And Let Us Gather 'Round [ Video + Action ]

[universal_charm]

Who: Kirk and The Fine People of the Fleet
Broadcast: Yes
Action: On the Iskaulit, Specifically at the Melting Pot - Note: After the Broadcast
When: After they start heading away from the system

Video
<sub>[ Kirk appears on the screen, and probably like many people he looks tired and a bit beaten up. Scratches not yet healed on his face, one even covered with a bandage on his cheek, that sort of drawn look around his eyes after all the sleepless nights and the battles and general horridness. A little to pale, perhaps.

Even so, he gives as warm a smile as he can as he begins to speak. ]</sub>

For those of you who might not know, I come from a world called Earth - or at least, one of the versions represented here. On my world, in the country I hail from, we celebrate something known as Thanksgiving roughly around this time of year if I've done my calculations correct. Some people call it Friendsgiving, but it's all the same really.

Essentially, it's a time to a give thanks for the good things in your life, your friends, and your family. In the spirit of that, I've arranged for a gathering at the Melting Pot - a thank you to Jarvis for that. Everyone who wishes to come is welcome.

I just thought we all could use a day, a place, to be together and to just enjoy each other. So I hope to see you there.

Action: The Melting Pot
<sub>[ The restaurant is set up to allow as much mingling as possible when people arrive - places to sit, of course, but there's gentle music playing for those who might want to dance and just to give some atmosphere (but not loud enough to stop conversation at all). Food and drink is laid out - things to nibble on rather than the usual feasts associated with a Thanksgiving. Not particularly ideal, but it's what could be managed. Unless, of course, anyone decided to bring something else to add to the spread.

Not a fancy party, to be sure, but it's warm and inviting, which is what Kirk had hoped for. A place for them all to come together and enjoy each other and just be glad they were all there and if not quite completely whole, then, well, able to be there. ]

[ooc: Open mingle! Feel free to create your own starters and do as you like - tis a warm Friendsgiving party for the Fleet! ]</sub>

Comments

[mongoosecrow]

[That makes Gil smile.]

Careful there, you're going to make it my life's mission to ensure that you do eventually know how to have at least a bit o' fun, Felix.

[Ok, so that might have been said a little flirtatiously, but just a little. It's mostly meant platonically.]

[scanninggaydis]

Well. That certainly sounds like a terrifying threat.

[No. It doesn't.

Felix isn't flirting exactly, but he absolutely picks up on the thread of it in Gil's voice. He shows no sign of objecting to it, despite his slightly dry response.

Also, he's definitely still smiling that same smile.]

Though, maybe not the death-defying kind of fun? I mean, if you can manage that.

[mongoosecrow]

Well that narrows down at least seven different ways I know how to have fun. [He teases, lightly.]

But, honestly, there are ways to have fun that don't come with that sort of thrill. Just normal, every day fun.

[scanninggaydis]

Yeah? You got some examples on hand?

[He's really playing this "I don't know what fun is" angle. It just...seems like fun. And also it's a way for him to get to know Gil a little better.

But the tone of his voice is teasing right back.]

[mongoosecrow]

Poker. Obviously.

[scanninggaydis]

Obviously. We should do that again sometime.

[When he's actually not in a terrible mood. That would be nice.]

Anything else?

[mongoosecrow]

You ever put together a really cheesy vid night? Like, just the worst movie you've ever seen but that is bad enough you can make fun of it. Then you eat a bunch of tasty snacks, drink so beer, and come up with funny one liners way better than the script?

[scanninggaydis]

I'm familiar with the concept.

[He has, yes. The way he smiles says as much, but he's supposed to not know what fun is. At least for a few more moments, he'll be dedicated to this bit.]

It definitely sounds like a good time.

[mongoosecrow]

There we go. We should so do that.

[scanninggaydis]

Sounds like a plan.

[Pretty much right then, the music playing changes. Felix has sort of vaguely been paying attention to it throughout the conversation, in an idle sort of way.

It's slower than the songs before it and on an impulse he holds out his free hand to Gil.]

Speaking of fun, though -- [Felix you liar you clearly grasp the concept.] You want to dance?

[mongoosecrow]

[Gil's brow raises though in a pleased sort of way.]

With you? Any day. [And he takes Felix's hand so they can go to the dance floor together.]

[scanninggaydis]

[Before they do, Felix puts aside his drink.

Then he's ready, stating to move toward the dance floor. When they get there, he turns to face Gil. The way he holds his hand shifts, and he places his other hand just below Gil's shoulder blade. It's kind of a relaxed ballroom hold.]

I'll lead, since I asked.

[Gil is free to argue with him about it though. In any event, he settles in. The tipsiness makes it much easier for him not to look around, not to wonder how much anyone is paying attention to them. To him.]

[mongoosecrow]

[Gil doesn't argue though, instead, he moves his own arms to comfortably hold onto Felix.]

I did promise you could set the pace, didn't I? I think part of that means you get to lead.

[scanninggaydis]

[There's something about Gil saying that...the idea that Felix is setting the pace of anything that has to do with the two of them. Like there's something between them, like he could lead it down a path.

Felix wants to ask what he's presumably setting the pace for, but he doesn't because that would bring it into too sharp relief and he just wants to indulge in this fantasy for the length of a song. For the night, maybe. Nothing that will lead Gil on, but...

He's just going to pretend for a little while that this is something that it makes sense for him to want. Felix draws Gil just an inch or two closer to him, now that they're in form.]

Did you?

[A different question with a faintly curious look as he leads them into a gentle, simple step pattern. He....hadn't thought far enough ahead about this dancing thing.

...Felix guesses this has something to do with talking about flirting. But he's not absolutely sure.]

[mongoosecrow]

I did...

[Gil replies gently, a small but encouraging smile. He follows Felix's lead, moving with him as they step to the music.]

[scanninggaydis]

I'm not sure I actually remember that.

[He manages to meet Gil's gaze for some of that smile before his eyes fall a little bit to the side and past him.

There's a smile on his face too, though. The tone of his voice is pleasant and easy.]

[mongoosecrow]

You don't remember me hitting on you and you telling me to cool it? Maybe I should try again...

[He can't help but smile back and enjoy the way that Felix's face changes when he seems relaxed and happy.]

[scanninggaydis]

[That gets Felix to look him in the eyes again. Okay, so he was right. Interesting.

His smile becomes a little bemused but kind of...softer.]

I definitely remember you hitting on me. I guess I didn't expect you to take my, um...reluctance as more than a situational thing.

[Though, really, it's not like the conclusion is wildly illogical.]

It's very...considerate of you, though. [The smile widens just a little.] Gentlemanly.

[mongoosecrow]

Of course, Felix. I don't want you to be uncomfortable around me.

Though, hang on, are you saying that was just a 'only for this day' kind of thing? I could have been laying it on thick this whole time? Have I honestly missed out on chances to compliment your ... assets?

[scanninggaydis]

[That little recognition of his comfort makes his smile a little bit wider.]

Well, to be fair, it was probably more of a "for this week" kind of thing. And I'm not saying that I would-- [...Hold on a second. His brain catches up to that last question and he just...tilts his head to the side a little. His brows draw towards each other slightly. It doesn't look upset or annoyed, but it does look....like he's trying to figure something out.

Namely: is Gil hitting on him now? That...could be a play on words. Or he's just completely misinterpreting. He's going to feel really dumb if he is.]

...My assets?

[mongoosecrow]

[Gil raises his brow at the question and then chuckles slightly.]

Your charming smile?

[scanninggaydis]

Hm.

[That smile is hidden a little as Felix lowers his head slightly. But it reemerges from the confusion nonetheless. He's looking somewhere in the vicinity of the floor right now.]

Okay.

I guess you've missed chances, anyway.

[He's not....sure he should be encouraging all this. But it kind of feels good in the moment.]

[mongoosecrow]

So should I check in if it's a flirt-friendly day when I talk to you? Just to double check?

[scanninggaydis]

[If this were 5 or 6 years ago, Felix would think that was a really excessive suggestion. Checking in every time to make sure he's comfortable?

...These days? The idea that anyone would make that much effort to consider his feelings is...touching. His gaze flickers back up and for a brief moment the look in his eyes is questioning. It's replaced with a more neutral expression very shortly though.

He should nip this in the bud. He should definitely nip this in the bud. There's this little kernel of warmth in the pit of his stomach that says he should nip this in the bud.]

Sure. I mean, if you feel like it.

[mongoosecrow]

[Rather than put off on the idea of checking in every time, Gil smiles. He's encouraged that it's even open.]

So what about today? Is today a flirt-friendly day? Seems like, what with the dancing and all. But one wouldn't want to assume.