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xp_logs(backdated) Alani and April sit down to have a drink and share updates on their lives.
There was a small crash as Alani flung open the cupboards of the kitchen's suite, critically glancing them over before she turned to April a bit sheepishly. "So, gonna be honest, you're the first person who's, like, been in our suite for longer than a quick 'how do you do' or such. It's very exciting, but we are not snackers. I got pretzels, aaaand, I think some cranberry juice and vodka under the sink if you want something other than water?" An easy grin quickly spread as she leaned against the counter. "What do normal people do when they have people over aside from drink?"
"I wouldn't know, Pyotr keeps enough vodka in our rooms that it's like having a tiny distillery," April said with a laugh. "I make him get rid of the bottles when they won't stay neatly under the table anymore." She hefted the bag at her side. "On the bright side, I brought a bottle of said vodka, and Russian-approved vodka snacks. We eat a lot, there's always food in our suite. High metabolism's great until you're staring at protein shake number five of the day."
A laugh slipped out. "Oh thank god, because my vodka is not that, it is very cheap and you could probably light your breath on fire if you were so inclined — but not in the mansion, please.” Reaching for a pair of plates she tilted her head in question, unsure if they were needed before setting them in front of her and grabbing a bag of cheddar popcorn to set out in offering. “Oh, yeah, we’re just almost never here aside from laying our heads down, so a few baked goods and prepped meals are mostly what I have in stock. Even with my own high metabolism the protein shake lifestyle is just easier. Sooraya, bestest roommate and light of my life, has finally had me concede to using soy milk because cow milk hurts my tummy. Did I drink it regardless for year? Of course.”
"Oat milk's good too, depending on your protein blend," April offered. "Sometimes makes the shakes taste a little like cookies, which I'm a big fan of." She set the bag down on a chair, sliding the vodka and snacks out carefully. "Where do you want to for fun drinks and snacky time?"
"Ya know what? I've never noticed that when I've used oat." Alani laughed at herself before humming in thought. "Couch? That's a nice place to lounge and chill-" She paused abruptly as she turned to grab a set of glasses, a proud grin on her face. "Yes, I may be losing my mind, but let's ignore that, sit on the very nice sofa, and chat with me regardless." All said as she ushered April to the sitting area, one arm cradling snacks as she walked.
"I notice it most with the chocolate stuff, sorta tastes like a no bake cookie." April couldn't help but grin at Alani as they took seats on the couch, snacks spread out before them. "And like I said, proper snacks. Pyotr got disgruntled the one time I made PB & J to go with our vodka. I like it, but it's not very Russian traditional, is my understanding."
"So no PB & J and vodka in your suite, gotcha," Alani nodded, grinning. "What if it's peanut butter vodka though? Throw in some juice for a mixer, and you're golden." She couldn't stop a peal of laughter, pouring them some drinks and offering April hers, before leaning back to get comfortable. "So, you've been here for a while, how ya feeling? Anything fun to share?" A brow raised in coy suggestion.
April blushed as she settled with her drink. "ForgeandIkissed," she blurted out, then simultaneously tried to cover her face with her free hand and bring her drink to her mouth. The effect ended up being somewhat comical, drink bumping against her face at the same time her hand covered her eyes. She paused for a minute. "Well, at least I didn't spill any," she finally muttered, taking a long sip of her vodka. "Oh, and I joined the X-Men. It was an eventful week. You?"
"Hot damn!” Alani hadn’t jumped to attention, but she’d straightened up, excitement lighting up her face as she rested her arms on her knees. “Oh don’t even worry about the furniture, I woulda cleaned it. My, oh my, sounds like you’re having a good time. And also congrats on the X-Men, Sooraya’s with them so they’re good people.” With the pleasantries out of the way she took a drink then grinned like the cat that got the canary. “And the Forge kiss, how ya doin’ on that front? Mind, body, soul, all that jazz?”
"Sooraya was one of the main people to actually talk to me about the team. And well, me in general. I like her. And Forge, well..." April blushed. "Awkward. Good, but awkward. Not like I have a lot to compare it to. He gives great hugs, too." She took a few sips of her vodka and juice, grinning back at Alani as she relaxed into the couch. "What about you? Anything fun or interesting going on?"
"Good," she nodded, as she took another drink. The pleased smile hadn't left, all the more amused as she thought. "Awkward good is a thing, and it can be great. And hugs are a very important part to any relationship, darling. As long as your partners into it." Like that needed to be said? The slight embarrassment turned to thought and she gave a half shrug. "Nothing, like, talk worthy, I was seeing a lady in District X since Halloween but we've ended it, all amicably, of course. Life is good, ya know?"
"At least it's amicable, not awkward or bad, right? Those are the worst, especially if you're still seeing them around socially." Life was good, honestly. "And yeah, I know. Life is pretty good right now. It's nice, I don't wanna say something too loud and scare it off. Murphy's Law or whatever the corollary for 'if things are going well and you speak of it, everything goes to shit' is."
"Murphy better not be in my apartment, I didn't invite him." Alani snorted a laugh. "The out loud mentioning of things and them going to shit, though, I can't do much to stop, aside from assuring you that not everything'll go sideways just because the universe likes to sometimes make us the butt of its jokes." She offered a smile. “Especially because I’m picking up that you like him, and if he’s smart like I know he is, he likes you back too, and two smart people can make a relationship work. Braver lady than I.” Her glass raised in a cheer for April and what seemed like a good start for her.
"Pffft," April disagreed. "I just kept getting underfoot until he realized I'm awesome. Brave is you being friends with that Felicia lady. She's stunning and has big terrifying energy." She raised her own drink towards Alani before taking a drink, eyes widening as she thought about how that sounded. "In a good way! But a little intimidating."
"Huh? Fi? Intimidating?" It took a moment as she mulled the thought over, before slowly raising her shoulders in a half-shrug. "Ya know, I guess I never thought about it like that, I kinda just ran into her one day because I couldn't get a door open. I can see it. Codename fits. She's like a cat, does what she wants, knows where she looks best, and, I assume, has very sharp claws. She's great, it's fucking amazing to go out for drinks with her." Alani finally seemed to realize something before she laughed. "Okay, wait, sorry 'underfoot,' April, babe, no, don't say that. He realized how amazing you are, obviously, because you vibe and are both smart people who can be smart and cute together."
April laughed. "Oh no no, I totally did. Just showing up in his lab like 'Heeeeeey hottie new smart guy near my age. Ooh, is that engineering? Can I take it apart? Wanna touch my cool monster arm? You want some lunch?' Annnnnnd he let me stick around, although I'm pretty sure I freaked him out at first. And then he decided a minion was awesome, and eventually he realized having a smart girl to smooch was more awesome." Her grin was wide as she took another drink. "And yes, that's the big terrifying energy I mean. Just. Bam, standing up to scary people, being flawless and brilliant, mistakes probably run from her. Absolutely terrifying."
"Well, that's the way you gotta do it, I guess, just be awesome and wear down the person you're into. Jot that down, future Alani." Alani chuckled into her own drink, thankfully not choking on the liquid because that woulda been embarrassing. Lapsing into silence for a moment, she tapped her fingers against the side of her glass as she thought more. "Blah, nevermind, let's not plan things for future Alani, she gonna be up to something that silly goose. But, plans for future April? Hmm?" She raised a brow theatrically, grinning into the rim of her glass.
"Continuously be awesome and interested until the other person realizes you're not just teasing, solid plan for future Alani," April agreed. "No geese. The chickens are fine, but no geese, they're evil. As for future April, maaaaaaaaaaaybe grad school??? I'm just thinking about it right now, I'd have to figure out funding."
"Eh, 'm always teasing, babe." She snorted another laugh, though her brows quickly furrowed. "Uggh, no, geese have teeth, that's freaky as fuck. Oh! Oh, oh, oh, I'm sure we can find you something. I mean, a lot of my grad school is funded through a scholarship and, well... jobs. So I'm happy to help you scholarship search, and anything else. There must be something around here that'd pay for a hard science higher degree."
"Well yeah, but there's teasing, like with me, and then there's 'Actually I like you hahaha isn't that funny I'm going to hide it behind humor and teasing' where there are actual feels involved." She stuck her tongue out at Alani as a follow up, then took a sip of her drink. "Good, good, same page about geese. Now, scholarships. Absolutely, but not until fall at earliest. Work might pay for some of it, actually, but I'd definitely need to close any gaps in funding and be secure in it."
Alani couldn't stop herself from laughing, hand shooting out to set her drink down so she both didn't laugh bubbles into her nose or spill anything at all, though it was close. Trying to fight down a smile she had to shake her head to get it off her face, though the corners of her lips began to turn upwards. "Then I may just do all types of teasing until I get bored or someone reciprocates and I excuse myself from this plane of existence, luckily I already work in that office." Reaching back for the glass and raising it in a cheer. "Understandable! I mean I think that means the less you'll owe at the end, which, goals. More mixer?"
"I don't think you'd be allowed to use the portal for that," April replied dryly. "I mean, potential one-way trip aside, that's just bad use of weird science." She shook her head. "I'm still good on my drink. If I go slowly enough, I can get away with like... 3 shots to the bottle. And owing the least at the end is always the goal. Well. That, the right program, and the ability to expand some of my projects. We were doing some really neat stuff to make prosthetics more affordable and accessible, not to mention durable enough to handle kid rough-housing. I'd like to do more of it."
"I bet I could get away with it," Alani waggled her eyebrows as she topped off the concoction she'd made, thoughtfulness appearing for a moment before she added another half a shot to be safe. Her eyes brightened as she listened to April, smile softening. "That sounds amazing, babe, I definitely get wanting to keep with something you're already obviously very passionate about." Fingers drummed on her glass before finally she asked. "Tell me more? About your projects?"
"Settle in, I can talk about bridging the gaps in prosthetics coverage all day."
There was a small crash as Alani flung open the cupboards of the kitchen's suite, critically glancing them over before she turned to April a bit sheepishly. "So, gonna be honest, you're the first person who's, like, been in our suite for longer than a quick 'how do you do' or such. It's very exciting, but we are not snackers. I got pretzels, aaaand, I think some cranberry juice and vodka under the sink if you want something other than water?" An easy grin quickly spread as she leaned against the counter. "What do normal people do when they have people over aside from drink?"
"I wouldn't know, Pyotr keeps enough vodka in our rooms that it's like having a tiny distillery," April said with a laugh. "I make him get rid of the bottles when they won't stay neatly under the table anymore." She hefted the bag at her side. "On the bright side, I brought a bottle of said vodka, and Russian-approved vodka snacks. We eat a lot, there's always food in our suite. High metabolism's great until you're staring at protein shake number five of the day."
A laugh slipped out. "Oh thank god, because my vodka is not that, it is very cheap and you could probably light your breath on fire if you were so inclined — but not in the mansion, please.” Reaching for a pair of plates she tilted her head in question, unsure if they were needed before setting them in front of her and grabbing a bag of cheddar popcorn to set out in offering. “Oh, yeah, we’re just almost never here aside from laying our heads down, so a few baked goods and prepped meals are mostly what I have in stock. Even with my own high metabolism the protein shake lifestyle is just easier. Sooraya, bestest roommate and light of my life, has finally had me concede to using soy milk because cow milk hurts my tummy. Did I drink it regardless for year? Of course.”
"Oat milk's good too, depending on your protein blend," April offered. "Sometimes makes the shakes taste a little like cookies, which I'm a big fan of." She set the bag down on a chair, sliding the vodka and snacks out carefully. "Where do you want to for fun drinks and snacky time?"
"Ya know what? I've never noticed that when I've used oat." Alani laughed at herself before humming in thought. "Couch? That's a nice place to lounge and chill-" She paused abruptly as she turned to grab a set of glasses, a proud grin on her face. "Yes, I may be losing my mind, but let's ignore that, sit on the very nice sofa, and chat with me regardless." All said as she ushered April to the sitting area, one arm cradling snacks as she walked.
"I notice it most with the chocolate stuff, sorta tastes like a no bake cookie." April couldn't help but grin at Alani as they took seats on the couch, snacks spread out before them. "And like I said, proper snacks. Pyotr got disgruntled the one time I made PB & J to go with our vodka. I like it, but it's not very Russian traditional, is my understanding."
"So no PB & J and vodka in your suite, gotcha," Alani nodded, grinning. "What if it's peanut butter vodka though? Throw in some juice for a mixer, and you're golden." She couldn't stop a peal of laughter, pouring them some drinks and offering April hers, before leaning back to get comfortable. "So, you've been here for a while, how ya feeling? Anything fun to share?" A brow raised in coy suggestion.
April blushed as she settled with her drink. "ForgeandIkissed," she blurted out, then simultaneously tried to cover her face with her free hand and bring her drink to her mouth. The effect ended up being somewhat comical, drink bumping against her face at the same time her hand covered her eyes. She paused for a minute. "Well, at least I didn't spill any," she finally muttered, taking a long sip of her vodka. "Oh, and I joined the X-Men. It was an eventful week. You?"
"Hot damn!” Alani hadn’t jumped to attention, but she’d straightened up, excitement lighting up her face as she rested her arms on her knees. “Oh don’t even worry about the furniture, I woulda cleaned it. My, oh my, sounds like you’re having a good time. And also congrats on the X-Men, Sooraya’s with them so they’re good people.” With the pleasantries out of the way she took a drink then grinned like the cat that got the canary. “And the Forge kiss, how ya doin’ on that front? Mind, body, soul, all that jazz?”
"Sooraya was one of the main people to actually talk to me about the team. And well, me in general. I like her. And Forge, well..." April blushed. "Awkward. Good, but awkward. Not like I have a lot to compare it to. He gives great hugs, too." She took a few sips of her vodka and juice, grinning back at Alani as she relaxed into the couch. "What about you? Anything fun or interesting going on?"
"Good," she nodded, as she took another drink. The pleased smile hadn't left, all the more amused as she thought. "Awkward good is a thing, and it can be great. And hugs are a very important part to any relationship, darling. As long as your partners into it." Like that needed to be said? The slight embarrassment turned to thought and she gave a half shrug. "Nothing, like, talk worthy, I was seeing a lady in District X since Halloween but we've ended it, all amicably, of course. Life is good, ya know?"
"At least it's amicable, not awkward or bad, right? Those are the worst, especially if you're still seeing them around socially." Life was good, honestly. "And yeah, I know. Life is pretty good right now. It's nice, I don't wanna say something too loud and scare it off. Murphy's Law or whatever the corollary for 'if things are going well and you speak of it, everything goes to shit' is."
"Murphy better not be in my apartment, I didn't invite him." Alani snorted a laugh. "The out loud mentioning of things and them going to shit, though, I can't do much to stop, aside from assuring you that not everything'll go sideways just because the universe likes to sometimes make us the butt of its jokes." She offered a smile. “Especially because I’m picking up that you like him, and if he’s smart like I know he is, he likes you back too, and two smart people can make a relationship work. Braver lady than I.” Her glass raised in a cheer for April and what seemed like a good start for her.
"Pffft," April disagreed. "I just kept getting underfoot until he realized I'm awesome. Brave is you being friends with that Felicia lady. She's stunning and has big terrifying energy." She raised her own drink towards Alani before taking a drink, eyes widening as she thought about how that sounded. "In a good way! But a little intimidating."
"Huh? Fi? Intimidating?" It took a moment as she mulled the thought over, before slowly raising her shoulders in a half-shrug. "Ya know, I guess I never thought about it like that, I kinda just ran into her one day because I couldn't get a door open. I can see it. Codename fits. She's like a cat, does what she wants, knows where she looks best, and, I assume, has very sharp claws. She's great, it's fucking amazing to go out for drinks with her." Alani finally seemed to realize something before she laughed. "Okay, wait, sorry 'underfoot,' April, babe, no, don't say that. He realized how amazing you are, obviously, because you vibe and are both smart people who can be smart and cute together."
April laughed. "Oh no no, I totally did. Just showing up in his lab like 'Heeeeeey hottie new smart guy near my age. Ooh, is that engineering? Can I take it apart? Wanna touch my cool monster arm? You want some lunch?' Annnnnnd he let me stick around, although I'm pretty sure I freaked him out at first. And then he decided a minion was awesome, and eventually he realized having a smart girl to smooch was more awesome." Her grin was wide as she took another drink. "And yes, that's the big terrifying energy I mean. Just. Bam, standing up to scary people, being flawless and brilliant, mistakes probably run from her. Absolutely terrifying."
"Well, that's the way you gotta do it, I guess, just be awesome and wear down the person you're into. Jot that down, future Alani." Alani chuckled into her own drink, thankfully not choking on the liquid because that woulda been embarrassing. Lapsing into silence for a moment, she tapped her fingers against the side of her glass as she thought more. "Blah, nevermind, let's not plan things for future Alani, she gonna be up to something that silly goose. But, plans for future April? Hmm?" She raised a brow theatrically, grinning into the rim of her glass.
"Continuously be awesome and interested until the other person realizes you're not just teasing, solid plan for future Alani," April agreed. "No geese. The chickens are fine, but no geese, they're evil. As for future April, maaaaaaaaaaaybe grad school??? I'm just thinking about it right now, I'd have to figure out funding."
"Eh, 'm always teasing, babe." She snorted another laugh, though her brows quickly furrowed. "Uggh, no, geese have teeth, that's freaky as fuck. Oh! Oh, oh, oh, I'm sure we can find you something. I mean, a lot of my grad school is funded through a scholarship and, well... jobs. So I'm happy to help you scholarship search, and anything else. There must be something around here that'd pay for a hard science higher degree."
"Well yeah, but there's teasing, like with me, and then there's 'Actually I like you hahaha isn't that funny I'm going to hide it behind humor and teasing' where there are actual feels involved." She stuck her tongue out at Alani as a follow up, then took a sip of her drink. "Good, good, same page about geese. Now, scholarships. Absolutely, but not until fall at earliest. Work might pay for some of it, actually, but I'd definitely need to close any gaps in funding and be secure in it."
Alani couldn't stop herself from laughing, hand shooting out to set her drink down so she both didn't laugh bubbles into her nose or spill anything at all, though it was close. Trying to fight down a smile she had to shake her head to get it off her face, though the corners of her lips began to turn upwards. "Then I may just do all types of teasing until I get bored or someone reciprocates and I excuse myself from this plane of existence, luckily I already work in that office." Reaching back for the glass and raising it in a cheer. "Understandable! I mean I think that means the less you'll owe at the end, which, goals. More mixer?"
"I don't think you'd be allowed to use the portal for that," April replied dryly. "I mean, potential one-way trip aside, that's just bad use of weird science." She shook her head. "I'm still good on my drink. If I go slowly enough, I can get away with like... 3 shots to the bottle. And owing the least at the end is always the goal. Well. That, the right program, and the ability to expand some of my projects. We were doing some really neat stuff to make prosthetics more affordable and accessible, not to mention durable enough to handle kid rough-housing. I'd like to do more of it."
"I bet I could get away with it," Alani waggled her eyebrows as she topped off the concoction she'd made, thoughtfulness appearing for a moment before she added another half a shot to be safe. Her eyes brightened as she listened to April, smile softening. "That sounds amazing, babe, I definitely get wanting to keep with something you're already obviously very passionate about." Fingers drummed on her glass before finally she asked. "Tell me more? About your projects?"
"Settle in, I can talk about bridging the gaps in prosthetics coverage all day."
