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

Rafa | OTA

[mordacita]

A. Costumes!

---

[ Last year, Rafa had gone to a party thrown by Magnus Bane, dressed as a dark faerie, in what had been a costume he had believed he would not exceed. This year, he's gone the extra mile.

Everything he wears is scarlet, from the dyed, very well fitted leather pants and the pointed tail attached to them, to the narrow, cuban-heeled boots beneath them, to the hooked, bat-style wings on his back. His shoulders have been painted with swirling scarlet patterns, and his hair has been dyed and crowned with two pairs of horns. Two different coloured contact lenses and his own vampire fangs complete the look. Before the winners get announced, he can be found showing off to as many people as possible, which mostly involves sneaking up and trying to scare them. If you happen to be one of those lucky people, a near silent Rafa will appear without warning behind you and jump on your back, painted arms wrapping around your shoulders and fangs threatening your neck.

It's all in fun.

Probably. ]

Now I have you in my clutches. What should I do with you?

B. Drinks and Dancing

---

[ After the judging (and personal victory), Rafa becomes a much more cheerful devil, and can generally be found between the bar and dance floor. He keeps ordering the Frankenstein's Monster, because of the tingles it sends down his spine. If he sees you lingering, he'll offer to fill your glass. ]

Would you like the one that tingles? It is worth it. Certainly my favourite.

[ Or perhaps you see him later, when his bulky wings and horns have been discarded, and he's catching free hands to tug them towards the dance floor. Rafa keeps the devil's tail on for effect, swinging it around during the faster songs. His good mood currently seems unbreakable. ]

Come and dance with me! [ He says, smiling fangily. ] Come on. I will only bite if you ask nicely

C. CREATE YOUR OWN

---

[ Prompt Rafa! I'm available on plurk for plotting at halfbloodly ]

A

[infatyuated]

[ the sudden weight on his back makes mika immediately tense. if it weren't for rafa's scent reaching his nose, he would've reacted violently, however the other vampire's smell is enough to keep mika from drawing his sword. instead, he heaves a sigh and cranes his neck to get a better look at the other. ]

Do you often threaten to bite other vampires, Rafa?

[mordacita]

[ Rafa laughs, before nudging Mika's neck and hugging his shoulders. He drops back down a second later, though the mischief stays in his eyes. ]

As often as I can. Do not worry. I let them bite me back.

[ The key difference between them here is, Rafa has always enjoyed being what he is. He'd like to share that joy with Mika, but it seems like that won't be easy. ]

I like your costume by the way. Are you enjoying the party?

[infatyuated]

[ that just makes mika lift his brows, tilting his head as he regards rafa suspiciously. not with malice but definitely watching the other vampire with interest. ]

It does have a certain affect, doesn't it. [ recalling the times he's been bitten or bitten. there's always a euphoria that comes with it. ] Thanks, I figured I'd pick something Yuu-chan would like, even if he's not here. And it's okay. I never really went to many parties though.

[mordacita]

[ Rafa matches that look, raising a brow of his own. It's almost a challenge. Is it surprising to Mika that vampires would bite each other? Apparently so. ]

It feels good, and it is intimate. [ He shrugs, smiling a little. ] I enjoy that. Vampires tend to understand it better than humans. Perhaps this will be the first of many parties for you. I certainly hope so.

[infatyuated]

It's rare, where I'm from, for vampires to bit each other. It's the intimacy, I think. Not many are willing to allow it. But...

[ shrugging as well, because mika can't deny the rush he'd felt every time he drank directly from krul. it wasn't often, only when he'd pushed himself to the limit, but it had always brought warmth to him. of course, it was nothing like when he'd drank from yuu. that had been the closest thing to purse ecstasy for mika that he'd ever experienced, despite all the guilt he'd felt afterward. ]

And maybe it will. If I want to save my world, to save Yuu-chan, I'll have to be more... [ he gestures vaguely with a hand, figuring rafa can determine what he means. ]

[mordacita]

[ Rafa nods, thoughtful. Given his previous conversations with Mika, he has the idea that intimacy is quite foreign to him. As a general rule.

Rafa isn't like that anymore, but there had been a time when it was an alien thing to him. He'd been young then, and not yet a vampire, but he still feels the scars of that time now. He reaches to touch Mika's hand. ]

I understand. If I can help you, I will. If you will let me.

You may enjoy it more than you think. I know that I always did.

b!!

[pleasant]

( it's not like he hasn't had rafa in the corner of his eye all night, alright, all that skin kind of draws attention dick isn't too keen to misplace on someone else. so. when he's dragged out to dance, dick -- laughs nervously, hopeless and incapable to do anything but follow after him, lightly shaking his head. )

Not really a -- dancer.

( that's not an excuse, it's just. preparation. which ultimately seems a little moot, because dick definitely is a good dancer, all confident steps and swaying hips, languid and loose the way you'd expect a professional to be. some people just have it all!! )

Re: b!!

[mordacita]

[ Rafa had worked up his courage before pulling Dick out to dance. The complications of the history they have, and don't have, make this harder than it should be. Harder than it would be with anyone else. But eventually, he takes his hand and draws him out there. The response makes him laugh. ]

Yes you are. Even if you do not know it. But do not worry, I will show you how.

[ Which is a ridiculous notion. The first thing he'd ever known Dick Grayson as was a dancer. Rafa slides in close, hip against hip, and his hands slide down Dick's chest to his waist. He moves easily, in time with the music, but more importantly, in time with Dick's body. Looking up, he smiles. ]

You see? You can do it.

[ His hands move lower, resting on those hips. Rafa doesn't have a heartbeat to skip over itself, but if he did, it would be thundering now. He lifts his head, dark eyes on bright blue. ]

I am glad you came. I wondered if you would.

[pleasant]

( rafa doesn't have a heartbeat, but -- dick sure does. he's exceedingly human in every which way, if not exactly normal, and he can hear his heartbeat thundering in his ears once rafa touches him. he can assume rafa can hear it too, which is frankly embarrassing, but he thinks he can find a way to blame it on the alcohol if it comes to that. friends can dance like this. hip to hip, toe to toe. friends can do a lot of things.

relaxing, he puts his hands on rafa's shoulders, before sliding closer and letting them dangle at the back of his neck. it's safe, he thinks, more worried about his own actions than the impulsiveness of a bloodthirsty monster. dick has met plenty of monsters, and none of them look like rafa. )

I wasn't planning on it, honestly. But it seemed like everyone was here tonight, so ...

( i can disappoint the entire planet in one swoop and get it over with?

dick laughs, a little breathy, shaking his head. he's such an idiot, sometimes. )

I don't know. Congrats on winning, by the way. I voted for you.

[mordacita]

[ Rafa can hear the way his heart rate rises, the way it escalates once they touch. That’s gratifying, to know he still has that effect even though...

No. There is no even though. This is not the Dick who knew him in Eudio. Rafa needs to keep reminding himself. It’s easy and tempting to forget. His hands slide around his back and find familiarity that hints at belonging, and he’s wistful that it’s not.

But then there’s that smile, and that laugh, and Dick voting for him, which is unexpected enough to make his eyes widen. He hadn’t thought he’d be comfortable enough with him for that. ]

Did you? Thank you. I did not expect to win. I do not think I have worn this much red in my life, ever. [ Even his hair is red tonight. ] You know, I am not sure a man dressed for lawkeeping should be dancing with a devil. I could be a bad influence. Lead you down a dark path.

[ Which sounds joking and somewhat flirty, though there’s a truth to it too. This is as innocent as Rafa has ever known Dick to be. Should he really be trying to change all of that? ]

[pleasant]

( he finds that he quite likes being able to take rafa off guard -- it's oddly charming. a soft chuckle crawls up from his chest, something that's mostly drowned out by the booming music. that playfulness in rafa's voice is -- interesting, dick decides. if they're pretending ( ???????? dick pls ) to flirt, consider him player two.

he uses surprise and his fair bit of strength to turn rafa suddenly, but gently, coming up behind him, chest to back. they sway side to side like they had before, dick owning the pace a little more now -- and when he speaks, his mouth has nowhere to rest other than dangerously close to rafa's ear, lighthearted but still somehow gravelly. )

You don't have to worry about me, I'm already a bad boy. And I'm sure any path you'd lead me down would be far from dark.

( what are you doing, dick grayson. what are. you doing!!! dick grayson. on top of all the impossibilities in the world, you decide to crush on someone who is not only married ( a couple times over, apparently ), but who was in love with another version of you in some other world, at some other time.

soon as the flirty wave came over him, it ceases, and dick stiffens up against him ( not in the fun way ), stopping the dance. )

Sorry, I -- I think I overstepped. Maybe I should go.

( he says this sheepishly, a flame of embarrassment heating up his face. )

[mordacita]

[ Rafa is all too easily spun, and even more easily drawn back against Dick's chest. He adds his own lack of wisdom to the pile, by leaning casually back against his body, and fitting his hips into the groove of Dick's. Their bodies always did fit nicely together. Rafa lets his hand slide over Dick's arms, and his head tilts automatically back towards those lips -

And then it's over, far too soon, letting the heart that had lifted into his mouth drop back into his stomach.

Stupid, so stupid. How had he let that happen?!

He turns with startling speed, catching Dick's hand, and then he purposely slows down. Seeing the flush on his cheeks, Rafa moves to touch his fingers to it. He's unable to hide his expression, with its painful confusion of attraction and worry. It results in him looking upset, even beneath all the makeup. He's quick to shake his head. ]

No, please. Please do not go. I was the one who overstepped.

[ He drops his hands, letting Dick go, and then he brings them together to wring each other out. ]

I like you too much. That is not fair on you, and I am sorry, Dick. I am not...expecting anything. Please forgive me.

c;

[jawsitivity]

[ Sidon, who has only a marginal sense of personal space, is currently poke poking at one of Rafa's wings. He appears to be fascinated by them. He's actually just a bit taken with Rafa too, really, so beautifully painted and colored. ]

Huh! [ he exclaims. ] They looked very convincing! But I guess they aren't real, after all... No wonder you won the contest!

[ which is probably rich, coming from the giant fishman. ]

[mordacita]

[ Rafa doesn't mind. He is amused by all the poking, though, and he turns to lift his eyebrows. Sidon isn't someone he recognises, but the reaction still makes him grin. ]

Sadly, I am lacking real wings. It is a shame, I would be delighted if I could fly. These are just for effect.

[ He pauses, and then adds: ]

The fangs are real. You probably should not poke those.

[jawsitivity]

[ He's a pretty hard one to miss, naturally. ]

Flying does seem like a lot of fun. Maybe someday you'll be able to! [ As for Sidon, he'll stick to the waters he knows.

At the mention of fangs, however, that limited concept of 'personal space' strikes again. The Zora bends down to lean in and look at the aforementioned fangs. ]

Huh! Are you a... vampire? [ Asked as if he's never heard the word before. ] There was a boy earlier talking about being one.

[mordacita]

[ Rafa doesn't move; in fact he stays unnaturally still, though his stance is certainly not inviting. Do not touch his fangs, Sidon. ]

I am. [ His tone has turned a few degrees more frosty. You are in his face; please amend this position. ] There are several of us here. Who was the boy you met?

[jawsitivity]

[ Not to worry, Rafa, he doesn't have any plans to touch. In fact, he recognizes how icy the man has become immediately and that he possibly overstepped. Something he needs to work on, perhaps!

He sincerely meant no ill will. The Zora does, in fact, go back to standing upright and towering over the vampire once he registers his mistake. He folds his arms behind his back, just to be certain. See, Rafa? He swears he won't touch you without your consent! ]

His name was Joseph Kavinsky, I believe! He was quite rude.

[mordacita]

[ That's better. Rafa's shoulders ease up on some of their tension, which is the only visible sign of him relaxing. His tone loses its ice, though, and now he sounds quite genial again. ]

That would be his natural state. I doubt it had anything to do with you. [ Although, it might have done, if Sidon had gotten in his face like that, too. Hmm. ] He is my fledgling. You may run into others as well. There were few of us at first, but our community is growing again.

[ He looks at Sidon now, eyes traveling over his large frame. ]

May I ask as to your own species? Your scent reminds me of the sea.

[ Which actually isn't a good thing. It's part of why Rafa is tense, too; not all of that had come from Sidon's proximity. ]

[ b ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki eyes him, torn between bemusement and wariness. At least he appreciates a well-dressed man. He raises his drink in acknowledgement before replying. ]

I'm afraid I might be far too cold-blooded for your tastes.

[mordacita]

[ Rafa comes closer, smiling, eyes moving over Loki’s face. The Loki he knew in Eudio was a different man, and he feels he has much to learn where this one is concerned. He’d be lying if he said that didn’t interest him. ]

And you are so sure you know my tastes? There is no harm in dancing with me, then.

Just for one song?

[ He holds out his hand, expectant. ].

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki is tempted to turn him down just to see the expression on his face. But all the information here points to creating bonds, which meant having to give ground for later. And he's in the mood to indulge. Gracefully, Loki takes Rafa's hand. ]

It had better be an impressive song.

[mordacita]

[ Laughing, Rafa catches his hand and moves towards the floor. His hand is cold to the touch, and he moves with unnatural grace. Loki, however, has an elegance that Rafa notices in few others. He moves close to him, sliding his free arm around his waist. ]

It is not the song that interests me. I imagine you are good at this, no?

[ Despite that, Rafa will presume to lead him, drawing him out into the middle of the floor and turning them in a more complex pattern than he'd attempt with anyone else. ]

[dothelokimotion]

It has been some time.

[ Even then, Loki won't forget what has been drilled into him for centuries. He may not have a deep fondness for dance or other arts, but he appreciates them. Understands the subtleties. Or, at the very least, he is excellent at faking it. ]

But I am very adaptable.

[mordacita]

Are you?

[ Rafa's smile is careful and sweet. Let's just test that theory, then. He turns them, and leans carefully into Loki, cheek cushioning on his chest. (He's very tall. Most people are taller than Rafa, but Loki is taller than most people.) ]

That is good to know. Where is your comfort zone, I wonder? I know it is not here, even if you are good at pretending.