driftfleet | Halloween Mingle!

Entry tags:

Halloween Mingle!

Who: Everyone
Broadcast: N/A
Action: Mingle Post for the Halloween and Drift period!
When: 10/28-11/11

It's time for a spooky candy-filled drift, Flooters! And because no Halloween is complete without a few tricks...a mini player plot! If you'd rather just have a normal mingle, feel free to ignore it and tag about as normal!

===
On the Iskaulit for interested parties there are a few bowls of candy gathered from all the ships. It's a random assortment! The bowls are left in high traffic areas and they can be moved about, so feel free to say your character ran into the bowl wherever you like! Even in the bathroom? Who knows! Fancy hotels do it, so why not the Fleet.

Upon consuming candy taken from the bowl however, the character will have their hair or skin temporarily change color to something not their natural shade. This is a harmless illusion spell and can last anywhere from 1 to 8 hours - player's choice! What colors? Also player's choice! Want to go mauve for the day? Sure! Blue and green? Go for it! Rainbow glitter? Why not?

This is a completely harmless spell though, so while it looks like they've changed colors, it is not a real physical change. After a few hours, the effects wear off and everything is back to normal. Happy Halloween♥

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

He is capable of getting attention from everyone else aboard this ship. And then some.

[As was evident by how much the cat's personality had changed since he allowed himself to get more acquainted with those on board, and the occasional visitors.]

You need not concern yourself when it comes to me.

No.

[He holds up a single finger to stop her in her tracks on that one. The candy bowl is forgotten where it rests against his hip and he stares at her as harshly as he can manage.]

He's making due with everyone else. You can't just shunt responsibility for him off on the rest of us because it's convenient for you.

[He lets the edge to his voice linger for a moment before he drops his gaze to Kova again.]

He's your cat, Witchy McGee. I like him and he tolerates me, but I'm not his person.

[This time there's more of a reaction in her expression.

Her eyes flicker to Kova, who is now watching both of them intently at that spike of tension, before back over to Taako.]

... you do not understand our situation.

[Not that she ever explains anything, but it is not his business.]

Gee, I wonder why that is.

[He lets out a loud sigh and rolls his eyes, but whatever. He'll take care of Kova because he likes doing it, not to help her out. Haggar is weird and dangerous and could probably turn him inside out, but when it comes to smaller creatures being starved for attention and love? It's the one thing Taako can't abide. He knows what that was like and how it turned him into the (slightly) terrible person he is today.]

You're lucky he cares so much about you.

What he cares about is the person I -- was.

[Things she really did not want to slip out: that. Not that it hadn't been building, but she's still not used to those raw feelings hitting where it hurt unexpectedly.]

... But now that I am able to recognize him once more the best I can do is make sure his needs are met. Others ... are better able to attend him than I am.

[He deserves better than what she can offer, is what she's saying, but the animal is strangely loyal.]

[Aaaaand she was gonna burst in all "THE FUN TRAIN HAS ARRIVED" or something, but as she approaches the area she can hear sounds of an argument, so her approach is quieter as she pokes her head around the corner to see what's going on. They're fighting over... the cat? For Taako to get so passionate about another creature is pretty rare, but that's more with people than with other living creatures. Back when they were kids barely scraping by she'd rescued a mouse from a trap, one that became the closest thing they'd ever have to a pet for a few months, and it was because of Taako's reaction to their finding it that had prompted her to try. It's not like Magnus, exactly- there's a guy who loves animals regardless of situation. But Taako can't abide a helpless creature neglected or left in pain.

She purses her lips and scoots back out of sight, reluctant to step in just yet. This feels important.]

[The heck was that supposed to mean? Taako stared at Haggar for a second, brows knit together before he throws his hands up in the air.]

Alright sure, go ahead and be all "mysterious," Cryptkeeper. But if you went and zoned out on him for however long, the best you can do? Isn't to keep ignoring him.

If he actually didn't give a shit about you, he woulda peace'd out when Lup and I started feeding him like a king. But nope, we're just the can openers. Maybe you might wanna think about he wants, not just what he needs to survive.

[And replacements are no substitute for the real thing. Just like in cooking and just like in life. He'd replaced his family with travelers and allies, but that doesn't lessen all the complicated feelings he has over the fact that he never got to have a real family.]

[For that, she stares at him a long few moments.

... Because he wasn't wrong, but it was also difficult to admit, that those words had struck a cord they shouldn't have struck, because she had been unable to feel it for so long.

Her eyes flick from him to the cat, linger, before finding their way back. Funny, how the purple of her hair matches the pupils of her eyes.]

... It is not... that I do not think about it.

[She says finally, almost hesitantly. It's almost not even about the cat anymore.]

It was a long time to ... be zoned out, as you have said. I found it odd that he... was able to seek me here. That he may have even wanted to. At home he has already found someone else.

[So not completely heartless, just choosing to be that way. Great. Taako rolls his eyes.]

Are you surprised? If I had family, I'd rip the universe apart to get back to them.

[But he doesn't. His parents are dead. His grandfather gone. His aunt and his relatives had all just shunted him off on someone else until he couldn't take it anymore. He's always been alone and that's just the life he's grown accustomed to. Years on the road traveling, getting passed from troupe to troupe as he outlived his usefulness, moving from place to place... Taako could see the appeal of coming home for Kova. But he doesn't trust anyone not to abandon him again when it becomes inconvenient, even the people here. He's only worth something when he's useful to them and pushing too hard at one of the crew over his own stupid insecurities is likely going to make him less useful.

Taako sighs and tosses his hair over his shoulder, then looks down at Kova.]

Since you're apparently done forgetting him, of course he'd wanna come back. So start treating him like he deserves to be treated, huh? At least pet him once in awhile.

[......Ah.

From the hallway, there's the softest of noises, an intake of breath- only the most perceptive (or perhaps the cat) might notice it. That one hits harder than Lup likes to admit, and rather than standing at the door waiting for her moment, she just... rolls around so her back presses against the wall, and slides down to sit on the ground instead, hugging her knees to her chest.

Rip the universe apart, huh.]

[Her eyes widen, and narrow.

Because again: he wasn't wrong, not entirely: He didn't know how much she would fight for her family, that she would do the same thing, and he could not understand how complicated these circumstances were.

At the same time, how dare he speak to her that way? Not that she ever argued against anything he said, ridiculous or... as piercing as this was.

It was almost enough to nearly miss the oddity of what he had said -- when he had family, it wasn't like she could miss Lup's presence. Not that she hadn't gone around playing "twins" with a virtual stranger herself, but Katie was ... gone now. There was no longer any point in playing that ruse. And she had been the only one to know the truth.]

Perhaps... it is different, for an animal.

[It's none of his business, but this was about this cat, there. The cat who's now gone off to investigate down the hall because this is too tense a conversation and he needs a break, personally, and he's certainly heard something else down there.]

I wonder if it is possible, to remember what giving affection is like. Kova has not seemed to harbor anger toward me.

[Unlike her son, which she nearly adds but doesn't, in the odd way she cuts herself off.]

It's easy, nerd. Take your hand and--

[He blinks as Kova wanders away. He was hoping to use the cat as a demonstration. Well cats would do what cats wanted regardless of mortal whims.

He shrugs and mimes the motion of letting a cat, oblivious to Haggar's annoyance.]

You pet him when he comes by. You've seen us do it if you need an example. It's not like touching him will melt your skin off.

Animals can forgive a lot more than people do, but they'll still hold grudges. You're lucky he hasn't hacked up in your shoes.

[Lup almost doesn't notice him at first, too lost in her own thoughts, still absently listening to the argument going on at her back, but then movement near her leg makes her glance over, and- ah.

She smiles, reaching a hand out to the cat.]

Hey, buddy... you heard that? [Her voice is the faintest whisper.] Not a fan of the fighting?

He has... made his displeasure known in other ways.

[Mostly the staring contests and the incessant bugging her to go eat and purposefully knocking into the walls and making her look at long dead worlds, thanks for that enchantment, Loki.]

He deserves far better than I can presently offer... but you are not wrong.

[It is not wrong to endeavor to try, anyway, late as she is, and as much as it stings.

As for the cat... down the hall and away from the pair, Kova makes a soft sound in agreement, nuzzling Lup's hand. He's a perceptive enough cat to know most of the issue is about him, but it's not any fun to hang around it, either. This person needs him, currently, take that, Haggar.]

I know I'm not. Taako is a brilliant sage. Like a fantasy Jackson Galaxy.

[Currently dressed up as a slutty reaper, but whatever. He casts Levitate on the candy bowl and lets it hover next to him, then turns and starts looking around for the cat. He wandered off somewhere but he's never too far from Haggar.]

But you should start trying ASAP before I give him the idea of spitting hairball in your drawers.

Kova? Where'd you go, buddy?

[As soon as Kova gets close enough, Lup scratches gently at the cat's head, fingers stroking over his fur. If he lets her, she lifts him up into her lap and tucks him against her shoulder, holding him close and petting him over and over, bumping her head against his the way cats do sometimes.]

Mm... me too, yeah. I can't stay mad- they can't help it sometimes, right? But it still hurts.

[Go away, Taako. She's hurting right now, you can't have him back yet.]

[A cat might forgive but people were different. Kova would do what he wanted, either way, but.]

Perhaps you should.

[She says, hesitantly -- perplexed in a way, that this conversation had come to this, when it all had started because he wanted her to have candy for tricking her, as it were, and she should have gone on her way then but she did not, she always lingers for his torment. Learning how to demonstrate affection for a cat was one thing, but for a person? Less clear. Not that she could even ask the question, after all that.]

...He is not far. It could be that he has gone to demonstrate his displeasure.

[Sorry Taako, Lup is the chosen one right now. Once upon a time, he might not have allowed such cuddling, but for this he acquiesces. They're both unhappy, Lup even moreso but he purrs in her arms as a comfort, a low, vibrating rumble.]

...Do you actually want him to throw up in your stuff?

[He knows Haggar is gloomy and all, but that's a little much. Taako glances down the hall, but the cat has disappeared from view and he gives up with a light shrug. Cats will do as they do. Maybe it got irritated that they were fighting or just tired of waiting for attention.]

Because A) that's gross, and B) why? Just a glutton for punishment or something?

Not that literally, but...

[She's quiet for a moment, eyes closing briefly. She is bad at this, and perhaps it is made worse by all the things she had been good at.

These little openings to address things, not knowing if it was right to take them or not, or if her pride should bar her from doing so. Inflicting pain on others was what she knew; turning it around on herself seemed the obvious answer.

No, it was not even about Kova anymore, even if he was a start.]

... You are someone who has held a lot of anger for a long time, are you not. For... whatever your circumstances may have been. You have survived by doing what you can.

[Reading people, she could do. But only that. The walls never had any answers, for all her brooding.]

... How... would you respond, hypothetically, if ... someone were to realize the situation they had put you in, after ... having been checked out for so long. And if they were someone you did not trust--and had no reason or desire to.

[He waited, arms crossed over his chest. It looked like Haggar wanted to say something and that Taako, however inadvertently, had opened the gates. No sense in shutting her out now that she's decided to say something. He knows how hard that can be - not that he's planning on opening up to anyone anytime soon. Taako's personal vault was nice and locked up tight.

He raises an eyebrow at Haggar's assessment, but merely shrugs in response neither a confirmation or a denial. Shit happens and it happened to him. Sure, he's angry about it, but any kid would be. It's dulled over the years, but no one ever really gets over being left alone. He can laugh it off though and he usually does.

But that question? Hm... So this isn't just above Kova then, but someone else? Here? Home? Who knows. He listens though and while his first instinct is to say that he'd flip them the fuck off and say go eat a rock, he knows that's not a good answer. He'd still do it, but it wasn't a good answer.]

Well, I'd be pissed that's for sure.

[If his parents weren't dead? If they'd just decided to give him up for some reason? Yeah, pissed would be an understatement. Betrayed and hurt and angry would be closer to it. But that's not how it would go. They'd been laid to rest and that was that. Dead and gone and better off forgotten because sometimes it still hurt to think about how his relatives had chosen to pass him around like unwanted Candlenights gifts in an White Elephant exchange. Remembering that it could have been different, that someone could have cared, was just...too much.

But if his shitty ass cousins who'd beaten him up when they were kids suddenly decided to show up and apologize? Well, he'd flip them off, but at least he'd listen. So he told Haggar as much.]

It depends on what they want. Absolution for what they did? Fuck right the fuck off, you can't erase the shit you pulled and pretend it didn't happen. Forgiveness? Can't say I could, depending on what they did, but?

[He shrugs.]

Doesn't mean they can't try. Even if I never forgive them, knowing that they're trying to make amends for the shit they did makes it a little easier. Maybe I'd hate them a little less or be able to put up with them a little more. But it's just a first step - and Taako doesn't forgive easily. I'd be needing to see some real fuckin' work put into making amends.

[She remains silent as he speaks. It was a perspective she had wanted and she knew Taako wouldn't mince around with words or meanings, and ... he certainly had delivered on that front. She knew the particular person to whom the question had actually pertained had wounds that were deep for her inability to care, even if she could not remember them all. There was still much she was missing, those too-wide gaps of memory.

Perhaps his answer was not what she could have hoped to hear in the best of circumstances, but it did cover the worsts, and she could very well apply them even if the language would of course be different.

What was worse was that she actually did not know what she wanted to do - what she could do, really. Hers was a twisted life laden with responsibility, except for the one thing she should have taken responsibility for, and surely she should anticipate further rejection and with great cause. That was the feeling she got from this, having that dread put into words even if she was used to it.

There was too much to brood about and too much time for it. Still, she listens.]

... I thank you for your perspective on this.

[She says at length. It was difficult to reconcile how she had allowed herself to be that vulnerable to begin with, but sometimes, one had to ask questions, especially if they were able to in an environment that did not require anything else from her. She has no idea what she's doing, and she hates it.]

As a chef, you have provided... food for thought.

[He was about to shrug, but then she had to follow up her thanks - which Taako totally deserved for even attempting to open up to her since he never opened up to anyone because it was dangerous and sticky and left a bad taste in his mouth - with a goof.

An honest to the gods goof.

From the Deep and Dreary Droopy Dog of the First Breath.

Taako stared at her for a moment, dumbfounded.

And then his ears twitched and perked up, a smile spreading from one corner of his face to the other.]

Holy shit, she does have a sense of humor! She's alive! ALIVE!

[And he cackled like Dr. Frankenstein over his creation. Goodbye any budding sense of seriousness.]

[The argument inside appears to have eased, and Taako laughs, a sound that warms Lup's heart while at the same time stings to hear. The atmosphere is a little lighter, but now she's the one too compromised to join them. If she tries to walk in now, they'll know immediately that something's up- or they might know she overheard them.

Time to go.

Gently she sets Kova back down to the floor, giving his head a final scratch, smiling and murmuring her appreciation for what he's done. It helped a little, it really did. Maybe she needs to think about re-learning the Familiar spell or something. For moments like these. She can't risk being seen in this state on Taako's ship, so relying on Kova for it isn't a great idea. Something to worry about later.

For now she reaches into her bag and touches her spell components, gripping her focus and closing her eyes. A wave of magic passes over her form, her body shrinking, limbs shifting- until the smooth-furred form of a mongoose is in her place. She shakes herself off, getting used to the new body, and trots over to Kova. First she rubs gratefully against him as animals do, then playfully bats at his face and runs off. He can go back to them if he likes, or he can follow, but she wants to run around and take her mind off of things, and animals are much quieter than the clomping heels of her pirate costume.]

[Kova can also tell that there's no longer an argument, but... he's still not feeling too inclined toward returning toward the pair. Lup's change surprises him, but he adjusts easily--he's an ancient space cat, he's seen weirder--and takes off after her playfully once she's sprinted away. Light scampering around indeed. Maybe they'll find Cat-mom's new homebrew roomba along the way and chase it around.

As for said Cat-mom, there's something... well... touching about Taako's laughter, after how heavy their conversation had become. She hadn't known what his reaction would be, truthfully--it was... trying something else. It felt strange, for the tone to shift so abruptly, but better to leave the dark topics for further pondering, unless it came up again.

And... she almost really can't help it, but there's a quick flash of a grin at his words, a dark chuckle.]

If I had only known that was all it would have taken to be pronounced living.

[He's about to answer when he hears animals scampering away and he turns, catching the tail end of Kova chasing something down the hall. He could have sworn it was a mongoose? But they weren't in space and he's pretty certain Kova is the only animal on the First Breath. ..maybe a space rodent? He'd heard those exist.]

Sense of humor is essential to living, duh. I'll have to tell Lup about this. She'll hate herself for missing it.

[And missing out on Haggar's head turning colors. That is always a fun little extra, even if she won't acknowledge it.]

You should lighten up some, Dear Crabby. Might make people think you're less of a wet blanket.

Halloween Mingle!

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