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!!!!]
daemonized: (75)

[personal profile] daemonized 2017-05-02 01:22 pm (UTC)(link)
[Yes, they'll know. But what's the point of calling it something so straightforward, when other words would do just as well?

A thought that would sound less hypocritical if Ardyn didn't feel inclined to poke gentle fun at the notion.]


For the same thing? So when you get to the heart of the matter, are you implying that there's one singular word that would define it best?

[Say it, Grell, say that they'll be dating now.]
erythristic: (position.)

[personal profile] erythristic 2017-05-03 09:17 am (UTC)(link)
A word you seem reluctant to voice out loud.

[there's the higher potential for him to not be hesitant and instead just goading her into saying it, and it'd be simple to deny him that and keep spinning loops around the subject, but there is also the equal possibility to shift slightly closer than is necessary for dancing and to lower her voice a little like it's something dangerous to admit.

a chance to be dramatic? of course she's taking it.]


There are numerous ways to say it, but you have to admit, the word "dating" is remarkably succinct.

[and if she's giving quiet thanks that her makeup will hide a bit of blushing, no one needs to know.]
daemonized: (17)

[personal profile] daemonized 2017-05-03 08:06 pm (UTC)(link)
[The notion of goading anyone to say anything decreases exponentially in its efficacy when Grell (seemingly) manages to steer around the embarrassment with zero effort. In fact, it almost has the opposite effect of pleasantly surprising Ardyn, and the noticeable pause is not at all because of her unexpectedly closer proximity, okay!

A moment while his mind laces words together. Thankfully, it's a practiced art, so he manages, though he has to lean on his usual grandiloquence to do so.]


You've uttered the word out loud. You realize this makes it official, and there's no turning back now?
erythristic: (time.)

[personal profile] erythristic 2017-05-04 03:35 am (UTC)(link)
I know.

[it might have been a word she steadily had avoided applying to them seeing each other, leaving room for it to be nothing more than a flirtation should things go that path, but she'd said it. she said it and she's forcing herself to keep eye contact instead of looking away.]

Don't tell me you expected me to shy away from the idea? Please. [you know her better than that, Ardyn.] Besides, you're the one who kissed me.
daemonized: (86)

[personal profile] daemonized 2017-05-04 04:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Shy away? Not quite. Though I admit I did expect the smallest amount of embarrassment.

[Easily admitted now, and shamelessly at that. Ardyn leans in, refusing to break his gaze as well.]

After all, we are in the middle of the dance floor, for everyone else to see.
erythristic: (cause.)

[personal profile] erythristic 2017-05-04 11:54 pm (UTC)(link)
I know that too.

[but it's said too quickly to be casual, because she had been trying to block out that fact from her mind. and the more she's aware of it, the more likely it is that she'll get flustered, and then there's a faint blushing showing through.]

Men's eyes were made to look and let them gaze.

[easier to hide behind a quote for a second than dwell on it.]
daemonized: (79)

[personal profile] daemonized 2017-05-05 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
[The expedient way in which she responded seems rather taut (much to his amusement), and there's no way a man as observant as Ardyn, standing this close, would not be able to notice that blush. (Also much to his amusement.)

At any rate, a continued quote for a quote. Because they obviously have to be that extra.]


Men's eyes were made to see things, so let them watch.

[A sound of amusement from the back of his throat.]

Brave words, for someone who's blushing.
erythristic: ((formal: modern.))

[personal profile] erythristic 2017-05-05 04:49 am (UTC)(link)
[if they were in a different place, not dressed so formally and not having to keep decorum, she would absolutely tell him to shut up. this is not exactly the time or place, so instead, she takes her hand off his shoulder, pressing one finger to his lips for a moment. hush.]

That condition is entirely your fault, Mr. Izunia.

[the formality is just extra on top of extra, really.]
daemonized: (91)

[personal profile] daemonized 2017-05-05 05:09 am (UTC)(link)
[Her finger touches his lips, the implication telling him to hush more than clear. She can probably feel the way his mouth twitches into a wider grin at that gesture, and the playful audacity of it is nearly just as exciting as the kiss he gave her moments earlier.

Maybe it's because if this that Ardyn decides to relent only a little. When she drops her hand, he'll speak yet again -- thankfully the subject isn't about her embarrassment this time.]


I beg for your forgiveness. It wasn't my intent to fluster you.

[Actually, it was a little.]
erythristic: (further.)

[personal profile] erythristic 2017-05-05 10:44 am (UTC)(link)
...Granted. I believe you.

[intent or not, it's still his fault. but in his position, she'd do the exact same, so judging is a little hypocritical. besides, if she was truly upset, she'd move away from him, or try and secretly check his pulse. something that would be adequate payback.]

Anyway. I'm the one who said it aloud - but you've left me to guess on the matter of your feelings about it. After all, it's your last chance to change your mind, before it's truly official.

[well. it's not so much a guess after everything, and the very last thing she wants is him to suddenly decide that he will take the convenient out, but she says it anyway. old habit, to second-guess a good thing like this.]
daemonized: (32)

[personal profile] daemonized 2017-05-05 10:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[Thank heavens for not checking his pulse, and instead challenging him to say the word -- or at least confirm it -- in return. At least with the latter he can school his expression to his liking. He certainly has no such control over his heart rate.

Still, there's little actual cognizant control he needs to apply to said expression. His answer is airy but sincere.]


I thought my feelings would have been clear through my actions alone. But if I've left room for doubt, that won't do.

[And, with confidence:] I refuse to change my mind. Thus, the dating is official.
erythristic: (natural.)

[personal profile] erythristic 2017-05-09 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
It's nice to hear it said aloud, you know.

[and if she's going to say it, so should he. that's what she thinks. for a second, there's a hint of that real smile again, the one that was so full of sentiment. then they're in agreement, despite how far away the concept had seemed months ago.

the song ends, and before the next one starts, she pulls away. the reason why? so she can drop a curtsy, because if they're already going to be ridiculous in public, might as well.]
daemonized: (90)

[personal profile] daemonized 2017-05-09 03:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[And who is Ardyn to deny her of a bit of theatricality in public? He'd be the last person on the face of planet Earth to not respond to her curtsy with a bow of his own. Catching sight of that smile first and foremost, glad for the sentiment behind it, it spurs him to indeed return the gesture with nothing short of a flourish. Not for the sake of hiding his expression, which certainly is sporting something similar (perhaps only slightly more wry), but only because he believes her to be deserving of such a display.

A bow then, deep in its formality, yet whimsical in a way that Ardyn can manage with ease.

It's only when he straightens does he respond to her comment about certain words being said aloud.]


I'll say it aloud as many times as you like, if it's pleasing to your ears. Something to look forward to, then.