2020-05-22 - Wonder Twin Birthday Special

Hey, it's party time. Corey is here, sat in one of the two middle seats of that reserved space, Sparrow next to him. He's not quite as colourful as his twin; his usual black jeans and converse sneakers are in place, and he has a grey shirt with an orange logo and writing on; 'Whisk Taker' with a pair of crossed whisks below. He's got a drink in one hand, is leaning back all sorts of chilled, and commenting to his sister, "Can't believe Dad made us matching quilts again. Are we like, ten?" It's not a complaint, so much as he's amused.

Sparrow can't help the colorfulness. Okay, fine, she probably could, but it's her birthday. She's gonna wear pink if she wants to. Her tee shirt depicts a pair of conjoined twins and declares her a GEMINI. It's not difficult to guess what her brother's sign might be, too. She, too, has a drink nearby, if not currently in hand, though it might take a proper bartender to identify its contents beyond the blue curacao which has rendered it so obnoxiously smurfy. Her hands are occupied with a mozzarella stick as she tries to tame a long cheese-pull so she can take a bite. "Maybe he understands how much bigger our blanket forts are now," she ventures. "We should take it as a challenge. Ooh! I bet we could make tunnels to connect all the rooms downstairs..."

Elias is dressed in a pair of black skinny jeans, a black short sleeved shirt, and a loose dark red over-shirt left unbuttoned over it, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His wrists have a few leather bands of various colors and shapes etched with symbols and writing on them, and his fingers bear his usual several silver rings. He wanders on in and toward the twins, bearing a pair of silver bags with red tissue paper inside them. Gifts. These are deposited, one each in front of them and he says, "Congratulations on surviving one more spin 'round the sun."

It was a busy day at the salon, only in part due to hair-dos and nail-dids. Renovation has begun and Nicole is perhaps insanely trying to stay open through all of it. However stressed she might be, she wouldn't NOT show up for her best buds birthday (and her brother's). She walks into the Pourhouse wearing, what else, a pair of absolutely skin-tight, might-as-well-be-painted-on leather pants with her usual black combat boots and leather jacket. Her hair is long and fluffy, full of the waves she is known for, and her top is a silky, almost skimpy but not quite spaghetti-strapped deep purple camisole.

"Did I hear there was a birthday or two being celebrated here?" she calls out, carrying two presents, one in each hand. It's pretty obvious from the wrapping that each one is a bottle, probably of each birthday person's favorite drink. She looks for Sparrow first with the intent of planting a big fat smooch on the birthday girl before seeking Corey out for a hug.

Cocking his head at his sibling, Corey thinks on her suggestion, then nods slowly. "Bet we could," he agrees, deciding this is an excellent idea and raising his glass to clink against Sparrow's. His is rather less obnoxiously blue - a pale amber suggesting he's sticking to beer for now. "Oh hey, thanks man," he greets and gratitudes Elias, flashing the guy a smile and then hugging Nicole firmly, even sneaking a kiss to the cheek. "Hey babe, thanks for coming, and also thanks for remembering I love Amaretto." Because he truly does. Then again it's sweet, so probably no surprise to anyone.

Grant let Vyv drive because he has neither a licence or a car so agreement was found with Vyv, the GHPD, and every Baxter that has to fork over cash to cover Grant's insurance that this is the best arrangement. He does show up, laundered and fresh like a daisy in his jeans (which Vyv probably hates, new shoes (still can't find the one missing one to wear his favourite pair), a Chili Peppers What Hits? concert t-shirt (that Vyv definitely hates), and a sharp pair of sunglasses (that were never paid for).

Grant does, however,show up with Vyv in tow (Vyv approved). "Suuuup Jonses! Doooo not go look in your back yard. Yet. Birthday present #2 is back there." Them eyebrows are waggling. The grin widens seeing the neighbors, "Sup, Elias. Heeey Nicole."

Sparrow's eyes go wide at Elias' birthday wishes, taking on a haunted quality that's almost certainly feigned. "Right?" she asks, as she gets to her feet, fried cheese abandoned to a plate without any bite taken, crumbs brushed absently on her jeans. "It was not easy," she says of their shared survival. There's a hint of fruitiness on her breath as she leans in to plant a quick kiss on Elias' cheek, that brightness complementing the plum and honey and smoke of her perfume.

If there was anything else on her mind after that, it never makes it to her mouth as her gaze strays past him to the blonde slinking on over. Her head tilts as she takes Nicole in, grin going wide and so very, very delighted. The, "Holy fuck," she mutters might be entirely for herself given that she doesn't actually look up to meet Nicole's eyes until after, until just before that birthday kiss. When the blonde moves on to give her brother a hug? Yeah, you best believe Sparrow checks out her ass in those magnificent pants. Is there a bottle of a very nice rye on the table for her with a silver bag beside it? Yeah, but clearly this is her birthday present.

Thank all the gods for Bax, lest the purple-haired birthday girl remain transfixed, hypnotized. Ahem. "BAXY!" She dashes over... and stops short of pouncing, straightening instead. And then angling a look back at Corey as if to ask for permission to... to what? Whatever it is, she wants to do it in front of his boss, and she doesn't want to embarrass him.

Vyv is indeed Vyv-approved; the Pourhouse, less so. He carries himself as if he belongs wherever he's decided to be, but nonetheless looks as though he might be having second thoughts about deciding to be here. He's also dressed for somewhere else, or possibly just for Being Vyv, in a dark purple suit with pale purple plaid shirt and tie in a grid of medium purples, and a neatly folded pocket square of several purples itself. Whether or not this is Grant-approved, one would need to ask the skater.

He has two gift bags in hand, and glances around for the birthday boy and associated sister, the latter of which swiftly makes herself quite visible. "Good evening," he says to the group at large, with a small inclination of his head, "...and happy birthday." Sparrow gets an interested look with her hesitation, as if whatever she had in mind just got much more intriguing by being belayed. "You must be the Sparrow I keep hearing of."

There's a vague pushing gesture from Corey to Sparrow - for those who understand ASL, those two hands are indicating a simple 'go ahead' - it's her birthday, he's not going to attempt to put reins on her enthusiasm. "Evening chef," he greets the smartest-dressed person in the bar, his lazy smile dawning, slow but genuine. "Yeah, that's my sister. Philomena Sparrow, meet Maītre Pātissier Vyv Vyval." He says it with pride, as if he's all his doing that Vyv is his amazing/intimidating self.

Given the go-ahead from her twin, Sparrow chirps a cheerful, "Hi!" to Vyv then proceeds with pouncing Grant, flinging her arms around him and planting a big old kiss right on his lips. Brief, but enthusiastic. Happy. A quieter, "Hi," is issued just for her BFFWB. She smooths him down unnecessarily, not likely to get that RHCP tee shirt as neat and crisp as Vyv's suit, but still. An attempt was made. With that, she turns her attention to the purple-suited chef, smiling brightly and notes, "Very thoughtful of you to coordinate," with a little primp of her hair and a playfully conspiratorial wink. Nevermind that Bax's hair is a very similar shade. Or that Vyv just looks stunning in purple. She'll take the tribute all the same.

Nicole smiles at the kiss to her cheek Corey sneaks in. "I couldn't miss it, of course. Happy Birthday, Corey." And of course she remembered his love of Ameretto, how could she forget? "Enjoy it, and your evening tonight!"She overhears Sparrow's 'holy fuck' and gives her rear a little shake. "I had to wear them for you, of course. I had no other clothing options for this special occasion. You like?"

She gives a smile and a wave to Elias, not knowing him well enough for hugs or kisses, but she's seen him here and there. When Grant and Vyv arrive, they too get a smile. "Hey Grant. Good to see you outside of the salon. Vyv, always a pleasure to see you. Always." I mean... look at him, and jhave you heard him talk?

Elias chuckles at Sparrow's dramatics regarding her trip around the sun, and returns the kiss to her cheek, giving her a little one-armed hug as well in congratulations. Then he steps aside so that other birthday greetings may continue. He gives a smile to Nicole as well, and a dip of his head in greeting and recognition. There's a wave for Grant and a nod for Vyv as well, one having shared Dreams in the past, the other, familiar due to his famous patisserie.

Grant scoop picks up Sparrow as he's lunged at and besmooched. The catch winds up with a spin and a bite to her cheek and a smooch. "Like I would miss best-dream-Wifey's birthday?" Such a hug yo before he sets his bestie down and shuffles over to pick up Corey and jostle-hug him too. "Happy birthday, man. I am not shaking you like a pinata until candy falls out I swear. " Set down Bax scratches behind his ear, "I, uh, might have made cake pops for you aaaaand they might have gotten eaten ...entirely... in the quality testing phase." Turning back to Vyv with a wry grin of apology but not apology he does introductions, "Vyv, this is Elias, a.k.a. Agent E, and that's Nicole whoooo It think you know. Keeper of all things purple." Looking to Vyv an eyebrow goes up, curious, "If I order cheese stix am I getting disowned outright and do you want any?"

There are hugs, yay! Corey is enthusiastic about those, and jostle-hugs Bax right back. Yes, he gets a peck on the cheek too, because the student chef is in a cheerful, love-the-world sort of mood. Speaking of snacks! He scoops up one of Sparrow's mozzarella sticks while she's distracted. Stolen food is always better, after all.

Vyv gives a slight smile at Corey's introduction, eyes some combination of pleased and amused as he inclines his head slightly again. It cocks a bit then, as Sparrow completes her intended Bax-pouncing and gets thoroughly spun. Mystery solved! And so swiftly, too. "How do you do," he says once they're done, doing his part in the ritual of Being Introduced. "And I'm pleased to oblige. The world could do with a bit more coordination, wouldn't you say? I believe this," and he offers her one of the bags, "is yours."

Elias gets a nod in return, along with, "Agent E... this would go along with Agent P, would it?" and Nicole another faint smile and, "Ms. Stein, lovely to run into you again. Though if it's all things purple I may owe you an apology." He strolls over to Corey and offers the other bag to him. The cheese sticks get an appraising look, given Grant's question. "Well, I've seen worse; I suppose I could still keep you." A tiny pause, brow furrowing fractionally before he decides, "Yes, I'll have one of yours."

Sparrow might still be giggling on and off post-spin-and-nip, even as she nods her enthusiastic agreement with Vyv's preference for coordination. Sure, she's a pale pink in a sea of purple-and-black, but the details of that outfit, for one who notices such things, speaks to a mindful eye. Casual, sure, but very carefully put together. She accepts the offered bag with a cheerful, "Thank you!" A leftward dip of her hips seems an answer to the inquiry about her identity as she confirms, "Certified members of the Galactic Space Hedgehog Hunters Guild," with a look back to Grant and Elias. "Warlocks and lawyers in our off-time." Her gaze settles on Nicole again, going all low-lashed and flirty, as she teases, "She can keep me however she likes," on her way back to the table to add the gift to the pile. And look to Corey. Not at all accusatory. To the contrary, she's excited. "When should we open 'em? As they come in? Now? Now. Now?" Please?

Elias inclines his head to Vyv as he's introduced, and in confirmation to his Agent identifier, "It would. Nice to finally have the opportunity to meet you. Everyone at the book shop is a fan of your baked goods." Then he withdraws a little bit to find himself a seat, and a glass of something to drink, the warlock, so named, seeming a tad bit less animated than usual. His smile is no less as genuine, however, as he watches the others mingle.

Midway through eating his purloined mozzarella stick, Corey nods at Sparrow's enthusiastic question, his grin bright in return. "Now," he agrees after taking the bag from Vyv and voicing, "Thanks very much, Chef." Bax gets a laugh at his cake pop quality testing. "It's important, you wouldn't wanna be putting sub-par baked goods out there. Not, I assume, that Chef would allow it anyway." Setting the bag down on the counter he opts to open the bottle from Nicole as it was gifted first, peeling back the paper slowly. Tearing it, though, he's not one of those people who tries to keep the paper in one piece.

Grant grins in that way he's either high as a kite or just happy the world is pleased. "Well they were damn good. And I made up for it in the most you way I know. It's at the house." A glance back to Vyv on the sly and the go ahead without being set on fire for crimes supporting mediocrity today (else he'd eat the cheese stix in a flame retardant suit) he orders enough to cover an order then some and yes the fried calamari. Is it quality? Eeeeh when you're on the coast even eh is damn good so he risks it. At the summary of their many noble deeds there is a nod and he adds on factually, "It's how I got promoted to Colonel." He considers and wonders to Sparrow, "I wonder if you can take correspondence courses in Veil Law? Shit it'd help out the revolution. Elias, Nicole, how the hell are you?"

Bottles first? Sparrow's down with bottles first, snagging the gift from Nicole as she drops back down into her seat beside her brother. With a happy little squeak upon unveiling, she blows a kiss over at Nicole then tinks the bottle of rye against Corey's bottle of amaretto. "Little bit of this, little bit of that, maybe a dash of bitters just to make it fancy..." A birthday cocktail may well be on its way to being born. Not that she's opening up this bottle while at a bar. No, she'll ask the server for a round of that made-up mixture next time she gets a chance. If it's awful, well, at least it's on her tab. She tips her bottle toward Grant as she tells him, "I wouldn't count on any correspondence coming through, but. If you can find a course list?" Let her know. Maybe there's something on there to help with her Dream work, right? She hands over one of the silver bags from Elias to Corey then snags her own, trying to peek past the red tissue paper before just pulling it free to get at what's inside.

"Not unless it were done behind my back, no," Vyv confirms as to what he would or would not allow, one corner of his lips quirking slightly upward, "And quite welcome." He pulls out one of the chairs in the area, giving it a decidedly unimpressed and untrusting look, and he leans down to brush both seat and back briefly with a hand before he deigns to risk sitting in it.

"Ah, that's where I've seen you," he says to Elias as he settles, "Perhaps when I've been by? Certainly at that reading around Halloween. Are Galactic Space Hedgehogs a frequent peril, or is there plenty of time for lawyering and warlockery?" A glance to Sparrow suggests this is a question for her as well. It was her claim, after all.

Inside the silver bags from Elias are several small items. There are three blank books in various sizes, moleskins, a pair of fancy pens with ink cartridges to replace the ones that they currently have, and a gift certificate for the book shop so that they might choose something to read of their own preference. He then nods to Vyv and says, "Yes, at Dante's reading," in confirmation. He takes a sip from his drink, trailing his fingers lightly along the outside of the glass. "Doing well enough," Elias says to Grant in answer to his question. "Business is good."

Bottles and very nice books and pens? Corey is grinning brightly right now. He doesn't open the amaretto - that's for later - but he does take one of the pens out of it's packaging and begins unscrewing the body so he can fit a cartridge, presumably to write something in one of his new books. "Thank you so much," he calls over to Elias; he needs a new place to write down his experiments, and buying more books on different cuisines is also a given. Vyv's gift is not yet opened; one excitement at a time.

Sparrow lets out an, "Ooooooh!" as she pulls the notebooks and pen from the bag, but she's probably referring to the giftcard left inside when she murmurs an amused note of, "More poetry to be pilfered," to the shop-owner. Does he know that somebody's been pilfering her books? Probably not, but she doesn't linger there, doesn't clarify for anyone that she's probably not penning any verse herself. Instead, she gets a pen set up and gives it a little wobble in Vyv's direction, explaining, "The warlockery helps with dispatching space hedgehogs, so." If that qualifies as explanation. There's nothing more, her brown-eyed gaze shifting from face to face with her smile dimming, distracted by thought. When pen touches paper, she begins to sketch. Roughly. An outline of an idea for later. A good sign that she's as distracted by this gift as her brother is. They'll move on in a moment, surely!

Grant parks his ass and watches the pressies get gutted into their gifting glory. The cheese sticks arrive and Vyv is passed the fork. Hey he's dressed nice and likely doesn't want schmutz on his fingers. It's the small thoughtful considerations that do prove important in life. Does he bring up that there is a 1:1 scale gingerbread fort with mini bar and cardboard furniture painted up to look like food now assembled in 7 Oak's back yard thanks to Bax's army of fellow cronies? Newp. They'll find it. It's also a damn good thing his boss does not care that he builds these pieces at work either or it'd never get done. Hey what a way to recycle some cardboard though!

He ppicks up his cheese stick in his fingers and nooms on it listening to Elias' catch up. "Speaking of good warlocking I haaaave questions you might have answers or interest in. What'chu doing this week and is your place haunted by chance? If not can it be?" He looks to Vyv and arches an eyebrow, "Once again, ideal gift."

Elias has no comments to offer on warlockery and its effects on space hedgehogs, or terran hedgehogs for that matter. He smiles a little bit amusedly and shrugs a shoulder before taking another sip of his drink, content for the time being to drink and observe. Though his brows knit a little bit at Grant's questions, "This week? Working, and whatever other random things strike my fancy. And no, my place is not haunted. And I'd rather it not be, thanks."

Having neatly written his name in each of his new books, Corey tucks them and the pens back in the bag, reaching for another mozzarella stick and nomming on it contentedly. "Phil, how long you gonna wait before getting up to some karaoke?" he asks of his twin, then turns his gaze on Bax. "Wanna start us off?"

"His fancy's a lot of fun to strike," Sparrow chirps on the wake of Elias' answer to Bax, an impish grin cast thattaway as she closes up her new notebook and drops the gifts back into the bag from whence they came. "If you need a house to haunt, you know you're my favorite ghost, boo," she informs Grant, but she doesn't wait around for follow-up explanation, distracted by Corey's question. Which earns a glance toward the door. "I mean. I might've been waiting for my preferred partner in crime, but yeah." She shrugs up a shoulder and nods. "I can get things started." To the group at large, she asks, "Any requests?"

"Exactly," Vyv agrees to Elias's identification of which reading. He watches the unbagging of the gifts, with a very faint nod for what appears. "I'd imagine it would," he replies to Sparrow, entirely deadpan, "Everything I've ever heard about space hedgehogs suggests they'd be a formidable foe." All of nothing is still everything.

Grant gets a slight smile on his return, one that increases a touch at the offer of the fork. "Ta," he says, "but a napkin will do for this." He claims one of the cheese sticks delicately between thumb and forefinger, and looks it over consideringly a moment, interrupted by Grant's aside to him. A brow quirk. "A haunting is an ideal gift? Tricky to arrange, but I'll keep it in mind." And then there's talk of karaoke. He glances at Bax again, then over to the 'stage', and back to the group. No comment, instead a bite of the mozzarella.

Elias can't help but chuckle a little bit as Sparrow makes her proclamation about his fancy, lifting his glass to her with a little gesture of appreciation for the compliment. On the topic of karaoke he shakes his head as far as requests go. "Something fun," is about all he has to contribute to that. But all these mozzarella sticks are starting to be too tempting to be good for him, so he orders himself some, as well.

Aha, there will be some singing! Corey settles back as Sparrow takes requests, wiping his hands on a napkin after another cheese stick and then opening the bag that came from Vyv. He blinks a few times at what he pulls out; some fancy finishing salts! His expression is delighted - but wait, there's more! Also out of the bag is drawn what looks like a metal bar of soap - which it is, sort of - and a stand for it. The student chef seems quite excited about both, bright blue eyes fixing on his boss. "Wow, thanks Chef," he chirps, opening each salt to take a little sniff, then unboxing the steel soap and running his fingers over it. "This is awesome! Best boss ever."

Sparrow's lips purse flat at Elias' suggestion, though that disapproval lasts all of a whole heartbeat before her smile bubbles back up as she assures, "I am always fun," even if some present might, maybe, sometimes be able to attest to the hyperbole in that claim. The way she downs the rest of her too-blue drink in one chug probably isn't any attempt to prove her funness. It's just pragmatic lubrication on her way to the stage. There might be a confused glance at Corey's excitement about the metal rectangle from his boss, but she can ask about that later. For now? Karaoke!

"This one goes out to the hottest blonde in the room, keeper of all things purple." In a low, rushed mumble, she adds, "Some exceptions may apply," with a grin toward Vyv and Bax. And then there are drums kicking up as the backing track for The Queers' Punk Rock Girls starts up. "With apologies to Joey," gets hurriedly crammed in before she starts singing, "Leather jackets, stupid boyfriends, poor report cards. Life is just a ball!" Her foot taps while her head bobs as she belts out the punk classic. "High-top Chucks and bubble gum and oh my gosh, I'd love to love 'em all!"

Grant hrmms thoughtfully. "That complicates things but I respect your lifestyle choices, man. Probably the right ones.." Hey, there's sincerity to be had there. And then Karaoke? He blinks looking up at Corey startled, "What I just hears was Bax can you clear out the bar so we can hoard all the paper umbrellas." There's a pause and a shrug as he wipes his fingers with a nod, "This I can do, Corey." Looking to Vyv he proclaims, "Elias is like the resident go-to guy for all the things." There's a pause and he looks at the plate and back up to Vyv curious, "I know you have to take off in a bit buuut stick around for that. Maybe?" Looking up to Sparrow the grin gets wider, "Why start apologizing now?" The start gets a sharp whistle, the grin getting wider.

Elias raises a brow when Grant decides he is the go-to guy for all the things, as though he might take some small exception to that. There are probably some things he is not the go-to guy for, like plumbing, taxidermy, country/western music, to name a few. But there's more amusement than anything else in his expression. "I think you may be overstating it a bit." Sparrow's comment is followed up with a chuckle. "You are, lovely. I just meant the song." Then he turns his attention to watching her up on stage, crossing one leg over the other. He notices the presents from Vyv to Corey and says, "Very nice."

Listening to Sparrow, grinning briefly at her choice of song, Corey absently fondles the steel bar of soap - his hands aren't particularly smelly right now, but they sure can get that way after a few hours of cooking. So. Steel soap. Amazing. The finishing salts get tucked back into the bag for safekeeping, as does the box with the soap stand in.

"I guess I gotta get me one or two." Sparrow draws out that last syllable as she leans forward like she might be searching tonight's crowd for evidence of any, "Yummy yummy punk rock girls!" She bounces up as the refrain repeats, purple hair flopping about while she hops and sings, falling still when she plants after, "I wish they all were punk rock girls." When the song shifts into the bridge with the backing track adding some 'ooohs' to the mix, her expression goes dramatically serious with eyebrows raised and plaintive. "I don't know where I'm going, but I know just where I'd like to be." Her features go dreamy as she croons toward Nicole, "With my punk rock girlfriend kissing meeeeeeeee." The, "Let's go!" which follows comes out half-giggled, and she finishes the song with that same energetic enthusiasm, bopping about the stage until her final declaration of, "I wish they all were punk rock girls!" It's the little tilt of her shoulders at the end which implies an unspoke 'like me.' Just in case anyone else was on the market for one of their own.

When she leaves the stage, the background music picks back up with potentially more familiar punk which sees her dancing her way back toward the group as she asks, "Who's next?" on her way to ordering another drink.

"For you clearing out the bar? Yes, I think I still have time for that," Vyv replies to Grant, one corner of his lips twitching upward. The smile expands to include the other side as well at Corey's reaction to his gift; it's still not precisely demonstrative, but he does look decidedly pleased with that reception and declaration. "Quite welcome. I thought they might be useful to you. And may I commend you on your fantastic taste in employers?" he replies lightly, brows lifting, and wards off any treacherous threat of smiling further by popping the last bite of the cheese stick into his mouth.

He commandeers the nearest napkin to fastidiously wipe any residual cheese-grease off his fingertips, and glances from Bax to Elias and back, likely considering this declaration regarding 'all the things'. Any questions are delayed by Sparrow's performance, however; he turns his head to watch that. The napkin's put down, and he brazenly steals Grant's drink, using it to wash down the cheese stick. Makes it hard to fully read the expression, but he looks amused behind the glass.

To the question of who is next, Elias has no answer. It's certainly not him, though he applauds Sparrow's performance with a chuckle and says, "Excellent choice, Agent P." It's about then that his mozzarella sticks arrive and he reaches out for one, dunking it before taking a bite, careful not to let the gooey cheese leak all over the place.

"You may," Corey confirms to Vyv's comment on his taste in employers, grinning briefly before taking another sip of his drink and then lurching up to his feet to go do some karaoke. Unlike his sister however, he is not a good singer. Good enough to mostly carry a note, but nobody will be wanting to sign him to a label for his singing skills. Fortunately, Lenny Kravitz is not the world's most challenging musician to emulate, and so after a modest guitar riff he sings along to 'Fly Away' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvuL5jyCHOw). "I wish that I could fly into the sky, so very high - just like a dragonfly.." The singing is okay, but the dancing is epic. lybad.

Grant hops up and says "Phee, there's a reason the world loves you." Nicole's offered a high five, "Go team spouse." Combing his fingers though his hand he leans over Vyv's shoulder arching an eyebrow, "Damn, just save me some." He doesn't specify in any context how that is meant, but hes pretty pleased with himself and swivels. "Okay I got next." Consulting with Elias and Vyv he asks, "Should we go like super old school or what?"

GIven their age' super might be 95. It's a good thing the old guys aren't here.

Sparrow does a little sideways dip in some weird approximation of a curtsey in answer to the approval for her performance and song choice, but her basking is short-lived, promptly replaced with hooting and hollering for her twin when he makes his way up onto the stage. "First thing that comes to mind," she challenges Bax. Overthinking karaoke picks is... well... for regular karaoke night when you maybe have a certain someone to croon to or wanna show-off. Random-ass birthday parties with your favorite people? That's for being dumb and impulsive. When she flops back down into her seat, she tips her head briefly to Elias' shoulder, a happy little gesture that doesn't interrupt her enjoyment of her brother's dancing. Sure, it's awful, but man oh man is it unapologetic, and that's exactly how the Joneses do it. She could not be prouder!

Elias bobs his head a bit to Corey's choice of song, grinning at the dancing. He tips his head against Sparrow's briefly when she leans her head against his shoulder, a smile shot over in her direction, but he does not interrupt the performance going down on stage at all, applauding for the Jones twin on deck. When Grant says that he's got next, Elias chuckles and says, "By we, you mean you." Because he's not getting volunteered. "Go old school, but not super old school." That's his contribution there. Man, is he ever unhelpful tonight.

Vyv adjusts his hold on the stolen drink enough to clap lightly for Sparrow when she's finished, still looking rather amused, and his only reply to Grant's over-shoulder demand is an arched brow and an extremely deliberate following sip of the stolen drink, looking directly at him as he does. A perceptive observer might catch the repressed smile there, and would need to be a good deal less perceptive when Corey's dancing breaks it free. It's still close-mouthed, lips pressing together as the performance continues and his eyes widen. Well. There's points for commitment.

Elias's reply to Bax gets a nod that supports both the time suggested and the definition of 'we'; he doesn't intend to be volunteered either. Certainly not this sober. "Nothing wrong with old-school."

Unapologetic is right - Corey flails and wails and generally has himself some fun up on the mic, but it's probably best that he's sticking to one song or he might take out somebody's eye, or maybe the karaoke machine's speakers. Winding up the song he meanders back on down like he didn't just make a colossal fool of himself, grinning cheerfully and taking a few gulps from his beer. Ahhh. "Get your ass up there, Baxter," he invites, pointing more-or-less in the direction of the microphone, before settling back at his seat and playing with the steel soap some more.

Sparrow's drink goes down when Corey finishes his flail--err, dancing so that she can enthusiastically applaud her brother. "Fuck," she mutters happily, no regret in her voice despite the, "Wish I'd recorded that for Legs," which follows. Hell, the smirk that goes with it might suggest a friendly you're welcome for not showing that to your girlfriend.

Nicole was there THE WHOLE TIME, laughing, drinking, and enjoying time with old friends and new. Whenever someone mentioned her being the keeper of all things purple, she shrugs and smirks, giving Vyv a wink. "No apology necessary. I can keep you too." She THOROUGHLY enjoyed being serenaded by Sparrow, blowing the now-purple-haired bundle of energy a kiss, high-fiving Grant after. "Oh right! We're getting married!" And then Corey is singing and Nicole enjoys that as well, even if he thinks he doesn't sing well. Neither does she, but she still does it from time to time.

Grant arches his eyebrow even higher. Eyebrow game? Baxters are in it to win it. Looking to Elias he grins and casts Sparrow and Elias a grin. "Right on. I can do this." Vyv's shoulder gets a squeeze and Sparrow gets a stealth cheek smooch that is neither stealthy nor subtle. He avoids the stairs jogging up there and hops, quite literally, up on to the stage. He looks to teh guy and says "Go." It might mean do the thing, but in this caseit seems to be the song title. Following the old school subpop post punk vibe Tone on Tails.

"Ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya
Ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya

Living it up
Living it up
Living it up, it's a big kick, it's good for you
Watch the big freeze slip, crack the jackpot, get out of control
If you put yourself down, you'll never win, get out of that hole
Keep your mind open, your head up, you'll never ever get old..

Your whole world could change if only you just broke through
Through the fears inside your head
'Cause your fears are doing nothing for you
Keep your head up, your mind open, you'll always, always come through
'Cause living it up, it's a big deal, it's good for you

Swap your dull grey thoughts for fierce demands you can stand up to
Don't put yourself down, you'll never win, so let's all smash through
Through the fear of being real, through the fear of really being you
'Cause living it up, it's a big deal, it's good for you

Ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya-ya..."

If there was ever an anthem for the skate punk that needs to paint the world and free all teh things through self-expression this is in the top five. And hey he's not a professional singer, but he is always going to see everyone have a good time. Have fun. It's a message and a lifestyle!

Sparrow matches unsubtle with unsubtle, giving Grant's ass a playful smack post-kiss, grinning as she watches him make his way to the stage. To nobody in particular, she notes, "That's my husband," knowing full well that those who know he isn't won't question it and those who don't know any better won't care. While he's up there doing his thing, she cheers and, once or twice, joins in with the refrain happily. And maybe, just maybe, she steals a look over once or twice at the very well-dressed man with whom her make-believe spouse came in with to see how he's taking it.

They say old age and treachery will always beat youth and exuberance. Which is to say, this eyebrow game is fixed! The eldest (if barely) of the attendees has years of extra eyebrow experience under his belt, and damned if any Baxter-come-lately is going to out-arch him. There's even a head tilt for emphasis. And another sip of the drink, whether he's still thirsty or not. Vyv does a decent job of schooling the expression, too, right up until Corey's performance takes definite precedence in attention.

He claps the same way for Corey that he did for Sparrow, not bothering to mask most of the amusement as he informs him on his return, "That was quite a performance."

The shoulder-squeeze has him looking to Bax again, and he watches as the skater makes his way up there, ass-smack and all. His expression's hard to read at first, maybe thoughtful, but that corner of his mouth quirks upward again at the leap onto the stage, and he shakes his head slightly, leaning back in his chair. He does not make any loud noises or join in with the singing, but the half-smile lingers, and his attention doesn't waver. Is it possible there's some faint toe-twitching in there at some point? Maybe. There's definitely an absent sip or two of the drink.

She might not know the song, but when Grant goes up and performs the skate punk song, Nicole jumps up and cheers him on. "Woo!" When she does sit down again, she idly wonders to Sparrow, "if he's your husband, and you are my wife... " She ponders that for a moment, then follows Sparrow's gaze over to Vyv. "He's so... reserved. Proper..." she whispers. "It's kinda adorable. How's your birthday, my favorite bird?"

A blue-eyed latino walks into a bar, but the joke's on him. Cristobal looks unbearable uncomfortable for a man usually so filled with machismo for in his hand he carries a long thin wood box wrapped in a simple bow. No doubt a gift for the female half of the Gemini duo, as he has yet to meet her actual brother. Sparrow's easy enough to pick out of the crowd, like the shiniest coin in a change jar. Cruz starts weaving his way toward her, ducking around people he'd normally just barrel over like the bull he is.

"Don't worry," Sparrow croons to Nicole as she points out the complications of their made-up relationship statuses. "My husband's a lawyer." Or was on his way to becoming one in that one dream that one time, and that's what matters here, right? Kinda like what really matters about Vyv, when it comes right down to it is that he's, "Into pretty punk philosophers?" Whether the chef can hear them gossipping or not, she casts a wide, approving smile his way. "Pretty fantastic," she answers her would-be-bride. Of course, she might be lying when she then tells Nicole, "Spent the afternoon looking through wedding dresses with Dovey. Figure I'mma have to go lace if you're going leather." And the look she gives the leather-clad blonde says that, oh yes, she is definitely going leather. She's about to look back to Bax to invite him and his to the elopement when she catches Cristobal's approach and her smile goes all dopey. "Hey there, gorgeous."

Cristobal flicks a glance at the others gathered, trying his best not to look like a broody asshole but he's sort of failing in that regard, so instead he focuses on Sparrow. "Pajarillo,
feliz cumpleańos." He says when he's nearer, pressing the small present into her hand as he leans to her ear, rumbling. "Open it later." A chaste kiss given to her cheek in the mixed company as he straightens. "I can't stay long but at least let me buy you and your friends a round, yeah?" Languid movements turn quick as he reaches out to give a tug on her hair.

Grant hops down off the stage with no more inconvenience than letting his feet find his board. Superhero landing, awww yeah. Someday his knees may hate him but not today! As for the social litmus test? Eh, Bax ain't sweating it. Does he catch that slight grin of the too properly dressed man with his beverage? Yes. Is there an eyebrow waggle in return? Oh yes. He bows, over dramatically, but hey he was in drama in high school for a minute. Flare is what they do, yo. He watches Nicole and Sparrow with an amused light in his eyes, "I need to get ordained for a handfasting? I mean... shit, I'll do it. Though I might be able to already. I think it's Captain or better or something?" His fingers find the back seam on that purple suit and draw a half a line down it in that subtle hi there and is there any of my drink left?! Looking to Cris he signs and offers out his free hand to him, "Man I do not know your name but I like you. Come sit. Bax. That's Vyv. Nicole. Elias and Corey are like playing Space Invaders for pink slips around here or somethin."

Nicole lifts her hand to wave to Cristobal as Grant introduces her. "Hey there." She smiles, putting two and two together to see that they equal Sparrow's blue-eyed man she heard about. "Pleasure to meet you." She's hit that mellow stage of drinking after a long day, relaxing next to Sparrow, whom she looks to next. "Wait... a leather wedding dress? Or these pants?" Nodding towards Grant, the hairdresser says, "you did great. If only I had half your energy..."

Sparrow tilts in toward that whisper from Cris, eyes happily lidding for a second or two. She answers that little tug to her hair with a pitch of her brows in warning. Not that he shouldn't do that, but that she might be reluctant to let him go if he tries it again. "Gonna drink it with us?" is a yes, to be sure. The nod that comes with gives it away. To Bax, she calls over, "Vegas!" to assure there's no ordination needed. "Though maybe if you've got a sequined jumpsuit lying around..." She angles a look toward Nicole, brows arched, possibly to get her opinion on Elvis!Grant officiating their ceremony, maybe just to be all stern. "Those pants please and thank you." After a pause, she adds, "Though," with a tilt of her head as if she might be willing to hear... well, more likely see arguments in favor of tight leather wedding dresses. Looking back to Cris as she gives the box a gentle shake--something rattling very quietly inside--she asks, "Cake to go?"

Sparrow belatedly adds a, "oh. Shit. Right. Errybody! This is Cris. He's fucking fascinating." And it even sounds like she may well mean that.

If Vyv hears the women whispering, there's no sign of it. He probably doesn't; there's a fairly loud song going on, after all. Which he's watching. The brow-waggle grows the little smile another notch, and he sips the drink again, less absently this time.

He does look over when Sparrow greets someone new, though, and inclines his head in greeting to Cristobal, giving the gift an interested look. Open later? All the more intriguing. Alas. "Good evening," he adds, now that the man's within speech distance and Bax is returning. He glances up when there's that contact with his suit, and offers him his own drink back, too late for it not to interfere with his applause. Which there was, even if he also greets him with a rather fond-sounding, "Ridiculous." Signs it, too.

From the look toward Sparrow when she suggests a Vegas wedding, that is also ridiculous, at the very best. "I do not recommend Vegas. You'll end up having to annul something." He looks at Grant almost appraisingly for less than a breath before, "Possibly yours. And once is enough for that sort of thing."

Cris lifts his hands as Grant starts signing, looking at his own fingers helplessly. "Sorry pal, only sign language I know I'm not sure you deserve yet, but I'm guessing you read lips just fine." He looks to the others, giving them a bit of a pinched smile, "Folks." He says to the introductions, adding, "Yeah, Cris the fucking fascinating. It's on my birth certificate and everything." As Sparrow insists her own way that he stay for that drink, he gives her a narrowed eye look and a playful growl. "Minx." As he's turning to order them a round of shots, he pauses in his swivel. "Wait. Who's getting married now?"

Grant leaves one hand there at rest on the back of the suit seam and takes his drink back to enjoy the dregs. Bax doesn't sign so much as give Cris a feigned air smooch. Yes he reads lips, and who doesn't like innuendo roulette? He slides back too his stool and points to the stage now signing/speaking, "Someone's turn. Uhhhh and Dream wifey and her other bestie." He pauses and announces, "Because why not?" He leans over over and murmurs something with a too wry, amused grin to he-who-drove (Vyv) and watches Sparrow and Nicole as if running some mental math.

"I'm alright to annul something," Sparrow croons back to Vyv as if that were a different word with some of the same letters, just spoken a bit fancier. And, in case it was missed, she murmurs, "The right tools, a little lube..." And then takes a sip of what is very definitely not her first drink of the night. With the gift-for-later and her nearly-finished drink set down on the table, she stands to snug up close to Cris as the bartender starts to get those shots poured. Pointing to Nicole, she notes way too casually, "My fiancee with the magnificent ass." Beat. "Because she's got a magnificent ass." Surely, there's more to it than that. But then she's onto Grant, "And my husband who's gonna dress up like Elvis and officiate for us." Then to Vyv, "And his person who thinks a local ceremony would be better even if he has yet to realize that means we're gonna ask him to cater cuz, I mean." She just levels Vyv with a look. He knows what she means. He brought this on himself by being so fucking amazing. Sorry. She then looks around the crowd in hopes of spotting Corey, pointing to the back of his head when she spots it, noting, "And his protege. Who's my brother." She's pretty sure he already knows Elias. She catches that look from Bax as he whispers to Vyv. Maaaybe that's why she, then, leans in to whisper to Cris. Counter-conspiracy.

Cris looks a little like a cat watching a ping-pong match as Sparrow starts to draw imaginary lines all over the place, linking people and their positions together in a tangled web of What The Actual Fuck. His frown grows deeper the more complex it is, even with Sparrow cozied up to his side until something is whispered to him. Marginally relaxed from it, his arm snakes around to her hip, squeezing him tighter against his form with a little tug. "Because why not." He echoes Grant, though his words seem tinted a touch darker than who he parrots.

"How do you do," Vyv says Cris-ward, finishing his portion of the introductions, and then Sparrow's making a terrible play on words, and he breathes out sharply through the nose, possibly in the same graduating class as a laugh. "Mn. More than a little, I hope." Sadly Vyv no longer has a (stolen) drink, so he can't sip it.

When the listing off of how people are involved gets to him, there's a flicker of a blink, and then a brow lifts. "I suppose if it prevents more Sin City nuptials, there's the possibility." And then Grant's murmuring to him, and there's a half-suppressed little smile, eyes closing for the length of a breath, before he reaches over to casually try to steal the drink back again. His reply's a murmur as well, but as he's not going to try to stretch up to an ear, some might catch that it's, "I can't think how I would cope." He takes a quick, subtle glance at his watch, and looks less than fully thrilled with whatever it reveals, but doesn't immediately stand, at least.

Sparrow nuzzles at Cris' shoulder as she's drawn closer, though the gesture hardly hides her wide grin. Just like there's very little subtle about the way she bites at his shoulder a second later. Right before the shots are delivered. She dislodges, chirping a cheerful, "Thanks!" to the bartender then moves to help distribute the liquor, assuring each glass finds a hand, even if that means both of her own are full if Grant's designated driver isn't participating. Whether he's drinking or not, Vyv is informed, "Your generosity is appreciated," on her way around. Once there are no more shots to hand out, she stands next to Cris and lifts her glass so that she can toast. "To the best husband a girl could ever dream up. To the wisest and most badass fiancee a girl could steal from a friend to save him the trouble. To fucking fascinating men with gorgeous blue eyes and, uhm." Whatever she wants to say might not be fit for the crowd, so she just grins wide and wicked to let everybody else fill in the blank however they'd like. "To impeccably dressed men with impeccable taste in other people's husbands. To wonderful warlocks with fancies worth fancying. To the very best little brother--" Was that a cry of by a few minutes! from the other side of the bar? "--a girl could ever want. And. I mean." She looks back to Nicole and concludes, "To those pants," before slamming her shot(s).