[log] look I'm really bad at titles okay [closed]

[phaseshifter]

Characters: Angel, Beckett, Enoch, Squalo and Xanxus
Location: Building 316
Date: Day 381, evening/overnight
Summary: MINGLE TIME MOTHERFUCKERS
Warnings: Put em in your comment headers nerds



316: This was a house once, but all that's left is a living room. Still, it's lavishly decorated in blacks and reds, thick tapestries depicting the prophet's eye symbol covering the windows and a delicately carved eye drawn on the inside of the door that exits into the rest of the area. At least, with the tapestries, it's a bit warmer in here than in other places. "ALPHONSE ELRIC, DAY TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTY TWO, CONTACT @LELRIC FOR ANY ASSISTANCE." and "ALPHONSE ELRIC, DAY TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FIVE, CONTACT @LELRIC FOR ANY ASSISTANCE." are written on one of the walls.

It's also connected to the maintenance tunnels if your character needs a dark place to go and cry alone

write your starters, shitbirds

u heard me

Comments

[sharktrash]

1.

[ Squalo heads in first, just in case there's an anomaly or an axe murderer already in the room because Xanxus' safety comes first. (Granted, he's really probably the most axe-murderer-y person in Snowblind, but who's keeping count.) ]

[ If someone's already there, he's going to give one of his non-commital grins. "Well, isn't this a crowd." ]

[ If he got here first, he'll be settled down and looking judgingly at whoever joins them, not quite suggesting they leave but clearly thinking in. Except Angel, Angel gets his nice(ish) behavior and a lazy wave. ]


2.

[ He's mostly going to keep to himself (and Xanxus) in whichever part of the room they declared as their own. It's probably the most comfortable one. Like the big couch, if there is one. ]

[ ...also he's probably wrapping Xanxus in coats and/or towels and/or blankets and generally setting a proper warm nest for him and the motherfucking huge liger THAT IS ALSO THERE. Look he doesn't care what the peasants think, he's got a duty to make sure his lord is safe and comfortable. Any funny looks will be met with glares and "Whatcha looking at"s if they persist. ]


3.

[ Eventually, it's time for small (big) talk. ]

So. Any news from the modly death trap?


4.

[ Also, at some point he's going to be approaching Angel, looking just a bit less hostile and more casually playful than most of this evening, and offering her a small cardboard box that's been generously taped over to make it more secure. It's even maintained it's shape for the most part! One corner's a bit like someone nearly sat on it, but hey. ]

Hey! A deal's a deal. And it doesn't even have mold. Yet.

[ Surprise, the box contains a staleass cupcake that she asked for eons ago. ]

[ (He's not really making a sneaky attempt here, so anyone in the room is free to observe this... probably a bit unusual exchange.) ]

4 OFC

[phaseshifter]

Oh! is this - yesssss.

[ She hadn't forgotten about the cupcake or anything - she's Angel, after all, and sweet things are Very Serious Business - but the thought of it had kind of been lost amidst a whirl of John-and Beckett drama. And Rhys going AWOL. And, you know, Norfinbury stuff. The little box is an incredibly welcome distraction from all that, and for a moment it looks like she's either about to cry or start dishing out hugs.

She doesn't actually do either, though. Because Angel tears are super mega ultra rare, and Squalo hugs are The Bad Forbidden No-No-Touch™. So she just kind of smiles one of her most genuine and nose-crinkly of smiles and does an excited little hop from foot to foot before carefully stowing the box away in her bag.

SO HYPE. ]

And no mold! I've never felt so spoiled in my freaking life. You've gotta be careful! People will start thinking you're after something.

[ wink wonk teeheeheehee ]

[sharktrash]

[ That gets a wide amused grin, one that actually doesn't look like those teeth are about to connect to some throats. ]

Who cares what people think?

[ Also, you know, if he was really after something he'd just say it an act on it. But there's the whole motherfucking cold, dick-crippling sadness and unwavering loyalty thing to think of, so keeping it as their fun little game it is. ]

I was gonna bring a whole lot, but they ate the rest.

[ THUMBS OVER SHOULDER at Mr. Satantoddler and his giant cat. ]

[phaseshifter]

[ GAME? WOW. #TOPTENANIMEBETRAYALS ]

Well - since Rhys isn't here, I guess it doesn't actually matter? Unless you mind potentially getting grumbly parental chats from multiple angles. You know - what are your intentions for Angel and her cupcake, that kinda thing.

[ It's a pretty bad impression of Beckett, but it's still obvious who it's meant to be. She snickers, glancing over at Xanxus and Bester as they're indicated. ]

Huh. Neither of them really seem like the type to like sweets? But I guess people are full of surprises? So. Thank you. Just for saving this one.

[ MAXIMUM GOOGOO EYES ARE GO ]

[sharktrash]

[ LISTEN she wants that d she'll have to warm it up herself just sayin ]

[ every dude is carting around sad little turtles rn ]

Not really. I'd just tell them I would eat them both.

[ EYEFUCKING INTENSIFIES just kidding. Beckett's still not getting consideration though, because he did sort of just say it. ]

[ .....aaaaand a few days later Rhys is going to get an earful of the same thing anyway. ]

Ha! No, both of them prefer meat actually. But hey, a cupcake's a cupcake. Especially when the rest of dinner is grains and nuts. [ He makes a slight face, but then grins again. He's kind of tempted to boop her again honestly, the googoo eyes are so dumb, but withholds for now. ] You're welcome. Just returning the favor.

[phaseshifter]

Oh my g-- do you want your mouth taping up again? Because I have tape too, and I'll do it!

[ It's macaroni print duct tape, ftr. The least dignified of all tapes. DON'T TEST HER SHARKBOY ]

I guess any meat you picked up there would have gone bad pretty fast even in the cold, huh? Bleagh. Are - are the regular rations really okay for Bester, though? You're not gonna, uh. Wake up with a leg eaten or. Anything. Right?

[ SHIT CLEARLY THIS IS HOW SQUALO LOST HIS ARM ARE THEY ALL GOING TO GET EATEN IN THEIR SLEEP??????? ]

[sharktrash]

[ JUST FUCKIN LAUGHING you and what buff arms of yours Angel ]

What? It's a compliment!

[ geez women etc etc. he thought u were just worried about the father-haunted boy but it sounds like you're just shyyyyyy! ]

[ ...he sort of looks between Angel and Bester for a moment, considering. ]

No clue, actually. Never happened before... not to me, anyway. [ THATS REASSURING considering Bester is basically a sentient piece of Xanxus and Squalo is one of maybe two or three people in existence that Xanxus tolerates enough to maybe call it "likes". ] He doesn't seem to be getting sick at least.

[ YEAH SORRY NOT CATCHING THAT he's just worried about the liger whups ]

[phaseshifter]

[ Who needs buff arms when you have handcuffs. I MEAN ]

A compliment? Please. I bet you say that to all the girls you meet in frozen hellholes!

[ Sticky-out-tongue is a go. AND SHUSH she can be shy and worried about her dear sweet holofather okay!! She's never had a crush on anyone before and it's all very difficult and shut up. ]

Oh, good. Maybe the administrator fudged with his physiology a little? Like how Beckett can eat food and not just blood now? I mean, you're right, he looks pretty healthy. And fuzzy. Are people allowed to pet him? Or will I get yelled at.

[sharktrash]

[ whoa shit's kinky he's into this ]

A'ight, one, there aren't exactly lots of girls to meet here. Two, you're pretty special.

[ It's only her and Harley that don't seem to have some kind of a weird, overly sensitive reaction to murder and torture, and while Harley seems more into actually joining in the fun, Angel's not wearing creepy clown makeup (and not mentally married to a creepy clown dude). ]

[ Of course, something tells him that telling a girl she's one of his two final favorites isn't the best of ideas when trying to be a charmer. Something about being unique and all that. ]

[ oh no it's cute ]

Seems that way. He's also a lot... smaller than usual. [ Bester's usually the size of a goddamn couch. He gives her another grin; as far as he knows, Xanxus isn't particularly touchy about this as long as people remain respectful. ] I mean, you can try, but I can't guarantee he won't maul you a little bit. Especially if you seem nervous when approaching. You know how cats are.

[ "cats"... ]

[ is he talking about Bester or Xanxus at this point. who knows. applies to both honestly. ]

[phaseshifter]

Oh? Oh! Oh.

[ SQUALO NO THIS IS NOT HELPING!!! Angel is now single-handedly heating the entire room with her blushus and her tongue is tied in about fifteen knots and AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA ]

Well, you're - that's - [huff!] Um. Tiger. I mean - why would I be nervous! He's adorable. And, um. You know. I like dangerous things.

[ SHYBIE FINGERGUNS!

Look she's trying her best okay. ]

[sharktrash]

[ great. it's getting warmer in the room. all according to the keikaku ]

[ tbh it's sort of cute but also rly dumb so he fixes her with a Look. calm tf down angelcakes ]

[ but at the mention of dangerous things he grins wide and gives her a thumbs-up. both because that's a good view to have and because he's a dangerous thing so she just said she likes him THERE ]

He's also pretty chill! Or just lazy, not sure which. Go ahead.

[ inviting gestures. ]

[phaseshifter]

[ Calming down is easier said than done!! Though the thumbs up helps a little bit because yeah that was totally a sneaky little I LIEK U right there. Victory. Everybody clap, Angel did a flirt ]

What, now? Well. If you're sure it's okay. If I get chomped, make sure there's enough of me left for the administrator to revive me, okay?

[ SHE'S JOKING.

MOSTLY.

She really isn't scared, though, and kneels down by Bester to deliver careful and respectful pettings. If this was a ruse to get Angel on her knees then mission accomplished. ]

[sharktrash]

[ THATS NOT REALLY A WHOLE FLIRT THOUGH MORE LIKE 1/4??? still progress though, we're all proud of you Angel ]

Yeah. --if you do, don't struggle. He's playing but that'll make him chomp harder.

[ you sure know a lot about Bester playing and chomping Squalo... ]

[ either way he's just gonna observe, maybe go close enough to sit next to the liger. and Angel on her knees. look that is just a happy side effect but it is a pretty nice view ok ]

[warriorscribe]

[He has mixed feelings about this place. On the one hand, the cult decorations still put him on edge, even if it's less upsetting than it had been. On the other, he had a really nice conversation with Beckett in here, with the first real laugh after the whole tower thing, and kind smiles and words from him and...was there really anything else good that happened here? He'd like to go across the tunnels to the much nicer house with the gaudy furniture. But the others are settling in here and with certain present company and the nagging paranoia that someone will come for Beckett's life in revenge, he can't in good conscience do that.

He paces restlessly along one of the walls, his arms folded nervously over his stomach, keeping a wary eye on the trapdoor into the tunnels. It's probably kind of annoying.]

[phaseshifter]

Dude. Chill.

[ Angel is - shockingly - fiddling with her tablet instead of engaging with people, as is ever-increasingly the norm lately. She's also picking at that stale-ass cupcake Squalo brought for her, though, so she's in a considerably better mood than she has been over the last few days.

Still. She breaks off from her tapping and cake-devouring for a moment to look up at Enoch, so that's something. ]

You're gonna wear a trench in the floor.

[warriorscribe]

Oh, the last thing I need is to chill further.

[It's either deflect or immediately admit and the former is easier. The joke was the first thing to his mind, knowing Angel appreciates them. ...But maybe not terrible dad jokes he doesn't know are bad. Also he can't even muster the proper tone for levity, it's pathetic. But at least it's something he knows to apologize for, unlike the joke itself.]

...I'm sorry. [He comes to a stop, but restlessly shifts his weight.] I can't bring myself to relax.

[phaseshifter]

Oh, heck, dad jokes. This just got more serious by several magnitudes - you need a freaking intervention. Sit.

[ She pats the floor beside her with one hand, with a look that clearly says I'm-not-asking-I'm-telling-mister. She's still smiling, though. ]

Is it the cat that's freaking you out? Because I was a little worried too for a minute there, but it looks like it's not gonna snack on anyone while we sleep. It's fine.

[warriorscribe]

[He's rigid with tension even after he sits next to Angel, fiddling with his hands, one thumb rubbing the inside of the opposite wrist, over the vein.]

I was trying to-

[To keep her from worrying, yes, but what does it matter. His eyes are locked, still, on the only entrance, the trapdoor.]

No. I don't doubt it's well-fed or well-behaved. Otherwise its companions would be wary. It's nothing to fear.

[phaseshifter]

[ Hmmmmmmm. She knows Enoch is a worrier, but this level of tension is still a concern. Time to fuss. Angel leans against his side - a casual kind of hug-without-hugging - and gives him a searching look. ]

Expecting someone? Or just scoping out the exit?

[ Read: are you worried about what's in here, or out there? ]

[warriorscribe]

[He huffs a half-sighed laugh and shakes his head.]

A bit of both. Mostly the former. You're- you aren't worried someone else will act on Peter's words even though he stood down? I can't help but worry, it's- it's all I've been able to even dream of.

I know it's not as likely as I fear, I know we're good people here, mostly. But...

[That's kind of the problem, isn't it? That goodness does not preclude a threat to Beckett's life. Peter is proof of that, but at least he'd had the sense to calm down and listen to others. This late in the session, with resources uncertain, when Enoch can't be sure if there is time enough to waste or medicine enough to revive Beckett if he dies...]

[phaseshifter]

I'm not too worried, no. We've both stated that no one will be able to hurt Beckett without hurting us first, and I don't think anyone would be stupid enough to escalate things to that degree. Not if Peter isn't.

[ Because like. Hot damn that boy is dumb. ]

Plus we're kinda travelling with a couple of bona-fide badasses right now. If you'e that worried, I could ask Squalo if he'd help in the event of someone attacking us? We get on pretty well, and I could offer him some stuff to help sweeten the deal.

[ She literally means some stuff. From her bag. NOT A EUPHEMISM. ]

[warriorscribe]

[Enoch lowers his voice, flinching a bit. About that...that would be exactly why his answer was both.]

I can see that you two get along, but- he's one of the people I worry about. Did you overhear the argument between us and the magician Rhys in the cells?

[phaseshifter]

Nnnnno.

[ Which is surprising, since Squalo has all the volume control of a pissed-off bullymong. Maybe she was being worked on at the time? Or just sleeping off the awful.

Whatever. Not like it matters. Argument, huh. ]

I didn't. Did he say something terrible? Because I think that can be forgiven, considering the two broken arms.

[warriorscribe]

The pain he was in, the suddenness, that explains the attempt to kill me. It explains the anger. He gave the impression, though, that he doesn't discriminate between willful action and loss of control, even aside from that.

[He shakes his head. Though his eyes make a quick check of the room, they don't really focus on anything. He's kind of compromised right now.]

I can't trust him not to kill Beckett if he decides he's innately dangerous. Unless...do you think not angering you is priority enough for him not to?

[phaseshifter]

The attempt t-- oh, geez.

[ She can't even be surprised, remembering how he'd been in the cells. That doesn't mean she can't quietly drag her hands down her face for a moment, though. HEY SQUALO MAYBE STICK TO MURDERING PEOPLE ANGEL DOESN'T LIKE FOR A WHILE OK, ]

I think... by now he's likely realised that things aren't that clear cut. He isn't stupid. And that also means he isn't going to arbitrarily decide that Beckett is a danger. Unless Beckett attacks him or Xanxus, I'm sure things will be absolutely fine. Whether I'd be angry or not is pretty irrelevant to his motivations, it - I don't have him whipped or anything, geez.