The X-men run missions and work together with the NYPD, striving to maintain a peaceful balance between humans and mutants. When it comes to a fight, they won't back down from protecting those who need their help.
Haven presents itself as a humanitarian organization for activists, leaders, and high society, yet mutants are the secret leaders working to protect and serve their kind. Behind the scenes they bring their goals into reality.
From the time when mutants became known to the world, SUPER was founded as a black-ops division of the CIA in an attempt to classify, observe, and learn more about this new and rising threat.
The Syndicate works to help bring mutantkind to the forefront of the world. They work from the shadows, a beacon of hope for mutants, but a bane to mankind. With their guiding hand, humanity will finally find extinction.
Since the existence of mutants was first revealed in the nineties, the world has become a changed place. Whether they're genetic misfits or the next stage in humanity's evolution, there's no denying their growing numbers, especially in hubs like New York City. The NYPD has a division devoted to mutant related crimes. Super-powered vigilantes help to maintain the peace. Those who style themselves as Homo Superior work to tear society apart for rebuilding in their own image.
MRO is an intermediate to advanced writing level original character, original plot X-Men RPG. We've been open and active since October of 2005. You can play as a mutant, human, or Adapted— one of the rare humans who nullify mutant powers by their very existence. Goodies, baddies, and neutrals are all welcome.
Short Term Plots:Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
The Fountain of Youth
A chemical serum has been released that's shaving a few years off of the population. In some cases, found to be temporary, and in others...?
MRO MOVES WITH CURRENT TIME: What month and year it is now in real life, it's the same for MRO, too.
Fuegogrande: "Fuegogrande" player of The Ranger, Ion, Rhia, and Null
Neopolitan: "Aly" player of Rebecca Grey, Stephanie Graves, Marisol Cervantes, Vanessa Bookman, Chrysanthemum Van Hart, Sabine Sang, Eupraxia
Ongoing Plots
Magic and Mystics
After the events of the 2020 Harvest Moon and the following Winter Solstice, magic has started manifesting in the MROvere! With the efforts of the Welldrinker Cult, people are being converted into Mystics, a species of people genetically disposed to be great conduits for magical energy.
The Pharoah Dynasty
An ancient sorceress is on a quest to bring her long-lost warrior-king to the modern era in a bid for global domination. Can the heroes of the modern world stop her before all is lost?
Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
Adapteds
What if the human race began to adapt to the mutant threat? What if the human race changed ever so subtly... without the x-gene.
Atlanteans
The lost city of Atlantis has been found! Refugees from this undersea mutant dystopia have started to filter in to New York as citizens and businessfolk. You may make one as a player character of run into one on the street.
Got a plot in mind?
MRO plots are player-created the Mods facilitate and organize the big ones, but we get the ideas from you. Do you have a plot in mind, and want to know whether it needs Mod approval? Check out our plot guidelines.
"She can sense emotions, remember?" Jacen responded with a grin, "That's almost as good as reading minds when it comes to guys hitting on her. She'll be fine."
Thinking back to their first time at a club when Jacen was giving her lessons on how to flirt he suddenly started laughing. "Remind me to tell you about her first time at a club sometime." He said as the two girls turns away from the bar and headed back toward the table, "It's a good story, especially from her point of view."
Moments later the two women were taking their seats. "It sounds like the two of you did really well in Columbia." Jacen complimented Lee with a quick smile before turning his attention back over to the very attractive blond. "Were Matt's emotions OK or were they pushing the boundaries a little? Not that I could blame him with two attractive ladies in front of him."
Accepting his beer from Kealey, Jacen glanced over at Matt and saluted the man with an uplifted bottle before taking a swig and then setting the bottle back down on the table. He couldn't wait to hear Kealey's thoughts about the bartender. They could be interesting.
There was just something so special about how a woman looked after she had just gone through love making. Glancing down, Jacen couldn't help but appreciate just how beautiful Kealey looked. The bare arms and shoulders leading down to the way that the sheet draped over what he knew to be her nude body added with the slow, languid grace to make her something extremely special. "I'm glad it happened too." He murmured in response, "Maybe some day, some how, I can get you to forgive me for being an idiot the for so long."
And that comment was all the time that energy that Jacen felt his previous relationship deserved. Moving his hand from her hip, Jacen trailed it down the curve of her spine toward regions far more interesting and intimate. "For a while when I found out, I think I was struggling with where I belonged." He murmured softly, smiling at the woman that had just kissed him before saying that none of his revelation really mattered, "My world had been tossed out of whack from believing I was just like any other guy and then finding out I was a mutant, only to discover I'm something completely different. I don't know if there are doctors I can talk to but I do know one, very important fact."
Moving suddenly, Jacen rolled and pushed Kealey down onto her back while he rested on his forearms looking down at her. Their bodies and legs were once more intertwined as he smiled down at the seductive beauty. "I don't have to search for where I belong anymore. I found it. I belong right here, with you."
Dropping his head down, Jacen pressed a kiss into the woman's lips for several moments before turning his head and slowly trailing his kisses down her neck and onto her shoulders.
"There still is... dessert... in the... other room." He murmured in between kisses, taking great delight in tantalizing Kealey with her choices and options, "And... a movie."
Why did clothes that accentuated the body's natural senuality always have to be so difficult to take off? Didn't designers understand what would probably happen when a man or woman wore super tight pants? Those momentary thoughts of frustration flitted through Jacen's mind but were swiftly banished by the kiss. He had momentarily stopped after undoing two fasteners on Kealey's top but as the blond began to struggle with the buttons on his shirt he gave in to temptation. There would be no pulling back from the precipe this time. No unseamly interuptions by a delivery man or declarations of feelings for some other person. All thoughts of the world outside of that couch were completely gone from Jacen's mind as it filled with scalding heat.
By some miracle the hook fasteners were undone and moments later so were the button on Jacen' shirt. Sitting up slightly, he let his arms fall back so the blond could push it off his shoulders before then moving his hands up to do the same with Kealey. The feeling of her bare front pressed up against his was one of the most sensual things he had ever experienced and in a flash his hands were back down to her tight pants. A momentary struggle and then with hands followed by feat Jacen shoved the unecessary clothing off so that it fell in a heap beside the couch.
Speaking of couches, this particular piece of furniture was suddenly feeling small... far to small. Sitting up suddenly, Jacen broke the kiss and swept Kealey up in his arms. His eyes were blazing like hot coals as he turned and walked from the living room into the bedroom. The pile of clothing on and beside the couch was the testament of where things had begun but the groans and pants from the bedroom spoke of where things were ending.
(FADE TO BLACK)
***
Jacen lay contended in the bed with Kealey head pillowed on his shoulder. The fingers of one hand trailed through her blond hair while the other one casually drew doodles over her hip and rear end. "I didn't ask you to stay here just so this would happen but I'm glad it did." He murmured quietly, lifting his head off the pillow to press a kiss against Kealey's now wild mane, "You're a special woman Kealey... very special."
A comfortable silence reigned between them for several more minutes as the pair snuggled but then a thought occured to Jacen. There was a secret that Kealey needed to hear. In a fit of anger he had revealed the information to Lori but that explained their relationship to a 'T'. With Lori it had all been passion and the strongest emotions you could must. With Kealey there was passion but there was also comfort. "There's something you should know." Jacen murmured quietly, "A few weeks ago I went to the Church of Humanity to have my blood work run. I'd had a negative X-Gene test from a hospital and I wanted to be sure. After 5 or 6 tests it was confirmed that I don't have the X-Gene. I'm not a mutant. I have no clue how I do what I do, but I do know that I'm neither mutant or completely human."
The relaxation caused by Tarin's words was visible as his shoulders dropped every so slightly. Jacen had been concerned about the whole situation but a humanitarian trip did fit with what he knew about Lee. Of course, he still didn't know that much about either Lee or Tarin, but if they were going on humanitarian trips then they had to be decent people.
"Sorry." Jacen apologized after a moment, "I just found out a couple of friends weren't who I thought they were and I guess I'm still a little edgy from it. Shoulda given you and Lee the benefit of the doubt. My bad."
The lies were coming more and more smoothly as time passed. If only Jacen could get rid of that slight twinge in his conscious. But come on, there was no reason for Lee or Tarin to hear about his breakup with Lori and since he didn't want to specify it had been a woman it was just better to make it sound like a couple of his friends had becoming something he didn't expect. Just like it was best for him to keep acting like he was a mutant. Until he knew what he was or how he fit in with the world there was really no reason to tell anyone but Kealey.
As Tarin leaned out to glance at the bar, Jacen turned to look at it a little more fully. He couldn't hear anything from this distance but as an accomplished flirt in his own right, there was no question what the bartender was currently doing. "You think we should give him a whole thirty seconds?" Jacen asked with a good natured laugh. "We're gonna have to ask Kealey what sort of emotions were going on in his head when she gets back. Is he just being playful or is he being lustful with those two ladies?"
There were times when Kealey's power would come in quite handy but even in those times Jacen didn't envy her. She had to bear a burden that noone could really understand. Sure, everyone had moments in their life when they felt overwhelmed by emotion but could anyone every get that Kealey felt that way almost every day of her life?
"Can I assume you two and Matt must be decent friends?"
"Quiet sounds g..." Was all that Jacen was able to get out before suddenly Kealey's mouth was pressed against his. Any thought about maintaining control or holding back went out the window as the heat of flesh against flesh suddenly took over. Wrapping his arms around Kealey, he pulled her tighter, pressing his lips against her more firmly as he let all of the pent up arousal and passion that he had been holding back for far too long flow through the kiss. Turning in his chair, Jacen fell back prone on the couch, pulling Kealey so that she now lay stretched out atop him. While one hand continued to massage her back the other moves to gently caress her shapely derrière.
Jacen wasn’t sure how they had arrived at this point so soon but he knew they had been moving toward this for quite some time. The subtle glances, the passionate kisses, and the not so subtle innuendos had been building the tension until finally one of them had to explode. Thankfully, this time it was Kealey that had succumbed first. Hopefully that would keep her from thinking that he was just some randy guy out to get a few more notches on his belt.
All this thinking was over rated… way over rated. Instead it was far more important to just feel. To go with the flow and enjoy whatever the other person was offering. With his eyes still closed and the kiss still going on, Jacen pulled his hand away from Kealey’s back and moved it around to undo one or two of the hook fasteners on the front of her risqué blouse. He would go only as far as Kealey wanted but if she didn’t stop it soon… well… there were only so many places you could safely turn back.
"I'll take another beer if you don't mind Kealey." Jacen replied with a grin before lifting his bottle and draining down the last of the cold liquid. With a slightly amused expression on his face he watched as the two very different yet very beautiful women headed over to the bar.
Turning around to face Tarin, Jacen gave the other man his undivided attention as they began to talk more. "If more of us were as concerned with our ability as Lee is with her maybe people wouldn't fear us so much." Jacen observed, doing his best to forget and ignore the fact that he himself wasn't a mutant. Tarin's next statement took him by surprise and he caught himself raising an eyebrow in curiosity. Glancing over his shoulder, Jacen focused on the slim and petite woman in her black dress before turning back around to look at Tarin.
"I never would have thought about Lee being much of a fighter." Jacen admitted with a slight grin, "Of course my ability threw her for a loop so I didn't really see that side of her."
Glancing down at his empty beer bottle Jacen wished that he had more to drink. That revelation from Tarin deffinately deserved a drink but for now he was empty. "Uh... if you don't mind my asking. How did Lee even get in a situation where she had to fight twenty or more men?" Jacen suddenly asked, turning his head to face the other man. Outside of professional fighting or military action, Jacen couldn't really think of any reason for that sort of fight to take place. Were Lee & Tarin involved in something more than just a small Medium's shop? Surely they wouldn't be doing anything drug related but what then?
For no other reason than the unexplained, Jacen suddenly found himself on alert. He turned his head ever so slightly so that he could watch Lee & Kealey out of the corner of his eye while still watching Tarin. Unless the other man had a very good explanation for his previous statement there was going to be a lot of suspicion surrounding the rest of their conversation.
Jacen was seated comfortably with the tantalizing food in ront of him and far more tantalizing thoughts running through his head. Deciding he couldn't just sit there he stood and walked over to go ahead and que up the next DVD. Once the main menu was up he turned off the TV so that the music wouldn't detract from the upcoming fashion show. He had just retaken his seat when Kealey walked in with her first outfit.
"Every lady needs black pants and a white shirt." Jacen murmured to himself as he gave Kealey a smile in return for her grin, "I'll have to remember that."
As the fashion show continued, Jacen couldn't help but be impressed by Kealey. Not only did she look fantastic in each outfit but her commentary was interesting. Employing both humor and just a touch of sensuality with her accent the young woman kept him entranced even though he really wasn't all that interested in fashion as a whole. Sure he was interested in what Kealey was wearing, but he really didn't spend much time thinking about clothing most of the time.
The sundresses were cute, with the way they bared Kealey's shoulders and gently swished around her legs. There was enough skin shown to enhance her natural beauty but yet there was still enough hidden to show off her innocent side. The janes, pants, and tops were all nice looking but not particularly impressive. She could have come out in a burlap sack and Jacen probably would have thought she looked beautiful.
Finally Kealey walked out in something that Jacen hadn't considered as a possibility but yet had been hoping for all evening. The tight white pants followed her natural curves, accenting the sway of her body with each step. The hook and eyelet front of the top made a beeline upward, drawing the eyes to the curve of her breasts and the extra cleavage that was currently being shown off. Her artfully messed up hair framed her face perfectly as she walked over to stand by the couch where Jacen was sitting. It was as if a super model had just walked into Jacen's house and he couldn't even manage a smile.
"I'm all out of decent clothes to show."
"Then how about indecent?" The thought sprung to Jacen's mind unbidden. Seeing Kealey dressed in something this hot, this risque was making him want to do things other than eat strawberries and watch DVDs but he had promised to maintain control. He had sworn to himself that he could stay in control. Kealey deserved a chance to settle in before anything really happened between them... didn't she?
Reaching up, Jacen took hold of Kealey's free hand and gently tugged, pulling her down onto the couch beside him. The remainder of the strawberry was in her hand and the slightest hint of juice was on her lips. Giving in to temptation, he leaned forward and once again kissed her, his tongue momentarily brushing across her lips to clean away the wayward juice.
"I'm not sure how much I'm going to pay attention to the movie after that show." Jacen murmured softly as he pulled back from the kiss, "I think you've deffinately got a career in fashion."
It was almost painful to actually let Kealey walk away and leave his sight but Jacen mentally congratulated himself for maintaining control in the situation. Here had been the opportunity try and push the boundaries and see just how far he could go but instead he had held back and proven that he was an honorable person. It was a job well done.
"But why do I feel so idiotic then?" The man wondered as he stood to his feet and watched Kealey walk off. The slight sway of her hips and the bounciness of her hair was just... wow. "Yeah... dessert. I'll get it ready."
Walking into the kitchen Jacen paused as he considered his options. His main investment when it came to alcohol was in his scotch and brandy but he did keep a few bottles of wine around. Coming to a decision, Jacen walked over to one of his cabinets and opened it to reveal a decent quality wine cooler within. Opening the door he selected a nice Merlot which he promptly opened and then poured into two glasses. After pulling out his platter of strawberries, Jacen walked out into the living and set down both the fruit as well as the alcoholic beverages. Sitting back down, Jacen resisted the temptation to splurge on the dessert that was now laid out but instead waited for the arrival of the beautiful blond. As he sat there, one though kept running through his mind.
Jacen had to grin as he watched Kealey get completely outraged because Johnny was driving off. It was cute, even if it was a touch predictable. There was no question that the man was going to come back and sweep Baby into his arms the only question was when. Finally as the movie ended and Johnny came in to snatch Baby from out of the corner the moment had come.
"I think most of us are suckers for happy endings." He replied with a chuckle as he turned his head slightly so that he could see Kealey's face better. There had been moments through the movie when it had been slightly uncomfortable to have a beautiful woman in his arms but Jacen had been able to control himself. Sure a movie as old as Dirty Dancing didn't actually show much skin, but the inferred actions were more than enough to get your mind working in a certain direct. Now, looking at Kealey with their faces so close together, Jacen once again found himself thinking those sorts of thoughts.
Dipping his head suddenly, Jacen threw caution to the wind and pressed a kiss against Kealey's full lips. Pulling her just a little tighter, he took a few moments to just enjoy the sweetness of her taste while his free hand moved to trail over her bare legs. The skin was amazingly smooth and supple as he slowly drew his hand from her calf up to her thigh and then back down the curve of her leg once again.
Finally, after several moments of being lost in the embrace, Jacen pulled back. His hand withdrew from Kealey's legs and his head pulled back so that he could study her face again. "So... do I still get a fashion show?"
"I'll trust you to set the perfect pace." Jacen said with a laugh as he pressed the button to start the movie, "You have a talent for it."
For a good twenty to thirty minutes Jacen was relatively silent as they watched the movie. Having never seen it before, Jacen found himself somewhat struck by how much Kealey and "Baby" actually resembled each other. Not physically but their innocence to the whole world. If that were true, did that mean he was more like Johnny? It was an interesting question to ponder.
As the scenes moved on to Johnny training Baby how to dance, Jacen reached an arm over and slipped it around Kealey's shoulder, pulling her a little closer. There was no pretense of this trying to be a stretch but instead he turned and gave her a slight smile before turning his attention back to the movie. The movie pair were now dancing at the Sheldrake but Baby lacked the confidence to pull off the dance's lift. Soon after Baby was forced to reveal to her father her relationship with Johnny in order to get him to help Penny.
Leaning back into the cushions of the couch a little more fully, Jacen absently pressed a kiss against the top of Kealey's head as Baby's father forbids her from seeing Johnny ever again. It was a sad decision based on all sorts of assumptions but then finally, Jacen was pleased to see Baby showing some guts.
"Took her long enough to stand up for herself."[/b] Jacen murmured quietly, "She should have done that a while ago."
At Kealey's comment Jacen felt himself swelling up somewhat with pride only for everything to deflate when he remembered that the beautiful blond really hadn't dated before. Deciding that it was best not to remind her of that fact, Jacen just nodded and smiled. Already his mind was wandering to what sort of clothes Kealey might have purchases. Perhapse a slinky evening gown with a long slit to show off her legs to devastating effect. Maybe a little mini skirt and a nice button up blouse with just a hint of her neck shown. There were so many possibilities and since he didn't really know what Kealey's style really it was possible for any of those items to currently be in her closet.
But then Jacen's dreams came crashing to a halt. It was still possible he would get that fashion show a little later in the evening but first was to be a movie. "Well, dessert will come after the fashion show when we start the second movie." Jacen said with a slight grin as Kealey took control and grabbed the plates to head back into the kitcen. Holding up his hands in defeat Jacen turned and walked over to the TV & DVD Player. For a moment he was lost as he looked between the two titles but finally the slightly primeval side exerted control and he made his choice. What man could say no to a movie with a name like "Dirty Dancing"?
A few minutes later the Dvd was repeating its theme music while the opening menu screen sat there waiting for a selection. Taking a seat on the couch, Jacen leaned comfortably back into the cushions and waited for Kealey to join him. Once she was also seated he pressed the button to start the movie. Hopefully it was a movie that would be new to both of them, otherwise he'd probably end up looking really stupid once she realized what they were watching.
"Chez Jacen?" He asked with a good natured smile, "I throw together a few simple things and suddenly get promoted to the pinnacle of fancy. Thanks for the compliment, but I'm afraid the rest of the evening was nowhere near as extravagant. I picked up a couple of movies that were suggested as being... pretty good."
Actually they were suggested as some of the most romantic movies ever produced but there was no reason to mention that fact. Jacen hadn't seen them himself yet but Moulin Rouge and Dirty Dancing were supposed to be something that most women would enjoy. "Oh, and of course dessert with the movies." Jacen added as he suddenly remembered the platter of chocolate dipped strawberries that were keeping cool in his fridge.
Kealey had obviously grown more comfortable being in Jacen's presence and as she gave him an enticing smile he couldn't help but think about what might end up happening between the two of them. Would this be a relationship that would last for years... maybe even a lifetime? Or was it just an itch that they both seemed interested in scratching?
"Personally, I'd like to see the fashion show," Jacen replied as he gave Kealey his most devastating smile to reward he for the siren's look in her eye, "You did say that I'd like your other clothes even more than this outfit. But, if you're to tired, we could leave it for another night and just enjoy a movie."
Jacen was admitted curious about what sort of things Kealey had been referring to when she spoke about her other purchases. Were the other outfits more revealing? Were the cut to show off more of Kealey's beautiful body? Or was it possible she was even referring to items that were much more intimate in nature. Whatever it was, Jacen knew that Kealey was probably right. He probably would love seeing whatever else it was that the young woman had purchased.
"Pictures that you put in a frame are as much for you as they are for visitors." Jacen said with a smile as he cut off a piece of his chicken and then speared it on a fork, "Sure people may ask questions some times but more importantly it gives you a chance to look and remember more often."
Taking the bite of food into his mouth, Jacen had to silently acknowledge that he didn't really practice what he just suggested. Of course, he was a single man which gave him at least some sort of excuse. Men weren't supposed to be good at decorating or putting sentimental stuff around the house. Single men were supposed to have rather spartan surroundings that would then give their girlfriends or wives a places to decorate as they saw fit.
"I'll have to remember you like this restaurant." Jacen said with a chuckle as he watched Kealey react to her first bite of chicken parmegan and angel hair pasta, "And your comments about champagne are duly noted. Next time I'll make sure to have the real stuff for you to true. Champagne is actually pretty light on the alcohol so it probably wouldn't affect you to much."
Of course, even a slight affect of Kealey behavior might make her more open to the suggestion of physical intimacy. Whenever they had alcohol, Jacen would just have to be extra careful not to push for anything. He didn't want it to be something where Kealey gave in because of the alcohol and then regretted her decision the next day. If anything happened it needed to be decided by at least somewhat clear thinking.
After the toast, the two of them were once again quiet as they focused on eating. Even romantic dinners had moments of silence as the couple sat comfortable enjoying the food but even so, Jacen was glad when Kealey spoke up again to continue their conversation.
"So do I get to see a fashion show after dinner?" Jacen teased with a smile of his own as he glanced over at Kealey, "I have to admit it'd be my first. You would think that in a city like New York I would have gone to at least one fashion show before but I've never had an interest. It would deffinately help if I knew one of the models or designers."
Taking a sip of beer, Jacen remained silent while the others chatted. If Kealey wished she could turn her powers back on for just a minute then maybe she could grasp that he would give anything to be able to shut off this ability of his and exert some sort of control or influence over it. He had been attacked multiple times because he had an ability that was different from the typical mutation. If humans found out they would hate him for what he was but at the same time most mutants despised him because he could render them powerless. He was human but yet he was something other than human. He was a chance in the evolutionary pattern that in one move through the whole world upside down. And more amazing than that was the fact that the man who attacked Kealey had said that he met someone with the same ability as Jacen. Were there really more people out there with his ability? Were there really more people that could cancel out mutations?
Even without Kealey ability, Jacen could see the emotions continually changing around the table. The blond was exited to be talking to other mutants that knew people in the industry she was so interested in. Lee was happy to have someone to talk to with similar interests but she was embarassed or worried because of her own abilities. Tarin was relatively laid back, relaxed in the situation but obviously very aware of Lee's discomfort. He was out to make her feel better and even Jacen had to smile at the other man's attempts. It was obvious Tarin loved Lee and that was something you found so rarely in this city. Real love.
"How long have you two been together and how long have you been married?" Jacen spoke up, momentarily changing the subject to hopefully let everyone relax a little more, "Lee said she wasn't used to be married yet but anyone can see you're happy together which I would guess means you've been seeing each other for what... a couple of years?"
Kealey's appearance took Jacen's breath away. He had though she was putting away her purchases or maybe brushing her hair but he thought that she might competely change her outfit and he would never have thought she's put on someting that showed so much skin. Her legs were long and bare with a smoothness and suppleness that only beautiful women could achieve. The color and cut of her blouse accentuated the pale beauty of her skin as well as revealing more of her collarbone than was normally visible. "You look beautiful." He murmured quietly as first Kealey took her seat and then he followed suit.
Taking a sip of his water glass, Jacen watched carefully as Kealey opened her gift to reveal the frame. Setting the glass back down, Jacen had to chuckle at Kealey's observation and comment. "Actually I got it because a picture that important deserves a frame. Hopefully you'll be able to avoid crazy guys for a while. And you didn't need to get me anything Kealey. Just being with you is more than enough for me."
And now it was time to turn to the food. While making his other purchases Jacen had specifically picked up a package of four white cloth napkins. They were normal items for a bachelor to have but he had thought the investment would work perfectly since Kealey was involved. Picking up his own napkin Jacen set it in his lap and then pick up his champagne glass while turning back to Kealey. "I can't cook... belive me. This is from a little Mom and Pop italian place around the corner. I can make spaghetti and that's probably about it." Jacen said with a smile as he lifted up his glass, "It's non-alcoholic champagne so you can feel comfortable drinking it. A toast. To a beautiful woman and the hope that only good fortune remains for her."
