[OPEN] you can swing it, you can groove it, you can really start to move it at the hop

[appetitive]

Who: Magnus bane (appetitive), Alec Lightwood (angelic_archer), & YOU!
Where: The Vinyl Destination music store
When: night of May 14th
What: An open-invitation party to celebrate the opening of the store
Warnings: Please tag accordingly in your threads!

I. Rock Around The Clock Being that this party is for the opening of a music store, it makes sense that the main feature of the night is a dance floor! Music from throughout the 1950s will be playing, both in the store itself as well as the large loft above that has been converted into a miniature sockhop for everyone in attendence. Records and streamers hang from the ceilings and there is a lot of black, white, and pink to be seen. There's also a small stage in one corner set up for anyone brave enough to pick up one of the guitars that usually adorn the shop downstairs, as well as several microphone stands that are hooked up to a karaoke machine. Come in and dance the night away! Anyone wearing era-appropriate attire will random prizes. II. All Shook Up Being that this is a Magnus party, there is a wide range of cocktails to sample being made at the open bar. Most of them are were what was popular at the time—Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, the classic Gin & Tonic—but requests for specialty drinks are being taken as well. There are also, in true 50s style, milkshakes that are creamy enough to tempt even those who would usually try to resist. But there's a twist: they're alcoholic. None will be served to minors, but it's totally possible that the adults won't realized their delicious treats are spiked until after they've had their second (or third) glass. Also, though the upper loft is well-lit for dancing, the first-floor store has plenty of dark corners for making bad decisions. So grab your honey, grab a drink, and enjoy the night together. III. Tutti Frutti Half of the upper loft is dedicated to refreshments as well as boasting furniture looks like it was ripped from a diner—you guessed it, chrome with red vinyl upholstery. A table along one wall is ladden with miniature versions of popular diner food—cheeseburgers, hot dogs, even tuna melts—as well as french fries and plenty of other finger food. And, because this is the 1950s, there's jello. Lots of jello. So much jello that it's insane, how can anyone love jello this much? Luckily, if you don't go ape over gelatine-based desserts, there are also record-shaped cookies and non-alcoholic milkshakes for the kiddies. Seeing as this is a small town with families, and thus minors, there are plenty of drink options for those who aren't yet old enough to drink or who prefer not to. IV. La Bamba No invite is necessary, IC or OOC, for anyone who'd like to jump in and join the party! It's safe to assume that flyers have been up around town to announce the time and place. Hopefully, with enough people in attendance throughout the night, there's plenty of chances to make friends (or maybe enemies). Feel free to choose your own adventure, and don't worry about boundaries—if it doesn't break the game, it won't break this party post! But be aware that your hosts, one of whom is a warlock and the other a demon hunter, won't stand for any altercations inside the store. Instead, maybe take it outside if the mood or your ex-girlfriend strike you. If you'd like to assume that you're helping run the party—bartending, music playing, etc—go nuts and have fun! CODE BY TESSISAMESS

Comments

Magnus Bane | all options, all open!

[appetitive]

I. Rock Around The Clock
[Magnus, having lived through the 1950s in America, is in his element even if he doesn't look like he could have been born any earlier than the 1980s. The 50s wasn't necessarily his favorite decade, but some of the fashion was rather excellent as he's happy to model: tight blue jeans, white t-shirt, and a leather jacket with the twist of being a fetching shade of pink. His hair is coiffed up into the greaser style of the time he's loath to call a ducktail even if that's the technical term, and his boots are a more classic black. The most important part of his outfit, however, is the smile he gives to all his guests. He can be seen weaving around and mingling with everyone in attendance, sometimes being pulled onto the dance floor or possibly, if/when he gets drunk enough, singing a song. And if you're looking lost, he'll quickly make his way over to introduce himself and play host.]

II. All Shook Up
[Back in New York it was a popular opinion that Magnus belonged behind a bar as he had a knack for mixology. He enjoyed it almost as much as he enjoyed drinking the results, and he found pleasure in finding the right drink for every customer. So while there are other bartenders in attendance to serve up cocktails, Magnus makes his way behind the bar a few times throughout the night to cater to his guests' widely varied tastes. It also gives him the opportunity to talk to the people filtering in and out of the party, away from the noise of the dance floor.]

What can I get for you? [He grins while asking, his eyes golden and almost cat-like from certain angles.] I'm quite good at the classics, but I make a devastatingly good passion fruit martini.

III. Tutti Frutti
[Magnus stands in front of the dessert table looking down at the dishes of jello with a combination of bemusement and slight irritation. Though he knows that it was a popular dish in the 50s to the point of being served as sweet as well as savory; much to his horror, he's not sure why he insisted on making so much of it for the party. He dislikes jello, mainly due to the artificial flavor of it but also there's something about the texture he just can't trust.

Looking around, he lets out a frustrated huff.] Does anyone eat jello anymore? [The question isn't aimed at anyone in particular. He gives one cube a poke and then scooping it up. A moment later and it's magically transformed into an alcoholic jello shot that he's much happier to swallow.]

IV. La Bamba
[As host, Magnus is prepared to deal with events which may not be part of his schedule. Flag him down if you need help with a drunk friend, or want a job at the music store, or just to say hello and introduce yourself!]

[CLOSED] Alec Lightwood-Bane

[appetitive]

Earth Angel
Throughout the night, regardless of what is happening with the party and its guests, Magnus has his eyes on Alec whenever they're in the same room. Even if Magnus loved throwing parties to the point of making up any excuse to host one, the night is for his husband and the shop he'd worked hard to open. Everything looks wonderful downstairs—alright, Magnus helped a little with the decor—but he wants to share this moment with his husband. He's proud of him for pursuing a passion for music through establishing a music shop, not to mention the fact that he had picked up several instruments in his free time.

Halfway through the night, Magnus gives up his hosting responsibilities to slide up next to Alec and steal him from whoever he'd previously been talking to. He'd purposefully left the store downstairs in its natural dim lighting, leaving pockets of shadow just like the one Magnus is pulling Alec towards. There's his purple couch in the corner, angled so that he can usually perch there during the day to watch Alec behind the counter; now, though, it's a perfect place to sit in Alec's lap and kiss him with the taste of sweet, slightly alcoholic milkshake on their lips.

II. All Shook Up

[babyhunter]

Only if it's a virgin one.

[Clary flashes him a smile from the other side of the counter.] Hey, I'm glad to see you're doing well. I think you have a talent for throwing parties. [It's said with a hint of sarcasm though Clary isn't sure why she'd said it like that. The memories of another party rise to mind but she ignores them.]

What do you have anyway?

Clary Freya :: All Options Open!

[babyhunter]

I. Rock Around The Clock

---

Clary didn't hate dancing. She remembered dragging her best friend to under 21 clubs in the past though she was pretty sure that it wasn't here. The memory was fuzzy and Clary quickly deemed it as unimportant. She was here to support Magnus and Alec and hopefully have a little fun in the mean time. She was wearing a tight pair of dark pants with black boots. She didn't really like skirts or showing too much skin though she was wearing a cute blue and green top that was cut just a little lower than she'd normally be comfortable with.

She would happily drag anyone she knew to the dance floor, assuming they didn't put up to much of a fight. It wasn't really dancing but moving her hips to the music and sidestepping at the right moment. It was fun and she enjoyed loosing herself to the rhythmic sound of the music.

Clary would be happy to actually learn how to dance but until then she'll default to the awkward teen swaying motions that she had grown familiar with.

II. All Shook Up

---

There was no way that she could pass for twenty one and she didn't even try. She did, however, snag a non-alcoholic chocolate milkshake. It was cold and thick and big and she was very happily drinking it while watching the other party goers. Clary had managed to snag a seat off to the side with a good look at the room and a table beside her for her drink. She was pretty sure that there were two people standing a yard or so next to her making out in the corner of the room but she was doing her best to ignore them.

Every few seconds she'd scrunch up her face as the sharp pain of brain freeze pressed against her temples. She'd drop her head to the table and try pressing her tongue to the roof of her mouth.

"Why isn't it working?" She groaned before deciding that she should drink slower. One milkshake would probably be enough.

III. Tutti Frutti

---

Like any good party guest Clary was checking out all that there was to offer. By the time she reached the food she couldn't help but think that she'd done something like this before. A party thrown by Magnus. A memory teased at her thoughts, completely distracting her from the music and party goers around her.

Her eyes landed on the Jell-o and more talking to herself than anyone else she spoke. "Why so much Jell-o? I don't hate Jell-o but it's odd. I wonder if there is green Jell-o." Who decided Jell-o colors anyway?

The Jell-o wasn't the real focus of her thoughts but a distracting tangent that she used to help her remember the event more clearly. It hadn't been a fun party. She remembered that much. There had been a book with shapes in it, like the one on her and Alec's arms.

Tutti Frutti

[angelic_archer]

This wasn't the first of Magnus' parties that he'd attended. There were hints of strange events that occasionally resurfaced as he mingled with their guests. Wildly colored liquor and inhumanly beautiful beings that Alec was beginning to realize weren't completely human or hadn't ever been human at all. He was strangely at ease with the idea that Magnus threw parties that had a guest list that included beings that most Mundanes would think belonged in a horror movie.

There'd also been those parties in Europe...

Pushing aside those thoughts before he started to blush, he glanced over at his husband, smiling when he realized that Magnus was enjoying the party as much as Alec hoped. Technically, the party might be for Alec and the shop, but Magnus was the one who thrived in this kind of setting.

There'd bee one party though... cats and rats and Clary angry at Magnus for some reason. Shaking off the memory, he focused on the redhead beside him instead of the one in his memory. "Green Jell-O?" Looking around the table, Alec held up a small tower of rainbow gelatin, looking far too pleased that one layer was a vivid green. "I think it's lime."

Izzy Lightwood | Various Open

[withstyle]

Rock Around the Clock

[Izzy loves dancing, so it only feels natural for her to make her way out onto the dance floor. Flitting from person to person, Izzy behaves as very much the social butterfly that she is, wearing her 1950's inspired dress with a pair of bright red heels. Isabelle Lightwood doesn't do anything half-assed!

Izzy's curls bounce as she mingles, tempting whoever she can to have a spin on the dance floor with her. No singing for Miss Lightwood, though. It's definitely one of her weaknesses, but you won't hear her admitting that any time soon. Just like she won't admit that she's terrible with cooking--and mixing drinks.

Still, Izzy makes the best of the part, all smiles, and greeting everyone that she sees (even when she can't get them to dance with her) and doing what she can to help Alec and Magnus make a good impression with this place.]

Tutti Frutti

Jello. That's what's on Izzy's plate, surprisingly enough. And there's a smile on her face too, as she gets a bit of the jiggly goodness on her fork and takes a bite. She's noticed that most people are avoiding the jello. Oh, well! Iz doesn't find it so bad; she's definitely eaten worse, and she's positive of that fact.

All things considered (accident and being unable to talk about the past and all) things aren't going so bad, even if Izzy knows that some things aren't quite meshing in her head. She's trying to follow her brother's philosophy....and Magnus'...and Clary's. She's going with it.

Turning to the person closest to her, Izzy gestures to the rainbow colored concoction with her fork playfully. "You know, I think the jello is pretty good, actually." It has to be eaten--hopefully. "I didn't realize the 50s was the generation of jello, though." Izzy notes, more to herself before turning her charming grin back onto the person nearest her, playfully wiggling her fork with a new sliver of jello on it, trying to tempt the person to try one of the various jellos...at least.

"You wanna try?"

La Bamba

[Okay, so, Izzy isn't one of the handsome hosts of this party. She is, however, the little sister. So, she's around should someone need help and be unable to find Alec or Magnus. Really, she's got a friendly smile and is quick to jump in to help anyone that looks like they need it (or those who ask)! She's flitting around to and fro and getting in on all of the action--though, wisely, choosing not to actually mess with the food or drinks so as not to screw any of that up.

Aside from that Izzy spends plenty of time everywhere else, including stepping outside multiple times to get some air.]

Tutti Frutti

[appetitive]

Isabelle looks lovely as always, and Magnus is happy to see that she's enjoying herself at the party. It's more than simply being thrilled to have another guest in the first of a long line of parties Magnus is likely to be throwing in the future; having her in town has done wonders for Alec's mood. It's almost as if Izzy had known that Alec was missing his family just before she'd arrived. Magnus and Alec had both had feelings of homesickness for New York, but with Izzy around it feels less like they're on their own here and more like they have a family.

He doesn't get a chance to say so until he catches her at the refreshment table, holding a plate more full of jello than anyone else he'd seen so far. Biting back laughter and a comment about how she must have taste buds of steel, he waves his hand at the offering. "I'm drinking my calories tonight," he says with a smirk, lifting the glass he's cradling in one hand. "As I recall, they found some terrible uses for jello back in the 50s that included tuna fish salad."

Tutti Frutti

[angelic_archer]

Izzy wasn't the only one that was fascinated with the Jell-O. Magnus had told him that it was a common dessert in the fifties and that it was still popular, but for some reason he didn't think he'd ever tried it. Shouldn't he have eaten it at one time if it was a common, Mundane food?

Whatever the reason for the lack of Jell-O in his life, Alec was willing to try it now. Grinning at his sister, he took the sliver she offered. Making a face when he bit into it and realized how odd the texture was, he tried to decide if he liked it or if it was something to avoid at all cost. The flavor wasn't bad. He just wasn't used to food that was so wiggly. "I didn't realize it was so popular then." Looking at the display, he shrugged. "Maybe it was the easiest thing to - " Alec mimicked one of the gestures Magnus used to conjure up various items. "Whip up."

Picking some of the orange with fruit in it, he decided that he didn't mind the texture if there was something else with it. "I don't think Maryse ever made it for us."

Damon Salvatore l open l i'm what you make me only to take me

[unforgivably]

[ Damon dresses to impress the host, and only the host. Maybe it's because he lived through the 50's that he doesn't go all out, but in the spirit of the party, really. He doesn't take things literally, but prefers to pop color into his wardrobe. He's on his wife, Katherine's arm, but he has one other girl in mind, the girl who crawled into his bed this morning and who moved her things back into their home. But, as he reminds Katherine, this is about keeping up appearances. And it isn't just Elena that's on his mind, but his brother, too. Armed with new knowledge he doesn't know what to do with, he feels at a disadvantage more than ever. Instead of hanging back, he embraces plans he'd already made. He and Katherine had promised Magnus and Alec (and Izzy respectively) they'd come by.

But, like any couple, they don't spend all night with one another.

Damon mingles like it's his job, brushing off any questions into his demeanor the day before. Things happen, they all have days.

When not by the bar where he spends most of the night, he peruses the paraphernalia, doesn't touch the jello, and avoids the plastic-looking furniture. When he realizes he's taken to a dark corner alone, he decides to stop channeling his brother and return to the party.

If asked to dance, he obliges. Keeping up appearances means maintaining friendships he doesn't trust. He dials down on the flirtation-ships he's been keeping up, but he's no less charming. Elena may not be able to hear his every word, or anyone else's for that matter, but that doesn't mean he will give her any reason to not trust him. By design, Damon and Katherine gravitate back to one another several times throughout the night, mingling and playing along with their public personas.

He manages to keep the vest on all night thanks to his lower body temperature. Eventually, his sunglasses rest atop his head, the longer the night goes on. ]

[ option: indicate if you'd like damon and katherine ]

[corenundrum]

[At one point in the night, Damon will find that he's joined by a black kitten with large yellow eyes. He stretches and yawns on the counter then trots closer to Damon's glass, plopping down into a sitting position next to him.

For a moment, nothing happens. Then there's the voice of a young man telepathically transferred to his head.]

You have a core too.

[appetitive]

[Magnus doesn't intend to be obvious that he's checking up on Damon, but he does keep an eye on him after he arrives; his goal is purely to talk to him once he's alone. Their time together last night at the bar had been eye-opening for more than one reason, and Magnus is both concerned for Damon and intrigued by him. Who knew that someone so fascinating would be living right under Magnus' nose this whole time? Not to mention the low fizzle of tension that seems to have accompanied both of the Salvatore brothers tonight.

Catching Damon on the dance floor during one of the slower songs, Magnus pushes a drink into one hand and grabs the other one to settle it on his waist. Two men slow-dancing together isn't entirely appropriate for the era, but that's one convention that Magnus is happy to break.] My my, don't you look handsome tonight. [Grinning, he reaches for the sunglasses on top of his head and puts them on himself.] Elvis would roll in his grave with delight if he saw you sporting his name.

[abetment]

[ Attending any event includes dressing to impress, and Katherine's in full swing when she puts ont together for the party. Comments about how he's under-dressed, how they don't match nearly well enough, were absolutely made, within hearing distance of whoever; she never denies her personality traits, so why not ice on a bit of entitlement?

Keeping an eye on at least three other people regularly as she enjoys herself? Not out of the normal for Katherine, but she hasn't felt compelled to do so, with quite such a strong urge, since waking up there in town. Elena, who, she wishes could stay a nonissue. Then, naturally, Stefan, and definitely Damon. She knows enough to know that timing is everything with broaching the...intense subjects of late. Picking and prodding never works.

It's when she notices Damon emerging from a quiet spot, once again, that she draws closer as he steps back to the bar. She lets her arm brush against him, settling in closer for a moment. ] Looks like the throwback's a hit. [ Yes, people seem to be enjoying themselves, and she gives a cursory glance around the room. Does Damon order a drink? Katherine waits for him to or not, taking her glass, letting it rise to her lips before whispering across its rim, for Damon's ears, as she looks back out over the crowd. ] Maybe not everyone, though, huh, Damon? [ Maybe he's enjoying himself, to an extent, but he knows what she's getting at here. ] Do I get to know what's going on with you, or are we going to...jitterbug until sunrise instead? [ Then she looks over, taking a sip, eyeing him carefully.

Her expression isn't necessarily unkind. Desiring to know what's up, from his viewpoint. She and Stefan didn't exactly do a lot of...talking, not about this. Or, in general, but. Details. Also, because she's Katherine and can't help herself... ] You could cut the tension with a knife, you know. [ Obviously. ]

[angelic_archer]

[Technically, Alec's not supposed to be near the liquor but it is their party and as long as no one saw him drinking, there's no reason why he can't serve. He isn't the best bartender at the party but he can mix up a few simple things that Magnus and Izzy taught him. When Damon comes by during Alec's turn pouring drinks, he leans on the counter, eyebrows quirking upward with curiosity.]

Since you and Magnus had a turn around the dance floor, I'm guessing you're the one he spent the evening playing two truths and a lie with.

Sissel | Open

[corenundrum]

A) dance floor
The small black kitten could almost be lost in the darkness but he can be found sitting on the sidelines of the dance floor. Head bobbing slightly while his crooked tail flicks in time with the music. He may not be knowledgeable about music but he can appreciate the beat.

B) Ghost guitar
At one point during the night, he gets distracted by the guitars on stage. Anyone who looks in that direction may hear the guitar strings seemingly plucking themselves and making tuneless sounds as a black kitten sleeps against one of the guitars.

C) Examining refreshments
At the start of the night, the black kitten can be found traversing the table of food, peering at each and every curious item without stepping on them or knocking anything down (the temptation is there though).

C

[angelic_archer]

Deciding that boozy milkshakes did not count as a proper meal, Alec wandered over to the refreshment table, pausing when he noticed the tower of Jell-O. That was weird, even on the 'I live with a warlock who magics things into existence and has a thing for everything being sparkly' scale. Unsure if he should be fascinated or horrified, Alec was about to pick up a spoon and try some of the weird, white fluff and Jell-O when he noticed the cat sauntering across the table.

Quirking an eyebrow, he forgot about the tower of questionable dessert to reach out a hand to the kitten. "How'd you get in here?"

B

[appetitive]

Magnus, now that he's far more intune with his abilities, feels a spark of something near the stage. When he looks, there's no one around, but he does spot a familiar black puddle of fur next to a guitar that's strumming itself. Chuckling, he makes his ways over and takes a seat on the edge of the stage, this time not making the mistake of touching Sissel's body while he isn't occupying it. "Having fun, little one?"

caroline forbes • open

[coy]

[ Did someone say a theme dance? Decades themed dances are Caroline's jam. They are TVD's bread and butter and they are where the action happens.

Except, Caroline secretly hoped that the most action that happened at this one was that someone spills a glass of something on the floor. After years of organizing and hosting decades dances, she just wants to go to a normal themed party and not have someone die. Please?

You will see Caroline dressed for the occasion.

I. Round the Clock.Caroline is a great dancer and if you're standing in the corner, she might pull you out onto the dance floor to dance with her.]

Come on, dance with me.

[ If she's not dancing, she's socializing or well, singing at the karaoke machine, after a drink or two. The town's resident music teacher prefers 80s tunes but she'll sing a few cute 50s themed songs for the occasion. ]

[ II. All Shook Up What's a party without a little booze? You'll catch Caroline getting a drink, taking a sip and--] You've got to try one of these.

I. Round the Clock.

[appetitive]

[As host, Magnus finds that it's not only part of his duty to set an example, but also he's looking to cut loose a little. But he is, tragically, on the dance floor alone. He doesn't blame Alec for abandoning him—not everyone can jitterbug and at least his husband knows how to waltz—but it does mean he's looking for a partner. And when he spots someone he doesn't recognize, he thinks he's instantly found one.

Dancing up to Caroline in a way that is surely smooth, yet I have no idea how to describe, Magnus offers her a hand.] Anyone dressed like that is someone I must know. Thank you for coming to our party, my dear.

II. All Shook Up

[withstyle]

[Izzy's doing her very best to make the rounds, though, admittably she has spent more time on the dance floor and snacking on the jello that everyone else seems to wrinkle their nose at than sampbling the booze herself. However, the words reach her just as she's passing by, so the petite shadowhunter can't help but stop.

If the blonde's taste in alcohol is as good as her taste in fashion then Izzy figures she probably can't go very wrong. Stepping a little closer, Izzy tilts her head, grin going nowhere.] Well, when you put it that way! [Her tone is teasing, a bit of laughter in her voice, but she is in a good mood, after all.] What is it you've got here, exactly? [She asks curiously, game for just about anything, really.]

II. All Shook Up

[volitaunt]

[ This is so very much not Poe's scene. Themed parties, formal occasions, they're the purview of politicians and socialites, not pilots. He's not particularly dressed for it-- he wasn't sure how to dress for it. Jeans, black t-shirt, brown leather jacket that makes him feel homesick for reasons he hasn't been able yet to pin down.

There's a moment when he walks through the front doors that he considers just turning around and walking back out. Except there's a familiar voice, telling him he's got to try something, and he feels a mix of relief and doom.

Doom, because now he can't run away. ]

...What is it?

[immoderation]

[ Stefan's not here because he wants to be but because he's expected to be. He arrived with Elena on his arm but the "husband and wife" duo are barely ever found in each other's company, except toward the end of the night, when Stefan swoops back in to rescue her from the evening's drama which is -- for once, thankfully -- only of the domestic variety. He loiters restlessly around the edges of the party most of the evening, never quite settling anywhere just to watch, always on the move. He does indulge in a great many drinks, however, and he's a bit buzzed by the time he finally intercepts Caroline and her latest dancing partner, summarily dismissing them with a bare glance. ] May I cut in?

Aloy | open to all

[girlexmachina]

I.

Era-appropriate attire? Well. She's at least got the right century, which is to say, she's dressed like the nineties. In her current state, Aloy's memories are a bit of a mess, and trying to work out the proper thing to wear when she's already got two separate senses of "appropriate clothing," neither of which agrees with the other. Trying to work out a particular decade is just not worth the trouble. She's tried to look a little nice, though, with leggings under a short grey dress and shoes that aren't boots and a rather smart tan-coloured short leather jacket and an assortment of beads she found in her house. It appeals to her sense of taste, anyway, and that's good enough.

Still, clothing is mostly not important. The atmosphere of the party is familiar, in that she feels she's seen something like it before, and unfamiliar in that she also feels that it's not something she's seen frequently. It seems, too, that dancing isn't something Aloy learned to do in either set of memories, too busy training, or studying, or working, or something else that had seemed important. That doesn't mean she's not enjoying herself, though. Aloy takes a good place at the edge of things, hands folded behind her back as she leans against the wall, and just drinks it in with a pleased little expression, if a slightly overwhelmed one.

Oh, and clapping for the karaoke singers. Even if they're not good.

II.

The milkshake was too much to resist. So sweet, so creamy, so cold and perfect and unfamiliar. Chocolate is a recent discovery -- at least, comparing to the memories she suspects are real -- and the milkshake she orders is a ridiculous towering confection with chocolate ice cream and chocolate chips and whipped cream, and it's pretty much the greatest thing she's ever eaten in her life.

It's just a shame that when she gets two thirds of the way through it, the alcohol she hadn't realised she was drinking and is mostly unused to catches up to her. Aloy rather gingerly makes her way to a table in a corner, and lays her head down on it, next to the milkshake she would really like to finish, actually, waiting for her head to settle down.

Maybe it won't hurt to drink the rest of the milkshake.

III

The jello is what throws her off.

Most of the food is straightforward. Sausage or meat or fish in bread with cheese, potatoes fried in a really lovely way, these are all things that are delicious and made of things she recognises in one form or another. And also, french fries are great.

But jello? It's with the food. She's seen people eating it. It does not appear to be any food product she's ever seen, or even look like any food she's seen.

Aloy will lean over to someone at the table, nudging them gently with her elbow to get their attention. "This probably sounds like a stupid question," she says, holding up a dish of jello. "But what is this?"

II

[appetitive]

Magnus, flitting around and greeting all of the guests, makes sure to take time and really pay attention to what's happening at the part. He's not excepting any big scenes, or even minor scenes based on how sleepy this little town has been since he'd arrived. But when he spots a young woman resting her head on a table, he quickly makes his way over to check up on her.

Taking a seat next to her, he eyes the milkshake and wonders if perhaps she hadn't been aware of its alcoholic nature. "Hey there, are you alright?" he asks, reaching out to gently rest a hand on her shoulder.

Katherine Pierce | open

[abetment]

[ In truth, Katherine could take or leave anything from America in the twentieth century. Fashion switches and adapts so smoothly, and she always gets the best of the best, but otherwise? The 1950s has little appeal to her. Ironically, more than the one their little town mirrors, though.

Arriving arm in arm with Damon, she won't be found dancing unless someone asks her. Her dress is chosen with the explicit purpose of fitting the person of Katherine Salvatore, dear wife to Damon, cute elements tossed in with a sexy edge she can't not include. Not dancing doesn't equate to her painting the picture of being a wallflower so much as her socializing with all of the right faces and names, which yes in this case, there happens to be a few of those around. If not for how intent they've all been on keeping up appearances, she might've found surprise in Damon still going with her on invite from Magnus and Alec. How tacky it would be if they didn't appear, and if they didn't bring their all.

Katherine enjoys any number of drinks through the night, stepping out of the comfort zone of straight bourbon vampires simply love. At an event, she'd opt for wine or champagne too, but this is a special celebration! She orders different mixes, not touching any of the food or the milkshakes: she can be adventurous, but food's never really done it for her.

Naturally, she keeps tabs on those closest to her, to her interests. Those who happen to reside under her own roof, even if one of them's taken a brief (mental health break?) hiatus from that which is sure to be her home there in the Pines. Katherine watches Damon from afar, no doubt he can tell, slipping in at convienient times. They are the sort of couple who love to socialize together, after all! Her eyes linger and hope to meet, to hold, Stefan's more than once: the past has a way of repeating itself, and she can't hide the affection in her gaze. Not that she ever has before, but especially not after where they've traversed back to, no matter the catalyst. Finally, she watches for Elena. It's natural to look out for your younger sister at a party too, isn't it? She feels herself drawn to doing so, more than just out of wanting to be nosy, to keep memos on the girl who she doesn't actively hate in every moment due to damn fake memories. Other friends, Nyx if he makes an appearance, are greeted with a warm smile, conversation.

Much like any party Katherine attends, she's there to scope out, to socialize, to make that all important appearance. At this one, one with music that's really not so bad? She doesn't even have any devious plan or ulterior motive. Huh. Is she slipping, or just taking advantage of cultivating the family the town's gifted her with? ]

[otrazhenie]

[ Elena's been enjoying herself immensely at the party, dancing and partaking of food and drink, trying her best to have fun for one night before going back to worrying over this place and what it had done to all of them. (What it's still doing to her until the final memories slip back into her mind.) And a large part of that enjoyment is spending time with the people who mean the most to her--

Including Katherine. Her sister. Not actually her sister, but... Despite everything she's remembered about Katherine, they're still friends. Such good friends, and they cared about each other. So of course Elena shows up at her sister's side, a freshly made Manhattan in hand. ] I haven't seen you out on the floor much. Not in a dancing mood?

emma swan | open

[sheriffing]

[ unfortunately, Emma is not the type to completely give herself over to a themed party. she'd like to think her dress is a compromise of sorts; vintage fabric with a more comfortable cut and highly practical pockets. she's shamelessly enjoying the food, snacking on whatever she feels like and testing out a few options on the drink menu. her whiskey sour is just the right blend of sweet and the promised sour element, which keeps her content even as she avoids the dance floor.

browsing the records in the shop leads her to some of her favorites, including one surprising choice that brings back memories of a life she's not supposed to speak of. her idea of a bad decision is probably purchasing a record she hasn't heard in years, or making the difficult decision to have either a record cookie or a milkshake. but she's here to mingle, happy to drink along, and more honestly, people watching.

sometimes it surprises her how easily this town manages to function as the real thing, when they all know it's built on lies. tonight is a little like being back in Storybrooke, yet she'd be the first one to insist that she knows the difference. people might make the best of it, but this place will never be home. she'll find her way back there, it's only a matter of time.

since she's here for tonight, she might as well drink up and enjoy the party.]

[unforgivably]

[ an argument could be made that there are useful feats of vampire strength that don't involve shoving a found candle into a red jello mold. but, that's what he does, borrowing candlelight from one of the refreshment tables to light his.

Damon takes advantage of a quiet moment Emma steals at the bar.

the plate is slipped in front of her, red jello jiggling , the candle managed to have penetrated the mold. a hand around her waist, it's the established affection he has for her that has him leaning in and bringing a soft kiss to her cheek. lips near her ear, he speaks low. ] Happy Mother's Day. [ leaning back, he gives her an encouraging look. he's here for her. he knows what day it is. a day that's been difficult for him as well, but not for any reason he's said out loud, or to anyone. there's one person here he could talk to, but his brother is uninterested. he gives a cursory glance to his left, making sure there are no prying eyes. ] I'd blow the candle out, the foundation is not to be trusted.

[ the candle does seem to be fighting the mold itself as it ceases to jiggle. ]

elena gilbert >> open

[otrazhenie]

[ She might still be getting her memories back, but Elena isn't about to pass up the chance for a party when the rest of House Salvatore will be in attendance. And a themed party? That's far too good to miss, when her life has been peppered with at least three such parties every year for as long as she can remember. Hopefully no one dies at this one.

It's hard to shed all her concerns and really let loose, though she does try. She's worried about Stefan, her husband who invited her to the party, and whatever was going on between him and Damon. Damon, who she can't help but watch during the party, every spare moment catching a glimpse of him across the room to be sure he was still there. Still alive and safe and-- Not hers. Not in front of the rest of the town. And isn't that fun.

Perhaps it's because of how messed up everything is that she really gives in to the party spirit. She dances with anyone who asks, even does some asking of her own, and she tries more than few drinks from the bar. (She soaks up the alcohol with a few mini cheeseburgers too, don't worry. She hasn't forgotten she only has a human's tolerance again.)

She just hopes no one mistakes her for Katherine at this party. They really don't look that much alike, if you pay attention to things like mannerisms and attitude. Though, at first glance... yeah, okay, it might be easy to mistake the 'sisters', as much as she hates to admit it. Especially for anyone just meeting this newly arrived addition to the family. ]

[unforgivably]

[ You know who Damon keeps getting compliments for? His brother's wife. He takes the first two as genuine compliments. He's gracious, he nods. He keeps his eye roll to the bare minimum. But, then someone points his wife out and it's clear, that's not his wife. It's a hilarious story he'd like to not tell multiple times tonight, but alas, it happens more than a few times.

Luckily, some of the compliments are for Katherine?

Elena's outfit reminds him of something Katherine would choose to wear, while Katherine's feels both similar and right for this town and out of place anywhere else.

It's a dichotomy he rides all night long, at war with himself over his thoughts. He focuses on truths. Katherine is not his wife. Elena still gets him going. She looks good. Her pants hug her ass in just the right way, something she can tell he's thinking when she glances over. It's a quick glance, but she catches him. He doesn't look long enough to cop to it. He's mid-conversation after all. But, he thinks she drops her plastic fork just so she can bend down and pick it up.

Oh, Elena Gilbert, he will not rise to your bait. Not there. (Maybe later. Definitely later. He's already thinking about pulling those pants down.

It's like a dance they share from across the room all night, stolen glances and one or two shared conversations. He can keep this up for tonight, but he's not sure how long he'll be able to. ]