riverviewlogs | open: gold & glitz

open: gold & glitz

who: Bryn Zethir & Guests
what: A Gold & Glitz House Party
when: Evening of June 1st
where: Bryn's apartment
warnings: Alcohol, tobacco, and weed.

[Welcome to Bryn's apartment. The door is unlocked, and personal belongings can be tossed up onto the bed just at the top of the stairs. The party's theme is apparent at once. As mentioned on the network post, gold and glitz is strongly encouraged (though no one will be turned away for lacking either) in clothing, jewelry, accessories, or however creatively someone would like to incorporate it. Those interested in participating but lacking anything gold or glitzy will find gold glitter body gel to spread on their skin, compliments of the hostess.

There's a bar cart by the front door with a sign that reads WELCOME in gold script. It's laden with short shot glasses filled with what looks like liquid gold. When imbibed, however, it tastes like a faintly peach-flavored vodka. The rest of the alcohol and mixers can be found in the kitchen. Clear plastic cups feature labels that can be written on in gold permanent marker, then filled with any number of beverages. Really, there's no real rhyme or reason to what's available, as guests have been encouraged to bring whatever they like and add it to the kitchen island. For those who don't drink alcohol, there's a sign on the fridge indicating that non-alcoholic drinks and mixers are kept within. Anyone looking to fill their stomach a little between drinks will find platters of finger foods available throughout the apartment. Gold macarons, cheese and crackers, sliced fruit and vegetables are plentiful, but guests who are quick enough may find they can grab some of the thinly sliced beef arranged around a bowl of spicy dipping sauce. Of note, there is also a plate of gold fortune cookies for guests. While it's noted there's only enough for one per person, the fortunes feature not only a fortune but a party challenge. Dance with a stranger? Eat nothing that isn't fed to you? Try your hand at inventing a new drink? Why not try it and see what happens? Play a game of party jenga for that matter.

Beyond all this, anyone attending is encouraged to mingle and enjoy themselves. There's ample seating throughout the apartment for people to sit back and enjoy their food and drinks, including a plush rug in one corner covered in floor cushions and pillows around a hookah with a variety of flavors of tobacco. For those who are more inclined to activity there's space enough to dance to the music that booms throughout the apartment. With the windows open the space stays well aired out and comfortable, inviting any who attend to linger as long as they like. By the looks of things the hostess has no intention of kicking anyone out no matter how late it gets...]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Lucky for him, this party may have some pretty intense music and dancing but for the most part it's meant to be fairly low-key. He and Jim are welcome to find a seat on one of the couches and park themselves there the entire evening if that's what they'd like. Bryn's already volunteered to bring them food and drinks so they don't even have to get up if they don't want to.

Of course, she doesn't see them when they come in however, getting a bit of fresh air over by the open windows. She glances up from the view once he steps into her line of sight, and her expression shifts immediately. Her face lights up as a smile spreads wide across it.] Well yes, they might but I don't make a regular habit of drinking. Only pickling my liver.

[She steps forward to give him a hug. Perhaps she's not the sort of person who hugs everyone casually but it's a party atmosphere so he'll simply have to deal with it. She's tipsy and happy and he and Jim showed up even after their big trek through the jungle for the last two weeks.]

I'm glad you made it, Leonard. Must feel good to have gotten a hot shower, yeah?

Well, if it's only sometimes. [He snorts softly and rolls his eyes. Not that he con complain about alcohol and the like. The doctor drinks like a fish and knows it. Well, maybe not so much since his divorce, but still... he's done his fair share of alcohol.

Blinking, he lifts from his spot against the window frame and huffs a soft laugh as he wraps one arm about her shoulders in a light hug. He can tell she's a little tipsy and doesn't mind it so much. It just catches him by surprise is all.]

You have no idea. Forgot how much I hated campin' and shit. [And monsters and evil plants and lets just say more than he wanted to deal with. Still... he smiles in spite of it all and offers her the box from under his arm.]

My ma always told me it was only right to bring a gift to your host or hostess. And since you were in mind when I picked it up out there, I figure now is as good a time as any to give it to ya. [One thing about goin' out there, he got to see some pretty gorgeous flora, and one flower in particular reminded him of an orchid, just larger and had a strange opalescent shimmer to it over royal blue petals. He's done his research on it, checkin' for poisonous factors an' all. It was clean, so he used the little skills he knew in botanical science to dry it perfectly and put it in a clear box just to look at.]

Sorry if it's not your thing. Just thought you might like it for your apartment.

[Poor Leonard. If he hates camping that much, to be out there roughing it for two weeks must have been a special kind of blighted torment. Bryn happens to be used to that sort of thing. While most of her work keeps her in cities, traveling between them is still, well, a rustic adventure at times. Some roads between cities still aren't paved, and if she's traveling by bike then at times she's camping in the woods to avoid notice from any who might pass during the night.

Of course, none of that matters at the moment. Not when she's hosting a party and one of her guests has seen fit to bring her a gift. She looks all too pleased to accept the box, and unwraps it carefully to reveal the beautiful blue flower in its clear case. Eyes widening, she brings it near to look it over carefully.]

Oh, no, it's very much my thing. It's beautiful. [She recognizes it, of course. She's been out in the jungle enough to have seen them growing out there, but none of them had survived long enough for her to bring back home. This one looks as if it would last forever, dried carefully and preserved.] Thank you so much.

[Really, she's quite touched. He thought of her while he was out in the jungle and took the time to take care of the flower and prepare it and put it in a little case, even in the midst of being so miserable and no doubt exhausted by the time he got home. Keeping it secure in her left hand, she slips her right into the crook of his elbow and tries to guide him away from the windows.] Come on, why don't you let me play hostess a moment and fix you a drink. Do you have any preferences?

[Maybe he waits a little with bated breath at that. She's a tough girl and he didn't know if giving a flower would be some sort of unintentional insult or she just wouldn't be interested in such things. But when she opens it and looks at it with that wide eyed expression he feels like he can breathe again.

He's relieved actually. The fact that he really pulled from the comment in a conversation with Re-L was the only reason he thought it was a good idea to begin with. A smile pulls at his lips before he nods short and quick.] Thought it was the prettiest one I'd seen out there... Felt it was a good one for ya. And you're very much welcome.

[When she moves to slide her arm through his, he offers his elbow like a gentleman should with a small almost smile.] Usually prefer things like whiskey or scotch... something hard with a bite I'd guess you'd say. Really glad you like it, was worried I might've made a bad choice.

Edited (typos come with late night typing x_x) 2017-05-30 17:43 (UTC)

[ While Jim did come to the party with Bones, that doesn't necessarily mean they're joined at the hip, and once they arrive, it's not too hard for one acquaintance or another to catch Jim's attention, and he ends up separating from the doctor as he greets a few familiar faces. He's still a little worn out from the mission, sure, but he's had a decent shower and a good long day's rest, with a lot of sleeping and not doing much of anything at all involved. He also shaved, which has helped improve his looks a lot, though he doesn't strictly adhere to the theme of the party, wearing only plain black jeans and a grey sweater. He didn't exactly have a lot of time to go find something more appropriate, so that would have to do.

After some mingling and chatting around, Jim's helped himself to a glass of something colorful, and is making his way around the flat until he spots Bones and Bryn. Expression easing into a warm smile, he saunters over, slowing down behind Bones just in time to hear his last few words.

His smile has turned into a grin by the time he steps up to Bones's side, brushing his hand along the doctor's waist and back briefly. ] Something with a bite, mm? Well, always good to know. [ Wink. But hey, Bryn's there, so he turns his attention to her right after. ]

Thanks for the invite. Your place looks really nice, by the way.

[The fact that neither man has managed to come up with anything gold or glitzy hasn't escaped Bryn's notice, but she also knows they've been roughing it for two weeks and for that reason she's not going to pressure them into putting any glitter gel on their skin or shove anything sparkly at them. They're her guests, she invited them specially, and the fact of the matter is that she's just happy they came at all after such a grueling trip beyond the fence.

Besides, Leonard came bearing gifts and so Bryn is looking quite pleased as she holds her new flower with possessive care.]

Thanks, I'm pretty pleased with it. Been working on it off and on since I moved in. [Releasing her hold on Leonard's arm she shifts around the kitchen island to assess what's available to drink.] As for things with a bite...here, try this. [She grabs a bottle of local spirits, something that tastes like a brown rum with a little extra spicy kick. Pouring shots for all three of them, she shifts her weight from one foot to the other and passes them out. Bryn lifts hers with a grin.] To flowers and friends and successful missions beyond the fence?

[For a brief moment, his eyes fall closed at the feeling of Jim's hand across his back. After two weeks of keeping a polite distance, any touch feels amplified now. Guess he was getting too used to Jim's touch before hand. Funny how that works out.] And here I thought you already knew that, darlin'.

[He arches a brow at Jim as his head turns just a little to look at him for one lingering second. It's just as double layered as when Jim made his comment, but subtle enough he moves right past it to look at Bryn.]

Well, it shows. Definitely has a feelin' of home. [Taking the shot from her, he gives the liquid one halting look before decidin' not to worry about things like that. Besides, he's sore and tired and really, he'll take anything at this point. So he tips his glass to the both of them at her toast.] I can drink to that.

[ Well, it hasn't exactly been a picnic for Jim either, but at least they had enough time to make up on all that time and that distance they kept between themselves. Not that they had to necessarily, but they both knew how dangerous it could be to get distracted while out on a mission of that kind.

But now they're back, and as much as Jim likes helping people and finding some sort of purpose while he's here, it's really nice to go back to the relative peace and quiet within the city walls. And also, having the time and freedom to enjoy Bones's and everyone else's company.

Despite having a glass, he takes the shot anyway, smiling as he lifts it up in a toast, then downs it in one go. He only speaks again once he lowers the glass, raising an eyebrow and smiling teasingly as he gestures at the flower in Bryn's hands. ]

You got her a flower? [ He doesn't sound the least bit upset, but he can't pass up on the opportunity to tease the good doctor some. Obviously. ] I can't believe he did that. You know I haven't gotten anything like that yet. Not even a plain tiny rose.

[Bryn had known that the pair were in the military together, one the captain of the other, but their body language and the way they talk to one another certainly catches her attention. She's never seen them before and as someone trained to be observant, well, it's difficult to not observe things in the little gestures.

Of course, as the conversation continues it seems like things aren't quite so subtle or hidden at all.

In the interests of her own entertainment which largely involves being troublesome and poking fun at her friends, she gives Jim a wide grin as she leans up against Leonard.]

He did in fact. Said I was in mind when he picked it up out there. [It's terrible to tease, she knows, so she adds after a brief pause:] So maybe he just hasn't yet come across the right flower that makes him think of you. [Grinning, she tosses her hair over her shoulder with a shrug.] I'd be a terrible hostess if I let anyone feel left out though. Why don't I give you each one of your own?

[A brow rose at Jim's teasing, his eyes lingering on the man for a long moment before he partially rolls them. The tone wasn't all that upset, more leaning toward being a pest, cute though he was. He just makes a mental note to 'fix' that later just to see what reaction he gets out of Jim.

What he's not expecting is for Bryn to play along and the moment she did lean into him, he feels that rush of heat into his skin and a vague notion of panic as he starts to take a step back. But he doesn't. Mainly cause that would be rude and he shouldn't ruin that lighter mood of them poking fun even if he is at the center of it.

Pressing his lips together, he reaches around them, probably more careful of how he touches than necessary, to pour him another shot just for some way to ignore the both of them. Not that he doesn't say anything, of course.] I don't think a flower exists that's an equal to Jim's ego, I'm afraid. So he'll just have to settle or wait a little longer.

[Well, it's half teasing and half actuality... just replace ego with something else a little less sardonic and likely more sappy. Though he pauses with the glass to his lips when she mentions flowers for them. He really didn't notice any sort of flowers about, but that didn't mean that he saw everything. So he smiles just slightly, giving her a curious look.] Party favors?

[ Jim's fully expecting Bones to fluster and get embarrassed at that, of course, so he's not the least bit surprised at his whole reaction. Up to and including that biting remark that follows. Still, that won't stop him from reacting, his eyebrows raising as he does a slight double take. ]

Wow. I can't even imagine the nice things you'd have to say about me if I weren't your boyfriend.

[ He shakes his head, unimpressed and almost disapproving, lifting his own drink up to take a sip, and watching Bones all the while he gets that drink for himself. Then he turns his gaze towards Bryn at her offer, teasing tone still present in his voice. ] Well, at least someone will be offering me flowers.

[The interplay between the two of them is fascinating to Bryn, if nothing else than for the fact that she's enjoying trying to figure out how much of it is teasing and where they seem to be drawing lines in the sand. Leonard is flustered by her reaction, as she'd expected, but she's glad to see that Jim isn't taking her casual physical proximity or touching the wrong way. Straightening she looks around their immediate area and spots a small container of the gold body paint.

Grasping that and one of the cheap paint brushes she'd provided for anyone who didn't want to apply it with their fingers, she turns her attention to him.]

A flower of sorts, at least. [She grins, unscrewing the top of the paint.] It won't last beyond tonight I'm afraid but I can give you one of your skin that in my world stands for "confidence."

[Since clearly that's what Leonard meant by ego, at least as far as Bryn is concerned. Speaking of whom, she turns to face the other man speculatively.]

What would or sentiment would you choose for him? Or what would you choose for yourself, Leonard?

[He's not about to get out of getting a flower also, sorry.]

Oh I'm sorry. I'll be sure and spout off sappy poetry for ya next time, darlin'. [For all the sass, Leonard is smiling and ducking his head a little. He catches that word and well, needless to say he's more than a little pleased. Breathing in slowly, he lifts his free hand to run through his hair as he huffs a small laugh not all that sure what to do with himself after something like that.

Still, he throws back that shot and slides the glass off to the side. He knows better than to drink too much nowadays. And really, the flutter in his chest was enough to deal with at the moment. God knows what he'll do if he gets drunk.

Letting his gaze follow after Bryn, he gives her a curious look as she pulls out the paint. The shimmer of gold instantly makes him think of command gold, but he says nothing. 'Confidence' fits Jim, sure, but if he had to sum the man up in one word, that isn't the one he'd chose. Hazel eyes drift back to Jim and his eyes linger on his features before he hums a sound at her question.]

Think I'd rather hear what he has to say about that. But honestly, he's got all the confidence in the world, but that doesn't nearly sum up Jim Kirk.

Well, I do know you're very capable of that. And I look forward to it. [ Which is the truth, actually, even if right now he only says it to fluster Bones even further. He takes a special kind of pleasure out of it, and Bones doesn't do nearly as good a job at hiding that fluster of his as he likely thinks he does.

He glances at the gel when she comes back with it, stepping a little closer to get a better look. He'd seen people wearing it before, but it's not until now that he realizes where they got it. Naturally he's eager to get his hands on it. Because he's secretly a kid. ]

No, if you could you'd go with 'madness', but I don't think there's a flower for that. [ The words come out more warm than teasing, though, as Jim ducks his head a moment and gives her question some thought. ] Kindness. I think I'd go with that. [ Well there's no flower for 'sarcasm', so. ]

[They are stupidly cute together. It would be almost nauseating how well they interact with one another and their own brand of casual intimacy if Bryn didn't find herself feeling the slightest pang in her heart. If she didn't feel that hole a little more acutely than usual.

She has a passion for her work, even though it's kept her from sharing the truth of her life with her family or consider building one for herself. Romance is a lower priority than she'd like back home, especially having been raised by a mother and two fathers who clearly loved each other all to distraction. She flashes them both a smile, dipping her paint brush into the pot.]

I think I can manage that as well. The designs are usually best from brow to neck, or beneath the collarbone. [Which would probably mean abandoning shirts.] Do either of you have preferences for yourselves or each other?

[She'll happily listen to them both banter back and forth while she paints their skin for the party.]

[Well, he expects a plethora of answers to that, each with some sort of connotation to his more 'annoying' traits. What he doesn't expect is Jim saying a word like that. His brow furrows just slightly, eyes catching on Jim's profile before he smiles just a little bit.]

Where I do think you're crazy, s'not the word I was thinking either. Actually, if you want to know, I was catchin' more on vibrant or luminous.

[He figures it's as close to the stars as he could get and well, captures a little of what Jim Kirk is. Which is likely enough for him to say in any case.

Instead, he turns his eyes back to Bryn a small questioning look, brow raising a bit.] Does that mean you want the shirts off?

[He's honestly not that upset with the idea, but then, he's a doctor.]

[ Jim doesn't quite expect that question either, and his smile stretches to a fond grin that reaches his eyes, wrinkling the skin at the corners. He swats a hand lightly in Bones's general direction, shaking his head a little. ] Sap.

[ Not that he doesn't like it, evidently. It's one of those things that has grown on him far too much, especially as of late. His expression turns into one of amusement when Bones asks that question, though, and his grin sharpens as he lifts his brow. ]

First time you've jumped into taking your shirt off at a party before I have. [ But hey, he's not about to stop him. ] On the face works for me. [ He answers as he turns towards Bryn, peering into the pot curiously. ]

[Laughing, Bryn shrugs a little at Leonard. She makes no effort to hide her expression, open and a little devious.]

Let's just say that it was an invitation to do so if either of you were so inclined.

[She turns to Jim soon after, however, and begins painting the flowers on his face. Starting at his brow, she begins with outlines of leaves, pointed little spades in thin lines and smooth sweeps of paint. Careful and steady, focused on him for the moment, she bites on the corner of her lower lip as she draws the lines down to begin a cluster of flowers at his cheekbone.]

Maybe he's trying to push his own boundaries for you if he expected you'd be the first to volunteer?

[Leonard rolls his eyes instantly at Jim's comment. He shouldn't be surprise that he got called on that. Still, he punctuates it with a smile as he bends back just a little when Jim swats at him.

Granted, he didn't really actually expect Jim to call him on that. Where he normally isn't all that willing to do things like that, he's a bit surprised Jim doesn't take the shirt off. Though, it's a pleasant surprise. Glancing over at him, he arches a brow slowly. He might have actually answered it with something a little more sniping if it weren't for Bryn answering Jim first. Pressing his lips together, he looks over at Jim feeling that heat sweep up into his face.

Yeah. She's done a fine job callin' him on that one.] I-- Well, I suppose I'll stick with the face then. Got an artist's touch there, Bryn.

[ Please, he's not twenty and drunk anymore. Fine, he's not all dull and serious either, but he doesn't really go as wild during parties as he used to during the Academy. Hell, aside from his birthday, he can't even remember the last party he went to. ]

His boundaries are just fine the way they are. [ He smiles as he lifts an arm up, brushing his curled fingers down Bones's cheek, catching his chin briefly before letting his hand drop back down. He looks too good with that color to his cheeks, but Jim doesn't point it out, instead turning back to Bryn so he doesn't mess up her work. ]

This washes off easily, right? [ He'd just rather know if he'll still be finding glitter on his clothes and bed a week from now, is all. ]

Tried it myself. Can get it off with soap and water but if you want to be thorough I suggest using a wash cloth also just to make sure it gets out of your pores too.

[Because Bryn has no desire to walk around town looking like a bath bomb after tonight. It's fun to dress up every once in a while but there's something to be said for the feeling of fresh, clean skin.]

And if I have anything resembling an artist's skill, it's due to my father. Taught me my way around a brush enough to do this much at least and a few doodles at the bottom of my letters home. What about you two? Any hidden talents I might want to know about?

[He has a feeling Jim is out to make sure he never stops blushing. Breathing in slowly, he can't help but lean into that brief touch to his cheek. Hazel eyes flick over his face for a moment and lips part to take a slow breath. When the hand falls away, he closes his eyes and just focuses on taking a steadying breath.

The hell was getting in to Jim to act so forward with affection like that? Not that he's complainin', but that was... more than he expects. Once he finally gets himself back in order, he clears his through and follows the paintbrush with his eyes.]

Well, even if that is the only artistry you've done, it looks great. Gold always did suit him. [It did marvelous things to illuminate and accent Jim's eyes.] I really don't have any special talents... I mean, ma taught me to cook. Also not bad at horseback riding.

[ Well, he's not actually aiming for it, but he's not about to complain that he gets that nice color tainting Bones's cheeks either. His smile looks a little more pleased for a brief moment, but he spares Bones the further embarrassment of pointing out he's turning into a tomato, or teasing him about it. ]

I'd say your cooking skills are a pretty special talent. You sell yourself too short on that. [ Jim purses his lips a little. ] I can sing. For fun, though. I used to have this really old guitar when I was younger too, but I'm not even sure I remember how to play. Oh, and I like to draw, even if I'm not very good at it.

So what you're saying is that if I get you a guitar you'll serenade us in the morning while Leonard helps make breakfast?

[She grins, finishing Jim's design with a sweep of her brush before turning to Leonard. She beckons him closer with a little wave of her fingers. In truth she's not a terrible singer, or bad in the kitchen either. But the idea of having such a cozy sort of morning with new friends sounds excellent.]

I can guarantee fresh eggs. Hot coffee. Cinnamon sugar toast?

He says sing for fun, what he really means is he could damn well melt butter when he sings. [Rolling his eyes a bit, he kept his eyes on the path of the paintbrush if only to get some of the flush out of his face at that point.]

Looks beautiful, Bryn. And if you want me to cook in the morning, I can do that. [He clears his throat a little before moving closer when she beckoned him. He presses his lips together for a moment before nodding once to her so she could get started.]

Given enough time, I could possibly go a step further and make cinnamon rolls... I mean, if you wanted.

open: gold & glitz

yay!!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)