It's a party, ya'll

[athiefalways]

who: Everyone's invited!
what: That potluck he mentioned
when: Saturday afternoon
where: The park
warnings: None so far!


[True to form, Remy pulled out all the stops for this particular potluck. He has it on good authority that Rogue's bringing cornbread, but he's got what seems to be a wireless two-burner setup that he's brought along to the park, one of which is dominated by a very large pot of fragrant and spicy gumbo, and the other by a very large pot of cooked white rice, on warm. There's a small table with plastic-seeming (but totally biodegradable) bowls and utensils, two large coolers (because people might be bringing drinks), two big folding tables (for all the things that might be brought) and a big expanse of the park to cop a squat in and have some good grub, place some outdoors-y things, and have some fun! The park as a grill too, if someone wants to fire it up!]

(OOC: Feel free to post your own starters and have a ball! This is meant to be fun, after all. If you want Remy specifically, let me know! He'll be wandering around.)

Comments

Remy leBeau | OTA

[athiefalways]

[Remy's going to either be helping set up food people bring, dish out some of his not-so famous gumbo (he's going to change that, damn it), relaxing on a lawn chair in the sun, having a beer, or you know, whatever! It's summer, the sun came out, this is supposed to celebrate life, right? And friendship. Honestly, the Cajun will take any excuse for a party. It's way better than the doom and gloom all the time.

He's wearing another of his t-shirts and some shorts, flip flops. It's a party, alright?]

[felinefox]

If only it were that easy.

[Delivered with a nod to his t-shirt as Shalimar settles next to him, careful not to drop her food or the plastic cup of wine she's allowing herself on the grounds the food will balance it out.

Her words are a passing comment, more an ice-breaker than anything deep and meaningful. Only right to at least check in with the host.]

Quite a gathering you got going here.

[athiefalways]

[He chuckles, following her motion just enough to get she's talking about his shirt.]

Sho' nuff, chere. Dat rock, he's a cheater, non, and I know a cheater when I see one.

[He nods, though, looking around. He's...happy, and proud that people have come out just to have some fun.]

Ain't often people like dis place collects let their hair down, Shalimar. Any pay I get dat to happen is a good thing.

[He turns back to her, though.]

What about you, eh? You enjoyin' yourself?

Alex Reagan OTA

[11calls]

[True to her word, Alex showed up at park toting two boxes of cookies that had obviously come from a bakery. After all, the only things that Alex could make only required boiling water in the form of coffee, ramen and mac and cheese. She's also carrying a bottle of red wine.

But perhaps more miraculous in and of itself is the fact that Alex is not carrying a coffee. Not only is she not carrying a coffee, but she actually looks like she got a fair amount of sleep, and while there are still dark circles below her eyes, she doesn't feel the need to slather them with makeup. After all, despite what it may feel like to her, sixteen hours of sleep still isn't enough to even put a dent in her massive sleep debt. Alex Reagan is all smiles, and great moods and plus ones somewhere about.]

[nobasisinfact]

[Said plus one was standing behind her, tall and imposing for all the world to see. His hands were stuck deep in the pockets of his suit pants as he followed, looking to all the world as if this were the last place he wanted to be.

It was.

There could have been more sleeping; he'd told her there could have been more sleeping. She was clearly tired if she'd fallen asleep as soon as everything was moved in. If Alex were worried about him getting bored (she shouldn't have been) she'd brought, surprisingly, enough books to keep his interest for a few hours; and he didn't mind sitting in bed and reading while she slept. In fact, he'd been doing that before she insisted they come to this gathering.

He leaned over to growl low in Alex's ear.]

You're enjoying this, aren't you?

[It wasn't genuine anger, just, annoyance. Somehow, Richard felt like he was Appo, and she was happily taking him for an unsolicited walk.]

[11calls]

[When he asked in her ear, Alex just grinned up at him. Oh, that little growl was going to be a thing wasn't it? Especially because he was so good at reading her and would have caught the shiver that accompanied it. Really, Richard Strand's voice was even better for radio than her own, and sometimes that just wasn't fair. But she couldn't even be annoyed about that right now.

No, for the first time in a long time, Alex actually felt happy and it wasn't because she was lighting a candle or had shared a flower or had burned some incense. Instead, she was just happy on her own merits, and it was due in no small part to the man behind her, and the fact that she'd slept more in a day than she had in a week. Honestly, there was a part of Alex that almost felt bad about feeling so good when people were getting sick, but she wasn't going to turn her nose up at feeling good either. It wasn't that she didn't care, because she did! It was because they needed breaks too.

When she turns around and looks up at him, Alex is grinning and she doesn't even bother to deny it.]

Yep!

[athiefalways]

[Remy's busy making his rounds like a good host, which means he swings in to Alex's side when he sees her, smiling and easing her burden by relieving her of one of her cookie boxes.]

Bonjour, Alex. Glad ta see ya made it, an' ya brought de cookies. Tres bien. You bring yo' phone too, right? Make sure you get de park.

[He smiles though, because she seems pretty damned happy.]

Good day, eh?

[11calls]

[Alex is at the other end of the Canada speaking North America, being as she's from Canada, but french does sound more than a little bit like home and she grins even more for it, but does manage to avoid slipping into it herself.

But she gestures to her wrist where her phone is.]

Yep! We're good for the park though. We got it on the first day! It's the best place to run, really.

But yeah. [Alex is pretty glowing.] Really good day.

Richard Strand | OTA

[nobasisinfact]

[Richard couldn't say that this was the last place he wanted to be, but it was quickly growing on the list. Things like picnics and traditional functions were things that he'd abandoned ages ago. In their place, there were lecture halls and excavation sites, and they suited him fine.

Here, he was out of place. Even as he walked behind Alex, he watched the unknown people around him, trying to decide which mind they were from or how this place worked. Warren had apparently been planning this for a while if it was this inclusive.

When Alex made her way over to some people that she knew, he simply stood by and waited. It wasn't as if he knew anyone here or had any intention to engage.]

[athiefalways]

[In his travels, Remy leBeau has met a lot of different types of people. There were the charismatic guys, like him, who could make themselves at home in any sort of crowd. There were the quiet times, like Hank, who would rather stay in their labs and continue research than join a party except for a select few. There were scholars and philanthropists, the suave and the awkward.

This guy looked like a mixture of a few of them. Putting on a nice, companionable smile, and made his way over.]

Bonjour, homme. De name's Remy. You don't look like you've been around here long.

[He's wearing sunglasses which serve to hide his strange eyes, not that he's wearing them for that purpose.]

[nobasisinfact]

[He hadn't expected anyone to pay attention to him. A six-foot tall, not particularly distinct stranger seemed like the sort of thing you'd simply ignore. At least he'd hoped it was. For the most part, he was right. Except for this man. Which, was surprising.

He hadn't initially noticed Remmy's approach, lecturers and professors didn't exactly need to be on their toes when it came to being approached. Most of them didn't have powerful enemies the way he did. Still, he hadn't bothered to change that particular blind spot. If Warren were going to come after him, then no amount of alert would help. So it was only when Remmy spoke that he turned to look at him.]

Richard Strand. I just, arrived, a few days ago.

Shalimar Fox | OTA

[felinefox]

[It's probably for the best that Shalimar had stumbled upon the open invitation on the network. She's no good at having nothing to do and even less well-equipped for it when there's hurt and anger simmering beneath the surface. Someone or something had taken family from her and it's for the best that she doesn't dwell on that too much.

Which isn't to say she doesn't need a little assistance there. Which would explain the wine and the whisky she brings with her because she promised she'd contribute and it's better than hoarding the whole lot for herself.

Throughout the afternoon, she's rarely seen without a drink in hand though she at least seems somewhat sober. She's friendly and open to company, even if it's an effort to appear that way, and she's happy to pour a drink for anyone who's near the coolers while she's topping up her own - though no alcohol for the seemingly underage!]

[11calls]

[Alex comes over with two red solo cups and a smile. She actually looks pretty happy to be here, even if she's not met the other woman before. But that's quite alright because Alex tends to be rather good at meeting people. Like now. Shifting one of the red cups so that it's under the other one, Alex just smiles.]

Hi. I think I owe you for bringing whiskey. You're definitely both a hero and saving my butt for doing it.

[Because whiskey is probably better than the bourbon that she'd grabbed earlier.]

Also, I'm Alex. I don't think I've seen you before.

[felinefox]

Oh. Hey, no problem. Nothing like a little variety, am I right?

[Especially when it comes to alcohol, options are never a bad thing to have. At least, not at the time they're being consumed.

She moves over a little, to give Alex room to fill the cups she's carrying as and when she wishes to. She's not about to keep someone from that important task, after all.]

Shalimar. It's nice to meet you, Alex. You been part of Quarantine long or are you still learning the ropes?

[She can't say she's figured out yet where the line between the two is. But it's a fitting enough place to start.]

Freya Vaughn - OPEN

[luckyescape]

[Freya has her long blond hair tied back in a ponytail and is wearing a Buffy the Vampire shirt with a pair of jean shorts. Her mouth is curved in its usual trademark smile and there is a small box held carefully in her palms. She makes a bit of a show of setting down her offered treat and then opening it up.

Inside the box is a carrot cake with a cute little icing bunny on top. She didn't make it but the bakery who did put a lot of care and love into the cake. It is also the only cake they had that didn't have some amount of chocolate in it.

The trip to the bakery had been disappointing but she's over it and ready to party. She's also ready to try all of the other food.

When not eating, she'll slide up to anyone there and greet them with an energetic smile.] Hey! Having fun?

Re: Freya Vaughn - OPEN

[like_quicksilver]

Being near all these people, with what was going on, had Gyda feeling nervous. She could stand crowds in the streets because they were always moving, and the stick made it easier to travel, but in one area and around strangers, navigation was trickier.

She had to feel around where the plates were, the area where the smell of food was fainter to make room for things. She also tried to recall that most put those things at the end of the table, so that narrowed where to go. Gyda was also certain she put a few people off by sniffing or feeling for utensils, but she flat out refused any help; they should only be glad she didn't do more than sniff or ask what was being served.

She was trying to find a place to sit (not easy with one hand holding a plate) when she heard someone speak in her direction. "I suppose so?"

Perhaps she'd have a better answer if she could find a place to sit.

[luckyescape]

Freya watched the young girl with growing interest. She was obviously blind and stubborn on top of that. It was interesting and Freya found the girls attempts commendable.

"There is grass underneath you if you want to sit."

She was already sitting on the ground, a few plates of food scattered next to one side.

Rogue | OTA

[backwaterbelle]

[While Rogue's one hundred percent supportive of Remy and the potluck in the park to bring everyone together as a community concept, there's still a great deal of personal apprehension stirring within her. True to form, Remy attracted a flock of pretty females, and while it's something she constantly expected, it's never been something she particularly enjoyed witnessing. Even now she had no right to have ruffled feathers. They weren't together and that's entirely on her.

And yet her green eyes were very keen on observing those at the gathering, both as she approached from the air and after she'd landed smoothly at the edge of the potluck with a picnic basket crooked in one arm. Her hair's up in a messy bun, curls escaped and tussled from the flight there, and she clearly chose to land close enough for an entrance while still keeping enough distance for safety. She'd dressed Southern chic and quite utilitarian for the occasion, a pair of black gloves and sunglasses completing the look (and hiding any jealous glares she's incapable of controlling).

What? She's an adult. She could behave.

True to her word, Rogue brought two bourbon pecan pies and a large plate of corn bread, all homemade, and that's one of the first things she busied herself with after she arrived. Once the very unhealthy and terribly delicious foods were unloaded from the basket, she tucked that under the table and gave the folks already gathered a curious perusal. Truth be told, the flight had taken more out of her than usual, and she didn't much like feeling tired and achy.]

[felinefox]

That looks amazing and smells even better.

[It wasn't the greeting Shalimar would normally choose to go with, but what the heck - this was a gathering centred on food and no harm in complimenting someone on their choice, right?

Either way, she was glad to see a familiar face - precious few of those around here and even fewer of late - and particularly someone she didn't have to explain herself to when it came to who and what she was.]

It's been a while. Hope this place hasn't been too unkind to you.

[backwaterbelle]

Ain't nothin' better than homemade. [Rogue grins at the familiar face.] Get yourself a piece or two before they're all gone. [This implies that she knows how damn good the end results taste.

Despite her enthusiasm, the mutant does look tense and tired, but she's definitely trying to push through it. Shalimar's question earns a shake of her head.]

It's been interestin', but a girl can't complain when her best friend from home shows up. [In case the other woman is wondering who that might be, Rogue nods at wherever Remy stands at that moment.

Possessive of things that technically aren't hers? Never.]

How 'bout you sugah? Holdin' up well enough?

[athiefalways]

[There weren't many things on a desert table to trump Rogue's pecan pie any day, and it looked like today was going to be the same. Remy had been making his rounds, being a good host (because he was actually pretty good at it) when Anna decided to join them. He hadn't doubted for a moment she'd come, of course. It had merely been a question of when.

He slid in beside her easily enough, and he was familiar enough with her to recognize that slight tension between her eyebrows. Something was bothering her.]

Bonjour, mon chere. Glad you could make it. [And he wrapped an around around her waist because, you know, she was wearing clothes. He could do that.] You feelin' alright?

[backwaterbelle]

[While she may not have been looking his way at that moment, Rogue knew where Remy was amongst the guests the moment they all appeared as ant sized dots during her approach. It's a habit that she's never tried to break, always wanting to have his back in a fight. Then there was that blemish of trust that still lingers from their pasts.]

Glad to be here Remy. You've done good gatherin' all these people together.

[She's genuinely proud of him and it showed. His relatively bold move of wrapping his arm around her may have been politely pushed away under different circumstances, but in front of a host of guests (many of which she was eyeballing as possible competition) and while she's genuinely under the weather? Well, Rogue found herself leaning into his touch with ease. He'd feel some of her tension release as she pressed against him, her body a higher overall temperature than usual, a slight fever that she's stubbornly ignoring.

Still, she smiled at his greeting, waving away his concern with her 'free' hand, the other one slipping around his waist affectionately.] Ah'm just a bit tired. Flight took more out of me than usual. [And before his inevitable protest:] Don't fuss over me. Ah'll be fine.

[Famous last words.]

Steve Rogers (616) | OTA

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve has brought along potato salad for his contribution, as well as some oatmeal cookies, almost out of intentional irony (although he'll never admit that). He does spend time at the grill, so if anyone wants some cookout food, Steve can provide. He takes a break at points to mingle and play games if anyone wants to toss around a ball or do some rather extreme Frisbee catching. And while he doesn't necessarily show off, Steve likes a good challenge. Powers or non-conventional means to spice the game up are always welcome.

As the afternoon turns later toward the evening, he can be found drawing people around the park. Quick sketches in a book he has with him to fill in later as he saves little snapshots of the people he's spoken with and noted enjoying the potluck with friends, new or old. ]

[ooc: hit me up if you have any ideas you'd like to jump on for this that I didn't provide for. I'll roll with it!]

[athiefalways]

[It's not that Remy dislikes Steve, far from it. The Avengers had every reason to do exactly what they did when the things with the Phoenix force went down. Rogers was a good man, and even though Remy had strong feelings about the people who were hurt, and even stronger ones about the people they lost, he doesn't blame Steve for it.

And it's with that spirit Remy finds a basketball and a Steve to challenge, a cocky smirk on his lips when he finds the Cap on the green, not far from the paved basketball courts.]

It ain't a Frisbee, Cap, but you up for some 1 on 1?

[11calls]

[What's a cookout without a hotdog really? Well, if you ask Alex Reagan it hardly counts as a cookout at all. So, she's going to join the line of people when Steve mans the grill, and she's got two buns ready to go when she finally makes it up to the front. Of course, by to go Alex already has the buns entirely loaded with relish, onions, ketchup and mustard, because she's nothing if not prepared.

Even if it doesn't leave much room for the actual hot dog in them.

When she reaches the front, Alex just gives him a bright and happy grin.]

Hey Steve!