[OPEN, MINGLE] 'cause not all who wander are lookin' for the exit

[pocketspa]

Who: Taako, Lup, perhaps you-- invited or not?
What: Taako's been trying to think of a good way to have a party now that ice hell is over, and the disappearance of his sister's husband and his brother in law sounds like as good a time as any to start denying bad feelings and cheering up his goddamn twin.
Where: Around Horny House, aka Imported House 5-1
When: April 11th
Warnings: Alcohol, food, some stupidity most likely.

The night of the 10th, anyone who's friends Taako or Lup-- especially if you're friends with Lup-- will get a text from Taako. It reads:

hey
come over tomorrow at noon
i took down a totally massive animal and im having a barbecue
also bring a gift for lup
dont tell her dont ask questions dont care what it is just do it
your prize is a significant amount of roasted whateverthefuck that i have tested to be sure it will not kill you
also if you dont show up im going to come get you so see ya then

And sure enough, the next day, behind horny house is a large pit filled with rocks and... something or other spit roasted over it. Whatever it is happens to be very, very big, but you can probably see the smoke before you see the animal. Most of the tables in the house have been dragged out onto the lawn around it, covered in mismatched cups, containers of water and plates of fruit, and something lovingly labelled 'SPACE JUICE (CONTAINS ALCOHOL)' that is being served in a large punch bowl. It's bright blue and smells like lighter fluid, so it's pretty unlikely you needed to be warned that there's alcohol in it. One table simply has a sign that says 'PUT GIFTS HERE', which is pretty self explanatory. There also seems to be music coming from discernibly Somewhere, though it's completely unclear as to where-- seeing as the guy running it is magic, it might actually just be coming from the sun. None of that is especially important right now. What is important is this:

Everyone here is legally required to go care about Lup, or Taako's going to punch you in the head. And not even with magic- just with his little fists. So do it, punk.

OOC: This is a MINGLE LOG- please put up toplevels and tag around! While Taako had people he invited, it's pretty damn easy to see this going down, and if you play by the rules and say nice things to his very sad sister he won't kick you out. Have fun!!!

Comments

taako | ota

[pocketspa]

[Taako's been busy. Sure, he had intended on doing something like this as soon as everything from the lich fights from last month had calmed down- he especially owed it to Lup, considering the circumstances- but Barry's disappearance had thrown a wrench in a lot of things. Taako had been so, so sure he'd be back with the newbies; there was a difference in when people close to him, but who he could survive without, came and went. Not Barry. Not like this, not when Lup was still here.

(He can't imagine Lup leaving, and he won't even consider it as the hours tick by and Barry doesn't turn up. She wouldn't just leave. It doesn't work like that, and he'll hear no arguments.

So as day turned to night, Taako sighed, cracked his knuckles, and tromped out into the jungle.

Approximately 14 hours, 20 spell slots, and a power nap somewhere in there to regain half his uses, and the man has a party. Is it his ideal party? No. Is it gonna do it's job? Yes, if he can possibly help it. He's broken out his clothes from the desert planet over a year ago, outside in a breezy crop top and shorts, long hair tied up in a high ponytail to keep it off his neck. The wizard hat stays, though-- it's great shade-- as he turns the whatever-the-hell on the spit with a translucent hand.

He's kind of keeping an eye on the guests. Mostly, he's making sure they've gone to see Lup. So when he sees someone, he'll greet them with a little wave, and then bid them over towards him.]

Hey. Great. How you doing. You talked to Lup yet?

[ooc: Feel free to wildcard me or hit me up at cancerously for other plotting or prompts!!!]

wildcard!!

[restinglichface]

[Lup's in the room Barry and her shared while Taako sets up for the party, the woman completely unaware of anything happening outside of these four walls. She can hear some vague shuffling and muffled voices from around the house, but Lup's pointedly ignoring it all, flopped out on the bed in an oversized shirt, scrolling through her photo album on her phone.

At least she has pictures, still has all of his stupid texts, voice messages when she needs to hear his voice. It just doesn't feel like enough.]

yesssss

[pocketspa]

[So has Taako slept? Eeeeh, that's dubious. Arcane Recovery is as good as anything he needs, and elves don't really need to sleep, even if he feels kinda fucking tired-- it's fine. He's got it ready. He knows Lup is going to want to mope and hang around and he wants to be there for her, of course, of course he does, but-- how can just his presence make up for the loss of such an important man? He needs to fill that as much as he can, stack it full so she won't see the loss. He can do this. He can do something.

He knocks where he knows she is, and doesn't wait to enter, because it's less permission and more warning. And when he cracks the door open, he just sticks the bottom part of his mouth though.]

This thing right here, is lettin' all the ladies know, what guys talk about-- you know, the finer things in life--

[Oh yes. It's happening. He doesn't have a boombox, he doesn't have the ship, but he has his hands and his mouth and that's all he needs. It's all the warning she gets before he bursts into the room, shutting the door behind him, and just cuts right into it.

That's it. It's The Thong Song time. We're at that dire an hour.

As soon as he's done, even he's almost laughing, giving her a sweeping bow before he tilts his head up to see if she's even smiling.]

[restinglichface]

[Her brother is the absolute worst. But fuck, Lup doesn't know what she'd do if he wasn't here with her.

Maybe she should have expected this whole performance, for Taako to burst into her room with his choreographed dance moves and his perfect imitation of Fantasy Sisqo. It's always been his go-to to get her to laugh, always been just the right amount of ridiculous to break through whatever is going on, to shatter the heaviness in her heart and just let his sister find her joy again.

But today it falls just a little short, doesn't bring Lup her usual tears from laughing so hard, doesn't make the woman collapse into the nearest chair to catch her breath. But it does drag the smallest of a smile to her lips, the slightest touch of relief on her face. It's not much, but after the hurt of yesterday, it's enough.

She's sitting up in the bed by the time he's done, legs crossed in front of her, shoulders and ears dipping down, but without so much of the tension that's been weighing her down the last day.]

Little out of practice, huh?

[pocketspa]

[It's worrying that it's not enough. Sure, his moves aren't as polished after quite a few years away from the grind, but he thought it might be unexpected enough to catch her. She's up, at least. Speaking to him. It's some kinda plus.]

Hey, you try to remember all the words to Fantasy Sisqo like, with moves. This is not an easy routine, my gal.

[He moves to sit down next to her, taking her hands in his.]

How uh... goes it, with all this?

[He's been leaving her alone just in bits, but she'll be able to tell he's tired, a smoky smell clinging to his clothes.]

[braveoff]

[ Drake has just arrived, his hair still wet and slicked back from a shower. He's scanning for Lup on the outskirts of the crowd when Taako comes up to him, and cuts straight to the chase -- unsurprising. They aren't exactly friends, but as long as Taako's not sticking spoons up his nose they're on good terms. Drake actually knew Barry better... maybe he should fix that and get to know Taako too. ]

Not yet, I just got here. Where is she?

[ He's got a bottle in one hand as a present because this was extremely short notice and not everyone has magic, but it's something. Lup's favorite, actually, when they drink at his place, and the bottle is painted with her likeness as a 'label' so she can keep it after. It's cute. But he doesn't offer it to Taako because it's for Lup, and is still glancing around trying to spot her. He does have to admit it's an impressive party. ]

You really pulled out all the stops.

[pocketspa]

[Drake isn't like, a bad guy. Taako makes it a point to at least have a cursory experience with everyone Lup likes- not because she can't take care of herself or anything, but mostly because sometimes people think they can fuck with his sister and pull a fast one on him. He has ways of dealing with that. But Drake has passed the tests and he wouldn't want to strain anything with her friendship, so he's let it go.

Spoon nose was good, though. He won't give up on that gag.

It's exactly why he arrives and Taako immediately tries to read the situation, see what he knows, balance this in any way he knows how.]

Uh, 'course I did, this feels like at least 20% of a funeral. Gotta make it at least 70% of a party.

[Especially since they have something to work with. The last few planets were impossible to prepare anything truly fancy, especially on his own, but this place is begging for some fun. It's just not as good without Lup here. Nothing is.]

But I don't know. Inside I think. She isn't really comin' out.

[braveoff]

[ Hmm. Drake really isn't surprised by that, he knows Lup probably wants some time to just wallow down in her own pain since it's so fresh... he remembers when they'd thought Taako left, and how she treated him when Ephemera disappeared. This is maybe too soon, but he might be able to spin it. Perk Lup up a little and get her down here. He glances back at the house thoughtfully, then back to Taako. ]

I'll get her out.

[ He sounds awfully sure of himself. ]

Give us some time, we'll nip the funeral part of things in the bud.

[pocketspa]

[He crosses his arms, pursing his lips a bit at Drake's confidence. Yes, he does want Drake to actually do this. Yes, he does think Drake might actually be able to, seeing as maybe he went a little too hard on this in a slam-button panic mode. But he doesn't want Drake to know any of those things. He can't just like, get to have that, god.]

Oh yeah? What are you gonna do, buddy-boy? C'mon, any good plan gets some workshopping.

[Says the man who recognized in his own head that maybe he missed the mark here.]

[stealyoursoul]

[Leo's shown up, looking as usual like he has no idea what to do at one of these events. It's okay by him. Last time, he'd had no idea what to do at the twins' birthday party, and that had turned out alright.]

Not yet. I will.

[Let's face it, they're probably the only two he can definitely tick off in the Friends column. He's not sure what he'd call Michael and Harlan considering all the complications that came from trying to kill someone to eat their soul and having their own monster try to kill you in return. Anyway, he needs some friendly faces after being drawn back here. It's been a lonely year.]

[pocketspa]

[See, here we go, a guy making a whole ass attempt. Taako appreciates that. He is also out here making a Whole Ass Attempt, but he's not gonna be talking about that one. Leo's a face he hasn't seen in a while and he's weird- could make for a good surprise, if Lup hasn't checked the network.]

Yeah, you better, that's the whole point. I know you're not here for the food.

[Despite any kind of stress he might be under, he still has the energy to grin and poke him playfully in the chest.]

Though like, if you can eat, you totally should. I do great work.

[stealyoursoul]

[Weird? HDU Taako, you and Lup are the original weirdos around here.]

Sorry, it'd be wasted on me. Everything tastes to me the same way it'd be for you if you licked an ashtray. Or kissed someone who was a really heavy smoker.

[Or at least he assumes so. Leo's never kissed anyone who was a smoker.]

[pocketspa]

[He's really trying to think about if he's eaten ashes now. Not like it's a preference, he's just put a lot of weird shit in his mouth in his life. Outside, he just shrugs.]

Your loss. Bet soul cuisine isn't as good as this biz. But if you're gonna be here and aren't even appreciating me, you better start appreciating Lup. For once I am asking you not to pay as much attention to me. Once.

[He seems a little more serious than he needs to be on this one.]

[glacius]

[Glacius, as Taako can probably surmise from what he knows about the ice alien, is not really one for parties. However, it is hard to deny such a direct request... especially when the elf's stone-walled insistence in regards to his sister suggests that there might be something more going on, and when conflict looms on the horizon. With new posts popping up on the network practically every day on the topic of the Null and how to deal with them, it seems best to enjoy whatever time they have been afforded together before they are thrust into the heart of this war once again.

So the ice alien is there, standing somewhat apart from the main crowd, observing the fire pit and the smoking beast with curiosity and the strange, pungent blue liquid with a wrinkled nose. When Taako comes around the alien flutters his gills and shrugs his shoulders as if attempting to dispel the awkwardness he feels from showing up.] Just... making my way over. I ah, I know you said not to ask questions but... well, this is quite the gathering, so I want to be sure that I do not somehow say the wrong thing when I talk to her. For all our conversations we still do not know each other very well, after all.

[He is nervous about overstepping his bounds, in other words, whether it's in conversation or in showing up at all. Still, it seems like the right thing to do, so he's going to do his damnedest. It just... might take him a second to work up it, is all.]

[pocketspa]

[Glacius, you absolute nerd. Taako wasn't sure if he would show- not out of any malice, but seeing as the guy is ice, who knows what's going on with that. He's also a big pushover though, so it's not so unexpected he turned up after one threat. At least he's trying. Truly it's all he can ask.]

It's just-- her husband went home. Did you ever meet Barry? Dark hair, glasses, literally always wearing some kinda denim?

[That's probably the easiest way to pigeonhole him. It's not offensive, it's in his name after all.]

She just needs to remember there's a billion other people who care about her 'ss all.

[glacius]

Just going to come out with it, then. [The way Glacius' icy brows lift suggest he is surprised by—and unsure if he is entirely approving of—the way Taako just spills the details of what is bothering his sister. A moment later and he decides to throw out his misgivings; it is not like the elf divulged every little detail, after all, and he did ask. He appreciates being kept in the... loop.]

I did not know him. [And as impassive as Glacius' mouthless, ice-coated, undeniably alien visage might seem at times, it would be hard to miss the way those features fall in an expression of sadness. It takes him a moment to recall what a "husband" means to a human or human-like being, but once he does he realizes just how gutted he would be if he suffered that loss.] But I know what a blow that absence must be. I will do my best to help, but I... do you think all of this is the answer? [The otherworldly being gestures generally, broadly, clearly meant to encompass the gathering and frivolity as a whole.] None of us are probably the people she probably wants to be seeing right now. [A beat, a cough, then:] No offense meant, certainly.

thank you. so much for that tag. ilu

[pocketspa]

[Glacius asked and as far as Taako's concerned, it's important he knows to avoid saying something really horrible without meaning to. He tends to only give out info when it's relevant, but he would consider that to be now when he's talking to a guy he knows is happily in love with a dude who IS here. The last thing Lup needs is Glacius talking about his husband, a known nerd, in her presence.

That said, his other comment makes Taako press his lips a little thinner, look closer at Glacius for a moment. Does he know? Is it obvious in his body language that he's stressed about this, that it isn't working, he doesn't have to explain himself to this guy! He knows Lup best! Fuck off!

He splits the middle of being called out and just tries not to be personally offended instead.]

What do you think I'm gonna do, poof the guy back here? Drag him back with his ass for her? If I had that kinda trial we'd be fuckin' gone, my dude.

[He isn't good with honesty, still feeling defensive, but he'll let a little more go- if only to convince him to participate.]

She just... forgets, sometimes, that she isn't alone. This is how I can get people in the door. People don't just show up to be sad all the time.

[storyseeker]

Hey, Taako. Yeah, of course.

[Her best friend is Elena's first priority right now, as she is Taako's, of course.]

It's great of you to put this together. Are you okay, though? Barry was your family, too.

[She's not expecting an honest, open answer, because vulnerability isn't his thing, and that's okay. He's still her friend, so she still has to ask. Also, they got grief-high together on edibles, and that confers a certain permanent intimacy.]

[pocketspa]

[Elena please why even come to him at any point and ask if he's okay, that feels like presenting him a cake full of bees. Actually, no, it's probably just an open handful of bees, because in the first scenario at least he gets cake. Maybe the cake is Lup getting to see Elena. This metaphor has gotten away from him for sure.]

My gal, why even come to a party and ask me to have feelings, that is like, directly the opposite of what's happening right now.

[He gestures towards the bowl of... whatever the fuck that blue stuff is supposed to be.]

I have pulled out all the stops of being wasted as hell and having a good time, get with the program.

[For someone who knows his tells though, like she does, he looks stressed. Uncertain. Like he could really use a nap, at minimum.]

[storyseeker]

[She knows, she knows, but just like Taako's Taako, Elena's Elena and some motions need to be gone through.]

Yeah, yeah. I had to ask.

[She Cares^TM. It's a trial for both of them sometimes.]

Got any edibles this time or would that be too mellow for this shindig?

[Was it their special private sadbonding time]

[hellosirs]

[ The thing is, Angus hadn't expected Barry to disappear for real. The others have vanished and returned so many times now that he'd just figured Barry would do the same, and Merle and Magnus's disappearances had been so long ago that he'd forgotten how much it hurt when they left permanently. Barry's absence has left a hole in the household, and Taako is spreading himself thin trying to cover it.

Angus pauses on his way to the stairs, holding a plateful of cookies, and raises an eyebrow at him when he's beckoned over.]

I was gonna go bring her some snacks. Are you ok though, Sir? I mean, you... you just magicked a whole party out of thin air in less than a day, have you had a chance to rest at all?

[pocketspa]

[This is why Taako can't be a real parent, he needs to be able to go completely manic and not worry about if a kid is going to die. Taako yeets a party out of the ground and Angus just goes with it, which is highly appreciated when he's also edging 20% of a mental breakdown. It's just a lot. He shouldn't be left to organize anything really.

Taako wonders for a second at Angus' initial response why he even tried to micromanage Angus of all people- Angus who like, probably has his shit more together than Taako right now- but of course the kid busts in with dumb things like genuine concern and love or something. Gross. He exhales, focusing in on Angus but still a million miles away.]

Ango, elves don't need to sleep, an all nighter for me is like, one sixteenth of an all nighter for you. I basically just decided to do it and there are no repercussions for my actions, so who cares.

[He says, one hand on the counter and his eyes burning a little, but like, who's counting.]

[hellosirs]

[ ... Yeah, that sounds like a lot of bullshit to Angus. Taako gets one of his patented flat looks, and a skeptically raised eyebrow. ]

I know sleep is more or less optional for you, but you still do it. Besides, no sleep doesn't mean no rest...

[ He's squinting at him now, looking for telltale signs of exhaustion, and oh boy, Taako doesn't look great. Angus is half tempted to ask him how many fingers he's holding up, but he has a feeling the elf wouldn't take that very well in his state. ]

hello yes im on time

[knockthemdead]

[Kravitz doesn't know the first thing about organizing a party. He can't cook for shit.

But he's here, and he wants to help, right up until the point where he feels he's about to step on toes.

So he stirs things. Pilfers alcohol. Tidies up what little can be tidied, and although his magic doesn't generally lend itself to it, aids with decorating where he can. And, when Taako needs him to, when Kravitz can see it's too much, he fucks off. Gives him space. Party Planning Taako has a very high-key frenetic kind of energy to him, and Kravitz can't tell if that's normal, or just due to the strange dual nature of this party and the fact that all of it's key players are mourning.

Doesn't matter either way. Any Taako is his Taako.

Kravitz greets him with a cold kiss to his temple, and a reassuring hand clasped on his shoulder. He wonders if the Taako that holds tightly to him for support will return once the party is up and running.]

Not yet. Someone else is with her at the moment. Seemed best not to interrupt.

I would ask how you're holding up, but we both know that's complete buffoonery. So instead, I would like to tell you that you look beautiful, and the food smells great, and you've done a wonderful job.

shhhshsshsh

[pocketspa]

[That's what happens when you don't need to eat, you kind of lose skills like how to prepare food for like, people. Or how to like, be a people. It's a lot.

Kravitz is good at taking direction, which is great when Taako just doesn't have time to argue with someone to get something done. He's the kind of guy who notices when he doesn't come to bed and accepts a mixing bowl getting thrown into his hands with an order to keep stirring that and get over here and go do that. Just little tasks he can delegate. And when he doesn't have anything, when he needs a minute in the corner to have a fucking Moment, he's allowed to have it. It's... kind of weird, or it would be if he had time to focus on it being weird. Mostly he hasn't slept or stopped and hours are turning into time he could better measure in days, and he's dealing with the sinking feeling that all of this has been a big fucking mistake.

At least Kravitz is still cool in this hellscape, even if his body is still warmed by the sun, the humidity adding a stickiness to his skin. It's probably just to be expected, but Taako doesn't complain at the hand even as his stay at his sides, flexing open and closed as he searches for some kind of purchase on nothing at all.]

I mean, yeah, y'know, it's me, everything's gonna be fucking fantastic.

[His words feel hollow and Kravitz can hear the dull, bored sort of tone in them. He's talking to fill space, not even quite looking at the other man, just kind of gazing out to try and keep eyes on what's happening; distracted, scattered, afraid.]

You said somebody's in with her? Cool, that's-- cool. I should uh, I should check in soon, figure out what's up.