video | un: undertaker

[somakemelaugh]

[Undertaker pops on screen, looking like his usual self. Smiles all around, hair veiling his eyes, dark though not black clothing. He has mastered the phone-thing as of some time ago, but he hasn't had any real reason to need to use it until now.]

[Now, he has a message.]

I understand there's to be a special holiday coming up around these parts. Hygge, it's called. They say it's about family and friends, whoever you might be.

[He shrugs, grinning a little more, and though it might look wild on him, it's not entirely unfriendly.] So here's what I'd like to do. Some of you know me from the little cafe on the corner, some of you don't at all. If or not we've ever met and you feel so inclined, I've a kitchen in my house what needs using and a want to make all the hot cocoa we can handle. Stop on by and I'll welcome you to a cup of it.

[He has directions for the house, if anyone needs it. Then, with a tip of his hat, Undertaker ends the feed, leaving the invitation open to any who might take it.]

Comments

[somakemelaugh]

[He would have laughed as well, and not because a plastic skeleton had just taken it upon himself to move unaided. Oh no, he has seen things far stranger in his time.]

[The affection doesn't go unnoticed, and he takes that time to lift a hand, fingers curled to gingerly brush over Vincent's shoulder, offering something back for what is given. If he's an affectionate sort with the reaper, Undertaker has no qualms with it. His other senses pull the weight where his vision is slacking, and touch and little respect for personal space with certain individuals have been a thing for him for quite some time.]

I won't argue that. I've been fond of sweets myself. [With his free hand, he gestures at the skeleton again.] Chocolate or vanilla, one time. Then another he tried to argue with me that socks taste better than a salad. It's always food with us, but he does always seem to catch me while I'm in the kitchen.

[earlofphantoms]

{Vincent is fairly sure he has seen stranger in his time too. They just need to give Albert some "skin". Maybe a sleeping bag would help? Or a set of those pajamas that are made from one piece of material?

He glances at the hand on his shoulder and gives it quick nuzzle. Personal space is not something he subscribes to either. If he feels like being affectionate or close to someone, he will be. He especially likes the smaller touches; their bodies are not built to be alone! The pleasure of contact is one he will never tire of feeling.}

Now I know why it took me so long to accept my vegetables. {Regaining his seat, he chuckles.} Chocolate, obviously, and socks are meant for feet, Albert. Unless... Is that how he perished? Socks are not digestible, surely?

[somakemelaugh]

[That nuzzle warms a place in his chest from the inside out, reaffirming acceptance in what there is, even if it isn't necessary by now. He continues to watch their guest, but it's Vincent's footsteps that he follows, tracking the man's movements, curious to see where he goes.]

It's a child's fear, vegetables. That much isn't inherited, I'm not sorry to say. The love for chocolate? Perhaps, and there is where he and I disagree. [But about the socks? He tilts his head at the Earl, then back at the skeleton.] And on the socks as well! I hadn't thought to ask how he died. Most don't like to recount such events, but what a way to go if it was! I can only imagine. How hungry were you, that you would eat a sock and yet you reject sweets?

[earlofphantoms]

{There is nothing for Undertaker to fear on that score. Vincent is surprised by all that has been revealed, of course, but he is secretly delighted too. No matter what Undertaker says or does, he cherishes the idea of having a father who not only takes an interest in his activities, but also seems to genuinely care about his well-being. He has no desire to ask for more and the other man will swiftly know that the care is returned with interest.}

They do look so strange. {He gathers himself a glass of water and brings it back to the table.} Vanilla can be delicious, but it does not have the draw of chocolate when it stands alone.

{He turns to Albert, expression a little more sedate.} You would need to be starving. Of course it would either catch in your throat or your intestines. If things cannot move and there is no room for air, well, that is a nasty death.

[somakemelaugh]

[There's a certain relief on top of a quiet joy at having found so affectionate a family, even if he doesn't consider himself to be family. An informant, a grave keeper, a nightmare ward, a guardian... He can easily be these things.]

Those were my thoughts. You can't go to the novelty store in town and pick up a stick of vanilla. It just doesn't work that way, although he did argue that the rarity of it in that sense adds to the appeal. I still don't think that's enough to beat chocolate out.

[He nods and looks back to the skeleton again.] He has a point, and I think you don't need to be told. Unless that wasn't your cause of death and you're just an odd one. Aren't you though, my friend?

[earlofphantoms]

{Vincent isn't particularly affectionate by nature, but with family, he feels it is essential. If love is not shown, how can it be known and trusted?}

The taste must be considered. Vanilla is delicious - most especially when mixed with sugar - but chocolate on its own can be a decadent treat. Have you ever seen anyone partaking of a pure stick of vanilla?

{He hums, smiling.} Let him have his secrets. If he gives everything away, what will he have to keep us hooked?

[somakemelaugh]

[He won't mind the affection in the least. Being so terribly nearsighted, touch was his next favorite sense, and it made his life and job so much easier when hands on was the preferred method.]

Oh no, not at all, milord. But now that you mention it, I may try it just for the sake of doing so. It sounds terrible. [The grin said he might be entirely serious about that. Maybe he'd find a way. There had to be one!]

[Instead of looking into that right off, he turned instead to the skeleton and stood from his chair to gather the prop up and move him back to his place in the living room.] So he will, then. Not much of a talker when it comes to himself, or an eater, I've noticed. I suppose it will have to be one of life's great mysteries.

[earlofphantoms]

{He pulls a small face before grinning.} I think you will taste the vanilla, but it would be terribly bland and hard to chew.

{As is the case with most plants. Human teeth are not the best at grinding the fibers down.}

I don't mind talking about myself...or eating. {He chuckles.} I must be more shameless than him.

[somakemelaugh]

[He shrugs a shoulder lightly. That's no reason to give up.] People eat plants raw all the time. Have you ever eaten raw pumpkin?

[Now that Albert is back in his place, he heads back into the kitchen to retrieve his cup and finish the last of his tea and set it in the sink to wash later.] You're shameless period. Our dear Albert is just picky. He has time to decide though. Bones are sturdy things, especially ones made of plastic.