[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

[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.

[dothelokimotion]

[ A slow smile unfurls, sultry and sweet as Loki presses a soft kiss to the corner of Steve's mouth. ]

My hero.

[livingsymbol]

[ The smile and light kiss make Steve's lips curve upward at the ends, gentle and warm, quietly as they stand there. ]

You're here as a friend. Don't worry, Loki. Just try to enjoy yourself. It's a party.

[dothelokimotion]

[ A friend. Is that what they were? He disguises his confusion well at least. Mortals were confusing. So was Loki, at times. He should not test the waters so soon. ]

I . . . I will try.

[ Though, as Loki glances at the crowd, he doubts he will get very far. ]

[livingsymbol]

Don't worry. You can stay with me.

[ Steve doesn't pick up on Loki's thoughts, but he can tell the doubt is there. He responds to that more than anything. ]

It takes time. That doesn't mean it won't happen. You'll get used to this.

[dothelokimotion]

Oh, I plan to.

[ Loki isn't that keen on mingling and he only came here for Steve. ]

. . . You truly believe that, don't you.

[livingsymbol]

Of course I do.

[ There's no hesitation when Steve says that. ]

You're out of practice, not broken. You're like anyone else. It takes time to warm up to things, especially if it involves new people. Haven't met an Avenger that adjusted easily to these things either. Except the ones that came before me, and I'm sure they had their moments too.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Not broken. Loki stares a little before clearing his throat awkwardly, not ready to handle the sentiment in that statement. ]

Am I really? Like . . . anyone else? I would assume that I am not, simply by virtue of . . . where I come from.

[livingsymbol]

[ It's something Steve is used to hearing. From younger heroes and new Avengers alike, each thinking they don't belong, that somehow the others have something that they don't. He knows that Loki, being from Asgard, isn't exactly like them, but everyone being different and unique is also not a strange concept. ]

You're not exactly like everyone. That's the point. You're different, just like we are, and sometimes it takes time to get used to being around people like you. But they'll accept you. Give them a chance.

[dothelokimotion]

Some differences should be not be indulged.

[ Loki being a Frost Giant is a clear indicator of that. He swallows quietly. ]

I do not think they'll offer me the same chance you did. The one we found together.

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve doesn't catch the implications behind Loki's statement. Or, if he does, he chooses to ignore it. What Loki is or isn't doesn't matter here. Hero, villain, or otherwise, Steve has chosen not to draw that line anymore. He can't, in good conscience. ]

You are what you are. We'll accept you as that. I'm not saying it'll be easy, but I think they'll give you a chance. You don't have to believe me yet. Just wait for now. And eat some cake.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki looks at Steve, holding his gaze before taking a bite out of the cake thoughtfully. ]

Are birthdays very important on Earth?

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve doesn't do a good job of hiding the fact he's pleased that Loki ate something. It might have only been to humor him, but it still counts. It's a step forward. ]

They're celebrating a person, so I guess it depends. They're important to the people close to someone because it's a chance to let them know how much they appreciate them. The time they've had together. Some people don't think too much of them, but when you live on the move for long enough, you grow to appreciate the moments that you get.

[ Which, of course, leads Steve to a counter question. ]

I guess they don't do birthdays on Asgard?

[dothelokimotion]

[ His lips quirk briefly. ]

Celebrating one's day of birth every year would get tedious far too quickly for an Asgardian. We have a few when we are younger and one coming of age ceremony. They are meant to signify our departure from childhood into a full fledge member of Asgard.

[livingsymbol]

I guess that's true. Still, it's nice to remember your birthday every once in a while. Not just to mark growing up, but to celebrate being alive; that you have a life you can share with others.

[ He takes a moment to really think about that and seems to examine Loki as he turns it all over in his head. ]

When's your birthday?

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki falls silent at that. ]

I don't know. I was given a date, of course. To celebrate the hallmarks of my years. But it was not real. So I do not know when I was born.

[ It's a sobering thought, though not a particularly depressing one. It is simply another lie Loki has come to accept. Many think it is simple. A simple lie that broke him. But nothing about that lie had been simple. It pervaded his entire consciousness, his whole history. Everything was subject to it. ]