Name that Meat

Players:

Caitlin

Rogue

Pietro

Durante

Gideon

Zeferino

The park has seen a flux of activity lately especially in the little festivals department. Tonight and most of the day, a barbeque has been held with a number of grills serviing up a whole variety of meats. There are a few things for sale as well; expensive grills that can be shipped and sauces along with different utensils and tourist stuff like aprons or sweaters.

Tonight's event is sponsored by Sam's Barbeque Pit where they serve a wide variety of meats both traditional and otherwise. It's well known that they are holding a competition tonight for different little prizes ranging from free meals to care packages to gift cards. There's also a little accoustic band set up churning out some country sounding stuff.

The crowd isn't dense at this point but it's favorable. Lots of people hang out to see what's going on. An ice cream vendor provides the after meat topper. The weather's a bit on the chilly side but with all the grills going, it's easy to find somewhere warm to stand. As probably the last festival of this sort until Spring, there's a bit of an electrical excitement in the air.

Durante has been loitering around where the BBQ event has been set up for some time now. He wears a long sleeved coat, though no hands are visible and his left sleeve seems empty as it lays flat as though there is no arm running through it. His normally open front coat is also buttoned up in the front around the waist but no where else. As the festivities start he moves to the edges of the growing crowd mostly keeping distance from others.

A tall young woman clad like a rather foppish eighteenth century pirate or highwayman, complete with silver-topped cane tucked under one arm, saunters through the rich mixture of scents. Caitlin eyes the shoppers with some amusement, but doesn't appear overly inclined to join them in splashing out on shiny grills or brightly-coloured aprons.

Gideon appears as well, dressed as he usually is out in public, keeping his distance from the crowds as he takes in the sights and smells of this rather festive night. He stops at a rather vacant grill to look at the new models, seemingly interested in them, wether or not he's buying one or not. Probably not.

Those little festivals have certainly been attracting a lot of attention -- for his part, Pietro has been hanging about Central Park more than usual since hearing of some of the earlier ones. While that might be one reason he happens to be in the park tonight, it doesn't seem to be the only one, for this time he has company. As he continues down the paved pathway he glances over to his companion. "So, uh... At least it's not as cold tonight," he observes with a shrug. Nevertheless, he's wearing a black hoodie over his usual garb. One can never be too careful, after all. It doesn't take him long to notice the current event, and he visibly perks up a bit -- undoubtedly the work of the enticing smell of barbecue as opposed to the country music. "Huh, looks like something's going on..."

Rogue saunters along the pathway, no doubt driving Pietro mad with the slow pace but seeming in no hurry to get anywhere. Not as cold or otherwise, she's still done up in her usual hoodie and gloves and has tossed a light jean jacket on over top for good measure. Her gloved hands currently shoved deep into the pockets of the sweater, she looks over at Pietro with a bit of a smirk. "Yeah, but that ain't sayin' much, is it. Cold enough. Only gonna get colder too." Bah humbug. Still, she seems in a decent enough mood for now. As he points out the festivities, she glances over in that direction with a curious expression. "Yeah, looks like. Wanna check it out? Smells good, anyway." She doesn't mention the music, though she actually seems to appreciate it.

It's a little cooler tonight, as summer is unfortunately over. Adapting to the cooler weather, Zef's wearing a pair of jeans, his ubiquitous Brazil jersey, and a lightweight track jacket which is, of course, green and canary yellow. As he makes his way through the festivities, he takes in the sights, sounds, and especially the smells. The siren song of well-prepared barbeque calls to his teenage boy appetite, and he wanders between grills, probably looking for whatever smells the best, or perhaps a favorite of some kind.

Durante looks almost longingly at a platter of meat which has been set up for those hungry to go ahead and eat, but he makes no attempt to get any, or even buy any of the various trinkets and novelties for sell. After his delayed pause he takes back up to walking around silently observing the people and food. He looks hungry judging by his expression for any who might be close enough, however he makes no attempt to get any food.

Caitlin's head turns and cants to one side as she spots the distinctively garish attire favoured by Zeferino, a wry smile curling her lips for a moment before she changes direction to start ambling along a course designed to intercept the youngster.

"A drawing for a free dinner at Sam's is coming up in the next twenty minutes or so! Don't forget to sign up!" A burly man shouts the words and can easily be heard over the park. He's gesturing to a table with a couple people handing out raffle tickets. "And don't forget to sign up for 'Sauce-life' the premier magazine for a barbeque con-o-sore!"

Pietro adjusts the collar of his hoodie, drawing the zipper up another inch or so. "Are you seriously asking me if I wanna check out somethin' that smells that good? Because you should know the answer by now." It's said with a laugh though; he seems in good enough spirits as well. Hell hath frozen over. He doesn't mention the music just yet, though that might just mean that he's saving up for a particularly good barb. He nods in the direction of the gathering and starts over. Though he's been trying to regulate his pace to approximate her own -- despite how much it might be driving him insane -- he can't help but quicken it a little at the shouted announcement. "Hey, free dinners! C'mon!"

Durante rolls his eyes, "Barbeque my butt." as he continues his casual walk. Spotting Rogue and Pietro however he moves to give them a wide berth, though the reason is open to discussion.

Gideon cranes his head towards the call for a free dinner and then starts that way himself, although taking the longer way around to get there, rather than cut through any large groups. Although he spots Durante, giving the other guy a cursory glance before he continues towards the meal call.

Too many choices. So many delicious things to purchase and devour with relish. But that's what barbeques should be all about, right? Zef seems to be staring at a particularly mouth-watering array of meat on a particular barbeque, and almost reflexively, his hand produces his wallet from one of his pockets. Food is purchased, and then the scent relished as he continues along his path, too entranced by the prospect of delicious barbeque to realize that he's heading toward Caitlin.

"Right, my bad," Rogue states with a wry grin, rolling her eyes at his appetite, even though hers has still been doing what it can to keep up. As he picks up the pace, she has little choice but to do the same. Not that she minds, but she does add a quick, "Hey, not /too/ fast," lest he get carried away at the thought of free food. "Now, let's see if we can find where it is we're supposed to sign up." If she notices Durante steering clear, she doesn't react at all.

Among the many distracted by the announcement of free food, Caitlin dithers briefly, then moves to complete her interception of Zeferino, stalking up to fall into step beside him, smiling curiously.

The booth with the raffle tickets is easy enough to deal with. People hand out the numbered stub and stuff it's counterpart into a fish bowl. They also have a little pamphlet that suggests there will be a competition to determine what kind of meat something is through a taste test. The grand prize of the evening for all the festivities is a $250 dollar Visa gift card.

Durante doesn't seem to pay any further attention to the offer of a free meal, mostly he seems content to observe the crowd and festivities. Eventually he seems to find a tree and leans against it, obviously distancing himself from everyone else, though he looks pained to do so. Still he maintains his observation of the crowd in general. He could likely judge the meat tastes if he paid enough attention to notice the competition - Or was close enough - but despite his growing hunger he makes no attempts to eat anything.

As he nears the event proper Pietro catches sight of Durante moving back. Perhaps it's not surprising that he doesn't approach him, simply arching an eyebrow disdainfully. The expression only lasts a fraction of a second, though, as he's far too focused on the food ahead and the girl at his side. "Oh. Uh, yeah," he mutters, forcing himself to slow down a little, if only to avoid losing her on the outskirts of the crowd -- or attracting undue attention by sprinting toward what samples have been laid out. Signing up doesn't seem to have immediately occurred to him, though when she mentions it, he gives a distracted nod. "Over there, I think," he says with a nod toward the raffle booth. Aaand he's already heading over.

Gideon stops a little ways away, waiting for the majority of the sudden crowd around the raffle booth to vanish, sitting down on a nearby bench, watching the crowds curiously, as well as those that come and go. Zef and Caitlin are also spotted and a cheerful wave is given to them.

As she approaches on the crowd, Rogue draws her hands out of her pockets so that she can cross her arms somewhat defensively over her chest. It's just as well that it's not too busy, but she still keeps some room around herself at all times as she starts after Pietro towards the raffle. "Christ, you're like a guided missile," she teases with a smirk, even though she's doing just fine for keeping up herself.

Still fairly oblivious to Caitlin walking beside him, Zef takes the first bite of his barbeque and then glances to his side, very nearly choking at the sight of a pirate walking beside him. Blinking a few times, he takes a deep breath after almost choking, then shakes his head with a grin, "Whoa, hey, you can't just sneak up on a guy dressed like that, man! I took one look and was thinking I should hide my gold, jewels, and trinkets." Noticing Gideon and his wave, he grins again and waves the other boy over, before turning back to Caitlin, "So, what's with the pirate get up, anyway? Did you find a treasure map, or something? Because I am so in for finding buried treasure."

Caitlin cracks a broad and amiable grin, doffing her hat as she offers Zef a flourishing and elegant bow. Gideon receives a wave after her hat is restored to its perch atop her head - then she uses her cane to gesture towards the raffle sign-up, expression questioning and rather hopeful.

"So?" Pietro glances back to Rogue over his shoulder, a crooked grin distinctly visible on his lips. He can't really deny that she's right, after all; he's so focused on getting at his sauce-slathered goal that he seems a bit oblivious to everything else. "You expected anything less?" Before long, though, he manages to work his way into the crowd around the booth. Again, he looks back to the girl; he knows how she can be about crowds, so he's watching her reaction.

"I have to say baby," There's a guy trying desperately to be suave as he speaks to a woman eating a pulled pork sandwich. She's dutifully ignoring him. "That outfit looks almost as good on you as it will on my floor." He's rather loud, standing near the raffle booth as he tosses this out. Proud of himself, he grins broadly. "Wanna blow this place or me?" She doesn't dignify him with an answer and instead walks away leaving 'Casinova' to stare after her with a look of confusion.

Gideon gets up and walks on over to Caitlin and Zef and although no one can see it, cracks a grin at the guy that just got shot down and then says, when he gets over to the two, "Man that guy is a idiot." He jerks a thumb at 'Casinova' before he smiles at them and says, "Hey Zef, Cait, how are you two doing? And are you gonna sign up for the raffle? I am.... once the crowd clears out that is." He glances at the crowd near the booth again, waiting for it to thin.

Durante looks to those he recognises when he can spot them, but continues to watch the crowd silently. Very much looking like the anti-social loner, but if that was the case and for one not eating why come to an event like this? Noticing the less then don juan pick-up artist and the woman's reaction Durante makes his way around the crowd casually towards either the man or woman one.

"No, and Ah don't expect much /more/ either," Rogue retorts, rolling her eyes. But as they get into the crowd around the booth, she does grow considerably more uncomfortable. Fortunately, the boorish brute at least provides some distraction. Rogue first looks over at the loud and lame attempts and then snorts, not exactly bothering to be quiet about it herself either. "Smooth," she drawls, before turning back to fighting to maintain her personal bubble.

Pietro never claimed to be a gentleman. That's probably why he nearly chokes on his laughter as he overhears the failed romantic, glancing in the direction of the 'not-couple'. It's debatable which he's laughing at more: the corny lines or the fact that the guy was so phenomenally unsuccessful. "/I/ wouldn't even use those," he agrees to the general opinion on the situation. And that's saying something, apparently. Back to Rogue. "You just, uh, want me to grab you a raffle ticket?" That way she doesn't have to squeeze in with the others, you see.

Turning toward the cane-indicated raffle ticket booth, Zef grins, nodding toward Caitlin, "I've always favored good, old-fashioned carnival-style games to raffles, myself. But losing a raffle isn't really losing in my book, it's all up to chance." He starts off in the direction of the booth before laughing at the plight of the wannabe player, shaking his head a few times as he absently comments, "What an idiot."

Casinova recovers quickly. Not one to be put down so easily, he paces over to Rogue next and hooks his thumbs in his belt. "Hey girlie," Said in his best 'I'm a stud' voice. "I'm here to give you the good news. Your stallion has arrived and I'm ready for you to mount on up." He has a certainty about himself that's just so totally misplaced, it's hard to believe.

Caitlin also moves to join the raffle queue, flashing another swift grin in response to Zeferino and Gideon's enjoyment of Casanova's discomfiture. She does, however, blink in surprise as he gets right back into the "saddle", essaying another attempt mere seconds after the last dismal failure.

Gideon chuckles and says, "Oh my god... he calls himself a stallion, but he's really a mule. Which is fitting for such a horse's ass." He follows Zef and Caitlin, fitting in well with their group as they wait to get tickets for the raffle. And to watch Casinova's contining quest to get laid tonight.

"Yeah, uh, thanks," Rogue's just in the process of replying to Pietro's offer, thinking maybe she'll duck right back out of this crowd when the charming charmer himself apparently decides she's the one to chat up. At first he just gets a blank, disbelieving look, as if she can't even wrap her mind around the fact he's think this was a good idea. Very promptly though, her expression turns to one a person might make when fishing a wad of mouldy hair out of a clogged drain. "Stallion? All Ah see is a pettin' zoo pony gone to seed. Get the fuck outta here." Her arms tighten over her chest, her hands balling into gloved fists where they rest. Her jaw set, she casts a quick glance in Pietro's direction, though isn't willing to take her attention off the would-be suitor for more than a second.

Zeferino nods toward Gideon as he moves in position to enter the raffle line, "Yeah. Might as well give the ol' luck of the draw a try." When the Don Juannabe swings again, Zef groans, shaking his head, "You know, this guy makes a good case for anti-pickup line legislation." At Rogue's reaction, however, he grins, "But it warms my heart to see that, this time, he may not get away with being a jackass."

Durante makes his way closer to the woman who was the first 'victim' and gives her a slow, respectful nod but says nothing to her as he then turns towards the wannabe 'don juan'. Once close enough to the 'charmer' he speaks as though trying to keep a secret which is far from easy with the crowd and asks, "Hey looking for someone hotter then those here?"

Hitting on a random girl is one thing; hitting on Rogue is quite another. And apparently it's one of the very few things that can make Pietro forget all about free food. He had just turned back around with the intention of squeezing deeper into the crowd when he notices Casinova from the corner of his eye; he's at Rogue's side in a flash. "Hey, what-the /fuck/, man?" There's an odd hitch in his voice as he bites down instinct and slows his angry words to a less conspicuous speed. He reaches out with the intent to shove the would-be suitor away, aiming for a shoulder. "Try somewhere else."

Caitlin sighs quietly and shakes her head - but doesn't appear to feel the need to add to the unwise suitor's worsening problems. Instead, she purses her lips... then blinks in surprise as she recognises the latest arrival, peering curiously at Pietro to confirm that it is him.

"Your loss, lover bun," Casinova seems to have no problem shrugging that off; water off the duck's back and all that. Pietro's shove doesn't seem to even shock him. Rather, he accepts that before moving off into the crowd looking for another woman to pester.

When Durante approaches, he rolls his eyes. "Listen man, my cock's not on the menu for prepubescent boys so why don't you run along back to your momma's teet, okay?"

Rogue seems almost surprised as the guy gives up so easily. Not disappointed, but surprised. Her mouth open for her next retort, her muscles tensed, fists clenched, and then ... that's it. "Uh, yeah, that's /right/," she calls after him, muttering a string of expletives under her breath as she turns back to Pietro. "It's fine. Ah had it covered," she suggests in a quieter but firm tone.

Gideon glances at the guy and then says, "Someone takes himself way too seriously. He cups his hands around where his mouth would be over his scarf and yells, "Hey dipshit! Fuck off before some girl's man beats the living hell out of.you." He turns back to Zef after heckling the man and says, "No kidding. Even I know better than to try lines like those. And I'm only fourteen."

Durante states, "I never said anything about me, but your lost, thought you'd like a nice blonde." as he turns to leave passively.

Pietro narrows his eyes at Casinova, then glances briefly back to Rogue. The observant might notice that he's still clenching his jaw even as he pointedly watches the guy walk off. As Gideon pipes up, he finally breaks his stare, muttering wryly in response, "Some guys /need/ to have it beaten into 'em before they get it." But when he looks back to the girl at his side, though, his expression goes ever so slightly awkward. "Well, good. You had it even more covered when I showed up."

"Awww..." Zef begins, sounding somewhat disappointed, "I wanted to see him get suckerpunched. That would've made my day." He grins broadly, which shifts into a somewhat bemused smirk as Gideon heckles Casinova, "It doesn't matter how old you are, man. If you think using lines like those is a good idea, whatever the outcome is, you deserve it. Though, what you really deserve is an attitude adjustment."

Caitlin frowns a touch, shooting her two young companions a rather worried look - before pouting slightly as Pietro appears to utterly fail to notice or recognise her.

"My hero," Rogue states dryly, rolling her eyes now for Pietro's benefit - though there's considerably less vitriol to the gesture than her Stallion got. "Look, just, go get the tickets, huh?" she suggests, glancing around awkwardly herself as if only noticing the attention that got her, however briefly. She still hasn't unclenched her fists and as she hears talk about sucker punches and hell being beaten out of, she seems almost regretful for having passed up the chance.

"Yeah, don't you know it," Pietro responds to Rogue's quip with equal dryness. All the same, he relaxes enough to give the ticket booth another look. "Yeah, sure. Just hang tight... and punch that guy's teeth out for me if you see him before I do." And that's not entirely a joke. Turning on his heels, he heads back into the crowd and before long he comes back out, two tickets palmed in one hand. It's only as he's on his way back -- and /somewhat/ free from distraction -- that he happens to notice Caitlin. He eyes her for a moment in the way one usually does when they're sure they know a face but it's been a good while since they've seen the person. Regardless, she gets a friendly enough greeting -- an up-nod of his head on his way back to give Rogue the other ticket.

When it looks like no beat downs of any sort are going to occur, Zef moves forward enough in the ticket line to grab a sizable handful of raffle tickets and pay for them. That accomplished, he gives each of the tickets a cursory glance before tilting his head somewhat as he notices Caitlin's expression, "What's wrong?"

Gideon grins as Zef darts in and grabs them all tickets, but no one can see it anyways, damn scarf. He looks at Caitlin when Zef asks her whats wrong and he waits, watching her quietly.

Having waved away Zef's concern with a faintly strained smile and a a shake of the head, Caitlin responds to Pietro's nod with a somewhat surprised grin, raising her cane to touch the silver head to her hat in a cheerful salute. For her own part, she is also keen to claim a raffle ticket before time is called upon sign-up, moving to add an entry to the list of names.

Rogue steps a little further back from the crowds as Pietro dekes in to get their tickets. Her fists slowly unfurl but her arms remain crossed and her expression sort of suggests anyone looking to repeat Casanova's trick would do well to just keep on walking. "Thanks," she murmurs as Pietro emerges with their tickets, her tone at least a little more sincere now. "And, uh, good luck, Ah guess," she adds with a bit of a smirk, though maybe not in quite so high of spirits as she was on the way in.

Catching the little salute, Pietro quirks a slight grin. As Caitlin moves away to claim her own ticket, however, he focuses fully on Rogue's well-wishes. "Yeah, you too," he returns, though he can't help but notice that her enthusiasm has dropped a few notches. He offers a ticket out her her. "Hey, are you alright? That asshole didn't actually get to you, did he?" He says it as though he isn't figuring that's the case... but he's not ruling it out entirely.

"First up for the raffle!" Shouts the burly guy. "We will be giving away this handsome apron!" It's held up for everyone to see. It's red with white letters that say 'These lips were made for lickin'. "We'll just done pull a number here right quick! The second thing to give away is the free dinner for two! We've also got tee shirts, tongs, some sauce and seasoning... it's a cornicopia of goodness! Y'all ready??" The crowd doesn't shout back in the way he was probably hoping.

Looking faintly puzzled still, Zef shrugs toward Caitlin before grinning somewhat as he goes through all his tickets, "Man, I don't even know why I got this many..." Laughing a bit at himself, he tucks the ticket stubs into one of the pockets of his jacket, then turns his attention to the raffler, blinking at the apron once before commenting, "Yeah... can't say I'm all that interested in the apron."

Gideon chuckles, glancing at Caitlin and says, "I can understand why, Zef." He looks over at Pietro and Rogue, as he's seen Caitlin glancing that way. However where has Durante gotten himself to? Gideon looks about for the other guy.

Rogue gives a snort, dropping her arms rather abruptly to her sides and then reaching out to take the ticket. "What? That loser? No way. Ah just ... don't like all these people around, that's all." Again, the crowd at large gets a warning look to keep its collective distance. But at least the raffle serves as some distraction. She gives Pietro a look, shrugging a shoulder, and then turns her attention to the draw. "An apron? You'd look real swell in that," she states, though she quiets quickly upon spotting the words on it.

Durante moves away from the crowd, deciding it best not to make the don juan regret his actions with so many about. A shame. Instead he finds a place away from the crowd to stand.

Caitlin moves back to loiter close by Zeferino and Gideon, looking somewhat dubiously from her ticket to the apron and back again. Still, she manages a grin in response to the announcer's enthusiasm, glancing around the crowd when they fail to respond with much enthusiasm.

A number is drawn. The announcer calls it out. Some guy in the crowd says 'Oh yay.' and steps forward to claim his prize. The announcer tries to convince him to try it on but it's not happening. People chuckle and he moves off into the crowd muttering about rather having a free pork dog than the apron.

"Handsome apron," Pietro repeats in incredulous amusement. "If I get that thing, I'm killing myself." No, that's definitely not the prize he's hoping for. Rolling his eyes, he looks over to Rogue. It's not quite apparent whether or not he's buying her assurances of being okay as he puts off his response on that score to reply, "Yeah, uh... Keep dreamin', sweetheart." Needless to say, he's visibly relieved when someone else walks away with the apron.

Glancing toward Gideon, Zef smirks faintly at his comment, but otherwise says nothing. Turning toward Caitlin, he grins, "Well, it doesn't look like you're particularly thrilled about it either," As the winner is announced, he laughs at the poor guy's reaction. "Hoo. Never been so glad to lose something before."

Durante keeps his gaze on the first 'target' of don juan before frowning and walking over. He then bows his head as though in disgrace and says, "I'm sorry." but doesn't explain as he then turns about to retake his previous position. Though whatever the reason it likely isn't related to the raffle.

Gideon laughs as the man that gets the apron refuses to try it on and says, "Oh well, I guess some things shouldn't be printed on clothing..." He glances at Durante's erratic actions and narrows his eyes at him, wondering just what the heck he's up to.

Rogue just gives a chuckle to Pietro's reaction about the apron, shaking her head a bit. "Ah'd hafta get a picture if you won that," she states, despite not having a camera with her. Still, she too seems relieved when neither of them get saddled with the damn thing. "So now Ah guess we're on to the more interestin' stuff," she narrates, glancing over at Pietro with a grin and then turning her attention back to the announcer.

Caitlin lifts a brow in response to Gideon's comment, before shrugging and wobbling her free hand, expression amused. Then she also looks back to the man hosting the raffle.

"Well, I guess I'm /really/ glad I didn't," Pietro returns with a grin that's all the more satisfied now that he knows he has averted not only winning the cheesy apron but falling prey to embarrassing photos. He catches a glimpse of Durante as he moves through the crowd but he can't really see what he's up to either. And, really, now that the announcer is on the verge of moving on to the free dinners (and other stuff), he's pretty well locked on the stage.

"Next up! Free dinner for two! Along with that you get 5 bottles of Sam's Sauce, the spiciest Barbeque Sauce you ever did taste!" He begins to fish into the bowl for a number.

"Fuck your sauce you chintzy ass wipe!" The shout comes from someone in the crowd; a younger teenager with a leather jacket. He's with two other kids his age and they laugh at their friend's vulgarity. "I'd rather lick my own ass than eat that shit! How can you people stand here and watch that dried up twat hawk that crap? Someone throw something already! Let's make this a fuckin' party!"

One of his friend's agrees with him, and shouts out "Yeah, ya bunch of women! Let's TRASH THE PARK!!"

Durante notices the latest outburst, however this time he doesn't take any action as though the first failure was enough. Though he clearly doesn't approve.

"Ah dunno, still think you woulda been the belle of the ball in that," Rogue teases, though she cuts off to listen to the drawing. Or what would be the drawing if the kids didn't suddenly feel the need to make a scene. "Your friends?" she inquires dryly, murmuring under her breath towards Pietro, but though she turns her face that way, her eyes remain on the youths to see just how much trouble they're actually planning to make good on.

Gideon glances in the direction of the troublemakers. "Oh great... just what we need, troublemakers at a nice event." He watches them carefully, just wondering how much they are actually going to do.

Pietro pages: Just for the sake of checking, do you mind if I let Pietro vaguely recognize one of the faces, for the sake of comedy if nothing else? Not that I'm expecting anything to come of it necessarily nor am I assuming they're really friends.

As the announcement of the next prize begins, Zef gets out his tickets, just to be on the safe side. However, when the group of heckling teens make their presence known, he sighs before nodding his agreement with Gideon, "Man, what is wrong with people these days? It's like people are forgetting what being civilized is supposed to mean..." Pausing, he grins, "Though, I suppose the meaning of civilized is debatable... I wouldn't think this sort of behavior would agree with any definition of the word."

Caitlin sighs heavily, glancing towards the shouting teenagers before tugging out a miniature notepad from one pocket of her coat, quickly jotting down a brief message to show to Zeferino. 'Don't get into trouble while I'm here. Jean'd kill me.'

Pietro blinks, looking over to the rowdy teens. "Ha ha," he deadpans to Rogue's inquiry. "Like I know every assh--" But as he cranes his neck a little for a better look, he registers mild surprise. "Shit. Actually, I think I /do/ know a couple of 'em." He doesn't really sound sheepish about that, though. Just mildly amused at the coincidence. "Not real well, but... Yeah." That seems to add to his interest in the disruption as he gestures in the direction of the teens, silently asking Rogue if she wants to get in for a closer look.

"God, Pietro, you really need a better class of friends," Rogue states flatly, not entirely managing to hide her surprise that her ribbing comment was actually on the nose. But, with a glance towards the staging area, she looks back to him and then shrugs her consent to move in close. "Fine. But remember if you trash the park, you probably won't be gettin' any free food," she points out, crossing her arms back over her chest and then gesturing with a jerk of her chin for him to lead on and clear a path.

"Shut up kid!" Someone else shouts. "I want some free beef!" Other people, finally finding some passion, join in on that. "Yeah, shut ya stupid punks!"

"Ahem, well!" The announcer calls out. "Sorry about that. Anyway! The winner of the free meal and sauce!" He pulls out a number as the cowed teens start to slink to the back of the crowd, embarrassed by the rebuke. "Number 225!"

Durante remains in place and watches as two move closer to the loud mouths who only serve to give teens a bad name.

"C'mon. They're just fucking with 'em," is Pietro's response to Rogue's assessment of his friends. With that he starts in closer to the stage. "I've got it covered," he assures her -- though that probably /isn't/ terribly assuring, all things considered. But he looks slightly crestfallen as the angry youths just back down. "God, what pussies," he mutters as he watches them start toward the back, not bothering to keep his voice down much. And then, yes, he realizes that the number's been called somewhere in there and he glances down to his ticket.

Gideon laughs as the crowd tells the boys to shut up and he turns back to the announcer when the number is called, looking at his own ticket. He glances though at Pietro when he and Rogue go by towards the youths.

Blinking at Caitlin's note, Zef feigns innocence, "Who, me? Get in trouble? Don't worry about it." Grinning, he waves a hand dismissively, especially after the crowd begins to shout the teens down. At the calling of the number, he rifles through his handful of tickets, then slaps his forehead, "Unbelievable. My last ticket is 224."

Having looked distinctly dubious at Zeferino's look of innocence, Caitlin shakes her head - then blinks and glances down, double-checking her own number.

Rogue isn't even paying that much attention to the drawing as she just trails along in Pietro's wake, rolling her eyes as he tries to defend these classy gents. "Yeah, what a shame they didn't cause a riot," she notes sarcastically, though her concern with that is more about her personal space than public safety. As such, it takes a moment for the announcement of the draw to sink in. She blinks, looks towards the stage, and then pulls her ticket out from where it's tucked away in her hand. "Hey, that's me!" she exclaims with surprise. There's a moment of reeling before she realizes this means she'll need to do something about it, and she holds it up over her head, repeating more loudly, "That's me." And then begins the edging through the crowds, trying to keep her distance.

Durante starts towards the crowd again, this time however he stops near the edge close to Gideon, possibly unnoticed or possibly seen coming depending on how close attention Gideon or those with him pay to the uninvited arrival.

"Good job!" Some random person shouts out as if this were something she did beyond get a random ticket. The announcer guy smiles wide and waves his hand at her.

"Congratulations, girlie!" He says brightly, motioning to a box full of bottles of barbeque sauce. He extends an envelope to her as she arrives. "And your free voucher for a meal for two! I hope you like it!" A smattering of applauds but not many... just some.

"205. Damn. Not even close," Pietro mutters, crumpling his ticket up and tossing it over his shoulder. Apparently he's not concerned with the possibility of missing out on winning those cooking tongs. As Rogue pipes up, though, he's unable to hide his surprise. "Really? Well, get your ass up there, then!" He gives her a light nudge to encourage her... then realizes that might not have been the best idea and just lets his hand drop to his side as he trails behind her a few steps on her way to the stage.

Gideon glances at Durante as he's been watching the other guy every so often, so he nods to him in greeting, before he turns his head back to Rogue as she advances to get her prize, he claps for her for a moment before he glances to Zef and Caitlin and says, "Well that sucks, but I suppose there are other things yet."

As she's nudged from behind, Rogue whirls around to look but relaxes a little as she realizes it's Pietro. And so up the stairs she goes bounding to claim her envelope. "Uh, thanks," she replies to the congratulations, glancing out over the crowd, and then at the box full of sauces. She takes the envelope, unceremoniously shoving it into the pocket of her sweatshirt and then moving to grab the box. She doesn't seem all that inclined to linger on the stage and bask in the glory.

Pietro just gives Rogue a slightly apologetic look as she spins around and lets her head up to claim her prize, pausing somewhere between the stage and Caitlin, Zef and Gideon to wait.

"Next up, we'll introduce you to the HOT MEAT COMPETITION!!!" The announcer says this with entirely too much relish.

"I think that you should put something else on the grill," A man's voice beams out through the crowd; a guy dressed like anyone else in a sweater and blue jeans. There are a few key points that should be recognized about him however. Like the fact that his eyes are pure white and that he speaks with what anyone might swear was an echo. Or the fact that he has a man's head tucked under his arm like a football, flecks of blood dripping from what used to be a neck. "Our friend here seems like he'd enjoy getting in out of the cold... and I would like to address the crowd." And the head he's holding belongs to poor Casanova. Of course, this doesn't just startle the crowd... it makes them a bit well... freaked. Not panicked because it hasn't registered yet but...
Looking to Gideon, Zef shrugs somewhat, "Yeah, that's true. Probably just swag and stuff, though." He watches the winner walk up to claim her prize, then grins, "She doesn't seem particularly enthused about winning, either. But hey, compared to the guy up there," He nods toward the burly guy on stage, "We're all pretty unenthusiastic."

Caitlin is one of those adding a bit of applause for the stranger apparently here with Pietro, quirking another rueful smile. Gideon's nod to Durante prompts her to take more than peripheral notice of the lurking youngster, frowningly considering him for a moment. Then the latest arrival speaks - and she moves rapidly to interpose herself between Zeferino, Gideon, and the head-carrying stranger.

Rogue is just in the process of starting to scurry from the stage when this newest of interruptions, well, interrupts. She pauses at the edge of the stage, her box of sauces tucked up under her arm not entirely unlike the man has the head. Which she seems to realize and promptly shifts the load to carry it in front of her. "Oh my God, what is...?" But by the time she's gotten that far, she's figured it out and starts to look duly grossed out.

Gideon blinks in surprise as the newcomer appears holding the head of Casanova and he mutters, "Poor bastard." He however, -is- very freaked by the head, and is staring at the man from behind Caitlin.

That seemingly echoing voice and the man it belongs to catches Zef's attention... and then he blinks a few times at the head, his jaw dropping agape. After a short moment, he starts muttering to himself in a language which certainly isn't English with noticeable shock in his tone.

Well that certainly seems to dampen Pietro's appetite, though perhaps not quite as much as some of the other attendees -- he's seen far too many horror movies, after all. For a second he merely gawks, eyebrows raised and jaw hanging slightly open. "Holy-fuck..." It doesn't even occur to him to slow himself down this time and he mutters a few more words in something that's definitely not English. "Are you fuckin' nuts?" That's addressed to Caitlin as he catches sight of her as she places herself between the boys and the ... well, 'stranger' is an understatement.

Durante nods silently to Gideon. He then looks to the 'head hunter' and looks to suffer a bit of nausea himself, however he bears it and attempts to make his way towards the stage ducking down in an attempt to use the crowd to cover his approach.

"I am here to tell you all something important," The head carrying man says as he sets it down next to one of the grills. The chefs back away in abject horror and someone in the crowd screams. Other people are backing away; moving a bit quicker. Someone else retches. That brings out the vomit in others too. "I would like you all to know that I have -found- the Light. It will only be a matter of another few days before I secure her entirely. At that time, all of you mangy human dogs will suffer for your ignorance." The announcer falls back with his chefs and they seem to be ready to bolt.

Caitlin blinks a few times at that, though more than a touch of tension ensures that her jaw remains firmly clenched. She quickly scans the crowd as if abruptly searching for something or someone.

"Christ almighty," Rogue mutters, not sure whether to be more grossed out by the head or the vomiting. She does decide now's a good time to get off the stage, hopping down and foregoing the stairs entirely. She stays there at the edge of it though keeping the box between herself and the crowd, figuring it might afford her some protection if there's panicking. Though that's a distant worry. The man with the extra head is the most pressing one. She listens to him speak with a sort of bemused and disbelieving look. "Is this some sorta religious bullshit?" she asks of no one in particular.

Gideon continues to stare at the man and mutters, "What the fuck is the -Light-?" He looks at Durante in alarm when the other guy starts to head towards the stage, and then checks to make sure Caitlin and Zeferino are still near him, continuing to wait to see what happens.

As the head-carrier makes his announcement, Pietro immediately scans the vicinity of the stage, looking for Rogue. That's after he's done his part to dodge all the vomiting types nearby, of course. Because, no, he definitely doesn't want to clean that off of his Dickies. "The Light? The-hell's-that-supposed-to-mean." Of course, he's probably not expecting to actually get an answer to that.

Durante quickens his pace hearing the words on stage, fortunately not in a position to see the vomiting preventing him from losign his own lunch... Though he's probably has little to nothing in his stomach. When those on stage start to move to bolt away Durante picks up speed so he can attempt to give pursuit if they get the chance to run.

Quietly, Zef continues muttering to himself in Not-English, the words pouring out of his mouth eventually getting louder, the young man sounding incensed. Eventually, however, he stops, clenching his jaw tightly, both fists doing the same, though he stays where he is. Looking to Gideon, he shrugs faintly, though he is quite plainly displeased, if not furious, with the audacity of this head-carrying man.

"It's not a religion," The man on the stage seems rather content to explain; eager in fact. "It's a woman as I've come to find out. A very special one with the power to control the lights around a person. She's escaped my grasp once. But not a second time. And combined with my own formidable skills, I shall conquer the city... the world... and creation itself." He seems to be ranting at this point, hands out to his sides. It's at this point with his head back that it can be seen that something seems to be sticking out of the sides of his neck; some really long needles. They are noticable because they bob and catch the light just right.

Caitlin listens intently, frown deepening - though she makes no attempt to move closer. Indeed, when she spots the needles poking out of the man's neck, she instinctively recoils half a step, expression mingling worry with disgust.

"Yeah, well, good luck with that," Rogue replies sarcastically, though she looks a little intrigued by this mention of a very special woman. "Who the hell is this girl anyway?" Hey, he answered one question, so she might as well toss out another. "And what the blazes are you planning on doing with creation?" she adds, back to sarcasm again. She's not too hard to spot, probably one of the few sticking close to the stage area, and clutching her box of sauces before her.

Gideon grimaces at the sight of the needles and then asks, "Is this guy for fucking real?" He glances at Rogue when she asks her questions, waiting to hear the man's answers.

"Haven't I heard that in a bad comic book somewhere?" But Pietro's humour sounds a little sickly as he listens to the rant. And his expression definitely takes a turn for the 'freaked out' as well as the man's needles come into view. There's another smattering of Non-English -- markedly different from the brand that Zeferino is still using. And as Rogue's voice sounds from close to the stage, he doesn't waste any time in starting toward her now, weaving through the small span of crowd between the two.

Zeferino glances at the needles in the man's neck, but doesn't waste any sympathy, considering the crazy has just decapitated someone. With seemingly great effort, he relaxes his jaw, then turns toward Gideon, speaking quietly, "Are we going to stand here and..." Trailing off, he shakes his head, definitely conflicted, "But... what else is there to do?" He asks, not really expecting an answer.

"You'll all find out soon enough," The man says and then begins to laugh and cackle. He spins in place as if dancing and then, in one of his rotations boots the head off the stage into the crowd. -That- warrants a scream. "You will ALL suffer and learn!!!" He shouts. Thats when the chefs run and the announcer and well, most of the crowd starts to run too.

Caitlin flinches and winces sharply as the unfortunate Casanova's head is sent flying into the crowd, ducking instinctively. Then she glances behind her to check on Zeferino and Gideon, apparently wanting to keep track of them as chaos ensues.

Rogue ducks instinctively as something goes flying off the stage, not even consciously realizing what it is immediately, though somewhere in the depths of her psyche she already knows before her conscious mind catches up. "Oh /gross/." But as the crowd starts to flee, she actually presses back against the stage, stuck between a rock and a hard place so to speak. "Sufferin' and learnin'. Great. Two of my favourite things," she mutters darkly.

Durante remains low his left arm dangling limply in a sling under his partly closed coat as he attempts to slip under the stage. Once under the stage he moves into a kind of three 'legged' hobble using his legs and right arm to allow him to remain low but speed up a bit, now his hand can't be seen. Once emerging from underneath near the rear stairs he lets his sleeve recover his right hand. He then waits a moment as though processing everything before acting. As the speaker then starts his maniacal 'celebration' Durante slowly ascends the steps and lowers his head respectfully and asks in a whisper, "How may I serve?" sounding serious, though with the chaos of the panicking crowd would any aside from the now single headed speaker hear?.

Gideon blinks, looking at Caitlin and Zef as the crowd begins to stampede and then he spots Durante appear on stage and he asks, "What the hell is going on here?" He stays rather close to Caitlin, while he looks with concern to Durante on the stage.

As chaos ensues, Zef slips through whatever cracks there are in the crowd rushing in the opposite direction of the stage. And, of course, the head-kicking madman on it. His jaw clenches again as he looks toward the whirling crazy, eventually making his way toward Caitlin, "We have to do /something/," He begins, through clenched teeth, "I can't just stand here and watch this insanity any longer!" However, he is caught somewhat off-balance as Durante kneels before the madman, as if in submission, "What...the hell is this

As the crowd starts to flee, Pietro has a little more trouble than he'd figured upon in getting to Rogue. An older man collides with him but he doesn't spare more than a look for the white-haired teen even as the latter shoves him out of the way; apparently he's just happy that he's being shoved /away/ from the stage. Quick reflexes spare him much more than the odd shove and he finally reaches the spot that the girl is sticking to. He's just about to ask her if she's alright when he's distracted by the current happenings on-stage. "What-the-/fuck/-is-he-doing?" Somehow he seems to recognize this particular player -- moreso than the man he's bowing to.

The laughter seems to culminate to something wild... something that's purely animalistic. He shouts non-sensical words to the heavens and his hands reach up to touch the needles protruding from his neck. "Fuck you all!" He shouts out and tears the needles out. All at once, he gurgles out a horrible sound like he's trying to regurgitate a small pond. Anyone not wanting to be covered in a great wash of blood-vomit would do well to move out of the way since he's about to send quite a bit of gore out of his body.

Rogue actually looks relieved to see Pietro emerge from the crowds. There's distinct panic in her eyes at all the people fleeing the carnage, and no doubt if one could see her knuckles through her gloves, they'd be turning white with how tightly she's holding the box. But when Pietro mentions something going on on the stage, she whirls around to look, squinting a little. "He looks... Don't tell me he's one of ours?" she asks, groaning inwardly at the very idea. But then the other crazy guy is suddenly going that much crazier. "Oh God," she mutters, though not exactly in prayer. Move out of the way, great, but where to go? Into the crazed crowd? She looks over at Pietro with wide eyes, silently asking him basically that same question.

Caitlin moderately effectively shelters the two youngsters behind her, apparently unbothered by the buffets and bumps she receives from people fleeing past her. Her own gaze remains fixed upon the stage, save for a momentary glance around at each of Zeferino and Gideon. Then, as things abruptly turn even more gory, she spins on her heel, grabbing for each of the boys with either arm, to bodily carry them rapidly out of range of the spraying blood - though she intends to firmly plant them upon the ground once more after a few long strides.

Durante jumps back to avoid the carnage though he still suffers a hit of fluids on his lower body. He grips the inside of his right sleeve to prevent his hand from slipping out, he then covers his nose and mouth as best he can with the sleeve and moves forward again to examine the body, at least for the moment avoiding any mingling of fluids with that which is gushing over the stage and his rubber soled boots. He's obviously looking for something.

The expression on Zef's face is priceless as he's suddenly picked up and carted away from a torrent of gore that he seemed to be in the process of getting away from. Once his feet are on the ground again, he blinks in disbelief at Caitlin, before grinning broadly and giving a thumbs up. Almost immediately, however, his attention is back on the stage, and with the way his legs coil underneath him, it looks as if he's about to do something phenomenally stupid. Though, if Caitlin had no trouble carrying Gideon and himself, she shouldn't have any trouble keeping him in one place.

"Uh, I hate t' tell you, but yeah," Pietro says of Durante's being 'one of theirs', sounding none too thrilled about that. But there's something far worse in the works as he doesn't fail to notice the awful gurgling. "/Christ/. Um... Don't-kill-me-when-this-is-over," he says wryly. "Just-remember-that-I-saved-ya-getting-puked-on-by-a-fuckin'-nutcase." That's all the warning he gives before he moves with characteristic speed to scoop Rogue into his arms. And then? He's making a run for it, hopefully making it out of the 'splash zone'.

Gideon is staring in horror and then he is picked up. Although he is happy to be out of range of the gore, he doesn't appreciate being picked up without warning as he grimaces but the guy on stage is more pressing.

"What-?" But that's about all the time Rogue has to protest thanks to Pietro's super-speed and her own difficulty processing everything going on at once. Not quite sure why she's even still bothering with the sauces but just holding onto them out of habit by now, she just sort of grits her teeth and settles in very awkwardly for the ride. No promises are made re: killing.

The vomit itself does slap against Durante's lap as he darts backwards and unfortunately an especially horrible heave sends more all over his upper torso as well. The man falls backwards, landing in a heap on the stage quite dead. The head he kicked is lying on the grass, eyes wide and staring upwards. This general area is cleared of people now; just a few stragglers that were either too stunned to move or otherwise stuck watching.

Caitlin barely spares a glance for the two boys once she has them set upon their feet once more, instead turning to look back towards the stage - and double-take at the blur of motion hurtling away from it, before peering dubiously towards the centre of all the gore.

And just like that, Zef stops just before he's about to take the first step of a sprint. Most people would fall flat on their faces in such a situation, but Zef just rolls back onto his heels, jaw agape. He only just briefly catches a glimpse of the blur that moves away from all that vomit, most of his attention focused on the recently deceased crazy on stage. "Ok..." He says, after a long silence, "I think I want a refund for my raffle tickets." It's quite deadpan, and he certainly doesn't look pleased, "What an absolute mess..."

Pietro risks a backward glance to see what's happening onstage. Once he sees that the torrent has apparently subsided, he comes to what is probably a rather jarring halt for poor Rogue. "Well, so-much-for-all-that-takin'-over-the-world-shit," he mutters as he regards the fresh corpse now crumpled amidst all the blood-vomit from where he stands, a more-than-healthy distance away. If he's noticed that Caitlin or anyone else saw his little display, he doesn't seem to notice yet. Then again, he doesn't seem to notice that he's still speaking in the accelerated pace that's all too normal for him.

Durante struggles to keep what stomach contents he has, but at least he isn't hungry anymore. He keeps the sleeve over his mouth and nose partly to keep anything out but also to reduce the smell getting to his nose. Fortunately he was able to move it in place between the two inial assaults of fluids. He continues his observation and occasionally looks to keep an eye on the location of the two needles as he ways for the 'flood' to end. He occasionally glances to the severed head as well to get a better look of it, perhaps recgnising it as the don juan as he didn't have the chance for a good look earlier, unlike the rest of the crowd. Once the gore stops it's flow he then leans over and lets his right hand drop after holding his breath and moves to try and get the two needles if he can.

Rogue lets out a noise of protest at the jarring stop, waiting expectantly to be set down. When it doesn't actually happen, her expression turns more inscrutable, though annoyance is definitely in there. "Uh, Pietro," she prods, then using her inside elbow to attempt to actually prod him in the chest and not all that gently either. At least she's not freaking out, but that looks more to be because she's still a little shellshocked. "We done here?"

"Huh? -- OW!" Pietro finally looks back down at Rogue, seeming slightly surprised himself at the fact that he's still holding her. He finally sets her down, eyeing the sauces she still holds with faint amusement. "At-least-you-still-have-those? Though-I-don't-think-I'm-gonna-be-eating-barbecue-for-a-LONG-time." But not 'never', apparently. It's just that good. "Let's get the hell outta here." That's said at something approximating a normal speed, at least, so perhaps he's realizing his slip-up now.

Caitlin's face crumples in a more overt display of disgust as the remaining figure on stage grubs about in the gore. After a moment, she hastily turns away, to blink in surprise at the two boys. She makes shooing motions, attempting to usher them away from the stage.

Zeferino blinks a few more times, then looks around, as if for something to do, then looks to Caitlin, tilting his head to the side somewhat, "What, you want me to get out of here?" Looking to the stage, he grimaces faintly, "Well, I can't say I really feel like sticking around for too much longer..." With that, he starts backing away slowly, looking somewhat unsure about the entire situation.

"Oh, fuck off," Rogue mutters as he makes fun of her clinging to her sauces, but glad to be back on her own feet again. And for good measure she moves to shove him, contriving at the same time to somehow hand off the box. "Yeah, Ah think Ah'm done here. Let's go," she states, still a little awkward from the whole carrying incident - or maybe the mob scene. It's been a weird night.

Durante moves a bit faster but doesn't jump off the stage, no need to splash in that stuff, though he does move down the front step and moves aside to nudge the disembodied head to examine the wound. He then vomits himself though it is mostly acid as he seems to have had little to no food left in his stomach. But he seems to have lost his constitution after so long. He then moves away from the scene without a word and looking very green still, his right hand in a fist, gripping the needles, and once more up the sleeve.

Caitlin nods emphatically to Zeferino in response to his query - and picks up her pace and urgency a bit when she sees the blood-drenched Durante descending the steps.

If the police are on their way, they don't seem to be using sirens. By now, even the stragglers have fled. Some people are on cell phones, others are using their phones to take pictures of what they see. Still others (the less morbidly curious) are long gone.

"What was that for?" For all he protests the shoving, Pietro takes the box easily enough. Though he seems oblivious enough, he's not really making eye contact with her. He spares a brief look to Durante as he notices that he has vacated the stage, his expression a fusion of confusion and mild disgust. "C'mon," he mutters to Rogue, giving one last glance about the scene before starting off and gesturing for her to follow.

Durante makes no attempt to join any groups as he just turns aside, he's got a long walk ahead of him as public transportation is out... He's got to find some water or something to wash off in. Sadly these clothes are ruined, his head though is kept lowered which prevents any views of his face being captured by photos of any medium.

"Ah'm sure you'll figure it out," Rogue mutters rather than answering his question properly. Could be even she's not entirely sure. She casts a last look around the scene, making a disgusted face at all the carnage. "Yeah, Ah'm good to go," she agrees, trying to make her voice sound light as she turns back and then moves to follow him.

"Aw man... that's nasty," Zef murmurs, mostly to himself, as Durante sloughs through all that mess on the stage. He looks meaningfully to Caitlin before surveying the immediate area, as if looking for the best escape route. Once found, he darts away from the scene, breaks into a sprint, and doesn't look back.

Caitlin ushers Gideon after Zeferino, before breaking into a jog and departing as well.