[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

[abetment]

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. ]

[unforgivably]

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. ]

[abetment]

[ 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. ]

[unforgivably]

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.

[abetment]

[ 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?