The Hellfire Gala was an event to end all events. Krakoa was decorated to the nines with jewels and flowers, shimmering streamers and brilliant bouquets, and the greatest masterpiece of all was the night’s host, the diamond encrusted telepath herself, Emma Frost. She greeted all of her guests post haste and made sure every little thing was in place before she even dared to give herself a second of relaxation, but when that second came, she sought out a very specific guest.
What the host of the gala had with renowned scientist, and hulk, Dr. Bruce Banner was something not yet explored. This constant question of “What are we?” remained unspoken as the two danced around each other, both something too rare and precious to attempt anything more than they were, out of fear of losing each other.
“Brucie-bear, you’ve been nursing that soda all night. Why not have something a little more adult.” Emma sauntered over, her large hips swaying as she walked.
“Oh, I’m fine, thank you though, Frost.” The scientist replied.
“Are you sure? We have some of the most expensive alcohol man can make, and some of the cheapest, at Logan’s request.”
He laughed, “That sounds like Wolverine, but I’ll stick with what I have.”
“You smoke but you don’t drink? Are you absolutely positive?”
“Yes, Emma. I’d like for you to stop pushing.” His voice was a little more firm this time around.
“Oh, alright.” She smiled, then her eyes gained this far away look that Bruce was starting to learn all too well.
“Stop trying to read my mind.”
“You are the one person I am unable to crack.” She said exhaustedly. “Do you know that?”
“I’ve been told that by most telepaths I come across,” He chuckled, “so I wouldn’t bother if I were you.”
“Oh, darling, I’m not most telepaths.”
“No?”
“Do most telepaths look this good?”
“I suppose not.” He chuckled, “Where is Logan by the way? I haven’t seen him all night, not even sulking in any dark corners.”
“I believe he’s attempting to flirt with that shapeshifter he’s so fond of,” she laughed, “I could search for him if you’d like.”
“Oh, that’s fine, Emma, I was just curious.”
“Alright. Are you sure you wouldn’t like something else dear? Even non-alcoholic, we have better drinks than that.”
“I’m fine, Ms. Frost. Don’t you have other guests to greet?”
“You’re the only one that entertains me.” She smiled.
He scoffed and looked away, blushing a bit, when all of a sudden, the crowd started cheering and clapping as another honored guest arrived. “Oh, Tony’s here.”
“I suppose he is.” She glared, “Well I suppose I should go say hello to such an important attendee.”
“You’ll know where to find me when you’re done.”
Emma’s presence alone was enough to part the crowd as Moses had parted the Red Sea. “Tony, dear, walk with me.” She smiled and held out her elbow for him to link around his as cameras flashed and reporters shouted questions at them.
“Emma Frost, to what do I owe the pleasure?” He was dressed in a designer suit tailored to fit his body just right.
“You’re well acquainted with Dr. Banner, are you not?”
“You could say that.” He held up a peace sign to a group of photographers as Emma posed with a hand on her hip and a flirty smile on her face.
“Do you know why he doesn’t drink? I pushed a little too hard about it and I fear I upset him.” She turned back a moment later.
“His dad was an alcoholic. There’s more to it than that but that’s not my story to tell.” They continued to walk.
“I’m sure he wouldn’t be happy with you telling me even that.”
“He won’t, but you can read minds, and I know if I don’t give you anything, you’ll dig for everything.”
“You know me too well, darling.” She smiled, shining like a diamond, then the two turned to greet more of the paparazzi.
The fancy glass that Bruce was holding only contained half melted ice cubes now, leading him to get another drink. As he approached the bar, a strong and familiar arm was thrown around his shoulders. “Banner!” Thor yelled, “How are you enjoying yourself?”
“The party is nice. A lot more people than I’m used to but I can deal with it to make Emma happy.”
“Isn’t it? I’d prefer it to be a bit more rowdy like the ones we throw on Asgard, but I suppose earthlings aren't as sturdy.” He chortled. “Most of them, anyway. You and Hulk would fit right in.”
“Right, because we all want to see Hulk rowdy at a party in space. I’m just not paying anyone’s bills to get their houses repaired if we take you up on that offer.”
“Ahaha! Do not fret, I can cover the costs. Loki could even help with that too. Speaking of which, I’m off to find my sibling before they cause any damage.” He laughed and ran off, leaving Bruce by himself again.
The doctor sighed and stepped out of the building through a side door, lighting up his cigarette, he took a drag. About a minute or two later, he heard a familiar clack of high heels walking on concrete approach. “Bruce, darling, I didn’t mean to upset you earlier.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The comment about you not drinking. I overstepped.”
“Oh, I didn’t take offense to it.” He took another drag, “You read Tony’s mind about it, I presume.”
“No, but I asked and he gave me a very basic answer so that I wouldn’t read his mind about it.”
“Smart of him.”
“Yes, unfortunately he is one of the greatest minds of our time.”
He raised an eyebrow at her.
“I said ‘one of’ not ‘the’, dear. You are still the most brilliant in my opinion.” She leaned down and kissed his forehead.
He sighed, “Alcoholism ruined my childhood, and I’d like to prevent my adulthood from going in the same direction. Besides, I can’t even get drunk with Hulk and all his healing abilities.”
“Oh, well I suppose that makes sense. I’m here if you’d like to talk about it.”
“I wouldn’t. But thank you.”
“Of course, sweetheart.” She grabbed his hand, “Now why don’t we go dance.”
“Lead the way.” He smiled back.