Clopin Trouillefou

Former King of the Street Gypsies - New Orleans.

[cryptid-killjoy]

Kiwi House - Laveau Family - New Zealand 

The kiwi house is getting full

2 Valeries - Valerie Flotsam Agwe Laveau and Valerie Wren

2 Thomases - Thomas Robert Laveau and Thomas Stark

Rhiannian Dove Valerie Wren’s twin

Willy and Wanker the Dobermans

A whole sled team of wolf hybrid husk-a-mutes.

Balrog the lazarus shark 

Scout Temple Laveau

Dug, the Hellhound 

Then of course there’s ghost River Jonah lurking in the background. He’s just not always seen and not pictured here. 

[cryptid-killjoy]

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.

[orleans-jester]

Maddy was fine with Piper, as long as she didn’t think about it too much.

She’d still text her every once in a while, making sure that she was alright, or complimenting something that she had seen Piper wearing because the empress still made the news as she did her work around Peru. She even danced with her at the wedding - but the wine-and-whine night hadn’t happened yet.

And she wasn’t going to let talk of Pierre ruin their second honeymoon. But still - perhaps she might stop in and see Piper. It was one of the many things that she was thinking about as they made themselves comfortable in first class - the ideal way for Bastien to fly. His well-being came before any and all expenses.

Frankie had her own seat but she crawled onto her daddy’s lap until it was just about time for takeoff, then she’d sit in her seat. She was beginning to be a little pro at flying. Loved looking out of the window and making friends with the stewardesses.

“Italy first-” Maddy said, and then corrected herself with a small smile. “Big Italy.”

Little Italy would live forever in her mind. Beefaroni and a chef’s hat.

”- Starting in Florence and then we can travel around, flying out of Rome in a couple of days to go to Lima, and our final destination would be Peru.”

She reached over and took her man’s hand, squeezing it, running her thumb along the back. It was quite large, nearly twice the size of her own in this state.

“I rented a van with tinted windows so we can travel comfortable enough in the day.”

She did a little dance in her seat. A little wiggle. “I’m so excited for the food. Lasagna all day long, Frankie!”

[cryptid-killjoy]

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

[orleans-jester]

The door opened with a creak that sounded like something straight out of a Vincent Price film. This house was in Halloweentown after all, and the woman knew how to brand. Spiderwebs in the corners, slithering things on the floor. The lights just flickered enough to be noticed but not to the point of being seizure-inducing.

There was no one there to greet him until he walked into the hallway and there she was.

“Ahh - I was wondering when you would come in,” Oogie said, looking her grandson over, having not seen him since the large party. “And on your own, too? Brave boy. You’ve got some Boogie in you.”

[cryptid-killjoy]

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

[orleans-jester]

Frank had forgotten who was inside of the cocoon in their tower, still dangling. When Frank did remember, he’d send their little Christmas elf to go and clean up the mess that the man had caused. He didn’t mind the smell of blood. He detested the scent of piss and shit.

”-Silas?” He asked. He had to read into her mind, see the face that her memory pulled to remember. “Ahhh - Jenner’s kid. I kept thinking I heard whimpering - assumed it was Hunch’s kid.”

Thoughts on him.

As if he had many.

“Would I trust him? No,” He said. “But I don’t trust most people, and they haven’t given me a reason to. Still - he is desperate to get out. Desperation makes people do things that they might not otherwise do. Whether that’s enough to trust that he would take this chance for the handout that it is…” He shrugged.

He didn’t have that connection with the Chernabog. He didn’t have many interactions with him. His feelings towards the matter were - of course his Acid girl had a powerful being stuck in a teeny tiny necklace that she wore around her neck. Not just a witch. A being. It was further testament to her power and he was proud.

So he wasn’t annoyed, no.

He wouldn’t think that it’s fucked up that she wanted to give him a chance, considering how they collected weirdos at this point, and that Silas was definitely completely toys in the attic kind of neurotic.

“He’s a loud one, though. It wouldn’t be hard to keep track of what he’s planning to do.”

[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?

[orleans-jester]

Frank was quiet when they left the wedding. His duties were over, the dance with the little gargoyle lady was THANKFULLY over, and he couldn’t see himself going to another event where dancing would be required. They got to the hotel room and he stood on the balcony, looking out. They had a view - of course they did, everyone did, Eiffel tower for you, Eiffel tower for you, everyone gets the Eiffel tower.

He was quiet for two reasons.

The first, and the least important, was that he was thinking about his mother. She always wanted to visit Paris. One of the fashion capitals of the world and all that. He had this idea as a kid that he would take her - always the Mama’s boy. They’d go to the pretentious fashion houses and criticize all the expensive garments for their ugly stitching, and demean their life’s work.

But she was gone. Probably some afterlife with the douche she chose at the end.

The more pressing thoughts - Delta’s.

The way that she had been thinking about how small and awkward she must be.

He turned away from the window to look at her when she asked her question. “Wings or not,” He said, not answering it right away. ”-You’re the biggest person in any room.”

It wasn’t spoken as a compliment, or as flattery. He stated it the same way that someone might say the time, or directions to a well-known place. Like it was the hard truth.

And then he considered her question, and shared her opinion.

“Want to go back down to the maze?”

Because he would be more than content to just spend the rest of their time down there, up until they decided on their flight. Feral could wait. It’s monsters were mostly here anyhow.

–

Even if the kids had acted up, the Savanne family had to know that no one would be mad about it. It would be another interesting story to share at family get-togethers. As it were, everything went great. Before the wedding was over, Maddy would dance with each of the girls, and then invite Chip in for one, proving further that there was absolutely no bad blood there. They were all family, and welcome to use Maddy’s credit card on the room for as long as they wanted.

–

Clopin and Kuzco were going to go Paris the night away, visiting their old haunts - Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower. No broken bones, no fires this time around. They’d make another honeymoon out of it - not that they needed the excuse.

–

GoGo was going to stay. Hell yeah she would stay. Being in Paris with her two favorite people, on other people’s dime? She wasn’t known for being stupid. So she was sticking around, enjoying the hijinks, while also doing her own thing - like after they would do the tourist things, she’d make a whole blueprint on how to make the elevator at the Eiffel Tower go faster using magnetic technology, and complaining that it was ‘way too fucking slow, she finished all her snacks before they even got to the top.’

—

Thomas wrapped his arms around Valerie from behind. He had a bit to drink at the wedding, yes, and she looked so damn beautiful, he couldn’t keep his hands off of her. “That’s fair,” He hummed, breathing in the smell of her hair. “Pretty sure we could hop a train to Spain from here if you wanted to go back. Just say the word.”

And then he groaned, hard on slotting between her legs.

“I miss you in red.”

–

Figaro decided not to stay for too long. The French had the reputation of being pretentious, and oh boy, their animals were too. Figaro had never been blatently ignored by foxes before and - it was genuinely upsetting. Their eyeballs would sweat about it, and then they’d put on their boots and announce they were ready to get back to Funkytown.

–

“I could see the Laveau and Trouillefou influence in those two,” Elsa had to agree. Once they were in the hotel, she started shedding herself of the jewellery, making herself more comfortable. “Monet’s house sounds nice. I enjoy his paintings.”

She turned towards him then, after putting her earrings and necklace into their respective boxes. Because of course she kept the jewelry boxes that they came in. She still held onto these things, preferring neat and tidy over loose and free.

“You haven’t failed. Let’s -” She paused, as if she couldn’t believe that she was going to say this. “Let’s just see how this trip goes. Or - let’s see what the kids are up to.”

–

And the married couple themselves, and their little girl. Well - they lived up the night, being good hosts but also being completely wrapped up in one another. It was their day, after all. And Frankie - well, she almost thought it was her day since she was able to be the center of attention, flouncing around in her dress, playing with demons and death and pirates and werewolves.

[cryptid-killjoy]

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[cryptid-killjoy]

[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.

[orleans-jester]

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.

[orleans-jester]

[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."

[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.”

[orleans-jester]

maddybellerose - Found a new friend 💞

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

[orleans-jester]

gogogadget - 🖕 doctors

outofcigarettes - 🖕fruit

[orleans-jester]

[cryptid-killjoy]

Willem would feel so out of sorts and displaced if he ever was told such a thing. He had no thoughts of moving on, only thoughts of how to continue to be everything at once. A puppeteer, toy maker, tinkerer, pixie, musician, and an adventuring pirate. He wanted to be everything and sometimes wasn't sure how to balance them all. Luckily Funkytown had a way of housing and nurturing all of those ambitious dreams. No regrets.

Dale finally got his shoes back untied so he could stand normally again as he kept chuckling about the Waldo situation. They were so American, his whole family, southern American. The ya'lls were healthily sprinkled throughout their conversations. He had a healthy sense of humor about themselves.

GoGo was definitely part of the ever growing but tight nit circle. She might have been human, but they all considered her brainpower superhuman. She had her own special spark, and Dale was very thankful their time up in the trees of the old Ewok Village didn't dim it. It could have easily turned awkward, but they seemed good, natural, maybe a little bit tighter, but nothing negative seemed to follow it thus far.

Kuzco put two thumbs up and winked at GoGo. Seal of approval was officially official.

It was pretty crazy everyone was all here. Valerie had internally stepped back and had the same sorts of thoughts. It wasn't just a wedding. It was like a family reunion and community grill out all at once. The entire friends and family circle from far and wide showed up to celebrate the Belleroses. The togetherness after such passage of time for everyone was something to be celebrated too. It was the thought she had as Thomas took her hand to dance.

The floor flooded with pairs after the bride and groom took their place in the spotlight. There was hardly a pair that didn't give Frank and Delta a double or even triple glance. Dr. Frankenstein half wondered if there were ghosts around he was unable to see. It wouldn't be the first time with all of Zero's ghost dog in and out journeys to the other side.

Laverne would feel his forearms and say to Frank, "Oh my, I haven't danced with a real man cut like this since I was just pebble on a riverbank."

Hugo was dancing so haphazardly it was pulling Delta every which way making her dance look so sporadic and choppy. He was stronger than expected and was leading her around to the point of exhaustion. "I'm an excellent dancer. Lucky girl. Prepare to be impressed."

"You're a something alright." She barely managed to say as her voice cracked when she was whipped quickly in another direction. She was thinking she was going to end up with whiplash if this kept up.

Kuzco accepted Clopin's brow waggle offer for a spin. Diablo was delighted to learn he had a dance partner. He'd been in bird form on Delta's shoulder when she walked down the aisle. He quickly turned human, adult human this time changing up their routine. When he met Figaro's eyes he couldn't help but grin, so used to being stoic in that form for Delta, it was challenging to bust out of.

Which made him laugh all the more, for he was still Diablo through and through no matter his form. Figaro had a way of bringing out his personality and dance he did.

He wasn't the only one doing a little jig. Willem picked Frankie up as "requested" and spun her around letting her feet dangle so she would feel like she was flying. He kept her on his hip for half the dance until she wore heavy on him. Then he let her slide down and stand each foot on top of his pirate dress boots. Her excitement had her blipping in and out of sight, but she stayed dancing atop his feet. This gave him the same look as if dancing with no one for a few seconds and then she'd show up again. Uncle Wild Will had it going on. He even pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and rolled it up so he could tie it around her head. He pulled a side down over one of her eyes and got her saying, "Arr! Arr!" He turned her into a little pirate princess with her pretty dress on.

Koda would ask Elsa for a round on the dance floor. They weren't usually the pda sort of couple, but he was feeling spry and went for a kiss as the music inspired him.

Valerie caught a glimpse of that over Thomas's shoulder and giggled as she motioned her head to get Thomas to see. In all the time Koda and Elsa were becoming some sort of thing it was all a fairy tale in Valerie's head, as if it wasn't real. But seeing it in reality solidified it as real for them. Go Koda.

Chip's wives spread out being social and Pippin danced with Jagan. Ziya danced with Caim. Jenna danced with Jules. Raya danced with Silvan. Something about him made him feel like he was more her pace. The mothman was known to enjoy children and ended up dancing with little Praline too. Chip danced with Ray. Zero with the Doc. Everyone was participating. Piper danced with Death himself.

Dale couldn't help but notice. What a sight that was. Jealous wasn't the feeling, but there was an irritancy Dale couldn't quite put a name on. He was still holding a silent grudge despite smoothing things over with her about Pierre. Just because he agreed to let it go didn't mean some sort of hurt feeling didn't still linger. It was hard to get the sight out of his head when, even when he didn't look because Valerie kept looking at Piper and Death all googoo over the visual of Piper looking like Arwen with Aragorn dancing with the king. The shared sight was going to be his mental doom. It was the first moment Dale understood the moment Flotsam forked out his eye. He wanted the image out of his head. Dale tried so hard to not notice that particular window so he could focus on the rest of the reception.

He went over to get a refill on his drink and took it down fast before asking the tender for yet another fill up. He looked around the room and saw GoGo. Ah there we go, he thought to himself. Someone that doesn't piss him off. He was about to go up to her and see if he could distract himself by seeing if they could keep up their tradition of dances.

But right when he was about to open his mouth Scout opened hers first. Well shit. He backed up a step not intending to ruin his little sister's good fun.

"Wanna dance, friend?"

She looked exuberantly happy feeling her toast tipsiness and her little black dress.

Dale would back out and tap Koda on the shoulder before asking Elsa, "Could I cut in?" Koda would bow out as long as Elsa said yes.

While all this was happening Bastien was enjoying his wife. Eventually, he looked around. His daddy senses had a way of glancing over to make sure his young daughter was okay as any good parent might. He stood side by side with Maddy and couldn't help but notice everyone having such a good time.

He laughed a stoner's laugh when he saw Frankie being a pirate with Will. He laughed even more as he watched Hugo and Laverne dancing with Frank and Delta of all people. Even Diablo with Figaro. He was family too. All of Delta Castle were getting their groove on.

Bastien decided, "You know what babe? We throw one mean party." He loved looking out and seeing everyone having such a good time dancing in the ambiance of the crypt. To him it was the coolest thing he'd ever seen. For a moment in time, he felt like king of the world or maybe king of the underworld. He didn't even need his hammer to feel it. Just him and his family. He couldn't remember having so many good friends.

[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]

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HC: How Arthur sometimes appears in the dead space when Frank and Delta pass through the water realms between this place and their Hell space. Quiet. Floating. Unable to speak. But eyes might connect with either of them.

[orleans-jester]

Just imagining Frank being like

[cryptid-killjoy]

Kuzco wore a black t-shirt with a bat on it. No explanation needed, but he would say Clopin made for one hot Oz-man. He couldn't have been prouder of the look.

Tree was always welcome at a Laveau party. While Frank hung around him, he went out to check on the little sapling he'd left for Flotsam and Thomas and was pleased with its growth. Since he was outside, he'd see the Laveau and Savanne kids on the loose. It was a party, so they were allowed up. Stark and Dove were on their kiddie dirt bikes popping wheelies and running their itty-bitty foul mouths.

Flotsam and Chip both perked an ear when Oogie found it necessary to rub in what they'd lost, but as annoying as it was to be reminded, she wasn't wrong. Chip stood with one of his more stoic expressions while Flotsam was more welcoming about it. "And what a great way to start off a new collection. Thanks again, Oogs."

As per the poker games, "Just let me know." Valerie didn't intend to hold her breath, Flotsam either, but they still thought it might be fun. It would take a lot to get Flotsam down on a day like this.

Medusa was one of the ladies who indulged in Oogie's conversation. "Long time no see. I've been stuck here in a whole new country. Big bad Pirate man says for my safety. I'd love to know when he thought I couldn't take care of myself. Blundering buffoon." Medusa missed Nola and her easy access to the Nevers. She missed her old pawn shop.

Some of Chip's wives were around nodding along too. Again, Oogie just wasn't wrong so it was hard to find a place to complain about the way she was narrating it.

Mim would remind the group, "Cruella's seat is empty." Oogie probably didn't want to give Valerie too much hope, but it was true none the less.

Delta heard Cruella's name and smirked. Frank pulling the lever to her doom turned an annoyance into a fun day.

--

Annabel walked with Nicolai to get their first drinks of the evening, and she also kept her eye out for the bathrooms in case they actually followed up on their alcohol for the shark idea. She stood there as drinks were poured and noticed his brother.

"Valentin makes friends quickly." He was already in a group of people and looking lively. "Usually takes me forever." She admitted. "You might be an exception."

---

At the table where Valentin was, CJ was finally introducing Chess to him along. At that point Chess introduced everyone else, from Koda, to Elsa, to Jetsam though she called him Bastien, as the band always would for the public eye. "And this is his wife, Maddy." Chess would finish naming everyone gathered at the table even though Maddy already introduced herself. Call it a weird Cheshire thing. She chuckled at his greeting and would counter with, "Multiples? Hm. Good. We can always do with more than one of you. Just in case. People seem to die so quickly here."

Then they added, "You know, sometimes I'm here. Sometimes I'm not here. Sometimes I am here but not really here. In any case you should have my number as one of the places I may or may not be found." Then she reached her hand out for his phone to put hers in for him. "Any friend of CJ's is an acquaintance of mine. You want a tour of the place? I practically live here except for when I don't."

This all made Bastien laugh knowing he was dead. Die quickly here indeed. He didn't know if any of these people could sense it, but most people in the world could not. With his arm around Maddy he pulled her in a bit. He leaned in and kissed her shoulder and slowly breathed his way up the side of her face nosing her hair, getting a good whiff of her shampoo. He smirked about Frankie liking headbanging. "So do Chip's kids. A kiddie mosh pit is inevitable."

At that very moment Piper was rallying in Praline at the karaoke machine who was doing her own version of some old punk song. It was so off key, but the girl was jamming. ((Pralines's not blonde but you get the idea))

Then he looked towards the newcomer. "Tell me and my ol' lady about yourself, Valentin. What's your idea of fun?"

He didn't talk like Bastien at all, but he did keep seeing odd things in his peripheral vision like Bastien. Was that eyes? He shook his head. One would think he'd get used to it after using this vessel so many times, but it continued to be difficult for him. His gaze would dart here and there not used to seeing through Bastien's eyes.

---

Flotsam got a kick out of Maddy adding in a toast for Valerie. It was amazing really how bonded she had begun to feel with the girl. Time has a way of changing everything.

Wild Will decided the moment Smalls demanded more alcohol that it was going to be a wilding kind of night. He felt like following in his dear old dad's footsteps with this one. He went to the liquor table and not only got his father some, but got more for him and Figaro.

"Selfie us now dear before I black out. Plus, you are looking so good, with a capitol G. I have a feeling I'm going to want to remember this night." Yes, he called Smalls dear. It caught a few people's ears, but his person they would always be, even if they couldn't be-be. If Diana came, he'd plan on many dances with his dancing girl too.

Bebop listened in on the first time he'd ever heard Babyface sound possessive about a girl. It was dawning on him how long the pair had been googly eyed for each other. He still remembered the cookie girl drawing in his brother's closet.

The grin on his face was all consuming. He could tell his kid brother saw Pierre as competition, and he might not admit it, but it might have been the cutest thing he'd ever seen.

Babyface did lean into Ellie when she slipped that arm around him, however the turn of term slut caused his mind to go elsewhere. The whole interaction made him have that jutted jawline he gets when he's trying to put on some type of hard ass face. Still, he whispered to her, "All this talk of sluts makes me miss Bouncer."

Bebop overheard. "Don't bring me down, bruh. Drink more. Now. Drink it out of your system." It was how Bebop got through all those months with his family tied up as zombie pets on the island. He figured it should work for Babyface too. Who needed therapy when they had booze? After that getting plastered was the only option.

Since Pierre was sort of in the conversation Bebop explained, "Our brother was a porn star." Not an ounce of shame in his voice, actually quite proud.

Then there was Abraxas who had been eavesdropping on GoGo since he heard the word tech. He got bored quickly as the convo stayed on flirtation with Pierre. Pierre who gave "doofus." That was the way most people in this circle saw him. Looks were quickly overlooked by most due to his personality. It was why most people didn't get Piper's big move to bring him back. They also just didn't care. It was all in good fun to most here.

Then there was Seven and Zero who didn't see him as a doofus. They saw him as a refuge they didn't have to think too seriously. It was nice to have an escape from the trials of life and death for that matter.

Speaking of, Seven was still near Oogie and had been listening to her talk about Flotsam's losses. He'd approach her and say, "I think I'm ready to take you up on that offer to come visit. Name a time and I'll be there."

He'd been thinking of her offer since last Halloween.

Lock saw them talking from across the room and smirked. Maybe this was going to be easier than he thought. He wasn't sure at all how this was going to play out when it all started.

--

Koda rubbed Elsa's back when she started coughing. Then the best thing ever happened in Koda's perspective. Denahi showed up.

"When did you get here?" He asked.

Denahi laughed, "Team Savanne sent a pilot with special flight instructions just for me. I wouldn't miss your re-debut for the world, kid. Nice laying eyes back on you too miss." He tipped his hat at Elsa. Pipping got the how to fly a vampire instruction manual from Flotsam to give this gift to Koda. He deserved to have family around too.

He wasn't the only vampire at the party. Parrish, Willem's now long-time loyal customer was meeting him here and then going back to Feral with him after for the visit, he'd planned back around the time Will and Smalls went and found Lil' Noi. He wasn't as much of a go getter and social as Denahi though. He sat in a corner in a rocking chair and people watched.

Iain's door was still coming in handy as this was how he transported Noi to New Zealand to reunite her with Madam Medusa. He was waiting for just the right time to reveal the big surprise.

Koda was trying to give Denahi a hug when Medusa's gun was mentioned. Chip pushed off their back to run over there and try to intervene before she killed Mim, OR WORSE, blew a hole in one of Flotsam's precious works of art.

Then BOOM!

Shit.

Too late.

Glass rained down from the skylight. Chip ran and tussled back and forth with her until he managed to wrestle the firearm from her.

"I'll just take that for safe keeping, Momma Medusa."

Chip was close to her after all her gemstone power lessons and had his own nicknames for her. She taught him everything about his gifts his bio-mom never could.

"Oh fine. But then you better keep that hussy off my man. I'll bury her alive I will."

Hook and Flotsam were still head banging around with a small group when the gunshot suddenly made them all look up.

"Have you lost your sanity woman?" Hook hollered when he saw who did it.

Flotsam just shrugged and looked at Thomas. "You'll never run out of projects here." He teased knowing it was going to be Thomas fixing that later on.

[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.

[orleans-jester]

maddybellerose - I still remember the morning that I showed you I was pregnant, and how ecstatic you were with me. How you came to every single appointment with the doctor, how you trekked out through the empty streets to find the finest baby clothes still in the city, how we built the crib - and then the day that she came, our little Frankie, with her headful of curls that she inherited from you and her little feet just ready for walking with you, following you everywhere, because you're her daddy. We're lucky to have you in our lives. Happy father's day, my love. @quasibastien