Max's Birthday Month! OTA

[maximumcake]

Who: Max Maximum & Open
What: It's Max's birthday month
When: Through December, His birthday is the 20th
Where: The bakery, Max and Valdis's Home
Warnings: NSFW content must be marked appropriately



Nose to the grindstone
Early in the month, Max realizes that his store of powdered beet sugar is finally starting to run dangerously low. It's all the macarons and sugar cookies with royal icing he's been making, he's sure. They've been flying out the door of the bakery just as fast as he can pipe them. Not that he blames anyone, but even raising the prices couldn't slow sales down. He's finally forced to admit that he needs help. Like, a lot of it.

That's when a new post goes up on the bulletin board:

WANTED:
Strong arms for grinding. Must be willing to do repetitive motions for extended periods of time. One free pastry of choice for every pound created. Inquire with Max Maximum at the Bakers' Bakery!

What he means is that he's asking people to come help grind powdered sugar in a mortar and pestle for a few hours, but one could be forgiven for not quite getting the same message.

Those who haven't checked the notices might still be invited to help out if they happen to pass by the bakery during daylight hours. Max will be out in the street with the automatic mixer and grinder tool Bart invented for him, grinding away for hours and hours making as much powdered sugar as he can stand.

As people pass by, he gives them the big brown eyes, "Would you like to help?" If they say yes, he will set them up in front of that same grinder and show them how to crank the arm. Then, Max will take up a spare mortar and pestle and start manually grinding more. No time to lose.

"I appreciate the help," he'll say, pounding away with his sleeves rolled up, forearms glistening in the winter sun, "I can't believe I let it get away from me like this..."


Happy Birthday!
On December 20th, it will become clear why Max was so desperate to get more powdered sugar. The centerpiece of his entire party is this macaron tower But, let's back up a little.

Over the month, Max will be going around delivering cards to all of his friends and acquaintances. They're invitations to a 'small' birthday party he's throwing himself out at the home he shares with Valdis. It will be an open house affair taking place all day on December 20th. He plans to have food and drinks but nothing 'too fancy,' he simply wants everyone to come by for as long as they feel like to hang out and spend time with him. No gifts necessary, he just wants time with his friends.

In addition to the cards and personal invites, he also hangs a post on the bulletin board inviting anyone in town to come and visit. Truly, all are welcome. That includes pets!


***

[For Valdis]
The day of December 20th arrives at last! Max has been giddy with excitement waiting for it all month. He asked for the day off of work for this (and so has Valdis) but he still wakes up early so he can put the finishing touches on all of his cooking and baking plans. Some decorating, too. He told Valdis to sleep in as long as she could because she was out late, so he's alone in the kitchen for now...except for the various cat and Pokémon companions that are all sniffing the air and salivating over what they smell. But that's what they do every morning.

He hears a creak from upstairs and smiles. Valdis must be awake. He'd better hurry and put these heart-shaped pancakes on the table before she comes down. It's a surprise. He's already smiling to himself, picturing her face when she sees them.

[For Ylva]
Max kept his own plate of pancakes light this morning because he has early brunch plans with Ylva. She may not have as much of a sweet tooth, but she knows good meat. (Not that kind, shh.) Max asked her over to help him build up the pit for the fire. She's better at this than he is.

"Morning!" he says as he rushes to give her a big bear hug and a headbutt for good measure. "I really appreciate you offering to run the meat station for me today. I've been hankering for more of your perfectly cooked steaks, you know?"

[OTA]
With Valdis and Ylva's help, Max manages to get everything just perfectly where he wants it. There's a buffet of different cake and pastry options on the kitchen table, with the tower of macarons as the centerpiece. No matter how many people come and how much cake they eat, the table never seems to run out. It's almost miraculous. There's also, of course, tea, coffee, and wine to go along with it as beverages.

Max will spend much of the day loitering around the sweets table, so it will be very easy to catch up with him. The first thing he wants to know, of course, is, "How do you like the macarons?" He's very proud of them, even if he will have blisters for weeks.

When he's not in the kitchen or near the cake table, he's outside hanging alongside Ylva in the meat-cooking area. Cake is nice, but it's hard to just have sweets alone. He wants to make sure there are some savory options as well. Ylva has become a pro at this, so he's taking the opportunity to actually sit and relax a little on his own birthday. Imagine that?

"Try the deer," he says to anyone that comes up to the fire, "It's delicious."

In addition to the cake and meat selection, there's one more food table of note: Pokémon specific treats! Max is considering this a soft launch for the new item he plans to introduce in the bakery. Poke-puffs, based on the recipes he got from the Poke Center, so he can guarantee they are completely safe for Pokémon consumption.

"Try one of the poke-puffs!" he encourages to anyone that seems hesitant. "Well, not you. I mean feed one to your pet. They'll love it, I promise."

[ooc: Totally fine to do mingles on this post; it's a party! Assume there's standard party setup with tables chairs and blankets to sit on spread around where appropriate. Max didn't make a present table because he didn't ask for any but someone can make their own if they feel like it.]

[NSFW]
As it is his birthday, he's feeling pretty randy. He won't hold back flirting, and if anyone starts to really mean it back, he might just be up for showing them his birthday suit. But he has to feel he can trust them enough, and he'd really rather find somewhere that's not the house--to spare not only Valdis but any visitors who may show up with awkward timing. Either way, he just wants to have a good time today with his friends and family.

[ooc: Putting it out there that I'm open to doing some light NSFW smut on-screen but I'm also just as good with FTB and aftermath threads. Trying to dip my toe in slowly. My game inbox for Max is HERE if anyone wants to take it there instead.]

Comments

Arthur Lester | OTA | Possible mentions of disordered eating

[lestercraft]

It's the poster on the community board that draws his attention to the party. And despite the genuine concern that there'll be more people from wherever Crichton and Fever came from, that perhaps they'll take his presence less amenably - his curiosity won't be denied, and so he turns up largely just to mingle and at least try to get to know more of the other immigrants.

He hovers around the macarons a little, at the very least trying them, but his sweet tooth runs out quickly and he certainly doesn't want any of the meat yet, so he sort of just hovers awkwardly by the front doors, debating how quickly he should slip away unnoticed.

[howtheyshine]

There is someone WATCHING YOU, ARTHUR.

It is Yellow.

He is methodically eating a pastry while staring in slight suspicion, like a kid sizing up a new classmate on the playground.

Eventually, he migrates close enough to say, "Why can you see here?"

[lestercraft]

Is it bad that he's used to the weight of godly eyes on him that he barely registers Yellow until he actually approaches him?

But the abrupt question makes him blink blankly.

"I, er. I-- I-I don't know, actually." He hasn't put that much thought into it, tucking it neatly into the dead and without John compartment.

[howtheyshine]

He frowns. "Well, who've you asked about it?"

It's a given to him that Arthur will have asked.

[lestercraft]

"I haven't." He gives Yellow a raised eyebrow. "You... know that I could see before I came across you and John, right?"

[howtheyshine]

A baffled pause. "Why would that mean you can see again now?"

[lestercraft]

"I don't know, perhaps not having either of you in my head means I get my damn eyes back," he comments neutrally. He's not even mad they had them at this point, really. "Maybe it's because I died, and lost my connection with John thanks to the barrier. Maybe- Carmichael or one of the goddesses restored it, I don't know. I'm just- not looking a gift horse in the mouth, that's all."

CW: mentions of past child abuse & alcoholism

[theydrewfirstblood]

"I hear you know Yellow."

John is about three feet away, behind Arthur, just to his left. He's been observing him from a greater distance for about ten minutes, and...

He knows better than to trust someone who seems ill at ease in a manner that's familiar. He knows better than to trust anyone, given who his father is. Who he became when he hit the bottle and came after John. Difference is, he's got more than just a bow and arrow and his skills with them.

He's trained to make sure this man isn't a problem ever again--that gives him the luxury of being able to stop, think, check.

So while his arms are loose at his sides, his weight evenly distributed--prepared to strike or defend--he's really there just to talk.

If Arthur has to die...well, he won't do it today. Or even this week. Max deserves to enjoy his birthday.

Re: CW: mentions of past child abuse & alcoholism

[lestercraft]

Arthur is regrettably familiar with the sense of eyes on him, and so for the most part has been actively ignoring it. If someone wanted to bother him about knowing him some more they can say it to his face.

He's not expecting the opener to be about Yellow. So he turns, eyes flicking wide in surprise for a moment- and staying that way when he sees the absolute slab of a man immediately behind him, and he pauses.

It's not alarm bells, in the back of his mind, but there's definitely a high key alertness when the man is trying to be almost too casual.

"I'm- yes, actually. We're from the same universe." He faces the man fully, tilting his chin up a little in mostly unconscious defiance. "Arthur Lester, at your service." And he'll offer his hand to shake. No weapons, just talk. "But I assume you already knew that."

[theydrewfirstblood]

John huffs--not a laugh, he's not smiling--but it's not a derisive sound as he accepts the handshake. It's not posturing, just powerful and measured. He's strong, he's aware of it, and is not out to prove anything.

"Yeah, I did. What I don't know is why Yellow's afraid of you."

He crosses his arms over his broad chest as he takes his hand back, head tipping curiously--expression still very cautiously neutral but not cold.

He's also not going to offer anything else. How Arthur responds to the observation will have a lot to say in how John proceeds.

[lestercraft]

The nonchalant display of everything doesn't instill a deep confidence in Arthur that he's going to get away from this encounter in one piece, but at least it's another human. Perhaps he won't need to explain the social graces of throwing a fit - or a punch - at someone's birthday party to them.

But the man is also biased, obviously so.

"I suppose because he feels he has good reason to be," he responds. Equally neutral, equally an utter nothing of a response.

[theydrewfirstblood]

Biased…is a bit of an understatement. John is ferally protective of kids, not just those he’s fond of. He understands being that young and being hurt, and Yellow hasn’t been jaded yet. He’s…almost like dealing with a baby, everything is so new to him. He is a baby in so many ways.

Arthur’s response is…incredibly telling.

So John cracks, just a little, and the mask gives way to a touch of frustration.

“Look: nobody understands a shitstorm like I do.” He sighs. “I know Yellow’s not a normal human kid. I’ve…seen what he can look like. I don’t wanna kill anyone, I never did—but I will if I have to, so real clear: whatever you did to him, whatever happened…did you know he was just a little kid? Species notwithstanding, did you know he was a child…and hurt him anyway?”

[lestercraft]

There's a sense of triumph that he keeps firmly under wraps when the man gives in to frustration first, but... he can respect that. That he's trying to look out for what he, quite understandably, sees as a child.

"Then allow me to make something perfectly clear," he says, still calm, still controlled. Very deliberately keeping his voice conversational so as not to bother any casual listeners. "What Yellow is, truly is - is part of a being of a similar legacy to Nyarlathotep. He is powerful, and he has committed utter atrocities not only against myself, but against countless others, possibly even entire universes worth of people."

He sighs quietly. "The difference, however, between Yellow and Nyarlathotep is that Yellow doesn't remember any of it. He was tortured for longer than you can feasibly comprehend, stripped of all memory and semblance of self - and then he was jammed into my mind, my eyes, to trap him with me."

Those golden eyes, iris and pupil in a gilt monotone, boring steadily into John's, unbowed.

[redlightgreenlight]

Valdis mingles as much as she can, it is her house after all, well, hers and Max's. She'd been happy to see everyone who loves Max stop by and say hello to him, to celebrate with him on this special day, except perhaps for one.

Crichton had made her promise to give him a chance if he ever showed up though.

"Are you enjoying yourself?"

She can tell he isn't, but she is the host after all, it 's only polite to ask and she can put on a convincing mask any time she wants.

[lestercraft]

He has no idea who this woman is, besides the obvious host - he's seen her mingling, after all - and with no other outward indication, he gives her a polite, slightly nervous smile.

"Oh, er- yes, actually." He gives a vague gesture at the food. "Everything here looks delicious- a-and tastes it too, of course, the macarons are impeccable." The smile turns slightly more genuine. "Max is clearly a deft hand in the kitchen, it's laudable."

[redlightgreenlight]

The lack of immediate sourness and anger is a very good indication that this man is not the same as the one she once knew, so she'll do her best to move past all of the history that doesn't apply to him. Just as she had done with others. Though she had notably liked those others. Still, Crichton expected it of her and she didn't want to let him down.

"The macarons are my favorite," she replies. "Max makes them pretty frequently now that he has a kitchen. It has always been a dream of his to be a baker."

She can't stop the affection in her tone, not that she tries.

"I'm really glad he's made so many friends."

[lestercraft]

That affection is impossible to miss, and wouldn't be even if he was still blind. Instead, those pure-gold eyes regard Valdis with a sympathetic warmth.

"He's lucky to have someone so supportive by his side," he says. He doesn't dare assume in what capacity, but it's immediately obvious how intensely she cares about him. "I, ah, I wish I could be so lucky as to put myself in that number, but I-I actually saw the sign he put on the notice board, about the party. Figured it might be a nice way to get to meet people."

[redlightgreenlight]

His eyes are off, different from the ones she knew, softer, perhaps kinder, certainly not filled with the bitterness she was used to. Thought the fact he makes eye contact at all is new. This Arthur is from another time.

"Oh, please. Max becomes friends with everyone he meets, and even brokers peace between enemies. I'm sure you will soon find a friend in him, he posted the invite publicly for a reason."

She holds out her hand.

"My name is Valdis."

[lestercraft]

The comment gets a soft chuckle, but he smiles, soft and still a little awkward, but it's becoming rapidly clear that that's a far more natural state of affairs than the aggressive tension Valdis is used to from him Before.

"Arthur. Have you- been here for a while, then? I just- I can't imagine what it must have taken to start an entire business like that, even with the council supporting us."

[maximumcake]

"Arthur?" Max says in a hushed tone of surprise as he walks in and spots the man.

Can it be? It looks like him, but... different. Maybe too different.

"Do you... remember me?"

[lestercraft]

The knife slice scar across his throat is definitely new. And when Arthur's head tips up to meet his gaze - well, first of all, he meets Max's gaze, even if his eyes are flat gold across his pupils and irises - and the top half of his right ear is missing.

But he gives Max an apologetic smile. "Ah, I'm- I'm sorry, no. I don't. I've been- having that conversation a lot, recently," he adds wryly.

[maximumcake]

Oh. No, this isn't the same man at all. The scars could have been, maybe, but the fact that he's just met Max's eyes? No. This isn't the man he was giving cooking for blind instructions to. But he tries to keep his heart light. Look, here's Arthur with his sight, and they can still get to know each other as any new friendship can start. So, with that thought in mind, his smile brightens.

"Then I won't make you have it again." He offers his hand out to shake. "Hi, I'm Max Maximum. This is the house I share with one of my girlfriends, Valdis. She's an enforcer and I'm a baker. My other girlfriend, Ylva, is out by the fire minding the meat options. You should say hi to her. It's really nice to meet you."

[lestercraft]

The hand out to shake makes him pause for a moment in surprise, but then a wide, relieved sort of grin breaks out on his face. And despite the scars and all the sharp edges - the smile lightens something, softens that well-worn hardness.

"Arthur Lester," he says as he takes it, since they're apparently doing this properly. "I live in downtown, now, I-I'm a pianist, so. Apparently they like to keep us close at hand," he chuckles lightly. "But I'm still an investigator in my off hours, since there's no shortage of them. I'd probably go mad otherwise, with so much free time on my hands."

[maximumcake]

That smile is so reassuring. He... he doesn't think his friend ever looked like that before. As for Max, his hands are callused from the hard work in the kitchen and from weight training before that. Despite the obvious strength he possesses, his touch is quite gentle.

"You could join the enforcers if you wanted more work. They keep Valdis pretty busy. Oh, but what times do you play? I'd love to come listen to you." He never actually got to before.

[lestercraft]

That gets an unexpected snort of laughter, and he shakes his head. "Christ, no. There's no amount you could pay me to get me to be a cop- I'll stick with investigating, if it's all the same."

But the thought of sharing piano, personally rather than professionally, makes his chest tighten a little, but he plays it off with a light smile. "Tell you what, if you keep an eye out for some of the holiday parties in town, you'll almost certainly catch me playing. It seems like there aren't many pianists in town at the moment."