Dovie’s Sunday Dinner Potluck by the Beach
Date: 2025-09-14 18:03
(Dovie’s Sunday Dinner Potluck by the Beach)
[Sun Sep 14 2025]
At New Haven Beach Cabanas/span>/spanThree elegant beach cabanas sit in a row on the sand, each crafted from
smooth, sun-bleached wood with flowing white cloth panels that flutter
gently in the sea breeze. The fabric is tied at each corner in soft folds,
giving the cabanas a breezy, spa-like atmosphere that blends luxury with
coastal ease. Just beyond them lies an uninterrupted stretch of golden beach
leading straight to the endless blue ocean, where the waves roll in with a
rhythmic calm. At night, lanterns and candles are lit to provide a soft glow.
A neat line of pristine white lounge chairs and matching umbrellas sits
nearby, each arranged to face the water in perfect symmetry. Tanned,
muscular beach boys assist guests with setting up chairs and adjusting
umbrellas, their easy smiles and sun-kissed skin adding to the relaxed
charm of the setting. Stylish beach staff dressed in breezy resort
uniforms glide between loungers, handing out fresh towels and taking
orders for chilled cocktails and light seaside fare.
It is afternoon, about 70F(21C) degrees, and there are a few wispy white clouds in the sky. The mist is heaviest At Mayflower and Hart/span>/spanObadiah nods to Dovie as he starts to get out his phone and little bluetooth microphone.
Esme laughs with Obadiah’s words, “Only bad things, promise.” She makes a little ‘cross her heart motion’ before moving to settle down at one of the cabanas while people come in. “Hey Teagan.” She waves to Teagan
Dovie waves to Teagan. “Hey Teagan, how’s it going?” she catches sight of Malin after, “Dobie!!”
Matias is loitering with a phone in hand checking it and then looks up as he slips it into his back pocket and spies Teagan with a polite nod. When Malin enters there is a lingering look for the woman before he steps away from the arrayment of food to find somewhere to loiter that is not in the food zone.
Malin comes in carrying a platter, hips swaying as she strides in and blue eyes quickly find Dovie. “Hello, Dovie,” she coos out. “Don’t you look fabulous. That dress is beautiful,” is expressed genuinely as she moves to place the food she brought with her alongside the rest of the portions.
Dovie beams at Malin. “And you look gorg as always,” she gushes in return, looking over Malin’s dish. “What are you calling this one? I’ll add it to the competition!”
Jeremiah standing here enjoying the weather
Esme waves to Malin as she sits, fishing out a cigarette. “Ohh those look good, Malin!”
The red-haired student that arrives is not really ‘beach ready’ as she approaches balancing a tray. (Mind, it is a bit chilly to be ‘beach ready!’) It’s one of those classic sort of trays you get cheap at a grocery or dollar store that are very seasonal and that you won’t care if someone absconds with at the end of the day. Covered in various leaves of red and brown and orange and… But at least hiking boots manage the sand well enough. She is just relatively quick to angle for where the food is being laid out, setting down her tray. She… well, it’s Teagan. Just… yeah. She looks somewhat different. The tray is set down and there are nods for Esme, Matias, and even Dovie, with a little, ‘gimme a sec’ as she looks for the hostess to give her information to. So that, y’know, if she wins they know whose dish it is!
Malin arranges the platter, and then tells Dovie, “Uh, let’s call it, ‘Millions of Peaches, Peaches for Me,'” as if the woman was requesting a title, and then she smiles warmly at Esme, waving as well. “I sure hope they taste as good as they look,” gets admitted before she’s expressing to Dovie, “And thank you!” about her outfit.
Dovie nods to Malin, scribbling something on a chalk board.” The Fairchild smiles wide for Teagan as the deviled eggs are set down, “Are you entering this? I just need a name of your dish and then I’ll add you to the competition!”
Mercy yawns as she arrives, wandering aimlessly towards the cabanas.
Malin gives a nod to Obadiah, “Yes, he’s on his way. He likes to be fashionably late.”
Esme waves to Mercy and then Matthew in turn.
Dovie waves to Mercy and Matthew. “Hey there you two! Welcome! If you’re joining the competition feel free to set your dishes down on the table and let me know the names of them! We’ll kick off judging in a short while.”
Mercy slides a veiled look towards Matthew that lingers and is decidedly chilly, but she perks up at the sight of Esme and quickly moves on to join her.
Obadiah is standing by the table and when he sees Matthew, he waves him over. “Ok, so, I am apparently the judge but I am supposed to interview all the contestants, so I thought you would help me interview everyone and you can post it on your vlog.”
“Uhm, well-” Teagan looks at Dovie and looks a bit sheepish briefly. She lifts a hand to tuck some hair behind her ear. “I didn’t get caught in the mists this time on my way to one of your events?” Leetle shrug. “Teagan. I… I don’t have a name for it-” a glance to the tray again. “Just… devilled eggs. They’re a classic.” Hands spread in a bit of a shrug before- *ptew* breeze blows hair into her mouth and she opts to clear the way for others who have arrived so that they can make sure their entries are recorded. She moves… far to the side, actually, pulling out her phone. There’s a lot to catch up on.
“What’s good, Mercy?” Esme asks, flicking some ash from her cigarette into the tray at her table.
Dovie nods at Teagan with an encouraging smile. “Yes, I’m glad you can join us this time, and sure! I’ll add that. Feel free to help yourselves to drinks or food! There’s plenty!”
Matthew arrives equipped with a smile and a box if PBR tucked under his arm. He’s practically glowing, and definitely shimmering in the sunlight–no shadows being cast off of him–his outfit bedazzling to behold. Mercy gets a smile, her chill met with his perpetual warmth that sweeps the crowd as his hand lifts to wave. “Heeeeeeey!” he calls out, “I brought the PBRs, I made it myself–” an obvious lie, “and also let’s celebrate that victory over the Legion earlier!” He rips into the case and pulls out two cans of PBRs, tossing one in Obadiah’s direction, “Only if you shot gun this with me,” he says.
Dovie grins at Matthew. “Looking amazing as always, love the jacket,” she enthuses.
Mercy takes a seat at the edge of one of the lounge chairs by Esme, staring at her cigarette with an expression that can’t seem to decide whether to be disgusted or envious, but she offers the woman an easy shrug. “Can’t complain, miss Esme. Things’re on the up an’ up I think. How ’bout you? Where’s yer usual tag along?”
“Matthbrew,” Malin says of Matthew who claims to have made the beers. “I knew there was a reason why I loved you,” she claims, stepping back a bit to look at all of the available dishes at the table.
Dovie calls out to those gathering. “Thank you all for coming! If you have a dish to enter into the competition, please place it here by the banquet table and tell me your name and the dish name! Otherwise, help yourself to tasting any of the foods or drinks. We’ll commence the judging by guest judge Obadiah Mercer in just a few minutes!”
Obadiah doesn’t have to be told twice. From his pocket comes his ever present switchblade which pops with a schtick and then is rammed into the bottom of the can, before it is wrestled to his mouth and the top popped, shotgunning one like he is a frat bro again. But what is that? Did Obadiah bring a second PBR just for this very reason? Why yes he did! And the second gets the same ritualistic murder treatment before a loud belch escapes his lips.
“You can have one if you want.” Esme tells Mercy with some amusement of the mentholc cigarette and then thinks a moment. “My usual tagalong? Oh – Viv? Mm not sure, I should text her. She’s been helpin’ ah friend through some shit.” She figures. “I’m glad things are lookin’ up for ya though.” She grins. “Things are alright. Got ah surprise bump to leadin’ the Sons cause Vie up an’ vanished I guess so we’ll see how that goes.” She tches, not particularly thrilled but clearly not thinking there’s anyone else in the group that’s cut out for the job. She looks toward the table with the food. “Seems like ah decent spread.”
Obadiah cracks a grin, “PBR Is love in a small boat beer. I’ll be…” he turns to the crowd in an attempt to start pumping them up, “FIIIIINE!”
Jeremiah nods. “It is, yes. And it’s a pleasure to meet you, as well.”
Dovie turns towards Matthew. “If you’re open to doing some highlights on the competition with Obie, that would be most welcome!” She glances at her phone and tells Obadiah. “I’d say we’re good for you to start going around.”
Matias is not rushing the food but instead chatting up Teagan and introducing himself to Jeremiah while sipping the bubbly. He does periodically peek at anyone trying the trio of pickled veggies though with some curiosity.
Malin has wide eyes looking at the pizza. “Look at that,” she’s commenting of the Italian Bomb, but really just speaking aloud to herself.
Chance makes his way out toward the cabanas, following the sound of conversation and the smell of food. He carries what must be a hot container in an insulated bag so that it stays warm. Lifting one hand he gives a bit of a wave in greeting and says “Hey, I’m guessing this is the right place. I’ll set these down over here.” He makes his way over toward the banquet table and sets the dish down, opening the top.
“Great!” Obadiah tells Dovie as he moves next to the Famous Montrose influencer and motions, for Matthew to get out his phone. While he waits for the influencer to get ready he announces, “First one will be the deviled eggs! Will the contestant with the deviled eggs please come to the Banquet table.”
THe moment Obadiah gets crackin, Matthew joins in, frat bros for sure. He crushes his and, not to be outdone, grabs a second. “Alright Mercer, you got yourself a camera man and peanut gallery,” is declared, once the cans have been crushed. The phone is whipped out as he prepares to play his part. Malin’s words don’t go ignored, he looks her way–he’s been stealing glances at her from the moment he’s arrived–“I’ll Matthbrew you later, boo,” he calls out.
Dovie smiles at Chance. “Hello, and welcome to the potluck! I’m Dovie! What’s your name and what’s your dish name? I’ll add you to the lineup,” she enthuses. “The judging is just about to start.
Mercy wields her perpetually dull and blank expression expertly, but there’s a brief crack in the armor at Esme’s offer and though she looks like she does want one very badly, she ultimately declines. “Ain’ able to handle ’em no more, but man do I miss smokin’. An’ nah not Viv the shut in- Gabriel.”
Matthew grabs a couple of beers for the road and settles in with Obadiah, “Alright boss, followin’ your lead,” he says, prepping his camera.
“Looking forward to it,” Malin replies to Matthew, stepping aside as Obadiah gets ready to lead Matthew through this competition.
Jeremiah asks Matias, “May I ask what you teach, Matias?”
There is a glance up when Matias introduces himself to Jeremiah. Someone Teagan’s unfamiliar with herself. There is a small nod after a text is sent off. “Hello. Teagan.” Slight tilt of the phone toward herself. And then her dish is called and Teagan looks over to the banquet table and… well, if the girl could go more pale, she does indeed at that. A slight huff outward and her hand closes more tightly around it as she pushes away from the pillar of the cabana to make her way over to the table. “Those are mine,” she says in the weakest announcement one could make of themselves. Really. Good thing she lifted her hand!
Chance says “Chance,” and then gestures toward his dish, “And I brought stuffed tomatoes.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Teagan.” Jeremiah says to Teagan.
Dovie brightens up with a squeak, “Chance! Oh my goodness I didn’t even recognize you!” She attempts to give the other Fairchild a hug, if allowed. “Let me get your entry up on the board. We’re so overdue to catch up!”
Dovie waves at Patience as Obadiah begins the judging.
“Ah, fair ‘nough. Can ya handle weed? That’s kinda natural right? I could hook ya up with some.” Esme speculates and then ‘ohs’. “Well, with Vie vanishin’ he’s apparently gettin’ tossed into the leadership position in tha Hand.” Esme explains. “Think he’s just pretty busy between that an’ some other bullshit.” She figures with a shrug. “We don’t talk as much as we used to since we broke up an’ all. Mostly just in an group chat thing with have.”
Esme lifts a hand to wave to Patience when she’s spotted.
Patience offers a little wave to Dovie and says, “Here as promised,” as she slides onto an empty seat at the table. Her head tips curiously as Obadiah starts to eat, and she watches with slightly arched brows, before slanting a bright smile down the table towards Esme.
“Depends on who you ask.” Jeremiah says to Matias with a chuckle. “I was born and raised in New Haven, but a number of people I’ve met since I came back keep telling me that that’s impossible. I will say, though, that it has changed a LOT in the ten or so years I was gone. I went to New York for my undergrad and master’s, and then to California for my Ph.D and post-doc work, and then just recently got a job not far from here, so I decided to move back to the area.”
Aegis does not seem to have been expecting what she sees by Dovie’s feet. “Um o-okay that’s different. Guess that makes you Dovie in Bloom, eh, choom? Along came a Spider.”, she says with a smile. “I didn’t exactly have time to make a dish, I was hoping to meet Marina Mercer or Sofia Delvecchio here too. I mean their -names- are on -menus-! Totally nova!”
Obadiah takes a bite of egg then turns to dance Matthew with a winning smile, “Hello and welcome to another MPM production! I am your host with the most… arms, Obie Mercer! We are going to be talking to regular people from New Haven competing for a prestigious Fairchild award. We’ll talk with Dovie in a Moment but first let’s try some of these eggs. Teagan why don’t you tell Mattbrew and I a little bit about your eggs. Family history, or why I should chose you?”
Dovie waves to Aegis. “Hello, yes that’s me! Welcome to the potluck, Spider. No problem if you don’t have a dish to contribute, there’s plenty of food for you to try and drinks to drink! I’m not sure if Marina or Sofia will be here, but there’s plenty of people to get to know and mingle with. Help yourself and please vote on your favorite dish via text!”
Chance laughs and returns the hug with a grin, favoring his injured shoulder. “It’s been a while,” he says with an easy smile. “We’ll definitely catch up soon. I think I’m mostly settled in now.” He then steps back and just takes everything in for a moment, looking over the dishes spread out on the table.
someone got his phone out, front-facing camera locked while he hovers just behind Obadiah like some kind of hype-man. “Chat. We’re here live at the first ever New Haven Beach Cabanas potluck food competition. Its basically Iron Chef, but with way more sunscreen and no health inspectors.” He grins wide, then angles the camera toward the Mercer just as that first deviled egg disappears, going quiet to let the reaction roll.
Matthew looks over the gathered participants, seeking out Teagan. “Aha, Teagan, right?” He’s jovial, excited, making his way right to her side like they were old, long lost friends. “What’s the story with these eggs, I just tried one and letm e tell you, you can bring these to my cookout any time, lots of flavor. Lots of seasoning. You’d get the Johnson approval!”
Jeremiah smiles. “A good way to look at it. And my Ph.D is in Computer Science. I did a double-major BS in Computer Science and Computer Engineering, then a Master’s in Information Security and Assurance, at Columbia and then a Ph.D in CompSci at CalTech.” he explains.
Matthew’s got his phone out, front-facing camera locked while he hovers just behind Obadiah like some kind of hype-man. “Chat. We’re here live at the first ever New Haven Beach Cabanas potluck food competition. It’s basically Iron Chef, but with way more sunscreen and no health inspectors.” He grins wide, then angles the camera toward the Mercer just as that first deviled egg disappears, going quiet to let the reaction roll.
Matthew looks over the gathered participants, seeking out Teagan. “Aha, Teagan, right?” He’s jovial, excited, making his way right to her side like they were old, long lost friends. “What’s the story with these eggs, I just tried one and let me tell you, you can bring these to my cookout any time, lots of flavor. Lots of seasoning. You’d get the Johnson approval!”
The flowers at Dovie’s feet have a lot of Aegis’s attention in between when Obadiah is speaking of course, which gains a smile and a brief glance at people he looks at too. “Might try a little bit here and there, sounds preem. Sorry that some of the Temple are really aggressive with you guys. I… I don’t think as dangerously as some of them, I promise.” She says it with a little pat at the stylized sun clasp of her lapel pin.
Dovie hovers over the banquet table, nabbing a piece of deviled egg and fleeing back to the corner of the table to enjoy it in peace as Obadiah and Matthew interview competitors. She waves to Tamar.
It is a lot. Like, a lot a lot. It is very clear that Teagan had absolutely no idea she was going to have to, well, do Show and Tell with her dish! She has a hand up against her ear, holding back hair that keeps trying to blow its way into her face as the ocean breeze makes its way through the tables and cabanas. “Well, ah- they-” she looks toward the tray of eggs with a couple of blinks. “Devilled eggs have just always been my… I mean, every potluck, event, whatever, they’re kind of my… y’know, favorite? And you start to think they’re just a special occasion thing? Like oh, I have to wait for a barbeque or Christmas party or someone’s wedding or- but they’re actually easy to make? Except…” A little shrug, a brush of fingers through that red hair again as blue eyes dart between Obie, her entry, and yes, SOMETIMES at the phone but Teagan is clearly terrified of being recorded.
And then Matthew is right at her side and she is sort of frozen in place. “Oh, yes. I’m glad you liked them, yeah. Uhm… I think I, y’know. Found a mix that worked really well. Better than most? At least? I’m glad you liked them!” Does she realize that she just (even if jokingly) got invited to the cookout? Clearly not. But as soon as she has the go-ahead she will bolt back to the safety of the cabanas. Though she does try to grab a few of the other dishes (off-frame) to try so she can make votes as well!
“Can handle weed a bit, ayeah. The smoke’s still rough but it ain’t as bad.” Mercy tells Esme, nodding along to the woman’s answer regarding a mutual acquaintance until that last part catches her by surprise. “Wait wha’? When’d that happen? He never told me, though I ain’ seen or heard much from him since-” she stops, thinks, struggles, but what ever she was looking for to properly finish that sentence never comes through, so she just says, “It’s been a minute.”
Dovie waves to Kaelyn as well.
Dovie waves to Kaelyn as well. (re)
Obadiah nods his head and then motions to Matthew, “Any follow up questions or should we go next to the next dish?” He sneaks another bite of deviled egg muttering something about the hot sauce being a nice touch
Aegis can also be seen at the banquet table, hanging out by Dovie and conversating with her there. She keeps eyes on Obadiah part of the time, smile on her face. Mostly she keeps to just standing right there, with slight adjustments down the banquet table.
Tamar makes her way to the party, lingering reluctantly near the edges but then committing when Dovie waves at her. With a platter of waffles in her hands, her eyes scan the crowd and come to settle for a few moments on Aegis and her lapel pin. She sets the platter down and then drifts over her way.
Esme mms as she thinks about it. “Been a couple-three weeks or so by now I guess? Give or take.” There’s a brief flick of a glance in Obadiah and Dovie’s direction before she looks back to Mercy, “It was hard, but ultimately we decided that our lil friend group was better just being friends. Less stress. I’m not sure if we’ll ever try again but I’ve just recently reconciled with myself that it’s all for the best.” Even if maybe she doesn’t want it to be. She clears her throat lightly and puts on another smile as she shifts the subject. “We should try some of the food soon probably.” There’s a look up toward Kaelyn when she comes over and offers her a smile. “Hey Kaelyn. Good t’ see ya.”
Mercy glances up from her phone to find Kaelyn right there.
“I’ve had some of the same treatment, so I get that.” Jeremiah says to Matias. “I finished my Ph.D at 25, and I am only 28. Then again, I don’t teach, so… it doesn’t come up as often. I think Teagan and I have been chatting on MyHaven and just haven’t exchanged names until now. But I will gladly help her if she needs it.”
Dovie leans over towards Tamar. “Those look amazing! What do you want to call your dish? I’ll put you up on the board! Judging just started.”
Tamar blinks at Dovie. “Call it? I do not know. It was Robert who made it. I was just told we should bring something to share?”
Tamar considers for a moment then gives Dovie a fleeting smile, “Alright.”
Matthew graciously doesn’t keep Teagan in the spotlight for long, not in the business (at least today) of making the subjects of his videos look bad, and is already panning the camera away as he drifts from her side. It’s an awkward thing to behold for anyone else, the guy just kind of operating as a body in perpetual reverse like he’s used to it. He gets Obadiah back into frame, “You heard it, a family staple at holidays that’s easy and should be put together more often, and I agree!” He nods towards his partner in crime here, “What’s next, Mercer, “We goin’ desert, side dish… or main event?”
Matthew graciously doesn’t keep Teagan in the spotlight for long, not in the business (at least today) of making the subjects of his videos look bad, and is already panning the camera away as he drifts from her side. It’s an awkward thing to behold for anyone else, the guy just kind of operating as a body in perpetual reverse like he’s used to it. He gets Obadiah back into frame, “You heard it, a family staple at holidays that’s easy and should be put together more often, and I agree!” He nods towards his partner in crime here, “What’s next, Mercer, We goin’ desert, side dish… or main event?” [fix]
Dovie smiles back at Tamar. “How about loaded Belgian Waffles?”
Mercy watches Esme’s face and expression rather closely while taking in her response, her own face back to being unreadable, but she sucks her teeth in an empathetic ‘that sucks’ sort of way. “Sorry to hear, ain’ mean to pry by accident. An’ yeah fuck better grab food before it’s all gone.”
Tamar nods her head at Dovie’s suggestions, not looking like she really understands but agreeing to it anyway. “That sounds good.”
Kaelyn flashes a mocked wounded look at Mercy, “I know. I’m the worst.” She grins then, “Good to see you too.”
Obadiah looks around and then moves to the next dish as arranged on the table, “I believe our next dish is MALIN! Tell us about these peaches.”
“What I mean is I’m starting to question if I made the right-” Aegis stops explaining to Dovie and looks at Tamar, noting where she was in fact looking before the approach. “Oh this is about to be interesting isn’t it. Hi. I’m Spider,” she says to Tamar, pointing to the woman’s St. Dimas medal, “cause I’m not sure if that look you gave me mean the things Operative Lykaia said to Avalon but uh I j-just got into town today… u-uh.”
Esme waves a hand a bit to Kaelyn, “Didn’t interrupt anythin’.” She assures her with a laugh, counter to the words from Mercy and nods toward Mercy, “Is what it is. It’s all good.” She peers back toward the table. “I’m definitely curious ’bout the peaches.” She decides when Obadiah announces that Malin’s up next.
Mercy hmphs at Kaelyn unconvincingly.
Dovie turns her attention towards the dish of peaches, looking excited for the verdict.
Mercy snort loudly after glancing down at her phone.
“Yeah, so I work for a private think-tank called The Penumbra Group. Most of my work is remote, but I occasionally have to drive to Boston.” Jeremiah says to Matias. “I do a bit of consulting for people on the side around here, but not much.”
Malin answers Obadiah first with a nod. “These peaches are the Epistle of Saint Malin,” she shares as a heretic. “I feel like bourbon, maple, and peaches are basically the holy trinity of indulgence, then topped off with some ice cream, it just kind of turns it all into a dish fit for the gods.” She gestures to the platter with a slender right hand. “Just look at it. The peaches went to happy hour, now they got that bourbon swagger and are all tipsy, but someone took them in and brought them to Sundae school,” she makes a terrible pun about the ice cream on top. “And then the drizzle was pronounced to be anointing oil, even though it still looks pretty hot, sticky, and, uh, maybe a bit shameful.” Then she poses the question, “When you tasted it, didn’t you feel saved? The peaches got baptized by fire, after all. See? They were grilled.” This is the gospel according to Malin.
Tamar pauses in her drifting towards someone, glancing down at the medal that hands from her throat then back up to someone and tilting her head to one side. “What things did Ly say?” she asks in a muted tone.
Aegis says “Oh God these are fire.“
Tamar pauses in her drifting towards Aegis, glancing down at the medal that hands from her throat then back up to someone and tilting her head to one side. “What things did Ly say?” she asks in a muted tone.
Tamar pauses in her drifting towards Aegis, glancing down at the medal that hands from her throat then back up to Aegis and tilting her head to one side. “What things did Ly say?” she asks in a muted tone.
Dovie gets a small bowl of the grilled peaches and ‘mmmmm’s in delight.
Kaelyn nods once a little uncertain of what to say before looking over to the table. “They do sound kind of amazing….”
Teagan goes down the line grabbing a bit of this, a bit of that, and almost misses the waffles: doubling back to make sure she grabs those before ducking back under the cabana with Jeremiah and Matias. She does offer out the plate to Matias if he would like to sample some items as well. She got enough to share, it’d seem. No drinks, however. Sorry.
Mercy throws a glance towards Malin and the others beyond the cabana, sniffing audibly then leaning in towards Kaelyn to ‘whisper’ to her. “Swear sometimes these people’re talkin’ another language or somethin’. Fuck’s an epissle an’ what’s it got to do with peaches?”
Matias looks aside as Teagan returns with samplers and he already has a cocktail glass in hand he is nursing. He reaches out to try some of the waffles with a mini fork or a toothpick to just pop it in his gob.
Aegis taps away at her phone a few times and glances from it to Tamar’s medal again. Her eyebrows go up and she shakes her head a little, looking relieved. “Last Vigil! Okay preem, sorry, still… figuring everything out. Operative Lykaia was pretty much teasing him in that kind of way that would have gotten one of them shot where I’m from.”
Esme sends off a quick text and laughs, “Some people just like t’ add dramatic flair.”
Kaelyn leans back in the stage whisper, “Uh, a fancy word for they spent too much time looking at dictionaries?” She smiles at Esme, “Or, that, too.”
Mercy nods in firm agreement of Esme’s assessment of the situation. “Them peaches got a more elaborate backstory than an anime villain.”
Obadiah wipes at the corner of his mouth with his thumb bringing a bit of bourbon sauce back to his mouth via his thumb and nods looking to Matthew for any follow ups before shouting, “Speaking of Trinities, M-M-Matiaaaas!”
Mercy says “Not that I watch that shit but, yeah.“
Aegis glances awkwardly to the side and ‘ahems’ softly. She scoots in closer to Dovie actually and glanced awkwardly to Tamar again.
Once others have gone through, Chance follows along and takes a little bit of each dish to taste, trying the peaches, the eggs, and a little bit of everything else while he listens to the others describe their dishes. His attention moves from one person to another, taking them in with a sort of casual interest. “The peaches smell amazing.”
Jeremiah nods at Matias. “Thank you. I’ll keep it in mind. Math has been one of my favorite subjects all my life, but I’ve never considered teaching. Worth a thought, though.”
Dovie nods in agreement with Chance. “They taste amazing too! But I’m really excited to try these pickled things as well.”
Esme grins, “I dunno if anyone’ll be able to follow up.” She tilts her head a bit to watch Matias and listen to his pitch. “Mine pitch’ll prolly be the worst. I literally just didn’t wanna show up empty handed and looked up the easiest thing to make cause I suck cooking.”
Matias is summoned with trinities… Are they Holy Trinities, Pickled Trinities, who knows. He dip shis head to Jeremiah and Teagan to excuse him and walks over with a mild look of amusement. “Obie, I hope you like simple flavors because my trio is all about distilling some punch into each bite.”
“Ah,” Tamar says quietly towards Aegis, in that manner one someone pretending to totally get it but not really following at all. “Welcome to Haven then.” She seems to get the hint as Aegis scoots off, her gaze drifting around aimlessly to see who else she knows.
Matthew makes his way over toward Malin now, wrapping her up in an arm to keep her, Obadiah and himself all in the same frame. “Yes lawd, Malin’s peaches stay holy, sanctified, best in the congregation. I ain’t a saint, but I’ll testify right now, I’ll indulge in Malin’s peaches any day of the week. Amen!” There’s a wink for Malin as he departs her side, following after Obadiah towards the next dish.
Mercy tilts her head to one side, asking Esme, “What’d you make? Fanciest thing I ever done were throwin’ crushed up doritos on top of homemade mac an’ cheese instead of bread crumbs. Pop that shit in the oven an’ let it broil a little..”
Malin cannot help but to laugh after Matthew, shaking her head, but declaring an, “Amen,” with conviction.
“Oh that sounds good as fuck.” Esme figures. “I just made tha pinwheel things. Cream cheese ,roasted red members, roast beef. Easy as.”
Jeremiah nods at Teagan. “I’m Count_Zero. We’ve chatted on MyHaven.” he explains, giving Teagan a smile.
While everyone is trying it Matias actually looks a bit earnest as those slate-grey eyes peer out from his slipping spectacles that sit low on the bridge of his nose. Evidently the normally stoic Professor actually cares about his produce.
Tamar settles into just watching for the moment, her gaze flicking to the glass that Aegis is drinking from and then the tray that carries many more of the same. She moves over to them, leaning over and taking a sniff before straightening up with a small frown on her features.
Kaelyn watches the people at the banquet table move as if waiting for something to break before glancing back over. “Homemade mac and cheese? Like not from a box at all?” There was a little wonder in her voice as if this was the most unexpected thing in the world. “Actually both of those sound pretty good…”
“It’s fuckin’ delicious ain’ gonna lie.” Mercy confirms for Esme, pleased at least one other person appreciates her culinary choices, but she pauses with a skewed expression when Esme’s dish is explained. “.. Red peppers, you mean? Cause if yer roastin’ red members you might scare off yer next man.”
Obadiah savors each of the spicy, tangy pickled vegetables and nods along, “The sweet from the carrot pairs nicely with the tang of the vinegar and the heat of the jalapeno. Just need something salty in there though I do enjoy the brine. Might need some of that as a wellness shot.” He looks back towards Matias, “Wellness Juices… I think we can make that work.” He nods then and looks up, “Would the Head Bitch in Charge please come defend her Piiiiiiin Wheeeeles!”
Esme pauses a moment and then breaks out in laughter. “Peppers! Peppers!” She starts to stand up, “Oh fuck alright here we go.”
Aegis smiles at Obadiah and gives a little wave. But then after a sip of presumably wine, she looks a little too satisfied by the drink and turns away. But then she notices the look from Tamar and hurries over to her. “Wait don’t!”, she starts, but Tamar is already texting and she freezes up. “Wait I can explain!”
“I am, thank you, yeah. It’s been a bit hectic, but I have an apartment, which I am slowly getting into shape, a job, and have made a few friends. So it could all be a lot worse. I ended up in the hospital twice, but that’s my own fault, so… yeah.” Jeremiah says to Teagan with a sheepish grin.
Matias seems to take the comment for salt on the jalapenos with a considering look and nods a few times. “Big salt flakes, sure.” he says before waving to Obadiah and Matthew’s camera and exitting frame for the further cabana.
Mercy cheers on Esme the way only a languid, sluggish delinquent with nothing behind her eyes can- by waving a hand in the air and giving a muted “Woooo.”
Obadiah is too distracted hosting and judging to really notice Aegis at the moment
Kaelyn shakes her head, “Most I can do is boxed things so any sort of cooking is actual sorcery.”
Tamar looks up from her phone at Aegis’s startled reaction, note saying anything for the moment but one eyebrow raising.
Mercy confides to Kaelyn easily enough, “Not much fer cookin’ as a general rule but I learned to get create here an’ there while bouncin’ around shelters.”
Matthew samples each of the pickled products, starting with the jalapeno. This is an ordeal for him, speaking with the camera. “Alright chat, I’m bouta try this–” he flashes the jalapeno, makes the sign of the cross and bits down. He chews through it, looking like he expected some real heat. He’s still working through it when he grabs a carrot and crunches into that to pair it all up, as Obadiah begins narrating his thoughts. He approves, nodding now, looking liike he actually enjoys the pairing rather than fending off a spice attack. He pans to try and walk toward Matias, catching only his flight to the Cabanas. “Our pickle master is preparing the salt,” he quips, “but lemme tell you, I want Matias’ pickles on my my sandwiches any day.”
Aegis glances around at everyone else and comes in closer to Tamar, and yeah, her glass smells -exactly- the same as the ones that made Tamar frown.
Esme laughs at something as she stands up and moves closer to the table when she’s called up. “Alll right.” She sweeps her gaze over the table and then makes a sort of ‘ta-da’ motion towards her pinwheels. “I’m a terrible cook, but I didn’t want t’ show up empty handed. And who doesn’t love cream cheese, red peppers, and roast beef?” She asks rhetorically. “Or a pinwheel shape? They’re fun, easy, probably would be really good with ah pesto dip or somethin’. Maybe I’ll bring that to the next pot luck.” She grins.
Esme also takes the opportunity of being closer to the food to actually try some of the food now and bring a bit back for the others at her table to try.
Kaelyn hums softly, “Might ask you to teach me that one some day?”
Mercy scoffs quietly at Kaelyn, evidently having heard it too, though something else makes her perk up and glance into the crowd.
Malin begins to dish up some food and try some while Obadiah and Matthew continue to interview others.
Tamar listens to the whisper, leaning back a little to be away from the stench of blood on Aegis’s breath. “I did just text the Temple, and I am also not from this world,” she tells the woman, not making any attempt to whisper. “And if Lykaia kills you for being a vampire?” There is a brief lingering silence as she searches Aegis’s face then flatly adds, “Good.”
Matthew follows after Obadiah to the next dish. “Chat.” Maybe he’s actually live streaming, “I did bring something. I Brought–” and he pulls out the bear, “PBR. But I’m disqualified cus I didn’t make it.”
Kaelyn tilts her head Mercy looking over to where the other woman was looking. When someone returns her gazed drifted back, “Hey, that was a great explanation. Easy to understand and to the point.”
Sofia arrives a bit late with a platter of… curious looking hot dogs in tow, sliced into spirals with pizza crust baked into them so they are intertwined with each other. She nods a couple of times as she places the tray just so and then does a double take as she sees the unmistakable image of one of her pizzas laid out on the banquet table as well, and she calls out, “OK who brought Vincenzo’s to the potlock?” She laughs good naturedly and begins snacking at some of the dishes laid out.
Kaelyn tilts her head Mercy looking over to where the other woman was looking. “Everything good?”
“Pesto? Hmm interesting flavor choice there Essy, but I will go with it!” Obadiah declares with a winning smile and some good ol fashioned Mercer charisma before looking to Dovie, “Dovie how are we coming on Community votes? Are they rolling in? Why don’t you tell us a little bit about what drove you to have a family potluck?”
Jeremiah grins. “I’d say something, but I can’t really talk. I was in hospital again not two days ago myself. I was shopping, and then it started to get misty outside the shop, so I ran for my car, and got jumped as soon as I made it out the door.”
When someone returns Kaelyn’s gaze drifted back, “Hey, I don’t know what you mean about it being bad, that was a great explanation. Easy to understand and to the point.”
When Esme returns Kaelyn’s gaze drifted back, “Hey, I don’t know what you mean about it being bad, that was a great explanation. Easy to understand and to the point.”
Dovie waves to Sofia and grins. “Feel free to set your dish down, what do you want to name it? I’ll add you to the board, we just have a few more dishes to judge.”
She looks over towards Obadiah the judge, checking her phone. “We have a few votes so far, but please continue to let them pour in! More votes are needed everyone! Text 710-0051 with your favorite! And sure!” The Fairchild replies with a smile, “As the summer wraps and we get into the Fall season, I thought it would be nice to hold an event that showcases the talents and stories from all of our neighbors. Learn a little bit about each other and enjoy some great food and drink in the process! Also, everyone try this gumbo. It’s not part of the competition, but it is amazing!”
“That was me.” Jeremiah calls out. “I haven’t unpacked my kitchen yet, but I didn’t want to not bring something to share.”
Esme grins at Kaelyn’s words. “Well thanks, I’ll take it.”
Aegis can’t even believe what she just heard out of Malin, and her sudden gasp proves it. She nearly spills her drink but she gets her phone put away and she grabs herself by the shoulder, arm crossed over her chest. She is no longer whispering herself now either, but gawking at Malin. “I’m not even a full v- I dont’t have any powers I just have do dr- coh… oh my god!”
Dovie waves to Aeryn. “Hello and welcome!!”
Aeryn waves to Dovie with the flash of a smile. “Hi!”
Aegis had meant to do that all to/at Malin god dammit
“I don’t really have to enter it, but if it’s here it’s here I guess. I brought Helix Hot Dogs. I made them once before for my Hot Dogs and Home Runs competition and I just figured there’d be a different crew here to share it with,” Sofia says with a smile back to Dovie, then wobbles her gaze on over to Jeremiah. “Well that’s as good a reason as any, thanks for thinking it’s good enough to hang with the potluck competition here, appreciated!”
Aegis?
Mercy hrms at Kaelyn and looks back down to her phone, tapping away on it.
Malin peers over at Aegis, looking entirely confused. She’s just had her mouth full of food this whole time and has no idea what is going on, but she just nods, like she’s guilty, and keeps chewing.
“And what do our contestants get for winning?” Obadiah asks Dovie, pausing to let her answer, before smiling at Jeremiah and Sofia. They know what is coming or should by now, “The Pizza Queen her self Ladies and Gentlemen! Sofia, Jeremiah, please defend, my personal favorite, The Italian Bomb and why we should consider it for our friendly completion!”
Jeremiah smiles. “It’s the best pizza I’ve had since leaving New York.”
Dovie turns back to Obadiah, grinning at the crowd. “We have a special prize for our top three winners, something a little magical. Something that will hopefully light up your life a little more.” She winks, not saying much else on the topic.
Matthew slips into camera ma, quietly, easing himself out of the frame entirely, no longer in selfie mode. Hovering Obadiah without offering much commentary for the time being.
Taking a seat and crossing her legs, Aeryn wonders, “Who do we think is winning?”
Aegis can’t even believe what she just heard out of Tamar and her sudden gasp proves it. She nearly spills her drink but she gets her phone put away and she grabs herself by the shoulder, arm crossed over her chest. She is no longer whispering herself now either, but gawking at Tamar “I’m not even a full v- I dont’t have any powers I just have do dr- coh… oh my god!”
Sofia winks on back to Jeremiah and teases, “New Haven style beats out New York style any day, but if there’s an competition…” She wobbles her head back to Obadiah and teases, “Anyways I’m entering my hot dogs, not any of my restaurant food!”
Tamar eyes Aegis warily, moving away from her. Apparently she has nothing more to say and is not interested in her excuses for blood-drinking. There is food and she wanders over to it, looking over and eventually all too curious about the pinwheels. She picks up one to munch on, glancing around at the others. “These are nice.”
Ducking her way in and seeming overwhelmed by the amount of people, Eloa waves shyly to the host before heading over the Cabana Matias is at. She tucks herself against his side as if being able to hide that way.
Eloa waves at Teagan as she leans into Matias, “Ola Teagan.” She greets softly.
Kaelyn looks at her phone as it vibrates not once but twice. Her expression changes from thoughtful to downright perplexed. She nods once to Mercy wiggling her phone as she goes to stand. Looking up she gave a wave to Esme, “Sorry to uh, well come and run but…”
Obadiah laughs at Sofia and Jeremiah before saying “Alright then tell us about the Helix dog while you are up here! We’ll knock out two while we are having fun.” He looks around then and adds, “And Robert I want to talk to you about these Waffles next!”
Mercy tilts her head to the side again as Kaelyn hurries off.
Aegis trails quickly around the banquet table to stand pretty much right next to Dovie, her eyes still on Tamar
Glancing up from his perusal of other items on the banquet table to try, Chance offers Aeryn a smile and says, “Yep, I’m Chance. How’s it going?”
“Aeryn,” Aeryn offers a warm smile to someone. “Not a bad evening so far. Yourself?”
“Aeryn,” Aeryn offers a warm smile to Chance. “Not a bad evening so far. Yourself?”
Dovie turns towards Aegis, “Hey, I don’t know what’s going on, but this is not a faction-related event. Let’s keep that separate from this. This one is very much a community coming together kind of thing for New Haven.”
“Hey,” Jasper greets, slipping into the crowd to gaze at the food.
Sofia gets into presentation mode at the request of Obadiah and says, “The Helix Hot Dogs are my little fusion of my shop’s pizza and the hot dog, it’s basically like a corn dog only with classic Vincenzo’s crust baked into a spiral, lightly brushed with garlic butter. I’ve included a wide variety of dipping sauces as well, and am using 100/ beef franks, only the high quality stuff! Take a bite, everyone, and see for yourself!”
Dovie smiles towards Sugar and Jasper. “Welcome you two! Please feel free to help yourselves to food and drink! We’re almost done with judging!”
Tamar nods her head at Dovie, lifting one hand with palm open while she munches on the pinwheel in her other. “I am not starting anything, Dovie. I just came to see people and try some new food. Promise.”
Dovie nods at Tamar. “Totally understand, and appreciate that! I’m excited to try Robert’s waffles too.”
Aeryn’s fingertips drum on the wooden table as she tilts her head, watching the others doing their tastings.
“Oh, Aeryn! Hey, nice to meet you. Sorry, there are a lot of people here and I only know maybe one or two of them,” Chance says a little apologetically. “This is kind of amazing. Everything smells great. The food is good. And it’s nice to get out of the pile of moving boxes and see other faces.”
Mercy frowns slightly at the name Robert being tossed around.
Then when Dovie speaks up without whispering back too, it all dawns on Aegis and she peers around the cabanas, backing away from Dovie. Nothing had been said to Tamar when she didn’t keep faction related things out of the event, even performed one right in front of Dovie. But fear for her own life was just shot down in disdain.
Esme says “Welcome in“
Jeremiah makes his way back to the third cabana.
Tamar offers Dovie a small nod in return and then a fleeting smile as she glances over at the waffles. “Robert is a very good cook. We eat well at his house.”
“No need to be sorry at all,” Aeryn shakes her head. “It’s always good to see this much of New Haven out and about. And Dovie throws fabulous events, as I’m sure you know.”
Jeremiah smiles and nods. “We met before, at the Ola shop.” He grins at the comment about the pizza. “Well, it was either that or show up with nothing. I guess I missed the part about it being a contest. I just figured it was food to share.”
Teagan says “Okay. “
Smiling at Jeremiah, there’s a moment of confusing that’s chased away by clarity when Jeremiah appears. “Ola Hello Jeremiah. How are you?” She asks brightly after Matias reintroduces Eloa.
Obadiah nods to Sofia with a knowing smile and quickly pivots to someone to keep thinks moving, “Where is our Templar with a Taste for Twaffles?” He pauses “Alliteration Is not my strong suit! Also Chance get ready to defend your Sausage!”
Obadiah nods to Sofia with a knowing smile and quickly pivots to Tamar to keep thinks moving, “Where is our Templar with a Taste for Twaffles?” He pauses “Alliteration Is not my strong suit! Also Chance get ready to defend your Sausage!”
“Thanks,” Jasper replies with a smile towards Dovie. Browsing the food on the table, he stops before the Italian Bomb and reaches his hand out to take a slice.
Aeryn glances at Obadiah and snickers softly.
Sofia jokes right on back to Obadiah, “I always recommend anyone trying to defend their start by wearing a cup to sporting events.”
Mercy hops up to go claim some snacks and a drink or two.
Sofia says “Defend their sausage I mean.“
“He is asleep,” Tamar says to Obadiah, shrugging her shoulders a little. “But he always makes these on the weekends for us, and I do not know how to cook, so I thought I would bring them.”
“Oh what did you bring?” Eloa asks Teagan curiously before turning back to Jeremiah. She flushes a little, “Sorry Eloa has been a bit busy with life … and the bed is very soft you know?” She puts her hands together and tucks them under her chin. “Accidentally slept a whole 24 hours the other day…”
Sugar says “Evening, all.“
Mercy scurries back with two cocktails in tow.
Chance lifts a hand toward Obadiah, indicating he heard him and is prepared for his turn. Then he grins a little at Aeryn and says, “It’s been a long time, but yeah, I’ve heard they are not to be missed. So, definitely wasn’t going to miss out on this one.” He nods toward the table and asks, “Have you had a chance to try them all?”
Mercy sighs contently.
Sugar smiles and gives a nod to Dovie. “Sugar.” She thumbs toward herself. “New in town.” As if that wasn’t obvious from her culinary offering of… a bowl of gummi worms.
“I don’t really eat,” Aeryn offers with a quiet, apologetic tone to Chance. “It’s a complicated diet, we’ll say.” Her eyes travel over the offered dishes and her brows knit in thought. “Though they do seem like they’d be amazing.”
Esme tries her own cocktail now that she’s handled some stuff on her phone. “Oh that’s pretty good.” She decides, sitting up a little bit to pull some of the pilfered gumbo closer as well to try.
Dovie smiles at Sugar. “Nice to meet you, Sugar! And thanks for the contribution. Did you want to join the food competition? Feel free to enjoy anything and vote for your favorites!”
Mercy agrees. “Ain’ bad, prefer a good whiskey but..”
“That works! I love a good home story!” Obadiah encourages Tamar before telling Chance, “You’re up! Defend your tomato sausage to Matty and I.”
Mercy squints at her phone.
Esme rolls her eyes a bit at the chat.
Sugar glances over at the food offerings and says, “Don’t think my little contribution’s got much of a chance, but thank you kindly for asking, Dovie.”
Matthew flips the camera back into selfie-mode, calling out to Obadiah, “MERCER!” he says, “Before we keep on going, how about a palate cleanse?” He’s got a couple of cans, that bro-ish look in his eyes.
“Ah,” Chance says to Aeryn with a warm smile and nods, “Understood. No worries.” Then he is being asked to defend his sausage. “Stuffed tomatoes are pretty much a comfort food. New town, new people, new everything. It’s something familiar and warm from growing up. Big juicy tomatoes are piping hot and filled with the herb-filled italian sausage, and who doesn’t love garlic? Garlic is amazing. As is cheese. It’s all just a warm hug for your belly.”
Dovie grins at Matthew. “palate cleanse courtesy of Matthew Montrose!”
Mercy slurps at her cocktail loudly.
With Dovie recommending the gumbo, this is what Tamar turns to next though when Chance explains his stuffed tomatoes there is temptation.
“That’s right,!” me says, holding up his PBR can, “The true winner of tonight’s potluck, but they disqualified me from voting,” Matthew claims for the camera. How sad he looks, puppy-dog pout and all.
Esme shrugs a shoulder, taking another drink.
“Esme! I didn’t see you.” Aeryn beams a smile toward Esme.
“Edit that out,” Matthew says, then addresses the phone, “Shut up Chat. THis never happened.” To Dovie he then shoots a look, comical and good natured, “DOvie, don’t blow my cover!”
Dovie makes a zipped lips motion and returns to her snacking.
Malin is laughing at Matthew and Dovie.
Tamar looks amused, glancing between Matthew and Dovie.
Esme offers a grin toward Aeryn, lifting a hand in a wave. “Good t’ see ya, Aeryn!”
Obadiah nods to Matthew and takes a beer, shotgunning with the same ritual as before using his knife and a pop top. One more beer down and then he nods to Chance as he takes a bite, “Let’s see what the antique tomatoes do to the pallet! After this you all have five minutes to get your last votes into Dovie!”
Jasper says “This gumbo is actually good.“
Esme shakes her head to Mercy, “No idea? Prolly not given the context ah their message but I’m not sure.”
Malin expresses to Jasper, “I agree. It’s incredible.”
Matthew mmmms up and then asks, “So who made the tomatos? This–” and the camera is back on Tamar as he starts to approach the bluette, “Your concoction?”
Tamar starts to sip on spoonfuls of the gumbo, the taste clearly new to her. She is absorbed in it until she looks up and blinks at Matthew with his camera phone. “I did not make anything, Matthew,” she tells him, apparently guileless that things are being recorded or streamed. “But I brought Robert’s waffles. Did you try one?”
Mercy rolls her eyes.
“I totally did,” Matthew confirms to Tamar, grinning for the camera at all times, perfect Montrose smile and charm on full display. “And let me say, they werre berry-delicious!” Dad-jokes on full display as he pauses like he expects laughter to erupt all around him. IT doesn’t of course, and the longer he holds the more awkward it becomes.
It’s sudden. Teagan takes a photo of the tray of Helix Dogs, sends it to someone, and a moment later… whatever reply comes in has her bursting out laughing.
“Obie must be an incredible cook then,” Jasper nods his head. He grins before he continues to eat his bowl.
Having made her way back to the others with a plate that looks like Eloa’s eyes are way too big for Eloa’s stomach, Eloa offers some of it to Teagan given she had to brave the lifestream by looking like a clueless background person to gather all the food! “Okay… is breakfast sooo…” She stabs the hotdog first with a fork.
Perhaps the laughter doesn’t erupt, but Tamar has had very little exposure to the awfulness of Dad jokes and so the corners of her lips curl up into a smile. “Berry-delicious,” she repeats, as if testing it out. “That is berry-clever, Matthew.”
There’s some chewing as Eloa squints at the thing her fork has stabbed. “This is…. so strange textured…”
Sofia skims over the proper names of the entries and then grins over to Malin, affording: “Fantastic album. Dish is pretty good too. Hmmm… what am I gonna vote for though…”
Dovie nods at Jasper. “Right on the beach!” She points in the direction towards the south of the cabanas.
Malin laughs when Sofia mentions the title of her dish, and she says, “Thanks!” She’s now finished her bowl of seafood gumbo and goes in to try a hot dog. “How’ve you been, Sofia?”
Sugar says “Grilled peaches got my vote so far, but really how you gonna beat something covered in melty ice cream?“
“Absolutely fantastic,” Sofia informs Malin without skipping a beat. “Keeping really busy, and working on a super SECRET PROJECT with Dovie over here,” she mentions, gesturing her head Dovie’s way.
“Ladies and germs we have an election!” Obadiah declared putting on his best showman hat. “There is a first place, a second place, and a Best in Show or crowd favorite. First up, our best in show….. Teagan!!!! Those deviled eggs were divine!”
“Next up, we had a tie for second… I think we all knew who it was going to be though…. Tamar!!! Come get Robert’s Prize.” He looks around then and says, starting to drum on his thigh, “And winning this years Family Cook out spectacular…. Drum roll please!”
For whatever reason Tamar’s reply has Matthew laughing, not at but with her, and he begins to layer on the puns, keeping it up. “Oh, you think that’s clever, just waffle ’til you hear my next one! It’s gonna butter your day right up!” He leaves that just a moment to cook and punctuates it all with, “and if it doesn’t I’ll pancake on another one til it doe!”
Jasper nods again, this time towards Dovie. “Good to know,” he then tells her. “I’ll keep note of that.” Upon hearing the announcement, he turns to watch Obadiah.
Malin nods to Sofia, listening attentively. “That sounds very secretive,” she points out the obvious. “I hope it’s something we’ll all get to know about sooner or later.”
Esme finishes doing a few things on her phone but looks up again as the winners are being announced. “Woo!” She cheers for Teagan’s deviled eggs and gives applause for the other winners too!
“Well.. is too late. It has already been stabbed.” Eloa/i>Dovie claps for Teagan, Tamar, and… She looks expectantly at Obadiah for the final announcement…!
“Well.. is too late. It has already been stabbed.” Eloa informs Teagan waving her hotdogpizza on a stick now that is her fork. She turns back to Matias thoughtfully and shakes her head, “Eloa thought might just stick with you tonight like shadow. Umm..” She lowers her voice a little and leans into Matias, “Still not good control and Eloa is scared will fry things..”
When Teagan is announced the winner Matias sets aside his bubble and applauds for the victor of the food challenge. “I hate deviled eggs, but impressive showing Miss Lawson.” and then Sarah is approaching and gets a polite smile and a nod.
Of course now someone’ being called up for collecting a prize so he says, “Oh hey, prize winning waffles, let’s go,” and Matthew follows the bluette toward Obadiah for the reward.
Of course now Tamar’s being called up for collecting a prize so he says, “Oh hey, prize winning waffles, let’s go,” and Matthew follows the bluette toward Obadiah for the reward.
“It may just be something you can put in your mouth,” Sofia hints to Malin, not so secretively. “Or perhaps many things you can put in your mouth.”
Tamar pushes up to her feet when Obadiah is calling her name, confused for a moment then realizing what is going on. Alas, Matthew’s continued punning is pretty much ignored this round. She moves over to Obadiah, glancing aside at Teagan and ready to follow up after.
Teagan tilts her head, listening to something over an earpiece, a little frown creasing her brow. But whatever had her attention disappears as she hears her name. She turns and blinks as her name is called as winner. “Wait-” Boot hovers a little, but she finally does step out onto the sand to start moving out toward the table as she has been announced. There is a frown over her shoulder as Matias says he hates?! deviled?! eggs?! BETRAYAL. “But they’re so good?”
Chance applauds the winner and lets out a whistle. “Go Teagan!”
Malin starts laughing more at someone’ words. “Now I’m even more intrigued!”
Malin starts laughing more at Sofia’s words. “Now I’m even more intrigued!”
Matthew never expects his puns to be a hit, may be that’s the joke, cus he looks pleased as pie the whole time, following up, He slides on over to Teagan, “And here we go for those deviled eggs, the cookout has spoken, right Teag?” he asks, like they already know each other.
Waving to Sarah whose come to join them, Eloa picks up the devil egg in question.. with a fork and stuffs a piece into her mouth to try.
Sarah blinks as she walks up, peering around, “Wait, did Teagan win something?” she questions, “Go Teagan!” she decides anyways, clapping along as she strides on over to where she spies the un-offending personage, just sort of picking out a spot there, “Deviled eggs are a classic?” she question of Matias, like maybe he’s just…not aware?
Eloa starts coughing and choking after trying the deviled egg, her face turning red because well.. she doesn’t seem to handle spice well.
visibly disappointed that no one is drum rolling Obadiah kicks it up a moment and announces the winner, “You know her as the Sultaness of Swat, the Great Hampizzabino, I just call her Her Majesty, Give it up for the Helix Doooooogs! Sofia come on down!”
“Water..” Eloa croaks to those around her, fanning her face as she looks at Matthew and Jeremiah desperately.
A trio of Cabana employees begins to wheel out what seems to be potted plants: they seem to be trees of medium size, except with glowing fruits/span>/spanDovie stands next to Obadiah, clapping for Teagan, Tamar and Sofia, congratulating each as the employees hand off the potted magical plants to each winner. “Congratulations!” (ooc: also try ‘use tree’!)
Mercy says “.. How is it I want another of them froofy cocktails?“
Malin applauds Sofia, whistling at her as Obadiah calls out her name.
Esme says “Cause they’re great? And alcohol is alcohol“
Mercy sighs in resignation. “.. Ayeah, yer right. Any port in a storm an’ all that.”
Aeryn applauds for the winners, nodding her head before rising from her seat.
Tamar uses a potted medium sized fruit tree bearing oranges/span>/spanThe orange tree exudes a warm aura, filling the air with its calming citrus scent./span>/spanCoughing, Eloa desperately opens the bottle of water and chugs half of it once Matthew has handed it to her, sighing softly as she wipes her mouth afterwards. “Sorry.” She tells her companions, “Don’t handle spice well.”
Still just so offended that the good name of devilled eggs has been besmirched (or just a little stunned), Teagan does head out to accept her prize, giving Matthew a sort of stunned smile. They do know each other, even if she looks different (in more ways than one!) than the other night. “Thank yooooou…?” The uplift in voice, the confusion, comes of seeing the trees rolled out. Her whisper is to no one, but Matthew at least will hear it. Others close by might. “I have no idea how to take care of this.”
Matthew drum rolls just a touch too late, but he’s giving her a tongue rolling sound complete with that DJ, ‘bow bow boooooooooooow’ airhorning sounds with his mouth. “Hot dog winner, Sofia!” He moves on over to Sofia’s side, capturing her in the frame now, “Was there ever any doubt your dog wouldn’t win?” By the sounds of it, he never doubted it.
Sofia does a little double take as Obadiah announces her and then walks up to be greeted by a big old pot of citrus by Dovie, blinking a few times as she hefts it in her hands. “Oh, wow! Guess we’re getting a head start on that grove, huh? Beautiful, thank you Dovie! And thanks everyone for your dishes, what a lovely way to spend an evening! I wanna shout-out the pinwheels and the peaches too, they were fantastic!” She beams a smile to Malin and Esme both.
Teagan uses a potted medium sized fruit tree bearing oranges/span>/spanThe orange tree exudes a warm aura, filling the air with its calming citrus scent./span>/spanCoughing, Eloa desperately opens the bottle of water and chugs half of it once Matias has handed it to her, sighing softly as she wipes her mouth afterwards. “Sorry.” She tells her companions, “Don’t handle spice well.”
“Congrats, Sofia!” Jasper cheers at Sofia, despite both of his hands being full.
Malin blows a kiss to Sofia.
Dovie calls out towards Teagan. “Put it in a place with a medium amount of light. Water every week. And enjoy!”
Tamar steps up between Teagan and Sofia, looking between them both, and receiving the prize of the potted tree. She wraps her arms around the pot, leaning in and taking in the soft, calming scent of the citrus with a pleased sigh. “Robert will be thrilled. Thank you, Dovie.”
Esme applauses for Sofia and flashes a grin toward the woman. “Glad ya enjoyed ’em!”
Dovie turns to Tamar. “I’m glad, please congratulate him for me!”
Chance applauds all of the winners as they receive their trees, “Oh, those are very cool. Congratulations!”
Mercy eyes Tamar from her spot in the second cabana, slurping away at her third cocktail of the night.
Sugar watches little potted orange trees handed out as prizes. “Oh, nice. Garden themed prizes.” She snaps her fingers a couple of times in support of the grilled peaches when they’re mentioned again.
Esme wonders to Mercy, “How much would you have t’ drink to get actually drunk?”
Esme says “I knew I’ve been forgettin’ somethin. Thanks for tha reminder.“
“This does mean I won’t have the room,” a mournful look to the food left, “to take food home.” Teagan glances to Tamar sidelong. “Do tell Robert I liked his waffles? A lot? And… I’d like to talk to him soon, I think.” There is a glance up and a smile of appreciation to Dovie for the instructions. She picks up the tree, carefully. Still a bit surprised that she won. A bit? A lot! “Uhm,” this, to Matthew. “You can have the rest, if you want? I think I’m gonna have my arms full-” a look to the tree. “literally?”
“If I had been able to award one more it would have been the peaches but our producers only had so much budget for prizes,” Obadiah teases Malin and Dovie before looking around and then taking a step back, fading into the background a little bit, to let the winners have the spotlight.
“I got decision paralysis and couldn’t pick one thing to vote for!” Sofia admits with a little laugh as she props her orange tree up in one hand.
Dovie chuckles at Obadiah and Malin, nodding before she slides over towards Chance. “Great tomatoes, by the way! They were very tasty, and clearly quality heirlooms. How have you been settling in? We’ll have to do a big family dinner at some point.”
“Mmmm…okay, maybe the hot eggs thing is sorta fair.” Sarah does decide to allow, “But they’re still a classic. If you go to a cookout in Texas and there’s no deviled egs? Just run.” she ofers her own wisdom.
Malin winks over at Obadiah.
Tamar looks over at Teagan, shifting the potted plant to one hip like it were a toddler to try and free up her other hand. “I will tell him, Teagan,” she says with a fleeting smile. “I am sure that he would be happy to speak with you.”
Esme nods, “Makes sense. Well. I’m happy t’ buy a couple or so for ya.” She offers. “Was thinkin’ on swinging by tha mall anyway to scope out some stuff for a potential event.”
Sophie perks up, “Sorry I’m late! Which ones are the winners? Are there leftovers? Can I try them?” She looks around the table excitedly although a little tired looking, “Please?”
Matthew just smiels at Teagan without ever accepting the offer because he’s wheeling on over to Obadiah now, “Now Obie, he asks, Before we sign MPM out, the Chat wants to know, what’s your secret to this hot surfer bod after judging all these–” he pans the snack table before bringing it back in, “delicious entries?”
Dovie tells Sofia, “Teagan’s deviled eggs, Robert’s waffles, and then Sofia’s Helix dogs.”
Sofia pivots over to Robert with her orange tree carried in an arm. “A belated winner finally makes it in!”
Chance takes a sip of his cocktail as Dovie comes over. “Hey, thanks. Glad you liked them. They’re one my comfort foods. Everything here was fantastic. Even if that bomb might in fact be aptly labeled.” That was a lot of meat! “Settling in okay. House is mostly unpacked. Still got some work to do on it but it doesn’t look like a box fort anymore. How are things going with you?” He nods about the family dinner and says, “Let me know when it is. I’ll be there.”
Teagan gives a longing look at the food. Particularly the waffles. But she has an arm full of plant. “I need to get this to my car,” she tells… everyone, no one. “Before I end up, like… forgetting it when I end up coming back to stuff my face more. I didn’t even try the gumbo!” A sight shift of it on those rounded hips because medium tree is big tree on a shorter lady and she’s hiking up to offload. Presumably so she can come back and have a Grand Food Heist?!
Mercy leans over to swipe another complimentary cocktail from the bucket, aviator shades briefly passing over Robert before very pointedly looking elsewhere.
Sophie smiles at Sofia, “Thanks!” She chuckles and comments to Matthew, “You worried about your figure there Boss man?”
Mercy says “Fuckin’ hell this bubbly shit’s good..“
Tamar looks at Robert, holding a potted orange tree against her hip. She looks a little sheepish, glancing at the platter of mostly eaten waffles then back to him. “I entered your waffles, Robert. And you won a tree.”
Obadiah flashes back a smile to Matthew instantly getting back into character, “I swim about three miles a day, like you do of course, and then I Juice cleanse every other weekend. Lastly, runs through the mist. No cardio like a manticore chasing you to get the heat rate up.” He pauses then and adds, “Oh and lots of speed.”
Robert looks deeply confused by Sofia’s response, a platter of macaroni-stuffed sandwiches carried aloft in one hand. “What?” He calls on back, his bare feet padding across the room. And then he looks at the platter, then Tamar, then the treey, and then – he laughs. “Oh!” He seems amused. “Well, it seems I brought a bonus treat for no reason… I’m glad people liked them!”
Sarah nods her head at Jeremiah, “We did!” she agrees, “You were playing foosball or something.” she adds, like that’s very discerning information, “And I am!” she also adds, beaming with pride at that.
Annabelle gives a wave to Sophie and Sofia, sitting down next to the latter (or perhaps just shadowing if the seats are occupied). “Hey guys.” She greets one and all, scratching a still damp head.
Dovie nods at Chance. “If you liked the bomb, you have to check out the pizza place! Tons of great flavors.” She nods, “Moving always takes awhile, let us know if there’s anything we can do to help, yeah? We’ll figure it out on the group chat!” She beams at Chance. “It’s been a long, long time since I’ve seen you. There’s a whole bunch of us cousins cropping up too. I was hoping one of these days we could do a proper Fairchild Foundation Gala for the Arts.”
“You heard it from the man himself,” Matthew declares, flashing Obadiah a prize-winning smile, “And tune in next time when MPM continuse their New Haven loft interior design tour!”
“Did you bring the car?” Tamar asks Robert, gravitating towards his side like the moon around the earth.
Sophie belts out a soft laugh, and gives Annabelle a smile, “Good to see you.”
Sofia mostly is just hanging out, holding an potted orange tree, and grins on over to Annabelle, saying, “Eat some food! Judging’s over but still plenty to munch on.”
Matthew drops taps the screen and drops the camera, flashing Obadiah a smile, “Alright man, I’ll shoot the video to you and DOvie for editing if you’d like.”
“T’anks.” Annabelle responds, looking across the table and laying out two hands to nearly steal a full tray. “Who was most judge-ded?”
Sophie nudges Annabelle, “Try the helix dog.”
Obadiah snap points to Matthew then agrees, “a perfect MPM production. Thank you for your help! I owe you. Maybe I’ll do some shots tomorrow night.”
Malin grins at Matthew, and then she says to Dovie, “That can be dangerous,” in a teasing manner.
Dovie giggles at Malin. “What is life without a little danger?”
Malin beams brightly at Dovie, “It would be quite sad otherwise, yes. Danger and breaking the law are our favourite pastimes.”
Robert smiles at Tamar. “Of course I did. I thought about walking, but…” His hand drifts over to the brioche sandwiches.
Robert calls out, “Help yourself to those, as well! They’re vegetarian, too.”
Robert turns back towards Tamar with a warm smile, his posture welcoming to the new body as he admires the tree in her hand, looking over it and reaching to pull out a leaf. “Oh, that’ll look nice planted in the front yard.
Matthew winks at Obadiah, “Yes do tha for sure,” and then the Montrose seizes the moment to call out to everyone present: “Hey I hope to see all you folks over at the Velvet and Vine tomorrow because I’mma be singing a duet with Obie you all do not want to miss!”
Tamar uses a potted medium sized fruit tree bearing oranges/span>/spanOrange blossoms begin to unfurl, releasing a pleasant citrus scent as the flowers bloom./span>/spanAnnabelle holds a hand under her mouth to catch what of the Helix-dog may fall from her ripping and tearing of its flesh. She makes a bit of a mess of herself, but there’s some mirth in the spread of sauce on her lip as she looks up and tries to find a napkin.
Esme chuckles, “Fuckin’ right.” She agrees wholeheartedly and lightly raps her knuckles on the table. “I’m gonna jet t’ handle some shit but we’ll definitely hang soon. I’ll text ya bout the bottles.”
Dovie blinks at Malin. “This is entirely true.”
Tamar texts with her free hand, the pot plant settled on her hip. “It will look very nice,” the girl agrees, then leans in to listen to his whisper and return it.
Esme stands up from her seat with a bit of a stretch. “Great potluck Dovie! Always ah fun time.”
“Dogs ended up taking it this time around,” Sofia tells Annabelle with a smile. “They kinda got overshadowed by the home run derby when I did that event a while back–before you came to be, I think, and I figured they could use a little reintroduction!”
Malin winks playfully at Dovie, and she waves her right hand about.
Wit his responsibilities concluded, Matthew is suddenly at Malin’s side, slinging his arm loose around her shoulders, doubling the glitter factor in their vicinity.
“Well, let me know how I can help,” Chance says to Dovie. “I’m more than happy to do whatever I can to lend a hand if you need folks.” He shakes his head though and says, “I don’t need much, really. But maybe I’ll host a little dinner or something at my place once it’s guest-ready.”
Deciding to go with some of the peaches, Eloa sighs softly at their sweetness along with the ice vanilla ice cream which is just vanilla cream at this point hits her poor abused throat. “Something something opposites attract.” She tells Matias with a little huff.
Dovie nods back to Chance. “Oh I’m sure we’d all love that! And bring you some house-warming gifts to boot. Have you seen Madame Carrow’s furniture store? Some really excellent pieces.”
Sophie smiles at Matthew, “Good job there, now why don’t you two go..find a corner and digest?” She winks and then returns back to the food.
Annabelle wiping her mouth with a bob of her head, she swallows early to announce, “If you don’t win a food-thingie, Sofia. I think it just means the food-thingie was rigged.”
“Hey, babe,” Malin greets Matthew once he’s done with his judging. She slips an arm behind him, leaning into his side. “Your fans will love this. Good job.”
Dovie says “Matias, I’m not able to find you in the crowd without yelling, but I really did enjoy your pickled goods. I’ll need to pick your brain some more about them.“
Tamar nods at Robert’s whisper then shrugs her shoulders helplessly at the question he asks. “Let me go and put this tree in the car,” she murmurs, holding her hands out for the car keys.
Sophie giggles happily at the tingle of the jalapenos, “Oooh…I really want those on nachos.”
Dovie digs into a mystery brioche bun dish, taking a bite only to stare off into space. “Oh my god-”
Matias says “I am at the third cabana, but thank you Dovie, reach out anytime.“
“No,” Chance says with lofted brows. “There’s a furniture store too? I did see the masks and costumes. They were impressive. If I hadn’t just moved, I’d have been tempted to pick up a couple of things from there. But I’ll definitely have to check it out.” He pulls open his phone to tap out a note to himself, glancing down at it for a moment.
Dovie nods back to Chance. “Yes, I’m forgetting the name, but it will be in the city directory. It’s worth the visit. The mask shop is amazing too for its own reasons, but Madame Carrow has a good eye for style.”
Sofia tries out a few chomps of the macaroni sandwich, laughing with a full mouth and waiting to swallow before she speaks: “Oh god, carb overload, amazing. Good flavors though.”
Sarah shakes her head softly at Matias, “I can’t make it.” she admits, “I have stuff I can’t miss at that time.” she explains apologetically, “Sorry, I’m sure it would be really great.” she adds hastily, “I mean, that reason is sorta why I don’t know if I can…do college at all, really…?”
Dovie turns to Sofia. “Righhht? But so amazing!” She grins at Obadiah. “What do you think?”
Sarah scratches the back of her head again, “That and I’m not very smart…”