Costume Party in Honor of Lex Luthor's Birthday [OPEN]

[defenestration]

As stated on the invitation, Adrian is throwing a costume party to celebrate Lex's twenty-fifth birthday at the Luthor-Veidt Building in Brock Marsh. Everyone is welcome, whether they know Lex or not. There's plenty of food and free alcohol (mostly wine, fancy beer, and champagne), music and a space for dancing, and room to mingle and make new friends. Some simple and classy decorations, purple of course, have been put up on the first and second floors to create a festive atmosphere.

(A note to those who might try to take the opportunity to go snooping: security is insanely tight. The elevators will not go beyond the first and second floors without a special code, and there's an elevator operator who is very obviously there to make sure you don't try anything funny. The stairwells are likewise under guard and the private areas of the first floor are locked and under camera surveillance.)



[ooc: Please wait until a few threads are set up before tagging! Party time! Everyone is welcome!

Note: I've turned off notifs so if you need my attention in a specific spot, please PM or plurk me.]

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[patricide]

Lex is busily conversing amid a group when two of the partygoers start talking amongst themselves, giving him a moment to pause and survey the room for himself. He catches Adrian looking at him and he notes that it's not for the first time.

Looking through the crowd and making eye contact with Adrian, he raises his glass in return, looking pleased with how well the party is going. He looks over the rim as he drinks before resuming conversation. While speaking Lex turns his head again, catching Adrian's glance and using a hand gesture not meant for his audience (though that's what it would look like from a passing glance) to motion toward an area less crowded.

[defenestration]

Adrian catches the gesture and replies with a slight nod, timing his movements so he arrives at the designated place at about the same time Lex does, thus lowering the chances that either of them will get caught up in conversation before the other arrives.

"Looking handsome as always, Mr. Luthor," he says in a low voice, accompanied by a blatantly appreciative once-over. "I trust you're having a good time?"

[patricide]

"Thank you, Mr. Veidt, as do you," he says slowly, taking the time to appreciate the familiarity of addressing Adrian by his surname. The look he gives Adrian in return is also one of appraisal, and though it's less obvious, it's just as appreciative. Before Baedal Lex had lived quite the sensational lifestyle, with pictures of his various entanglements spread across the tabloids and the internet. It's caused him to ordinarily not give a second thought toward discretion, but with their current plans there is much more to think about than instinct. Lex doesn't want to make the same mistake of not being taken seriously in the business world because his reputation as the party boy heir came first in the public's mind. This was also not something that had been discussed, especially not in terms of publicity. While Adrian Veidt was certainly ostentatious in many ways, such public flirtation didn't seem to be one of them. For now Lex would err on the side of caution unless prodded otherwise.

"I'm having a fantastic time. It's not every day I have the opportunity to dress as my namesake. I think you can understand the indulgence."

[defenestration]

Adrian feels that the bold statement of Lex's costume, and the fact that everyone is ogling everyone else's attire, is enough to let him get away with a little bit less discretion than he normally practices. That one instance in enough, however, and he immediately eases back into his typical cordial reserve.

"It's completely understandable, and you couldn't have made a better choice. I'm impressed by how well it suits you." The fit of the costume, yes, but also the theme of it in relation to Lex's personality and ambitions. "Have you made any interesting new contacts yet?"

[patricide]

Lex isn't entirely convinced that Adrian has retreated back to limiting himself. Veidt wasn't one to neglect himself of something he wanted and though his actions may not be as bold as what took place moments ago, Lex was willing to bet that he'd have a few more glances thrown his way before the night was over. And his ego didn't mind any of it.

"Why not claim what's mine?" The rhetorical question is in regard to having that particular name bestowed upon him, but Lex knows that Adrian can see the other meaning for himself. "I've made plenty of contacts, though time will tell just how interesting they prove to be." He smiles, admiring the party by giving it a good look. "You've done an excellent job, I hope the guests have been telling you as much."

[defenestration]

Lex has a sharp mind -- there's a difference, to Adrian, between maintaining a necessary and advantageous facade, and restricting himself from the things he wants. Over the years, he's become a master of balancing the two.

The question draws an amused and knowing smile to Adrian's face, and offers a silent toast to the statement by raising his glass and then taking a sip of the champagne. "Everyone I've spoken to so far seems to be appreciative. Although it's the guest of honor whose opinion I value most."

[patricide]

Lex inclines his chin slightly when Adrian makes his toast, accepting the approval and acknowledging that of course Adrian gives it, why wouldn't he?

"That sounded dangerously close to looking for another compliment, Mr. Veidt," Lex teases. "I was unaware that it was your day for indulgences as well."

[defenestration]

"Not at all, Mr. Luthor. Simply an acknowledgment of the compliment you've already given, and my appreciation for it." Although if Lex feels it's necessary to be more effusive with his compliments, far be it from Adrian to stop him. "Of course it is, I've my desire to hold a public celebration in your honor, haven't I?"

After all, he could have just invited a few of Lex's acquaintances for something more intimate, or simply stopped at the dinner he treated Lex to on his actual birthday.

[patricide]

"You have," Lex had to grant. "Though for this kind of thing I wouldn't have expected anything less." Or accepted it either.

He shifts a little closer to be heard over the music when he lowers his voice, taking a quick glance at their surroundings before continuing. "I do have to say that I'm surprised at how much you managed to accomplish considering our butler's sudden questionable loyalty."

[defenestration]

It's useful that Adrian and Lex share a certain type of expectations, it makes knowing what the other might anticipate quite a bit easier.

The information Lex shares brings a dark look to Adrian's face, and he turns his head sharply toward the other man. "I found Aimery to be incredibly helpful. Should I be reexamining his possible motives?"

[patricide]

"I can't speak for you, but I certainly am." Lex indicates where Lionel is occupying the party floor with a point of the finger from around the glass.

"Aimery has decided to help my father 'settle into the city'. I'm not certain what that entails other than his specific mention of assisting with groceries, but after specifically telling him to keep his distance I can't say that I'm pleased."

[defenestration]

Adrian hasn't yet really become privy to the depth of Lex's problems with his father, but he knows enough to be extremely wary of the senior Luthor, and to not want him any more connected to Adrian's own business than is absolutely unavoidable. He also completely mistrusts the man.

"It's possible Aimery is simply easily taken advantage of, but I find it disappointing that he seems to be deliberately circumventing your instructions. It maybe a good idea to limit his involvement in anything potentially sensitive, for now. I will, however, say that he seemed genuinely eager to make sure the party was up to your standards."

[patricide]

Lex doesn't trust much of anyone, he doesn't even fully trust Adrian, so it should come as no surprise that Aimery gets treated with suspicion when he chooses to associate with Lionel Luthor. "I don't think we should let him go, there's a cliche about good help for a reason. But I wholeheartedly agree in setting limits. Even if Aimery has the best of intentions, my father can be a very persuasive man."

"You should know that he seems determined to know what goes on behind closed doors of this house. I suspect it's less personal and even less fatherly instinct and more about him perceiving our accomplishments as competition to either bring down or acquire."

[defenestration]

Probably if Aimery directly worked for him rather than answering to Lex, Adrian would feel more concern over his trustworthiness. But as it lies, this is Lex's problem to deal with, so Adrian will make sure to lock up his office and his labs, but he's unlikely to get more involved than that unless he feels the situation is taking a personal toll on Lex.

Although the fact that it involves the elder Luthor may spur him to at least have a brief word with Aimery about being more careful who he associates with if he intends to remain employed.

"Then he'll find there's very little to learn from having Aimery do his errands. He's not allowed in the labs and I don't entrust either him or Miss Lockhart with sensitive materials of any sort. Beyond that, maybe it isn't such a bad thing to give your father something to feel uneasy about." Adrian isn't really into being underestimated. He much prefers to allow his competition to understand just exactly how bad an idea it is to challenge or provoke him.

[patricide]

"I do not for a second mind that my father sees us as a threat," Lex reassures Adrian. "The problem is that he's a dangerous man, and starting over here hasn't been any kind of deterrent. I don't know what he plans to do how how he intends to use Aimery, but I am going to be on my guard, I can only suggest you do the same."

He sighs and looks to Adrian with resignation. "But tonight isn't about dwelling on the hypothetical. The present has been treating me quite nicely." The beginnings of a smile start once again. "Thank you for this. I hear you've been quite the host."

[defenestration]

"I promise not to underestimate him," Adrian replies, tone and expression both solemn and sincere. Lex certainly knows his father best, and if he thinks they need to be on their guard then Adrian will accept that advice.

His expression warms as the topic moves back to the party, and he raises his eyebrows a bit at Lex's remark. "It's truly been my pleasure, Lex, and I'm happy that you're enjoying your evening. As for what kind of host I've been, I should hope I could manage to at least be a sufficient one. Everyone seems to be having a good time and as far as I can tell they're all on excellent behavior, so there's been no reason for me to be a bad host." Now stepping just a little closer, and lowering his voice so that one would have to be very near indeed to hear, he continues. "I have a gift for you as well, although I hope you'll understand that I prefer to give it in private."

[patricide]

It's interesting that with the lowering of the voice also comes a first name basis. Lex isn't quite ready to play that card yet, and he flashes a grin that suggests his mind is already thinking of what that gift could be.

"I understand perfectly well, Mr. Veidt, especially if you gift is anything like mine was to you." Practically this is true. If Adrian were giving Lex a statue in return, then hauling it around the house is not the best of ideas. He's also certain that the man picks up on certain other implications.

[defenestration]

Well now, if that's the game Lex wants to play...it is his birthday, Adrian supposes he deserves to be indulged. His lips quirk into a sly smile, as he inclines his head slightly.

"I can't promise it will have the same grandeur, but I do hope you'll find it sufficiently meaningful. At least as meaningful as yours was to me." There's a subtle indication in Adrian's tone that he isn't only talking about the statue of Ramesses, but perhaps also of what that gift was meant to commemorate. "And of course," he adds, this time with a suggestive lift of his eyebrows, "it certainly isn't something I'd want to entrust in someone else's hands."

[patricide]

Lex hadn't forgotten the intent of the statue. Purchasing it was his idea after all. If Adrian's gift was anything like that then they might be in for another intense discussion, or at the very least, affirmation of what had transpired. They were going to be kings of this city in more than just appearance for one night.

To Adrian's latter comment Lex looks pleasantly satisfied, and at the word teacher there's a hint of suggestiveness in Lex's tone and expression in return. "'I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well.'" Speaking the words of Alexander himself make him feel powerful, especially now. For all that Lionel wants to tug Lex away from what he has built, Lex wants to remain where he is and that most definitely includes Adrian who has been vital to Lex's success within the city.

[defenestration]

They're well-chosen words. Adrian certainly likes the idea of himself as a teacher (in a broad, teach-by-example kind of way, at least), and it feeds his ego to hear that Lex values his influence as much as if not more than that of his father.

His reply is in the language Lex chose for his states, Adrian's childhood tongue, a habit that seems to occur with increasing regularity whenever they begin to discuss the ambitions that drive them. "Soon enough, we'll be the teachers, the leaders others look to for guidance. The saviors the world is desperate for." He scans the crowd and then returns his gaze to the man at his side. "One day this city will look back and see tonight as their first glimpse of the future."