made waves with some friends I know

[fightlikehell]

 

The season is a'changing, the weather is warmer. The forecast calls for high temperature, low humidity and a light breeze. A near perfect day. What better reason to gather the friends and have a good time with a bonfire? Grab a beer, have a seat. Cheery tunes fill the salty air. There's plenty of room and so much to eat.

Matt Murdock is actually dressed for the beach. Still likely more than usual. He burns so easily. There's no way he could have done this alone. Anyone who is anyone in Nexus knows that there is that distinct Verity Willis touch on everything. If the sounds and the sights don't get you, it is going to be whatever Clint has on the grill. That man is magic.

[ooc; Come on in, guys and gals! Hop threads, twist time for sooner, later and all things in between. It's a real party. Don't be shy!]

Comments

I think we all know what Ver wants to be touching when Matt's dressed like that. :P

[brave_heart_verity]

It was all Matt's very good idea, and Verity will insist he take all the credit due. But yes, she's been helping, the way a good girlfriend does in these situations. Clint's grilling, but Ver did the food prep and baking and a fair bit of the planning. Matt seems to think these things just happen; maybe, for him, they do. It worked this time, so the anecdotal evidence continues to suggest a strong trend in the line of people wanting to see the handsome wounded duck smiling.

Lucky bastard.

Verity is dressed for the sun; like Matt, she has pale skin and a little bit of an issue with the sun. That's what hats and sarongs are for. And sunscreen, which would help Matt too if he'd "Stop wiggling! It's not that cold."

It is absolutely that cold it's stored in a cooler after all.

And he will be oh so delighted for any touching if it's coming from her. You've seen her right?

[fightlikehell]

Ideas alone don't sum up how much preparation went into this little jaunt. Since he's a strapping lad, he gladly hauled whatever materials to the spot. The firewood, the tables. His good idea came out this way through the lens of her planning and attention to detail.

"It's not cold, it's freezing," which means it takes several attempts to be anything close to still. Matt clenches his teeth that want to shatter.

"What's the SPF on that stuff?" Because now he'll smell like it. Since he can't run away he'll have to fit his hands on her shoulders.

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

Never one to miss a gathering, custom nonetheless dictates that Schön occasionally arrive to such things a little after they've properly begun. He has traded out his black fedora for a Panama hat, his suit for a loose, gauzy black shirt worn open over a white button-down shirt with the top button undone and the cuffs rolled up. In place of slacks, a pair of black Bermuda shorts with a subtle paisley pattern of black-on-black. He's even traded his crisp black shoes for sandals, which seem not to be sinking into the sand as he strides over it. His cane doesn't seem to sink in very far, either, and its head today is the silver image of a coiling ammonite shell.

"Verity!" he calls in greeting, flashing one of his smiles. "Such a lovely gathering you've brought together--again!"

[maydayqueen]

"--and it can't be so wrong if I'm comfortable with people seeing me this way." The May Queen is ready for the beach, so ready! Bikini, a crown of lady's mantle and African lily, a basket of goodies (not of the baked good variety, she has a feeling Matt would not trust those for some reason), and of course, her constant companion.

Frea loves and adores Brienne, but sometimes, having such a modest companion can make life more difficult. The May Queen is many things, but modest is not one of them. Not in the ways Brienne would understand it.

"Anyway, I'm wearing something over it. So everything's fine." Because a tunic so sheer it's practically see-through makes everything better. (At this point she may just be trying to mess with Brienne.) "And if I'm going to wear something to please you, you should wear something to please me."

[oathstokeep]

"Your comfort is paramount. That is not what I was trying to say," not even a whole day in the sun and with her newest and dearest friend and Brienne is red in the face. No, that's not a burn. Tucked up under her arm is a thick blanket, Oathkeeper is there because Brienne takes it everywhere with her. And one never knows about what happens by the sea.

Pirates obviously. Let's not drip and fall into the countless times Frea has told her such things aren't done that way here. There are more pressing matters to dissect.

"...it looks like a shift. Over does not mean covered." What about her virtue? What about uncalled for attention from men? Okay, that's another reason why Oathkeeper is here. What kind of a guard would she be?

They slow in their stroll and Brienne's brow furrows. "I thought you said this was a pleasing choice." It is one of Frea's suggested choices... that has been promptly covered up.

Fire: 4, Barton: 5

[aw_hawkguy]

The sizzle of the grill is summer magic, and Clint has three going--a little kettle grill for anyone who needs their food kosher, a bisected barrel full of steaks, burgers, bratwurst, and discorporated fragments of chicken, with another barrel grill for mushroom tops, tofu dogs, and grilled spring corn on the cob. "Step right up," Clint calls, flipping a spatula among his fingers, "and get'cherself fed!" Nearby, Lucky the Pizza Dog lounges in the shade, panting contentedly and waiting for something meaty to get dropped.

:o

[fightlikehell]

The cocktail of smells are going to keep at least Matt hungry. This is going to be one of the many trips he's taking back to the grill and the grill master. "Jeez, you sure one case of beer is going to do you?" He knew the guy was into it, but this is incredible.

[maydayqueen]

"CLINT!"

That's all the warning anyone gets that Frea is incoming. If her aim is true, she'll land on Clint's back, arms and legs wrapping around him like a monkey, in a move that's both hug and insistence in getting a piggy-back ride.

If she misses, she's taking one of those grills down with her. Don't let her miss, Clint.

[oathstokeep]

"How are you managing all of this with no other cook?" There are better ways to say hello. She really is having a hard time digesting the sight of one man and so many open flames.

[losthunter]

After being told that Clint is manning the barbecues, Hunter comes over to say hi and grab a bite to eat.
"So this is where all the action happens?"

[losthunter]

This is officially Hunter's first beach party in a few years (since the curse changed his life). And he must be comfortable enough in his own skin, because the tattoo-covered young man is wearing a simple pair of trunks. In a little beach bag, Hunter also has a cover shirt if he needs it, and sunglasses. And lots of sunscreen. One has to be careful when you have so many tattoos covering your body.

For those who have not seen Hunter this exposed, the vine-themed tattoos cover most of his body from head to toe. The vines twist and turn as they follow major blood veins. There is a large heart-shaped tattoo on his chest, where many of the tattoos twist and connect.

Hunter also has a large art book with him, so he can capture any moments during the event. Right now, he is busy applying sunscreen over his exposed skin, and just watching the others who are also attending the event. He sees a few familiar faces so far.

[fightlikehell]

In years? Then this is overdue. This would be Matt Murdock's first effort at putting one together. So this is a particularly lucky day! No cane, no pretense and just himself. Matt hears, and smells, a new person. All the sunblock. So he's also a guy that needs it.

"Hello there."

[oathstokeep]

Perhaps sometime later in the lazier, warmer hours of the afternoon a very tall lady casts a shadow over Hunter and his sketchpad. "What is it that you're drawing?"

[poetwarrior]

One of Hunter's tattoos is new, and springs from his exposed skin to land on all four paws, as real and three-dimensional as at least most of the other party-goers. He gently digs his clawtips into the sand and makes a noise that almost sounds like a purr. "This sand is most pleasant."

Reacting to poetwarrior because wtf

[brave_heart_verity]

Verity had been intending to come over and give Hunter a hug and a kiss on the cheek and her hat.

Screw that one of his tattoos just jumped off and started talking.

It's like.

She's seen weird before. But. But! "What the hell just happened?"

[i_amgroot]

One of the local trees doesn't provide all that much shade. It's not as tall as the others, and although its branches are thick, they are neither as long nor as numerous. It's got much brighter eyes, though, when it opens them.

The excitement of the beach party has awakened Groot from his nap, and he looks around with interest at all the people having fun. "I am Groot?"

[brave_heart_verity]

"Of course you're invited!" Verity would never deny Groot, well, pretty much anything.

He's Groot.

"You still have your crown. That is so adorable."

[fightlikehell]

Where has he heard that voice before. Oh! Oh wait. Matt turns his head and listens. No heart beat just a rustle.

"...Hi again." Though he's not 100% certain.

[losthunter]

Hunter has never seen anyone like Groot before, so he is a little awed by his appearance. It seems like a great opportunity for a sketch, so Hunter finds his pencil and his art book.

But he is going to ask permission first. "Hey, do you mind if I draw you?"

[oathstokeep]

"Oh." Brienne blinks and for once has to crane her neck to look up at someone. He's taller than The Mountain and the Hound. Maybe even The Hound perched up on the Mountain's shoulders. Befitting a tree, she should think. And such a tree man he is.

"Seven Blessings."

[poetwarrior]

Oh, how interesting. An enormous living plant-person of some type. Faris has not seen a species like this before, although he recalls a few from his cultural training back home. The quadrupedal K'da pads over to the tall treeman, arching his long neck to get a better look at him. "Are you well, friend?" he asks, his voice somewhat snakelike. "It is a fine day to be out in the elements."

[avakaido]

The sun hasn't set right? Right! Foggy Nelson in his beach duds approaches. It's hard to miss the group. His arms are a little full. Beach party favors for everyone (that wants one), Magic Hat and some additional snacks because hey, they'v been here all day. You never know.

[losthunter]

"I looks like you need some help there." A tall tattoo-covered man offers some assistance, when he sees how full Foggy's arms are.

Anyone wants to talk to the Smuggler is welcome, despite the theme of the starter tag ...

[twelve_not_fourteen]

It's been a number of years since Han Solo has been to a beach.

As a boy, he had never gotten the opportunity to appreciate one for what it was, or if he had, it would have been before he was old enough form the memory of it. There certainly was never time for lounging by the water when he was under Captain Shrike's thumb. He does remember Bria teaching him how to passably swim on Togoria, though; on Corellia he has moments preserved of slow dancing to the sound of the waves crashing against the sand and he, in turn, showing her how to use a blaster.

Some of their most beautiful memories together happened on shore of some kind, it seemed. Sometimes he wishes he could just get one more message to her. When they last parted he was so angry - in all his life he doesn't know if there was a moment he ever felt such contempt for somebody. Less than a year later, though, she died and somebody he once loved so much ... her last memory of him was so vicious and cold. He would tell her that he was sorry, if he could. He would tell her that he loved her. He would say a proper goodbye and not one born out of anger. If only ...

But the brighter the star, the sooner it burns out, doesn't it? How's that for cold and vicious. He shakes all of those thoughts out of his head because they're likely to swallow him up like an angry tide, if he lets them.

Han walks close enough to the party to make out many of the faces in the firelight. He can see they've been going like this for hours because some of them who didn't carefully apply sunblock have the red of sunburn on their faces. The person he's looking for is there among the group, but he can't bring himself to join the gathering.

The Corellian, since he has spent most of his day in temperature controlled areas, is dressed typically for him. He turns and starts walking down the beach. Han's eyes are looking to the stars.

[brave_heart_verity]

Does Han hear her approaching? Sand muffles so much of the sound of moving feet, and the susurration of the waves masks so much more. It's not that she expects him to turn around if he hears her coming. This is, in fact, pretty much exactly how she's expected him to behave.

But still.

"Hey... the point of coming to a party is to join the party, silly." Ver's lost her hat at some point, and the sunglasses have been swapped out for her normal ones now that the sun's gone down. Nothing can dim her smile or her general good cheer--things must be going well if she's this happy!

[poetwarrior]

While Faris does need to stay close to Hunter for the time being, he is certainly allowed some time away to explore. The quadrupedal K'da pads down to the surf and wades through the water, marveling a bit at the unexpected treat of being able to relax in nature instead of being cooped up in a scout ship for weeks on end.

Perhaps a swim is in order, and then some sunning on the beach. Of course, he will certainly not turn away anyone who wishes to chat, or offer him food. And should someone else be swimming too, well, he may just need to give them a proper greeting, as is polite when one is visiting.

[onemorebounty]

*In the place Samus calls home, humans and humanoids are but a small fraction of the population, far less represented than in the Nexus. Thus, she tends to gravitate to the comparatively rare non-humans when they appear. Clad in a swimsuit and sarong in an abstract blue print evocative of feathers, sandals, an amber visor, and a broad, floppy hat, she nods a greeting to the sunbathing individual as she passes.*

Are you with the party, or here on your own?

[damn_yourself_early]

What is a beach party without sandcastles? For that matter, what is a beach without sandcastles? Never fear, for Asgard's youngest menace is here to rescue us from both questions, with shovel, bucket, and determination aplenty! He's got a good start already, piling together a mound of sand almost as large as he is--what will he make?

[losthunter]

Sandcastles! Count Hunter in the action. He watches the youngster who is piling together a mound of sand already with a smile.

"Need any help?"