abraxaslogs | [ OPEN ] i know some places and i've seen some faces

[ OPEN ] i know some places and i've seen some faces

WHO: sam wilson and anyone/everyone.
WHAT: captain america cookout.
WHERE: sam's horizon domain
WHEN: third saturday of september (aka, about 3 weeks after the jailbreak)
NOTES: see below!

HELLO ALL AND WELCOME TO SAM'S CAPTAIN AMERICA COOKOUT!!!!

Over the last week or so, Sam has been going out of his way to contact as many people as he knows to invite them to a cookout at his place in the Horizon. He knows that after the jailbreak, a lot of people were separated, and this was his first thought on how to bring people together. The purpose behind it is simply because Sam thinks that the one thing all of them have in common, opinion on the Singularity and their situations aside, is that they were all brought here and can actually access the Horizon. He sees merit and use in coming together when they can, especially in ways that don't involve the politics of the land they're now living in. So, what better way to do that than around food?

The long and short of it is - this is a peace meal. Leave your issues at the door. Sam has very few rules and there is very little he will give in terms of what this cookout will entail, but three things he will make very clear:

1.) There will be no fighting at his home. You want to duke it out? Take it somewhere else. There will not be warnings or second chances. Don't be an ass.
2.) There is no meeting or serious reason for this cookout. Literally, he just wants people to come together who may no longer be able to see each other due to the travel constraints. It's meant to be fun. Come have fun. (he knows y'all know what that is, even when some of you pretend you don't). Bring food if you want to! There is also a kitchen (if you know what that is) and places to crash. Hope you like seafood!
3.) Anyone who can come into the Horizon is welcome. He'd love it if everyone came, so spread the word.

The cookout itself is set up out front, with picnic tables and chairs and fire pits and lights abound. There are tables set up near grilles if anyone wants to do any actual cooking outside, and a table (probably multiple) set up with sides and napkins and utensils. There are a variety of different places to go and sit and hang out while you're eating. Anything and everything you can want is available - food, drinks, yard games, music playing from out in the trees that will remain consistent unless someone tries to find the speakers and hijack the playlists, etc. If you can't find something outside, you're more than welcome to check the house.

All throughout the party, too, there will be a new friend. Red, as Sam fondly calls him, is a blood-red hunting hawk with silver in between the feathers. He can be found circling around Sam quite often, or perched on his shoulders, but also if you are out and about you can often see him checking up on anyone and everyone. He's a very curious little bird, and also pretty sassy, if you want to interact with him.

If you haven't, or have, been to Sam's domain before, feel free to take a look around. Anywhere is open (save for one locked bedroom) so everyone has open access, but most of the cookout itself will be located in the front yard.

OOC: This is mean to be an OPEN LOG, so leave your TLs or closed threads below! This party will last basically as long as people want it to, but the idea is for it to be an afternoon into the evening. Y'all have free reign save for destroying Sam's home, but if you have any questions, hit me up on plurk (disarmingly or disco (dai#3757). Sam's TL is below, and he will be bouncing around like the good host he is, but lets get a little party started.

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[ Nero sits up a little before scooting closer to Relena. His head tilts slightly as he looks over her face, carefully. ]

Died terribly? How?

[ Relena lets out the shortest of sighs before sitting upright. ]

That light started warping him, like his body was a bag full of cats trying to escape. I guess, in a way, the light was trying to do just that before it tore through. He burst like a balloon, but he wasn't dead, just screaming. Until he threw himself into the well, at least. Drowning was probably a better fate.

Wow, even after all that he didn't die?

[ He props his elbow on his knee before dropping his chin to rest on his waiting hand. Nero rolls his eyes around his head as he smiles a little to himself. ]

He finally died then, huh? Drowning?

[ His head bobs side to side. ]

The human body is resilient, even in the worst moments. It would have been better if he died immediately.

[ Relena frowns. The screaming was proof enough of his misery in those long minutes. ]

He went quiet after he hit the water. I don't think there was any way to save him,k but things went dark for me soon after.

Martin does wince a little at the unexpected cheek pinch. But it's Nero's forehead suddenly pressed against his, completely apropos of nothing and with everyone watching, that makes Martin's cheeks turn a sudden bright red, and he hasn't even begun to recover by the time Nero starts cackling at his own stupid joke.

(He's mad that Nero doesn't actually smell bad, up close. Somehow Martin was expecting him to positively reek of blood.)

"I- um--" okay Martin does have to pull back a little, breaking full contact with Nero but still staying somewhat in reach. "I-it's nothing, it's- it's f-fine, really. I'm just-- not. Really much of a, uh. A party person? So. This is just a lot of people..."

[ He leans in, his hand partially covering his mouth: ] Oh, don't I know it! The human body can really take a beating. It's what makes you lot so scary.

[ Nero uses extra emphasis on the last two words. His shoulders lift as he pretends to give a little shudder. But he does mean it; killing a person is really difficult especially when they're driven mad. ]

I guess that it'd be hard to stay conscious after seeing all that? After suffering all that, huh? But that makes you kind of amazing, too, doesn't it?

Partial mark.

It is the thought that comes to him as Martin pulls away. He hasn't been scolded for making a scene but Martin isn't going to let him keep hanging off of him. His eyes roll up in his head, like he's deciding on something. Yes. Partial mark.

Nero drops his hand on Martin's shoulder. "Too much, eh?" A beat. "Yeah, who knew so many people would want to hang out with each other? What is it? Are we all feeling lonely, or what?"

[ Relena wrinkles her nose. She's used to indifference or even callousness, but the way he takes the news is unsettling. She tries to let her tension go and returns to a calm expression. ]

No, it wasn't that. It seems like draining that light from me was also harming me. According to Oliver, I nearly lost my connection to this place at best or almost died at worst. I was out for a few days.

Amazing. And after seeing all of that, feeling all of that, you're able to keep your wits about you!

[ He has honest appreciation on his face. It just solidifies initial analysis of her -- she's someone with strong morals and unbreakable spirit. His smile twists on his face; he's certain she'll be a key factor in burning everything to the ground, too. ]

If you lost connection, I wonder if that means you'd return? Or would your existence just be lost forever? [ A beat. ] Still that Queenie is a real ruthless one. She's going to commit a lot more atrocities before all of this is over.

[ He doesn't concern himself too much with Grigory yet. ]

I suppose so. I imagine I won't survive here if I don't prepare for more sights like that, but I hope I won't have to get used to it.

[ She's seen a lot of difficult things in her life, but not so many grotesque things like this. There's a difference between witnessing assassinations with guns or explosions and... that. ]

He said I would be trapped in this world. There would be no returning to my own world anymore.

[ Relena's mouth presses firmly together, trying to mind her words. She agrees on the surface, but that feels like pure emotion. She only knows what she saw, not the why's. The queen would not answer any of her questions. ]

As it stands, I can only agree. I wish I at least better knew her motivations for such a dangerous approach, but maybe it really is all desperation. Maybe she's at wit's end over the situation with the Singularity. Still, no matter the reason, it excuses nothing. You shouldn't let your people sacrifice themselves so horribly and feel... nothing.

We're getting back in the territory of what is and isn't normal for you to be prepared for, sweetheart.

[ With his free hand, he gestures between them to indicate that he doesn't feel like her response is particularly normal even if he considers it admirable. It's admirable for how fucked up it is, honestly. But he decides to say it like that so they don't have to go through the same conversation twice. ]

No returning? So... there is a way to return. It just isn't open to us yet.

[ Because if Relena knew it, she would tell everyone it. She didn't seem like the type that would keep something that important to herself; she'd probably even tell her worst enemy among the summoned just to ensure they had a chance to leave if they so desired.

He tilts his head to the side. Hm, maybe? Maybe? She might not be that nice and be willing to let them hear it among rumors, instead. ]

Maybe she just wants power and just wants her people to have power so that they can usurp everyone else. [ Again with his free hand, he gestures to the broad area around them. ] Thorne's surprisingly smart. They won't start a war until they know they can win it... and right now, they've tipped the scale all over the place. I can't imagine Queenie's too happy about that one!

[ So, it'll probably be awhile before they can do anything, but he does have to add something-- ]

'Course she should. If she balked now, she wouldn't be able to keep going and she's definitely going to keep going. She has to close her heart off if she's going to achieve whatever goal she's wanting to accomplish. [ Obviously. ]

He does relax a little when the new contact is just a hand on him, and the glow in his face starts to settle down.

"Um. Y-yeah, I suppose. Um, I guess a few people have-- well, when we're all in different locations I s'pose it's good to make sure everyone's in one place to- to catch up, all at once? See people you might not've realised didn't go to the same place as you..."

"Make friends. Suck each other's dicks or tits. I get it."

Is Nero going to make a new friend at the barbecue? Signs point to no! But he will probably meet some people who will leave the party knowing that they have met him.

"Aw, but don't be so nervous! Everyone will love you."

In the end, it doesn't really matter what is normal or should be normal... if I don't get used to it, I'll only be a weight on everyone. I can't just fall to pieces over the happenings here.

[ Relena won't allow herself to. She won't even let herself cry anymore without scolding. If she's not strong, hearty, she can't be a leader. She can't accomplish anything. ]

If he's being truthful, that seems to be the case. Right now, I don't see why he'd lie about it, but I want to know more about everything before I feel too sure about any of it.

[ She knows better to get her hopes up too high, but she has been holding on to the belief that leaving was within the realm of possibilities. She had people she had to see again. It keeps her looking forward.

She does, after all, want to believe in the man who saved her. She just doesn't want to be caught off-guard down the line by betrayal, either. ]

Probably not, and transferring our power to them would give them an unfair advantage over the Singularity. They'd essentially own it, in as much as it can be owned. Still, murdering your own people that way just to accomplish it... It's not like that isn't the essence of war, but I don't feel wrong for being disgusted by it. Besides, at least when a mobile suit explodes, the death is near-instant. This -- it was awful. He was suffering immensely. She didn't flinch.

[ It might be seen as a merit of her strength and leadership to make hard decisions without shying away, but it is not the type of leadership Relena believes in. She's been compassionate in her approach to politics since the day her name and identity dragged her onto center stage. She hopes to remain that way.

She shakes her head. ]

It's times like these that I wish I still had the same influence that I had at home. It's something I can't stand to let continue. It's always too easy to use those you're meant to protect like pawns. She didn't want others to know of it, so I'm sure that man's family will never know what happened, if he had one at all.

Aaaand Martin's face goes red again. "No! I d-don't-- wh- I-- why is it always--?!"

He realises he's raised his voice, at least, and turns it into an angry mutter into the mouth of his beer. "Why is it always sex with you, honestly...?"

That would be very hilarious. [ A pause. ] I'm sorry. Terrible. Very terrible.

[ The idea that she would actually fall to pieces; he probably would laugh at the sight of it. All the people that just let her destoy herself a little very day in the name of peace will take the blame for her shattering.

Life really is full of would-of, could-of, should-ofs. ]

Because we can control the Singularity in some small way. We may be able to come to control it even more. [ His hands open. ] Who is to say? That is a possibility. It's good to endear yourself to those that have access to power when they're still fledglings than when they're already strong.

[ Nero can easily point out why Oliver helped her and what his goal might be. Of course, he's only offering a Devil's Advocate reason for why the man would do anything. He could very well be wrong -- and if he is, he looks forward to seeing what the real reason might be. ]

Oh, you have every right to be disgusted by it. [ The elf, however, isn't all that disgusted by the queen. He's wondering what her end goal is. If it really is just power and creating chaos, Thorne's made an enemy out of Nero. His expression darkens for a second, before it brightens to a wide, friendly smile. ] Mobile suit? What's that?

And she's cold-hearted and cold-blooded. She feels justified in her reasons and willing to let any and all people suffer for what she believes in. What do you want?

[ A reasonable reaction? The way that he sees it, Queenie and Relena are just two sides of the same coin. He gives her a nasty smile before shrugging a little at what she said. ]

You'd start a war with Thorne for the people of Thorne, eh?

[ Nero doesn't need to say what might be said about the man and what might be said about the man's family. Fuck, the queen could very well have his family be told that he died for the sake of Thorne. It was a noble and honest death blah-blah-blah-blah. They won't know the grisly details, but they might be given some consoling lies. But he doesn't want to get into that; he wants to get into what Relena is saying about stopping what is being done. ]

Edited 2021-09-24 02:48 (UTC)

"You know how I'm filled with bloodlust and always horny?"

He makes circular motions with his hands in the air. That is about why it is always sex with him. Besides, it's a topic that is generally quite taboo to discuss in public.

Nero loves just being a shit-stirrer!

Not a good place to be is about as diplomatic as it gets. He makes a soft sound, but like her, he isn't here to engage who falls on what side. It isn't important to him. Or it is, but he knows, when the time comes, he'll find out whether he wants to or not. Until then, his sole focus has been on keeping his people in one piece.

Besides, he gets what she means. Geralt is more familiar with this world than most, and even he feels lost on occasion. They'd been given a handful of words and an hour to make their choices. There was never meant to be a right one in the first place.

"Neither did I," he admits. "Half expected to be dumped in the middle of the sea."

Or to not make it out the other side at all. Leap of faith, as it were. The mages hadn't lied about the portals. Maybe that counts for something. At this stage, it's impossible to tell.

[ Ah, he is a useful one! If this is a skill that isn't just a reflection of Horizon manipulation, Himeka will definitely have to tap in on it in person. Once she has the resources to actually cook. (Or when Maeve finally lets her use the house kitchen...)

But no matter! He's given her an idea. ]

Then let's try a recipe that I learned from my time in Ishgard.

[ Setting the skillet on the stove, she tosses a slab of meat from tbr aether onto the cutting board and begins to thinly slice it. ]

They call it an "omelette" and I've found it's very good with dodo.

Oh- yes, that sounds fantastic! We have omelettes in our world, too.

[And it's been quite a while since he'd thought to make one, so the novelty of it is as much appealing as the memory of it.

But then he frowns, and turns a bemused look towards her.]

Sorry- did you say dodo? As in, fat flightless bird?

Kylo eyes Hennessey up slowly, his expression measured in a way that suggests caution. Whether that's for her sake, his, or Ronan's isn't clear.

"My deal?"

His lips tic. He doesn't correct her assumption, despite not having killed a single person here, with his mind or otherwise.

"You might have to be a little more specific."

Kylo watches her with vague, slowly developing amusement, his eyes following hers as she accuses the various substances stashed about her person of constructing him— but no. She's not seeing things.

"I'm as real as you are," he assures her in a low murmur, though honestly? Depending on what exactly she's on, that might not be as helpful a path to lead her down as he imagines.

Kylo's gaze remains coolly focused— he's not interested enough to engage in conversation simply because a child throws him an angry look, though his lips do pull into an unpleasant smile as the raven on his shoulder leans in to his ear, as if the two are engaged in some kind of silent conversation.

His fire-tipped fingers reach to stroke the bird's glossy feathers in idle indulgence, possibly a soothing motion for one or both of them. Clearly, the lord of the mountain isn't here to start fights. If Coraline wants one, she'll have to come and get it.

Mm. [ It's a vaguely thoughtful sound, and also one that suggests he has little to contribute when it comes to growing up. He studies the people left milling about. He supposes most of them would have similar memories. Perhaps if he digs far enough, he might draw up something of the sort, too. Something warmer that once existed for a brief period in his early childhood. But he doesn't really care to, so he moves on.

Especially when she's offering. That. He raises an eyebrow. He can smell what's in it. Or the several things that are in it. It still doesn't tell him exactly what it is, though frankly much of what's available at this party—he recognizes a handful only.

His expression is both skeptical and curious. (She sounds entirely too pleased with herself.) ] And where am I going?

There is a brief flash of alarm in her eyes at this thought, and she instinctively touches her own face with her free hand. No, it's okay, she's fine, she's there. Once she reassures herself of her own existence, she looks him up and down again, this time with curiosity instead of disbelief.

"What happened to you?" she asks, but it's not critical of him -- she actually sounds marginally concerned, as if she thinks an accident has befallen him to cause this. Also, she's mildly worried that volcano-legs might be contagious. She really doesn't know how the Horizon works, and she is suddenly struck with the idea that someone might be able to manifest this shit onto other people.

After a beat of silence, she offers him the bag of powder. Julie Lawry does not let people have a bad time at parties.

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[ OPEN ] i know some places and i've seen some faces

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