It was about 3 in the afternoon when Raina enetered the mansion living room and took a look around the place. She never got much of an opprotunity to hang out here and now she was wishing she'd scoped it out better before deciding on this as the main room for the party.

Just a few days ago after obtaining permission she'd sent out a campus wide invitation to all those attending the mansion to come for her birthday party. She wasn't trying to be selfesh in throwing herself a party... but she thought with the way things had been for everyone latley and with so many new people it would be a great way for everyone to meet, reconnect, and having something nice to celebrate as opposed to always dealing with trouble.

True, she'd never really had a birthday party so this was something new and exciting for her... Raina always thought about the mansion as a group. With Tricity's return this would be a good way to have everyone togeather to welcome her home and celebrate. It wasn't just her birthday, this was a party for the mansion.

The e-mail had explained that the party wouldn't start until 7 but that anyone wanting to come around 3 could help set up. She'd been putting money aside from her new job at the aquarium to fund for food and decorations and she'd even drug up some of the music gear from the music room to set a tone.

She looked around the room. "I think this is going to take more than a few streamers." she said to herself.

She wondered if any of the residence that she didn't know would be brave enough to come and hoped they would. "I guess I better get to work."

she went over to the window ledge where a simply radio was propped up and turned it on. she fiddled with it a moment till she got a good groove going and set to work re-arranging furniture, dusting, and tidying.

Garrett had been out getting Raina's birthday present as well as some sodas for the party. He hoped the others arriving would be as thoughtful and not just show up to eat everything. He was feeling better and better every day as he was getting a stronger footing and firmer hold on himself and his less than savory inner self. He could hear the music playing from the living room as he came in the front doors. It had a nice little beat to it and certainly gave him an extra spring in his step.

"Raina?" She was probably in the kitchen. He saw that some of the furniture had been struggled with. He wouldn't allow the guest of honor to suffer mere labor on her special day. He sat the multiple bags of two liter bottles of soda down on the table in the living room, thankfully rubbing his purple fingers from the weight and the twist of the plastic bag handles. He didn't bother numbing them as he had been trying to keep his power usage down to a minimum.

Recently, at the Full Circle bookstore, something strange had happened with his vision. It had given him a headache which had wormed its way into a full blown migraine by the time he had returned to the Mansion that day. He was noticing an opposite trend from when he had first arrived. The DocProf's calming of his system was beginning to set up a sort of feedback loop, where the more he used his abilities, the more pain it caused him. The demon's revenge? He hoped he could figure it out in due time.

He held the small box in his hands, graciously wrapped by the clerk at the store he had visited. It was obviously something jewelry sized or something similar, in a little aqua blue package with a red bow. Garrett waited at the table for Raina's return so he could present his gift and see what he could do to help.

Raina headed back toward the kitchen with bags of candies in her arm, she nearly dropped them when she saw Garett.
She had a strange relationship with the man known as seizure, only spending a total of a handful of hours with him she felt like she'd known him her whole life. He was very calming to her.
"Oh Garrett, you came early! Thanks so much!" she exclaimed putting the bags of candy down on the counter and reaching over to give her friend a hug. "I could totally use your help with the furniture." she admitted. "Not as strong as I thought I was." she laughed nervously.

"How's your afternoon going?"

Having already given Raina two 'serious' gifts Luke had taken the time leading up to her party to search for something completely different. Searching through little shops and boutiques for that comical or unique gift that would mean something special to a special woman. Chancing upon a shop that specialized in itmes pertaining to myths and mythology Luke found a Mermaid Figurine that he made him laugh and hopefully would make the young woman smile. Being completely hopeless when it came to wrapping gifts he had the lady that ran the shop box up the figurine and gift wrap it in a wrapping paper she described as being a nice watery aqua color.

***

The day of the party Luke was running a few minutes late. He had told Raina he would be there at three to help arrange things but with a last minute call from the office followed by heavy city traffic it was almost three fifteen before he arrived. Parking his motorcycle near the mansion's front steps Luke left his helmet with the bike and then jogged up the stairs and into the building with the gift carried carefully under his arm.

For a brief moment Luke stood in the entry way, unsure exactly where to go in order to find Raina. Focusing quickly he extended the range of his sonar until he identified the lady in a room just down the hall. From the size of the room it had to be one of the main living areas but that didn't matter. What mattered was he could now get to her.

A few seconds later the blind man slipped into the room. Another man was already there... Seizure if he remembered correctly from the X-Men meeting several days before.

"Afternoon." Luke greeted loud enough for both individuals to hear, "Sorry I'm late. Anyone seen a birthday girl around here?"

Streak had been looking forward to Raina's party since he'd received the invitation. He hadn't celebrated one of her birthdays...ever since he'd known her. Since they'd gotten out of the camps he hadn't been able to spend as much time as he'd have liked with her. The most time he spent with Raina was when they had the xmen meeting. Which to say the least wasn't very much time.

The silver man had spent many days in New York City trying to find something that would fit her personality perfectly. He knew her main ability; however, he'd only slightly seen her secondary ability, and wasn't to sure what it was when he did see it. After spending countless hours at the malls, different department stores, and many other stores that he'd probably never go to as long as he lived.

Finally seeing the something that caught his eye, he bought it. It wasn't to expensive and it seemed to fit her very well. It was a crystal guitar impression. It was surprisingly difficult to find; however once he saw it he knew that it fit her pretty well since she played guitar. After picking up the present he went to a local store and grabbed some chips, dip, and other items of food that would work for the party.

Streak finally returned to the mansion shortly after three. He hadn't bothered to wrap the gift so it was in a simple bag that said happy birthday on it. Shawn walked into the living room, where he heard music coming from and saw someone else walk into carrying a wrapped gift. If he remembered correctly, from the meeting, his name was Luke. "Raina. Happy Birthday." He said spying her with Garret. Shawn walked up to her, after setting his present down, and gave her a big-little brother hug. Maybe this would give them time to catch up as he helped her get her party ready. There didn't seem to be to many people here to help her, and none of the newer students had shown up yet.

ooc; lol guys, I'm loving these presents in real life! Lol

ic:

"Sorry I'm late. Anyone seen a birthday girl around here?"

Raina looked up with a flush of heat through her body that she instantly prayed Garrett hadn't noticed when she spyed Luke. She knew he was coming, and she hadn't really hashed out any details with him... but she couldn't help hoping the other residences wouldn't pick up on the charged enery with him. Of course, she was expecting him but that didn't mean she still wouldn't flush when she heard his voice.

"In here Luke" she called out. She barely had a chance to walk around the counter when Shawn entered as well.

"Raina. Happy Birthday." He pulled her into a hug and she hugged right back. "Hey big-little-bro" she grinned from ear to ear "Thanks all of you for coming early to help set up." she flashed a smile to Luke hoping he had his sonar extended but not noticing if he did or not due to her overall state of hyperactivity.

"Im so excited for this, but I was hoping you guys could move the furniture to the permiters of the room." she said pointing. she noticed they each had small gifts with them and her heart was touched. She'd open gifts later in the evening but just the fact they all brought one made her so happy-this was the first birthday in years that she'd gotten any presents.

"So what do you think? Three strong guys able to handle this? I was going to pull out that CD player in the rec room."

Garrett Smiled at the thought of helping. Raina wanted to move the furniture to the perimeter of the room. Maybe a party game for later? Either way there seemed to be a slight problem." I'll be happy to help, but it might be difficult for me to get both sides." As if on cue, Luke Jacobs came around the corner. For a blind man, he was extremely perceptive, especially when it came to entrances. He smiled politely to him. It seemed his sonar was so acute even mere facial expressions could be picked up, which was amazing to Garrett.

He saw the small package he brought for her and also noticed an amount of chemistry between them. It was an immediate relief to him, as ridiculous as it was to have suspicions in the first place. He and Raina could get married as far as he cared. It only galvanized the fact that he was not interested in Maya, which was clearly a load off. Streak came in next, carrying a bag which said Happy Birthday on it. It was a relief to see that people had brought gifts. He didn't necessarily expect them not to, but was glad all the same.

Seeing all of the happy emotion was nice. Especially in Raina's case, as she had seemed to be down in the dumps as of late. Apparently, Luke had alot to do with that. Garrett eyed the furniture in the room. Didn't seem like too hard a job at all. Didn't need super strength to move a couch or chair. " Well, let's get to it , guys. I'll get these two chairs if you two want to get the couch there." He pulled one of the bigger recliners back into a corner and then the little table that sat beside it as well. Wouldn't take long at all with the three of them. Where was everyone else?

It was nice to see Raina with friends but Luke couldn't help that little twinge of jealousy as he watched Streak go over and give her a hug. "They must have been friends for a long time..." He thought at least a little bit wistfully before walking over to Raina and giving her the small box containing his gift.

"Happy birthday Raina. You do what you need to, I think we can handle the furniture." Luke said with a broad smile as he returned the one that the beautiful mermaid had sent his way.

" Well, let's get to it , guys. I'll get these two chairs if you two want to get the couch there." Seizure said as he was already moving to do exactly what he had just said.

Walking over to the couch Luke went to one end and turned his head so that his 'gaze' was on Streak. "Ready?"

(OOC: Streak, feel free to GMod Luke in your post in order to get the couch actually moved.)

A green haired preteen girl walked in silently, her dress shoes not making a sound... wait- dress shoes?! Yes, apparently Luna knew there was a party though did not know when the party started... now she was walking around the Mansion wearing a long lolita styled dress. Full with blue ribbons and a mint green colored dress, it ending into a slim shaped dress that stopped at her ankles. Her hair was put into curly pigtails, both with matching ribbons in the them.

This outfit took her four hours to prepare and put on! She hoped she would look nice... "Where'd that come from?" She whispered to herself as she padded across the large hallway. Until she entered the Living Room. She stopped short as her gaze was confused.. wasn't it time for the party? She decided to ask... "Um... isn't the party today?" She questioned with wide hazel eyes, that matched her current doll appearance. She hoped she was right, All of this preparation would be for nothing then!

"Thanks guys." exclaimed Raina as the guys moved for the furniture. "And thanks for the gifts! I wasn't expecting anything. You're all too nice" she said putting them on one of the coffee tables. "We just really need to clear some space, some of the guys wanna play guitar, we'll probably have music, and just really give everyone a chance to mingle and walk around." she said explaining her furniture request.

"Then all I've got are some goofy party decorations to hang up and some food to cook." she added going through her mental checklist. "We should be finished well ahead of schedule."

just then she heard a female voice and Raina turned to see Luna. "Oh!" she said. "You must be Luna! I read your file - I'm Raina, a teacher here." she said with a big smile and a wave. "The party isn't until this evening, we're all just setting up. You're welcome to stay and help if you feel like it, but I woudln't want you ruining that pretty outfit!"

[OOC: I dunno if I can post this now, or if I was supposed to wait.. if I was supposed to wait I'll delete the post >.< sorry!]

Luna looked as though she was hit by a brick, pretty shocked if you would see her expression! Composing herself at the words 'Teacher' she gave a slight formal bow, as she spoke to Raina- trying her best to hold back her urge to blow up the nearest wall in her rage of her own stupidity! "Um- Yes, Sorry If I'm in the way..." She said straightening herself as she began to walk over to the music teacher known as Raina.

She gave a slight smile though a twitch could be seen. The teddy demolitionist was still ticked she got all proper only to find she was a few hours early! Her glass-like eyes scanned over the room seeing the others moving stuff, and feeling as though she should help... 'But I'm pretty much normal in strength...' she thought saddened, looking at Raina with her glass surfaced hazel eyes, the light reflecting off them in an abnormal way.

Making Luna look eerie in a sense, as she gazed at the Music teacher. "Um... I just get out of you're guys way.." she muttered disheartened as she found a plush couch to sit on and watch, for a few hours. Her annoyance of herself eating away at her a bit.

ooc: it's ok Luna, we wont worry too much about turn taking until people get posting a lot

IC:
"Well dont be shy!" called out Raina to Luna. "I can't move furniture either." she put her hands on her hips and gave a grin to the young girl. "You can help me," she fiddled around the counter for a bit and pulled some packages of balloons and streamers from a drawr and handed them to Luna. "You seem to be pretty fashionable. Perhaps you could help me decorate the place, I love your style." she handed Luna the items.

"We need to decorate the whole living room, the main hallway and this kitchen. I'd also like to string up some lights. When you're done with that I'd love if you'd help me with the food!" she motioned to the pile of veggies that needed her attention.

Streak was glad he could help her out on her birthday. He walked over to the other end of the couch that Luke was currently not occupying and said, "One...Two...Three." They both lifted the couch at the same time and awkwardly walked it over to the wall. Shawn and Luke placed it so that people could sit on it if they wanted later on at the party. The two guys placed the couch next to the chairs that Garret was moving out of the way. "That was easier then I thought it would be." The couch looked nice and like it might be heavy; however, it was light and easy to move.

After they had moved the furniture he saw a young girl walk into the room. She was nicely dressed and was apparently nervous about being there at all. Raina seemed to have everything in hand and have a good idea of the direction she wanted her party to go,. Since they'd finished moving the furniture relatively quickly it left Shawn with plenty of time to think about what he'd seen with Luke and Raina. There was obviously something going on there, not that he minded, but he did want to make sure that he wasn't taking advantage of her. After all Streak was protective of her, even against her own brother and semi-fiancee. In the end he let the thought pass and would address it later if he needed to.

(I only planning on Sara being in this for a few posts, but feel free to acknowledge her.)

Sara had checked her email to find that she hadn’t been forgotten by Raina. The date had gone down in Sara’s calendar and Sara debated for quite while weather she should show up. She was fond of Raina, and had been since the camps, but Sara didn’t find the location as her place. At least not yet. In fact Sara had never actually set food past the front gate. Only walking that far, because of a walking conversation with Ted about a tabloid article that had concerned both of them.

Sara finally resolved her dilemma, by deciding to just make her visit short. The next dilemma was the gift. Though that decision was made in a fraction of the time that it took Sara to decide if she was even going to show up. Any student who saw her walking across the lawn, would see her hood was down, showing her feline face, and her long hem of her coat seemed to glide across the grass, like a ghost, on the wind. A flat package was tucked under her right arm. Wrapped with a scarf rather than wrapping paper. Inside was a water color and ink, of mermaid. The image was sandwiched between two pieces of glass, to protect it, with wire artfully holding it together. (*Rolls eyes.*)

Sara walked in, and followed her ears to the living room. She hesitated at the arch way of the door, letting her eyes scan the room. She saw Raina with one of the students. She also recognized Luke, Silver and… Well she didn’t know who the other was, but that didn’t matter. She wasn’t staying. With the others busy, Sara crossed to the right of the entrance, She left the gift on a table, that she was sure would soon be covered with food. Birthday tag left on top. Then Sara turned to leave.

As soon as the pair of men lifted the couch and began to move it, Luke was thanking the fates that it wasn't an extremely heavy couch. He was fit, and if Streak's physique was any indication so was he but Luke still didn't have super strength of any type so it was nice to not have to be straining to much. As the two set the couch down in its new position Luke suddenly noticed someone standing over in the doorway.

Standing up straight Luke turned, a slight smile appearing on his features while his eyes remained hidden behind his sun glasses. It had been but the work of a moment for his sonar to identify the person and now it appeared that the feline female was in a hurry to leave, but there was no way he was going to let her slip out without a word. Jogging across the now empty center of the room he came up beside her just as she was turning away from the table where she had placed a package that looked suspiciously like a gift of some type.

"Hey Sara... nice to see you again." Luke's smile and voice were genuine as stood rather casually with his hands in his pockets, "You doing all right?"