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...]

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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.

Guess that'll work well for breakfast then, won't it? [ He hums with a soft chuckle, swatting a hand lightly at Bones. He does welcome the praise, though, even if he doesn't think he's all that great. Bones is probably biased, anyway.

He moves away from the two for a bit, just enough to find a mirror and check out Bryn's work. ] Looks great. [ Quite the talent she has, he's impressed. He's never managed to find his way around a paintbrush, admittedly.

Bones's suggestion has him perking up more than it should. Particularly since Bones's offer was likely made towards Bryn more so than him. ] Oh, cinnamon rolls. They're so good. He'll bake those.

Normally I'd say I didn't invite you two to stay for breakfast just to make it for me but I have to make an exception when cinnamon rolls are a possibility. Just let me know what you'll need for them in advance so Taako or I can make sure we've got ingredients before then.

[Don't mind her as she just starts painting on your face, Bones. She gets right to it, working on the side opposite of the one she did for Kirk.]

But it might be best to see how the evening goes first. For all we know the two of you may be passed out until tomorrow afternoon.

[Doubtful, given what little she knows about them, but she'll give them the out all the same to be polite.]

Well, I'll happily make 'em if you want. [His first instinct was to tell Jim he'd happily do it if he sings. But then he thinks better of that idea and keeps it to himself. If Bryn wants to ask, he'll let her. But well, bias or not, he is also a bit stingy. Not that he won't share if it's requested.

His eyes move to Jim a bit and he traces the design on his face before looking back at Bryn all while tryin' not to move and mess up her work.] I'll write up a list of ingredients after we're done if ya like.

[A flicker of a smile pulls at his lips at her suggestion tryin' to resist the urge to shake his head.] Not gonna lie. I hate mornins... but I will get up early when need be. Kinda used to it bein' a doctor. I'll even attempt not to grouse at you too much.

Nonsense. Least we can do, when you're welcoming us into your home. [ Sure, Jim, like you're even offering to bake the cinnamon rolls yourself. You're just getting Bones to do it.

Jim glances at Bones at his remark, brow raised and a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. ]

Now, when he says he hates mornings, he means he looks about ready to kill a puppy if you don't immediately hand him a cup of coffee. And he looks like he hates you even more if you happen to be a bright-eyed morning person. [ He knows because he is one, and he's fallen victim to Bones's death glares in the morning more times than he can count. ]

[Bryn continues to paint, grinning as the banter and explanations between them continue. She hadn't known they were a couple when she first met them but it's clear the more she chats with the pair that they've known each other a long time. Or, at the very least, the quality of that time has been significant.]

I'm the same with way with coffee so I'll make sure there's some made and a cup by your nose before you're forced to roll out of bed. Promise. Just remind me how you take it before you go to sleep okay? Both of you, actually.

[It's a small price to pay for freshly baked pastries in the morning, really.]

So how are you two settling in here? I mean to Riverview. Obviously you just got back from your thing...

Not my fault you're a damn ray of sunshine and everything I am not in the morning. And if you know that about me, you should've been waking me up with coffee and not that damn smiling mug of yours. [He snorts softly, but doesn't move in anyway that might mess her up.

Instead, he turns his attention back to her and offers her a sheepish look.] Honestly, I can drink it in most ways, but I prefer my coffee black.

[He pauses at that question, a flicker of something in his gaze before he just as quickly chases it away.]

It's not a bad place. Easy to settle in to... Well, easier if you don't have to do it alone.

[ Bryn's right on both counts, actually. They've known each other for a long time, but that long time has also always been quality time. The transition from friends to more has been surprisingly easy and seamless, though, especially considering Jim has always been slightly averse (and admittedly inexperienced) when it comes to any sort of serious committed relationship. ]

You've never complained about my handsome smiling mug in the morning before. [ Yes he knows Bones didn't actually use the word 'handsome', he's taking artistic liberties in his interpretation.

Turning to Bryn, ] I like it sweet and with a bit of cream. [ He then hears Bones's answer, waiting until he finishes to nod in easy agreement. ] Ditto. The worst part for me is getting used to having my feet down on the ground all the time— although I know Bones doesn't share that sentiment.

[As the one with the paintbrush, Bryn has an easier time of it turning her head and stopping whenever she wants to look at Jim or keep an eye on the party. It's clear from the look on her face however that she's committing their coffee preferences to memory. Leonard prefers it black but he'll take it just about any way he can get it, probably. Jim likes it sweeter with less edge. Bryn happens to be somewhere between them. She'll drink it black but she likes hers with cream. Sugar only if it's terrible.]

He may not share the sentiment but I do. I spend three-fourths of my life on the deck of an airship. [She used to, anyway, but as far as anyone here knows she's still an airship officer, not a Council agent.] More sometimes even. We may not travel beyond the borders of the country and we're certainly not equipped for space travel but there's something to be said for the community that's built and the potential for adventure anywhere that isn't easily found when you're on solid ground.

[Bryn continues to paint Leonard's skin until with one last swish of her brush she finishes. Easing back, she looks at his design, then to Jim for comparison, and nods in satisfaction.]

All done. Plus, being on a ship is where I learned to love coffee. I have some from home here you'll have to try, tell me how it compares, both of you.

That's cause I can't string a coherent sentence together when I first wake up. [Go ahead and take that liberty cause he isn't gonna deny that you're handsome, Jim. But hell would freeze over before he added to that fire. Least, maybe not in public.

On the other hand, he stays out of the commentary about being in the air. Space or otherwise. Last thing he wants to discuss is his fear of flying and well, Jim's already had that rant when he was less than completely sober their first meeting. Though, he was sober enough or he wouldn't have been complaining.

When she finishes though, he gives her a small smile.] Thanks, sweetheart.

[The habit of tagging on endearments rolled off his tongue before he could stop it. Something that made him wince just a little. He's long gathered most of the girls here don't respond well to it, but he hopes she'll just ignore it this once.] I'm up for tryin' most types of coffee. Long as it's got the caffeine to wake me up, I'm all for it.

[ He adds to that fire on a daily basis, don't lie. He showers Jim with praise even when he's not fishing for any. And Jim loves it, of course. ]

Something like that. [ He nods, smiling at Bryn. Not quite three-quarters of his life, granted, but these days, he can't even tell the difference. The last few years of his life have been far more eventful and meaningful than the first two decades anyway, so to him that's what counts most. ]

These look great, Bryn. Thanks. [ And at least they're wearing something gold now. ] I'm sure whatever coffee you've got will beat our replicator rations, so I look forward to trying it out.

[Bryn closes up the paint and wraps up the paint brushes once it seems her job is done, and she flashes them both a pleased smile in return for their thanks.] It was my pleasure.

[The paint and brushes are put aside, tucked away where they won't be easily found by party guests, mostly to avoid any drunken mishaps dumping all of the gold paint all over her things. Smoothing her hands down her skirt she lays a hand on each of their arms and gently tugs them away from the kitchen.]

So, with coffee and breakfast set, and you two in theme with the party, all that's left is for you to enjoy it. I'm going to go play hostess a little while longer but you two go ahead and I'll catch up with you both a bit later on, okay?

Sounds like a plan. [The moment she touches his arm, he reflexively cups her elbow softly in response. Squeezing it softly, he lets go soon after and falls into spot next to Jim.]

Look forward to catchin' up later. [The doctor offers a smile then glances at Jim. His eyes get caught up tracing the gold lines over his face before finally catching his gaze.] If you want to go mingle I think I'm gonna go find a place to rest... gettin' too old for this shit.

[Even if they are words that should be angry or irritated, they're actually soft and warm. More so just tired and knowing Jim likes to talk and move around. And well, he's giving him that out.]

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