In fair New York, where we lay our scene

[marvel-citizens.livejournal.com]

It's been said there are eight million stories in the Big Apple. Modern New Yorkers scorn this as an underestimate, though the more cynical ones will hold forth on the topic of how many stories are the same old, same old. Others will argue that every story is different, because New York makes them so. This surging, seething city: the hot spot of the American melting pot, where so many first set foot on American shores, where so many come seeking fame and fortune, where so many find only disappointment or despair or even death, where a few manage to hitch their dreams to that morning star.

"Every person on the streets of New York is a type. The city is one big theater where everyone is on display," said Jerry Rubin. All the world may be a stage, and all the men and women merely players, but who plays what? Who gets the leading role, and who will forever be stuck in the chorus line? Who will remain a stage-door Johnny, and who will be able to move from lead actor to director ... or the even more powerful position of producer?

Cast, crew, backers, and audience ... each one brings their own meaning to that granite beehive where people jostle and whir like molecules in an overheated jar.

New York City. Center of the universe.

If you can make it here, you'll make it anywhere.

Comments

[mrs-p-lensherr.livejournal.com]

Crystal Lensherr walks into the room carrying a tiny gurgling bundle. Her eyes light up when she sees her sister and father in law.

"Would you like to say hi to your Opa, Luna?"

[lehnsherr-erik.livejournal.com]

It would shock the enemies of his family to see the powerful Erik Lehnsherr's face seeing his granddaughter. It's very obvious he's wrapped completely around the tiny bundle's finger.

"It is good to see you both." She has more than proven her loyalty to her husband's family. She would have been welcome as Pietro's wife but she has made herself daughter as well.

"Come see your Opa little one."

[mrs-p-lensherr.livejournal.com]

Crystal hands him the one month old infant. Now that Crystal's family is dead, the Lensherr's are the only family she and little Luna have.

"I think she has your nose."

[lehnsherr-erik.livejournal.com]

He chuckles cradling the tiny girl against his chest with no thought to spit or other things that could ruin his clothes.

"I do not know about my nose but she has Magda's eyes." The slightly tip tilted eyes with dark lashes his first wife had.

[mrs-p-lensherr.livejournal.com]

Crystal lays a hand on her daughter's head. "At least she has my hair. As much as she takes after her Papa and Opa, I almost feel like an incubator." She winks at the older man.

[wanda-maximoff.livejournal.com]

"She does," Wanda agrees, looking over at her niece. "She will break many hearts when she is grown." She gives her sister-in-law a brief hug. "How was your afternoon?"

[mrs-p-lensherr.livejournal.com]

"Long." Crystal shrugs. "There was a union meeting at the docks." She meets her sister-in-law's gaze. "After that unfortunate incident two weeks ago. We've set up a trust fund for the widow - no children, thank goodness. I've personally inspected the warehouses and assured the dockworkers that I will do everything in my power to ensure nothing of the sort ever happens again. We must take care of our own."

[wanda-maximoff.livejournal.com]

Wanda closes her eyes briefly. "Good." She opens her eyes and smiles sadly at Crystal. "Thank you. It's such a relief to have your assistance."

[mrs-p-lensherr.livejournal.com]

Crystal lays a warm hand on Wanda's arm. "I'm happy to be here."

She means it. She's honestly never been happier in her life.

[p-maximoff.livejournal.com]

With a surprisingly calm and normally-paced gait, the father of her child arrives.

"Home to my family at last."

[mrs-p-lensherr.livejournal.com]

Crystal's face lights up at the sight. She kisses the back of little Luna's head and wraps her arms around her husband.

"Welcome home."

[wanda-maximoff.livejournal.com]

"Welcome home, Pietro," echoes Wanda, smiling indulgently at the sight of Crystal and Pietro. A young marriage, still growing, but already a strong one.

[p-maximoff.livejournal.com]

Strong, indeed.

A small kiss to both mother and daughter's foreheads.

"Any news I should hear?"

[mrs-p-lensherr.livejournal.com]

"The union meeting ended the way it ought." She nuzzles the baby's head. "Luna's inheritance is still in good shape."

She lays a hand on Pietro's chest. He still takes her breath away.

"I have a meeting with the head of the transport union tomorrow. They're still complaining about that poor lost Bugle reporter. We're negotiating new safety measures now that the company is under new management."

[p-maximoff.livejournal.com]

"If the negotiations come across any stumbling blocks, do not hesitate to ask for my assistance."

He's developed his quick-strike skill so deftly that he can make a murder look like a sudden heart attack.

The child in their arms is angelic.