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

Entry tags:

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

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

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No, it would make things less. One less twist in this incestuous saga. [ It would be less complicated, that she wasn't trying to tear Katherine from limb to limb. His eyes narrow, studying Elena. ] You're not related. You know that, right, Elena?

Yes, Damon, I know that. [ But there's something about this conversation that's making her uncomfortable, and irritated that he's acting like this. So much so that she steps back, pulling her hands away, ending their dance abruptly. ] Before we weren't, but here we are. It feels like we are. And here my sister loves me, and she would do anything to make sure that I'm not unhappy. Isn't that a good thing?

I'm sorry, what. Who said that? She said that?

[ Did somebody say it? Is that really important? ] What does it matter who said it, or if anyone said it? It's the truth.

Here. And, it's not. [ This is exasperating. ] Katherine Pierce doesn't love you. She hates that you exist. I'm sure she hates that you're here and that you're married to Stefan! [ He takes a breath, seeing that he's actually upsetting her right now. Is this the town's hold on Elena. ] Elena, I feel for Katherine, and I remember years spent dating and then not dating and then dating and then marrying her, but I don't love Katherine. You don't find it odd that you're defending Katherine. Have you remembered her stealing your body, Elena?

[ He's riding the line here, wanting to keep the truce with Katherine, but wanting to get underneath whatever's happening here. ]

[ Upset is a mild way to describe the distress she's in from everything Damon's saying. Katherine doesn't love her? She hates her? That makes no sense, she knows those things aren't true. Yes, she is fully aware that they've had their issues in the past, but none of that matters right now because--

What. ] She what? [ It's almost a whisper and full of disbelief, because no she doesn't remember it. But Damon wouldn't lie to her about something like this--

And then the memory surfaces, as if called up by the mention of it, and she feels like she's going to be sick. ] I need to get some air. [ She doesn't wait for him to respond, just makes a beeline for the stairs. ]

[ He wouldn't. He wouldn't lie, but he wouldn't intentionally inflict the pain he's inflicting. ] Shit.

[ He spoke to Katherine earlier in the evening. Things weren't pleasant, but they were cordial. Katherine even made it sound like she expected Elena to dial up her hate. Elena's practical. Damon knows, even as a human, she'd never try to go toe-to-toe and not while they all need to be allies here. But, there's allies and there's love from her sister.

He looks around the party. He could go to Stefan. Stefan could calm her down. Stefan could berate him and then calm her down. If Nyx is here he could comfort her without asking questions.

But, Damon would rather go to the source.

Katherine's mid-schmooze across the way, gabbing with a few busybodies about something or other. Definitely her husband. No, she's not. The ladies are busy-bodying and she's speaking to one of the husbands. So Katherine. It's not a surprise, then, to these ladies when Damon approaches and sets a hand on her shoulder. ] Sorry to interrupt. I just need a quick moment with my wife. [ He looks at the man she's chatting up. ] Aren't you tall. Excuse us. [ As he whisks her away, the grip on her arm isn't friendly in the least.

He pulls her upstairs and away from the crowds, most of which have joined the dance floor or are drowning themselves in the downstairs bar.

Letting go of her arm finally, Damon finally addresses her with the backdrop of the party below. ]

[ The party's nice, the crowd welcoming and with enough people a part of it that Katherine's stayed entertained. She wouldn't have stepped along quickly with Damon, and she smiles over when he appears; knowing how playful she tries to be in town is likely one of the reasons Damon tugs her along. No time for nonsense, apparently. Friendly banter for a minute or so, if not more, would've been her style.

Katherine's jaw sets tight after she gives a smile and talk later to the guy in question, hating being pulled away. Tall, handsome, and did you see how pretty his eyes are, Damon?! She hates that he seriously goes to the extreme of exerting this sort of behavior on her, when she'll always be stronger than him, all while she can't immediately lash back.

She has to keep her expression together as they move, being dragged along and frustration bleeding out as they go, her eyes hot with unbridled annoyance when they stop. You better not have caused to her scuff her heels, really. Yanking her arm as he lets go, she glares at him. ] What the hell is wrong with you? [ Growled out under her breath, trying to keep the arguing tones on low ] All's you ever have to do is ask, and you know I'll come with you. [ No pause, because he's obviously about to go into some version of a tirade. ] So why, Damon? What the hell happened that's so important you have to manhandle your wife through a party?

[ Shouldn't he be hanging with Elena?? ]

[ He'd argue over the definition of manhandling but he knows he's going to have to smooth this over, to make his appearance downstairs again. If she weren't this hostile, he'd lean in and make it look like they retreated upstairs to have fun of their own, but that is not the vibe she's giving off. Which is his fault, isn't it. ]

Elena's losing it. What I want to know is, who to blame. The sheriff, this town and the world it's failing at convincing us every day is real? Or, you, who, last time I checked is playing tolerate the newly human doppelgänger. Are you playing her? Making your indelible mark so when she does regain everything she'll play nice? Because, you've done quite the number on her, if that's the case. She's convinced you love her and that you'd do anything in your power to keep her from being unhappy. For god's sakes, she's calling you her sister. [ So, it's clear this is his ... only idea. To talk to her. Because this isn't even an accusation. ] So. How do you feel about her?

[ Is it this town? Earlier, she'd made it seem like she expected Elena to gain everything back, including her dislike for her ancestor. And she wouldn't be able to blame Elena for it. ]

[ Angry sex, Damon. Granted, Magnus and Alec probably wouldn't appreciate that, since with them, it'd probably lead to some property damage. Not that they're having sex anywhere, anytime, lately, anyway. Details.

Her eyes don't leave him as Damon answers. Katherine can't fight the immediate flippancy over Elena losing it, showing far before Damon even asks how she really feels about her doppelganger. Narrowing eyes at that accusation, memories of Elena's first day there in town wafting back into the front of her mind. If you didn't see the flash of recognition through her eyes, you weren't looking very hard, Damon. Her arms across over her chest, shifting slightly away from him, scoff sounding low in her throat. ]

Like I always have, Damon. This...bond, being sisters. It keeps coming up, and yes, it makes me feel certain way, but none of it's real and...playing it like it is until Elena is herself again, that's seemed like the kindest route to take. Fair, to her, the situation. I didn't want her getting upset. [ Hint hint. ] I'm being nice as a mercy. Damon. [ It's...really not a complete lie; he must know she'd only be merciful when it fits her exact needs, though. ]

Are you saying that the way she feels about me, being her sister here, one of the foundational principles of who Elena Salvatore is, that that's what made her lose it?

She's my sister, one I was apparently very protective of here in town, just like you're my husband, Damon. Why is it this that's making you throw a fuss? Or, her for that matter? [ Oh! ] Is she...remembering, more?

[ Truce they may have, but as if she's going to openly start spouting off that she compelled Elena. She probably won't lie about it though, if asked directly.

Since when has Katherine Pierce spilled every detail at the drop of the hat of panic? ]

Edited 2017-05-23 07:02 (UTC)

She's remembering you. Here. And there. But, even that, I thought would splinter a few sisterly memories. No offense, Katherine, but I've gained my fair share of memories from our courtship, and aside from fleeting moments of fondness, it hasn't changed how I feel. You've changed how I feel. And you're doing a bang up job at not upsetting her, that responsibility went to me tonight. [ So, maybe it's clear he's more mad at himself than her. ] She mentioned that it didn't matter if someone said something to her, I thought of all people -- [ He pauses, his sincerity touching on something that occurs to him. ] you wouldn't want her upset, as your amnesiac sister, or not. How exactly did you play the part of the doting sister. When?

Those moments of kindness were done just [ a tiny scrunch of her nose ] based on who you are now, then, not how you feel about me. [ Katherine's head nods slowly to the side, lips pressing together, corners tugging down a little as she begins to answer. ] Look, Damon, I didn't hurt her, or betray anything. [ It's a necessary precursor to what she's about to admit. ] She was upset, because she could tell that I didn't want her around. [ Very pragmatic; they both know that's the case, so why lie? It isn't as if anyone else wants her around either, is it? ] And she was about to break apart. I could tell. Because of everything that was happening to her.

[ Yep, she's justifying this... ]

So I compelled away the initial reaction she came to during the chat we had and reminded her of what really matters. It'll be temporary enough before she gets all those memories back that will make it so she can learn to live with this bond. Just like I've been doing.

[ Says the woman who didn't see, or hear, just how her phrasing of the compulsion has affected Elena. ] I've been nice, a little doting here and there, and maybe the bond is different when it's a fake sibling, Damon. You and Stefan haven't had any of those yet, have you? I've had two. Dealing with the memories and emotions from it? Not exactly a walk in the park.

[ There, she told the truth and made it all about herself, in true Katherine form. ]

Whatever you said, it's not temporary. She's been remembering all day and it hasn't changed anything. She still thinks you won't hurt her and that you want her to be happy. Which doesn't help because I think she's remembered more and making sense of you here and you there sent her outside. [ Maybe to break apart. ] What, exactly, did you say Katherine?

[ Damon's tone has calmed, exasperation giving way to needing to know what's going on. If Katherine didn't want Elena to break apart, that meant Katherine (or a part of Katherine) cares what happens to Elena, and if anything that's happened here benefits him and Stefan and Caroline the most, her newfound love for her sister Elena ranks up there.

Even if Katherine believes it will be temporary, he knows compulsion isn't - not when things aren't specified. It's like being careful what she should wish for. She wanted her to not break apart, and in turn, she received a loving sister now confused about things she very much remembers. Things, that tonight, are Damon's fault. ]

[ Katherine's expression grows faintly exasperated -- simply wait, and it'll all fall into place, Damon. He's worked to keep his attitude level though, and Katherine feeds off the energy of others. There's no good reason to re-elevate the conversation, and he asked her a question pointblank.

Granted, she sighs as she recalls what she said. Maybe she's a little flippant with compulsions: whoops! ] Exactly? Why not compel her to tell you? [ A SERIOUS SUGGESTION, one that slips out before she goes on. ] That we're friends. That I'm not mad at her. Which isn't a lie, considering I wasn't mad at memory-less Elena, because I do have some decency. [ Her annoyances got the better of her though, okay? It happens! ] I told her that her sister, here, loves her. And that...she'd do whatever it takes to make sure she's not unhappy. Which...isn't true of what I'd do, and we both know that...

But, Katherine...whatever my last name would even be in this dump of a town, when I have two siblings and a backstory that continues to unfold? She would, and has made sure that's happened for the Elena here, and in that moment, it's what Elena needed to know.

[ Her lips press together a bit. She's never this frank with either of the Salvatores about anything that has to do with Elena, and yet, it's in her best interests. Being truthful and blunt about this. ] She would've cracked under the pressure of what this town does to us, if she continued to think that her sister really wanted to wring her neck.

[ She takes a breath. ] I won't hurt her. I don't want to, and honestly? This place may redefine what it means to be happy, for any of us, Damon, so hell if I know what I really care about when it comes to Elena's happiness, here. [ A few beats. ] But you're concerned, about the full effect of the compulsion. [ Duh. She quietly sighs, letting him respond. ]

I'm concerned with her reconciling shitty things you did to her with the sister she knows loves her.

[ And if that's what it is boiled down, even Damon is surprised by how that comes out. ]

Am I unhappy she's happy? That she feels safe? Of course not. Is it weird. Yes. Beyond. But, she just ran out because something you did to her in the past is fighting the forced idea you put into her head.[ Sure, Damon is the one that jostled Elena's brain into remembering Katherine up and taking her body, but he's going to keep that to himself. ] I understand why you did it when you did it. [ He thinks for a second, knowing what Elena would want. ] We should explain things. To Elena. Let her decide if she wants the compulsion lifted or she thinks this rose-colored version of Katherine-Whatever-Your-Last-Name-Was-Here is the one she can live with. And I won't put it that way.

[ Katherine's arms cross over her chest as she gives a low sigh. His concern isn't wrong.

It wouldn't surprise her that they've both been flawed in dealing with the town memories and Elena's true ones rising back up, and it's a plus that Damon remains even in attitude.

It's undeniable that his true alignment is on doing what's best for Elena, isn't it? Looks like he really has grown. She doesn't look entirely pleased with what he suggests, eyes glancing off to the side. Then again. She can't ignore him, it, the logic of what he's saying. A chuckle as his words start to wrap up. Her lips purse out a teeny bit. ] I thought you'd be mad. But. I'm glad you're not. I didn't do it to hurt or manipulate her. But you realize that. [ A beat. ] Good.

And, okay. Let's find her and ask. I don't think she'll want the rosy version, to be honest. I know I wouldn't. [ She starts to step back the way they came, stops and reaches over to touch fingers over Damon's upper arm. ] Do you know if she knows about compulsion existing yet? Did you tell her about it?

[ Stefan's never been much for dancing, as Elena well knows. He'll dance with her some when they first arrive, to be a good sport and help lighten the mood, which he knows has been a bit dismal around the house all day -- in no small part thanks to him. But there's nobody else here that he really goes out of his way to dance with. Except Caroline, curiously enough. Of course, Elena should remember by now that the pair have blossomed into the most unlikely best friends over the last several years, but if she's paying attention -- as one of the people who knows Stefan best -- she might just be able to observe the brooding intensity which surrounds Stefan in the blonde's presence, if only because it's the very same kind of subdued longing that she herself used to be on the receiving end of.

However, despite his attention to Caroline, Stefan doesn't miss Elena's abrupt exit from the room. He gives her only a short head start before quickly draining his drink and following after her. ]

[ Elena might have been preoccupied with enjoying herself at the party, but she's never too much so to fail in noticing Stefan's mood. Now that she remembers who he is and all he's meant to her, all they've been through together, she has a renewed, vested interest in making sure he doesn't brood his life away. And considering how things had been 'complicated' between him and Caroline when she'd gotten stuck in a magical coma...

Well, it's safe to say that she's noticed his behavior, and she's making plans to try to do something about it. But none of those plans are happening tonight, not after the bomb that's just been dropped on her. Elena doesn't stop moving until she's actually stepped outside into the fresh air, where she takes just a moment to drink in that blessed quiet before moving to sit on a nearby bench. ]

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

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