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!!!!]
darkinferno: (★ our aegis is endogenous)

[personal profile] darkinferno 2017-04-29 10:46 pm (UTC)(link)
[Surprise, because Dante's just gotten roped into playing a fifth piece by Arlene's challenge, a much more complex piece than his previous few. He finishes with a flourish, an elated grin on his face as he does--one that only grows when he sees Vera coming his way. Good, if she'd decided to lean over the piano and almost distract him while he was playing and not come talk to him after, he'd have to have hunted her down later!

He's not even trying to hide his pleasure at seeing her. For as much as he complains about playing, he legitimately does love it. It's just hard to indulge in that love when there's always a worry about being constantly in a certain someone's shadow, something he doesn't have to stress about in this setting.]


Well, that's good to hear. I don't know what I'd do if I had to call up my old man and tell him I've brought shame to the family name by giving a lackluster performance.

How's it going?
heiroglyphs: (oh hey cool)

[personal profile] heiroglyphs 2017-04-29 10:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Well you've kept my secrets from my folks, I guess I can do the same for you.

[She leans back against the piano.]

It's been okay so far. Shook a few hands, danced with a few people. The animals are cute, at least.

You?
darkinferno: (★ being worshiped is a breeze)

[personal profile] darkinferno 2017-04-29 11:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[Dante shakes his head, leaning back on the bench so that he can see her better.]

Busy. Ari's the one who set this up, so I've been trying to help her out. Mingling, dancing, playing...

[Since she's standing in front of him, blocking most of the hall, he makes a face for Vera's benefit.]

I think my face hurts from smiling so much. But it's all right. I can manage.
heiroglyphs: (of course im better than you)

[personal profile] heiroglyphs 2017-04-29 11:42 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't think I've seen you give anything more than a cocky grin. An actual smile probably looks really weird.

[But being the tremendous dork she is, she can't help but give a grin of her own.]
darkinferno: (★ straight through hell with a smile)

[personal profile] darkinferno 2017-04-29 11:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[WOW???? Rude, Vera! He smiles plenty! He's just a confident person by nature, that's all.]

I'll have you know I can be charming when I want to be. [Charming with a smirk on his face...] But I figure you're stuck with me anyways, so why bother, right?

[He's joking, of course, but that doesn't make him any less of an ass.]
heiroglyphs: (poor people am i right?)

[personal profile] heiroglyphs 2017-04-29 11:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Right right, I know how it is. "Hi, I'm Dante, and I'm so attractive that no one notices what a giant dweeb I am."

[She can dish it as well as take it.]
darkinferno: (★ being worshiped is a breeze)

[personal profile] darkinferno 2017-04-30 12:03 am (UTC)(link)
Hey! [Yeah, okay, he's laughing, even if he is pretending to be offended.] A dweeb? Really?

[His hand goes over his heart as he proclaims:] I'll have you know I am nothing but a noble knight, loyal to my princess.

[Yeah, he's a fucking dweeb.]
heiroglyphs: (let me ponder how much you suck)

[personal profile] heiroglyphs 2017-04-30 12:05 am (UTC)(link)
[Yeah she's just going to cross her arms and shake her head.]

I rest my case.
darkinferno: (★ our aegis is endogenous)

[personal profile] darkinferno 2017-04-30 12:25 am (UTC)(link)
[He's just laughing even more. At least Ari thinks he's charming! And a dashing knight, to boot.]

Yeah, yeah. Like I was supposed to resist that opening? Come on.

[But he's going to stand up from the piano now, hearing the first strains of music coming from another source, and extend his hand toward Vera.]

I think it's about time we show them how it's done, don't you?
heiroglyphs: (why do i put up with these people)

[personal profile] heiroglyphs 2017-04-30 12:32 am (UTC)(link)
[She opens one eye to see the hand in front of her, and lets out a small laugh.]

At least you know how to ask like a gentleman.

[Gingerly placing his hand atop hers, she gives a small welcoming bow.]

Shall we?
darkinferno: (★ being worshiped is a breeze)

[personal profile] darkinferno 2017-04-30 04:51 pm (UTC)(link)
I might be a dweeb, but I'm a properly trained dweeb.

[Dante bows over her hand, his posture and movement immaculate even if the smirk on his face would normally get him scolded. But he's pretty sure Vera doesn't mind, right?

He leads her to the dance floor as the DJ starts playing something more traditional, making a joke about following up that performance with something similarly classy. Which means it's the sort of music that they can actually dance to! So once they've made it to the floor, taking the traditional dancing stance (his left hand and her right clasped, his hand on her waist and hers on his shoulder), Dante is perfectly confident as they take their first steps into the dance.]


So did you come with Vic tonight?
heiroglyphs: (ohohoho)

[personal profile] heiroglyphs 2017-04-30 05:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[Wow, it's been a while since she danced like this. The last time was probably the benefit before she left home for Recollé, and even then, none of her partners had the poise and footwork Dante had. It's actually refreshing, to have someone beside her that can keep up, and while she'll keep that thought to herself for now, the satisfied smirk on her face already says it all.]

I did. We've had to split up briefly to keep up appearances, but I'll be taking her home tonight as well.
darkinferno: (★ being worshiped is a breeze)

[personal profile] darkinferno 2017-05-01 04:23 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's been a while for Dante, too, but dancing is easy. The steps stay the same, the only difference whether he chooses to use complex or simplistic ones. They follow the beat reassuringly, and Vera is a great partner. She follows him seemingly effortlessly, yet still holds her own as he leads them both through a complicated turn.

He's got a smirk to match her own--he's enjoying having a skilled dance partner just as much as she is, it seems.]


Taking her home and to bed, huh? [His eyebrows lift, but it should be obvious to Vera that he's joking, referencing their first night spent together.] It's too bad you have to hide it like that, but I understand. Ari and I haven't exactly gone public about things yet, either.

[After all, as the head of the Alessandros, Ari's mother could make life more than a little bit difficult for his family if she decides she doesn't like him.]
heiroglyphs: (so i was laughing at peasants)

[personal profile] heiroglyphs 2017-05-01 11:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Well there is only one bed in my apartment... [She chirps. Even if the two have done nothing more than kiss, the fact that they can be so comfortable with each other that they can sleep in the same bed without feeling awkward makes her incredibly happy. That might actually be the reason they started dating in the first place. Had Vera not felt so at ease around her, she would have just hidden for a few weeks and never talked to her again.]

I don't like it either, but we both know what the magazines would do if they found out. Not to mention my father...
darkinferno: (★ lately i've been loving losing sleep)

[personal profile] darkinferno 2017-05-03 12:41 am (UTC)(link)
[Honestly, he's really glad that Vera's been able to find someone so good for her, someone who isn't part of the games their world plays, someone who doesn't seem to have any desire to break into it. It's a much more honest relationship than she'd find in many other places.]

I hear you. Even so, you might want to consider how you're gonna spin this when it does eventually come out. Hopefully you'll both be the ones controlling that, but if something happens before you're ready...

[That's a lot of damage control to do very quickly.]
heiroglyphs: (why me why now)

[personal profile] heiroglyphs 2017-05-03 12:45 am (UTC)(link)
I really didn't want to think about that... but you're probably right.

[She sighs. In her mind, the world finding out about this relationship would be the death of her. Does she really need to live in a world where it's guaranteed to be discovered?]

What should I do?
darkinferno: (★ end of the night it's goin' down)

[personal profile] darkinferno 2017-05-04 04:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[Dante's quiet for a moment, following the steps of the dance. It says a lot for how he respects Vera that he is taking the time to consider it, rather than brushing her off saying that it's not his problem.

And he doesn't know how to approach it, that's the problem. He's had more than his fair share of flings, but he's never been anywhere near the public eye like Vera has--the world doesn't care who he's kissing like they do her or Ari. He's lucky in that way.]


Well, the first thing to keep in mind is that if something does happen, you should probably call your father immediately. I'm guessing he'll be madder if he reads about it in the tabloids first, right?