uncagedbird: (we never sleep)
ɢᴀʀɴᴇᴛ ᴛɪʟ ᴀʟᴇxᴀɴᴅʀᴏs xᴠɪɪ | "ᴅᴀɢɢᴇʀ" ([personal profile] uncagedbird) wrote in [community profile] recolle2017-04-21 06:17 pm

EVENT ❦ Black Tie & Tails

WHO: Everyone's invited!
WHERE: At the nearest convention center.
WHEN: Saturday, April 22nd
WHAT: The Black Ties and Tails charity fundraiser, a.k.a. an excuse to dress like a prince or princess-- and your pets, too.
WARNINGS: None, but please PM me if this needs to change!



❦ Before the Event.
Saturday afternoon rolls around at the Recollé convention center. Some people have been here since the morning, putting up decorations and making sure everything is perfect. Maybe your character is part of the crew putting up last minute chandeliers and decorations, or maybe they've been working furiously to make sure all the food is aligned perfectly on the plates. Perhaps they're from the shelter and frantically setting up crates and walking the animals before the event starts.

There are certainly some things that need to be done before the doors open, after all.

If someone shows up early needing an outfit and some help, they'll be taken to a large side room that's been cordoned off by shades to give privacy. Racks upon racks of formal wear in every shape and size are found here, and the outfitters are happy to help. Need makeup? That's covered too: the beauty school has a few students eager to give partygoers the newest vogue looks-- for free!

No one is getting into the fundraiser proper unless they're a volunteer, though. And volunteers are expected to be working! Those chairs need to be placed at that table, and the streamers over here are falling down-- it seems like there's no end to the things that need doing.

❦ A Fantastic Soiree.
People start to line up an hour before the event begins. The bouncers check to make sure that everyone attending is dressed properly and has a donation (monetary or food) before letting people inside the building. There's some confusion at first over a woman's glamorous Nicki Minaj-tier outfit, but the proprietor herself smooths the misunderstanding and lets her in. Those with volunteer badges have the donation waived, though anyone with outfits falling short of the ideal are told to pick up a spare outfit in the fashion room.

Despite all odds, the double doors open at five o'clock sharp. The sight that greets those waiting is something out of a dream. The room is huge, as big as an airplane hangar but made much warmer by the netting full of twinkling lights above. Dozens of (fake) trees decorated with flowers line the path leading into the venue, and more lights besides. Lastly, there's a scarlet rug leading to the doors so that everyone can have that red carpet experience.


There are tables toward the front-- furnished with plates and silverware, silk flowers, and fake paw prints all over the cloth. More lights are spread throughout to give the room a golden glow. Each table has two menus highlighting what's available: one for people, and one for pets, if they decided to bring a cat or dog along! All the food has cute animal themes like cookies 'n' cream paws, kitty cat cupcakes, puppy love pie, purrfect pizzas, and the like. There are buffet tables nearby with snacks, drinks, and a multitude of punny desserts. There is, of course, one for furry friends as well. It's clearly marked but hey, if you're daring enough to eat gourmet wet dog food... no one's stopping you.

There is a small stage set up for musicians to play, including a fabulous grand piano. Whenever there isn't something live being played, a DJ in back sets up a cheerful classical playlist highlighting modern dance hits and... Dvorak? It's a little eclectic, sure, but it gets the job done. Near the stage is, of course, the dance floor: a careful arrangement of sturdy flooring and soft fairy lights. It would feel more romantic if the lights were down, but the lights are kept at a level that people can keep track of their limbs and their pets.

Clearly-marked cute signs point to a large adjacent room. This is where the shelter animals are kept in large enclosures, and they're all incredibly well-dressed. The sponsored animals are mainly cats and dogs, each with a little biography, a comfy bed, water, and food. The volunteers are instructed to walk the animals every hour or so, and of course the cats have litter boxes hidden in their crates. Volunteers are on standby for those who'd like to meet the faces here, or put in for an adoption! Patrons will be urged to visit the shelter on Sunday to finalize arrangements.

❦ Some Furry Fun.
At some point, the DJ calls for people to share a dance with their friends-- including dogs! To prove a point, he 'dances' with a very confused but eager chocolate Labrador on stage. Nothing quite like "You've Got A Pal In Me" to make people laugh and cry simultaneously. For those who are perhaps not as embarrassing, rumor spreads quickly: there's a pet loose!

Darting under tables, tripping servers, and knocking stuff over: that's what this pitbull pup is doing. He's growing into his paws, too, which doesn't help; he keeps failing at the turns and slamming into tables. There are heavy casualties to the drink station.

And then the pup lunges for the food table.

Will you watch? Will you apprehend the dog before he can run amok any longer? Or will you guard that seven-tiered chocolate cake with your life?

The nametag he's wearing marks him as one of the dogs available for adoption. If someone can get a hold of that leash, they might be able to wrangle him back into the side room.

❦ The End to an Evening.
After a couple hours, a final call for donations is sounded. Those who would like to donate even more to the Recollé Animal Shelter are encouraged to do so. The dance floor is cleared and people are urged to take their seats.

About a half hour later, it's announced that the fundraiser is a success-- they've raised over fifteen thousand dollars! Goodie bags are given to everyone present. While the black bag itself is fashionable for any gender, it's the inside that counts. Every guest gets the following:

- cruelty-free eyeshadow, eyeliner, and lip gloss
- coupons for 15 percent off the boutiques that outfitted people before the party
- a dog or cat beauty mask
- a paw-patterned clip on bow tie that works for pets as well as people
- and lastly, a cat or dog themed necklace in sterling silver.

When the clock chimes eight, it's officially over and everyone is encouraged to leave. Unless, of course, you're a volunteer... Most of the work will be done tomorrow but a few things must be done in the next hour. The animals need to be packed up and taken back to the shelter, and the food needs to be disposed of; the plates must be stacked, and the chairs arranged neatly along the wall.

At nine, regardless of how clean the place is, staff is officially dismissed. Go home! Get out of here! Hug your pets if you have them!

And thanks, of course, for supporting the Recollé Animal Shelter. ❦

[ooc: Go wild! here is the plot info if you need it. Feel free to handwave speaking to Ari for clothes help or volunteering. This is a stress free plot for anyone and everyone to dress up nice and pet the pets-- or bring their own as long as they're leashed. Let me know if there are any last minute questions via PM or [plurk.com profile] fonfabre. Thank you!!!!]
burningblossoms: (Sunny Day)

[personal profile] burningblossoms 2017-04-26 01:14 am (UTC)(link)
Hey! Did I say you could do that?

[But she's smiling anyway. She is perfectly fine with spoiled dogs.]

But you're right, it's really hard to say no. I don't know the girl in charge at all, but there was no way I wasn't taking Al home today. It'd be sad, leaving him here with the others.
notyourutopian: (Always in mother's shadow)

[personal profile] notyourutopian 2017-04-26 03:51 am (UTC)(link)
Nnnnope.

[Eleanor just grinned, slipping her phone back into her pocket once the picture was taken.]

Yeah. I mean, hopefully they'll all get adopted. I mean, that's why people came, right? I asked my mom, there's a cute little border collie here but...she said no.

[The teen shrugged.]

Grace is probably too old to adapt to a hyperactive little sibling anyway.
burningblossoms: (Encouraging)

[personal profile] burningblossoms 2017-04-26 04:54 am (UTC)(link)
Oh I'm sure. It'd be kind of ridiculous if they didn't, but realistically there are more dogs and cats here than people.

[And her family had just told her to make a donation and come home with the one dog. She wasn't going to push her luck with another...]

Grace seems pretty adaptable though. But...maybe it's best not to upset a delicate balance for a wise old sage. She's earned the quiet.
notyourutopian: (Genuinely Happy)

[personal profile] notyourutopian 2017-04-26 11:39 am (UTC)(link)
Maybe some people will adopt two!

[She could be positive when she wanted to be. Mostly right now because it made her feel less bad about not adopting any.]

She had to deal with me and my sisters. She's practically a saint.

[She held out a hand and Grace rose to her feet and trotted over to flop down on Eleanor's knee.]
burningblossoms: (Pleased)

[personal profile] burningblossoms 2017-04-27 02:16 am (UTC)(link)
Maybe. But it's not really the sole focus I guess. It wouldn't be much of a shelter if it didn't have a few dogs in it anyway.

[Yukiko stood up after one last pat to Al, and nodded over towards the table.]

Want to find them something proper to eat? I'd like to sit.
notyourutopian: (Big Sister is Watching)

[personal profile] notyourutopian 2017-04-28 07:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[Eleanor didn't move just yet, now that Grace had flopped on her, giving the old dog a few careful scratches in the places she knew she liked.]

Sure. There are some tables near the adoption area, we could watch and see who gets picked?

[She finally stood, nudging Grace onto the floor and pointedly avoiding the unhappy look she received in return.]
burningblossoms: (Encouraging)

[personal profile] burningblossoms 2017-04-28 09:53 pm (UTC)(link)
That sounds good.

[Yukiko's expression turns to that cheerful, almost vacant spaced out smile she wears sometimes as they walk, but her focus is all on Al as they walk. The pup scampers around, running between her legs and practically begging for attention. It's sweet, in a weird way. Reminds her of Yosuke, if she's being honest...]

Party gone okay for you so far? I like the suit.
notyourutopian: Do not take! (Distant and considering.)

[personal profile] notyourutopian 2017-04-29 09:02 am (UTC)(link)
[Grace just trots along after them quietly, occasionally trying to heard the little pug back near Yukiko.]

Thanks. [Eleanor grinned.] They're fun to wear. I mean, dresses are still fun too. Yours looks great, by the way. But there's something kind of freeing about this suit.
burningblossoms: (Pleasant)

[personal profile] burningblossoms 2017-04-29 03:05 pm (UTC)(link)
I can imagine. I just had this ready for the prom so I thought I'd give it a test go.

[Yeah she's going. Her parents probably insisted...]

But I'd like to try out a suit one day, just to see what it's like.
notyourutopian: Do not take! (Oh this is pretty nice.)

[personal profile] notyourutopian 2017-04-30 03:12 am (UTC)(link)
I still have to go buy one. Anybody ask you yet?

[Whoops?]

You should! You can try this one on? It might be a little tight uh...in a few places. But it'd give you an idea.
burningblossoms: (Headtilt)

[personal profile] burningblossoms 2017-04-30 06:24 am (UTC)(link)
No. But that's okay. Worse comes to worse, I'll go alone or with you. What do you think?

[Yukiko looks Eleanor up and down and shrugs.]

Maybe. I can give it a try but yeah, it might be tighter in the top and at the shoulders. I'm a little taller than you, after all.
notyourutopian: Do not take! (Reading!)

[personal profile] notyourutopian 2017-04-30 09:21 am (UTC)(link)
I can think of worse dates than you. [Eleanor was teasing.] I'm surprised no one asked you though.

[Or they did, and Yukiko didn't notice, but Eleanor wasn't going to say that.]

Yeah. You can get a feel for the jacket, at least. And the pants. Hm. I think you'd look good in a suit.
burningblossoms: (Definitely)

[personal profile] burningblossoms 2017-04-30 03:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Eh, that's pretty normal.

[She definitely wouldn't have noticed.]

Really though? Now you're just flattering me...
notyourutopian: Do not take! (Distant and considering.)

[personal profile] notyourutopian 2017-05-01 12:32 am (UTC)(link)
[Eleanor laughed.]

I am not! Well. [She couldn't help but grin.] I think I just want to try and get everybody into a suit right now. Tiny obsession. Maybe.
burningblossoms: (Unsure)

[personal profile] burningblossoms 2017-05-01 12:40 am (UTC)(link)
What a strange thing to be obsessed with...

[Says the girl who breaks into giggle fits every time someone makes a stupid pun...]
notyourutopian: (Genuinely Happy)

[personal profile] notyourutopian 2017-05-01 12:44 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah. But I guess this obsession just...suited me.

[Yes, she knows Yukiko does that. Oops.]
burningblossoms: (*snort*)

[personal profile] burningblossoms 2017-05-01 05:13 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh. Hah...hah...

[And so it begins...]

notyourutopian: (Genuinely Happy)

[personal profile] notyourutopian 2017-05-02 12:29 am (UTC)(link)
[No regrets.]

[Eleanor leans down to scoop up Grace, holding her up as an example.]

You might even say I'm being downright dogged about it.
burningblossoms: (Gigglefit)

[personal profile] burningblossoms 2017-05-02 02:50 am (UTC)(link)
[And now you've doggone done it...

She'll need a minute or two. Excuse her while she dies of laughter.

God Dammit Amagi]
notyourutopian: (Content)

[personal profile] notyourutopian 2017-05-02 07:03 am (UTC)(link)
[Eleanor just looks vaguely self-satisfied as she waits for Yukiko to remember how to breath.]
burningblossoms: Most From <user name=eeveelutions> or made my me (Tearful)

[personal profile] burningblossoms 2017-05-02 04:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[And when she does, she's definitely getting a confused look from Al Capug. Because the Boss is totally a hyena right?]

...why...do you do this.

[you know why, Yukiko.]
notyourutopian: Do not take! (Oh this is pretty nice.)

[personal profile] notyourutopian 2017-05-02 11:55 pm (UTC)(link)
[Eleanor finally reaches out to pat Yukiko on the shoulder.]

Because it lets me know I'm funny. [A silly grin.]

And I mean, come on, do you not like laughing?
burningblossoms: (Stumped)

[personal profile] burningblossoms 2017-05-03 01:32 am (UTC)(link)
I do but...c'mon, it's hard to breathe...

[And it does make her look like an ass.]

You're taking advantage of me. I should set Al and his gang on you. The Pug Street Hooligans.
notyourutopian: (Frightened and Surprised)

[personal profile] notyourutopian 2017-05-03 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
It's not my fault you get gigglefits.

[Still, she did trigger them sometimes. Usually after she made one good joke and saw Yukiko was there on the edge of one.]

Oh no. Not the Pug Street Hooligans.

[She put on a show of mock fear.]

I'm so sorry, Al Capug. It will never happen again.
Edited (there that actually makes sense...) 2017-05-03 05:00 (UTC)
burningblossoms: (...Teddie)

[personal profile] burningblossoms 2017-05-03 04:10 pm (UTC)(link)
See that you don't.

[Al just looks up at her and sneezes. As you do.]

Anyway. Let's go poke around more I guess.

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