ambercast

[ambercast]

Blue wasn't used to gentle. He held the shark plush, staring down at it, terrified at first of accidentally popping it. But nothing happened, and he slowly brought it to his chest, cradling it like an infant, closing his eyes as he focused on breathing.

After a moment he felt his breathing calm some, and he leaned forward, dropping his forehead lightly onto Neptune's shoulder. He was solid and real and it was grounding. He gently rubbed his fingers back and forth on the soft plush of the shark. "Sorry," he murmured, feeling like an inconvenience and like he'd probably ruined Neptune's day.

Neptune was eyeing the shark plush he'd crafted with Poppy, "Need you to stay together, I know I made you fat but keep it inside got it?" He wasn't sure whether he was proud of his creation or just grateful it at least looked like what it was suppose to. Glancing up he spotted Blue about to call out before he noted the look on their face, moving to follow behind him. His brow furrowed when he saw the state he was in before nudging his hand with the plush. "Hold him, just don't squeeze too hard he might pop and I'll be sad, so focus on holding gently, ok?" He kept his voice and tone even and calm, blocking Blue's view from everyone else.

#blue:threads #blue:neptune #blue:event06

[ambercast]

Kiara saw the bandage and was glad for it. She also noticed the way Spencer flinched, and she quickly pulled their shirt down. "Shit, sorry," she said with an apologetic smile. "I'm glad you're taking it easy. I was super worried when I heard about the accident. I . . . I was actually going to ask you to the ball, but I figured you wouldn't even be here. You probably shouldn't dance like this anyway."

"well technically yes to the healing and resting but i was given the okay to come as long as i promised not to overdue it and to take breaks periodically which i have been so it's not been that bad." spencer said smiling but as she reached for their shirt they felt themselves freeze and their heart start beating incredibly fast. usually they had that reaction when something scared them but this one felt different, their stomach felt like it had butterflies in it.

they tried not to react physically but felt their stomach flex which made them wince and tried to play it off hoping she wouldn't notice.

#kie:threads #kie:spencer #kie:event06

[ambercast]

Declan's head snapped up at Stella's words. "No! No," he exclaimed, shaking his head as he held the piece to his chest. "I love it. I want it. I just . . ." He bit his lip, trying so desperately to remember. He always could tell when he was missing something. Like a name on the tip of his tongue that he could never recall. It was frustrating and annoying.

"It's just . . . I barely remember you from high school, but you're always so nice to me and so . . . familiar. Did we . . . were we, like, actual friends? Like close friends?"

"of course it's for you" Stella replied, wondering for a moment that maybe he didn't want it for some reason. She watched as his smile faded and the one on her face slowly fell too. "Because you're special" she said the words coming out as if he should know that. Even without their past he should know that. "Plus you helped with it, so it's kind of part yours in a way" she said pointing out Astrid. "You don't have to take it if you don't want to though" she shook her head, putting as much of a smile back on her face and trying to be reassuring that it was his choice if he wanted to or not. "I'd understand. I wasn't a very good-I'd understand if you don't want it. Or if you want to give it to someone instead"

#declan:threads #declan:event06 #declan:stella

[ambercast]

Conrad exhaled shakily, knowing she was right. He couldn't build a life with Pru or Mason while he was like this. "I-I want to take you to the ball," he admitted softly after a moment. "But I can't do that like this. C-can we go home for a bit first?"

i love you. the confession made pru's heart stop beating for a moment, and she could swear that she felt some tears well in her eyes. she'd been in love with conrad for longer than she would've liked to admit, but knowing he reciprocated those feelings put her mind at ease. without thinking, pru leaned in to press a soft kiss to her boyfriend's lips, her free hand coming up to brush through the back of his hair. "i love you, too. and i would really like to spend the rest of my life with you, but i can't do that if you drink yourself into oblivion. i need you, and i don't admit that lightly."

#conrad:threads #conrad:pru #conrad:event06

[ambercast]

Ah. So not the type to respond to his usual play. Connor rolled his eyes, turning to face the bartender and lifting his hand to get their attention. "Fuck off, I can sit wherever I want," he said as an aside.

Lorelei turned her head when she heard a voice and looked the offending person up and down, her nose scrunching up a little in distaste. "Kinda presumptuous to sit down before I could even answer isn't it?" She looked offended that he was even breathing the same air as her really.

"I'm sure there's a dark corner you can go sit in so I don't have to look at you."

#connor:threads #connor:lori #connor:event06

[ambercast]

"It's okay. The alcohol ranges from okay to shit but you know, they don't have much here, I guess," Avery said with a shrug. When Delphi mentioned she was shy, Avery nodded in understanding. "I used to have a friend like that. But you ain't gonna know anything if you don't try. What if they don't got a date or a girlfriend?"

"Is the food good at least? I haven't had any yet." Avery's attitude somehow put Delphi at ease - she reminded her of her younger brother. "I'm pretty shy; it's probably not hard for other people, but I'd die of embarrassment if I started talking to someone that already had a date or worse, a girlfriend."

#avery:threads #avery:delphi #avery:event06

[ambercast]

Avery jumped as she heard the voice, wondering at first if she was hearing things (it wouldn't have been the first time). Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Mo standing there and actually relaxed. Physical beings she could deal with.

"How'd ya know I'm stealing? I could be just looking," she countered with a quick lie, looking down at the photo now in her hands. She held it delicately before pressing it against her chest. "It's my best friend. I think I got a right to look."

Mo was trying really hard not to be that brother, having seen Jaiden come over to the booth to drop off some lunch for Marisol. She was standing on a crate to be more at eye level with him. For all their jokes the rest of their family had been supportive over her getting a boyfriend. The difference between him and them was he knew the Knightley family history, even if he didn't want to hold it against Jaiden.

They moved a little away to focus on the photographs, instead of being an overbearing big brother. They'd been glancing at one of Eagan when they noted a hand come up and start unclipping it. Brow furrowing they scooted over, "Seriously? My sister's not even charging that much, sticky fingers," they whispered hoping this wasn't about to become a thing.

#avery:threads #avery:mo #avery:event06 #pre-howl's moving buttface

[ambercast]

Lucy smiled faintly, hugging Cat back tightly. When she pulled back and mentioned Lincoln, a cloud came over Lucy’s face. “He has a son that’s here,” she said. “His name is Aaron. It’s . . . weird.” They definitely wanted to befriend him at least, but she had no idea how he felt about her now that he knew they’d been adopted by Lincoln.

"Hey! Hi. I was looking for you. Did I miss your table? What-" Cat looked down and saw the carving. "Oh Lucy... It's beautiful." She took it carefully before wrapping her arms around Lucy to hug them.

As she pulled back she looked at the carving again and smiled. "You've gotten so good. Lincoln would be proud of you." She knew exactly where this was going. Right next to her other little Cat Lucy had made for her.

#lucy:threads #lucy:cat #lucy:event06

[ambercast]

Tali smiled and pulled him gently onto the dance floor. “Just follow my lead,” she said. After a few steps she struck up another conversation. “Are you from here in town? I just got here a few weeks ago and it's unsettling to say the least.”

"That's the hardest part, right?" Lance joked, however he set his glass down on the bar top and followed her, taking her hand. "I always was a visual learner - and this way I won't have to be so nervous, if I have a professional on my side."

#tali:threads #tali:lance #tali:event06

[ambercast]

“Ugh, unfortunately,” Max said with a groan, making a face. “She’s a little gremlin. We doooooooon’t really hang out. We’re not, how you say, close.” He snorted softly and took another puff off their joint. “Golden child, ya know? Folks didn’t really like my . . . presentation. So she was the favorite. And she fucking knows it.”

He hadn't been expecting Max to touch him; he seemed unpredictable, and Paxton felt even more on edge. "It's sort of a lot to get used to," he offered carefully. "I've been here for going on three years. You're Tatum's sibling, right? I've heard alcohol poisoning is a shit way to go." As if being torn open by the monsters was any better.

#max:threads #max:paxton #max:event06

[ambercast]

Jack sighed softly, wrapping his arms around his brother in return. “You don’t gotta apologize,” he said softly. “I want you to be happy, okay? I just . . . also want you to be careful. I’m glad she seems different.” He rubbed Jäger’s back in circles. “Just don’t rush into things too much. But if she’s a good person and treats you good then I’m happy for you.” It didn’t really assuage his anxiety, but at least Jäger knew that he would be there if things did break bad with this new girl.

The grin that had been on Jäger's face twisted for a moment, turning to one of concern himself. "Um. Yeah." He kicked at the dirt a little, suddenly feeling a rush of confusion and shame. "She puts up with my bullshit, that's usually a first good sign." He hated feeling like he did something wrong - while he never got disciplined as a kid, Jack's reactions could cause his mood to shift drastically. "She's um. New. To town, I mean. I just thought, you know, it might be nice to play domestic for a while before she finds out about..." He gestured vaguely at himself. "And doesn't want to deal with it anymore."

He peered up at Jack, finally willing to at least try to meet his eye before wrapping his arms around him again, burying his face in the crook of his neck. "I'm sorry. I know I need to be more careful, but... I don't know. She just feels different. I like when she's around."

#jack:threads #jack:jager #jack:event06

[ambercast]

“Oh no, really?” Ty looked down at the pig in dismay. He hesitated before holding the sculpture out to James. “Geez, I’m sorry man. I had no idea.” He could find another cute gift for Parker, probably. He knew he couldn’t keep it; that would be wrong and against the Scout’s code.

Parker? That was the kid with the memory problem right? A small twitch of a smile made it's way onto his lips despite the the frustration and pain James was going through. Dammit, Ty could be a sweet and cute kid. "Uh...it ain't about that. You notice the pig's made out of police medals? Those....are mine. They got stolen an' sold off an' I'd really like 'em back." A part of him felt bad asking for the pig back, even if he was willing to pay double for it.

#ty:threads #ty:james #ty:event06

[ambercast]

“Oh! Ezra would look really pretty in a flower crown,” Declan said with a grin. His eyes widened as Icarus mentioned the two of them moving in. “Oh wow! That’s a big step! We should do a house warming party! Or I guess it would be an apartment warming party.” He nodded, really liking this idea.

Showing affection wasn't something Icarus even thought twice about - of course, he'd back off if asked, but his natural state was showing the people closest to him that he cared. And Declan was no exception. Letting out a pleased sound, he pulled Declan into a half hug.

"That's what I like to hear! I saw her booth earlier, I was actually thinking about getting a flower crown for Ez before we left." He shook his head. "We aren't, no; but actually we've been thinking about moving in together. So I wanted to show her the space I'm currently in so we can figure out if we need to get a whole new spot or just move her into mine."

#declan:threads #declan:event06 #declan:icarus

[ambercast]

“Um, I think so,” Jack said with a nod, patting the ones he’d picked up before setting them carefully on the pile in her arms. “Uh . . . do you need a bag or something?” He didn’t think it was very safe for her to be hidden behind all the toys. She’d run into him. She might run into others.

Okay, so maybe she went a little overboard on the stuffed animals. But they were so fucking cuuuuuute! And soft. And squishy. It did make it hard to see over her bundle of crocheted stuffies though. "It's fine," she called out over the mass, moving her head this way and that to try and see who it even was she walked into. "Did anyone fall? Are they okay?" Lizzie's voice was laced with hope.

#jack:threads #jack:lizzie #jack:event06

[ambercast]

Cassie jumped slightly at the squeal, but gave Lizzie a tentative smile. “Yes, I have some back here. I crochet a lot,” she admitted, pulling up a large knapsack from behind the table. She started pulling out different stuffed crocheted animals to add them to the table, figuring she could reorganize after. There were all sorts of animals: bears, koalas, horses, dogs, cats, elephants, snakes, pandas, tigers, possums, frogs, etc. Even axolotls, dinosaurs, dragons, and unicorns for more unconventional creatures.

Lizzie was about to say nah, not really her style, when her gaze honed in on the stuffed animals and an ungodly loud squeal erupted from her. "Oh. My. God. Those are so cuuuuute! Do you have more of these? I wanna see all of them!"

#cassie:threads #cassie:lizzie #cassie:event06

[ambercast]

"You know how and where I prefer you,” Raziel said simply, tilting his head to the side slightly as he continued to study Absinthe in front of them. “I don’t believe people truly change. You may stall and delay and repress, but deep down,” they pressed their finger against Sin’s chest, “all those urges remain, waiting to be released.” His hand fell away. “Perhaps there is no need for a knife, but there is still need for you. I’m building something new here, Absinthe. I wish you could see that it’s for the betterment of all. Following Quinn allows us to walk amongst the monsters without fear. Tell me, how is that wrong? Do you not wish for the townsfolk to live without fear? Does their fear allow you to prey on them in an effort to turn them toward God? They do not need God, here. They need a leader who will protect them. Guide them to a path that is actually removing fear and doubt.” He held his hands out to the side. “Why should that not be I?”

"God Forbid I change my mind? Or have a mind at all." Absinthe hisses, flicking ash from the tip of their cigarette and leaning more firmly against the wall behind them- Familiar fingers graze against him through well-worn leather. The tattoos that flag Absinthe as property to the very people who sent Raziel here a single layer away. Perhaps, in that way, Absinthe can understand. He'd been rebellious, sure, shirking at minimum the vow of celibacy he'd taken as little more than a boy to seek pleasure in others- in Raziel, when they'd worked together all those years ago. But the version of Absinthe that needed anything to feel like a human instead of a tool had died years ago- had only recently elected to haunt them like a ghost.

"Perhaps I've finally worked out that I'm worth more than a hasty fuck amongst the crowded halls of the commune. Perhaps I take issue with those you surround yourself with now. Perhaps I am simply not feeling it- It could be a number of things." His hand turns over, fingertips grazing Raziel's lightly before he lifts them to replace his cigarette- history still lingers. the touch more meaningful than he wants it to be. They'd been two sides of the same coin, once. "I am tired of being an animal, Raziel. The Brotherhood's choke chain has been slack for some time, I've nothing to hunt, no duty to God beyond spreading His word- is it so odd to assume that I might have grown out of what we had in common when I was little more than a blade with a pulse? That despite old habits, I have... tried to learn to be better?" His brows crease. "It is a vice for a reason. Would you prefer me at my worst? Little more than a slobbering hound glutting himself on sex and death?"

#raziel:threads #raziel:absinthe #raziel:event06 #pre-meeting

[ambercast]

Lucy beamed as he praised her work, a happier expression than she usually had, her cheeks growing pink. She felt warm in her chest which was really nice. She nodded at his question. “People like my carvings,” she said. “Roman’s going to the ball with me. He doesn’t want to, but he said he’d go for me . . . is that selfish?”

"I'll see ya around- don't be a stranger!" He's in a particularly pleasant mood today, given the way he calls behind his previous customer, grabbing his cane from beside the table and making the short limp to the bins behind him containing the stock he couldn't quite fit on the booth. He's aware of another shadow approaching over his shoulder as he pulls a small stack of the firestarter bracelets he'd made for the event from their box. "Be with ya in just a second-" He insists, turning back around- before realizing exactly who it is paying him a visit. "Well well, if it ain't Lucy- how are you doin', darlin?" He pauses as she wordlessly sits a carving on his table- his namesake, of course- a Mallard duck.

"Why- Lucy this is incredible, kiddo." His tone softens, fond, instead of simply friendly as he seats himself again and takes the carving to look it over. "You know I still got your very first one in my work studio in the basement at th' house, right next to Wrenny and Robin's first carvin's too. This here's leaps and bounds better than where you started- You know what, I'm gonna put this'n on my desk at work." He's got enough keepsakes there already- from his kids, old sticky notes with Tyler's handwriting fading stuck to the monitor of his computer- notes from Hobbes and the other rangers he's reluctant to throw away- he's sure, though, he can find a place for something of Lucy's. "You enjoyin' yourself today?" He questions, placing the carving carefully on the corner of his table behind his mug.

#lucy:threads #lucy:duck #lucy:event06