(no subject)

[thefirststark]

It's been said that every man looks good in a tuxedo. And that is never truer than when the tuxedo is custom fitted and costs more than some cars. But 1946 has been a good year for Howard, so why not buy the best?

Howard steps through the door and heads to the bar. A drink before heading to tonight's party sounds like a good idea.

Comments

[iamhismummy]

"Mr Stark." Nancy smiles over at him. "Going somewhere special?"

[thefirststark]

"Well, hello, Nancy. Nice to see you." He smiles back, of course. "I am off to a fundraising event. The big Neediest Cases dance at the Hilton. Tonight we dance, and tomorrow they take all the money and try to help out the poor for Christmas." A worthy cause. And also one of those events where everyone wants to be seen.

[iamhismummy]

Nancy looks a little dubious at that.

"Really? It all goes to the poor?"

[thefirststark]

"Well, some of it goes to cover costs...food, waiters, facilities. But most of it is earmarked for orphans, widows, and so on. I'm told they do a lot of good this time of year." Though it's not like he's audited their books. "This is the first big event since the war. They still raised money during the war, but no ball since 1940."

[iamhismummy]

"At least they're trying to help", she allows. "More than some do."

[thefirststark]

"I believe in giving back. Many of us do." He tries not to sound defensive, though he is tired of dealing with people who act like he's a spoiled brat just because he got really wealthy during the war. "And the ball is fun. Some years, anyway."

[iamhismummy]

"But not other years?"

[thefirststark]

"It depends on who shows up. Who the band is. I think, given how much we've been through, a lot of people of note will be there, just to show that everything is getting back to the way it was.

"Never mind the stars." Which doesn't impress as much as it used to, but still has a way of impressing others.

[iamhismummy]

"It might be getting back to how it was for some", she says quietly. "I think it might take a bit longer for the rest of us."

[thefirststark]

"And how are you doing? When are you now?" Always best to ask that around here.

[iamhismummy]

"December 1941", she tells him. "Hasn't been any bombing raids in six or seven months."

[thefirststark]

"Oh.

"You know, it's still going to be a while. Though things are going to start to change soon. The Yanks are coming!" Not for a few months, of course. But soon.

[iamhismummy]

"...you do know we've been holding our own?" she asks, half-amused. "Not been successfully invaded yet."

[timelessinventor]

"Ooooh, looking wonderful, darling." Helena swishes over with a grin on her face. "Where are you off to being so dashing?"

[ooc: Hope you don't mind a slightly-late tag!]

[thefirststark]

"Good evening, Helena. I am off to the annual Neediest Cases fundraiser. One of those times that a tuxedo is called for." He is most glad to show it off for her.

"How are you tonight, my dear?"

[timelessinventor]

"Ah! A very good reason to be wearing such an outfit." She grins, stepping a bit closer to him. "I'm quite well, thank you. We have been rather busy back home. Artifacts do not take time off for the holidays, unfortunately."

[thefirststark]

"No plans for Christmas then?" He's thought about following up Thanksgiving with something else special, but doesn't want to push things, either. A commitment to a time traveler from the past and the future might not be the best idea.

[timelessinventor]

"Not at the moment, but I believe Claudia has a few things up her sleeve for us. She's rather committed to the festivities." Helena shakes her head.

"But on the other hand, many of my Christmases have been derailed by Artifacts causing chaos out in the world."

[thefirststark]

"So best not to plan too extensively, I take it? Understandable." He was very lucky his two Christmases in London didn't become preparation for battle. "Care for a drink?"

[timelessinventor]

"Exactly. I have had too many well-planned Christmasses ruined by someone doing something strange somewhere in the world." She grins at him. "I would love a drink, thank you."

[thefirststark]

Howard sits at the bar and orders a martini, as one should in a tuxedo. "What's your poison?"

[timelessinventor]

"Gin and tonic, darling. Terrible habit, I know. I picked it up because Charles thought it was unladylike." And really, if Charles hated something, she'd be just happy to do it cheerfully.

[thefirststark]

"There are worse drinks, I suppose. And they seemed to be popular in your homeland when I was there.

"Though the gin was pretty watered down, with the war on." And the tonic was, well, tonic. He never liked tonic.

[timelessinventor]

She wrinkles her nose. "Gin is not to be watered down, although I guess I would understand during a war." She is just glad that she was not around during any of the wars. "I've gotten used to the taste."

[thefirststark]

"Like I'm used to dry martinis and Kentucky bourbon. Three years of living on an army base also let you learn to drink pretty much anything." With anyone. He doesn't miss it.