sixthiterationlogs | [MINGLE] Christmas at Liv's

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[MINGLE] Christmas at Liv's

WHO: Liv Moore
WHERE: House 42
WHEN: 25 December, from late morning on
OPEN TO: Anyone invited and anyone walking past who would poke a head in!
WARNINGS: Nothing yet, should be pretty chill
NOTE: The booze is limited, but there is: Bourbon, champagne, cognac, red and white wine, gin, rum, scotch, and vodka

I am not going to act like this is my most joyous, festive holiday season. It is, in fact, one of the worst Christmases I've ever had. I've got a lot to be thankful for, don't get me wrong, and contrary to the popular view, I don't actually have a problem being here. Rather, it's that other people aren't.

I am also not going to act like I didn't throw myself a little too intensely into the holiday preparations as a coping mechanism for that.

I have a tree! That part was easy; I have a lumberjack for a boyfriend. The decorations are a little thrown-together and there aren't many of them, but it smells nice, and when we're done with it we can use it for (more) firewood. I also got two big boxes from our overseers filled with exactly the ingredients I need to put on a really amazing holiday feast, which yes, is creepy as hell, but I'm not looking that horse in the mouth. Not when they included coffee and sugar.

Today I have a ton of people coming over, and loads to cook. Sam showed up early to help, and that's a bigger relief than I'd realized it would be. On the menu: Mashed tubers, bacon balsamic Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, bread stuffing, lemon and Parmesan-crusted something-fish, roasted sort-of-goose, shortbread cookies, eggnog (tipsy and not), hot chocolate, coffee, and a whole lot of booze.

I don't know everybody coming, and there are so many of them that we've had to carry in extra tables and chairs from an empty house, but that's okay. I'm glad we all have a place to be today, and if somebody random wanders up and wants a plate, that's okay, too. The more, the merrier.

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Sam had no real happy Christmas memories. All of her foster homes did Christmas, in one fashion or another. But she usually ended up with crappy gifts that were strictly utilitarian in nature--socks, books, Lisa Frank folders. And, of course, she just as frequently ended up with the sense of a lack of continuity. The sense that she didn't belong. That she never would belong anywhere.

In that respect, she figured celebrating Christmas in the clown rodeo could only be a step up.

Although, it was kind of an awkward step.

Since she didn't like a lot of Liv's friends, Sam decided to throw herself into the business of the party, as much as possible. Liv was the captain of the ship, but Sam more or less declared herself the first mate, helping with the cooking, taking coats, fetching and serving drinks for people. Anything to make life easier for Liv and her guests. Just generally keeping herself in a state of perpetual motion.

It kind of felt fucking amazing.

In an effort not to look like she was part of some Goth festivities, she wore the pink dress she'd walked away from Halloween with. Her wig was freshly cleaned, the curls bouncy again. And she'd even managed to give herself a lipgloss treatment with some berries. It was as bright and as colorful as she'd ever been. Not a bad start to Christmas for an agnostic Jewish vampire with a horrible personality and, at least in one universe, the weight of the world on her shoulders. She figured--and hoped--things would just go up from here.

"Can I take your coat? Do you need something to drink?"

Anne hadn't been planning on staying, and she's not going to intrude for long; she's shown up with a box wrapped in Navy Blue paper decorated with stars of various sizes and designs, tied together with silver ribbon. In careful charcoal on the top is 'Liv in careful cursive.

She's also brought along one of the remaining wine bottles aside from a couple that she's stashed; a crisp white Riesling-type.

Christmas was her time of year. She's dressed up as nicely as she can manage; her hair is near perfection thanks to Zevran. She enjoys the chance to talk with others, to share a meal with friends new and old.

Christmas is a weird time for Eddie. He grew up religious so he has a great deal of respect for the holiday. He loves gifts, the giving and the getting - and it's easier to really make someone's day when you're good at making a gift. He'd been halfway through that gift. Venom agreeing not to touch his own secret santa gift.

But then he'd seen that clip and when he closed his eyes he still felt his father grabbing his arm and dragging him away. He'd been living with a constant headache - Venom didn't understand why he wanted to keep those memories. Why it was important for him to remember his father.

Why that anger sometimes fueled him.

The symbiote is gentle now though, soothing him like a hug in his mind. Doesn't mean he's slept. Doesn't mean he's okay.

What we need is people.

...I'm proud of you. Don't focus on the past. Move to the here and now.

So he's cleaned up a bit, debating on bringing his gift for Faraday before deciding against it. Instead he's just there with some of the ornaments that he and Wanda made. She might be there, he should talk to her more and-

Anne!

"...Anne!" It's shouted, "Hey. Hey Hi. Hi. How are you?" He looks exhausted but respectful.

This was a possibility Anne had planned for. After her various conversations, especially recounting the breakup with Foggy, she'd been able to manage at least a little bit of distance.

Hearing the excitement in his voice, though ... that caught her unprepared. Eddie. Emotions run deep, and there's always a part of her that hurts for the life together that he gave up on.

It'd been his choice, his doing.

But, it'd been a while since she'd heard somoeone so happy to see her.

"Eddie, funny seeing you here." She smiles, a little quirk to her grin. "This is definitely not the Christmas I had planned this year, but it'll do." Her expression sobers, with all the videos that have been going around, with the way people had been reacting, some of the haunted looks she'd seen, and Eddie's own exhausted appearance, she wondered if he'd gotten show as well. "How have you been?"

Venom is...not happy with this development.

It's child's play to close of his mind from Eddie (and never question if his host would ever learn how to reach his subconscious. He saw what venom wanted him to see.) mostly because the memories of Carl Brock put things together and make sense.

The desperate need to be liked, to succeed. The desire to be loved. Venom has never had a parent but there is respect to be found in a familial unit that he had never received. Riot. Lash. Scream. All of his colleagues, brothers and sisters, lovers, all the words humans had for close. Out of all of them Scream was ironically closest to him if such a thing could be considered...

But it was nothing like human beings.

Human beings, to Venom's utter horror, were not a hive mind. They were forced to co-exist together on a planet and unlike every. other. civilized. planet in the galaxy they were blessed with individuality. They could be loved. They could be hated. Venom wondered if relationships begun in hate were easier. The ones begun in love seemed cruel.

Carl Brock should have loved his son. Anne should have been supportive. These two beings however were individuals with their own thoughts and deeds and ideas. Their own lives And to exist in the hive place sans hive mind, those lives had to be respected.

Eddie, Edward Brock had no idea how to respect others since his own life had never been respected. His own autonomy never reinforced. His own ability to care for himself had been hindered.

It'd be so much easier if I could erase her, that asshole, all of it.

He couldn't however and in the split second Venom had these musings on the nature of humans and their imperfect ugly existence where they were blessed with individuality, Venom spread through Eddie's body like a blanket. Just beneath the skin. Every part of him, as close as they would be as if they were truly Venom.

Whatever thoughts, whatever uncertainty Eddie had vanished in a heartbeat. He looked visibly different, like some flow of endorphins or chemicals had been released to relax him.

You may be an asshole. but you're my asshole and as such. Behave yourself. I don't know what this Christmas is but whatever it is we will face it. Together. And the easiest way to do so is to remember that. Truly believe that. I've got us.

"...yes."

It's blurted out and Eddie blinks, "Sorry. Spaced out for a second. Not the Christmas I wanted but y'know I tried my hand at some crafts again." They had done that together and now

Put that away. That's over.

Venom resisted the urge to scream as Eddie's memories washed over him like a tied, Individuality fucking sucked.

Be honest.

"...I haven't been great though. And I really don't want to talk about it unless you're asking cause it kinda deals with someone we both dislike immensely. And before you ask, this isn't a "alien" thing. This is an "Eddie's shitty childhood" thing. And I just..."

He set the ornaments on a table and stuck his hands in his scrubs pockets, "...I was doing good. Fucked it up, but I was doing good. That's a win right?"

She gives him a pitying look, sorry that he's had to deal with that on top of everything else, and reaches out to give his arm a squeeze.

"I don't think you fucked up on this one, Champ. Someone's definitely throwing a monkey wrench into good, honest work." Acknowledging all he'd done, so far. She smiles a little more, "If you don't want to talk about it, we don't have to talk about it. But, if you need to with someone who understands - " Seriously, though, fuck that bastard Carl Brock. "I'm here."

Not to pressure him, though, she shifts the conversation, reaching to pick up and look over one of the ornaments. "It looks like craft time was a success. Did you help with these, Venom?"

Eddie twitches and his eyes go white, No. I was expressly forbidden to touch these things, but Eddie instructed me on how to work on our...gift so it could get done in time.

He coughs and his eyes drift back to normal, "...That's getting easier on the throat at least. Which is good."

He pauses, "...I gotta...I gotta ask. Did you get a video? A weird little thing on your watch?"

Anne purses her lips and instinctively looks at the device on her wrist.

"I did, yes." She's not going to tell him the moment she saw, but she gathered there was nothing in her life that was as awful as what Eddie was hinting at. Or, maybe it was and she'd just come to terms with it.

"I don't know if there's anything in my life that would undo me if I had to watch it again. You don't have to worry about me."

Thor had gotten a message from Steve about a party for a holiday called Christmas. He had heard the word thrown around before on Earth, but he hadn't known much about it otherwise. He eventually learned that his jól, or Yule, and Christmas had some things in common due to conversion and religions and things he didn't feel like getting into more deeply, so he didn't feel entirely strange for showing up to the event.

He had thought whether or not to bring a gift to Liv as she was the one who was hosting the party. He'd asked Steve whether bringing a brain would be strange or received as rude instead of kind, the latter being what he was going for, of course. He settled on not bringing anything, just in case. With the more Midgardian clothes that Peggy had been kind enough to give him, he also felt better about showing up. He no longer looked like a garish, giant banana.

Once at the party, he mingles and assists with things where he can. He's mostly loitering by where all the booze is being kept, wondering at what he's been told is "eggnog." A most peculiar drink with a most peculiar name.

Did he mention that he's still figuring out his human limits for both alcohol and food?

"Yeah okay but that doesn't mean it shouldn't bother you. I mean if it does. If it doesn't that's cool...and if you...want to deal with it on your own that's cool I mean."

Subtle. This is going well.

Eddie looks to the side and shakes his head before putting his wrist in front of hers and playing his clip. The muscles in his neck tighten. He looks ready to snap but when it's over he folds his wrist back.

"I don't know what you...saw. It's worth considering though that the people in charge of this place have access to shit like that. Nobody, and I mean nobody except you and Venom know about...my past.

He crosses his arms over his chest and meets her gaze, neck tight.

"...I don't like people fucking with me like this Anne."

Wanda had heard about the party in passing and hadn't initially intended to go but then she learned that Liv was going to be the host. She had never met Liv personally but she knew a little bit about her from talking to Major and wanted a chance to finally meet her.

It was awkward showing up to a place she's never been before but she knew enough about the Christmas Holiday to blend into the general merriment of the event. She wore the only nice outfit she owned and grabbed two little ornaments she'd made as a gift for the host. Her long hair hung loosely over her shoulders, falling in gentle curls to the base of her spine. Her expression was warm and light but despite her best efforts, a shadow lingered in her light misty green eyes.

Wanda hadn't shaken off the effects of the short clip she had experienced a few days before. She was comfortable with her past and her decisions up until this moment but the clip had been of her future. She wanted to ask Steve or Bucky or... anyone about it but she wasn't sure if they knew or if it was a good topic to bring up at what should be a happy gathering.

It was best to push it from her thoughts and address it later.

She had a small cup of scotch in one hand and milled about the party. She only took enough alcohol to relax, knowing that there wasn't very much of it, and it worked. She felt the tension in her shoulders ebb and a more natural smile shape her lips. It was nice to see everyone and it really was a great party.

Bull has never heard of eggnog either but it sounds like something that is worth trying. He smiles as he comes over to Thor with the tiny glass in his hands. Or rather, the glass looks tiny in his hands. "Evening."

Eddie is the perfect gift giver. It stems from a desire to please and to be thanked. To be included. Consequently the best gift he was going to give Anne was ...well. Space. Besides. It wasn't like she didn't have Dan, back in San Francisco. Like she didn't have a number of other friends right?

Right. This is totally natural and honestly Wanda's one of the few people that gets his fingers all warm and tingling when their hands touch and Anne is one thing but Wanda...

Wow.

I take it you like that outfit?

Well I mean yeah, she looks like somebody you'd see in a bar or-I mean-like a club like a nice, classy club and...

This is why your heart rate is picking up. Our palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are-

"Did you just...did you just quote an Eminem song at me?" He blinks, tilting his head up, "...Okay that's it I'm doing this for both our sakes."

That and she was concerned. Pacing over, Eddie sticks his hands in his pockets. He still looks tired and haggard when he approaches. He smiles never the less.

"...This is the part where I ask if I can buy you a drink but it's a party. So I'm gonna ask if I can bring you a drink."

This is fine. Anne wants this. Doesn't she?

Stop it. Talk to her.

"I kind of owe you an explanation."

She gives him a look. It's soft, a touch wary, but understanding, then reaches out and pulls him into a tight embrace. She knew he'd had a rough time of it with his dad - she'd had her own experience with the guy herself - and she could afford to offer Eddie this one comfort. One arm slides across his shoulders, the other hand gently squeezes the nape of his neck.

"I know. But you'll get through this; you've got Venom now, you've got friends. This is a terrible thing that they've done, but your dad isn't here. And, if he ever showed up, I don't think anyone would protest if you wanted to introduce him to V. Is that right, buddy?"

oh. Oh. oh

Eddie ignores every feeling he can think of that rushes to his head before Venom swims out of his chest and eyes and stomach. It's still too early (V counts the damn hours some days) but Eddie pulls away and makes a noise like a strangled cat before he turns white and black eyes to her.

Why do you human beings DO that to your spawn? It serves no purpose to be needlessly cruel. Don't think I'm letting Eddie off the hook - he needs to let go of it. The hive was only cruel to me because I deserved it for being born far smaller then anyone else. I had to learn to grow strong

Deep inside his head Eddie says for the umpteeth time, Don't you realize it's the same sort of thing

And Venom ignores him.

"Hey." Her mouth stretched into a warm smile. It was good to see Eddie out and enjoying himself. She had been worried but she hadn't wanted to crowd him after he had asked for some time to himself.

"I'm almost done this. If you'd like to refill it for me." Wanda lifted the cup in her hand to indicate what she was talking about. Not that it'd be hard to guess or that the drinks were particularly far away. It was still nice of him to offer, if not a little awkward.

Wanda stepped closer to his side, her misty green eyes bright and curious as she searched his gaze.

"Umm.." Her lips curled briefly inward. "How are you and Venom doing?"

"I can manage that." He settles in beside her before staring at his hands and fixing as much sincerity as he can into his features. His smile is rougish as he looks up again, "Finally a little alcohol right?"

It's cute how you think you'll get to have any of that. Inebriation is a weakness.

"...We're fine." Eddie twitches, "And I'm uh...recovering. A little bit after what happened. I really can't thank you enough for what you did for me."

He's not including the "Us" in this because Venom didn't get it. This is a Me thing. Not a We thing.

wholly fine with that. Just. No beer.

"Yeah." Alcohol was nice though Wanda rarely drank to excess. "It's relaxing and interesting. There are a lot of different drinks here."

Wanda enjoyed being around friends and being able to see everyone smile and enjoy themselves. This party was different than the ones that suddenly appeared around the inn or in a corn maze. It felt more natural and safe.

"I'll always be there for you Eddie." She paused and added. "And Venom." Though Wanda realized that she hadn't really had a conversation with Venom yet. She had seen him on the network but at the time she hadn't been able to reply back to him.

"I'm glad that you're doing better."

Wanda looked like she was going to say more but she hesitated. She didn't know when Eddie was from, only that they were from the same world. Would he know about Thanos? Could she mention her own clip? Wanda wasn't sure if it was a good idea to explain. It might be better at another time.

"...I'm hoping this doesn't sound creepy as hell-but I owe being better to you. And Arado." He grins weakly then looks sincere, "...You didn't have to be that kind but you were. I uh...I appreciate that."

He pauses, picking up on the nerves, "...everything okay with that?"

Eddie - or odd or Venom this time? - edges back and Anne let's him go, listening as Venom takes over.

She shrugs. "Sometimes, humans can be grade A assholes." She takes a light hold of Eddie's chin in order to drive home the importance of her next words; "Sounds like symbiotes aren't much different. You didn't deserve that, Venom. " She stands back and crosses her arms. "Plenty of losers and runts are capable of so much more of you give then a chance. "

"It doesn't sound creepy." She paused thoughtfully. "Yet." Her tone was light and warm. There would be time to think of depressing things later.

"Yes. I'm sure Arado is okay with that too." This was one of the rare instances that Wanda didn't have her dog with her. It wasn't usually up to Wanda. If Arado wanted to follow then he would.

...It's needed. You humans are far too soft on your offspring. It made me strong. It-

Bullshit. I'm calling bullshit. You dislike it too. I'm surprised you never-

"Told her." He dissolves in a fit of coughing, "Told her. Don't listen to him he's just as fucked up as I am. Just as many issues with his...progeny? Ancestors?"

He shrugs his shoulders.

"Venom is insisting we get some sort of pet." He shrugs his shoulders, "I tried telling him animals hate me but he insists. You got Arado from the...our uh...benefactors right?"

"...You ever see those youtube animal videos? He spent most of his evenings watching that."

"I'm his third owner but he arrived in a box from whoever brought us here." Arado had been in the village for almost as long as Wanda had. "I think that's why he's so protective but there are other animals here you can domesticate."

Wanda's smile widened. "What animals did he watch on YouTube?"

She didn't spend a lot of time on YouTube.

"Cats. Dogs. Animals. Tiny snakes. Octopi. It's weird. I slept and he had more autonomy - not like he does here but I'd wake up and my youtube searches were suddenly all cute cat videos. Tiny panda bears...There was this one with tiny panda bears in baskets that rolled around each other."

He shrugs his shoulders, "Nice distractions from the way the world works lately. Also kind of cute to have a world destroying alien watching pictures of baby snakes."

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[MINGLE] Christmas at Liv's

Samantha Moon | OTA

Anne | OTA

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Thor | OTA

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Wanda Maximoff | OTA

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