hadriel_logs | [closed] we haven't really explored the sexuality of candlenights

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[closed] we haven't really explored the sexuality of candlenights

Who: The residents of Sorrow's imported housing, building 5-1 aka Tres Horny House (Magnus, Merle, Taako, Lup, Angus, Barry), with special invitee Kravitz
What: It's Candlenights! The city might be dreary but the holidays are still hoppin'.
Where: Tres Horny House (Sorrow's housing, 5-1)
When: Backdated to December 25th
Warnings: Should be pretty clean, aside from crude jokes.

[Despite the decidedly non-wintery conditions outside, the residents of the Tres Horny House refuse to let that cut some Candlenights cheer. Unlike last year's scattered disaster of crystal and a very averted end of the world, this year there's been time to prepare. Even through limited resources, the twins have managed plenty of food for the seven of them. They've been hard-pressed to find a good bush, but one's been transplanted into the middle of their living room, surrounded by gift boxes and decked in small twinkling lights. Magical spheres float around the room in lieu of electricity, small pulsing orbs of gold, red, and green to illuminate the space in warm, soft glow, accentuating the few candles they've managed to find and actually have. Taako's even taken to tucking some sprigs of fake mistletoe around the apartment; notice it or not, he's not here to be the Candlenights police.

It's got the makings of a great holiday. Let's see how they wang this one up.]

[ooc: It's a mingle log! Tag around, give gifts, eat so many magical cookies you get sick, find yourself under the mistletoe, I don't care, make it gay.]

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[Frankly, Taako is pretty fuckin' proud of how everything came together. Not just anyone can pull an entire Candlenights out of their ass with the shitty resources in this place, but if anyone was gonna do it, it was gonna be him. He's decked in a fairly simple shirt and pants, but with a very glittery and nicely fit vest twinkling like Lup's dress. His hair is braided back with ribbons and curled into a bun low on his head, with more of the ribbon left long and hanging down his back.

As usual, he doesn't seem to be carrying gifts, but has absolutely taken the opportunity for a good callback with a tray of distinctive pink cookies, that he'll offer to anyone he sees.]

Macarooooon?

[His gift is his presence and you should all know that by now.]

[In a true show of newly obtained patience, Lup waits until the rest of the gifts of the evening have been handed out before she rounds on her brother. She carefully bats away any offered macaroons with a swat of her hand, quickly leaning in towards Taako with smile that he'd recognize better than anyone.]

Alright, cut the crap. Hand it over and no one gets hurt!

[He snickers as she gets close, the perfectly balanced dance between them as he still holds the tray but straightens up so he can feel taller. They're the same height, but it's a toss up as to who won the high heel competition tonight for the extra inch.]

Well I just have nooooo idea what you can mean. I have absolutely delicious cookies, what else could you possibly want?

[Taako wins the height contest for today, which means Lup's going all out on her heels tomorrow.]

You say that like I didn't already steal a handful when your back was turned in the kitchen. [Like he hadn't noticed.] C'mon, Taako, you have like a dozen Candlenights gifts to catch up on! I'm expectin' some real choice gifts this year.

Edited 2018-01-05 20:22 (UTC)

[His grin splits wide as he tips his head down, pressing against her forehead with a chuckle.]

Oh yeah? You got somethin' in mind? I'unno how I'm supposed to compete with your great idea of your brother. Obviously, you've imagined something perfect and your dear brother could never compete.

[He moves a bit like he's going to collapse in her arms, leaning weight into her shoulder. Catch him dramatically, Lup, gosh.]

[It's only by virtue of it being the holidays (and the fact he must have the most bomb-ass gift of all for her) that Lup actually catches Taako when he falls against her, instead of just letting him drop to the ground for a laugh.]

Gods, you're such a diva, [she teases, casting mage hand while her hands are full of her brother just so she can pluck at the ribbon hanging down from his hair, giving it a gentle tug.] Stop trying to distract me and slam down the gifts, son! Or I'm taking all those macaroons hostage.

[He laughs, smiling bright for just a moment in her arms. This is nice. Having a real moment of peace between them, all jokes and bullshit and exactly how it used to be. He's still smiling wide as he reaches up, gently flicking her nose.]

Wow, how dare. I worked so hard on these. All day. Slaving over a hot piping bag.

[He stretches a bit in her arms, like an unruly cat, but when his hands come back up, he seems to have produced a box from somewhere. It's flatter than it is wide, but decently sizable. Really, he had it tucked in a little pocket dimension under the couch. It was a great place to hide everyone's shit during this event without having them find it.

Still, it's wrapped beautifully, and he brings himself upright so he can hand it to her.]

Don't throw it around too much, this took a lot of work.

[Inside, laid gently, is a ornately twisted flower crown, a vein of magic running through to keep it's shape and the flowers nice. He won't explain anything until she opens it, though, but he looks pretty confident she's gonna like it.]

[Taako laughs and the world feels right.

The last few months have been more difficult for the twins than Lup would ever like to admit. Her break out from the umbrella may have been phantasmal and resplendent, but her stunning return into Taako's life hadn't immediately fixed everything that she'd left behind broken when she'd first disappeared. There'd just been so much she'd missed in her absence. While she'd laid trapped, frozen in time, he'd walked on ahead without her, never quite knowing why nothing felt right.

But they've both been working on it, with Lup's stubborn insistence, catching each other up and communicating more openly than before. And after seeing the true depth of his pain over what had happened during that nightmare week of shared dreams, it leaves the woman's heart singing to see her twin looking so much happier today.

This is just another one of those special memories that keeps her tied to this earth, stable and bursting with love.

The box appears and Lup releases Taako to make a grab for it, her touch going just a little softer at his warning.] Work? Yeah right. I bet you just sat out catching rays and put Ango to work on it instead.

[But Lup's patience has run out. She rips through the beautiful wrapping and pops open the top of the box and--]

Oh shit... [She runs her fingers carefully along one of the flower petals. It feels like velvet beneath her touch.] Dang, Taako. [Despite her words, Taako shouldn't have to worry about whether she likes it or not by how quickly the elf plops it on top of her head.] That's kind of not completely awful. Thanks. Do I look like Queen of Candlenights yet?

[A lot of the time, Taako doesn't like showing outward emotion. It's difficult for him to trust, to love, after spending so long alone and losing so much. Even before then, it was just one person- but it's her. It's always been her. Two gripped hands towards the future, secrets and quiet moments only they've ever known. So he stays quiet until she gets it open, and all in all, he can't find a way to get the smile to leave his face.]

Yeah, like you're gonna prance off into the forest and be the queen of all the deer n shit.

[But he doesn't want to put down his own gift, so...]

You better appreciate how many spell slots that took. Not like those things are growin' around here. Or anything is growing, even. Those are probs the only flowers in the whole city.

[Lup's reaching up to adjust her crown, so that it sits a little easier against her elaborate hairstyle, before she's sticking a tongue playfully out at her twin.]

More like the queen of shitty pools and sand, huh?

[Doesn't have quite the same ring to it.

But Lup's fingers trace carefully along the curve of the crown, mouth curled into a soft smile, her eyes shining happily at the thoughtfulness of the gift. Even with their limited resources, Taako still manages to give her something that's both a proof of his incredible talent in wizardry and that's just sweet enough to tug at her heartstrings. It should be clear enough how much Lup adores the gift. But if that wasn't communicated yet, he'd likely figure it out when the woman absolutely refuses to take it off of her head for the next week.]

Thanks, babe. Knockin' it out of the park, like always. [And maybe it's a little too public with their family around, but she slips forward to press a kiss to his cheek, fingers lingering there at his face before she pulls away and moves to present her own gift.

The box is flat and book-shaped, but that's because that's exactly what it is. But when Taako unwraps the gift, he'll find his own smiling face staring up at him, painted in perfect detail by Lup's newest artist friend, the words TAAKO FROM TV'S BIG BOOK OF RECIPES looping beautifully above his painted head. Inside, the first handful of pages are full of recipes that the twins have done together a million times over, things they'd learned from their aunt or just whipped up on their own over the course of their long lives. But the last two-thirds of the pages are blank, empty pages for Taako to write down his own recipes, things he'd discovered and improved upon while they'd been separated.

Naturally, there's more than enough space within it to start documenting all of the recipes that they're crafting together now that they're reunited as well.]

Hey I was telling Bar earlier, now that Delight's out we should totally apply for the new spot. No emotion sucking needed, we'd just rock it.

[Even if it's too open, even if it's emotional, he leans into her touch. Sure, there's other people around, but-- they're family. They're all family. For once, he's safe here, in this little space they've found for all of them. His face splits into a grin more his usual as he pulls back though, and grabs the gift greedily, biting at his lip.]

Alright, babe, let's see what you got, 'cuz I really think I nailed it this year--

[But the words die on his lips when he actually sees what it is.

Taako's not a quiet person. When he gets quiet, it's usually something horrible- something he can't process, something his mind was finally not fast enough to make a joke out of. But this isn't that. This is... love. This is caring in every page, this is hours of thought and a dedication that he has no choice but to see, physical and palpable before his fingertips. And there's room at the end, that he finds as he flips through. This is a future. This is... a promise. A dedication to a better future, to a time with them together.

He's not alone anymore. And according to her, he never will be again.

He shuts the book and draws a finger carefully over the illustration, careful not to smudge or chip any of the detail work.]

Dude. This is like, the closest thing to cheating I've ever seen. This is like, an emotional fuckin' shin kick in a boxing match. This is a magical bomb to a drunken ramble. Just stab me, why don't you.

They'd be so lucky to have us working on their side for once. But if the perks are good, sign me the fuck up.

[Just let them have a baller temple they can design on their own and they'll make an absolute killing as the new Delight. Natch.

Taako's reaction is spot on to what Lup hoped it would be, the elf going quiet but his lingering touch over the book speaking volumes. It's just as he said, way too emotional for either of them, but after all of her time away, it seemed as good a time as ever to break tradition. This is as much for him as it's for her. The collection of recipes is as close to a photo album as either of the two will own, each page full of shared memories from their lives, but each blank page a promise of the future.

And Taako's absolutely right, of course. He's never going to be alone again.]

Closest thing to cheating, but not technically cheating. Which means I win Candlenights. Go ahead. You already gave me a crown, may as well declare me as winner.

Edited 2018-02-01 06:06 (UTC)

[He's coming back to himself as they joke, but even as he puts his best inquisitive face on, exaggeratedly tapping at his jaw, he doesn't take a hand off the book.]

Mmmm, actually, I think official ruling is it's totally cheating, 'cuz it's also sort of for you? Presents are supposed to be for the recipient, so, a joint gift... I dunno... I think you're disqualified, babe.

[But he snatches the book up with a grin, pressing it to his chest so she can't take it from him.]

Guess I'll have to hold onto this, y'know, evidence and everything, can't let the case drop, buuut pretty sure I win by default.

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restinglichface - 2018-02-11 18:12 (UTC) - Expand

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pocketspa - 2018-02-23 03:39 (UTC) - Expand

[It's an amazing party. The crew has certainly celebrated Candlenights in all manner of strange worlds and climates with varying levels of resources for a whole century, but Barry honestly can't remember having been this happy to spend the holidays with his family in a very, very long time. Maybe he's just getting old and sentimental, maybe it's the fact that it's been so many years since last time. Maybe it's heat stroke.

Or maybe Taako is just that good. Barry is all too happy settling with that, grinning as he helps himself to a pastel pink cookie off his tray.]

Thanks, bud. These looks great. [And taste great. Barry hums happily around half the cookie in his mouth.] Still have no idea how y'managed t'put this all together. Are y'some kinda wizard, Taako?

[Taako lets out an obviously amused snort, leaning against the doorframe perfectly.]

Me? Some kinda wizard? With magic? Nah, my man, what would give you that idea. As if this entire house doesn't score a thirty on a one to ten 'how magical is this bullshit' meter. Please. You wanna see some real Candlenights lights, just cast Detect Magic.

[A pause. Should he warn Barry about that? It'd be funny for him to not. But mmmm it's Candlenights and Lup will yell at him.]

Don't actually do that unless you wanna be, uh, super blind by the way. This whole place is bullshit lich magic? So it all pings simultaneously and it sucks.

[Barry is honestly half-way through channeling the spell as Taako suggests it, a little shocked that he hadn't thought to do it as soon as he arrived here. The elf's warning thankfully makes him stop.]

O-Oh. Yeah, I uh-- I'll pass on that, then.

[Should've figured. He'll just nibble on his cookie instead of doing something stupid like going blind. Maybe after a couple more mugs of liberally spiked punch.]

How you likin' the party so far, bud? Got any fun presents?

[That was it, Barry, that was your Candlenights gift. It was not being blind and also Taako offering one (1) piece of good advice. But he might get drunk later and egg him on. It is a party, after all.]

I mean, considering Lup and I threw it, it's fuckin' perfect, natch. Miles better than anything the bullshit liches in charge could do and they don't even have to operate on spell slots, so uh, as far as I'm concerned Lup and I should be the new Delight around here. Do a way better job than those fools.

Y'got that right. Th'position's about t'be open, right? Honestly, Taako, if you decide t'run for office, y'got my vote.

[Sure, with cookies and spiked punch and familial joy in the air, it's easier to joke about the messed up position they find themselves in with regards to the liches in charge fucking up like they have. But he doesn't want to dwell on it, doesn't want to spare the circumstances outside of their happy little bubble a single thought. Today is a day for family, for joy, for love.

That reminds him. Barry reaches into his back-pocket and pulls out a flat box, a tag with Taako's name in delicate scrawl fastened to the ribbon. He hands it to the elf, grinning at him.]

'Fore I forget. Here y'go.

Hah! Can you fucking imagine? I'd dominate, baby. But uh, I think if I wanted to go to the emotional bone zone I'd have joined you fucks thirty years ago, sooo.

[Despite the many undead people close to him, he's pretty pleased to still be flesh and blood. But he does quizzically raise an eyebrow at the box, reaching out and taking it from him. He resists the urge to shake it, because getting free things rocks, but getting broken free things doesn't.]

Better not forget, babe, I'm owed some payment for this whole biz.

[But he opens it, carefully but eagerly, to find what's inside.]

I mean, it's a pretty sweet gig, all things considered. Eternal life, yer made of magic. Y'miss out on chocolate, ale, cakes, sure but-- but hey, y'still got sex, so. It's not so bad.

[That little tidbit by your loving and caring in-law comes courtesy of the liberally spiked punch. Liquid courage goes a long way.

Barry watches Taako carefully open his present, an excited smile on his face as he waits for a reaction. Inside the flat box, there only seems to be a simple sheet of cardstock. When Taako pulls it out of the box and flips it over, the purple card greets him with the words "Scratch to Reveal a Favor!" written in Barry's narrow scrawl. Under the cheery headline there are two rows of painted squares, six in total, chalky and metallic-looking, diligently brushed on by someone with little to no experience with arts and crafts. It's a homemade scratch card.

And at the bottom of the box, something to scratch with. A small gold coin with a Faerûnean seal. Barry grins.] Yer always th'one bakin' cakes and throwin' parties, so uh... I figured you deserved havin' some favors on hand. That's six li'l ways I can pay y'back. Whenever y'want.

[On one hand, Barry's present is entirely too flattering. The fact that the man is at all willing to put his metaphorical life in his hands is already an emotional state Taako can in no way quantify. There's a level of trust here Taako can't deny by any means.

On the other hand, god, there's so many possibilities here, an Taako looks up slowly, the grin spreading across his face as one of his eyebrows raise.]

You really wanna put something like this in my hands, babe? For the shit I could make you do? Lest you forget the consequences just surrounding you showin' up here.

[Consequences, he says, like Barry incurred it upon himself for Taako to make him a dick cake and get up in his business. Good god.]

Gonna keep this one in my back pocket, babe. You never know when it might show up again.

[Honestly, this is kind of unlimited power. But Taako does let his smile soften, reaches into his pocket, and produces a small box, which he holds out to Barry.]

But I guess that was good enough to win this.

[Inside is, for all intents and purposes, something that just looks like a regular enamel pin. It's circular, flat backed with a rounded top, and what looks like a denim pattern inside the dome. But what it does is change any clothing item it's attached to into denim for the duration it's pinned in.

You're welcome, you absolute disaster.]

I trust you'll use your gift responsibly.

[As if. The veritable shitstorm that could follow after handing Taako a gift like this is something Barry is all too aware of. There's no doubt in his mind that the elf will abuse this power at some point, perhaps several points. But in the end, Barry does trust him. And he wants to do nice things for his closest family, okay, fight him.

Pleasantly surprised to be handed a box, Barry takes it and gingerly pulls it open, examining the pin inside curiously. It's cute! 'Cause his name is Bluejeans, and he wears bluejeans, get it? He's about to thank Taako for his cute joke-gift with some snarky comment, he's even pinning it on the breast of his wonderful festive sweater --

-- but then the material of his sweater goes from green to blue, with twill weaving and chunky seams sewn with orange thread, and Barry goes silent for a full minute. When he looks back up at the elf, his eyes are shining with excitement and glee.]

This is the best gift anyone's ever given me.

[Oh, plenty of occasions is right. In the meantime, he is barely containing his laughter with a trembling lip as Barry stares at the transformation of his sweater. Pretty much as soon as the other man speaks he outright loses it, face already looking like it was about to burst. Oh, that landed so well, gods fucking help him.]

Now-- you only get one, because if I gave you the power to do this to a whole outfit Lup would kill me and also I'd kill myself. But uh, just temporary while it's pinned. Bet you can find the worst possible outcome for it, though.

[That sweater is already an atrocity. But it makes Barry happy. That means something. He's glad it means something.]

Gods, you look fucking stupid right now, it's so good.

[Taako may consider this just one big goof, and sure, maybe Barry is a little too intoxicated on punch and holiday spirit to give a fair review, but honestly? This is kind of the best thing ever. He can change any clothing he owns into sturdy blue denim? Sign him up!

While Taako dissolves into triumphant laughter, Barry openly admires his new denim-on-denim ensemble, an expression of child-like wonder on his face. It looks truly ridiculous. Absolutely hideous. Barry loves everything about it.

He immediately wonders what the pin will do to the lacy lingerie Lup got for him.........

hot]

I dunno what yer talkin' about, Taako. I think this is th'best I've looked in decades. [He levels a cheery grin at the elf. This pin needs to go on every single article of clothing in the house.] Sure y'wanna part with somethin' this amazing?

[hey op u accept constructive criticism on your posts because absoLUTELY NOT, FAM]

If I wanted more I could make more, my dude. Hell, with enough fabric samples I could probably make 'em for whatever the hell I wanted. You're just lucky jean stuff is easy to find.

[Man, he should experiment this more for himself. Work on getting some of those scratchier clothes from the shops into something nice. Maybe he can make this into something here...]

The only rule is if you pin it to me you're fucking banned. From like, just about everything, so don't try it.

someone ordered a disaster elf

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