled off?" Luke said, in a much more positive tone shaking the boys hand.

Danni O'byrne

After David and Tommy left, Cateleia was rather content floating about in the water, looking down at all the tiny fish swimming about her feet, attracted to the light. Hearing Tracey, she glanced up, swimming for shore with a smile.

"Your tattoos are interesting as well.......perhaps one day you will tell me the stories behind them." Tracey spoke in a soft and respectful voice.

As she arrived on dry land, she grabbed the piercings from her towel and placed back in her navel ring and all the tiny studded earrings that lined her ears along with her tongue ring. “I could tell you now…Not like I’m in a hurry to get all nicely dressed and cleaned up for a bunch of random people to breathe and rub all over me…” She almost shuddered at the thought. She hated being in the middle of big gatherings with the majority of the people being strangers.

Tracey walked over to Cataleia with his towel around his waist. "Tommy seems like a good guy and fun to be around. Cataleia-sempai, I don't know if I'm overstepping my bounds here but, how long have you and Tommy-kun been together?"

Cat had now strapped the knife-holding garters to her thighs after using the towel to dry off, now having it over her shoulders. “First of all: Tommy and I? Not a couple. As much as everyone likes to think so – We’ve never even dated.” She shrugged a bit with a light smile. “I’m still on the market, if that’s what you’re getting at.” She winked at him as she took off up the trail. Though, she wouldn't say, she often wished they were. With him walking beside her, she began to explain her tattoos. The first one that she pointed to was the kanji on her right cheek just under her eye. “This stands for strength and beauty. I got it when I was fifteen. It wasn’t meant to feed my ego. It doesn’t mean physical strength and beauty. But mental and emotional strength and beauty and grace in combat and being.” She shrugged a bit. “I’ve been through some shit…I earned it.” Looking up at the moon as it began to rise, she gave a bit of a nod to her back. “The cross…All of the Anjos de Guarda have them.” She somewhat muttered the last part, hearing footsteps in the woods on the path. She paused a moment, the noise stopping with her. “Stalker.” She whispered, illiciting a soft snort that sounded canine before she continued on. She then pointed to her forearms. “Descanse em paz: Melina Rodriguez y Javier Rodriguez del Rosario. Rest in peace: Melina and Javier. Self-explanatory. Para todos a quem eu amo, vou sacrificar tudo. Translation: For all those I love, I sacrafice all. The rosary on my foot…Mother had it on hers…” By now, they had arrived at the backdoor. “I guess I’ll see you at the party, then.” She smiled and turned back to him. “I look forward to the explanation of your tattoos.” With that, she walked away.

One Hour Later

A young woman slowly descended the steps, heading into the party area. All eyes were on her the moment she came into view. Part of her face was concealed by a Zoro-like mask that held a golden rose that was very much real on the right side. Her body was adorned with an ebony, one-shoulder, silk dress matching the open-toed black and gold heels. From her neck dangled an elaborate heart-shaped locket with a single ruby upon it, the colors? Black and gold. From her ears dangled a pair of black feather earrings that held smaller golden feathers dangling from them. The locket was a treasured possession of hers. The mask? Something that she once wore when she and her father were part of a vigilante mutant gang back in Brasil: Anjos de Guarda. That was the longest time she had been away from the mansion since she had first went there: She spent five years on and off. But, she finally settled. The rest of the outfit? A gift from Tommy from years past; Who else? Her raven tresses cascaded over her shoulders with healthy curls that bounced with each step that she took and there seemed to be a dark and golden shine about her body as she reached the steps, her ears tuning in to a familiar voice. She could hear students around her:
‘You look amazing, Professor Rosario!’
‘Wow, Kitty! Way to knock ‘em dead!’
‘Who is she?’
‘ Is that a Professor?’
‘Is she an angel?’
‘Damn. I’d tap that.’
She shook her head as she passed them all by. One pair in particular caught her eye as Tommy was leaving them. She had stopped beside them, placing a hand on her hips. “Great. That’s just what we need. New students who don’t know shit riling up Tommy.” Her lush hispanic accent tumbled past her ruby red, glossed up lips as she excused herself past the two and followed after Tommy, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Hey. Dance with me.” When she turned him to face her, she could read all that she needed to in his eyes. “C’mon.” She laced her fingers with his and began to tug him to a place clear enough where they could dance to the soft symphony that was playing; She hated seeing him upset.

Tommy's mind was a brewing storm. Clouds on the horizon, dark and foreboding. The flashing of lightning echoed inside giving voice to his rage. The wind howled in his mind, to scream out his inner torment. The mob, his family, the mansion, all of it was too much. Above his pay grade. He was just trying to figure all this shit out and just when he thought he was making a little head way, getting a little traction shit like the junkie and Captain America throws a big God damned monkey wrench in the cogs. Tommy had lost himself in his stroll when he felt a light hand on his shoulder. He paused and allowed the woman to turn his body.

“Hey. Dance with me.”

Cat's voice was soothing, like the calming sound of some ancient goddess tempering his torrent.

"Cat... Not now sweet heart... I..."

“C’mon.”

She said warmly as her fingers interlaced with his. She tugged him onto the dance floor as soft music began to fill the room. Relenting Tommy pulled her close and wrapped his arm around her waste, taking solace in her warm embrace. Her head slowly lulled and rested on his chest and he returned in kind, allowing his head to rest on top of hers. The two began to dance, slowly swaying to the music as the lost themselves in the music. Cataleia was always a safe harbor for Tommy, always had a way of soothing his pains both physical and emotional. She knew more about him than anybody here. About his family, his old life, what he'd done. Nobody knew him like her. At this rate nobody would. But for right now he was happy. Happy to be here on the dance floor with her in his arms.

"I don't know what I'd do without you Kitty...."

“Oh~ And I thought I already scored one...”

“Oh...” Luke chuckled nervously

Did she just flirt back, ah crap whatever you do don’t get flustered and forget how to speak!

“Let's go Luke~ I don't like waiting...”

“Then I’d hate to keep you waiting. See you around friends, and apologize to the Mr Noir for me when he has calmed down.” Luke said, although it didn’t sound like a completely genuine request it, it was a sincerely kind one.
With that Luke turned to Danni with a smile

“May I escort you to the party Mrs?” He said, jokingly wrapping his arm around hers “Let’s have some fun.”

He walked with Danni up the stairs to the third floor. The music was a soft symphony, Luke felt like some kind of aristocrat as he entered the room with the young girl on his arm.

The room was dark to a certain extent but not dark enough to cause a problem. A table was in the corner with all kinds of refreshments and light snacks. Luke pondered getting some punch but waved the idea out of his head when he remembered it would be non-alcoholic. The place was packed, Luke spotted the girl with the bright blue hair in a corner with a clipboard and another girl. They must be having some discussion about the party. The disco lights dashed around the room, stopping and moving again erratically. It reminded him of some kind of school disco, which made him feel old. Like he was some kind of sixteen year old.

Luke you are with a sixteen year old...ITS ONLY TWO YEARS!

Luke tore himself away from his inner argument to turn to Danni and smile.

“May I have this first dance Mrs Danni?”

Alex stayed back around the corner, far from fist distance. Huh, looks like it might be Good Fellas.... He was sure that all hell was about to break loose, but it seems things were able to not hit their flash point as of yet. The arrival of a clueless girl seemed to help, as neither of them looked as though they wanted to duke it out in front of her.The pissed off Soprano didn't look like he was in the mood to ruin his suit, even though the other British dude wasn't helping. Things went down to a low simmer, as the Italian tossed out a crack about Captain America. Not to stereotype, but wouldn't Union Jack be a little more appropriate?

After hosing the walls with machoness, it looked officially over. The Brit seemed to be the date of the young girl, who frankly looked half his age. This wasn't helped by her sticking out her tongue when Mr. Suave turned his back. That, and the following conversation. “I didn't do anything, did I?” “Nooo lovely, don't think you could upset someone if you tried.” I think..... I'm going to be abominably ill... Just when Alex felt they were finally in the clear, David approached the couple. Alex covered his face shamefully with his palm, and mumbled "Oh crap, here we go...".

Surprisingly, it looked like David was try to excuse the mafia dudes behavior, suggesting that David knew him. "He's not that bad, you just caught him...uh...in a bad mood." Alex rolled his eyes a bit, thinking to himself: well, that's one way to put it. Looking back at David, who seemed to be extending some kind of a olive branch, all Alex could think about was being caught in a small room with both these two in a fist fight. Oh, wait. That's right, they got powers, too. His thoughts were broken when he heard his name being mentioned. "...this is Alex." He did not just mention my name in front of the angry mobster.... Yep, he did.

Alex couldn't do anything but give an awkward wave and a meek "Uhhh, hey". He was not liking the thought of going anywhere near "Dapper Don" over there, but he was kinda in front of the stairs. Thankfully, David seemed to signal the all clear with a glance back and tilt of his head. Hopefully this meant Alex wouldn't be waking up to Mr Ed anytime soon. In either case, it might help if he stopped watching old mob movies. Alex proceeded up the stairs, tilting his hat down and praying to God there wasn't a sudden hand grip on his shoulder. He lifted his view to David, who looked back at Alex with a question. "Alright, well that was fun. Wanna head to the party now?

Oh, gee. After this much fun, what's next? Yakuza versus the Triad? "Uhh.... sure, lets go." The two entered to the sound of a slow dance, and awkward became an understatement. Actually, it just got buried. Showing up stag to this kind of party was bad enough, but with another guy? Do the math. "Sure wish somebody told us to bring dates......." Alex's eyes scanned the masses, and spotted Surge.

Speak of the devil, and the blue haired girl will appear....

Danni O'byrne

John scanned the room. He saw Tommy with Cat, and Luke with Danni. This was the first time he'd been to a party without a date. It felt wrong. There were a bunch of couples slow dancing in front of him and Alex. He looked over to Alex, back to the couples, and then back to Alex. "I'm not dancing with you." He kept his eyes on Alex for a few more moments, completely serious looking, until looking forwards again. "Aww shit Alex. I'd did't mean for this to be..well, like this." He scanned the room once more. Spotting a group of girls who weren't dancing with anyone, he dusted himself off and started heading in thieir direction. He stopped after a few steps and looked back to Alex. "Well? You coming? You must a lady killer." He started in the direction once more. "Are you really taking that loser with you? You have something planned right? Something that ends will this mansion becoming a smoldering pile of rubble maybe? Everyone in here fleeing in terror? Tripping this asshole in front of the girls and making him eat shit? Jesus David, you going soft on me? David, what would your father think?" David stopped in his tracks, starting to shake. Arcs of electricity started to form on his hand. He spotted an outlet. You son of a BITCH! His shaking started to become very noticable. Flashes of his father appeared in his mind. "No...no..not here...calm down...calm down." His whole body was now glowing from electricity, and was very visable in the dim-lit room. "And now David, we are going to get some power..." David was losing control of his body, and had to force his foot back to the ground when Freakshow tried to make him walk toward the outlet. "You know what? Fine, we won't walk over there. We'll make it come to us!" His arm started to raise and point towards the outlet. "No...no...stay in control...stay in control...." He started breathing slowly and deeply. Slowly, he took back control of his body, and the arcs went away. He shook it off, and looked around. Everyone around him was staring at him. "I'm uh...I'm fine." Everyone continued staring...judging."No, please, keep staring. Fucking great." He walked off somewhere into the crowd.

X Nathan Rider X

Nathan stood in the darkest corner of the room, carefully watching the other students go about their business, like a bird sizing up its prey. He watched as the slow music came on and the men and women began to pair up, couples were beginning to emerge as various students paired up.

How cliché...Nathan thought to himself.

He poured some vodka from his hidden canteen into his cup of punch.

Now that’s the stuff.

“Hello Nathan.”

The raggedy voice came from directly behind Nathan, yet Nathan did not react or act surprised. He simply stood there as he had done before, he knew who it was. Behind him a black mass ebbed it’s way out of the hard stone wall, gently forming behind him into a skinny young man. His hair was long and greasy, his clothes were dirty and full of holes.

“Hello Jason” Nathan replied without turning “How is my favourite telepathic junkie today?”

“Mellow...as always” Jason replied before flicking something of his shoulder

“Good to hear” Nathan turned to face the young man, as he did he looked him up and down with a face of disgust “What news from the war front? The New X-Men any closer to stumbling upon our little operation?”

“I intercepted a telepathic message from Emma Frost to Laura Kinney, it appears they suspect another.”

“Jesus Christ Jason!” Nathan exclaimed as he threw his cup of punch directly at Jason, who did not flinch as it bounced off his forehead. “MGT or not Emma Frost would wipe the floor with you! If she even suspects you know anything she’ll rip the information from you head!”

“You do not understand telepathy Nathan.” Jason paused as he sucked some of the left over punch from his fingers “I did not mean to intercept the message, but I accidently heard it. Like overhearing a conversation, she would not be aware.”

“I don’t give a shit Jason! I got half a mind to make you mind wipe yourself! And did you say Laura Kinney? As in X-23?! I would not like a visit from her thank you, accident or not don’t do it again!”

“You do not understand telepathy, but I’ll try.” Jason’s voice was so monotone that Nathan could almost feel himself get sleepy listening to it.

“You better! Anyway, who’s the poor sod that they are actually tailing?”

“His name is Tommy Castellano. They have X-23 watching him like a hawk. She is probably here...somewhere.”

Nathan’s voice suddenly got a lot quieter.

“You could have told me that before.”

“Amongst this noise it is doubtful she can hear beyond her target, even with her enhanced senses”

“Wolverines mafia kid huh? Figures they’d suspect him.” Nathan turned back to face the crowd, watching carefully to see if he could see Tommy amongst the dancers, he finally spotted him dancing with Cataleia. “This could work to our advantage.”

“Meh.” Jason replied, obviously uninterested.

Nathan reached into his pocket before pulling out three small containers full of pills, Mutant Growth Hormone, he held it in his hand, discreetly of course, closed his eyes and concentrated and in a blink of an eye all three containers vanished with a little pop.

“Very interesting move Nathan.” Jason compliment in his monotone voice

“Thank you, any of our regulars here?”

“Just one, Mr Crawley, why?”

“Tell him I am selling tonight and that Tommy is my dealer. Mind wipe him as soon as he has finished harassing the mafia kid.”

“Very interesting move. Shall I inform Mr Crawley now?”

“No no...give Tommy some time with his girl...he isn’t going to see her for a while”

“As you wish Nathan.” And with that Jason melded back into the wall.

“Don't be angry if I step on your toes, though. Heehee~”

“Like I said Mrs Danni, I don’t think you could upset some if you tried” Luke replied with a smile.

He playfully wrapped his arms around her waist and gently pulled her to the dance floor. He allowed his body move with a subtle rhythm to the music and delicately moved Danni into the correct position. With one arm on her waist and the other cupped in her hand, he looked down at the young Irish girl he had befriended.

Okay man...this goes way past harmless flirting.

“We shouldn’t be dancing like this, people will talk.” Luke said jokingly, but eager to gage her reaction.

He carried on gently moving her body with his, at one point she seemed to get a bit muffled but Luke soon got her back on track.

“I’ve never really met any other mutants before...not properly anyway. Tell me what can you do? Or is it impolite to ask?” Luke asked with genuine curiosity.

As he asked he noticed Mr Noir dancing with someone in the crowd.

Ah crap...

Luke kept his head down not wanting to ruin the fun he was having with another dramatic spat.

"I'm not dancing with you." It's because I'm blue, isn't it? Okay, on a less creepy subject, why did no one mention this? Alex could do nothing but eye the fellow mutants dancing with their "plus-ones". Okay, Union Jack is putting the moves on the missing Power Puff girl. The hit man is swinging with............ uhhhh, wow. My brain turned off for a second, where was I? He just stood there with his hands in his pocket, eyeing the punch bowl. "Aww shit Alex. I'd did't mean for this to be..well, like this." "Hey, no problem. I'm assuming no one told you either. If they did and you still brought me, well then we need to seriously talk about 'us'." Alex couldn't help but laugh slightly at that. It felt strange, being able to laugh with someone. Being able to tell a joke to someone. Hell, talking to someone.

The lights seemed pretty dim, obviously trying to "set the mood". All it did for Alex was make it a pain in the ass to see with his shades on. He turned away from David and slipped them into his jacket, turning back with his hat pulled down. It's probably dark enough in here to let me get away with some eye contact, for a small duration of course. Alex noticed David heading towards a group of ladies chatting amongst themselves, and hoped he wasn't about to invite him over. "Well? You coming?" Crap. "You must a lady killer." What gave me away? ".....Not as much as you might think. I'm going to..... uhhh.... head over to the snacks and stuff." Smooth. "I'll catch up." Real smooth.

David continued on his way, till something made him pause. His expression twisted into that of sheer hate, like someone just shot his dog. Whatever he was feeling, it was strong enough to make his whole body shake. His very being began to arc with plasmatic discharges, borderline giant bug-zapper. David muttered something under his breath, but it could've been next week's winning lotto numbers for all anyone cared. They were all too busy staring at him, as he motioned his hand towards a power socket. His hand was shaking like he was fighting his own movements, till finally something snapped him out of his trance. There was a small crowd around him by this point, despite his protests. "I'm uh...I'm fine........ No, please, keep staring. Fucking great."

David stormed off, away from the prying eyes. Alex didn't know what to do in these situations, but decided to follow him. "Hey, David. Wait a minute, you..... uhhh.... okay? I-I know how much of a douchebag question that is, but humor me." Alex tried to at least talk the matter through, but he could feel the gaze of onlookers. Not on him, no, on David. This was a cold, judgmental stare. The kind people give when they're making their minds up about someone. The kind Alex is use to receiving. Though, now they were on someone else. That..... that just pissed Alex off, as he snapped around to address the issue. "Hey! The FUCK you all lookin' at?! Back off!"

Alex spun back around, and was taken aback by himself. Whoa, did I just say that? Fuckin' A! He went to place a hand on David's shoulder, as one more arc of energy leaped from it. Every fiber, every atom, every molecule, every piece of Alex's body screamed at him: That Is Bad For You! His arm not only backed away but dove inside his body, sucking in his glove and jacket sleeve as well. Alex, upon realizing what happened, quickly reversed the process before anyone had time to notice. Trying a little more cautiously this time, Alex did his best to talk to him. "Uhh.... H-hey, I know this isn't the time or place, but if you...... God, I suck at this. Heh, I'm usually on the other end of these talks......."

Alex looked around, hoping the answer was lying around somewhere. He nervously scratched the back of his neck, before his once again saw the punch bowl. "Punch. Errr..... I mean, I'm going to get a drink. You want anything while I'm over there?" Please say yes so I'm not just standing over there like a moron.

"I don't know what I'd do without you Kitty...."

“You might possibly go through your life suffering severe bouts of insanity from the loss of my intelligence, charm, wit, beauty, strength, and all around epicness. But, you don’t have to worry about that, minha querida. ‘coz I’m not going anywhere.” Though her voice was a whisper, she allowed the sound wave to carry up to his ears and caress his face as her arms were draped over his shoulders. She was careful not to get her makeup on his suit, knowing that even though he wouldn’t always say it, it did provide an annoyance. “Don’t let anything anyone says bother you, Tommy. You’re a better man than you once were and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Because I’ll kill them.” She peeked up at him, her powdery blue eyes sparkling from behind the mask that held a dark meaning. Besides her father, only Tommy knew about those days…Those five year of flickering between Brasil and New York…the Anjos da Guarda… She glanced and saw Luke nearby, making eye contact. She smiled lightly as she created a darkness around them, sucking in all the light around them and repelling any other light that might threaten to invade their space; What others would see? A dark space - Like a void in the room. The pair could no longer hear the symphony as she repelled that was well. She closed her eyes a bit before looking back up at Tommy. Was it strange that she had never quite noticed just how handsome he was until now? She gave a soft pink glow as a blush creeped across her cheeks. She leaned up on her tippy toes, taking a breath…Her lips brushed against his like the way they usually did when they were at their teasing games. But, it was more than a brush because she soon latched onto his lips in a bit of a rough way, her hands seeming to act on reflex as her fingers entangled themselves in his hair. The kiss was deep. It was passionate. It was…unexpected. But she liked it. She had lost herself in it and the lights and sounds hit them once more.

She blinked slowly as all of a sudden she seemed to hear things around her. She gave a distracted cough and looked away some. “Sorry. That came…out of nowhere.” Behind her, she could hear a snort and a muttered “Bout damn time…” She turned around to see Logan in the background, pulling earplugs from his ear.
“Stalker.” She muttered in reply.
“Not my fault you two been livin’ in denial. I must say that it's almost too damn adorable seeing you two like this. Makes me want to puke a fucking rainbow.”
“Why the fuck are you wearing earplugs at a party?” She quickly changed the subject.
“It’s a party. Crowded with teens and stupid music. Why aren’t you wearing them? Shit, your hearing is better than mine and Laura’s combined. How does it not bother you? Being able to hear so much.”
“I learn to tune shit out.”

Their conversation went on in a bout of whispers that sounded to both as if they were speaking casually in a quiet room. Logan shrugged a bit and let her turn back to Tommy. She glanced up at him and gave one of her infamous bashful smiles – Mirroring the smile she gave him when he presented her with a bouquet of roses after they intially met. “Please…don’t be mad…”


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

In the background of them all was a suave looking man of obvious Hispanic origin. He was nearby Nathan and Jason, though he hadn't moved in a while, so it was hard to miss him. He could hear exactly what the two were talking about, though he didn't make any move to stop them. He wouldn't involve himself in the situation, for it wasn't his place. Should things get out of hand, of course he would step in. But he wouldn't undermine any of the staff here and he'd like to see how they would work everything out. He continued to lean against the wall in silence, his eyes closed. It seemed as though to others he was passed out.

Danni O'byrne

The kiss was unexpected and long over due. Tommy allowed himself to lose himself in those few short precious moments. His own powers adding to the light vacuum created by Cat. The darkness was impenetrable as the two shared their kiss, the void hid them from the gaze of those around them. Tommy's shadowy essence spilling out around them giving an almost eerie serenity to the scene. The light returned with all the sound that accompanied it and their time had passed. She pulled away seeming almost surprised at herself. Coughing in nervousness as she looked away. Tommy just stared with a curious smile. Logan approached and his words got a quick chuckle from Tommy. The three spoke for a minute or so before they were alone again and Cat looked up at Tommy, her eyes filled with a sweet bashfulness that she knew always made his heart melt.

“Please…don’t be mad…”

She said with a coy smile. Tommy smiled in return, his was warm and inviting.

"Mad?... Cataleia, I've been waiting to do that since we met."

Tommy leaned in this time taking the lead. His hand curled around her waist pulling her in close. Unafraid or uncaring of what would be said by the onlookers who honestly paid the pair little mind. While Cat and Tommy carried on events began to set in motion. Events that would bring Tommy's momentary happiness crashing down around him. Unseen threats both from near and far. For now however he was just a boy, dancing with a girl kissing her passionately and enjoying every second of it.

X Laura Kinney (X-23) X

Laura sat quietly seat behind Surge and Megan who talking intensely about the seating of the party. The music and amount chatter was a problem for Laura, she had to concentrate to specifically hear a single conversation, and the entire night she had her sense of hearing tuned to a single target. Tommy Castellano. Logan had told her that he was innocent, of MGT dealing at least, but Emma had given Laura a mission and if it turned out he was innocent she would need evidence to prove. Before long she heard Logan’s voice amongst Cataleia’s and noticed him walking in her direction. He had obviously glimpsed her.

“Still watching Tommy then I see?”

“I have received no new orders from Mrs Frost.” Logan grunted and sat down in the seat next to Laura.

“I told you he’s innocent didn’t I? What more ya need?”

“Mrs Frost gave me a mission, I thought you off all people could understand that.”

“And if he isn’t the dealer?”

“Then he has nothing to worry about” Laura retorted sternly. In her mind she didn’t know how Tommy could expect not to be suspected. He had connections to the mob, notorious drug dealers and hitmen. And if he was innocent then why worry? Her investigation would prove him innocent anyway.

“No I suppose not.” Logan said, solemnly sipping his whisky flask.

“Let me ask you something Laura, do you like missions?”

Laura looked up at Logan, obvious confusion in her face “I...do not understand the question. It’s a mission.”

“You know you are free to turn down missions here right? This isn’t the Facility.”

“I know.” Laura responded

“Then why don’t you turn them down?”

Laura looked down, her face full of something she didn’t quite understand herself “I don’t know.”

“I know you don’t” Logan replied. “I know you don’t” He sipped his flask once more.

Meanwhile on the other side of the room, Mr Crawley a scruffy looking man but seemingly respectable none-the-less, made his way through the crowd, he spotted Tommy dancing with a girl he had seen around a few times and stared unbashfully at her figure. Eventually the music stopped as it did Mr Crawley approached Tommy smiling happily as he did.

“So Tommy buddy!” he exclaimed patting him on the back clearly interrupting his conversation with the girl he was with “Nice dancing partner if I don’t say so myself! Hey, listen up Tommy, I boss says you got the MGT tonight, and I got some dollar bills I need to get rid of. What do you say?” Crawley asked with slimy smile.

Back across the room Laura and Wolverine sat in a comfortable silence, it was a long time before Laura could think of something to say...

“I want...”
But before she could finish the sentence her trail of thought was interrupted. She raised her head, slightly surprised, but not as surprised as Logan.

“Logan did you hear that?” Laura asked

“Yeah, MGT was definitely mentioned” Logan admitted

“What?!”

It appeared their conversation wasn’t as quiet as they thought. Surge popped her head round and stared at the two.

“Where?! Who?!”

“Surge –“

“Tommy Castellano. Middle of the dance floor.” Laura cut Logan off before he could utter any defence.

“Hellion, Rockslide, twenty three on me! Rest of you watch out and back us up if things get nasty!” Surge declared, fuming that anyone would ruin her carefully planned party with the sale of narcotics. Logan stood up and grabbed Surges shoulder.

“Surge, there must be some kind of explanation here.”

Although fuming she kept her anger in check

“Relax Logan, we’ll just ask him to turn out his pockets, if there’s nothing there we’ll leave it at that, we’re not uncivilised.”

Logan nodded, there was nothing he could really do, MGT and dealing were just mentioned to Tommy.

Rockslide pushed his way through the crowd, making easy passage for Hellion, X-23 and Surge. They finally made their way to Tommy. Rockslide stood to one side and Surge walked past to approach Tommy.

“I’m sorry but we just heard something about MGT. I’m going to have to ask you to show me your pockets.” Surge requested sternly. The rest of her team stood around not really seeming to be as interested as Surge, but none-the-less they were a formidable sight and an intimidating team.

Luke smiled

“Very, very impolite~”

“it is? Oh well I better only as you then.” He said jokingly

They carried on moving to the music as she spoke and told Luke about her powers.

“I eh... I don't how to explain. I can walk through solid objects, that's about it... I guess.”

“Well that seems fun, can you take other people with you? Because there could be some fun in that if we get bored sometime this year.” Luke said with a mischievous grin.

“Okay, your turn.”

Luke chuckled lightly

“Yes I suppose it is.” Luke breathed in heavily “I don’t know how to explain it without sounding like a nerd. The technical term is particle manipulation or ultra-telekinesis. I’ve never really been trained in my powers so I’m not quite sure what I can really do, but I can make myself stronger, faster and more endurable at will...sounds cool but when I say stronger that doesn’t necessarily mean that I am strong. I’m colossus could still snap my arm off in an arm wrestling match. That’s about it really for the moment, like I said...hard to explain without sounding like a nerd. Oh I can also use Clairsentience” he could see the obvious confusion in Danni’s face “Ah...sorry it’s the ability to sense the history of an object through touch. And I can instinctively react to near future events...again sounds cool but it really helps me with simple things, like being able to move my feet before my dancing partner accidently steps on them.” Luke said chuckling.

Soon after, the music stopped and the couples stopped dancing. Luke held onto the girl for a couple of seconds before finally releasing her from his grasp and looking down at her happily.

"Enjoying yourself Mrs Danni?"

But his thoughts were interrupted when he saw a walking mountain make his way through the crowd, he bore the X-Man insignia, so Luke knew he was a high ranking student. He looked around and saw the girl with the blue hair approach Tommy, with an angry look on her face.

“Huh...it seems Mr Noir really is not making many friends today.”