Clopin Trouillefou

Kiwi House - Laveau Family - New Zealand 

The kiwi house is getting full

2 Valeries - Valerie Flotsam Agwe Laveau and Valerie Wren

2 Thomases - Thomas Robert Laveau and Thomas Stark

Rhiannian Dove Valerie Wren’s twin

Willy and Wanker the Dobermans

A whole sled team of wolf hybrid husk-a-mutes.

Balrog the lazarus shark 

Scout Temple Laveau

Dug, the Hellhound 

"Look! Dere's da tall ginormous put-togever man!"

"He's so big!"

"Eben bigger van Dad!"

"I'm gonna pop wheelies as big as him!"

"You'll neva. No way!"

"Yes way!"

And on and on it went with little kids trying to feel as impressive as Frank was tall. Just his existence in the area had the kids excited.

-

And oh, if only Flotsam knew Thomas's Muppet thoughts. He'd never see Oogie the same way again. Janice! Too good.

-

Medusa, like most women got hyped on Oogie's woman-power enthusiasm. "Well of course I can! Of course. Of course. I can handle anything that ever happens." She said just as she tripped over her own dress's sash that was hanging too low.

Mim looked up and made the sign of the cross like a Catholic and then said, "May Cruella be up there in a pile of spotted furs."

Medusa lifted her bottle and said, "Amen."

--

Annabel wasn't quite ready for the compliment from Nicolai. It was paired with one for his brother, but still she'd never seen herself that way, so it took her by surprise. She didn't manage any words back, just a shy smile. But then came a second one whether he meant it to be or not. He said he was picky with who he spent his time with and yet he was choosing to spend some of that time with her. She wanted to say thank you, but a simple, "Me too" is all that came out.

--

Maddy was right. Bastien was brooding inside. He'd agreed to the concert, and he never complained much about being Jetsam's vessel, but a part of him was energized on Jet's mind. Jetsam being so close to his wife felt a little concerning. He was catching glimpses of his inner thoughts, and they made him feel a sense of danger. Bastien kept trying to believe they were just thoughts and he'd never act upon them, but they became disturbing enough he started to try and break through. He wanted to be in control.

Chess picked up one of Valentin's many cloned glasses. "Clean cup." She'd say since the Mad Hatter had tattooed the phrase into their mind after attending so many tea parties.

Try as Bastien might he wasn't getting through especially not when Valentin just said the magic words to Jetsam. Treasure hunting. Scavenging.

"Junk! I love junk! It's my favorite."

He got so excited by Valentin's idea of fun he even hollered back to Flotsam who he had a tendency to steer clear of, unwritten rules of their patched brotherhood.

"Flotty! Hey Flotty!"

He wasn't even trying to use words Bastien might at that point. He called his twin like he always had in life.

"This cool fucker and that Nick-guy over there love junk hunting too!"

Flotsam turned his head and smiled wide. "No way! Fuck yeah. I know all the good dump sites if you wanna here on the island sometime."

Even Flotsam couldn't resist the idea of someone new actually enjoying a good dumpster dive.

Jetsam nodded in huge agreement. "Anytime. Anywhere. I'll help you sniff out something good. My favorite place is behind the vet's office. Animal parts galore. Biohazard bags are the bomb."

No shame. Absolutely none from this long-time eyeball collector.

Jetsam used to think he was running out of space for tattoos, but the moment Valentin said he did them he looked down at Bastien's bare skin and grinned too sly. "I'm down for that. Right honey. I've always wanted some. Sign me up. You want one too, babe?"

--

Bark at the moon? Willem loved the reference. He also decided as he downed a big swig of his drink that he was going to take that literally.

"Okay." Then he howled big and loud before ending it with several smaller barks with his head to the ceiling like he was calling to the sky. "Just let me know if I say anything too off. I don't actually know the language." He teased his animal speaking friend. Then started barking again as he jumped around being obnoxious in a drunk and partying kind of way. Plus, he was just happy since he managed to reunite Lil Noi and Madam Medusa during this trip to New Zealand. He felt good like things were really coming full circle.

--

Bebop and Babyface both perked wide eyes when Pierre acted like Bouncer was porn royalty. THE Bouncer? It got them both smiling and laughing. They couldn't help themselves.

"His reputation apparently preceeds."

Passed or not it felt good to see someone react the way Pierre did to their dearly departed brother. It hit the heart in the best way possible.

Pierre left soon after and Babyface said to Ellie, "I think I might like that guy."

Bebop nodded in agreement. "Me too."

--

Outside Rhiannon and Bandit were the closest to Pierre, but it was Lil Sam, shortened from Chip's father's name, who was the one who almost ran into the wood Pierre moved. It was a close call and the kid knew it. All of their focuses turned to Pierre instead of Frank.

Sam yanked his helmet off and started breathing really hard. "Woah. Fanks dude." He said stumbling around, big wide eyes in his deathly pale faced skin. He had the complexion of a dead man, even the slightly blueish tinge, dark hair, messy and sweaty from being under his helmet. He had the senses of a wolf and as he looked at the stranger who just managed a mini rescue before he managed a sideways skid to a full stop. "You smell like Aunt Maddy." He could tell the difference between them, like how fingerprints were all different. Smells were the same, but families had a link, something familiar he could detect. Then that was it. He put his helmet back on and said, "Watch me twy that jump again. Watch me. watch me."

His twin, Bandit would ride over to Pierre. He'd look identical even under the eye shield of his helmet, same skin, same hair color. They both looked too small to be zooming around on bikes but had way more control over their functions than most their size.

"Make sure to move anything if I'mma wipe out on my bootie."

"Don't worry 'bout me. I can handle my own wipe outs. I get back up like a boss." Rhiannon was the smallest little tough girl who didn't need any help. "Fanks for helping Sam doe."

Little Valerie came up over the hill with a big jump and landed it and saw her people gathered around that new guy and slowed to a stop near them all. "Hi! Did you see me?"

All kids ever wanted was for grown-ups to watch what they were doing and say how good it was.

--

Seven didn't back away from Oogie's touches. In the weirdest way it almost felt natural. He wasn't sure why that was.

"I'll do that very soon then."

Lock spied the two together and couldn't help but smile. It seemed his appearance here wasn't going to go by the wayside after all. After being snubbed by his "old friend" Kuzco he wondered if there were any treats left to this party. It was probably a good thing he saw Seven accepting the offer which felt like a fine treat indeed, but if not, there would be nothing left for Lock but start tricking instead.

"Can't wait." Lock said coming up from behind Seven.

"Bring your mum sometime too if you want. It's been too long." The Fate Sisters didn't have a tendency to show up to these sorts of parties, ever mysterious. Lock was starting to understand the feeling now that it took so much effort to make himself seen. He was running out of that sort of energy and would be dismissing himself earlier than most.

--

Denahi caught Elsa's coughing from the smoke and couldn't help but grin. "Be careful. Not sure that's good for your health." Then he reached out and took a big toke thinking he was funny.

When Flotsam noticed Denahi was finally there in the crowd he came over and slung an arm around him. "Hey Elsa. Don't know if I ever told you this, but this is the man who got me through the River-vampire times. We were on the phone all the time. Gave me loads of advice. He might not have been here, but he helped him transition the best he could. So, treat him like gold. Don't know how I would have dealt with that without him. Loa knows I didn't have a lot of options at the time." Then he gave Denahi a slap on the back for being the vampire connection Flotsam used to be so vague about for Koda's sake.

For Flotsam, this party was just too good being able to see everyone again. Halloweentown, Feral, even Wonderland too. Heck, he could have sworn he saw a Christmas elf run under a table and was sharing sweets with Marrassa. When his new loa was happy, Flotsam had an extra added inner peace that would have been there even without the drinks. It was something he felt deep inside. He'd have spent his time strolling the floor as the host of the party introducing himself to anyone who he didn't know and making pit stops for everyone he did. He didn't clique up in any way. He wanted to give equal time to all. He noticed Chip's wives playing cornhole in the back yard with shots. They must have came up with a drinking game out of it. He noticed Praline and Piper kept taking over the karaoke. He also noticed Scout trying to show off her guitar skills to some Beagle chick that was always around Black Arts. Despite all the drinking and random mosh pitty headbanging to the overhead music, everything seemed quite tame for as alive as his whole house was, inside and out. Maybe it was the fact he allowed kids at this party, but the festivities felt good, clean, different than the last time he ever partied with his brother around.

That’s something Oogie would do, and he had to be better than that.

Regardless, he’d hold that in his backpocket in case they tried to use him as a jungle gym.

He pulled out a cigarette and gave it a puff, exhaling the smoke, then licked his lips, much like a lizard, with that split tongue.

“Go on,” He encouraged with a wave of his hand. “See if you can get as high as me.”

–

Oogie held in the sigh that threatened to escape through her lips at the clumsiness of the woman in front of her. But she wouldn’t ever want her to change, either. “Of course you can, Medusa. You’re practically a gorgon yourself.”

She lifted her own drink at that.

She and Cruella had a lot of things in common, and she missed the woman. They were both of the opinion that marriage took more good women away than any sort of war ever could. The women lost in NOLA’s zombie-ending was just a speck.

“Might have to skin a few dogs, to make up for her absence,” She said, half-joking.

–

Nicolai just nodded in response to Annabel and found the bar, going through and swiping a bottle of Smirnoff. “Only appropriate,” He said with a smirk, claiming the bottle for his own. He heard his name being mentioned by Valentin, and turned in his direction, holding up the bottle as a cheers to his partner in crime.

–

“Enjoy it, they do not last too long,” Valentin sighed, as if the restraints of his magic were a great tragedy. “A day at most. Nothing can compare to originals.”

Valentin’s eyes grew large and a big grin crossed his face. He hadn’t known what to expect when he had been invited to this exclusive party - but it hadn’t been to find his people. Bastien right now was seeming very much his people.

“Yes,” He said, immediately. “I wanna. We wanna.”

That’s when Nicolai lifted his drink and Valentin did in return, the two in complete sync as they drank from their drinks.

“Nic is very into the body farms, he gardens. I call him Mary, like that English rhyme. Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?” He laughed, delighted. “Not flowers. But still lots of growth.”

“Hmm - how about you have some time to think about it?” Maddy said, her dark eyes meeting the blue of her husband’s. She was having a good time tonight, even if it was Jetsam in her husband’s body. It was one thing watching him be a rock star, and drinking. But it was another to change Bastien’s body in any way without his permission.

“But I might,” She nodded. She was feeling good. She was feeling a bit more carefree - at least with herself. Mama wasn’t mama for the night. She was Maddy. Maddy fuckin’ Bellerose. “You like scars, Nicolai? That’s more of our thing. You should see my husband’s arm. It’s my favorite thing.”

“Everyone has scars,” Valentin shrugged, appearing a touch bored at the concept. “Is only as interesting as the story.”

–

Figaro joined in with the howling without a moment’s hesitation. They were joined by Thomas, because what werewolf couldn’t resist a howl when he heard one. He’d chuckle and give Will a pat on the back.

“Sounds better than some of the ones I’ve done, good job,” He nodded towards the pirate boy.

“Big praise, Papa Wolf,” Figaro said, grinning towards Thomas. “You’re the professional. Hey, you ever think of recording them howls for me? I want to know what your wolf side says.”

“Probably something like, hungry,” Thomas was amused. “Or ‘where the fuck are my pups?’”

“Potentially,” Figaro nodded. “But - what if it’s the Pokemon theme song? Or you’re asking for hugs from the spirit of Bea Arthur? Inquiring minds want to know, Thomas Laveau!”

The older man let out a bark of laughter, and shook his head. He still never knew what to expect from Figaro’s mouth. It’s one of the things that was most endearing about them. That made being around them not hard despite memories.

“Alright, I’ll see what I can do.”

He gave a quick look over to where Dale and GoGo were talking, gave a knowing chuckle, shook his head, then moved on through the crowd.

–

“He’s always had that effect,” Ellie said, pleased to see how touched Babyface and BeBop were by the interaction in the end. “But don’t think that I’m going to forget how caveman you just got,” She nudged her boyfriend.

–

What surprised Frank, taking in the scene, wasn’t that Pierre was being a good guy in helping the kids avoid injuries. He was still Maddy’s brother - and that’s exactly the sort of thing be expected from the Do-Good-Renaults. What did surprise him was the fact that the mane-haired boy was not advertising it.

He wasn’t even thinking about heading inside to go and talk about what he had done. To show what a good guy he was. To use this good deed as a way to try to worm back into his sister’s life.

What went through Pierre’s head was a quick thought of heading back inside - hearing Piper’s karaoke voice carry through the doors and out towards the woods. A show he didn’t want to miss.

But he sat down instead - not the easiest thing to do in these pants, and leaned forward.

“Aunt Maddy, huh?” Pierre asked with a grin towards the kid. He was slightly comforted by that. That even if he wasn’t her family right now, she had a big one out here. “If we’re having this conversation, you’re good, not going to wipe out. Wanna show me what you can do?”

All the people at the party, and he, like Frank, found himself out here with the kids.

Who woulda thought.

He’d wolf-whistle at the trick. He’d applaud as if he were watching motocross. And he didn’t have to step in to change anything else. The main crisis was averted. He was in the moment instead of reliving it.

–

Oogie caught her son’s eye at that moment and had witnessed the snub. She gave a little huff - that wasn’t going to stand. No one ignored her boy. “You two catch up for a moment, will you? And save me a dance, Seven, I’m sure you learned some moves in Hell that I just have to see.”

She slithered through the crowd - despite how heavy the heels on her boots were. She hadn’t changed after the performance. She was still the full she-bang, Oogie Boogie, here in the flesh, stepping towards the dark haired man and his golden-eyed bodyguard.

“Get thee back, Satan,” Clopin said, sipping on a glass of red wine that he had just been swirling like a professional sommelier.

“You already know devils, fool, and you know that I can easily match them,” Oogie said, coolly.

“Aww, she called me fool,” Clopin bragged, tossing his hair over his shoulder. “She’s heard of me!”

“Oh, I remember you well,” Oogie said. “The both of you, my largest competition for ego that New Orleans has ever seen.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere - we’re not into chicks, but I thank you for your consideration,” The jester bowed - because of course he was putting on a show. This whole conversation felt theatrical.

“Do you always let the mouthpiece do your talking for you, Little Emperor?” Oogie asked, turning her eyes back to Kuzco. “I see you have lips of your own. Are they useless?”

“Oh, they have their uses,” Clopin gulped down his wine.

–

“Just for one night,” Elsa said with a small smile, leaning further into Koda. She almost felt ten years younger, just being around him. Perhaps even more than that. Almost like a teenage girl that had snuck out to go to a party with a boy, and was trying a joint for the first time.

It was like the first time she got on the back of Flotsam’s motorcycle all those years ago. That’s the only experience she had that was even close to this.

But this felt - safer. There wasn’t the risk that Flotsam always came with. The boy had been danger incarnate, a magnet for trouble. Oh, how they’ve all grown.

“Ahh, that makes sense,” The blonde nodded. “I was planning on being kind regardless, do you think so little of me?”

This came out in a joking tone, and she actually smiled toward Flotsam, not the stiff person she usually was. The years being back in his life had softened her. Family life had softened her.

Thomas had wandered away from Will and Figaro, still chuckling to himself over that conversation, and was pleased to see his husband come back to him.

“So far,” He said, putting on his best spooky voice. “The night is still young.”

Dale finally got his shoes back untied so he could stand normally again as he kept chuckling about the Waldo situation. They were so American, his whole family, southern American. The ya'lls were healthily sprinkled throughout their conversations. He had a healthy sense of humor about themselves.

GoGo was definitely part of the ever growing but tight nit circle. She might have been human, but they all considered her brainpower superhuman. She had her own special spark, and Dale was very thankful their time up in the trees of the old Ewok Village didn't dim it. It could have easily turned awkward, but they seemed good, natural, maybe a little bit tighter, but nothing negative seemed to follow it thus far.

Kuzco put two thumbs up and winked at GoGo. Seal of approval was officially official.

It was pretty crazy everyone was all here. Valerie had internally stepped back and had the same sorts of thoughts. It wasn't just a wedding. It was like a family reunion and community grill out all at once. The entire friends and family circle from far and wide showed up to celebrate the Belleroses. The togetherness after such passage of time for everyone was something to be celebrated too. It was the thought she had as Thomas took her hand to dance.

The floor flooded with pairs after the bride and groom took their place in the spotlight. There was hardly a pair that didn't give Frank and Delta a double or even triple glance. Dr. Frankenstein half wondered if there were ghosts around he was unable to see. It wouldn't be the first time with all of Zero's ghost dog in and out journeys to the other side.

Laverne would feel his forearms and say to Frank, "Oh my, I haven't danced with a real man cut like this since I was just pebble on a riverbank."

Hugo was dancing so haphazardly it was pulling Delta every which way making her dance look so sporadic and choppy. He was stronger than expected and was leading her around to the point of exhaustion. "I'm an excellent dancer. Lucky girl. Prepare to be impressed."

"You're a something alright." She barely managed to say as her voice cracked when she was whipped quickly in another direction. She was thinking she was going to end up with whiplash if this kept up.

Kuzco accepted Clopin's brow waggle offer for a spin. Diablo was delighted to learn he had a dance partner. He'd been in bird form on Delta's shoulder when she walked down the aisle. He quickly turned human, adult human this time changing up their routine. When he met Figaro's eyes he couldn't help but grin, so used to being stoic in that form for Delta, it was challenging to bust out of.

Which made him laugh all the more, for he was still Diablo through and through no matter his form. Figaro had a way of bringing out his personality and dance he did.

He wasn't the only one doing a little jig. Willem picked Frankie up as "requested" and spun her around letting her feet dangle so she would feel like she was flying. He kept her on his hip for half the dance until she wore heavy on him. Then he let her slide down and stand each foot on top of his pirate dress boots. Her excitement had her blipping in and out of sight, but she stayed dancing atop his feet. This gave him the same look as if dancing with no one for a few seconds and then she'd show up again. Uncle Wild Will had it going on. He even pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and rolled it up so he could tie it around her head. He pulled a side down over one of her eyes and got her saying, "Arr! Arr!" He turned her into a little pirate princess with her pretty dress on.

Koda would ask Elsa for a round on the dance floor. They weren't usually the pda sort of couple, but he was feeling spry and went for a kiss as the music inspired him.

Valerie caught a glimpse of that over Thomas's shoulder and giggled as she motioned her head to get Thomas to see. In all the time Koda and Elsa were becoming some sort of thing it was all a fairy tale in Valerie's head, as if it wasn't real. But seeing it in reality solidified it as real for them. Go Koda.

Chip's wives spread out being social and Pippin danced with Jagan. Ziya danced with Caim. Jenna danced with Jules. Raya danced with Silvan. Something about him made him feel like he was more her pace. The mothman was known to enjoy children and ended up dancing with little Praline too. Chip danced with Ray. Zero with the Doc. Everyone was participating. Piper danced with Death himself.

Dale couldn't help but notice. What a sight that was. Jealous wasn't the feeling, but there was an irritancy Dale couldn't quite put a name on. He was still holding a silent grudge despite smoothing things over with her about Pierre. Just because he agreed to let it go didn't mean some sort of hurt feeling didn't still linger. It was hard to get the sight out of his head when, even when he didn't look because Valerie kept looking at Piper and Death all googoo over the visual of Piper looking like Arwen with Aragorn dancing with the king. The shared sight was going to be his mental doom. It was the first moment Dale understood the moment Flotsam forked out his eye. He wanted the image out of his head. Dale tried so hard to not notice that particular window so he could focus on the rest of the reception.

He went over to get a refill on his drink and took it down fast before asking the tender for yet another fill up. He looked around the room and saw GoGo. Ah there we go, he thought to himself. Someone that doesn't piss him off. He was about to go up to her and see if he could distract himself by seeing if they could keep up their tradition of dances.

But right when he was about to open his mouth Scout opened hers first. Well shit. He backed up a step not intending to ruin his little sister's good fun.

"Wanna dance, friend?"

She looked exuberantly happy feeling her toast tipsiness and her little black dress.

Dale would back out and tap Koda on the shoulder before asking Elsa, "Could I cut in?" Koda would bow out as long as Elsa said yes.

While all this was happening Bastien was enjoying his wife. Eventually, he looked around. His daddy senses had a way of glancing over to make sure his young daughter was okay as any good parent might. He stood side by side with Maddy and couldn't help but notice everyone having such a good time.

He laughed a stoner's laugh when he saw Frankie being a pirate with Will. He laughed even more as he watched Hugo and Laverne dancing with Frank and Delta of all people. Even Diablo with Figaro. He was family too. All of Delta Castle were getting their groove on.

And if all else failed - they could always laugh together. That’s something that they clearly had.

Maddy was focused solely on her husband, even as everyone else came to the dance floor. Well, once she made sure that Frankie was in sight. Motherly instinct slightly overtook romanticism. But seeing that Frankie was with Willem let her give all of her attention to her husband, hand on his cheek, leaning in for a quick kiss before their first song was over.

Frank was in a little over his head with Laverne. Something that didn’t happen that often. Usually, even before Delta, when he would be with the scribbles every once in a while, people were too intimidated to actually flirt, or get sentimental. The few that knew that he was a mama’s boy would still see the cold expression that he often wore on his face - resting bitch face, some might say - and not get too close.

Laverne, as in Bastien, didn’t feel that way, which was evident.

“A pebble?” Frank asked, the corner of his mouth going up in slight amusement. “Doubt you were ever a pebble there, Laverne.”

Clopin and Kuzco cut a rug on the dance-floor, so to speak. The prosthetic leg never held the jester back, not for a second. It actually gave him even more drama because he could bust it out like a Real House Wives moment. Which he completely did, by the way. More than once. In public.

Figaro did have that ability, like Funkytown, to bring the strange out of people. Even those that were already strange. No judgment, because Figaro was self-aware that they probably had weirder thoughts than everyone here. Diablo was weird - but Fig loved their own brand of weird. Diablo wasn’t just Delta’s pet. Diablo was Figaro’s pal.

Frankie seemed to inherit Kuzco’s groove somehow, dancing without any form of self-consciousness in the way that only kids really seem to be able to. The world was still all fun and wonder to her, and she brought that to her moves, trusting implicitly that if she got dizzy, Willem would be there to catch her.

Elsa would agree to the dance with Koda - because that was part of the reason that she was here. To be among this strange group of people that all seemed to accept each other despite inner-working drama, old relationships, new relationships, cutting people out, letting them back in. Plus she was still trying to think of a favor to ask of Bastien.

She had an idea of that already.

But wasn’t selfish enough to interrupt the wedding for it.

As it were, the thought of favours managed to escape from her usually airtight mind when lips came into play. Like Koda was the only one who really knew how to take her out of her own brain, at least for a little while. Her fingers - painted, for the occasion - went up to the nape of his neck, delicately playing at the hair that was there. The moment was intimate. It felt like it was for them. Even if this night wasn’t.

Thomas saw the interaction once Valerie did and nearly let out a laugh, putting his face into Valerie’s shoulder. “Who would have thought, huh?” He mused outloud, kissing her shoulder now that he was already there. Always the opportunist.

GoGo was hanging around with a glass of wine and the joint, switching between the two, watching everyone dance. There wasn’t jealousy from her end either. She kept glancing over to Thomas and Valerie and grinning at how cute they looked, as if they were her own mom and dad. The affection of the Laveaus was a sight to behold, and an experience to treasure.

She just missed Dale by a hair, Scout taking up her vision entirely.

“As long as you don’t mind that I’ll have even less rhythm than usual,” She laughed, setting down the half-empty glass, and stubbed out the joint carefully, putting the rest in her bag for later before joining Scout in a sort of bouncing dance, trying her best but also not taking it too seriously.

Elsa would smile softly when she saw Dale and would nod towards Koda, giving her permission as well. “I’ll never give up a chance to dance with you,” She said, the wine slightly in her head, the quick hit she took helping her feel a touch looser than usual.

“You clean up nice,” Elsa commented. Of the remaining Laveau children, she was now closest to Dale, though she still had a relationship with Chip and with Scout. It wasn’t quite the same as it had been like with River, Dale was already grown when she came into his life, but regardless. She looked at the curly-haired man with nothing but fondness.

Tree was always welcome at a Laveau party. While Frank hung around him, he went out to check on the little sapling he'd left for Flotsam and Thomas and was pleased with its growth. Since he was outside, he'd see the Laveau and Savanne kids on the loose. It was a party, so they were allowed up. Stark and Dove were on their kiddie dirt bikes popping wheelies and running their itty-bitty foul mouths.

Flotsam and Chip both perked an ear when Oogie found it necessary to rub in what they'd lost, but as annoying as it was to be reminded, she wasn't wrong. Chip stood with one of his more stoic expressions while Flotsam was more welcoming about it. "And what a great way to start off a new collection. Thanks again, Oogs."

As per the poker games, "Just let me know." Valerie didn't intend to hold her breath, Flotsam either, but they still thought it might be fun. It would take a lot to get Flotsam down on a day like this.

Medusa was one of the ladies who indulged in Oogie's conversation. "Long time no see. I've been stuck here in a whole new country. Big bad Pirate man says for my safety. I'd love to know when he thought I couldn't take care of myself. Blundering buffoon." Medusa missed Nola and her easy access to the Nevers. She missed her old pawn shop.

Some of Chip's wives were around nodding along too. Again, Oogie just wasn't wrong so it was hard to find a place to complain about the way she was narrating it.

Mim would remind the group, "Cruella's seat is empty." Oogie probably didn't want to give Valerie too much hope, but it was true none the less.

Delta heard Cruella's name and smirked. Frank pulling the lever to her doom turned an annoyance into a fun day.

--

Annabel walked with Nicolai to get their first drinks of the evening, and she also kept her eye out for the bathrooms in case they actually followed up on their alcohol for the shark idea. She stood there as drinks were poured and noticed his brother.

"Valentin makes friends quickly." He was already in a group of people and looking lively. "Usually takes me forever." She admitted. "You might be an exception."

---

At the table where Valentin was, CJ was finally introducing Chess to him along. At that point Chess introduced everyone else, from Koda, to Elsa, to Jetsam though she called him Bastien, as the band always would for the public eye. "And this is his wife, Maddy." Chess would finish naming everyone gathered at the table even though Maddy already introduced herself. Call it a weird Cheshire thing. She chuckled at his greeting and would counter with, "Multiples? Hm. Good. We can always do with more than one of you. Just in case. People seem to die so quickly here."

Then they added, "You know, sometimes I'm here. Sometimes I'm not here. Sometimes I am here but not really here. In any case you should have my number as one of the places I may or may not be found." Then she reached her hand out for his phone to put hers in for him. "Any friend of CJ's is an acquaintance of mine. You want a tour of the place? I practically live here except for when I don't."

This all made Bastien laugh knowing he was dead. Die quickly here indeed. He didn't know if any of these people could sense it, but most people in the world could not. With his arm around Maddy he pulled her in a bit. He leaned in and kissed her shoulder and slowly breathed his way up the side of her face nosing her hair, getting a good whiff of her shampoo. He smirked about Frankie liking headbanging. "So do Chip's kids. A kiddie mosh pit is inevitable."

At that very moment Piper was rallying in Praline at the karaoke machine who was doing her own version of some old punk song. It was so off key, but the girl was jamming. ((Pralines's not blonde but you get the idea))

Then he looked towards the newcomer. "Tell me and my ol' lady about yourself, Valentin. What's your idea of fun?"

He didn't talk like Bastien at all, but he did keep seeing odd things in his peripheral vision like Bastien. Was that eyes? He shook his head. One would think he'd get used to it after using this vessel so many times, but it continued to be difficult for him. His gaze would dart here and there not used to seeing through Bastien's eyes.

---

Flotsam got a kick out of Maddy adding in a toast for Valerie. It was amazing really how bonded she had begun to feel with the girl. Time has a way of changing everything.

Wild Will decided the moment Smalls demanded more alcohol that it was going to be a wilding kind of night. He felt like following in his dear old dad's footsteps with this one. He went to the liquor table and not only got his father some, but got more for him and Figaro.

"Selfie us now dear before I black out. Plus, you are looking so good, with a capitol G. I have a feeling I'm going to want to remember this night." Yes, he called Smalls dear. It caught a few people's ears, but his person they would always be, even if they couldn't be-be. If Diana came, he'd plan on many dances with his dancing girl too.

Bebop listened in on the first time he'd ever heard Babyface sound possessive about a girl. It was dawning on him how long the pair had been googly eyed for each other. He still remembered the cookie girl drawing in his brother's closet.

The grin on his face was all consuming. He could tell his kid brother saw Pierre as competition, and he might not admit it, but it might have been the cutest thing he'd ever seen.

Babyface did lean into Ellie when she slipped that arm around him, however the turn of term slut caused his mind to go elsewhere. The whole interaction made him have that jutted jawline he gets when he's trying to put on some type of hard ass face. Still, he whispered to her, "All this talk of sluts makes me miss Bouncer."

Bebop overheard. "Don't bring me down, bruh. Drink more. Now. Drink it out of your system." It was how Bebop got through all those months with his family tied up as zombie pets on the island. He figured it should work for Babyface too. Who needed therapy when they had booze? After that getting plastered was the only option.

Since Pierre was sort of in the conversation Bebop explained, "Our brother was a porn star." Not an ounce of shame in his voice, actually quite proud.

Then there was Abraxas who had been eavesdropping on GoGo since he heard the word tech. He got bored quickly as the convo stayed on flirtation with Pierre. Pierre who gave "doofus." That was the way most people in this circle saw him. Looks were quickly overlooked by most due to his personality. It was why most people didn't get Piper's big move to bring him back. They also just didn't care. It was all in good fun to most here.

Then there was Seven and Zero who didn't see him as a doofus. They saw him as a refuge they didn't have to think too seriously. It was nice to have an escape from the trials of life and death for that matter.

Speaking of, Seven was still near Oogie and had been listening to her talk about Flotsam's losses. He'd approach her and say, "I think I'm ready to take you up on that offer to come visit. Name a time and I'll be there."

He'd been thinking of her offer since last Halloween.

Lock saw them talking from across the room and smirked. Maybe this was going to be easier than he thought. He wasn't sure at all how this was going to play out when it all started.

--

Koda rubbed Elsa's back when she started coughing. Then the best thing ever happened in Koda's perspective. Denahi showed up.

"When did you get here?" He asked.

Denahi laughed, "Team Savanne sent a pilot with special flight instructions just for me. I wouldn't miss your re-debut for the world, kid. Nice laying eyes back on you too miss." He tipped his hat at Elsa. Pipping got the how to fly a vampire instruction manual from Flotsam to give this gift to Koda. He deserved to have family around too.

He wasn't the only vampire at the party. Parrish, Willem's now long-time loyal customer was meeting him here and then going back to Feral with him after for the visit, he'd planned back around the time Will and Smalls went and found Lil' Noi. He wasn't as much of a go getter and social as Denahi though. He sat in a corner in a rocking chair and people watched.

Iain's door was still coming in handy as this was how he transported Noi to New Zealand to reunite her with Madam Medusa. He was waiting for just the right time to reveal the big surprise.

Koda was trying to give Denahi a hug when Medusa's gun was mentioned. Chip pushed off their back to run over there and try to intervene before she killed Mim, OR WORSE, blew a hole in one of Flotsam's precious works of art.

Then BOOM!

Shit.

Too late.

Glass rained down from the skylight. Chip ran and tussled back and forth with her until he managed to wrestle the firearm from her.

"I'll just take that for safe keeping, Momma Medusa."

Chip was close to her after all her gemstone power lessons and had his own nicknames for her. She taught him everything about his gifts his bio-mom never could.

"Oh fine. But then you better keep that hussy off my man. I'll bury her alive I will."

Hook and Flotsam were still head banging around with a small group when the gunshot suddenly made them all look up.

"Have you lost your sanity woman?" Hook hollered when he saw who did it.

He didn’t want to end up as ‘Uncle Frank’ to any more of the little rascals.

Or babysitting duty, god forbid.

Oogie gave Flotsam a nod. Oh, she knew exactly what she was doing, portraying herself as the good person, helping the oh-so-down-on-their-luck Laveau by imparting the gift of music. And like they all knew - they couldn’t even argue. Though Thomas was looking at Oogie and just picturing Janice from The Muppets. Goddamn muppet.

Perhaps Valerie would be surprised by an invitation one day. After all, a chance to potentially best her formal rival’s family? That was always something that could be interesting. There was always something that could be gained.

“He’s a fool if he thinks you can’t take care of yourself, Medusa,” Oogie said with a laugh. Men. Such pathetic creatures, such cavemen, even Hook - though he was a fascinating one. A total headcase, a man with murder in his eyes. Her kind of people. “Indeed, it is empty, such a shame,” She sighed about Cruella. “She always did give the best fashion tips.”

–

Valentin and Nicolai were always aware of each other. No matter where they were, they could pinpoint within an inch where the other was. That’s what happened when you grew close to one another the way they did. When they shared everything - a room, a dorm, a house. The Laveaus could probably relate.

“Yes, he’s the charming one,” Nicolai said, though this was without any self-consciousness. He knew his place. “You are too. You could be friends with anyone.”

He gave her a rare little grin. “Not me though. I’m very picky about who I spend my time with.”

–

Maddy didn’t mind being introduced twice. She gave a friendly grin, the opposite of Jetsam, who made Bastien look like he was brooding inside.

Valentin had grown a bit used to the cryptic talk of CJ, even of Chaos, so this wasn’t that surprising. Still - the way that the Wonderland people spoke gave him the distinct feeling of falling down stairs, and not knowing on which one he was going to hand.

He’d readily enough hand over his phone though, his eyes going over everyone. Yes - there was a lot of death here. He’d sensed some in Maddy, and now - in Bastien. The vulture inside could smell it.

“I’m quite used to death myself - being Russian - I’m used to it,” Valentin said. He said this as if he were proud. He wasn’t a Moscow boy, no, he knew the vastness, hard work, not the spoiled palace-city life.

Maddy was, thankfully, too deep in her cocktail to be affected by the affection that Jetsam was giving. If this were another time and place, she might have pulled back, have waited for Bastien to come back before touching the body again. As it were - she just chuckled. “I don’t doubt there’ll be another family band - the Laveaus, Savannes and Belleroses one day.”

Maddy was instantly reminded of Delta. What’s your idea of fun. The same question that she had asked at that fateful dinner many years ago. Oh, how some answers have changed. Oh, how some have not.

“Everything,” Valentin said after a moment, sipping on the drink he just duplicated from Maddy. “Everything is fun - Yah? My Bratan’ Nicolai -” He looked around and then pointed at one of the many people in black. ”- We scavenge. After the whole zombie thing lessened numbers, we were the first to go through people’s rooms. Such fun!” He grinned. He was not ashamed of it at all. Actually seemed quite proud of himself. “And I got into tattoos recently - got a machine, giving them to myself and Nico.”

And then cheekily, he offered - “You want?”

Maddy surprised herself by saying - “I might take you up on that.”

–

Of course it was a wild night.

It was an OZZY night.

“We’re gonna ride the crazy train tonight, I tell ya,” Figaro said, rubbing their hands together, then made some faces for the camera. “Why thank ya, Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebel, let’s go Bark at the Moon!”

“Wait - THE Bouncer?” Pierre said with wide eyes. Because even in his timeline - well, it was a familiar name to those who knew about the industry.

Ellie tried to hold back the snigger at the almost fan-boy reaction, but it definitely slipped out. “God, you are almost exactly the same, dude.”

But then a look went over Pierre’s face. A quick change. Those who knew him would know that he had just travelled. “Excuse me a sec,” He smiled to Go-Go, then walked on past her, heading for the doors to the yard. Go-Go watched with an amused grin, then noticed Dale. Finally.

“There you are,” She greeted him. “Big turnout.”

Meanwhile, Pierre was shooting off grins to people that he knew, before heading outside into the yard. There were people out here too, but it was much more sparse. He got to work - subverting the disaster that he had heard happen, before it could happen. Frank watched with a raised eyebrow as the pretty-boy set about dragging a piece of wood from the forested area, and putting it by the pond that held Belrog. He appeared to be just in time, as one of the little ones - he couldn’t tell which one - turned their bike in order to avoid the new piece of wood - when they otherwise would have gone right into the water, which would have ended in - well, more than tears. He sighed and wiped his forehead, then caught eyes with Frank, and smiled sheepishly.

Looks like Frank was off the hook for babysitting duty. Looks like Pierre took that upon himself.

Oogie, inside, wasn’t a big believer in personal space. No, she ran her fingers through Seven’s tight hair right there in the middle of the room, with a smirk on her face. “Oh, you just come by whenever you like. Door is always open for family.”

–

Elsa was - well, trying to remain dignified. The smoke wasn’t something she liked, and she felt a little flustered after coughing, but thankfully, the attention didn’t stay on her long. Her eyes lit up when she saw the familiar vampire come in, and then looked up to Koda, taking in his own expression of delight.

“Well, welcome,” She said to Denahi. “It’s good to see you too.”

–

"Yeah, no. I know you're right. She's smart. She can handle herself... most of the time." She recalled having to step in a couple times like during a dance or how that family of some girl she was dating treated her like a second-class citizen. Valerie was still Flotsam, the guy who grew up thinking the world hated him and had huge defensive walls built not only for himself, but all his family too. Scout was no exception. It was simply comfortable having her at home. This was a stepping out of their comfort zone moment.

She took a deep breath.

Then he did manage a chuckle out of her when he mentioned the cameras.

"Yeah. You're right on that too. Logically, I know it all to be true. My heart just doesn't want her to go." She had to admit that to Thomas if she was going to admit it to anyone.

"Yeah, we will. Good idea." She laughed half-heartedly knowing full well colleges treated their students like adults and didn't answer to their parents anymore.

“And she’s an adult, and as we all know, we have to let them out in the world eventually,” Thomas said with a sigh. It was bitterweet, for sure. “But she’s still our girl, she made that very clear. I even told her I’d drive her to college every day if she still wanted to live here, I don’t care about the commute.”

Yes, Scout could drive herself - but acts of service was Thomas’s big love language, and that definitely included giving people rides anywhere they wanted to go. He’d even extend this onto Chip’s wives sometimes, if one of them mentioned an errand they had to do that week. ‘I’ve got time and a car’ were common words from the Brit’s mouth.

He put his arm around his wife, pulled her in close. Kissed her temple gently.

“You’ll always have me,” He promised. “Even when the triplets are grown - God forbid, and I hope time slows down for us.”

The gargoyles were whistling and whooping and hollering their congratulations when it was all said and done. Victor burst into tears, Laverne was ready to get tipsy, and Hugo was shaking up the champagne.

All of Bastien's emotions were on display at once. Meanwhile he stood there grinning like a newlywed fool.

Dale was still laughing about Waldo. "That's what I thought too when I heard he was called Wally. Too weird."

That's when Kuzco held up his mustache tattooed finger over his upper lip and said, "Dude is ninja. Even with his names. No one really knows. He's so off the grid guys." Kuzco was clearly impressed with Waldo's skills. He still remembers when Bastien and Maddy dressed up like them for Halloween or costume party, something, but he recalled it. That was saying something for the lil' llama.

Elsa was slick and Dale didn't even notice when she slipped her goody bag in his pocket. But low and behold, whenever he did find it, he'd be one happy camper.

Delta smirked when she saw Frank realize he should speak. She nearly forgot until she saw the champagne glasses. His toast was perfect.

"Stitches."

"Oh, you're good." He deserved a compliment after that one.

Victor Frankenstein's laugh slash scoff was heard above all others. He usually managed to keep it all in, but that was too good.

Zero had a hard time not admiring his cute smile. He loved Victor in his own way.

Bastien loved both toasts and knew they both picked the perfect people for best man and maid of honor. The rest of the party looked so slick and fancy too. Never in a million years when he first met Esme on the streets and she took him in did he ever believe his life could have ended up like this. Despite how things ended, following her was something he'd never regret. His life changed for the better even if it wasn't how she would have envisioned changing it and it all started from that moment. Even now in his mind, he gave credit where credit was due. It didn't even dawn on Bastien to give any credit to the recently released Declan. He still thought he was dead and gone. If he knew Declan at all he should have known he wanted the credit. He wasn't even an afterthought.

He wanted his dance with his wife. Rejoined wife. He grabbed her by the hand and lifted it up in an attempt to twirl her around.

"You ready for a second first dance?"

Then for the time in all the times Frank had tuned into the gargoyles of Bastien's world inside his mind, Laverne walked up to Frank and asked to dance.

"May I?"

She appeared like a lounge singer atop a grand piano with Victor leading a haunted melody. Oh boy oh boy, while Laverne seemed to have Frank occupied now was his chance to dance with Delta. Hugo jumped at the chance.

Then Hugo stood in front of Delta and waggled his brows as he extended a hand as his invitation to dance with him.

Even after living together for years now, things were still all good, all fun, and Fig had not even a thought of telling Willem to move on. Tummy toasty bageys for bagel Friday every week, horror movie marathons, random Gonzo cosplay, Diana’s eyes popping out and falling down the stairs, Jacko and Mr Punch combining forces against the Diddy Kongs, Hansel broaching out from the walls more and more - this was forever.

esbrow

“Fuckin Americans,” GoGo whispered, nudging Dale playfully.

GoGo was getting used to the different people in the Laveau circle. It was a little hard to believe sometimes that she, just a borin’ old human, was a part of them, when they had people like Clopin, standing up there with DEATH like they were best friends, and Kuzco, the musical lil emperor who just popped out of nowhere and joined conversations. Kuzco’s intrusion wasn’t surprising - or unwelcome at all.

“Yeah? He has the Kuzco seal of approval?” GoGo asked. “Guess I should get back into those books.”

It was Victor’s laugh that brought on some more laughs, even from the bride, because it was a sound that wasn’t heard very often. The doctor was neurotic, but he wasn’t typically the happiest, so that was a good sign. Even though Frank would never admit it, the validation made him stand even a little taller.

Frank patted the pocket where the thick book was, as he took a toke of his joint. ‘May have stolen a few words from the wordsmith’, he thought over to Delta. ‘Not like anyone here would notice.’

The only one who might have noticed would have been Thomas, but hme hadn’t read much Clive Barker - he was more into the classics - so he hadn’t picked up on a single thing, except for watching his friend Victor laugh, which in turn made him laugh too.

It was kind of crazy that they were all here, if one took a moment to stop and think about it, the way that GoGo did. But not just about her, about everyone. Still being close to the Laveaus despite Agnes and Chip’s failed relationship, Maddy only being here at all because Flotsam and Clopin went to the Underworld to rescue her mother before she was even born - there was so much history in this room, between everyone, that love being celebrated was the least-crazy thing of all.

Even with the scars that were still underneath the henna and her fantastic dress, Maddy had no thought of Declan. Like her shields were keeping all thoughts of him out of this room, out of this occasion. She didn’t know what happened to the container that Chip had put him in - whether it was reclaimed by the swamps after the Laveau house burned down, or if he had brought it with him to New Zealand - but she didn’t care. It was gone. He was gone.

She smiled and then giggled, her nose slightly wrinkling, dimples showing. The real kinda smile that wasn’t always pretty, wasn’t picture-perfect, maybe showed too much teeth. But it also showed the happiness the bride was feeling.

“If I ever say no, that’s when we know there’s a problem,” She hummed happily, kissed the tip of his nose, and let him twirl her out onto the dance floor.

Delta’s first thought was also Frank’s first thought - how absolutely ridiculous was he going to look? But then again - it might give him more reason for people not to ask him to dance tonight. He was already intimidating to most of the people here. If he was insane too?

He caught eyes with Delta and saw that Hugo was asking her, and nearly snorted at the sight of the horny little gargoyle propositioning Delta. Anyone real doing that - he would have stepped in.

As it were -

He gave a curt nod, and held his hand out low - having to bend down to do so - to the feminine gargoyle to give her a bit of a spin, much like Bastien had done to his wife.

He also gave Frank the acknowledgment nod back and said, "Thanks for coming." He was under no delusion of the situation he put the couple in and was honestly thankful for their appearance. It wasn't just a polite thing to say.

Delta wouldn't chime in no biggie or no problem because frankly it was a big deal to her. Still, she wanted to support Flotsam after how he supported her long ago.

Flo liked even more he got a little good guy praise from Thomas for the charity move. He never claimed to be a good guy, but there was always a special sparkle he noticed in Thomas's blues when he did a good thing. So, he was going to soak that one for all it was worth and slung an arm around his man and popped him a kiss on the side of cheek as he continued to feel all proud of himself.

Oogie seemed to take it well. She didn't throw a fuss anyhow, not that she would have let it show live. He half wondered if she might have one upped him and already told the Osbourne's she was donating before Flotsam ever thought it up. It certainly wouldn't have surprised him if Oogie kept in contact with Sharon. They were both big names on the scene after all. Something told Flotsam if she hadn't, she might hold a grudge if she felt up against a wall unable to keep her own portion because it might make her look bad in comparison. Either way it was her own choice what to do with her share. Flotsam wasn't about to take the heat personally for her decision there.

"What can I say? Even the bad boy can be a good guy sometimes."

Then he started to brag about his signed record to anyone and everyone in earshot. "Looky here. Check this out. Oogie gave it to me for Christmas."

Delta happened to be one in earshot and gave him a nod as she glanced towards the wall. That actually weirded her out that Oogie made a move like that. Due to her own feelings of the woman all she could think was wow because either Oogie had the ability to be nice sometimes or she was setting Flotsam up to let his guard down. To Delta it was more likely the latter. Maybe it was just random, but that was harder to believe. It was hard for her to believe Oogie wanted to mend bridges.

Flotsam was feeling pretty good about everything. He decided to press his luck with Oogie a little more. "You know, I heard you play a mean hand of cards. Rumors get around with the ladies. Valerie would love to join in sometime if you're up to it?"

The lady he referred to was the Queen of Hearts. Flotsam ran into her every once in a blue moon when roaming Wonderland with Cheshire.

Flotsam really just tried to invite himself as Val to Oogie's infamous poker table and Madam Medusa over heard. She pushed through the doorway tipsy as ever, first on the scene to overdo it, but that was how she always was.

"Don't remind me. This one's tricky. Took me out of house and home on a bluff."

Flotsam started laughing. "Get over it already ol' bird. That houseboat is long gone by now. Don't make me remind you that me and Captain Hook built you a new place here."

"Hear hear!" Captain Hook lifted his cup when he overheard Flotsam praising his name.

Of course, mentioning it only reminded Medusa by saying not to make him. She scoffed it off and put a glass of gin to her lips to tune him out.

It also happened to be close to Mother's Day when this event was taking place, so Flotsam decided to lift his beer bottle up and distract by toasting to all the mothers in the room. "To Sharon, to Oogie, to Maddy, to the Savanne's, to all the mothers soon to celebrate." Then he turned up some Danzig overhead, "Come on mammas. Do you wanna bang heads with me?" He couldn't help but laugh and start a mini-head banging circle to an old classic with a few random people nearby.

Captain Hook actually lifted his cup again and motioned at Medusa. She was mother enough all things considering and then joined in Flotsam's circle. He certainly had the hair for it. Willem however had never seen his father do such a thing and couldn't stop smiling from the other side of the room.

"Hey Smalls, get ready. The Cap'n's taking a page from Madam Medusa's book and getting sauced early, I think. You never know where that's gonna go. Woah Maddy, check him out." Captain Hook's curly locks were flinging up and down like a mosh pit pro.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, the ode to mothers by Flotsam made Willem not only lift his glass but think silently of Livvy and Iain. Lost parents. He missed that guy. Oddly, he even thought of himself and Figaro. Neither wanted kids of their own, but with everything in perspective with Funkytown, they already were caregivers to more little people than most everyone else here. He felt like he and they deserved some respect for that too. So, that was in his head, even if it wasn't voiced.

Captain Hook was getting attention from more than Medusa or Willem.

Mim showed up out of nowhere and was trying to flirt with the pirate. Willem never understood how his father was such a hot commodity with the ladies, but he certainly was.

Medusa noticed and it was getting her riled up.

Guns were about to blaze if she could ever figure out how to turn the safety off.

--

Back outside Annabel Lee and Nicolai were still admiring the Lazarus shark outside.

"I don't know, but its name is Balrog. Look there's a little plaque like at the zoo."

The concept made her laugh. "Of course, New Zealand folk would name their pets after Lord of the Rings. It all makes sense now."

She stood back up and said, "Let's find some drinks." Then she couldn't help but wonder, "Do you think sharks can get drunk if there's liquor in the water?" She couldn't imagine it would kill it. It was kind of already dead.

--

Ellie was looking like a cover of a guitar magazine, hot as she's ever been and Pierre had noticed. Babyface noticed he noticed.

"Fuck yeah she's hot. Good eye, buddy. Keep it at eyes only and we're good. Hands off."

Babyface had never felt so possessive before. Maybe it was a bad look, but it just popped out of his mouth before thinking as was how words usually came out of him. Suddenly, he felt like he had to hurry and get them a trailer to live out her dream/nightmare before someone else smoothed their way in. He wasn't used to the idea of competition with the way they'd lived their lives thus far. Maybe it was time to get back in the game of hustling now that he had a few Beagles to create some scams with, especially with the island more secure, or possibly look up Circe again. She always knew how to make some fast cash. All he knew when he saw Pierre's expression was, he needed to up his game.

The other thing on his mind was Oogie. He wasn't hiding from her. He was still even dressed in the inflection of the effect going to school in Halloweentown had on him. It stuck. Oogie had left her mark on nearly everyone in one way or another. He still felt akin to the place.

---

Babyface wasn't the only one to feel a tad threatened by Pierre. Dale overheard his sister introducing them. He wasn't sure he'd call it jealousy exactly. It was more like there goes another girl he'll probably have to share. Not that he was jumping the gun. She didn't react like a giddy schoolgirl or anything, but GoGo never did. Dale was so used to staying an arm's length away from every girl he was ever with, even Piper anymore, that it almost felt natural to assume they had a moment in time and that might be all it ever was. It was his way and pattern of life after all. He didn't interrupt like Babyface. He hardly had a claim on her, but it didn't stop him from listening rather intently to keep up with the situation.

Scout was ever playful during the interaction and reached up to run her hands through that infamous mane as GoGo called her out. She couldn't help but mention it. It was luxurious after all.

"Yes, he's French too. He checks all the oolala boxes." Scout held pride in her friend's attributes.

---

Jetsam watched with the eyes of a predator as Maddy came closer.

Then he turned up a charming smile as she sat down, pleased she wasn't going to avoid him.

"Well, hey wifey." He teased. "Did you enjoy the show? I noticed your cam up practically the whole time." He put his arm around her like it belonged there, smooth and casual.

Cheshire answered Maddy's intro questions first.

"I know I am. I haven't been on stage for anything but DJing since the band went to Hell. I'm still stoked we're back. I hope it's not a dream. I do that a lot, never sure which reality is real. I think both are and if it is I hope I don't wake up. I like it here."

Koda was just as jazzed.

"After that crowd I feel like I could take on a whole army. No wonder I was so head strong back in coven." He threw a couple air punches to emphasize how high he was feeling, and it wasn't even the weed. It was pure adrenaline still pumping through his veins. It wasn't often he spoke on his time in Maleficent's coven, so the fact he brought it up so casually showed how far he'd come and how comfortable he was around this particular group of people. He felt no shame around Elsa, and Chess and Jetsam were his best buddies since forever. All was well here. No regrets.

This is when CJ spotted Chess. "There she is. Over there. Come on."

Then he put his hand in the air, "Cousin! Oh cousin!"

Chess knew that voice. "You're over there."

He replied, "And you're over there." As he led his friends their way. Abraxas stayed back still eavesdropping on GoGo's conversation.

"I have friends. Meet Valentin."

"Amazing accomplishment. Congratulations." She looked at Valentin with her big eyes and noticed he was a singular person even though CJ clearly said friends, plural. "I'm many people too. You can meet more of me later." She was giggling as if that made complete sense and no sense at all.

Frank would decide to go see how Treebeard was doing - it made him feel close to home.

Oogie rolled her eyes as Flotsam decided to make the gift public. “He’s had so much going on,” She would drawl on to anyone who was close enough to listen. ”That I thought I’d indulge in a little charity myself. Halloweentown knows he doesn’t have the collection he used to - after the fire and all.”

A fire that, surprisingly, she had no part in, not like the Renault house. She was still very bitter over not getting the Cornerstone, and seeing the children of the family out of the corner of her eye only reminded her of this.

“We’ll check the schedule and get back to you,” Oogie said, loftily. But she did look pleased about the idea. She was an addict when it came to gambling, and she was damn good at it too. Roll a dice, snake eyes every time. Play a hand of poker, royal flush more often than not.

Take some of the Laveau money? Even after their mended bridge tonight? Why not.

An even better challenge if he - or she since it would be Valerie - was as good as Madam Medusa said.

“Medusa, long time no see,” Oogie said, because of course everyone knew of the neurotic Medusa. Hell, it was like all of the neurotic women knew each other in New Orleans before it became Feral. Whether they liked each other or not was a whole different story, but they did know of one another.

Maddy’s ears perked up as she heard Flotsam’s toast, and her cheeks turned slightly pink in a way that couldn’t be blamed on the alcohol. “To Valerie!” She called back, vodka cran in the air.

Figaro cheered to that one. “Oh, we’re gonna make him Tubthump before the night is out, Willem DaFriend. “We need whisky, vodka, lager, cider, stat!”

This felt good to Maddy. This felt good to Figaro. Everyone being all together like this - the unexpected, like Oogie, like Cap’n Hook at a house party. So far, so peaceful.

“Oh no,” Maddy said, giggling as the gun came out. “Looks like I might have to shield us from stray bullets - can’t say I’m surprised.”

–

Nicolai let out a small laugh when he saw that, indeed, there was a plaque. “I wonder if they do tours?” He asked, dipping his fingers into the water. The rotting whale - it would make a good host for -

But Annabel was able to snap him out of his usual mushroom-filled haze, snapping his scientific brain to another direction.

“We’d need a lot of alcohol, I’m sure,” He said. “Body weight, alcohol level - we’d need several bottles of straight up rubbing alcohol.” He wiped his damp fingers on his pants. “We could snoop in the bathrooms - after we get ourselves some drinks.”

–

Ellie was no longer little-sister coded. She grew the fuck up. Basically from the moment that her parents became zombies, when she had to strap herself to her skateboard and weave through dead bodies - some of which she recognized - and make her way to Halloweentown, she wasn’t a little girl any further.

She was a certified, grown-up badass who knew it. Who owned it. Who was walking the same path as women like Piper, like Valerie, like Maddy, who came into themselves and rocked it.

Ellie caught Piper’s eye when Babyface got all possessive, and held back a snort, putting an arm around his waist, as if he needed some kind of reassurance. But also, because his reaction was amusing, she decided to talk to Pierre a little longer.

“I guess I don’t have to ask if you’re still as slutty as the Pierre I remember?” Ellie joked.

“Not quite,” Pierre said, deciding that there was enough bad feelings about what had happened between Pierre and Maddy before he came back. Maybe they could be a bit lighter about it. “But close.”

“Never change, Pierre,” Ellie laughed. “We’ll have to hang out.”

–

GoGo was accepting - because Scout said Pierre was family, so she would consider him just another member of that family. And sure, he was handsome. Good skin. Trimmed facial hair. A nice smile.

But he gave ‘doofus’.

And she wasn’t into that.

But because it was a party - she’d have a bit of fun. She had not the slightest intention of actually doing anything with this French boy, but -

“I hear I have competition,” She said, holding her drink to her chest. “That you’re as fast with people as I am on the streets.”

Pierre nearly choked on his drink, and then let out a hearty laugh at that. “Oh, I know how to take things slow when it counts.”

–

It was strange, sometimes. It looked like Bastien. It smelled like Bastien. It felt like Bastien. But it didn’t sound like Bastien. And it made Maddy wonder if this is what her husband went through - where things feel one way but they’re actually the other. His hallucinations.

Regardless, she sat next to her husband’s body and smiled towards Koda and Chess.

“Well, yeah,” She nodded. “You were all badass - I had to record it to show to Frankie when we get home. She likes headbanging,” She chuckled.

She felt comfortable around Koda, so she was relaxed, sipping her drink, leaning against Flotsam like she really was wifey, but hoping that Bastien inside could feel it. That she was there.

“If you wanna take on an army, Koda, I know Madam Medusa has a gun and might be a bit foolhardy with it once she gets the safety off.”

And then new people came up. Maddy was good with people. Even if they were Halloweentowners. After all, she had been one of them for a short time.

“Hey, I’m Maddy,” She introduced once Valentin looked her over. There was something interesting about her, to the vulture. Like there was something dead lingering inside. His senses picked it up, even without knowing a thing about her past.