An Apartment Building in Two Bridges, New York, Wednesday Evening

[suitably_heroic]

Three years ago, when Jack had first moved in here, this had been a weird, confusing thing to be dragged into - this communal gathering in a living room on the fourth floor, open to anyone who didn't have a place to land on Christmas. But by now, it was tradition.

By now, he and Dane showed up early, before dinner and before the party, to help set everything up. Trent would arrive later. Lana, hopefully, would be here soon too.

But for the moment, there was a nice, friendly quiet. Helping Dane with the sound system. Helping mrs. Zhang pull out the table and set out the plates. Watching mrs. Zhang's kid fumble with the Christmas decorations.

It was nice. And they hadn't even started yet.

As more people poured in and they sat down for dinner, Jack pulled out his phone and texted Lana the apartment number. Yeah. Yeah, this was nice.

[[ expecting one, but open for texts and calls as always ]]

Comments

[unusual_sith]

"See if I don't," Lana challenged, still smiling. In an undertone to Jack, she added, "Any neighbours I need to look out for?"

[suitably_heroic]

"Mrs. Cho in the corner over there will talk your ear off about knitting if you get too close," Jack said, lowering his voice. "And the brown-haired guy sulking in the corner? Stay away from him too."

[unusual_sith]

"The one that isn't you, you mean?" Lana asked, smirking.

Look, she'd seen you lurking in corners at more than a few parties.

[suitably_heroic]

Jack pulled a face at her. "I'm trying to save you from a creep who's going to call you a cougar all night," he said. "A little appreciation here?"

[unusual_sith]

"All right," Lana agreed. "I may be amused, but I do appreciate the advice. You go do your thing, and I'll find a place for these," she hefted the box of pastries, "then mingle." She waved to Trent.

[suitably_heroic]

Trent looked up from his bass, looking... disturbed... and then gave the oddest three-fingered wave in her direction.

Jack shrugged, and continued after Dane by the instruments. Around them, more people filed in. The Yule Log was on the TV, and Mrs. Zhang and her kids were handing out drinks.

[unusual_sith]

Lana gave Trent a wave and a questioning look back before heading over to offer him a pastry. "Merry Christmas if you celebrate it," she offered. "Otherwise, happy Wednesday and have a pastry."

[suitably_heroic]

"You can just say 'happy holidays' if you're so worried," Trent muttered, though he sure did grab a pastry quickly. "We're all technically a part of the Christmas industrial complex, whether we like to be or not."

[unusual_sith]

Lana shrugged. "I'd never even heard of it until I was sixteen, and here I am," she agreed. "Happy holidays, then. Do you not enjoy it?"

[suitably_heroic]

"Christmas is just another excuse for capitalism to milk and bilk the working man," Trent said. And stuffed his face with pastry. "But I like this party."

[unusual_sith]

"It is rather well-advertised," Lana admitted. "You should have seen Vienna. Still, good food and company are always welcome. And good music," she added. "And if you spot any egregious capitalists, you can always send a few ghosts to haunt them; I won't tell."

[suitably_heroic]

Trent snorted. "Vienna, huh?" he said. "What took you there?"

Was that an accusation? Who knew?

[unusual_sith]

"Class," Lana explained. "I try to take my students all around the world to learn about the place. It's important to learn about the place you live in, don't you think?"

[suitably_heroic]

"So you're trying to scope out the planet for your imminent invasion?" Trent asked.

[unusual_sith]

"Oh, absolutely," Lana said, deadpan. "Our ships and troops are ready, but first we have to find the best place to get sushi and pancakes."

[suitably_heroic]

Trent tapped the side of his nose. "Prioritize securing the food supply," he said.

He sounded very serious.

[unusual_sith]

"Precisely," Lana agreed. "Moral is important. We can't have subpar sandwiches. Not to mention, if we set down in New York and ask to be taken to the best corned beef, the resulting arguments will do half our work for us."

She'd tried looking things up. Apparently New Yorkers had Opinions about this.

[suitably_heroic]

"I would save that one for Jack and Dane," Trent deadpanned. "But hm. Good to know." He tapped his nose again. "I'll be prepared."

"Prepared for what?" Dane asked, collapsing down on the sofa next to them.

"Aliens," Trent said firmly.

[unusual_sith]

"Our inevitable invasion," Lana clarified. "Once we learn where all the best food is."

[suitably_heroic]

"Ah," Dane said, nodding. He stretched his legs out. "I mean, I've got Jack to vouch for me. Happy to be a concubine in the new world order."

Trent eyed him. "You really need firearms training."

[unusual_sith]

Lana laughed. "Duly noted." She nudged Trent. "Don't encourage the resistance. Have another pastry."

[suitably_heroic]

Dane let out a low chuckle as the bassist busied himself - grumpily - with the pastries. "So how was Vienna?"

[unusual_sith]

"Crowded but cheerful," Lana answered after a moment's thought. "I made it to a few of the markets, and there were some interesting crafts, musicians here and there, Christmas lights. And so much food! I could have brought back a truckload if I'd had a truck."

[suitably_heroic]

"What, you don't have magical alien powers that'll drop like ten tons of sausage on us from above?" Dane asked. "Now I'm disappointed. I expected so much more!"

[unusual_sith]

Lana laughed. And thought about it. "I could pick up that much meat, call for a portal above the apartment, and throw it through. If you're dead set on ten tons of sausage."