[OPEN] apple pie is officially banned from this party, aka Steve Rogers' birthday

[anotheroldsoldier]

who: ANYONE
what: 616 Bucky, Peggy, and 616 Tony throw a birthday party for Steve.
when: July 4th, afternoon into the evening
where: A nice park
warnings: Birthday fun. :v


Steve Rogers, former (and still) Captain America, was born on the Fourth. It was pretty much fated. That said, he deserves a party that has nothing to do with Independence Day, and that's what Bucky, Tony, and Peggy set out to do. They rented a nice little park with some good open, grassy space perfect for a pick-up game of football (American, of course). On one end of the park, in the relative shade of a couple of large trees, they've set up two long tables - one for food, and one to deposit presents for the birthday boy on. The picnic tables already in the park have nice blue tablecloths to eat on. A banner hung between the trees proclaims, "Happy Birthday, Steve!", in blue letters on white.

The decor tries to stay away from Fourth of July colors - there isn't a speck of red, just shades of blue and white, and it's all very put-together and classy looking (thank you, Peggy and Tony). It's the sort of party they thought Steve would want, outdoorsy and casual, just a gathering of friends and whoever else wants to come by to wish the birthday boy a happy one.

Invites
Invitations have mostly been word of mouth and texts sent to people Steve is friends with, nothing too fancy. They just say to drop by and wish Steve a happy birthday, have some food, and spend some time hanging out; Rogers wouldn't want anything fancy anyway. That said, they won't turn anybody away from the barbecue if someone decides to just crash the party, as long the behavior stays respectful.

Food
The food is mostly standard American barbecue fare. Two large grills have been set up near the tables and someone (often Bucky) is usually cooking on them - an array of burgers, hot dogs, steaks, even some ribs and chicken. Side dishes are laid out on the food table, the usual simple things. Here and around the picnic tables are a good place to mingle; there's plenty of food for everyone, and metal tubs full of ice and bottled soft drinks. There isn't much alcohol present at this party, though, just one of the tubs set aside with beers in it.

There's also a massive cake for Steve, with close to a hundred candles dotting its layers - Bucky's idea, payback for the time he couldn't see his own cake for all the candles.

Tossin' the Old Pigskin
They're all (mostly) adults here, so there aren't 'party games' necessarily, but there are a couple of footballs and some frisbees in the grass for anyone who wants to play a game in the lush field. Just be careful if the heavy hitters decide to arrange a game, it could get pretty out of hand.

Comments

[livingsymbol]

[ After playing a few games and wandering around the party, Steve eventually settles for his favorite activity: watching. He stands back and lets the rest of the people have fun, content not to engage in too much of the action. That is, until he happens to catch the motions of the frisbee moving through the air. The pattern is off, conveniently giving an advantage to one side, and he dives in, intercepting the disk and tossing it back, changing the flow of the game. He catches Loki's eye as he does it before walking over to him. Yes, he is smug. ]

Are you having any food?

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki huffs. He should have expected that question. The rules haven't changed though and that is comforting, even now. Waving his beer bottle around (that's not food, Loki), he drawls. ]

Why don't you pick something for me?

[livingsymbol]

Okay.

[ Steve takes that suggestion like it was perfectly natural. He steps away, returning shortly with a plate full of salads and bits of desserts and even half of a hamburger that Steve has apparently taken the rest of. He's apparently decided that the best tactic to feeding Loki is small portions with as much variety as he can fit on one plate. ]

Since you insisted, I picked a few things.

[dothelokimotion]

[ He chuckles, despite himself and even takes the offered plate. Still, Loki does not reach for anything immediately. ]

Did you manage to leave anything to the rest of your guests?

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve looks pleased with himself, like he managed to pick out something particularly good and bring it to Loki, and like that somehow means something special. He watches expectantly, finally stealing a bite and eating it off of Loki's plate. Maybe setting an example will help. ]

They're doing fine. We have plenty of food. You gonna try some?

[dothelokimotion]

I will. Though I don't see the point if you keep eating it up before I get to it.

[ Loki lifts the burger before looking at Steve. His expression clearly says "what is this" on several levels. ]

[livingsymbol]

I won't eat all of it. I was just giving you a head start.

[ He sees the hesitation and skepticism and grins, gently nudging Loki's side. ]

Try it.

[dothelokimotion]

[ His skepticism continues to linger, but he does raise his burger to his lips, taking a dainty bite. He chews deliberately and carefully. ]

I suppose the meat is at least cooked well.

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve gives Loki a look that is attempting to be critical but is actually amused. ]

How can you taste anything like that? It's a cookout. You're allowed to get messy.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki gives him a dirty look. ]

Why would I want to get messy?

[livingsymbol]

Because it's fun? And because you can't possibly taste anything if you take bites like that.

[ Isn't he helpful? Steve looks proud of himself. ]

[dothelokimotion]

I fail to see what's so fun about having meaty juices drip all over my fingers.

[ Well, okay, that could be fun but not in an eating context. ]

[livingsymbol]

It's part of the experience. You're supposed to get messy.

[ Steve is apparently enjoying the experience more than Loki as a spectator. ]

That's what the napkins are for.

[dothelokimotion]

Steve.

[ Loki sounds very put-upon, almost petulant. ]

I don't like getting messy.

[livingsymbol]

[ The complaint just makes Steve smile. He steps away, returning after a few minutes with a fork and knife set, which he uses to cut Loki's burger in half. He watches the god as he cuts one side into bite-sized pieces and picks one up on the fork. ]

You're going to eat, right?

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki watches that and his expression goes fond, a slow smile unfurling on his lips. ]

All right. You win.

[livingsymbol]

That's the idea.

[ He smirks, pleased that Loki is agreeing to try food. It may just be a small step, but that's enough for him. They're working up to enjoying meals. ]

I'm glad you came.

[dothelokimotion]

[ The sentiment sits oddly in Loki's stomach. ]

I . . . do not see why. You are surrounded by . . . [ And he eyes the others surreptitiously. ] . . . beloved friends.

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve gives Loki a surprised look, turning his gaze to the people around him before returning to catch the god's eyes again. ]

That's why you should be here.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki opens and closes his mouth abruptly, several protests on his tongue, but it is Steve's birthday and he deigned to come, not to be a pest. He picks up a piece of the burger, chewing on it quietly. Abruptly, Loki feels he's made of glass and one wrong move will shatter him. Or worse, hurt Steve. Like Loki had with — ]

I don't think I belong here.

[livingsymbol]

Why wouldn't you belong here?

[ Steve doesn't realize that Loki is agonizing over being at the party quite so much. He does seem uncomfortable, but Steve thinks that is understandable. And he stands close, making sure to offer his support by being nearby. ]

You belong. Trust me.

[dothelokimotion]

[ None of those words make sense, so Loki simply replies with a wordless noise at the back of his throat. He even moves closer, shoulders bumping lightly. ]

I do not know any of these people. And I doubt any have an interest in knowing me.

[livingsymbol]

Give them a chance. Some of them will like you once they get to know you.

[ He leans against Loki. ]

That's how it works. Everyone is nervous at first.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki snorts lightly, even as he accepts Steve's steady weight. ]

Yes, but they're part of the club. Which is usually quite exclusive.

[livingsymbol]

Mm. [ Well, Loki does have a point. Usually he's pretty protective of the Avengers. ]

You're here with me. If anyone has a problem with that, they can deal with me.