(semi-closed)

[dianano]

Who: steve trevor (dianano) & various others
What: mostly gala-related shenanigans plus other meet ups
When: december/january
Where: various locations
Warning(s): none currently! but will obviously add a warning later if necessary.

(ooc: I've not top-leveled at the gala but please don't hesitate to contact me if you'd like to thread something out!)

Comments

for "al"

[dianano]

[ It's funny, he sees Diana walk arm in arm in with another man - not just any man - and the first person he looks for is Bruce. He's hardly the comforting type - and the idea of him outwardly asking for it from Bruce is slim - but even just seeing a familiar face (huh, he's familiar with Bruce now) would put him at ease right now. Or distract him from what he's feeling, at least. ]

Alan. [ Steve only greets him that way because they're in a public place. His suit only seems to accentuate the blueness of his eyes, bright with emotion unhidden from Bruce. ] Feel like a drink?

[ Translation: I need a drink, would you care to join me? ]

[beknight]

[ Diana Prince turns heads when she walks into the room, always dressed to kill. Bruce arrived first, as his usual habit is, except he's actually visible in the crowd. That doesn't mean he never knows when he's been spotted, and there's a questioning raise of his eyebrows. He looks at Steve, his brow furrows, then his eyes skim over the room and rest on — ah, that's it. Bruce makes a beeline for him, extends an arm around Steve's back to shepherd him straight towards the table. ]

You can choose.

[ he's here for u broski ]

[dianano]

[ Steve picks the most normal drinks he can identify seeing as there are some native refreshments on offer that perplex him. He swallows down a generous gulp of his drink before handing Bruce his. ]

You know there's another Steve here in a blue suit? [ Yes, let's talk about that, not the elephant in the room... ] Around my height, impressive beard... Have you met him?

[ Stupid question. This is Bruce he's talking to. He wouldn't be surprised if he had a file on everyone here... All part of his "hobby". ]

[beknight]

[ He murmurs a soft thank you and cheers. Careful to block most of the room from Steve's periphery, while watching it on the various reflective surfaces around them. He's covering. ]

So you met Rogers.

[ It's a common name, it amuses him a little that blue seems to have been the common theme. Clark chose it, blame him. ]

[ He's aware the distinction between using a last name for one Steve and the first name of the other isn't going to be lost on Steve T, but it's not something he particularly cares about concealing. For better or worse Steve is in his inner circle, and Bruce is learning to share. ]

What did you think?

[dianano]

Seems like a perfectly nice gentleman.

[ But that doesn't seem like the answer Bruce is looking for. He knows Bruce wants his assessment of him. ]

Definitely hiding something. [ Steve picked up on that right away that there was more to him than meets the eye, the way he seemed to stand with a heavy amount of weight on his shoulders. ] Blatantly in love with a woman called Peggy. [ He gained that knowledge from observing rather than a confession from Steve. He met her also, shared a dance with her. ] But that's obvious to anyone who has eyes. [ Not just a spy. And Steve's one to talk about blatantly obvious affection. ]

[beknight]

He's forthcoming enough.

[ Which is just Bruce's way of saying sometimes it's better to ask than stalk from the shadows, as is his preference. He's been doing enough of his getting to know people that he knows where he stands with most of them. Steve T is a charming man, no doubt he uses that to his advantage. ]

Speaking of obvious.

[ yeah he's going for the jugular here buddy. But not closing his jaws around the proverbial throat. Steve did ask him for a drink as a distraction. He gets an out. ]

[dianano]

[ Obviously Steve knows what Bruce is referring to, obviously he knows he's just as bad as the other Steve... It must be a Steve thing. ]

Have you ever felt it yourself?

[ Bruce can guess what he means by 'it'. And Steve knows he has kids, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's been in love. People have children under all types of circumstances. ]

[beknight]

[ It is more trouble than it's worth. Bruce's children are all adopted, the only two women he could ever have said he loved — not in his life anymore. Even after that fiasco of the fight with Superman, he hasn't approached Selina again. Death was coming for him. She'd land on her feet, like every cat. ]

[ His love for Diana is extremely specific — Bruce wouldn't describe it as such. If asked to he'd shrug and say, they align. It's compressed, kinetic. It's belonging and care, not passion. ]

[ It's not compressed, for Steve. It's encompassing. ]

Have you told her?

for diana

[dianano]

[ After one or two chats with people he can confide in, they'd suggested he was being... well, an idiot. And he'd been inclined to agree with them. Richie had made it clear he and Diana had only come to the gala as friends, though Steve was still kicking himself for not asking Diana sooner. He was trying to take it slow with Diana because unlike back home, they had time here, but it was becoming more and more clear that there was a difference between taking things slow and moving so slowly you missed opportunities. Tonight hadn't exactly gone to plan - in a perfect world, he would have entered the gala with Diana on his arm and not sat feeling sorry for himself - but there was still time to fix things.

Half the evening has passed before Steve goes looking for Diana and finds her out on one of the balconies, looking up at the night sky, Thesa looking down on them. Her shoulders are bare from her (lovely) dress; Steve takes off his suit jacket and comes up behind her, draping it around her. ]

You looked cold. [ He leans against the railing, expecting her to ask where he's been for the most of the evening. ] Nice outfit. [ It's an understatement on purpose, meant to remind her of their exchange on Themyscira. ]

[wondie]

( Diana enjoys the energy and electricity of the party, yet after a few hours of mingling and dancing and dining and chatting and everything in-between, she does find herself in want of a breather. she'd considered heading over to sit with Steve, but he seemed rather out of sorts about something. she hadn't quite connected the dots he was sore she'd come with someone else; why should it matter that she went to an event with a friend?

still, she knows exactly who it is when the fabric settles over her shoulders. it isn't the first time Steve has offered her his coat, though this time she might need it a bit more. Diana isn't horribly susceptible to cold, yet even she can get a little chill wearing a sideless dress. )

Ah, do you like it? I thought you'd appreciate my attempt at modesty. ( the corner of her mouth lifts in a barely perceptible smirk, the only hint she is teasing him. yes, modest... for Diana, the dress almost is modest. Steve, she knows, might have other interpretations of the word. as for where he's been all night, she knows, she has eyes; perhaps what she got from her magical marriage to Bruce is the uncanny ability to spy on people. or maybe she just stares at Steve all on her own. who can say. )

Have you enjoyed yourself? ( this is less playful, more concerned. because watching him, it seems almost like he hasn't, though she can't imagine why. it's been a beautiful night, after all. )

[dianano]

[ When it comes to modesty, Diana deserves a gold star. The expression 'if you've got it, flaunt it' is not an expression Steve is familiar with from his time. However, having met Diana, he's starting to think maybe women shouldn't be afraid to show off their bodies more. They were their bodies after all. They had the freedom to do whatever they wanted with them; cover or expose themselves however much they wanted to. ]

You look beautiful... but that's nothing new. [ He smiles at her, then looks ahead while he thinks up how to answer Diana's simple question which somehow has a much more complicated reply than it should. ]

Sometimes... man gets upset over nothing. They can be irrational. [ He hangs his head a little, like he's embarrassed. ] I wanted to be your date to this, but Richie beat me to it. I responded the way children do, which is by sulking. So I just wanted to say sorry for my behavior. [ Well, it's not the only thing he wanted to say... ]

And I missed you. [ Technically he's seen her all night but he hasn't been with her, hasn't spoken to her, hasn't danced with her, so he's really missed her. ]

[wondie]

( this is what she adores about you, Steve. many a man she's met seems rather stuck and insistent in their ways. keeping women down, refusing to look at alternatives that are not their own. when offered a new perspective Steve could often balk at it for the newness of it, yet when it came down to it? he accepted more than he refused, and he learned very quickly. he'd been raised one way and yet managed to grow when given the opportunity. it impressed and delighted her.

Diana is not a creature that cares much about being beautiful (lucky her, since she's gorgeous), yet there's a part of her that still enjoys the fact Steve finds her to be so. there's nothing wrong with enjoying the feeling of someone appreciating her, after all, especially when she had perhaps had his reaction in her thoughts when she'd gotten ready. Diana dressed for herself, of course, yet she was starting to enjoy that awed look in Steve's eye when he caught sight of her out of her armor. it was intoxicating. she smiles at his compliment, and perhaps she would have answered he looked quite striking himself before she is distracted by his answer. )

This is very true. I hear complaints about the complexities of women but I think that men are just as confusing. ( Diana, so not what he needed to hear right now... at least she softens when he admits to what has been troubling him. she feels a bit badly that he had wanted to ask — it seems foolish, now, that she hadn't guessed as much. she brushes her fingers at the side of his neck, trying to get his eyes from the floor and back on her own. )

I should have known that, I think. ( she pauses, and for once it is Diana having to sort through her words to find the right ones. ) If you had asked me, I would have said yes. And it would have been different than it was with Richie, because how I feel about you runs far deeper than friendship. ( it's a little blunt, though is it really sudden? she's shown it in her words, in her touch, in her desire to have him close, and yes, certainly in the kisses they've shared since he found her under mistletoe. she laughs softly at the mention he's missed her, because at one point in her naive head, that wouldn't have made any sense. they'd woken up in the same house, they'd seen each other off and on across the room, they hadn't lost each other even if they had not been side by side...

and yet, she understands, because she missed him too. even across the room, she's managed to miss him, and it is an unwelcome reminder of how she'd missed him when he was still sleeping in stasis. her arms spread past his shoulders and lock at the wrists, bringing them very close. it's perhaps a little bold, yet she thinks he'll forgive it. he did miss her, after all. ) I missed you too, ( she agrees, with a smile that is bright with not having to miss him any longer. )

[dianano]

Personally I think we're worse. [ Steve snorts, not a common opinion amongst men when comparing themselves to the opposite sex but Steve is no common man. He likes to think outside the box occasionally.

He looks surprised when he feels her fingers against his neck, lifting his chin to meet her eyes. And all the more surprised when he hears her admit they aren't just friends, yet at the same time not shocked in the slightest because really, hasn't everything they've been doing suggested more than friendship between them? He doesn't come from modern times where it's not unusual to be friends with someone you kiss on occasion but nothing more comes from it. Steve doesn't take kissing lightly - he'll probably always be old-fashioned when it comes to that, but that's hardly a bad thing.

He may have the advantage of more memories than her, but a confirmation of her feelings for him in words and not just physical gestures is definitely something he needed to hear. He feels less like he's been pressuring her to catch up with him when maybe she's been ready all along for them to take the next step, or at least ready for a while.

More and more he becomes pleased by her boldness rather than shying away from it, so when she locks him in close, all he can do is smile, bravely wrapping his arms around her slim waist, his fingers against the skin against her back that's exposed from the design of her dress. ] I'm glad we're on the same page... I've finally come to realize, knowing either one of us could be sent back to the stasis unit any day now, we shouldn't waste time pretending we're only friends - I mean, not that friendship is a waste of time. It's not. But... it's killing me to hold back when I know I could lose you tomorrow.

[ That's probably the most honest thing he's said to her here and the emotion shows in his eyes. It's almost as though the more he feels, the bluer they become. ]

[wondie]

( Diana laughs at the idea men are worse. to be fair, she does know Bruce Wayne, the most Complicated Man there is, so it does make a certain amount of sense... though in the end, she thinks all humans are complex. amazons were not cookie cutter replications of the next, yet, there were a vast number of commonalities between them. the remarkable diversity of humanity was impressive, and the princess was likely better off for being introduced to it.

how complicated men are seems a silly conversation when he's in her arms and holding her so very close, though, so she decides to focus on his embrace instead. truth be told, the warmth in his hands on her bare skin heats her more than the jacket over her shoulders.

Diana wishes she could dispute his claim, that there's no way she could return to stasis — it isn't that easy, even for the amazon with few weaknesses. after seeing Clark return to stasis, she knows that it is not a matter of strength. for all she's seen returned to stasis, Diana has not stopped to wonder long about returning to it. now it leaves a cold pit in her stomach, thinking of all the people she'd leave behind. )

If it happens, I would wait for you again. As long as it takes. ( the Diana he holds know doesn't know exactly how true those words are. that even a century after losing him, some part of her was still waiting for him, even knowing that she was waiting for someone that could not come back. ) And I know you would wait for me. Until then... ( she looks over his face, the wildfire vibrant blue of his eyes, her own eyes dark yet a familiar cast of certainty. )

Until then, no more waiting. ( she much prefers this, the freedom to say what they want and need and feel. she hates that it is prompted by his fear of losing her, but she knows why that fear is valid. if they had time, it would be foolish to waste it. knowing what her life is like without him, she has no interest in pretending she prefers the absence or the distance. )

[dianano]

[ Steve would wait centuries for her. Sadly, his lifespan makes that impossible. ]

No more waiting. [ He echoes, and all this - holding her close, holding her gaze, repeating her words like a promise... It almost feels like they're making a pact, in a way. ]

No more waiting until we're under mistletoe to kiss? [ Steve already knows her answer, but he jests to lighten the mood a little. He brought the mood down by reminding her their time together could easily be taken away from them, but it doesn't have to be all doom and gloom, particularly now. It's Christmas, after all. They ought to be celebrating. Frankly every day is a celebration of being alive, for Steve. ] Of which you have an abundance at home... [ For decorative purposes, of course. ]

for bucky

[dianano]

[ Let it be known, working at a bar isn't Steve's ideal job, but he has his reasons for being there. He needs to know more about the natives, why the friction between Olympia and Wyver exists - and maybe with the information he gathers, he can figure out how to stop the impending war he and the other refugees could be thrown into. Or at least save lives from finding out what the attacks entailed and when they'd strike.

Lonely, drunk people could tell someone serving behind a bar anything and everything. And when Steve lays on the charm, it isn't hard for him to get a secret out of someone. Not all the information he overhears or which is confessed to him is useful, but occasionally he'll catch wind of something interesting. Steve needs the money from working at the bar too, to afford better weapons. And then there's Diana, who isn't the type of woman whose affection can be bought with gifts and such, but that doesn't mean he doesn't want to take her out for dinner and dancing and the like. Those things cost money.

The bar isn't that busy when Bucky walks in - it usually picks up in an hour's time. Out of habit of being a former spy, Steve is always watching his surroundings, at who enters and sits with who, who sits alone, who's new and who's a regular. One glance at Bucky and he knows this is his first time here. While polishing a glass, Steve waits for Bucky to approach him at the bar, welcoming the stranger with an amiable smile. ]

Something to quench your thirst?

[rzhavyy]

[Bucky isn't particularly exceptional at first glance. His body speaks to someone that keeps active, that there is strength in his hands, but there are people around that are even more striking. His hair is still cut short, though there's a little scruff on his jaw. He's dressed casually; functional pants that speak more to practicality than fashion, and a long-sleeved shirt that ends in black-leather gloves over his hands, which he leaves on even once inside.

For someone as perceptive as Steve, he might catch the brief way his eyes scan the place: checking for back doors, where the few other occupants are seated, making guesses about weaponry. But it's fast- practiced, even- and to most people it hardly looks different than the way anyone would look around someplace they've never been before. Steve calls out to him and he nods, walking over to the bar and sliding into one of the seats.]

Your best house ale.

[There's a slight shrug to his shoulders; he's found it to be a safe bet. He's been checking out bars, considering seeing if there's someplace he thinks he can work. The money would be good, but truth is there aren't a whole heck of a lot of places someone like him fits in easy. It's not overt, most people miss it at first glance, but it's in his blue eyes, in how he holds himself.]

[dianano]

[ Steve does notice Bucky scan the room in a similar fashion to how he would but he won't make any assumptions yet. Besides, if he did happen to be looking around in a way that suggested surveillance, he could hardly be blamed under current circumstances, what with the growing strain between the cities. In fact, every refugee needed to be encouraged to proceed everywhere with caution, in Steve's opinion. Luckily Steve was good at putting a stop to any political fights that broke out in the bar. ]

Coming right up. [ He swings back the cloth he was polishing with over one shoulder and reaches for an appropriate glass from a shelf, filling it up. After positioning the ale in front of Bucky, he leans forwards with his elbows on the bar and lowers his voice: ]

Between you and me? I've tasted better, but trust me, it's the best you'll find on this planet. [ He gives Bucky space again by leaning back to watch his first sip. ]

for richie

[dianano]

[ As Richie predicted could happen, he happens to be somewhere in the back when Steve makes it to the bar just as closing time is announced. Richie must have told security to let him through because when he tells them his name, they make no means to kick him out and let him wander to find his friend (poor security - Steve can't help but judge it, he could be anyone). He could take a seat at the bar but he'd rather help Richie out to get him home sooner. ]

What's a guy gotta do to get a drink around here, huh? [ He announces his arrival to Richie, thicker scruff than usual, his eyes a little bloodshot. He knows he looks like shit and he's fully expecting Richie to point that out to him. ] Tell me how I can help. [ Make him lift barrels or something. ]

hello my baby hello my honey, hello my ragtime gal

[summertimeblues]

[Well if you jot down some suggestions and leave them in a comment box perhaps they will change things up around here. As it stands anyone who wants to come stab a bartender might just get away with it.

He's busying himself with a keg change when Steve slips in. The rotating tap had made the blessed and long overdue change from the pomegranate cider to a dignified saison. The sweet stuff hadn't sold out over the holidays, and for good reason: it tasted like a shaken blend of apple juice, pomegranate pulp, and Watkins cough syrup. Today had been the time to squeeze the last few drops out of that weathered teat, and the whole staff had been toasting the end of a dark era.

When Steve gives a holler he nearly rolls the metal tank over his toes, swearing under his breath. He calls back out to that bodiless voice.] Show a little leg and you can sip straight from the tap!

[He knocks it into place but lays off hooking it up for the time being, opting to shuffle out to see his pal.

Laying eyes on him now makes him sorry for asking him over. The guy is in dire need of some shut eye and a shave.] Gee Trevor, I'd tell you it looks like you've seen better days, but better days would deny having seen the likes of you.

[He wrinkles his nose at the offer.] No no no, come on. Have a pint at least first, on me. Or a shot, if you want it over with quick. I won't let you work for free.

steve and richie: the musical

[dianano]

[ You mean that comment box in the form of a trash can in the corner? Sure thing. ]

Not tonight. [ He'll keep his ankles firmly covered by his pants, thank you very much. Richie won't have seen how Steve has looked for the past day and a half but he does actually look a little brighter in Richie's company. It's not like he dragged Steve here so Richie shouldn't feel guilty. Steve is exactly where he wants to be - well, maybe not exactly. He'd rather be with an awake Diana but while that's not possible, being with a good friend is one way to make the wait less unbearable.

He makes a face like he really can't stomach alcohol right now (he can't get rid of the uneasy feeling at the pit of his stomach waiting for Diana to come home), but something strong could help knock him out later... ]

Maybe it'll help me sleep. [ You win this time, Richie. ] Give me a shot of something. [ Surprise him. ]

i'd buy that soundtrack....

[summertimeblues]

[That's the one!

If nothing else, that small twinge of perk that returns when Richie has entered sight means it's not all lost causes. It's only three days, he reminds himself. Though it could be more, couldn't it? It could be the rest of time. It could be as good as death.

It's hard to think of Diana as a stiff and slumbering corpse. She wasn't an overly animated woman, but her energy shone out of her like all those radiant auras in gold leaf tableaus. Glows of goodness. She was too alive to snuff out.]

You've got it. [Without thinking, he reaches for the local honey whiskey. Close enough to Yukon Jack, and there's lime juice and ice. He knows what Steve hates (campfire scotch) but he has little clue as to what the man likes. Luckily there's no tip riding on the success of a guess here (and how galling it is to live like this, working service for pittances and pocket lint...sheesh). He lays out two glasses and pours the concoction in both.]

Ever had a Snakebite? [He holds his glass to the other man, waiting on a cheers.] If you hate it, you're shit outta luck.

[dianano]

[ It's hard to see Diana as a stiff and slumbering corpse either. Honestly, going to see her with Bruce felt like going to a wake, especially when they talked about their favorite memories of her. ]

Snakebite? [ This is clearly the face of someone who's never heard that word used to describe a drink before. He'll put his cheers on hold for a moment. ] You know I don't want to join Diana in a comatose state, right? [ He's sad but not Romeo and Juliet levels of sad. ]

[summertimeblues]

Pish tosh, you'll be fine. You're a strapping young lad, fit enough for one measly whiskey mix. [Richie pops his brows expectantly.] Clink my glass before I get sore and assume you hate me.

[dianano]

[ Steve can't help but snort at Richie's description of him. He can't actually remember the last time he felt young, as sad as that sounds. ]

I hate you. [ That's his cheers, filled with affection of course, clinking his glass against Richie's. Swallowing down the concoction, the sweetness and the lime together is quite the combination, sickly-sweet combined with tartness. It's potent enough that he won't be having another. ] Appropriate name...

So tell me how you've been.