That Flotsam and Friends RP @cryptid-killjoy - Tumblr Blog

Hellblazer Issue 292

#more #thomas feelz #valerie feelz #because yes #she loves he does stuff like that

Perhaps it was because Frank was not a stereotypically social person. The thoughts of people tended to go one of three ways - home, food, sex. It was dull around adults - though not all of them. Clopin was always entertaining. Bastien with the gargoyles. Even Dale was interesting ebcause his thoughts were quick to turn into anger, it was like watching matches go off on their own.

But kids were more interesting. They were like a breath of fresh air. Even the half-zombie ones.

So Frank sat his ass down and didn’t move his head as the bikes went over his, smoking his cigarette, taking in all that was happening outside. Like the girl and the boy too interested in the dead marine life, like the playboy spending time with children rather than flirting with girls, and like the slight tension that could still be felt as there was hardly any trust between everyone. Oogie’s side didn’t trust Flotsam’s side, Flotsam’s side didn’t trust Oogie’s, the Bellerose/Renault drama, even Bastien struggling against Jetsam.

It was like a soap opera and he didn’t mind not participating, but just watching.

–

Maddy looked at Jetsam, and nearly sighed. She knew, of course she knew, that Jetsam was uncontrollable. He was like a force of nature. Once he was out and about in Bastien’s body, the only thing that could be done was to wait out the rest of the storm and hope that the damage wasn’t too bad. Maybe even enjoy it a little - the thunder and lightning could be frightening but there was a billion dollar industry out there thriving on those kinds of thrills. It was like getting one for free - as long as she knew that she would be back in her bed when the sunshine came out, with her actual husband.

It was probably become evident to anyone who was around to hear, that knew Bastien, that it wasn’t Bastien in there. But Valentin didn’t know. Valentin was all aboard the Crazy train.

“That is what Nicolai does too!” Valentin said, excited, sipping on his drink. “His thing is mushrooms. Not just shrooms but - you know that … that show with that little potato girl? About the fungus zombies. He can do that! We did it with a deer once. Very fun.”

Maddy sipped her drink at that, feeling like she needed it.

Wanted to get some - she almost choked on her drink, and then forced a smile, tucking some hair behind her ear. “It was more than that, quite romantic actually, he’s just showing off,” She said, nudging Jetsam in her husband’s body. “He helped choose my name too. That really - that really cemented in it for me. Knowing it was going to be on his body for the rest of time-” She realized she was becoming quite sentimental and chuckled at herself, her arm going around Jetsam’s shoulders for a moment. Even as he started to get all kissy, she merely scrunched her nose and laughed lightly.

The distraction seemed to be working.

Valentin was looking at the scar with interest.

“Better than wedding rings, hmm?” He asked with eyebrows raised. “I like your style. Let’s see, devochka.”

Maddy stood up and carefully lifted the top and tugged down the bottoms just enough to show off the letters that were still surprisingly neat. In the healing, they haven’t gone too off-kilter. Proud lines, paler than the rest of her skin, more pink than olive toned. And as a man, Valentin noticed the thin black line of a gstring poking out of those black trousers.

“Feels like that movie with no-lips Bateman - American Psycho? It’s nice. Let’s see everyone’s scars and compare,” Valentin grinned. “I do not have many, other than where Nico and I hit each other with sticks when bored. There is man around here with lots of scars, yes? Tall man?”

“Frank,” Maddy nodded, letting her shirt dangle back down, and then sat back down, crossing her legs. “You want stories - he’s got plenty. But he doesn’t just hand them out.”

–

“Captain Dork, maybe,” Ellie said, then jumped onto Babyface’s back, wrapping her arms around him so he was forced into a piggyback. It was nice to be acting like a regular person again. Not thinking about kidnapping people. Not even thinking about the nightmare scenerio Oogie had given her before. Just - being with her friends and her boyfriend, off the damn island. “Let’s get more drinks!”

–

“Nah, I’m all dark meat,” Pierre joked over to the little cannibal kid. Leave it to fuckin’ Chip to have little kids like that, he thought as he grinned. And leave it to him to refer to himself like the chicken that he knew he was deep down.

He’d sit with the kids a couple more minutes, making sure that they weren’t going to go die in any ditches - though whether Chip’s lil zombie-werewolf brood could actually die was a question that he hadn’t thought of until that point - and then excused himself back inside to get a drink, and to see what Seven was up to.

–

Oogie wasn’t caught up on politics. Especially not politics in countries that she only breezed through on tour every once in a while. If she wanted a vacation, she wasn’t off to Peru or to Italy. She was in Death Valley, throwing her own burning man.

So these references went right over that bleached blonde head.

“All natural,” She said, much more offended by the idea of having fake breasts than anything. Okay, so maybe the rest of her was fake buuuut- “I get it, little Emperor, you’re jealous of the female form, I would be too if I was so stout, but that’s not what I’m here to talk to you about-“

“No,” Clopin shook his head. “Don’t do that. Rhyming is my thing. You can’t have it, Miss Throaty-Sing.”

Oogie managed to ignore that for the time being.

“Lock wants to talk to you. And I’m ensuring it’s happening.”

–

Thomas also looked around and had to agree - things were going on surprisingly well. Sure, Oogie had made her way to the Trouillefous but Clopin and Kuzco could handle themselves. And Jetsam and Maddy was a weird thing to think about but he didn’t underestimate that girl either - she could throw up shields and trap Jetsam in a bubble if she thought that he was going too far.

All in all, it was getting pretty rock’n’roll with the constant stream of people, and kiddos, going up to sing.

“Could be a good time, he seems in a good mood,” Thomas had to agree. “But I’m with you, you know that. After -” He closed his mouth, then shook his head, like he had promised himself to let by-gones be by-gones. “Not comfortable with letting you two be alone.”

Even if it wasn’t Valerie’s body - he still felt the need to protect her from Jetsam.

cryptid-killjoy

"Sounds like a cool guy to me. Fuck yeah. I want to see him do that."

Jetsam was so drawn in to this guy. Valentin. His brother Nic too for that matter even if they'd only had a wave. By Jetsam's standards they sounded like real up and up guys.

Jet hardly noticed that Maddy nearly choked on his words. He listened to her version and what details she was adding in. He nodded along.

"Yup yup yup. My momma's name." Then Jetsam realized something Bastien never did. "I mean if didn't work out at least it'd still make sense, so it wasn't that big of a risk. Sucka!"

Then he turned to Maddy with his arm around her and kept her nice and close. Jetsam noticed the black undies too. "Just kidding. Just kidding. BUT it did. It did work out. I totally scored. Way better than wedding rings. But yeah, Frank's a fucking legend. So, anyway about those tattoos."

Then right when he was testing his luck on letting his thumb run down the outer edge of her breast just by her rib he suddenly jumped up and yelled, "Oh shit! Oh shit!"

He stared out into the distance the same way Bastien would when any sort of hallucinations would overwhelm him. Whatever he was seeing made him jump clean out of his skin. He put his hands up as if to block something that wasn't there.

Then he slowly started grinning like he'd figured something out, but with a very accusatory tone. "Who slipped me acid?"

Chess shook her head. "Like I'd tell you if I did. What's the fun in that?"

She didn't, but it certainly left the feeling that she was the type to do such a thing. She was. Then Chess stood up to show off her scars too. "I got tattoos over most of mine. But you can feel them." She stood right up, kicked off her shoes, and shoved her pants down which left her in a pair of Sailor Moon boy shorts. Then she hiked her slender-tattoo-covered leg up on the table to point out the uneven parts where there were scars that speckled up and down both her legs. "I got them by being buried alive. That was fun or maybe I was buried dead. I don't remember. It's the same thing really."

---

Babyface liked being normal again too. He was ready to overindulge. He yelled, "Hell yeah!" And then took the long route to the drink table by spinning Ellie around and making fast zig zags around the room so she'd get a wild ride on his shoulders. Then he'd attempt to keep balance as he tried to reach for different bottles to see what all they had there.

---

When Seven saw Pierre coming, he started to make his exit from Lock saying he'd catch up with him later. He wasn't ready for anything too weird to be spoken about just yet and wasn't sure where Lock might take the conversation. Still Lock gave Pierre a wave and said, "Hey" as he approached, totally knowing where they'd all once been, at least the other Pierre had been dead too. Seven would say, "Pipes is singing. Should we go check her out?" He was trying to flee the scene.

---

Kuzco looked skeptical when she said she was all natural still wobbling his hands and still insinuating her boobs were lopsided. Then he put his hands up as if to concede and say, if you say so. He did not look convinced and was slightly amused.

"Uh huh."

The line "I love the Way You Lie" started to play from his groove power over and over. His amusement had no self-control. He couldn't have stopped it if he tried. His face didn't even try to cover it up as she tried to jab more at him. After that he got bored. Trying to say he was jealous went in one ear and out the other. So, his uh huh began to encompass everything she threw at him in those two condescending syllables because he was tuning her out. His mind had a tendency to wonder when he wasn't interested. He wanted to have fun at this party and she wasn't it.

He was zoned out enough to turn away from her and speak to the invisible audience he often consults with. "Did anyone else notice her breath? If you were standing as close as I am, you would have. Space. I'm going to have to decontaminate after this." As bratty as it seemed he wasn't even trying to be. They were his real thoughts, truly believing he was chatting someone up.

He turned back to Clopin still not listening, as Kuzco does, and missed her demand completely.

He didn't even hear the name Lock. His mind had already moved on to the way the fabric of Clopin's clothes hung against him. This was far more interesting. He really needed to give their tailor a raise. His smirk evolved into a lustful grin and took steps towards his husband slash caregiver. It probably made him appear rather ditzy being so nonresponsive and then giving ga ga eyes in Clopin's direction. Kuzco wasn't used to anyone demanding his attention anymore. It simply didn't happen. It didn't compute and he certainly never paid such a thing any mind. So, his brain clicked off and ignored her completely. He was so used to doing whatever he wanted when he wanted, he simply turned into Clopin, took his arm, and attempted to walk away as if she had zero relevance at all.

---

Lock definitely didn't mind Seven wanting to go off with Pierre. He kept his distance, but he sure was trying to see what his mother was doing.

---

Then there was Flotsam. He was still taking more swigs trying to mentally prepare for talking to his brother. He wasn't going to do it if Thomas had any objections, but he seemed to agree. It was time. He only had one caveat. Thomas didn't like the idea of the pair being alone together. There was a time in Flotsam's life he'd have balked for the sheer concept of feeling controlled somehow even if he didn't want to be alone with him. He could be contrary like that, never liking being told what to do, but he'd grown. Thomas's feelings always mattered. He took what Thomas said to heart and shook his head. "I understand. Probably don't need to be anyway. It's Three Amigos or bust... or something like that."

So, he took one last bigger gulp and made his way over to the area the rest of his band was hanging out with Maddy and Valentin. He was really starting to feel the alcohol in his face too.

He happened over about the time Chess was showing off her leg scars and Jetsam had just jumped up like something just bit him in the butt. Flotsam's eyes widened and looked to Maddy trying to make sure everything was okay.

"Woah bad trip relax. Relax Juh-Bastien." He damn near messed up his name. They were surrounded by so many friends it was easy to forget Jet was supposed to be keeping his alias. The rule was mostly set for audience and fan sake, and Bastien's sake, but it still felt like it should apply at a party where they didn't know everyone.

"Why don't you come with me for a minute? I got a special drink that'll help even you out." He played up to the acid trip concept honestly unsure if that moment was a Bastien thing or Chess and her mushrooms thing. Either way he wanted to get his brother away from the bulk of the group.

"Yeah, yeah okay. Sounds good." Jetsam was propelled like a magnet when his twin offered to spend any time with him. This is something that simply didn't happen anymore. He wanted it. Flotsam motioned his head at Maddy unbothered if she followed or not. Flotsam put his arm around him and started to lure him away and joked to the rest at the table, "I'll bring him back unharmed and if you're lucky, I'll show you my scars."

Once away and around the corner in Marrassa's bedroom, the only place that seemed empty he kept up the jovial nature and slapped him on the back. "Hey bro. We had a kick ass set up there. Tonight was awesome. Thanks for real bro. The band sounds better than ever."

Then he looked out at Thomas, "Can you get him a drink?" He had promised him something but had nothing up his sleeve to pretend he had some perfect evening out drink to pair with his acid.

"Yeah, fuck yeah. I felt alive again. This was good shit. Can't wait for a full ass tour. Electric Voodoo's back."

Tour? It had crossed Flotsam's mind but wasn't sure he was ready to commit.

"Chess and Koda are ready to sign the fuck up, Flotty."

Of course they were.

Small talk like this ensued for a few minutes more, when Flotsam finally got up to what he really wanted to say.

He held Bastien's face, which felt a little weird, but it was the most natural thing to do to his brother. "Listen. I need to talk to you. For real. So, you gotta focus. I know we've been trying to work shit out. Act like shit's normal when you and I both know it's not and I just want to say, it's okay. I think I'm okay is what I mean. I mean, my life's good. Everything worked out. Nobody's mad anymore. I'm done being mad. I just mean, I forgive you, miss you, and everything's okay, okay?"

Jet pulled his Bastien shaped face back and looked like the words shocked him nearly as much as the hallucination had.

"You mean it?"

"I mean it."

"Alright. No take backs. I can't wait to tell Savvy."

Straight to Savvy. Of course he would.

Then Jet slammed a big ol' hug on his brother to where Flotsam's arms were stuck straight out like he was flying it came on so quick. He was unprepared for how hard and tight it was going to be. Once again, the Bastien shape felt foreign, but knowing it was Jet had him eventually wrap his arms around him too.

When Jet did let go, he acted so nonchalant. "Normal? Heck, everything is normal for me, babe. I mean fucking Hell. This aint the first body I was ever stuck in. I'm glad this one's a boy. Don't feel like me without a dick. A dude needs a set of balls, Flot. I hated being stuck in Ariel. That was torture. Not quite as bad as the torture I was in when you first rose me up and I was like a living beef jerky stick. You look way better in a dress by the way."

Flotsam closed his eyes trying to shut out a few memories that Jet was bringing to the surface.

"Right. I guess I didn't think of it that way."

Jet had a relationship with being dead like no other.

"That's because you always twist everything out of shape and make a big deal out of shit. Well, I'm used to dying and coming back in different ways. I don't know any other life. Aint used to you holding a grudge for so long. I knew you'd come around. You're my Flotty. You'll always be my Flotty."

There was definite possession in his voice, but Flo was too used to that. Flotsam kept on a soft smile, but part of him was regretting it already, while another part was enjoying hearing the way he spoke. It was so familiar. It made it feel like he never left. He wasn't looking into his own mirror image anymore though and it kept Flotsam very sober to the fact Jetsam was actually still dead, and he knew he wouldn't be around all the time. Somehow that made what cautions he had felt safer. No one was turning back the hands of time here.

With all Jet was saying it made Flo ask, "So, you're not mad at me either?" He truly thought Jet would hold his own grudge.

"Me? Nah. You didn't kill me."

Yikes. Flotsam wanted to steer clear of where that might take them.

"I mean, you and Savvy are good with Chip, right?"

With Savvy being involved with Chip Flotsam simply had always assumed everything was fine.

Jet shrugged. "I mean, yeah I guess so. That's my kid."

Flotsam felt suspicious of the indirection answer but tried to take it at face value.

"Okay. Cool. Soooo, we're good?"

"Yeah, I'm good."

And just like that Flotsam could feel he'd opened up the floodgates. He had needed to release what was inside him though, come what may. But the hatchet was buried. Flotsam had no intentions of punishing Jetsam with his silence anymore.

"Well fuck let's party up. Where's your fuck-buddy with that drink? You got any coke?" Jet turned to look for Thomas. He was looking for his drink and his welcome home.

It shouldn't have surprised Flotsam that Jetsam was still referring to Thomas, his husband of many years now his fuck-buddy, but it did actually catch him a little off guard.

"Husband." Flotsam corrected.

"But you do fuck him."

"Well... yeah."

Jet just smirked. "Coke?" He asked again pushing for drugs. Flotsam once upon a time always had something around. Hell, he basically ran his own cartel. It didn't mean he had any on him.

"I don't know. Maybe ask Dale."

Dale was enjoying the party. He could tell by the smiling people in Dale's shared sight window. It was instant regret not wanting to mess with Dale's good time. Hopefully it wouldn't.

#sevenxpierre #lockxpierre #jetsamxmaddy #jetsamxvalentin #babyfacexellie #kuzpin #kuzcoxoogie #flotsamxthomas #flotsamxmaddy #jetsamxthomas

manmythlegend - "90% sure Mothman stole my nachos."

#silvain's insta

When the Veil was Thin - Trailer Park Edition

@orleans-jester

In life all Taryn ever wanted to was to get out of town, more to the point, to rise above trailer park living. She was raised in Sherwood, but that life wasn't for her. She couldn't dote on the delusions of a make believe Robin Hood or his whole make believe merry band. That included her mother. Managing to get emancipated was a feat of it's own. She always saw the trailer park as step one.

Alas, step two never would come to fruition. She died before any of her plans could ever hatch. Her bitter soul remained stuck in that Hell space of a trailer park. The same trailers weren't all still there, but the ones that were had remained unoccupied by the emptiness of Feral's lacking population. Still, every Halloween since, not that anyone had even noticed, she appeared. Though the dead could walk freely on this one night, she never left the grounds. She couldn't get very far in one night anyway. Why bother? The people left in Feral weren't people that she thought would ever want to see her again anyhow. She knew she burned her bridges. She didn't mind coming back to this plain and sulking in the remnants of what was once her life. It reminded her of how much of a fuck up she was. Plus, despite everything she actually had some decent memories in this trailer park. At least it wasn't Sherwood.

This Halloween was different. Someone came through the park. She couldn't help but grin ever so casual. She hadn't expected to see another face at all.

#taryn starter #starting spooky season early

Flotsam was getting ready for his day, nothing too special going on, just a regular day. The family didn't have anything in particular planned. There were no business meetings. All was calm on the Laveau front.

Except Flotsam's mind... as usual.

He was tying his shoes casual as anything when he looked up at Thomas and said, "I think I'm going to kill my mother today."

@orleans-jester

#flotsamxthomas

Second Honeymoon

@orleans-jester

Boy did Bastien really hate planes. There was a lot of traveling involved in this vow renewal, but he knew it was all going to be worth it once they were at each destination. Rainbow mountains here they come. Kuzco and Clopin seemed to inspire all. Peru and Italy. Bastien couldn't help but think of Silvain when thinking of Italy. He knew his home was there now. It was where Caim settled him in once he became part of his crew. He also knew Silvain had a love/hate relationship with West Virginia where the bulk of his story began. Peru also reminded him of Piper, not just Clopin and Kuzco. He had a feeling they weren't going to be visiting her while they were there, but he wasn't sure. He knew his wife was fine with Piper coming to the ceremony, but he wasn't sure how deep she wanted to get in with her after the whole Pierre situation. He mostly knew he didn't want his wife getting upset for any reason while on their special trip.

He had to get seatbelt extender when he was in day form or else it wouldn't pull all the way across his chest. He kept fiddling and adjusting it.

"Okay detail girl." He'd say on the plane. "Where first?" He left the honeymoon planning more up to her. It only dawned on him now that he had no idea where the plane was headed. Italy or Peru. He had just been following her in the airport. It was hard to focus sometimes when planes couldn't be perfectly aligned with his peak hours. Plus, whenever they had Frankie in public he tended to hyperfocus on her.

#bastienxmaddy

Seven had been invited over to the Boogie home. He hadn't told Pierre or Zero much about it, much less his mothers. He wasn't exactly sure why. It wasn't like people might not have noticed him mingling with them at the Ozzy party or that he hadn't ever told anyone he found out about Lock being his father when he was dead.

Maybe he just wanted to keep neutral as his parents always tried to keep his demeanor or maybe he just wanted to keep something for himself. So, for now, he went on his own and kept it to himself. He simply wasn't sure what expectations he had for the evening. He wasn't sure if everyone was going to pretend his whole life hadn't passed them by before trying to connect and pass it off as just a pleasant visit or what. He wasn't sure how long any of them knew. He hadn't put all his true feelings out there to those who did raise him and how he felt about them keeping it a secret. It felt strange to want to seek out whatever this was going to be and wanting honesty from the Boogie's before really prying much out of his parents. The only thing he did know was he loved his parents and didn't want to start a feud, but that didn't mean he wasn't so very angry at the same time. All he really knew was he felt compelled to go to Boogies and see what would happen.

So, he took a big breath as he looked down at himself, dressed simply in jeans, boots, and a dark top. One more breath as he stared down the door and finally knocked.

@orleans-jester

#seven starter

Delta had been sitting on a long-standing prisoner for some time. She'd put him off for so long that if it wasn't for her hunch getting the job of feeding him once a day and him sometimes asking questions she might have forgotten about Silas all together.

With the dungeon pair off on their honeymoon someone had to feed him, so she had to delegate the chore off to one of her dark fae guards. This was what put him at the forefront of her mind again. She thought she was pretty funny when for Christmas she gave him the promise of an audience after the new year. She never did say when or how long after the new year. It'd been months. Hell, it was nearly the next year.

Still, once it came to her mind again, she kept fiddling with the necklace that housed Chernabog's soul. Her ever-conflicted feelings from her past with Jenner and Heresy versus Jenner and Oogie versus Uncle Jenner and the memories of a young Delta Triton seemed to never resolve itself. It's what kept her from seeing Silas. She thought making a decision about what to do with Silas might feel like taking sides she didn't want to take. Her head was damned if she did and damned if she didn't. It was what made Chernabog right around her neck feel safe and close to her heart all while being in complete control of what she didn't trust about him.

She also knew she didn't owe Silas a thing. She couldn't put a name to why she felt so stalled. She finally went to Frank after all this time and tried to confront it.

"I want to talk about Silas."

She sat down in a very ready to put it all out there openness all while wearing the cold face built from the wall she has up about the whole situation.

"Tell me. Out loud. Your honest to goodness thoughts on him. Is giving him a chance stupid?"

She knew some already. She lived in his head so often, but she needed finality. She needed to know if she let him stay how much it would bother him or if it really would. How much of his thoughts are sarcasm or masochism or just purely not giving two little shits. What would he support or not support for that matter. It all mattered to her. She needed the bottom line. Did her fucked up feelings knowing that was Chernabog's son annoy the fuck out of him? She played with the miniature brass vessel around her neck as she braced herself for all cards on the table.

@orleans-jester

#deltaxfrank

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#more young chip and dale vibes

orleans-jester

Nothing was awkward in the slightest - even if it wasn’t something that GoGo and Dale actively talked about. Afterwards, there was still affection - hugs, quick pecks, plans to hang out when their schedules would allow. Times like this, with GoGo being next to Dale for the ceremony, felt - really good.

And if all else failed - they could always laugh together. That’s something that they clearly had.

Maddy was focused solely on her husband, even as everyone else came to the dance floor. Well, once she made sure that Frankie was in sight. Motherly instinct slightly overtook romanticism. But seeing that Frankie was with Willem let her give all of her attention to her husband, hand on his cheek, leaning in for a quick kiss before their first song was over.

Frank was in a little over his head with Laverne. Something that didn’t happen that often. Usually, even before Delta, when he would be with the scribbles every once in a while, people were too intimidated to actually flirt, or get sentimental. The few that knew that he was a mama’s boy would still see the cold expression that he often wore on his face - resting bitch face, some might say - and not get too close.

Laverne, as in Bastien, didn’t feel that way, which was evident.

“A pebble?” Frank asked, the corner of his mouth going up in slight amusement. “Doubt you were ever a pebble there, Laverne.”

Clopin and Kuzco cut a rug on the dance-floor, so to speak. The prosthetic leg never held the jester back, not for a second. It actually gave him even more drama because he could bust it out like a Real House Wives moment. Which he completely did, by the way. More than once. In public.

Figaro did have that ability, like Funkytown, to bring the strange out of people. Even those that were already strange. No judgment, because Figaro was self-aware that they probably had weirder thoughts than everyone here. Diablo was weird - but Fig loved their own brand of weird. Diablo wasn’t just Delta’s pet. Diablo was Figaro’s pal.

Frankie seemed to inherit Kuzco’s groove somehow, dancing without any form of self-consciousness in the way that only kids really seem to be able to. The world was still all fun and wonder to her, and she brought that to her moves, trusting implicitly that if she got dizzy, Willem would be there to catch her.

Elsa would agree to the dance with Koda - because that was part of the reason that she was here. To be among this strange group of people that all seemed to accept each other despite inner-working drama, old relationships, new relationships, cutting people out, letting them back in. Plus she was still trying to think of a favor to ask of Bastien.

She had an idea of that already.

But wasn’t selfish enough to interrupt the wedding for it.

As it were, the thought of favours managed to escape from her usually airtight mind when lips came into play. Like Koda was the only one who really knew how to take her out of her own brain, at least for a little while. Her fingers - painted, for the occasion - went up to the nape of his neck, delicately playing at the hair that was there. The moment was intimate. It felt like it was for them. Even if this night wasn’t.

Thomas saw the interaction once Valerie did and nearly let out a laugh, putting his face into Valerie’s shoulder. “Who would have thought, huh?” He mused outloud, kissing her shoulder now that he was already there. Always the opportunist.

GoGo was hanging around with a glass of wine and the joint, switching between the two, watching everyone dance. There wasn’t jealousy from her end either. She kept glancing over to Thomas and Valerie and grinning at how cute they looked, as if they were her own mom and dad. The affection of the Laveaus was a sight to behold, and an experience to treasure.

She just missed Dale by a hair, Scout taking up her vision entirely.

“As long as you don’t mind that I’ll have even less rhythm than usual,” She laughed, setting down the half-empty glass, and stubbed out the joint carefully, putting the rest in her bag for later before joining Scout in a sort of bouncing dance, trying her best but also not taking it too seriously.

Elsa would smile softly when she saw Dale and would nod towards Koda, giving her permission as well. “I’ll never give up a chance to dance with you,” She said, the wine slightly in her head, the quick hit she took helping her feel a touch looser than usual.

“You clean up nice,” Elsa commented. Of the remaining Laveau children, she was now closest to Dale, though she still had a relationship with Chip and with Scout. It wasn’t quite the same as it had been like with River, Dale was already grown when she came into his life, but regardless. She looked at the curly-haired man with nothing but fondness.

Maddy was inclined to agree, looking around with a grin. “I think we even put Funkytown to shame - not that I’ll ever tell Fig and Willem that. Much less chance of our ankles being stabbed around here.”

cryptid-killjoy

Laverne kept up her cougar-lady flirtatious smile almost like all her experience made her know she was catching him out of his element. "Oh, what do you know about pebbles?" She said sly and rhetorical as her hips kept up a nearly too close for comfort sway-sway-sway set more by her own beat than the music's.

Hugo who was dancing with Delta watched the other pair over her shoulder every time he bounced just high enough to see over. He was probably the only one in the room just shorter than Delta. All Delta kept thinking besides how erratic Hugo danced (the bouncing was the most annoying part, but it still made her laugh) was this must be close to how Frank feels dancing with her, minus the bouncing. It started to mortify her more than she'd ever contemplated her own stature before. In fact, it never was on her radar to think about before... until now.

When the song finally came to an end and Delta managed to pull herself away (which was a challenge in of itself) she made a natural bee line back to Frank in a need to recalibrate. She was grinning and though she wasn't quite like Frank who rarely smiled for the masses, but this grin was actually pink and flushed like she'd either just done a workout or was actually showing outward embarrassment mixed in with the silliness she felt after. She gave Laverne a nod who was just walking away. She watched the stone gargoyle wave, throw her man an air kiss, as she said, "See you on the dance floor at the next big event." Then off she toddled back to her stone crew adjusting her big church hat.

Delta couldn't help but think she reminded her of an old church lady or auntie who goes up pinching the cheeks of over aged teens who don't want to be touched at family gatherings they hadn't seen in forever. So, as soon as she left Delta's smile opened up into a big laugh where she slung her head down and shook it making her hair bounce extra swoopy when it looked back up.

"Okay. Maybe that made having to walk down that aisle all worth it."

Then the next song was on, and Delta nearly reached forward like they might in their own home. Never in her life in the privacy of her own home or otherwise did her height ever once enter her mind. It did this time just as she reached for him. She went up on her toes for a second and then back down realizing that was a stupid move. Then she expanded and stretched her wings straight up instead of out. She stretched until they ALMOST reached the height of his head... almost.

Dale felt relieved when he had Elsa in his dance square. It helped shake off the awkwardness that swept through his body when he got jumped in front of by his sister with GoGo. He wasn't used to that feeling. Dale was no Pierre, but he never had much of a problem with girls. Piper would disagree because she sees the lack of non-real-girlfriends as a problem because it's how she sees herself despite being able to get practically any date she could want. So, she viewed him through the lens she sees herself through. She eventually decided it was her own choice. But deep down she knew the truth, so she figured Dale did too.

Dancing with Elsa let the pressure off of who and whys he was dancing with anyone. His smile relaxed.

"Thanks, and I promise no Cheetoh fingers to ruin your dress. Which in fact is gorg. You clean up pretty nice yourself. But I always knew that. I remember when we first you, me and Chip. We'd call you the hot aunt. It used to drive Dad nuts so we did it more." He laughed. What kid didn't like to annoy their parents? Though truth was he wasn't sure if it was because of the term hot or aunt. It took Flotsam awhile to latch on to how vital a part of the family she would always be in his bitterness. Times sure had changed.

"And you know what? I bought this suit myself. It's not a rental and Dad didn't pay for it." Dale stepped back so Elsa could get a little look before squeezing back in for the dance. He was proud of earning his own money. The Laveau kids had always been spoiled and doted on. They didn't know the humble life Flotsam did growing up, but being able to say he was doing it for himself now was the thing that gave him any sense of self anymore.

Silvain and Willem ended up surrounded by most the kids of the party who wanted to take turns dancing with them both. Frankie, Chip's kids, and the Laveau triplets turned into a crowd of getting down silliness as each song kept changing. Slow songs wore the tops of their shoes out from little feet standing on them. Faster songs looked like a little kid dance party or mosh pit skipping in circles with a mothman and a pixie pirate leading the way.

Valerie agreed. She was used to seeing Koda and Elsa around each other by now, but that was the whole thing. It wasn't just about seeing them together anymore that made it strike so strange. It was how long it had been going on. "Yeah, I thought it was funny when it first started. I just never imagined it going on so long." She chuckled thinking it would have fizzled out by now. She guessed she didn't give Koda enough credit or was judging Elsa based on the old Elsa they knew as a teenager. Whatever it was it was finally dawning on them they may have had something real after all.

Scout was having fun with what she now would call her absolute best friend in the whole world. Every now and then she got little crush-tastic thoughts. It was hard not to when they were so close. It was a moment like this Scout thought she was cutest thing ever. She never had intentions of acting on such a thought not to spoil their best friend vibe, but that didn't mean she didn't daydream about it every once in a blue moon. It was why she'd keep eye contact grinning just a little too long as they danced. It was that modest attempt at holding back flirtation she might usually let loose on someone else. Brief and subtle glimpses that dissipated back into all fun and dancing in a matter of seconds.

Bastien and Maddy were deciding their wedding was one of the best parties ever as they both looked around at their crowd of friends.

Friends.

Bastien knew all too well how fragile the rotating door of friendship could be. It didn't even have to be something like bad blood between people. It was just that time had a way of changing things. Oh, how his life had changed so many times over the years. It made his mind race from his circus days to the streets, to Esme's house, to more street days, to his days with Maddy, and everything in-between. There were so many people here he couldn't imagine losing now. It made him smile at not only quantity but the quality.

"I kinda love today. I'm so glad we did this."

It was a vow renewal and not something they had to do, but a decision they made together. Everyone in the crowd looked so happy too. He wanted to remember everyone this way. So, he took one last look at his reception party to save it in his mind.

It was time to head out and do their own thing. Heck, everyone could do their own thing in Paris now.

Paris!

He'd made it through his crypt ceremony without any weird flub ups. He felt like a million dollars in his periwinkle suit. He had the best friends and the hottest most amazing reaper wife along with the best kid a father could ever hope for. Magical kid. His magic and so far, she seemed so smart and normal. Normal in a good way. He remembered feeling like Forest Gump when he found out he had a kid and wanted to know if he was smart or like him. That scene really struck him hard in the heart and Frankie was so perfect in his eyes. Life was damn good. He couldn't imagine feeling any other way.

"I don't know what everyone else's plans are, but let's go enjoy our second honeymoon."

And that is how they left. They were headed elsewhere. Paris for once wasn't the final destination.

As for everyone else some would head back home right away. Others had plans of vacationing in Paris while they were there.

Caim, Silvain, Jules, and Death would all eventually head back to their own lives. Only Jules stayed a little longer to scope out the newest Paris fashions in person. Caim took Silvain back to the home he kept him in before departing for his own realm, and Death went back to his usual everywhere at all once existence.

Kuzco and Clopin intended to hang around awhile and do some nostalgic exploration of their usual favorite spots. They weren't about to leave without a visit to Notre Dame and the tower. Two of their favorites, plus they'd visit the more special places of Clopin's world as if it were the very first time.

Most of Chip's family would head back to New Zealand. Everyone except Pippin, Ray, and Jenna. They went out to explore the world together and have some of their first big times away from home. Ziya, the kids, and Raya with Chip went on home where it was easiest to care for those who didn't do well in public long. They were already thanking goodness nothing too weird went wrong with the kids at the ceremony or the reception. They would have hated to take attention away from the main couple. It was the sort of thing their family always held their breath about. They were all going to be happy seeing the others' pictures and hearing their stories when they got back. Plus, Chip always felt like Paris was more of Clopin and Kuzco's romantic notion. It was Bastien and Maddy's now too. Chip liked to write his own story. He just didn't need the experience.

Dale and Scout stuck around for a weekend whirlwind of brother/sister time checking out all the places Clopin, Kuzco, and Piper were always going on about. To them nothing would beat out Bastien and Maddy's crypt though. No matter where else they visited, nothing could top the coolness of that place. Scout took a billion pictures at the ceremony of the venue alone, not just the event itself. She was so impressed. They'd invite GoGo if she wanted to stick around with them too.

Diablo would end up back in bird form by the end of the night sensing Delta was ready to go. He'd land on her shoulder as she and Frank went back to their own hotel. They hadn't quite made plans one way or the other what they were going to do. She had been so focused on the fact she was maid of honor that she didn't think beyond that at all. That's why when the night was over and they were back in their room she'd ask Frank, "What do you want to do now?" She didn't mean whether to go to bed or not. "Are we going back home after this?" She never had any romanticized notions of Paris as so many people did. It wasn't her type of romance. Much like Scout, and apparently Bastien and Maddy, the catacombs was the best place there. But they were here. She was trying to search her mind and think about what they might do if they stayed. "Any ideas?"

Zero and Dr. Frankenstein did what Scout and Dale did. They stayed for a few days. It wasn't a long stay, but it was enough to play tourist and get all the good sights in. It would end up a long overdue event because despite living together it was rare Victor wasn't working and his mind obsessed with whatever was on the slab, and Zero, for once, had Victor all to himself, and visa versa. Victor didn't feel any competition with the outside world and all his friends. There were no medical emergencies that called them away either. They sorted through a lot of their own feelings while having a great Paris vacation at the same time.

Chess went back to Wonderland and Jagan went back to the Philippines to touch base with his family before embarking on the next big phase of his and Koda's business adventure. Piper went back to Peru to show face for many of her international and diplomatic responsibilities that Kuzco could never keep up with. He was so thankful he never ended up in her position after all. To him it looked like way too much work. At this point it wasn't in his nature at all, and he was never going to change. He didn't mind showing up to wave at people in parades or ribbon cuttings though. That was always a fun perk to his daughter being some sort of dignitary.

Then there was Valerie and Thomas who managed their way back to their hotel. They had actually planned on staying in Paris for a while, but once they got back from the reception Val wasn't so sure anymore. She'd be standing in front of the hotel mirror and taking her earrings off as she said, "Is it just me or do you feel like we've heard so much about France from Clopin's ever so vivid stories over and over again that it nearly feels like we've done this already?"

Lastly there was Koda and Elsa. Koda had had every intention of another holiday with Elsa. After the couple of trips they'd gone on together, hotel life was starting to feel like their norm. When they got back to theirs, he'd sit on the bed and say, "Can't say I'm disappointed in how that party went down. The skulls were cool. Bones everywhere. I didn't realize it was Bastien and Maddy's style. I picture them so differently. I think... I'm...impressed." He laughed. Then he looked at a pile of tourist pamphlets he'd grabbed in the lobby when they first came in. "The Louve, Tours of the Beaches of Normandy, Monet's House and Garden Tour, Happy Hour Cruise on the Sienne River, Osay Museum, um Moulin Rouge Cabaret? Does any of this spark any interest at all? I admit I didn't actually make any plans. I might have failed in pulling this one off. The last couple times we went somewhere I always had an end goal. Help me out?" Paris wasn't exactly Koda's dream vacation, but if they were there, he figured why not make the most of it?

#deltaxfrank #lavernexfrank #valeriexthomas #bastienxmaddy #dalexelsa #kodaxelsa

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#why do I feel like this is young chip and dale #haha

#bastien vibes

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#valerie vibes

orleans-jester

Frank knew right away that he could have put images in the thoughts of these kids that would make them scream their little hearts out. Terrifying things that could give them PTSD - and for a second, he was almost tempted.

That’s something Oogie would do, and he had to be better than that.

Regardless, he’d hold that in his backpocket in case they tried to use him as a jungle gym.

He pulled out a cigarette and gave it a puff, exhaling the smoke, then licked his lips, much like a lizard, with that split tongue.

“Go on,” He encouraged with a wave of his hand. “See if you can get as high as me.”

–

Oogie held in the sigh that threatened to escape through her lips at the clumsiness of the woman in front of her. But she wouldn’t ever want her to change, either. “Of course you can, Medusa. You’re practically a gorgon yourself.”

She lifted her own drink at that.

She and Cruella had a lot of things in common, and she missed the woman. They were both of the opinion that marriage took more good women away than any sort of war ever could. The women lost in NOLA’s zombie-ending was just a speck.

“Might have to skin a few dogs, to make up for her absence,” She said, half-joking.

–

Nicolai just nodded in response to Annabel and found the bar, going through and swiping a bottle of Smirnoff. “Only appropriate,” He said with a smirk, claiming the bottle for his own. He heard his name being mentioned by Valentin, and turned in his direction, holding up the bottle as a cheers to his partner in crime.

–

“Enjoy it, they do not last too long,” Valentin sighed, as if the restraints of his magic were a great tragedy. “A day at most. Nothing can compare to originals.”

Valentin’s eyes grew large and a big grin crossed his face. He hadn’t known what to expect when he had been invited to this exclusive party - but it hadn’t been to find his people. Bastien right now was seeming very much his people.

“Yes,” He said, immediately. “I wanna. We wanna.”

That’s when Nicolai lifted his drink and Valentin did in return, the two in complete sync as they drank from their drinks.

“Nic is very into the body farms, he gardens. I call him Mary, like that English rhyme. Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?” He laughed, delighted. “Not flowers. But still lots of growth.”

“Hmm - how about you have some time to think about it?” Maddy said, her dark eyes meeting the blue of her husband’s. She was having a good time tonight, even if it was Jetsam in her husband’s body. It was one thing watching him be a rock star, and drinking. But it was another to change Bastien’s body in any way without his permission.

“But I might,” She nodded. She was feeling good. She was feeling a bit more carefree - at least with herself. Mama wasn’t mama for the night. She was Maddy. Maddy fuckin’ Bellerose. “You like scars, Nicolai? That’s more of our thing. You should see my husband’s arm. It’s my favorite thing.”

“Everyone has scars,” Valentin shrugged, appearing a touch bored at the concept. “Is only as interesting as the story.”

–

Figaro joined in with the howling without a moment’s hesitation. They were joined by Thomas, because what werewolf couldn’t resist a howl when he heard one. He’d chuckle and give Will a pat on the back.

“Sounds better than some of the ones I’ve done, good job,” He nodded towards the pirate boy.

“Big praise, Papa Wolf,” Figaro said, grinning towards Thomas. “You’re the professional. Hey, you ever think of recording them howls for me? I want to know what your wolf side says.”

“Probably something like, hungry,” Thomas was amused. “Or ‘where the fuck are my pups?’”

“Potentially,” Figaro nodded. “But - what if it’s the Pokemon theme song? Or you’re asking for hugs from the spirit of Bea Arthur? Inquiring minds want to know, Thomas Laveau!”

The older man let out a bark of laughter, and shook his head. He still never knew what to expect from Figaro’s mouth. It’s one of the things that was most endearing about them. That made being around them not hard despite memories.

“Alright, I’ll see what I can do.”

He gave a quick look over to where Dale and GoGo were talking, gave a knowing chuckle, shook his head, then moved on through the crowd.

–

“He’s always had that effect,” Ellie said, pleased to see how touched Babyface and BeBop were by the interaction in the end. “But don’t think that I’m going to forget how caveman you just got,” She nudged her boyfriend.

–

What surprised Frank, taking in the scene, wasn’t that Pierre was being a good guy in helping the kids avoid injuries. He was still Maddy’s brother - and that’s exactly the sort of thing be expected from the Do-Good-Renaults. What did surprise him was the fact that the mane-haired boy was not advertising it.

He wasn’t even thinking about heading inside to go and talk about what he had done. To show what a good guy he was. To use this good deed as a way to try to worm back into his sister’s life.

What went through Pierre’s head was a quick thought of heading back inside - hearing Piper’s karaoke voice carry through the doors and out towards the woods. A show he didn’t want to miss.

But he sat down instead - not the easiest thing to do in these pants, and leaned forward.

“Aunt Maddy, huh?” Pierre asked with a grin towards the kid. He was slightly comforted by that. That even if he wasn’t her family right now, she had a big one out here. “If we’re having this conversation, you’re good, not going to wipe out. Wanna show me what you can do?”

All the people at the party, and he, like Frank, found himself out here with the kids.

Who woulda thought.

He’d wolf-whistle at the trick. He’d applaud as if he were watching motocross. And he didn’t have to step in to change anything else. The main crisis was averted. He was in the moment instead of reliving it.

–

Oogie caught her son’s eye at that moment and had witnessed the snub. She gave a little huff - that wasn’t going to stand. No one ignored her boy. “You two catch up for a moment, will you? And save me a dance, Seven, I’m sure you learned some moves in Hell that I just have to see.”

She slithered through the crowd - despite how heavy the heels on her boots were. She hadn’t changed after the performance. She was still the full she-bang, Oogie Boogie, here in the flesh, stepping towards the dark haired man and his golden-eyed bodyguard.

“Get thee back, Satan,” Clopin said, sipping on a glass of red wine that he had just been swirling like a professional sommelier.

“You already know devils, fool, and you know that I can easily match them,” Oogie said, coolly.

“Aww, she called me fool,” Clopin bragged, tossing his hair over his shoulder. “She’s heard of me!”

“Oh, I remember you well,” Oogie said. “The both of you, my largest competition for ego that New Orleans has ever seen.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere - we’re not into chicks, but I thank you for your consideration,” The jester bowed - because of course he was putting on a show. This whole conversation felt theatrical.

“Do you always let the mouthpiece do your talking for you, Little Emperor?” Oogie asked, turning her eyes back to Kuzco. “I see you have lips of your own. Are they useless?”

“Oh, they have their uses,” Clopin gulped down his wine.

–

“Just for one night,” Elsa said with a small smile, leaning further into Koda. She almost felt ten years younger, just being around him. Perhaps even more than that. Almost like a teenage girl that had snuck out to go to a party with a boy, and was trying a joint for the first time.

It was like the first time she got on the back of Flotsam’s motorcycle all those years ago. That’s the only experience she had that was even close to this.

But this felt - safer. There wasn’t the risk that Flotsam always came with. The boy had been danger incarnate, a magnet for trouble. Oh, how they’ve all grown.

“Ahh, that makes sense,” The blonde nodded. “I was planning on being kind regardless, do you think so little of me?”

This came out in a joking tone, and she actually smiled toward Flotsam, not the stiff person she usually was. The years being back in his life had softened her. Family life had softened her.

Thomas had wandered away from Will and Figaro, still chuckling to himself over that conversation, and was pleased to see his husband come back to him.

“So far,” He said, putting on his best spooky voice. “The night is still young.”

cryptid-killjoy

Delta had a way of finding Frank ever fascinating. His code of ethics came from his own nature and nurturing. She knew from the outside they could both look like elitist pricks hopped up on power. Still, it was moments like this when Frank left the kids alone because he didn't want to be like Oogie that fascinated Delta the most. Morals of his own persuasion. She understood every line he drew whether she agreed or not. She understood his temptations too. Who wouldn't want to fuck with those kids? At least in her mind it seemed like anyone would. It would have tempted her too.

She watched out the back doorway as the kids tried to pop their wheelies over Frank's head. She smirked as they weren't able to come close. They might have been extra strong kids due to the lycanthropy, but they were still too little to pull off a feat like that. She turned away figuring Frank could gloat they failed. She would have anyhow. Those kids sure were having fun trying though.

Jetsam in a Bastien body and going by Bastien's name for the night didn't expect to be interested in anybody here either. He usually only got up in people's grills to push them out of their comfort zones. Who knew someone could actually be interesting for other legit reasons?

"Then we're doing it. It's fuckin' hap'nen."

Somewhere deep inside the real Bastien was straining to gain control and exhausting himself. What could sometimes be like missing time was now turning into time ticking slower than he ever remembered experiencing. He felt like he was under water. The weird part was besides wanting control again everything in him wanted to brag about his hoards. He didn't consider it trash, but he rummaged in plenty of dumpsters in his time too. He wanted in on this conversation so bad. It used to be for food or something worthy of a pawn shop, but he figured it still counted.

"Body farms. Holy shit dog!" He wanted so bad to start telling of his body collections in the underground tunnels Flotsam dug him and couldn't stand not being able to be completely open. He came up with a half-truth unable to keep his mouth shut. "I kept a body pile underground before. It was cool because the damp darkness made all sorts of shit grow. I'd put it in a blender and try to get kids to drink it back in the day. Like on dares." He was chuckling so much at old memories. It was also layering a new life on top of Bastien's own stories he'd have to contend with if ever asked when Jetsam wasn't using his body as a vessel.

Jetsam was giggling about Valentin's teasing of his brother. It reminded him of how he and Flotsam used to mess with each other. He missed it more than he cared to admit. He almost messed up and started to say an example back of he and Flotty but quit remembering Bastien didn't have any siblings to speak of. He ended up with, "I fucking love messin' with people. That's a good one."

The deal with being in the band again was he had to play Bastien to the outside world. On stage it was easy. He was wondering if it should really count to people, they were friends with. He was starting to realize the challenge of such a promise. He was never good with rules. They were already being an annoyance.

Maddy was trying to convince him to wait on the tattoo idea. "You got your equipment nearby?"

He asked instead of acknowledging her. "Because I'm so down."

Then she tried to change the subject on them. Scars. Oh yeah. Jetsam knew all about the scars on Bastien's body. He'd spent plenty of time inspecting every inch of it and going through his head to figure things out. So, he pulled up his arm to reveal his wife's name scarred in deep into his skin. Jetsam would get flashes of Bastien's memories from the inside and would have his own opinions and think reflex thoughts like "What a pussy" knowing how rejected Bastien felt at the time of doing it. It was Jetsam's nature to instantly poke a stick at any weakness he saw. Bastien didn't see it that way. He saw it as standing his ground or making a statement of dedication.

The funny thing was a long time ago there was a time Jetsam skinned his entire face, and it would have left him completely disfigured if it wasn't for magical intervention. That said he claimed he did it because he didn't feel worthy of Flotsam's face after betraying him. It was practically the same sort of feelings, that the only way to feel and show his love was to make it physical and skin deep. Bastien couldn't always access Jetsam's memories and feelings so easily, so all he heard was the put down and the judgement.

Normally, Bastien could block out judgement. Living how he had before Maddy and just in general as a disfigured hunchback he'd learned to have thick skin. But, from the inside Jetsam's thoughts could get muddled and sometimes he confused them with his own. So, the Bastien inside was starting to stress more than usual the longer Jetsam stayed inside him. That stress was triggering to his neurological symptoms. Jetsam started to see odd things in his peripherals. He'd shake his head and blink his eyes several times as if trying to clear his vision.

Still since Valentin wanted a story about the scar Jetsam figured he better make it a semi-grand one as he held his arm out to be viewed.

"Well, this story's simple. I really needed to get some pussy, and I figured hey, if I do this, I might just lock in this hottie full time. Fucking worked too. This is your Romeo's gonna fucking Romeo type scar. I did it nice and slow so I could feel it." He knew that part was true as vulgar as Jet set the story up. This was Jet trying his best. Then in an off comment said more to himself, "That part was kinda badass." He liked the idea of Bastien wanting the pain. "I presented it to her all bloody as fuck too. That's how I knew she was a keeper for sure, and I didn't do it for nothing. Chick doesn't run from blood is like number the one thing I need in a partner. Fucking keeper. Hell, yeah baby." He said finally leaning all the way in and kissed Maddy on the cheek and nibbled down her jaw being playful and playing the part of husband.

"She got one too. Show him babe." He'd say proud as can be. "I like to chomp down on that shit and lick it up. Feel those bumps. Gets me so off."

Willem wanted what Figaro wanted. "If it's the Pokémon themesong I'll be so happy."

It was such a great idea.

Babyface jutted his chin at the idea of being called caveman. "That's Captain Caveman to you."

The little lycan child on a mini-motorcross bike nodded, yes like Aunt Maddy. They trusted their sniffer and knew that smell. All they knew then was they got a new audience out of it. Kids loved being watched. That's usually when they'd get proud praises. They were ready to show off.

Sam went zooming off with the vroom-vroom noise as he went for another round on the small track of hills the kids had carved in the yard. Since Bandit, Sam's twin had just come up, he also noticed the smell. He however looked disappointed when he took his helmet off and revealed his extra pale face. His world was slowing down as his zombie-ish mind would. "Darn. You're the smell I'm not allowed to eat." He crossed his arms and talked slow. "Or I'll get in trouble." He sniffed the air near Pierre a little more. "I still fink you'd taste good though."

The Savanne family was really working on those zombie-hybrid kids and their public manners. At first, they didn't take them anywhere. Then they started to make sure to expose them to family and friends as much as possible so they could learn. Exposure was the only way. There'd been some almost issues and some oopsies happen, but they'd come a long way.

All the kids, Praline, Bandit and Sam, Valerie, Rhiannan, and Stark all had motorbikes, and all participated, but some were more into it than others. Not all had the go-go-go mentality Chip or Flotsam had as a kid. Their personalities were finally starting to form. It was why Praline was inside singing with Piper. She had a bike, but she wasn't as much of adrenaline junkie as some of them.

They were inside singing Wanna be by the Spice Girls and giggling and grinning through the whole thing. When that was over, they kept with theme of the actual party and went into a karaoke version of Mr. Crowley. They'd just keep playing rock star up there until anyone else wanted to take over.

Flotsam couldn't stop himself from lifting his phone and getting a couple pics and videos he'd end up sharing in the group family chat later on. A few he'd save just for himself and to show Thomas of course being the proud grandparent that he was.

Lock and Seven gave Oogie a nod and let her go on her way. They made their own conversation after she left. Lock couldn't help but notice which way she went and did keep an eye open in that direction out of curiosity.

It was Kuzco's eye that counted more here. Clopin stood right in the path and did what Clopin does best. Say it like it is no holds barred and always standing up for Kuzco.

Did he just hear little emperor? Who did she think she was?

"Don't I know you? Yzma! I remember I told you you should get some work done, and I see you got the boob job, yikes-" He moved his hands at his own chest like he was cupping and insinuating lop-sided breasts and juggled the air up and down, "Babe give her a number to a good lawyer. She's gonna need it. But I was hoping for a better wig than that. I think they missed a spot on your face." He moved his eyebrows inward and held his hand up to where crow's feet would be around her eyes. "So no. You can't have your job back. Stop begging." He put his hand up and got louder. "Just stop begging. It's unbecoming for an ex-palace worker. Your displacement stands. Nice seeing you again."

Then he looked at Clopin. "Let's go put these lips to good use now. Shall we?" Then he bent an elbow for him to latch onto.

Koda enjoyed his time with Elsa. Trouble indeed. Koda too. Somehow, she'd missed that era of his youth. They'd all grown up so differently than one might expect.

When Thomas came up to Flotsam and said the night was still young, he wasn't wrong.

"True. True."

Then he took a step back and looked around at the crowd. Each group from Kuzpin and Oogie mingling, to Lock and Seven, to Scout dancing with GoGo, to the table full of people like Bastien and Maddy, Chess and Valentin among others. Then he took a peek out the door and noticed some people mingling with the kids who didn't seem as interested in hanging out in the adult house party. Even with the drinking and headbanging around it all did seem rather wholesome to him. That's when he noticed Jetsam getting snuggly and kissy with Maddy and Flotsam couldn't help but smirk.

"That's... new." He shook his head thinking it was funny. He was waiting to see her reaction.

"Ya know being on stage with him is one thing. I really did all this for Koda and Chess. They were drowning without him and there was a way, who was I to forbid it, but I haven't really hung out with my brother since we were the Three Amigos." His smile lessoned and he took a big drink. Their history was rather complex, but no one could deny there had been caring there from everyone. He finally showed up for Scout the last Halloween. Flotsam had a way of keeping his distance from his spirit. Maybe it was time to forgive? After a second big drink he said, "Maybe I should go really bury the hatchet? What do you think?" He knew if he did it could open who knows into their lives.

#jetsamxvalentin #jetsamxmaddy #kidsxpierre #flotsamxthomas #kuzcoxoogie #kuzcoxclopin

orleans-jester

maddybellerose - Found a new friend 💞

fignewtons - TONY CARAMEL! He's a good little dude. smollbeanellie - She's so big now!

cryptid-killjoy

acidtrip - that cat looks familiar

quasibastien - I like cats.

#insta replies #where she's wondering if it's one of the one's she and frank set loose on triton

orleans-jester

gogogadget - 🖕 doctors

outofcigarettes - 🖕fruit

cryptid-killjoy

sourscout - hell yeah. bite all the forbidden fruits

#insta replies

orleans-jester

Frank steered clear of the kids.

He didn’t want to end up as ‘Uncle Frank’ to any more of the little rascals.

Or babysitting duty, god forbid.

Oogie gave Flotsam a nod. Oh, she knew exactly what she was doing, portraying herself as the good person, helping the oh-so-down-on-their-luck Laveau by imparting the gift of music. And like they all knew - they couldn’t even argue. Though Thomas was looking at Oogie and just picturing Janice from The Muppets. Goddamn muppet.

Perhaps Valerie would be surprised by an invitation one day. After all, a chance to potentially best her formal rival’s family? That was always something that could be interesting. There was always something that could be gained.

“He’s a fool if he thinks you can’t take care of yourself, Medusa,” Oogie said with a laugh. Men. Such pathetic creatures, such cavemen, even Hook - though he was a fascinating one. A total headcase, a man with murder in his eyes. Her kind of people. “Indeed, it is empty, such a shame,” She sighed about Cruella. “She always did give the best fashion tips.”

–

Valentin and Nicolai were always aware of each other. No matter where they were, they could pinpoint within an inch where the other was. That’s what happened when you grew close to one another the way they did. When they shared everything - a room, a dorm, a house. The Laveaus could probably relate.

“Yes, he’s the charming one,” Nicolai said, though this was without any self-consciousness. He knew his place. “You are too. You could be friends with anyone.”

He gave her a rare little grin. “Not me though. I’m very picky about who I spend my time with.”

–

Maddy didn’t mind being introduced twice. She gave a friendly grin, the opposite of Jetsam, who made Bastien look like he was brooding inside.

Valentin had grown a bit used to the cryptic talk of CJ, even of Chaos, so this wasn’t that surprising. Still - the way that the Wonderland people spoke gave him the distinct feeling of falling down stairs, and not knowing on which one he was going to hand.

He’d readily enough hand over his phone though, his eyes going over everyone. Yes - there was a lot of death here. He’d sensed some in Maddy, and now - in Bastien. The vulture inside could smell it.

“I’m quite used to death myself - being Russian - I’m used to it,” Valentin said. He said this as if he were proud. He wasn’t a Moscow boy, no, he knew the vastness, hard work, not the spoiled palace-city life.

Maddy was, thankfully, too deep in her cocktail to be affected by the affection that Jetsam was giving. If this were another time and place, she might have pulled back, have waited for Bastien to come back before touching the body again. As it were - she just chuckled. “I don’t doubt there’ll be another family band - the Laveaus, Savannes and Belleroses one day.”

Maddy was instantly reminded of Delta. What’s your idea of fun. The same question that she had asked at that fateful dinner many years ago. Oh, how some answers have changed. Oh, how some have not.

“Everything,” Valentin said after a moment, sipping on the drink he just duplicated from Maddy. “Everything is fun - Yah? My Bratan’ Nicolai -” He looked around and then pointed at one of the many people in black. ”- We scavenge. After the whole zombie thing lessened numbers, we were the first to go through people’s rooms. Such fun!” He grinned. He was not ashamed of it at all. Actually seemed quite proud of himself. “And I got into tattoos recently - got a machine, giving them to myself and Nico.”

And then cheekily, he offered - “You want?”

Maddy surprised herself by saying - “I might take you up on that.”

–

Of course it was a wild night.

It was an OZZY night.

“We’re gonna ride the crazy train tonight, I tell ya,” Figaro said, rubbing their hands together, then made some faces for the camera. “Why thank ya, Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebel, let’s go Bark at the Moon!”

“Wait - THE Bouncer?” Pierre said with wide eyes. Because even in his timeline - well, it was a familiar name to those who knew about the industry.

Ellie tried to hold back the snigger at the almost fan-boy reaction, but it definitely slipped out. “God, you are almost exactly the same, dude.”

But then a look went over Pierre’s face. A quick change. Those who knew him would know that he had just travelled. “Excuse me a sec,” He smiled to Go-Go, then walked on past her, heading for the doors to the yard. Go-Go watched with an amused grin, then noticed Dale. Finally.

“There you are,” She greeted him. “Big turnout.”

Meanwhile, Pierre was shooting off grins to people that he knew, before heading outside into the yard. There were people out here too, but it was much more sparse. He got to work - subverting the disaster that he had heard happen, before it could happen. Frank watched with a raised eyebrow as the pretty-boy set about dragging a piece of wood from the forested area, and putting it by the pond that held Belrog. He appeared to be just in time, as one of the little ones - he couldn’t tell which one - turned their bike in order to avoid the new piece of wood - when they otherwise would have gone right into the water, which would have ended in - well, more than tears. He sighed and wiped his forehead, then caught eyes with Frank, and smiled sheepishly.

Looks like Frank was off the hook for babysitting duty. Looks like Pierre took that upon himself.

Oogie, inside, wasn’t a big believer in personal space. No, she ran her fingers through Seven’s tight hair right there in the middle of the room, with a smirk on her face. “Oh, you just come by whenever you like. Door is always open for family.”

–

Elsa was - well, trying to remain dignified. The smoke wasn’t something she liked, and she felt a little flustered after coughing, but thankfully, the attention didn’t stay on her long. Her eyes lit up when she saw the familiar vampire come in, and then looked up to Koda, taking in his own expression of delight.

“Well, welcome,” She said to Denahi. “It’s good to see you too.”

–

Thomas gave a sigh, but it was only half-hearted. He wasn’t all that upset. No, instead he was reaching for the broom. His kids and grandkids were around, after all, the last thing he needed was them getting glass in their shoes. “Never-ending, isn’t it? We should do this one together - it’ll need your creative touch to get it perfect again.

cryptid-killjoy

Frank might have wanted to steer clear of the kids, but the children had a way of noticing him.

"Look! Dere's da tall ginormous put-togever man!"

"He's so big!"

"Eben bigger van Dad!"

"I'm gonna pop wheelies as big as him!"

"You'll neva. No way!"

"Yes way!"

And on and on it went with little kids trying to feel as impressive as Frank was tall. Just his existence in the area had the kids excited.

And oh, if only Flotsam knew Thomas's Muppet thoughts. He'd never see Oogie the same way again. Janice! Too good.

Medusa, like most women got hyped on Oogie's woman-power enthusiasm. "Well of course I can! Of course. Of course. I can handle anything that ever happens." She said just as she tripped over her own dress's sash that was hanging too low.

Mim looked up and made the sign of the cross like a Catholic and then said, "May Cruella be up there in a pile of spotted furs."

Medusa lifted her bottle and said, "Amen."

Annabel wasn't quite ready for the compliment from Nicolai. It was paired with one for his brother, but still she'd never seen herself that way, so it took her by surprise. She didn't manage any words back, just a shy smile. But then came a second one whether he meant it to be or not. He said he was picky with who he spent his time with and yet he was choosing to spend some of that time with her. She wanted to say thank you, but a simple, "Me too" is all that came out.

Maddy was right. Bastien was brooding inside. He'd agreed to the concert, and he never complained much about being Jetsam's vessel, but a part of him was energized on Jet's mind. Jetsam being so close to his wife felt a little concerning. He was catching glimpses of his inner thoughts, and they made him feel a sense of danger. Bastien kept trying to believe they were just thoughts and he'd never act upon them, but they became disturbing enough he started to try and break through. He wanted to be in control.

Chess picked up one of Valentin's many cloned glasses. "Clean cup." She'd say since the Mad Hatter had tattooed the phrase into their mind after attending so many tea parties.

Try as Bastien might he wasn't getting through especially not when Valentin just said the magic words to Jetsam. Treasure hunting. Scavenging.

"Junk! I love junk! It's my favorite."

He got so excited by Valentin's idea of fun he even hollered back to Flotsam who he had a tendency to steer clear of, unwritten rules of their patched brotherhood.

"Flotty! Hey Flotty!"

He wasn't even trying to use words Bastien might at that point. He called his twin like he always had in life.

"This cool fucker and that Nick-guy over there love junk hunting too!"

Flotsam turned his head and smiled wide. "No way! Fuck yeah. I know all the good dump sites if you wanna here on the island sometime."

Even Flotsam couldn't resist the idea of someone new actually enjoying a good dumpster dive.

Jetsam nodded in huge agreement. "Anytime. Anywhere. I'll help you sniff out something good. My favorite place is behind the vet's office. Animal parts galore. Biohazard bags are the bomb."

No shame. Absolutely none from this long-time eyeball collector.

Jetsam used to think he was running out of space for tattoos, but the moment Valentin said he did them he looked down at Bastien's bare skin and grinned too sly. "I'm down for that. Right honey. I've always wanted some. Sign me up. You want one too, babe?"

Bark at the moon? Willem loved the reference. He also decided as he downed a big swig of his drink that he was going to take that literally.

"Okay." Then he howled big and loud before ending it with several smaller barks with his head to the ceiling like he was calling to the sky. "Just let me know if I say anything too off. I don't actually know the language." He teased his animal speaking friend. Then started barking again as he jumped around being obnoxious in a drunk and partying kind of way. Plus, he was just happy since he managed to reunite Lil Noi and Madam Medusa during this trip to New Zealand. He felt good like things were really coming full circle.

Bebop and Babyface both perked wide eyes when Pierre acted like Bouncer was porn royalty. THE Bouncer? It got them both smiling and laughing. They couldn't help themselves.

"His reputation apparently preceeds."

Passed or not it felt good to see someone react the way Pierre did to their dearly departed brother. It hit the heart in the best way possible.

Pierre left soon after and Babyface said to Ellie, "I think I might like that guy."

Bebop nodded in agreement. "Me too."

Outside Rhiannon and Bandit were the closest to Pierre, but it was Lil Sam, shortened from Chip's father's name, who was the one who almost ran into the wood Pierre moved. It was a close call and the kid knew it. All of their focuses turned to Pierre instead of Frank.

Sam yanked his helmet off and started breathing really hard. "Woah. Fanks dude." He said stumbling around, big wide eyes in his deathly pale faced skin. He had the complexion of a dead man, even the slightly blueish tinge, dark hair, messy and sweaty from being under his helmet. He had the senses of a wolf and as he looked at the stranger who just managed a mini rescue before he managed a sideways skid to a full stop. "You smell like Aunt Maddy." He could tell the difference between them, like how fingerprints were all different. Smells were the same, but families had a link, something familiar he could detect. Then that was it. He put his helmet back on and said, "Watch me twy that jump again. Watch me. watch me."

His twin, Bandit would ride over to Pierre. He'd look identical even under the eye shield of his helmet, same skin, same hair color. They both looked too small to be zooming around on bikes but had way more control over their functions than most their size.

"Make sure to move anything if I'mma wipe out on my bootie."

"Don't worry 'bout me. I can handle my own wipe outs. I get back up like a boss." Rhiannon was the smallest little tough girl who didn't need any help. "Fanks for helping Sam doe."

Little Valerie came up over the hill with a big jump and landed it and saw her people gathered around that new guy and slowed to a stop near them all. "Hi! Did you see me?"

All kids ever wanted was for grown-ups to watch what they were doing and say how good it was.

Seven didn't back away from Oogie's touches. In the weirdest way it almost felt natural. He wasn't sure why that was.

"I'll do that very soon then."

Lock spied the two together and couldn't help but smile. It seemed his appearance here wasn't going to go by the wayside after all. After being snubbed by his "old friend" Kuzco he wondered if there were any treats left to this party. It was probably a good thing he saw Seven accepting the offer which felt like a fine treat indeed, but if not, there would be nothing left for Lock but start tricking instead.

"Can't wait." Lock said coming up from behind Seven.

"Bring your mum sometime too if you want. It's been too long." The Fate Sisters didn't have a tendency to show up to these sorts of parties, ever mysterious. Lock was starting to understand the feeling now that it took so much effort to make himself seen. He was running out of that sort of energy and would be dismissing himself earlier than most.

Denahi caught Elsa's coughing from the smoke and couldn't help but grin. "Be careful. Not sure that's good for your health." Then he reached out and took a big toke thinking he was funny.

When Flotsam noticed Denahi was finally there in the crowd he came over and slung an arm around him. "Hey Elsa. Don't know if I ever told you this, but this is the man who got me through the River-vampire times. We were on the phone all the time. Gave me loads of advice. He might not have been here, but he helped him transition the best he could. So, treat him like gold. Don't know how I would have dealt with that without him. Loa knows I didn't have a lot of options at the time." Then he gave Denahi a slap on the back for being the vampire connection Flotsam used to be so vague about for Koda's sake.

For Flotsam, this party was just too good being able to see everyone again. Halloweentown, Feral, even Wonderland too. Heck, he could have sworn he saw a Christmas elf run under a table and was sharing sweets with Marrassa. When his new loa was happy, Flotsam had an extra added inner peace that would have been there even without the drinks. It was something he felt deep inside. He'd have spent his time strolling the floor as the host of the party introducing himself to anyone who he didn't know and making pit stops for everyone he did. He didn't clique up in any way. He wanted to give equal time to all. He noticed Chip's wives playing cornhole in the back yard with shots. They must have came up with a drinking game out of it. He noticed Praline and Piper kept taking over the karaoke. He also noticed Scout trying to show off her guitar skills to some Beagle chick that was always around Black Arts. Despite all the drinking and random mosh pitty headbanging to the overhead music, everything seemed quite tame for as alive as his whole house was, inside and out. Maybe it was the fact he allowed kids at this party, but the festivities felt good, clean, different than the last time he ever partied with his brother around.

He went up to Thomas with all these thoughts in his head, grinning from drinking, but said, "Is it just me or like... I don't know... I get there's young people here too, but this might be the first party I've ever thrown where hard drugs and sex scandals or dark magic weren't happening out in the open. I can't decide if I'm happy or appalled that I've grown up."

#medusaxoogie #flotsamxelsa #flotsamxvalentin #sevenxoogie #babyfacexpierre #bebopxpierre #elliexbabyface #jetsamxvalentin #annabelxnicolai #flotsamxthomas

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