semi-open

[queenofseers]

WHO: The residents of Maurtia Falls #004 and many friends
WHERE: MF4
WHEN: Late September
WHAT: Family Dinner: The Return. After a long hiatus, it has returned. If you are a friend of any of the residents, assume you're invited to eat!
WARNINGS: None now, will add if needed.


[ The last time there was a dinner in this house, there were different stresses, slightly different residents, and no one had died yet. Perhaps you can't blame anyone for not planning another group meal soon after that.

Since then, though, things have been...mostly quiet. Comparatively. Yes, the world is still a shitshow (in Cassandra's own opinion), but the residents of the house are back into a fairly domestic routine, and any threats to reality are ambiguous enough that one can occasionally pretend they're on the periphery rather than clearly encroaching. So friends are finally being invited to Maurtia Falls #004 again, in the hopes that performing normalcy will allow it to be retained.

Or...something like that. There's also something nice about ordering a bunch of takeout and letting other people bring over food.

For any new guests, the building is the epitome of cleanliness- Rex lives here, after all- and nondescript to the point of it being a little surreal. Plenty of alcohol in the fridge, though, and a mysterious cupboard marked "Martin's Things." Maybe don't open it. Besides that, the only other thing to call out is a goldfish in a tank in the living room.

In any case, even if the building is a little boring, the people don't seem to be that way. Then again, maybe boring's what you're here for? Better than chaotic around here. ]

Comments

its gremlin time ota

[darkov]

[despite how much things have changed, the elements of this gathering are similar enough as to bring a great deal of comfort to an anxious Martin, who, despite being taller and looking more different almost by the day, still yearns for this sort of familiarity. he's more eager than ever to help make this happen, so before soup's on, he's at-hand to ferry around supplies or clean stuff up as asked.

familiar faces are ones he has no trouble greeting at the door in his typical manner, all crooked smiles and sheepish looks and offers to take coats or things that were brought along. everyone will be very grateful that he was convince to shower and clean up so he's not as greasy a sore as he's been getting lately, but man..being 15 is not the best look. he doesn't know what to do about the zits besides pick at them when he thinks nobody's looking. sorry, Lester.

at dinnertime he doesn't stay at the busy table or endless chain of moving bodies at the counters, but instead perches himself on a spot on the stairs -- a favorite lookout point for him to be able to be out of the way while taking in as much of the goings-on as he can at once, all while being able to shovel food in his face. it's a good spot. he won't refuse anyone to join him.

he's not very good at mingling, but his attention can be pulled by the call of his name or direct eye contact -- whichever comes first. otherwise, he might just be zoning out staring at nothing...or you, but like, in a staring-at-nothing kind of way people do when definitely thinking on other stuff.

and, of course, because he lives here, he'll help clean up without being asked, because he's been through enough of these to know what needs doing, and he's glad to have a function!]

mingling

[queenofseers]

[ Cassandra may have seen Martin grow by leaps and bounds as of late- literally and figuratively- but she still worries for him. Seeing him despondent over Haru's brief port-out was depressing, and more than that, she doesn't want to ignore the problems he still has.

So when she notices Martin zoning out in the living room, she takes a moment to sit next to him. Is he thinking about something...? ]

Hey. You alright?

pre-dinner!

[ct_7567]

[ It's been so long since they've done one of these. Back then, they had... little gods, they'd been preparing for Cassandra's death, hadn't they? It feels simultaneously as though it was just yesterday and as though it was years and years ago. As much as these can feel overwhelming to every member of the family, solitary creatures that they are, he's glad to have it start up again. He's even gladder when he sees Martin buzzing around, clearly happy to return to this little ritual that they'd begun on a whim and then kept going.

They can't give Martin the life that he deserves, not entirely - but this is certainly a big part of it. Rex is, of course, cleaning. The place is already clean, but it won't do for it not to be spotless before guests arrive. ]

Been a while, hasn't it, lad?

mingling

[namesaquestion]

... You're the one that Zuzu likes.

[Stated without judgment. He remembers briefly meeting this kid while digging the pool at the Base but he doesn't think they talked that much outside of 'yea that's mine' re: the sneasel.]

mingling

[golisolation]

[Andy had told him that she had a kid, that much wasn't a surprise. Even kinda (not really) meeting the kid over dinner didn't totally throw him off or anything. Rex was the one that threw Guzma more, but then again he didn't exactly expect this quiet, to himself sort of kid. Not with Andy being an influence, anyway.

So, when he sees him staring off into space in his general direct, Guzma raises an eyebrow as if trying to cue to the kid he sees him staring, before realizing himself that Marty's on a different plane of existence right now. For a moment, he mulls over if he wants to even bother, but ultimately decides fuck it. Taking a sip of his beer as he makes his way over, he doesn't help ease into the interaction with how he towers over the kid, peering down at him.

Maybe he'd give less of a fuck if this was some random kid, but he's Andy's and so maybe he feels a little more...sympathetic, in his weird Guzma way.]

You doin' aiight there, kid?

rolling up two weeks late with starbucks

[flightforfreedom]

[ Poe's been enjoying himself - that much is clear - but in a quieter way than one might expect of him. He's not the life of the party by any means: preferring, instead, to simply watch the people that matter to him.

But that doesn't mean he doesn't want to say hi.

So when Martin is cleaning up, Poe joins in, rolling up his sleeves to help with the dishes. ]

Hey, bud. Have a good dinner?

so late I don't even have starbucks

[codeofiron]

[This time, Brandon is carrying two things as he rings the doorbell. A bottle of wine (again), but also a cheese tray from a local deli. It's the kind of thing that never seems to go amiss at gatherings, and he recalls hearing something at the last one of these about Martin liking cheese.

He smiles when the boy opens the door.]

Fuu Hououji | OTA

[monster_san]

[Fuu had been a little surprised to be invited to the family dinner, but she was by no means unwilling. It's coming up on the third week since Hikaru was sent back, and two weeks seems to be on the outside edge of expecting a person's absence is temporary. It makes the prospect of a family dinner welcome, even if she only knows Rex and Martin.

She's brought a large container of miso soup that she's made with tofu and green onions, vegan and free of any common allergens. At dinner, and after it, she'll happily say hello and chat to anyone who's willing, or maybe to anyone who seems shy.

And, of course, she'll naturally pitch in to help clean.]

before dinner

[queenofseers]

[ She's trying to figure out who's most likely to know this girl she doesn't recognize. Martin's of the right age, but he has few friends. A friend of Haru's, maybe?

In any case, Cassandra ought to know. She's brought something that looks delicious enough. ]

Hey- we haven't met, right? [ Cassandra never sounds friendly, really, but she's trying to be. ]

ANDY #gremlinmom #feralwife | OTA

[killtime]

1 | KITCHEN
[ Andy is... Cooking. Which probably would be a lot more shocking to the members of her household if she hadn't already cooked once for the more or less monthly gathering. That was a long time ago. Before all the shit hit the fan. Repeatedly. For weeks on weeks. The fact that they have a moment to breathe now — well, she's not expecting it to last very long, but she's not taking it for granted either. There's power in a home-cooked meal, and she knows it. Might as well roll her sleeves up and do something useful around the house for once, since the gods know she doesn't clean or do the laundry except once in a blue moon.

She's making the baklava again. It's in the oven, filling the kitchen will the sweet smell of pastry and honey and something faintly like oranges. On the stove, she's making a staple stew — something simple, palatable for those near and dear to her that happen to have finicky tastebuds. The broth is slowly warming. Potatoes are waiting to be peeled, carrots waiting to be chopped, some sprigs of herbs that still need to be washed. Andy herself is taking care of the beef, chopping it into rough, hearty cubes.

It's a sight of a rare domestic quality, where Andy is concerned. She could almost pass for someone's housewife, and probably wouldn't appreciate that being pointed out to her. ]


2 | BACKYARD (tw: drugs)
[ After things have settled down a little, Andy can be found taking a moment away from everything, smoking quietly on the back porch with a case of beer on the stairs beside her. It's a nice evening. Comfortably warm. And since she's not an especially sociable creature, sometimes she needs a minute or two to herself at these big gatherings.

Then again, maybe it's the fact that she's still got a bit of Magnus's free weed left over, and she can't very well be smoking that shit around her kid. She probably shouldn't even be smoking that near their house. You know, being a cop. And being married to another cop. But it's fine, it's fine. She's just gonna smoke a tiny bit to relax and contemplate that one tree in their yard that, for no apparent reason, has a single wooden plank nailed to it. ]


3 | WILDCARD
(Feel free to hit me with whatever and I'll roll with it, or ping me on Discord at whaler#7695 and I'll whip you something up fresh!)

1

[darkov]

What was this one again?

[Martin's doing his best to keep up and follow through on an activity Archie suggested: writing Andy's cooking down. but it's not easy, because trying to remember how to spell each letter while also trying to remember what was just said to him while also trying to stay out of the way of Andy's work is a lot! well, a lot for someone who gets very fixated on a single task at any given time the way he does.

it's why, this being the fourth or fifth time having asked similar, his voice is a bit quieter, and he'd waited until Andy had moved away from the cutting board so she could see what bowl he was pointing at with his pencil.]

2

[golisolation]

[If Andy didn't want company, she shouldn't have invited Guzma over and then smoked weed. Because like a hound on the trail, he finds the source and of course it's Andy. It's a little weird being invited to a dinner party like this in the first place, but hey, Guzma's nothing if not adaptable. Besides, it's Andy's place, and he's not likely to say no.

Now that there's weed involved, it's gotten a whole lot better!]

You just gonna keep that to yourself?

[He strolls up besides her, casual and chill. That usual slouched posture of his in full swing. It's not like he doesn't get why she'd be away from the group, there was a kid, and her husband seems the sort who'd not quite be down with getting high. Speaking of...]

Gotta admit though, I'm surprised.

[Not about the not sharing, but about the husband. Maybe even the kid, but mainly Rex.]

local fluff has joined your party | open

[girlybruiser]

[ There is simply no way Haru would decline an invitation from Cassandra et al. Being busy again with school and work doesn't give her time to prepare any sort of snacks or meals to bring over, but she's harvested a number of vegetables from her garden so she's arrived with a container of radishes and green beans if anyone in the household is so inclined to cook them at any point tonight.

Anyone friends with Haru who decides to eat any of those vegetables will find themselves feeling strangely invigorated, while those who are strangers to her won't feel any different. Peculiar, isn't it?

She mingles to be polite, greeting familiar faces, but will try to acquaint herself with those she doesn't know too well either. She's easy to spot in the room despite her short stature, that poodle-like hair always an eye catcher, but there's also her attire which by now for those who know her well enough also make her quick to pinpoint in a room.

At dinnertime she'll sit among the table with everyone, eating quietly and politely, but on occasion any funny antics or jokes will get her attention and she'll laugh aloud. Her face is warm as she sits among all these people given how long it's been since she's joined a large dinner with people who weren't cold, unbecoming or simply out to weasel something out of her. She can be herself, which helps her settle in.

At the end of dinner she'll be helping collect the dishes from the table. Maybe carrying a few too many plates which she's clearly struggling with. Whoops. ]

end of dinner

[namesaquestion]

Why are you even bothering? you're a guest.

[Says the one who's more interested in watching her struggle than actually helping.]

[darkov]

Haru...!

[on one of his trips up and downstairs before things got too crowded, he can spy her fluffy, bouncy hair from practically a room away. he cringes a little at the volume of his voice at the knee-jerk outburst, coloring even before he's seen.

he now finds himself glued to the step, just awkwardly holding his hand up. hello from the stairs. his new home. stuck. forever?]

Mingling and helping clean up etc

[foundherway]

The Togruta had been invited to come for this dinner, and...It was a welcome little change, though she only hoped Rex's 'family' here accepted her. He'd told her about at least some of them, which helped.

Ahsoka also rather needed something to lean on, something perhaps a little more familiar. Like Rex and his familiar, steady presence. Times were changing for her, and while not necessarily bad, she was still trying to find her footing. So she'd jumped at the chance to meet the people Rex was close to, and brought an appetizer dish (something she'd been told was a 'corn salsa' and paired with chips) to add to what would be shared around by...however many people showed up.

She wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty though, despite being a guest, and helped out wherever it was hinted help would be appreciated. She would smile and talk to whomever came up to her, but tended to spend more time just listening and watching the variety of people Rex had let into his life.

pre-dinner

[queenofseers]

Now, there's someone Cassandra would remember if she'd met. Primarily because Ahsoka is an alien, but still- she has reason to want to introduce herself when she puts things together about who Ahsoka must be, seeing her from across the room. Rex certainly seems to feel something about Ahsoka being here, and obviously considers her fondly- although, Rex being Rex, Cassandra can't always tell how exactly he's feeling. Sometimes she thinks Rex doesn't know how he's feeling.

In any case, Cassandra's always eager to make some sense of Rex's life in his own world. When she approaches, holding a mug of coffee, she doesn't exactly look traditionally friendly (she's bad at that), but there's interest in her eyes.

"You're Ahsoka, right?"

[darkov]

Unbeknownst to Martin, Ashoka might be the reason it was made more imperative he actually make an effort to clean himself up a bit more than usual. Not unlike when the Jedi came for their knighting ceremony, it seemed someone...very important was going to be present, but Martin wasn't quite sure what to expect this time around.

It's why he's made at least three distinct bits of eye contact with the most-definitely strangest-looking person present without saying a word or even daring approach before the inevitable flow of people and moving about has him wound up next to her in his attempt to avoid being crowded elsewhere.

Again, another big of staring. He wasn't raised knowing it was rude, but there's a timid quality to him that is quick to have him look away when seen in turn. It's better than it used to be, at least, which is why he actually tries.

"Um. Hello."

cleaning up

[killtime]

Andy had heard a little about Ahsoka — though probably not nearly so much as she should have, considering how important Ahsoka was to Rex. But that was mostly her own fault, for being the type to pointedly avoid asking questions. It was a stupid defense mechanism against getting close to people — and considering the fact that she was now legally married to Rex and raising their adopted son with him, it hadn't really worked that well. Still. Old habits die hard.

These little gatherings weren't exactly her usual cup of tea either. She was — a very private person, to put it politely. And tired, all the damn time. But she could afford to put in an effort now and then, and this was one of those days. Currently, most of that effort was being devoted to trying to get various dirty plates and glasses from the table and into the sink.

Unfortunately, Rex (the goldfish) was also participating in the party, wheeling around in the mobile fishbowl that a certain robot had built for him. He wheeled conveniently right into Andy's path, tripping her with her armful of plates just as she crossed the threshold into the kitchen —

"FUCK!"

Norman | ota

[a_good]

[Norman hadn't been exactly sure of what to expect, so he tried to come fairly prepared. The collar of his shirt is entirely buttoned up, nearly covering up the number on the side of his neck entirely. And he's brought an apple pie to contribute to the table. He doesn't know most of the people here, so he makes a point to introduce himself to some of the other guests and residents with a standard hello, his name, and a "nice to meet you."

Before the meal, he stops in at the kitchen to see if he can help with making certain everything's ready or with carrying everything out (nothing too heavy though - he may be over five feet these days, but he's still not exactly strong).

At dinner, he'll be trying a little bit of most of the dishes, and passing things around to make sure everyone gets a chance to try things.

After dinner and clean-up, he wanders over to the fish tank, watching the goldfish's lazy progress. It doesn't seem too bothered by all the people.]

post-clean-up

[girlybruiser]

[ Haru assists with the clean-up, gathering dishes into the sink and then wiping down the table from top to bottom. She even takes a look at the chairs, which naturally some crumbs have been tucked into, so she finishes that and washes her hands before stepping out of the kitchen.

The fish tank draws her curiosity, even more so with a young boy standing before it peering in. Haru steps closer, trying not to move too hurriedly or loudly as to alarm the boy whose back is turned. ]

Has that always been here?

introductions

[queenofseers]

[ Oh, thank god, Norman made it.

Cassandra's been a little antsy, thinking about the people she cares for, lately. Back in her world, she was constantly bothered by the idea of being some sort of parental figure to the rest of the Pantheon...so she should probably find some irony in the amount of kids she's started to worry for, but there's no going back on it now. Recent events- well, Niko's temporary death, primarily- shook her a bit, and she'd wanted Norman here, just to check on him. He's a mature kid, more mature than a lot of older kids, but he's too fucking young to be in this world. She ought to keep a closer eye on him.

So when she approaches him, Norman may find Cassandra looks relieved. ]

There you are. Hey, Norman.

captain dad | ota

[ct_7567]

a. pre-dinner.

[ It's been a while since they've done one of these. It may have started off on Martin's behalf - hell, a good part of it still is - but Rex has grown fond of these little get-togethers for their own sake, even if they occasionally wind up being too overwhelming by half. Before most of the people arrive, Rex spends most of his time making sure the place is spic and span, and making sure he's presentable as well. You can find him tidying up or laying out plates or, occasionally, double-checking to make sure the damn fish hasn't been attached to the roomba again, but he mainly seems to be keeping himself busy.

Of course, if you're a new arrival, he may well be the one to open the door. Unless you decide to stroll on in. Enough of those he knows does so already, so he hardly bats an eye at it. ]

b. throughout.

[ Throughout the evening, Rex carries on much as he does otherwise. He makes sure that others are comfortable and well taken care of before he loads his own plate up (generally with the same sorts of foods; he's a man of habit, after all) and settles down to tuck in, peaceably listening for conversation around him without seeming particularly inclined to jump in himself unless explicitly invited. Still, he looks content enough to simply watch others. As much as anyone can ever tell what he's feeling, anyway. And if someone's plate is emptied, he's quick to clear their plate and dispose it in the sink for future use. ]

[ At a certain point, his phone rings and he frowns down at it before answering, ] Rex speaking. No. I'm taking the night off. You're going to have to sort it out yourself for once. [ There is the barest hint that he would really like to be rolling his eyes. ] I assure you that you're fully capable of handling the situation personally. Good-bye.

[ Even Rex takes a day off every now and then. It's not frequent - especially not according to the too-loud voice on the other end, exclaiming in surprise - but he's learned. ]

c. afterwards.

[ Afterwards, Rex takes a moment to himself as he usually does, getting a little fresh air out on the porch. He doesn't seem to do much in particular. He doesn't even sit down. But a little fresh air always does him good, even if all he's doing is standing out front and staring at their peaceful little neighbourhood, listening for the clamour of voices and dishes from inside.

Or you might find him indulging in a rare beer - stolen from Andy, of course - with one eye on the television that somebody put on. If you're watchful enough, you might even see him make a face at the sports highlights that happen to be playing. Whatever the announcer is saying, he evidently disagrees with it. Or, of course, you could have put on some television of your own - Rex certainly doesn't hold dominion over the thing, though he fails to understand the appeal of most television that crosses his path. ]

C

[foundherway]

Ahsoka might enjoy a fair amount of activity, but even she needed a moment or two of quiet at times. She'd seen Rex duck out and while she gave him a few minutes entirely to himself, she ended up following.

She stopped beside him, arms folding comfortably, and leaned a hip against the railing. She didn't immediately look at him, giving herself a moment too to tilt her head back, eyes closed, to enjoy the fresh air.

"Thank you," she quietly told him after a little while. "For inviting me."

OTA

[namesaquestion]

[If he's not awkwardly mingling or focused on politely stuffing his face Nikolai is hanging back with equal awkwardness. though he does introduce himself. It's short and simple: 'Nikolai. Cass invited me.'

Being here has nothing to do with actually wanting the company of people who maybe actually missed him(?!), honestly. That, that protest would work better if he wasn't in shirt, jeans, and boots, proving he can scrub up from 'thuggish' if he wants. His hair's pulled back in a half ponytail, and for those who'd notice it: his clothes are designer label. It's not like $200+ clothes are a big deal, right? Not to him, anyway.

There's also only one greatball on his belt, too, which is empty; the crobat off hunting. Nikolai's not going to draw attention to it, mostly because that topic is, as far as he cares, a can of worms he's not opening. He's not going to stop anyone though, but any conversation about it will be moved outside.

Also of point is Nikolai does not help get things ready or clean up. As far as the teenager cares, he's a guest. Why should he help, never mind he stays until the end of the party and likely will help if asked.]

[queenofseers]

[ Of course Cassandra tracks down Niko after dinner, not able to really talk to him beforehand. She's happy to see him, really, even if she always looks bothered and stressed around him. It's good to see him seeming largely okay after recent events, though she knows well enough that he's likely covering up some emotions.

She did the same thing, after all.

She comes up from behind him in the living room, eyebrow raised. ]

So, I hope this wasn't too much of a drag? [ She can't ever really tell when he's enjoying something. ]