I see trouble on the way.

[lacquers]

Characters: Everyone! Yes, you too!
Summary: Mandy's Masquerade hosts a fantastic Halloween party with a costume contest, some very special cocktails, and a few other surprises.
Date(s): Late in the month of October.
Warnings/Notes: Please mark any threads that need content warnings.

Mandy's is looking a bit festive this evening. Arrayed with spiderwebs, pumpkins, and other ghoulish decorations, the interior resembles a spooky haunted house. Spooky, not scary! Everyone's invited to stop by and celebrate All Hallow's Eve with spirited drinks, excellent company, and a lot of that Magnus flair.

You can loosen up on the dance floor to Monster Mash, Thriller, Dead Man's Party, or maybe something from this list. The spooky sky's the limit! Visit the bar for one of several special drinks you won't soon forget. You can also sample some tasty and holiday-appropriate baked goods, courtesy of the other Mr. Lightwood-Bane. Finally, stop by the table with the MAGIC 8 BALL to learn a little more about your fellow partygoers.

---

Potions.
drink list

Siren Song
If you're a little tone-deaf, don't fret. This drink will turn you into a master at serenading. It won't actually give you the ability to influence anyone via magical means, but maybe if your song choice is apt, you'll woo someone either way!

Firework!
A drink that comes with a portable fireworks show hovering over its surface. Drinking it will give you the sensation of ingesting liquid pop-rocks.

Blacklight
Does what it says on the tin and makes the drinker glow under a black light. It's also kind of sour.

Frankenstein's Monster
This drink is quite shocking. Not dangerously so, but when you drink it, you'll have the impression of getting a tingling little jolt of electricity down your spine. It's aliiiiive.

To Be or Not To Be (A Daemon)
Drink this and you will find you've been magically swapped with your daemon. It only lasts ten minutes, but hey! You'll get to see how the other half lives. A note: you won't inherit one another's abilities!

---

Who Wore It Best?
costume contest

Congratulations to our costume contest winners!

In first place for individual costumes...

Rafa wins for his devilish costume and he'll be awarded 2 potions: the first of which will up his luck stat, granting him good fortune in an endeavor (it says "Deal with the Devil" on the bottle) and the second will up his persuasion stat, helping him to be more successful in an argument (it says "The Devil's Advocate" on the bottle).

In second place for individual costumes...

Nico plunders the second place spot and will be given a treasure chest full of chocolates that are rum flavored. Careful, they pack a bit of a punch and when consumed, they'll make whoever eats them feel especially happy. No sad drunks here!

In third place for individual costumes...

Zeke and his amazingly sunny costume are in third and he wins a sunflower plant that will never cease to bloom and seems to have a bit of a glow about it. Plus, perpetual supply of sunflower seeds?

In first place for couples costumes...

Magnus and Alec came first for their portrayal of... each other... and they win a pair of seemingly mundane t-shirts that say "Bennet" and "Darcy" on them. What's that about?

In second place for couples costumes...

Vex and Kenzi delighted with their take on the Addams' family patriarch and matriarch and won second place. As a prize, Kenzi will be given a shampoo and conditioner set that seems pretty innocuous until you check out the writing on the bottles: 'Have YOU ever wanted hair like Cousin Itt? Are you ever in luck!' Just a small amount will make her locks lustrous and smooth. Vex will be given a very lifelike and animated hand in a box.

In third place for couples costumes...

Rose and Kaz were drop dead gorgeous in their mafia-inspired garb. As prizes, they will receive the following: for Rose, a pair of magical die that make music when thrown, and for Kaz, a set of playing cards that are intricately illustrated with astonishing art that seems to move. Watch out for the face cards, they get very opinionated about your playing. They both also receive a chip that can be relinquished to Magnus for a small magical favor.

Comments

[lacquers]

[ He knows that much, Alec Lightwood-Bane. Probably. So hard to tell with this one sometimes, as Alec has astutely noted. ]

I'm of the mind that I should try everything at least once.

[ There are some exceptions, sure. But everything that doesn't involve harming others or himself, essentially. ] How will I know if I like it or not otherwise?

I might love a mustache on Freddie Mercury, but what about sporting one myself?

[helical]

( alec makes somewhat of a face at the name drop, but he's clearly not actually bothered. )

Freddie Mercury, huh? ( he looks thoughtful, though his eyes keep falling to magnus' lips. he's trying to place a proper mercury moustache there. he swears. that's all this is. )

I don't know, that was one impressive moustache.

[lacquers]

[ And in return, Magnus offers an apologetic expression that also has a bit of cheek to it. Sorry your hubby's such a character, Alec! ]

It was, one of the most famous in history, I'd say! [ He does not add a line about kissing people with mustaches.

Nope. He doesn't say a word about kissing, even if he sees that look on Alec's face. The one that makes him smile so. ] I don't think I could reach the heights achieved by such an icon, but I wouldn't count myself out of the running.

[helical]

You say that like you're not an icon of the Downworld.

( magnus absolutely is. come on. maybe not a legend, maybe not a wizened old man with a mile long beard, but definitely some form of iconic. alec would definitely argue that he is, at least, but he's biased. very much so. )

Now I kinda wanna see what you can bring to the table of historic mustaches.

[lacquers]

[ Magnus' brows rise a bit, more in pleasure than confusion. ] Is that what I am?

[ If anyone else had said that, it might taste differently in Magnus' mouth. A little sour. But from Alec? All sweet, without question. Because he knows Alec's speaking with respect and somehow being seen that way...

Well, it's nice. ]

Maybe we're on the verge of a great mustache-related revelation here, Alec!

[helical]

Definitely. [ it sounds like he's saying you're definitely iconic to me, which, well, is exactly what he's saying.

his grin widens, one hand smoothing magnus' shirt at his waist. ]

You think so? You've got to go for it, then.

[lacquers]

[ Why, oh why, oh why did the powers that be see fit to make Alec so, so adorable? Honestly, it's giving Magnus heart trouble.

Guess he better get used to that, huh? ]

I'm going to go for it, [ he says, very matter-of-fact. ] We'll see who wore it better once and for all: the world's most iconic popstar or yours truly.

[helical]

( alec purses his lips and shakes his head fondly. he can't even tease about freddie mercury, because there is absolutely no contest here. pretending that he would think freddie would win that challenge would be entirely unconvincing. )

I think you know my answer to that question.

[lacquers]

[ Kindly stop being so sweet, Alec. Magnus' heart, really. It's already so full as it is! ]

I think I have a slight inkling, yes. Actually, I'm not sure I've ever heard your thoughts on Queen!

[ Is there an educational opportunity about to present itself? ]

[helical]

I don't think I've listened to much.

( or at least not enough to feel like he has an informed opinion on their musical skills! besides, queen and Freddie mercury are iconic for a reason! )

But it makes sense they're so popular.

[lacquers]

I'd love to have you listen to some more, if you think you wouldn't mind. [ There's certainly a degree of lightness in Magnus' tone, but he also seems pretty serious in some respects as well.

Kind of solemn, almost. ]

It certainly has a profound impact on the world. And I believe it continues to mean a lot to people who feel different from others, too. In fact, I know it does.

[helical]

You can pick the ones to make me listen to? ( that might be easier. he doesn't particularly remember the song titles, just knows the biggest classics, and in a distant way. he's never sat down and listened to music before meeting magnus. he'd never made the time for that, and mundane music was mundane music.

but he'd like to do it with magnus. )

I'd like that. ( and he'd love to have a better grasp of the kind of songs a man like freddie mercury wrote, how it might have made people feel less alone. )

[lacquers]

[ Magnus would love for there to be time for them to just sit down and listen to music. Correction: he'd love to take that time. There is time. They just have to claim it in the name of classic rock, hm? ]

I think I could make a few recommendations, [ Magnus offers, doing nothing to mask a somewhat coy note in his voice.

It sounds like something he'd really enjoy, actually. With Alec. He can see the merit of sharing something like, from a musician like the one they're talking about, but there doesn't need to be a good reason, either.

Not beyond enjoying good music and the company of someone you love. ] Shall we make a date of it?

[helical]

A music listening date? ( alec is into it. he loves it when magnus shows him things, a book, a work of art, a song. things he's liked over the years or have gained some personal significance to his husband. or just to see what he finds worthy of sharing with alec.

it tells a story, sometimes. other times alec learns something about magnus, and he loves every new fragment of information about him, whether it be an anecdote of his life or his thoughts on a certain art movement. )

Okay. Let's.

[lacquers]

All right then! [ As soon as he's able, he's going to make it happen.

It sounds fun, no pun intended. And Magnus does indeed like to share with Alec. It's a good feeling, to be able to experience something with someone for the first time. Theirs or yours or both of yours together. ] A musical date, [ he affirms.

Possibly saying it just because he likes the sound of it. ] If it goes well, we might have to schedule more of these, hm?

[ So much music... so much. ]

[helical]

( more soft laughter, imagining that magnus must have decades and centuries of music he likes to share with him and excited by the prospect. )

You've already got several playlists going in your head, don't you?

( then he adds, to be clear: )

I'd love to hear what you recommend, though, really.

[lacquers]

[ Magnus smiles and shrugs a little, a clear maybe. ] I might indeed. There are, after all, so many genres and eras to think of!

[ They have a regular smorgasbord of options, as far as he's concerned. ]

I think I'll look into getting my hands on some more music here. I don't think it should be too hard, given all the other artifacts of Earth we've run into.

[ Thusfar, the biggest portion of these discoveries have been familiar alcohol labels, but...

Nonetheless. ]

[helical]

[ so many genres and eras. and alec is excited, even if he's sure their tastes might diverge. that doesn't matter — he likes knowing what magnus likes or what magnus thinks alec will like, even if it's not what alec expected or prefers. ]

Alright. It's a date.

Dates, [ he clarifies, holding up a finger. he's going to hold magnus to multiple of these situations. not that he doesn't spend time with him, but it's nice to dedicate time to an activity together. spontaneity is nice with magnus, always, but there's something nice about making a point of reserving the time and calling it a date. ]

[lacquers]

[ Nodding once in a rather emphatic fashion, as if to seal the deal, Magnus shoots Alec a brilliant smile. There is something nice about it. Though they may get into a spirited debate about music tastes or Magnus might end up picking something Alec won't like, there's also the chance that they'll find something new they both love.

That's exciting. Finding those things, particularly by chance, is exciting to him. There are so many, many things beyond music that they've yet to explore and so many, many years left to do so, which that means there are so many, many chances waiting for them.

A universe's worth. ]

I'll put on my dancing shoes, [ Magnus says, tapping Alec's shoulder. The tap turns into a touch, which follows the line of Alec's arm until Magnus can find his hand. ]

[helical]

[ dancing shoes, huh. alec has no complaints, actually. dancing makes him feel less and less awkward the more he tries it, and he likes it best with magnus, in the privacy of their home, where he can look ridiculous all he wants and not feel an ounce of being self-conscious. ]

Oh, so this is gonna turn into dancing lessons?

[lacquers]

[ Magnus offers a grin, which is accompanied by a demonstration of some hip shimmying. Incidentally, his shimmying gets him closer to Alec. ] It could, [ he says. ] It very well could.

Maybe you'd like to learn a little about the history of dance? Not to brag, but I do know a thing or two about a thing or two, having been on the guest list at some four centuries' worth of parties. Dancing usually features at some point or another. [ He doesn't say it, but it's probably implied that he went to a few dance parties where his name wasn't on the guest list. ]

The music changes, but humanity's never gotten tired of dancing.

[helical]

[ incidentally, huh. alec is watching him closely, eyes falling to his lips repeatedly, as they tend to... ]

I'm sure you have a lot you could teach me. [ not just because alec feels hopeless in that department, but given all that history. he's even a little curious to see magnus demonstrate things. ]

I guess we can like... see where the music takes us? [ a beat. ] Like in dancing.

[lacquers]

[ Yes, incidentally. Not accidentally, but incidentally. And Magnus does spot the way Alec's eyes tend to wander in that direction. ] I already know you're a good student.[ This, he says with utmost sincerity.

It's true. Alec's very attentive and careful and boy, does he learn quickly. Magnus has frequently been floored by this. ]

Let the rhythm move us, you mean? Go with the flow? [ How delightfully spontaneous! ] I like it.

[helical]

You say that now. ( he's absolutely positive someone's foot is gonna end up on someone else's before too long, but that's okay, isn't it? it's not that he lacks grace, just that anything that doesn't have ordered steps might be more difficult for him to achieve.

he likes order. when he watches people dance in places like pandemonium, he sees chaos. one that, admittedly, looks kind of relaxing and fun, if he could let himself enjoy it. step by step, he'll get there. )

Thought you might. That can be my first lesson.

[lacquers]

[ Magnus will gladly accept having his foot trodden upon, if indeed that happens - though it's likely he wouldn't notice, being so focused on Alec as he's apt to be. Either way, he'd be glad, because it will mean they're dancing together, and he is very much looking forward to that prospect.

It's not that he wants to contort Alec into a shape that suits him. Never that. The shape of Alec now is a shape that suits him very, very, very much. So he wouldn't want to push for it if Alec weren't interested. But if he is... ]

A very good first lesson, [ Magnus offers, a very professorial glint in his eye. ] And more to follow, I hope. [ So much more to follow. Of that, Magnus is certain. ]