Naomi’s Story

My childhood was idyllic and surrounded in opulence in the wealthiest municipality of Rhode Island on the western side of Narragansett Bay. Goombahs ran the village, misguided judgment and organized corruption ran rampant in our leadership from the police, to the mayor, to the school board, but no one talked much about that. Instead, we focused on our waterfront properties, Italian fine dining restaurants, and seemingly perfect lives while the men took care of business. I grew up with wops and old money, and nothing in between. 

In 2005, my father’s firm went bankrupt, and with it, went half our assets tied up in privately held stock. My father’s dream was to be a New York financial services man, a true business man, and he worked on that from the cornfields of Indiana. All throughout his early years, he worked two factory jobs to pay his college tuition in hopes to be somewhere better than he was. To provide for his mother, the immigrant from Wales, and to to be a force of stability for his young, first family. He never got to New York, but I was determined that I would live out that dream. So by fifth grade, when everyone else wanted to be a vet or a doctor or a teacher, I said I wanted to be an investment banking analyst for Goldman Sachs.  We had to move from Rhode Island to the midwest after the demise of the company. My father took his second family, my mother and I, back to Indiana. He wanted something easier than what New England was, something cheaper, something nicer, something familiar. But, I was different. I was the embodiment of New England: I spoke with a thick accent, my hair was curly and big, and my values were different. The cornfield kids couldn’t quite understand me. I went from being the most popular schoolyard kid with tons of wop friends and hanging out with their daddies, the barones, the bagmen, the consigliere's, the dons, to trying to integrate myself with the children of farmers and working to middle class professionals.  And so, beginning in fifth grade, I was different. When I sat down at the lunch table, the other children took their lunches to another spot; at recess, I would go to swing, and the others would go to the slides. And I tried to be like the others, I wanted to fit in. I began speech therapy, I dressed in their clothes, I read their books and watched their television shows, but it wasn’t enough even back in those days. My entire early adolescence was hallmarked by rejection and desperately wanting to be liked, to even be marginally accepted.  I went to five different schools from 2005 - 2009, all with similar results. My parents finally sent me to a Catholic school in downtown Indianapolis off 56th street. There, I met a group of black poets that finally gave me the acceptance and friendship that I had craved for years. It was my first taste of normalcy in almost five years. And I met a boy, Robbie, who I took home. I realized that day that the world is not as colorblind as I am. My father told me that it was the saddest day of his life since his mother died. And later that year, as I continued to be involved in poetry groups and cultural clubs, I competed in a statewide poetry slam. I won the state award for my poem and my parents threw away the trophy. So, who was I supposed to be? Everything started to get confusing as every turn I made seemed to be the wrong choice and my victories were detriments.  And amid all of this, the recession was happening and worsened. Company consolidations and closures caused my family to relocate again, this time to Ohio. The village reminded me of Rhode Island a bit; on the far east side, this small, cozy village had a median household income of $187,00 with only a couple thousand residents. The high school looked like the University of Pennsylvania, and all of the homes were brick, big, and beautiful. And so I set out again to be a new version of myself: the blonde, straight haired, Coach-wearing, Abercrombie-wearing girl. Would they like me as a sophomore?  No, they didn’t. Because as much as I tried, most of the kids had known each other for years and there wasn’t space for me. So I did as I had done in the year prior: I found the black poets, the people who seemed to get me and understand my struggle. Meanwhile, I joined track, of which I was one of two whites, there, too. Within a month into the school year, I was typecast with all sorts of derogatory terms. But it didn’t matter to me, yet, and I was happy with my friend group, and met another boy, J. And there were never two people closer.  J was a state champion track star who wrote poetry and attended our school half of the day, and attended a trade school for the remainder of the day. We bonded as he helped me condition and train, and we passed a poetry journal back and forth. Though my friend Rayvon told me, “he’s trouble,” it didn’t stop me. I was used to being marginalized, and almost empathized with the fact that  J was too.  Still, I wanted to fit in and be liked. So when Rayvon set me up with her friend, I went along with it. Then, on September 4, 2009, we went to Micah’s birthday party, hosted in a multi-million dollar home in our village in the basement. J and I were both in relationships with other people, mostly on the recommendations of other people, but it didn’t stop him from kissing me. In front of everyone. And in five seconds, I lost everyone in my life.  And so, not knowing where to turn, I called J the following Monday. We met at the local coffee shop. I had an exam the following day, so he suggested that we studied at his house. I agreed. And as soon as we walked into his home, and closed the front door, it was no sooner that I was in a forced grip. I laughed at first, thinking my poetry-loving friend was teasing, but he wasn’t. Fear sunk in. He dragged me upstairs, as I was kicking and screaming, undressed me, and shoved himself into me. I was fifteen and a virgin.  The next day, people at school laughed at me. They called me the slut who slept with J. “Slut.” “Whore.” And again, I was a marginalized and lonely outcast just two months into a new school. Shouldn’t I have been used to it? People laughed at me and gossiped about me and no one knew anything. After this, things got fuzzy for me. I hardly remember the next two years much at all. I hung around a lot of shady people and did things that I wish I could take back, what little I remember, but deep down I knew I didn’t really deserve much better. A lot of people put their hands on me back then.  Going into my senior year, J made the news. He murdered his long time girlfriend right there in one of our quaint village homes in the foyer. I remember watching the live local news stream in a trance, not quite sure if what I was seeing had any base in reality but it did. And J called me that night after not speaking to me in two years. I didn’t pick up. By the end of the night, he was shot dead in the Walgreen’s parking lot and they extracted his girlfriend’s body out of the trunk of his car.  I went to the memorial in his family’s home, the same one that I had been to all of those years prior. His mother looked at me, and said to me, “It’s you. You’re the girl.” She took me upstairs to his bedroom where photos of me and our shared poetry and letters were scattered across his desk. What the fuck do you do with that, even now, after all this time has passed? The rest of the night remains a blur.  I only really remember one thing about my senior year: Briyana, the new girl from the nearby Catholic school. She took to me right away, and I took to her right back. And despite desperately needing a friend, I told her to keep her distance from me; I told her that to say I was unpopular was an understatement, and her reputation would be tarnished in being seen with me. So she did stay away. And I remember almost nothing else, just small clips of getting suspended, of shooting up PCP, of smoking weed in the girls locker room, of getting by in school with high remarks because it still wasn’t that challenging to me.  So then I went to the community college the next year. I crossed paths with Briyana again by chance. Our boyfriends were suite mates, and we became best friends. We were all a family that year. We helped each other and took care of each other. But we were also wild and reckless and young. Tyga’s Molly played on the background frequently as the bunch of them snorted lines and partied into the night. I was the only one that did ever end up graduating in that bunch. And through a series of unfortunate events, everything fell apart. And I absolutely had to go this time. And go far.  So Binghamton, NY happened. And I recreated myself again. This time, I was going to be an Air Force ROTC gal studying financial engineering and statistics. It had to work, I needed it to work. And again, I had wonderful suite mates and people that talked like how I used to, and more than anything, I was so proud of what I was accomplishing away from the disaster that the midwest had been for me. But as suddenly as I felt safe, it was over... again... Several months into the school year, my Air Force paperwork was rejected by HQ. Prior drug use, self-injury scars, you name it and I had it. And perhaps for the first time, but not the last time, I totally destructed. I threw up everyday, my veins bulged, I was dizzy and disoriented and often forgot where I was or who I was. So, hence, a medical withdrawal. But with my autoimmune symptoms and underlying medical issues, I had to see a specialist. And with a sick twist of irony, that specialist was in Columbus, Ohio.  After a multi-month stint of being on bed rest and racking up over $150,000 in medical bills, I enrolled at Ohio State. And as I was sitting in a Slavic Film class on a Tuesday, I saw Briyana going into the nearby classroom in McPhearson Hall. And just like that, we reconnected again as if no time had passed. I was still sick in those days and hardly a hundred pounds, so Briyana became a caregiver to me of sorts. And we were inseparable.  Not soon after we reconnected, we moved in together in off-campus housing in Columbus’s Chinatown. She worked for Bob Evans and I worked for an insurance company, and we both attended classes full time. This was around the time that Obama passed all sorts of labor laws, one of which required employers to give certain benefits should their employees work a minimum number of hours. Briyana’s hours were cut by over half about a month prior to our next tuition statement coming due.  I told her about a site my friend Trina used, Seeking Arrangement. “You just go on dates with lonely men and they pay you.” If only it was that easy. I thought it was that easy. She signed up and when the day came to meet this guy, she couldn’t do it. So I went in her place. And I found out quickly that it had nothing to do with going on dates at all. But by this point, sneaking into college exams for Briyana was nothing really. I was willing to commit any conceivable sin for the person who nursed me back to health and I felt gave me my entire life back and more.  As I learned, three grand has a fucking high price tag. At nineteen years old, I was in way above my head. Blackmail. Guns. Threats. So I kept doing it, and I was so used it - just trying to survive. And then, amid all of this, Briyana met Jo. And everything I did is reduced to a kind favor but it’s all now in the past. One day, I came home from visiting my parents and our entire apartment was empty, right down to the missing bed, kitchen table, and shower curtain.  What did I have left? I was still enrolled at the Fisher College of Business and a part of a financial club on campus and investment banking program. The president of the club, C, had roofied me and assaulted me in months prior but that was semantics? This is the same one that threw me down a flight of stairs on my birthday, but why not? In hindsight, it was stupid of me to ever think his red hair could be a symbol for warmth instead of the fiery hell that he was. But still, I remember thinking that we could create something beautiful out of our individual brokenness. It’s still a sore point for me even now when I reminiscence on this and recall that he had dozens of me.  He knew about what happened with Briyana, and everything that it entailed to be her loyal friend. When we would fight, he would hold it all over my head and taunt me. Our relationship ended in the Sexual Violence Office at Ohio State and his degree was nearly revoked. I was ready to fight fire with fire. No one was going to blackmail me anymore. And then again, the void.  But I was so busy at work and trying to manage a full school load, I didn’t have any more energy or time to devote to interpersonal relationships. Until I met C. And there were so many red flags: twice divorced, three children, a war veteran, and a current prop fund owner based out of Manhattan. What could go wrong except everything?  C and I were engaged in three months. We met while he was traveling the midwest for work at a local bar near the college campus. At first, he was everything I ever wanted: an Italian, handsome man with incredible work ethic, passion for life, and wit. He was so sharp and so alluring, you could see peoples’ eyes watching him in restaurants, bars, and as we walked in the Short North. And he understood my pain well and had his own. We married and I moved back home to the northeast. We lived in Philadelphia and New Jersey. It was all great until it wasn’t. I can’t speak on it yet, but it was three long years of maximum verbal and physical abuse, resulting in me returning to Ohio in an effort to escape.  And then, now divorced and as frail as I could have been, I met, D. There was entire year, 2018, where I couldn’t leave my apartment without panic attacks, wasn’t working much, and wasn’t really going to school. I just existed. I finally joined a small insurance company that spring, and the following spring, as I was re-acclimating to society and, truly, life again, D came into my life. April 25, 2019.  And D gave me a lightness in my life that I never had before. And he made me laugh sincerely. He listened to me, and understood me, and respected me for all I was in the past, all I presently was, and all I hoped to be. He gave me my twenties back and let me, for the first time, be young and carefree. He would take me to beautiful places, like Maumee Bay in Toledo and state parks, and I took him to all my favorite secret spots around the city of Columbus. We would go to coffee cafes and parade High Street and laugh on the weekends like I had never laughed. I told him things I had never told anyone. And when we would make love, it felt like he was kissing and running his fingers across my soul.  And I realized by May of 2019, I never knew true love until I knew him. And it felt like everything that happened in my life had to happen in order to be there in that moment with him. Perhaps inappropriate, perhaps premature, but I knew I wanted to marry him. I knew I wanted a life with him for as long as my days on earth.  But as my feelings continued to strengthen and I felt with full certainty that I would spend my life with D, his feelings faded. I was too much. Being with me hurt. It wasn’t easy. And so as I thought we were building an empire, he was setting the house on fire to watch it burn. And I knew by the winter that he could never really love me. As much as I wanted him to, as much as I loved him, I couldn’t overcome that to love back was a choice and it wasn’t one he could make.  So February of 2020 happened. It will remain the hardest month of my life, perhaps until now. 

This was not cathartic or meaningful in any way. 

Soapberry Pride 2018

@ianncardero | @thegreatestfitzgerald | @faye-andrews | @mayaparker | @danisavin | @scarlettxruby | @bumblingbrujo | @freddiewatts | @ephrampettaline | @thisdaringdanny | @thisbrutalbelle | @cassiegermaine | @lilo-el-lobo | @rydenbolt

Iann looks around for Fane amidst the hubbub and growing excitement at the Savin Museum. It seems like the whole town (or almost the whole town) is there. And everything looks impeccable - which really, Iann wouldn't expect anything less from Savin. Funny how both Savin and Freddie had vision and also an ability to execute that vision to their exacting specifications, so everything looked professional and polished and downright gorgeous. This was a Euro-expertise, maybe, Iann thought in amusement given his own basic American brain. "Savin! Yo Savin, I got the gl - the disco ball!" Iann called out, hoping the vampire would just hear and locate him.

Fane had been in the process of tinkering with the last minute details for the event, having been texting back and forth with Iann during the day to coordinate what would hopefully achieve their own personal little mission to save the very town that would be participating tonight. Between them they had amassed a collection of weird and wonderful performances which should hopefully amass into a good evening all around. The main stage was set up, rainbow banners, confetti canons and lights not to mention a rather neat karaoke system on a stage a little way away. He'd even driven down the enchanted instrument set from the estate should people want to sing along to songs on the main stage. Around the square little stalls selling drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic along with snacks) catered to the milling individuals ahead of the event's commencement. So, when he heard Iann's voice he ducked up from behind a soundboard grinning "nice! We'll hook it up above the stage seems the best place I think." He pointed to a piece of rigging that he'd fixed up for the globe.

Iann shielded his eyes and squinted up at the rigging. "Great. I can get it up there and put it in," he nodded, noting the staging catwalk that led to the rigging. Iann feared a great many things but for some reason teetering heights never bothered him. He looked at Savin and clapped the vampire on the arm. "And hey!! This all looks great too. Better than great, this is one helluvan event." Iann wagged a finger at Fane. "Y'know after this you should consider a side-job as an event planner." Iann was joking of course; first of all because Savin already wore a lot of hats and second because Iann believed the vampire preferred to conceive and pull off own ideas, not catering to the whims and changeable fancies of random fickle clients. "Y'know I just realized that all I have to do once I get the globe up, is stand around and cheer people on. Unless you have some last-minute thing you need me for...?"

Fane smiled cheerily, "alright, just don't fall off the ladder I don't want to have to do a superman catches a falling Lois Lane on you, yeah?" But he pointed over to the ladder for Iann to get on with that job. "Cheers, it took a bit of work but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out... Hopefully people will want to get involved in the bits and pieces. Plus there's drinks and food, who wouldn't want to be here?" The concept of him being some sort of event planner caused him to chuckle, in all honesty, it wasn't the terrible idea of them all, "I don't know how well I'd work being beholden to other people's schedules." Going over to adjust a few of the stands he glanced at Iann, "awh, and there was me thinking you'd be helping to host. It is our event after all and you are great a bigging people up."

Iann blinked. "Host? For this??" Iann started to laugh and he shook his head. "Ohhh no no no, I'm - I'm not a stage...talking...guy. With the microphones and the snappy announcements and the nice outfits. Hosting, ah, performance stuff? I couldn't." Just looking at the stage, and the space where an expectant monolith audience would eventually assemble - it made Iann sweat. Spotlights were for bright shining stars; and Iann considered himself more of a random dark spot on a small moon. He tugged at his collar and then grinned at Fane. "You're a ball of charisma, huh? I guess, uh. Okay well I guess with you there I can totally stand there and do the occasional 'Yeah' and 'Right on'. And thumbs up. I can do the thumbs up." Iann demonstrated using two thumbs.

Miguel The problem with being an introvert that loved people and spending time with them, was that Miguel would get himself into all sorts of shenanigans. After a long three days of being the go-to guy for the Soapberry Pride festival, and the Gender & Wellness Q&A, well he was absolutely exhausted. He was supposed to be helping set up for the open mic night (which had somehow gotten blown up to talent show and... whatever else Iann was turning it into). He didn’t mind because that meant he didn’t have to help set up so much as watch Iann and Fane bumbling around. And there was the everlasting curiosity that meant Miguel wanted to know badly what was in the backpack Iann had insisted on tugging around for the past couple days.

Babs wasn't often flustered, but admittedly being put on such short notice to perform onstage was making that rare occurrence a reality as she hustled into the museum. She didn't have much in the way of props, but she'd commissioned Justine to use some magical shortcuts to whip her up what she needed, and she'd hired the woman's son Justin to lug the props to the venue for her. "We're here. Am I done now?" Justin moaned as he dropped the bags and boxes at his feet the second they entered. Babs sighed. "Take them backstage and you can leave." After glancing at the stage, brimming with pride and anticipation at the sight, she spotted Iann talking with someone nearby that she couldn't quite see. She approached them with a hastened step, every bit of her movement ready and raring to go. "Quite the set up you've managed, my boy."

Iann turned at the familiar voice, his face lighting up with joy. "Auntie Babs! Oh - no this wasn't me. I didn't do any of this, my talent show partner in crime did - Savin, this is my - this is Babs Fitzgerald. Auntie, this is Fane Savin, the bankroll behind the show." Behind Babs in the distance, Iann noticed that Miguel showed up as well and Iann gave the witch a wave and yet another thumb's up. Did Miguel come to do his poem slamming, or just to watch the show? Either way, Iann was glad he showed up.

Maya was curious as to what exactly this talent show put on by odd couple Iann and Fane would look like. Although she supposed Freddie and Iann could also be considered an odd couple and they had an excellent inn together. She arrived quietly, having no interest in being roped onto the stage again and not wanting to disturb the preparations. Upon spotting the group she smiled and waved, but didn't yet go over.

Fane looked at Iann with a slanted grin. “Oh come on, you can’t always hide in the shadows, knock a few drinks back and you’ll be fine and dandy, plus, who doesn’t love a thumbs up” Fane responded with one of his own. However, he was fast taken with a very, very familiar voice. Turning to look at the woman approaching he blinked once, then twice just as Iann introduced he spoke almost simultaneously – “Oh my god, Babs?” immediately forgetting what they had been discussing he stepped out from behind the bits and pieces grinning toothily "well I'll be damned, you are a sight for sore eyes darling."

Babs spoke with Iann as he finished, her grin taking over her entire face. "Fane Savin, yes, I know." She stepped forward and brought Fane into a quick hug, before turning to Iann. "Small world, this town. We met in Madrid decades ago." The memories flooded back to her, and without realizing, her hand went up to touch the area around an eye that had once been a bruised mark of shame and pride all at once. "I can't believe you're here, darling."

Iann "Well I'll be..." Iann said, sticking his tongue into the side of his cheek. Still watching them keenly, Iann took a step back from the pair and then another, then turned to let them get acquainted. Re-acquainted. Whatever. Iann hustled off towards the ladder, clambering up it to to catwalk suspended over the stage. He had a globe to install, and he might as well get that done now, while the good vibes were starting to roll in....at least it seemed like Savin and Babs had good vibes between them. But others were showing up as well, and Iann figured they were all mild and anticipatory for the show.

Fane happily hugged Babs back. "Too right we did, and we had a good time of it in the end" seeing how Babs subconsciously touched her eye he reached out and gave her elbow a little supportive squeeze knowing just what she was presently thinking of. "I was here back when we met, honestly I was tempted about telling you about it back then but our time was rather cut short. How've you been? When did you get here?" he quizzed with interest.

Babs appreciated the support Fane offered, but she just as quickly tucked her feelings away, standing up a little straighter and adopting a grin once more. "How I've been is a somewhat loaded question we should perhaps put a pin in," she offered. "But I got here just a couple of months ago. That would have saved me quite a bit of time," she said, quirking an eyebrow, "but I don't blame you for not giving into temptation. Despite less than satisfactory events that brought us together, in the end you still didn't know me from Adam to trust me with knowledge of a place like this." She looked around once more, taking in the area around her. "This museum, is it yours?"

Iann Once Iann was done with the rigging the globe, he got one of the stage hands to get the thing spinning, just to see how it looked. Spotlights shone on it as it slowly spun; and although it was smooth and not mirrored or faceted, somehow the globe seemed to refract light, sending beams in various directions like a little sun. It was a delightful surprise that was bound to only look prettier as the venue sunk into the evening. Satisfied, Iann shimmied back down the ladder and dusted his hands. He felt a lot lighter now, no longer toting that thing around; and so Iann took a quick little tour of the transformed town square, assuming Savin was to be held credible for everything arranged. Talk about last-minute work. People were bound to be attracted to it tonight. Iann simply couldn't see them failing at this task to keep Soapberry safe.

Faye had finally made her way to the museum stage, which seemed to still be in the middle of construction. Of a sort. A small crowd was mingling, and Faye moved through them, looking around for any familiar faces. She'd been 'coerced' into performing, so she'd decided to sing a few songs like she used to do back at Morgana's. She'd dressed up in leather jacket with black undershirt, glittering black pants that fit snugly, rainbow heels, and her hair pulled back into a fohawk of curls (sparkling with gold glitter) on top of her head. Her lips were a deep red and her makeup was just a classic smokey eye with winged liner. A bit of jewelry and she was set. She looked up as something sparkled above the stage, so transfixed on the little light that she ran right into someone.

Iann didn't even recognize Faye when she smacked into him. "Hey, I'm walking h - oh it's just you, hey," Iann's testiness faded and he grinned a Faye. "You look all rock-glam. Say, are you performing tonight?? Savin pulled some favours?"

Fane nodded at the topic that perhaps wasn't right for just this moment "another time then, we'll have to get drinks and you'll have to regale me of your life story hmmm?" His shoulders wiggled just a little his cheerful nature exacerbated by the fact she was here. But her summary of the fact he did barely know her was truth enough of the fact "yeah, that's true and it seems fate wanted to bring you here in its own time anyhow." Glancing over his shoulder at the museum and then back at her with a grin, "yep! Founded it all myself, I'm quite proud of it really."

"Jesus, you scared me," Faye said, gripping Iann by the arm. "And yeah. I got... 'coerced'.... Figured if I’m gonna do it should just go all out hm?" Faye said of her outfit. It was a bit outside her norm, but she found she liked it. "You the handyman for all this?" She pointed at the stage.

"As you should be," Babs confirmed. She'd always had a little dream in the back of her mind of founding a theater, but having something so concrete to her name was honestly less than fitting to her nowadays. "It's quite an accomplishment. I'll have to come see your collection when its not being so overshadowed."

"What's that mean? 'Coerced'," Iann said, putting his hands up to use air-quotes. "Unless this is a sex thing in which case don't tell me. And yeah - well - you look good, I like it especially if it's for stage. The hair...you're like a horse," Iann said reaching up and (gently, not to ruin the up-do) flipped a bouncy curl. "Ahhhh no - no this was all your fella's doing. I figured he both knew how to do all this, he liked doing all this, and best of all he could pay for all this." Iann grinned. "I sure do love working with fancy wealthy control freaks. And I mean that in the kindest possible way." In case Faye got offended on Fane's behalf. Freddie was similar in his design for Stonefruit; and once Iann learned that, it had been carte blanche for the fairy as well.

"I mean there was... a countertop and some... chocolate syrup and... I really don't remember the rest past the point where I just said 'YESSS!!'." Faye grinned at Iann, as she slapped her hand to her chest at the exclamation, drawing the eye of a few people standing nearby. But she just snorted at herself and bent her hair down for him to peruse. A bit of glitter floated down. "Thanks. It's been ages since I dressed up to sing anything." Faye grinned as she looked around, knowing Fane had had a hand in all of it as well. "Well, Fane is all of those things, so..." Faye didn't take offense on Fane's part, knowing Iann didn't mean it in a bad way. Hell, by the looks of the place there was no telling how much Fane had put into it. Though Faye was glad to see him out and having fun instead of wanting to hide inside.

Bella showed up with a rack filled with enclosed costume changes, pushing it while wearing an outfit likely more ridiculous than the ones in the bags just because what idiot wore heels knowing that would have to move things around? Honestly she had no idea where to put anything. "Hey, is there like a round back I should be taking this?" Bellamy asked to no one in particular.

Maya looked up as Bella walked in with a full costume rack. She shrugged in response, but having very little use for manners shouted, "Yo Iann, is there a backstage and also point me in the direction of booze?"

Iann shook his head and smiled as Faye yelled out her pseudo-orgasm 'yes' and people paused curiously. He applauded and nodded at the other onlookers to join in. "Our first performance of the night, people of the audience," he proclaimed, as they moved along. "You know what gets me is the clean-up afterwards, like. Oh god, oh yeah, oh baby. And then five minutes later you're both scrubbing with water and some magic erasers. Unless of course Savin's got servants to handle all that." "So you're going to sing! Oh that'll be fun. Good, maybe you can start the show, huh?"

Iann heard his name and looked behind him to Maya, and then further behind Maya to spot Bellamy and what seemed to be a long enclosed rack on wheels. "Oh my god, she's doing the fashion show," Iann marveled to himself, before he yelled out. "Oye, Bellamy! Just wheel it up that ramp there! You'll see the dressing mirrors all partitioned off, you can store your stuff there. Jesus, that girl is creative," Iann grinned proudly at Faye as he said that. To Maya, he replied. "Ahhhhh, there's some food and drink booths just down that path? Follow it and you'll get there. I think it's all open bar too, depending on how generous your benefactor is feeling tonight."

Fane heard a familiar voice and his head tilted in that direction and he almost succeeded in not gawking at Faye's loud exclamation though it was mostly her outfit mostly that struck him. In all honesty, he failed spectacularly and his mouth opened and closed "wow" he mumbled under his breath. Looking to Babs he took her hand and pulled her along with the comment of "c'mon, someone I'd like you to meet."

Maya pointed up at Iann to acknowledge his words and shouted back, "Cool, I'm gonna get on that." She turned to head down the path, knowing that if she had a drink or two she'd be sure to cheer loudly. It seemed like the least she could do considering her lack of stage worthy skills.

Darla beelined for the rack full of couture that looked like it was moving on its own up that ramp before realizing that there was a woman pushing it. A very small, very impossibly incredible-looking woman, right out of the pages of a magazine. "These are yours?" she asked, eyes round. "All these clothes?"

"Did I win?" Faye asked Iann, waggling her eyebrows. "I meanthe cleanup is worth it yeah?" she shrugged. "And the servants only come in if there's broken furniture or something on the antique rugs." Faye nodded. "Yeah. Singin'. And hey wait... no one said anything about starting!" Faye called in exasperation as Iann moved off into the crowd. "Ass!!" she called.

Ephram moseyed around the talent show arena, taking in everybody's outfits and costumes and whatnots with interest. He himself was still dressed down; even though he wasn't technically on duty, the main concession he'd made to changing it up was to wear one of the tie-dye rejects from Lilo's booth earlier.

Bella heard Iann and gave him a nod, so short in stature she wasn't exactly finding the large item easy to maneuver but eventually had it heading up the ramp when someone was there. Sandy blonde hair, evidently taller than her and...well, a figure Bellamy hadn't seen for a while. The vampire actually paused for a second, standing awkwardly on the ramp. "Yeah...I mean, enough for tonight, probably won't wear them again, not a lot of them are totally me," she said, pulling out the Ralph Lauren skirt she had picked inspired by Cassie. "You like any of it?" she asked.

Babs couldn't help but smirking as she saw Fane gawk in the direction of a woman a little ways from them. She didn't protest when her hand was grabbed, though she reclaimed it quickly as they walked.

Ryden had been to a museum... never in his life. But luckily, the decorations made it pretty obvious that the Open Mic Night will actually be happening there. He was pretty much all ready for his five minutes of glory, dressed in all black bartending uniform he wore at Erzebet's during work hours, a white apron shoved in the backpack he carried along with a few additional things Iann might not've been able to provide for Ryden's performance. He still had some remnants of electric blue in his hair from the blacklight party two days ago and it might take him some time washing it completely out. Looking about, because honestly everything just looked amazing, busy and confusing, he noticed Iann near the stage ((or on it I didn't follow through lol)), jogging up to him. "Yo, boss! I'm not late, right?" Because he kind of almost forgot about it.

Darla squealed, clapped, and danced around, swooping down to hug Bellamy tight before yanking stuff off the rack as if she knew exactly what was on there. Since she was only wearing a skimpy string bikini top and the barest little white ruffle skirt, she just pulled on the red-and-pink top, the leather jacket, and the YSL heels, discarding her own cheap stilettos carelessly. Primping her blonde hair, Darla posed and turned for Bellamy, saying, "I'm Darla. I haven't been in town long, and -- can I stick by you?" Her blue eyes shone hopefully as she clasped her hands, one long leg raising like a flamingo's.

Iann The clean-up is worth it. Iann had to ponder that for a moment, and then grinned when Faye protested going first. "Well someone has to go first, hermana. And your singing is a great way to warm the crowd up and get them in the mood." But Iann was distracted once more by Ryden jogging up to him, and before he could stop himself Iann was reaching up to try and fussily try to brush the blue stuff out of Ryden's hair. "You're just in time, Dodger. I got your set-up ready and everything, on wheels so it can just get on stage easy-peasy." It was really the only part of tonight that Iann himself specifically worked on, because he'd promised Ryden he would. He looked slyly at Faye and then back at the werewolf. "Do you want to go first? You're an automatic crowd-pleaser, honestly. People are still talking about the black light party."

Freddie strode in, garment bag over his arm, and looked around for Babs to collect his marching orders - but when he caught sight of her with Savin, the fairy wrinkled his nose, deciding that perhaps discretion was the better part of valour for the moment, and opting to hunt for Iann instead. Iann, however, he soon found to be chatting with Faye, and Freddie let out a small frustrated huff, before situating himself out of the way of the crew and the bustle, but still easily noticeable, should Babs begin to wonder where he'd got to.

Maya Beer and hot dog in hand Maya returned to the stage area. She was curious to see who all had gotten roped into performing. Ryden, Bella, Dani and Sam all she knew and she suspected that Faye had more than likely gotten roped in as well. When she arrived she considered offering to help, but decided it would be a too many cooks in the kitchen situation. And mostly that someone might rope her in to performing as well. She therefore hung back.

Ephram caught sight of Freddie easily -- height was to his advantage in any crowd -- and made his way over, kissing him hello. "Miss Babs better be careful with you," he admonished the fairy. "Sawing you in half is gonna endanger some parts of you I'm right fond of."

Ruby made her way towards the stage, bag over her shoulder. Holy shit there was a lot going on. But she saw a lot of familiar faces at least, as well as several she didn't know. She eyed the crowd for Dani, her friend being a lifesaver and agreeing to perform with Ruby. And it wasn't singing this time. She drifted a bit towards the back stage area, trying to get her bearings before she set about getting dressed.

Ryden swatted at Iann's hand but it was done absently, Ryden too used to his momma being the same way, only she wasn't so quiet about it and always had to point out just how much of a messy child he was on top of adjusting his clothing in public even when he was way past his teen days. "Sweet~" He said, in regards to his props being all set. When he suggested Ryden should go first, the young wolf just shrugged. "Whatever. Is that the backstage there?"

Bella was surprised when her question of whether or not the woman liked any of it induced such glee and in moments she was grabbing at things, Bella smiling as she pulled on the shirt she had chosen for Ephram, trying to contain her ample self in a size that was clearly designed for Bellamy. "Bella," she offered, letting go off the rack with her hand and reaching up to undo the strap of Darla's bikini top, the strings showing over the back of her clothing and the lines of it evident beneath the fabric. "Definitely not a cute look with this underneath but otherwise I think you look good," Bellamy said, not exactly confident enough to reach under her shirt and pull the bikini off completely. "And of course I want someone attractive sticking with me," Bellamy assured, starting to push the rack back up and heading into the back room where likely everyone would end up. "You in town for Pride week?"

Iann "Yeah kid. Damn you're amenable, I fucking love it. Head up the ramp behind the stage, hm? When you spot Bellamy and her giant rack, then you're in the right place," Iann said with a smirk because Bellamy very much didn't have a giant 'rack' in the slang sense of the word"

Faye nodded at Ryden, giving him a small smile in return.

Fane glanced around noting the fact that more and more people seemed to be arriving and present. The crowds were starting to gather out front as well so after a few last minute checks, another remark that he was happy to see her but that he had to go. With a few last moment checks to make sure people who were in the line up were prepped he took up a mic and stepped out on stage to the buzzing tune of 'I'm So Excited' which stirred the people in the Crowne to whoop and start clapping along. So far so good. "Wow!" he started voice echoing a little with the mic "hello everyone! And welcome to the show!" The crowd was buzzing and a glance up at the orb it was glimmering brightly looking at the crowds "what an audience," more cheers "this is it, we now have the ultimate lineup all hoping to leave tonight with an amazing set of prizes and a donation to their charity of choice. So are you ready?" he paused letting the crowd clamour and cheer seeming to start amping up the mood in anticipation for the show.

Iann elbowed Faye. "Holy shit, it's starting. I should go up there. Should I go up there? I don't think I should go up there and kill Savin's buzz. He's on a roll. He doesn't need me, nah, I won't go up there."

Darla wriggled out of the scrap of bikini and left that, too, where it fell as she accompanied Bellamy up the ramp, making no offer to help out and instead admiring herself in her new outfit. "Oh, attractive, me," she said in a dismissive (but clearly not really) way. "I mean look at you! Like you should be floating down a red carpet." Darla flicked through the rack again just in case, saying, "Even your name is glamorous, Bella." She came around it to stand on Bellamy's side, nodding at her question. "Might stay longer, if I feel like it. And find somebody who can help me stick around." Her voice slowed a little, getting more syrupy as she flicked the pad of her thumb over the back of Bellamy's wrist.

Ryden pursed his lips with a little frown. He wasn't entirely sure what 'amendable' meant when Iann said it. But that expression quickly faded to be replaced by a grin. "Ehehehe I see whachoo did there~" Because it was really hard to miss Bella's rack. Of clothing of course. But he caught the pun. With another quiet nod at Faye, Ryden jogged off to the backstage, noticing Bella there by her clothing line, talking to some chick he didn't recognize. Opting not to interrupt their conversation, Ryden listened to the announcements, checking his backpack to make sure everything was there.

Freddie lit up when he saw Ephram coming, and returned his husband's kiss with a smile; the arm holding the garment bag held carefully out of the way. "Hello, love," he said happily, "How's your day been so far?" chuckling at the teasing. "And I promise, hand on heart, that Babs'll get me back to you in one piece tonight - really, you'll be amazed at what she intends to do - but I think you'd best give me a thorough looking-over afterward regardless, yeah? Just to be certain everything's still the way you left it."

Babs broke off from Fane before he could introduce her to whomever he'd spotted before, and seemed to get distracted himself as he made his way to the stage. Just then, Babs caught sight of her lovely assistant, and made her way over to him. "Freddie my dear, are you ready to put our night of practice to good use?" She then noticed the man hanging off of Freddie, recognizing him from a picture Freddie had shown her. "You must be Ephram?" She held her hand out for him to shake. "I've only heard good things from this one," she teased, gesturing to Freddie.

Faye grinned at Iann. "Best to just let him do his thing," she laughed before putting her fingers to her mouth and whistling along with the crowd as Fane started things off.

Fane let the crowd clamour for a bit. "Alright then! Well let's get this show going shall we? Kicking us off tonight," Fane almost stopped to roll his eyes at the name that flashed up on the small screen but his smile remained and he pressed on seemingly unflappable. "Is a young man here to astound you with his skills and incredible mixology skills, and maybe even give you a few drinks if you're lucky and down here in the front" he grinned at a few people. "May I introduce to you, Mister Ryden Bolt! Give him a hand!" the crowd cheered and Fane spun the microphone stepping off to let the stage crew set up the bar on stage for Ryden.

Maya cheered loudly, raising her glass as Fane started off the show. When he introduced Ryden she let out a loud wolf whistle, a skill learned from some of Carson's Army buddies. She knew though that she had probably gotten lost in the crowd, but wasn't worried about it.

Iann When Faye told Iann to just remain off the stage, Iann nodded and waited until Fane had announced Ryden. He whistled and clapped loudly as Ryden took the stage, but bolted up the side stairs and catapulted towards Fane. "Savin! You wanted me there but Faye said I should let you do your thing but then I thought about just standing next to you but then maybe you are doing way better without me hanging around like the creepy weirdo in the shadows so --"

Ruby clapped from her seat in the wings as Fane introduced Ryden. The night was off to a fun start it seemed.

Ephram snorted, squeezing Freddie tight -- it was a good thing his husband had the foresight to save his wardrobe -- and was about to respond with something dirty when Babs approached. Straightening up with a slightly self-conscious grin, he took Babs' hand and said, "Yes'm. I'm glad to hear my darlin' husband keeps it fit for mixed company when he talks about my good features." He nodded at the stage, asking, "You two are gonna look like a million bucks in nickels and dimes up there together. Cain't wait to see the act."

Bella's smile pulled to one said as Darla clearly spoke with a fake modesty, she was obviously beautiful. Not in the same way Bellamy was. Bellamy looked airbrushed, like she wasn't totally real. Darla looked weighted by her beauty, like she couldn't quite carry all of it at once even though she knew exactly where all of it was. "Maybe, doesn't discount how you look," Bella assured, feeling Darla's thumb over over the back of her wrist, her hand twisting up to wrap around so she could run the tips of her fingers over the underside of her wrist. "I'm sure lots of people could help," she assured, a little distracted by the warmth she was getting from her skin, hearing the heartbeat of Ryden's arrival and pulling her hand back quickly. "I helped him get a job," she said, motioning over to the guy. "And have made him look a bit more presentable...are you wearing your work clothing?" she asked him, stepping slightly in front of Darla, like if he couldn't see her then he wouldn't try taking the attention away from Bellamy - even if it wasn't his intention Ryden was clearly gorgeous, it wasn't hard for him.

Freddie turned when he heard Babs' voice and grinned. "I was born ready, love - we're going to put everyone else to shame." And when the older woman put out her hand to Ephram, telling him how Freddie bragged on him at every opportunity, the fairy only smiled wider. "That's because there's only good things to say," he replied, squeezing his sweetheart a little tighter. "I mean, look at him," he said, eyes shining, "-and this is only the tip of the iceberg."

Faye followed behind Iann slowly, in no rush to shove through the crowd of people. Iann and Fane's budding bromance made her smile as she followed up the stairs, getting her first good look at Fane's outfit. "Wow..." she huffed, a stupid grin turning up one side of her mouth. She slung an arm over Iann's shoulder, leaning against him. "Can I take your friend home later?" she whispered to Iann, though it wasn't really a whisper and she was looking at Fane the entire time.

Darla 's eyes brightened up behind Bellamy as she spotted Ryden, something a little more cunning slipping into her expression. But she made no move, instead shifting up closer behind Bellamy so the vampire was aware of her warmth. And Darla was tall, so there wasn't much of a chance for Bellamy to forget she was there. "I want you to help," she whispered.

Ryden: Oh, this was him! Uh... Where are his stuff again??? Ryden looked about, finally noticing the makeshift bar counter on wheels. He carted it onto the stage, waving enthusiastically at the crowds. Positioning everything in place, the music already playing to set the mood. It took a minute to set everything up but he didn't let the anticipation build up for too long before the first bottle was up in the air and then... things just escalatedquickly as the young wolf performed impressive acrobatics in the rhythm of the music.

Ryden’s Act: http://youtube.com/watch?v=60GJ0dJ1xmE

Fane laughed as Iann approached, the lights catching and reflecting off the gold of his attire. "I might need you or at least someone to introduce me when I do my thing I'm totally not introducing myself because that'd just be-- well, weird." Though as Faye followed behind Iann and into sight Fane's smile turned lop-sided itself at her stage-whisper.

Ephram was inordinately pleased to be referred to as an iceberg

Iann laughed loudly (there may have been a snort in there) in relief at Fane's response. "Ah - god - yes. Thanks, that - I can do that." When Faye slunk over all slinky like, Iann loked from her side-smile to Fane's mirrored one. Both the vampire and the witch had the same sort of look in their eyes: one part predatory, one part absolutely goofy in love. "He has to be wooed first, Faye. You can't just go stampeding him straight the bedroom. Tell him he's beautiful before you rip off his clothes, hm?"

Faye: "Go let Bellamy dress you so you can introduce," Faye said, giving Iann a shake.

Bella turned, hearing Ryden's named called onto the stage. She knew what he was doing and had seen him do it a number of times at work so wasn't overly concerned about watching, mostly just hoping he'd save her whatever he ended up making and bringing one by. With him gone she turned, Darla quite close to her now, chest squeezed into the shirt she had chosen for Ephram and her muscles obviously tightened due to standing in heels. "Uh um - yeah - yeah, I can definitely help," Bellamy froze up slightly, she hadn't spoken to a woman who was so evidentally attractive to her in a long time. The large smile on her face had been enough to break Bellamy completely, especially as it was so rare in this town she found any women attractive, but she pulled herself together, stepping back and opening up what would be her first outfit. "Maybe find you some clothes that fit first."

Babs "You two are sickeningly adorable," Babs teased. "But I'm afraid I'll have to break up the love fest and steal my lovely assistant away. I've no word on the act order so we best be prepared for anything." Putting a hand on Freddie's arm, she began to lead him away toward the backstage area. She stole a glance up at the young man throwing bottles around in an impressively coordinated display, but her focus was getting backstage. Once they were more or less alone, Babs turned to Freddie, a rare look of panic in her eyes. "Freddie, darling...I hate to admit this but, my nerves are getting the best of me at the moment," she confessed. "Perhaps this wasn't a good idea."

Faye mock sighed dramatically at Iann. "But I don't like foreplay...  But fine..." She stepped away from Iann and walked over to Fane, looking him over before taking him by the lapels. "You look stunning, baby..."

Fane 's eyes crinkled happily at Iann and Faye's remarks. He was feeling, well, he was feeling good , really good. The mood of the situation and buzz generally infectious and plus, Faye taking him by the lapels practically drew his entire attention. Unable to help himself from snickering a little as Iann darted off. "Thank you love, and you-- well, you're looking absolutely ravishing." 

The wolf also really knew how to rile up the crowd, which became obvious during the blacklight party. Although he didn't have a microphone on him right now, that didn't stop him from communicating with the crowd, occasionally asking for an applause and cheer. The end product of Ryden's performance where three perfectly made margaritas in tall glasses and the young wolf ended up inviting three people on the stage to try them out - Maya, whom he'd easily noticed in the crowd, pointing her out, Babs and Freddie whom he didn't know but pointed out anyway. They were free to come up on the stage and try what he'd made.

Iann stubbornly thought he looked fine, but he'd been a wingman enough times to know a cue when he heard one and Faye was practically shoving him away by now to get to her fella. "Okay okay okay, I can take a hint. Savin! Let me know when you're on and I'll announce you." Iann stepped back down into the audience, right when Ryden finished up his set with delicious looking margaritas. Iann joined in the applause and hollering for the werewolf's mad skills.

Maya made a big show of being surprised even as she internally rolled her eyes. She should've known that somehow she'd end up stage. Pretending to fan herself she went up on stage before realizing that she had no free hands. "Hold my hot dog?" she asked Ryden before handing it to him. After taking a sip of what he'd created she turned to the crowd and gave an technically over-enthusiastic thumbs up.

Darla pouted at Bellamy's wanting to re-dress her, tugging the bottom of the already short top up so the hem landed somewhere just south of her boobs. "Yes? No?" she asked hopefully, but then pouted some more and said, "okay," when Bellamy decided a change of outfit was needed. Clinging to Bellamy's arm like a limpet, Darla declared, "I just knew I'd find somebody here who I'd be best friends with right away. But I didn't expect somebody with such style as you, Bella." Darla was laying it on pretty thick, but there was a ring of sincerity to her words. Or at least a greedy admiration underneath.

Taking Maya's hot dog for her, he took a bite out of it, much to the audience's amusement. It was his hot dog now.

Iann "YEAH! SHOVE THAT FOOTLONG IN YOUR FACE, HOTSTUFF," Iann cupped his hands to his mouth and hollers.

Ruby watched, a huge grin on her face as Ryden showed off his bartending skills. She clapped with the rest of the audience when he was done, laughing as the 'volunteer's came up to taste what he'd made.

The Watcher: ((Just imagine there's a 6'8" figure in the back of the room, overshadowed by his stenson hat and otherwise obscured by his shadowy overcoat. The figure says nothing but claps loudly after every performance.))

Maya caught Ryden taking a bite out of her hot dog out of the corner of her eye. She faked shock, even as amusement sparkled in her eyes. "I'm never getting that back, am I Batman?" she asked, too quiet for the audience to hear. She didn't set the drink now. It was collateral now, obviously.

Ryden: "Nope~ That's payback for the popsicle."

Bella didn't think anything there would fit her, she really meant later, another day, where Darla wasn't just picking things off a random rack of clothing but it was hard not to want to keep changing her back there, especially seeing her fidget with the fabric. She needed to get a hold of herself. Fortunately she attached herself to Bella and the vampire clung back, and was a pretty big sucker for compliments, even if they seemed oddly specific. "Thanks," she flushed, Darla's warmth able to bring a reddish hue to her cheeks. "Admittedly I can't judge your own, I'm guessing the bikini was because you were at the beach and not because you just wear them around, right?"

Maya shook her head, not surprised. "Then I'm not going to tell you about great you did," she replied, "And also this is mine now." With that she hopped off the stage gracefully, now double fisting her drinks.

Carting his props away from the stage, followed by a roaring applause, Ryden was done, slipping back so that the next performer could be announced. Not phased one bit that he'd just performed in front of a lot of people, he left the props where he'd found them and took off the apron he had on. Well that was a nice experience~

Faye blushed a bit beneath her rockstar glam makeup. "Flatterer. It's a bit of a change I know,"Faye said of her outfit, n ot letting go of himjust yet. "You havin' fun?" she smiled. "It's... this is amazing." She looked around, seeing all the people together and mingling (mostly) happily.

Fane smiled “thanks, it’s come together well hasn’t it?” Unfortunately had to break away from Faye, "I gotta go. Hosting," stealing a quick peck he squeezed her hand the crew signalling for Ryden to depart the stage and moving his things. "What a brilliant way to open the show, quite the display for you all hm? And now! Our local fashionista. Here to give you all a show you're bound never to forget-- Welcome to the stage, Miss Bellamy Barnes!"

Faye just grinned as he kissed her and moved off. She wasn't going to keep him, but it was SO nice to watch him leave.

Freddie leaned up and gave Ephram another kiss - this one much quicker - and said, "I'll be looking for you in the front row," then called back over his shoulder with a sparkly-eyed smirk as Babs led him off, "But if Iann sees you first, he just may try to put you on stage..." winking as he disappeared around the corner. Once he and Babs were on their own, however, and she admitted to her stage fright, fear bright in her eyes, the fairy sobered and took her hands in his. "You, love," he told her, "-are an incredible talent. You're going to knock this entire crowd on its collective arse." He smiled, holding her gaze. "Honestly, darling, your kind of skill deserves an audience to captivate," and then after a moment's pause, he added, "-plus I look bloody gorgeous in my outfit, and I want to show it off." Freddie grinned again. "So no more second-guessing, yeah? You're going to go out there and show all these people what magic really looks like when you work for it."

Darla "I was at the beach earlier, but I was wearing it mostly because of the Pride thing. I never been to one! It's so exciting." She flushed a little as well, looking down. "Well, probably not for you. You must be used to this sort of thing." Fane intro'd Bellamy just then, and Darla looked even more starstruck, if possible.

Maya cheered again as Fane returned to the stage to introduce Bella. She would've clapped too, but she still had no free hands.

Ephram dutifully worked his way up closer to the front, mindful of shorties in the crowd whose view he didn't want to ruin. Hearing Bellamy's name called, he gave a loud hoot and clapped, wondering what his friend would be doing. Surely she wasn't gonna caterwaul in front of all these folks. Ephram grinned at the thought, since he personally adored Bellamy's enthusiastic if not always on-key renditions.

Bella heard her name and it was only the good fortune of being a vampire that she was able to change quickly enough to make it out, unfortunately not able to respond to Darla God, she felt sort of silly. She'd sung in front of people, specifically planned songs to fit the specific vibe. This felt a little silly but it had been Iann's idea and she liked making him happy. Plus it was nice to show off her clothing that tended to sit for months on end in her closet. Iann's outfit was the first one and she went through each of the townsfolk, imagery of each persons name behind her with each outfit so they knew who it was for. There were a lot and she was grateful that Darla had fortunately removed the items she needed for each of the outfits. By the time she was on the final one her hair was messier than it started out and she was feeling a little bit dizzy. Fortunately though she made it backstage as the music concluded and inhaled and unnecessary breath of comfort that it was done.

Ryden decided to stick to the backstage, leaning against a wall at a good vantage point from which he could see the stage itself. He clapped when Bella was announced, vocally cheering for her too.

Darla Bellamy was met with a tall whirlwind of warm perfumy girl who slammed into her, shrieking in congratulations. "That was like a real live fashion show!" Darla screamed. "Ohmygawd you're not real. You're not! You can't be!!"

Maya watched with some awe as Bella displayed outfits inspired by all of them. The fact she'd pulled it together so quickly was incredible enough on its own. When the outfit apperently inspired by Maya herself appeared the witch shouted, "Fuck yeah all black!" She actually kind of liked the jacket and might have to make a point of asking Bella where she'd gotten it later although she suspected it would be out of her personal price range.

Iann was amazed that Bellamy somehow managed to pull it off, and yet she did. "THAT'S ME! That first one - it's me! It's me right?" Iann asked the stranger next to him, who ignored him to clap for Bellamy. To Iann, she was flawless - in execution and design and the way she walked and her hair and everything. Sure he didn't really understand some of her choices but that didn't matter because clearly the kids and the more artistic folk in the audience were over the moon over her style and flair. Ryden set a good precedent, and now Bellamy was carrying the torch of joy seamlessly. Iann glanced up at the globe, and it seemed brighter than ever. When it was over, Iann clapped so hard he almost felt like crying, it was getting a little overwhelming. But he had to stick around for Babs' performance, and to announce Savin's as well.

Ruby figured it was coming up time to get ready. She and Dani hadn't practiced all that much, just a quick run through of things they did during sparring sessions. But much faster and with a bit more... flair.

Ephram was entirely entertained that Bellamy had created an outfit for him and only mildly objected to the fanny pack, giving her a gentle heckling before she moved on to the next one. He resolved to catch up with Bella later and tell her how cool her bit had been, and also to find out what made her hair slowly stand on end like she was being electrified through the entire performance.

The Watcher claps very loudly with a slavic accent. You didn't know claps could be accented but here we are, the stranger did it.

Bella laughed hard when Darla approached her, a little awestruck by the sudden investment of the woman, it was exceptionally flattering. She knew that Iann was going to love it, and that he would likely be amused by her styling of him, and she had heard Maya's happiness at what had come out for her, making her quite pleased she hadn't screwed up, but this woman didn't even know her and while she was definitely intense none of it seemed particularly fake. "I mean, a fake fashion show like they'd do in high school to raise money for like...prom or something," she laughed a little bit, putting her hand on the girls arm. "You should see a real fashion show. I should see a real fashion show," she corrected, Paris Fashion Week was like her entire goal to attend one day. "Did you like my outfit for you Ryden?" she asked, seeing the guy standing all alone.

Babs held Freddie's hands tight when he took them, listening to his words as they soothed her troubles. It wasn't stage fright per-se, though she admittedly had her previous 'failure' at the forefront of her mind whether she liked it or not. "Yeah," she answered, taking a deep breath. "You're right, my dear, let's blow them away." She led them over to where Justin had set up all the props before promptly disappearing, and a stagehand passing them by informed them that they were next up. Babs hadn't been this nervous in decades, but she swallowed it down and stamped it out, focusing all that nervous energy into the cards she was twirling around in her hands.

Darla turned with Bellamy, her arms slung around the vampire's waist, giving Ryden a breathless, sultry smile. "Ryden," she repeated. "Wasn't she amazing, Ryden?"

Fane clapped as Bella finished up her piece, and walked onstage doing precisely that. "Well, wasn't that a beautiful display of our local fashion? Quite a celebration indeed!" The crowd was still cheering and clapping, all going well so far. "Are you ready for more?!" a roar of approval came in response, "alright then! We've had drinks, we've had design-- now what about a little bit of... danger hm?" His eyes glittered as a murmur went through the crowd, "may I present, Dani Savin and Ruby Devereaux to the stage!"

Ryden: The young wolf, too focused on the actual show and what was going to happen next was kind of surprised when someone addressed him during his lone wolf moment. He glanced at Bella and the woman she was talking to, eyebrows slightly raised. "That's my baby doll, yo." He pushed off the wall to approach them, slipping an arm around Bella's waist all smooth-like. "Hey babe. That was effin' amazing."

Ephram idly purchased some kind of fund-raising candy from an atronach child and instantly regretted it when he realized the marshmallows were coated not in melted caramel but in melted hard butterscotch. Still, he whooped when Fane announced Ruby and Dani, wincing as he pried one of the marshmallows coated in rock-hard candy off a tooth.

Briefly distracted by another announcement, Ryden peeked at the stage again. Oh wow, this town was so small. Apparently his ex and Ruby knew each other. Fuck that, the entire world was like as big as a backyard it seems.

Bella had to believe that Ryden was affected by Darla and how she spoke. Between herself and the woman Bellamy had to look about tweleve years old, but he seemed unaffected, walking over she suddenly had both Darla and Ryden's arms wrapped around her waist and was actively convinced this had to be some kind of punishment. "I made a much cuter you than you do, which was quite difficult, puppy, you're terribly handsome," she told him, wrapping her own arms around the two taller companions she now had. "You save me any drinks we can share?"

Darla narrowed her eyes at Ryden for a moment before her expression smoothed out, all breathy anticipation and warm openness again. "Oh," she peeped at Bellamy, "is this your boyfriend?"

Freddie "Course we will," Freddie said, leaning in to buss her cheek, and then quickly changing his clothes right where he stood, not caring at all who was watching. He glamoured his discarded street clothes into a handful of coins, sliding them into his pocket (he could, of course, have not bothered changing at all and simply glamoured the whole thing - but where was the fun in that?) before following Babs to their collection of props, confident that he knew precisely what to do and when, watching appreciatively as Babs handled her cards. Marveling because she really was something to see.

Maya finished off the drink she'd stolen off the stage as Fane came back out to announce the next act. She almost didn't remember to swallow before wolf whistling again for Dani and Ruby.

Ruby was standing with Dani, waiting on their names to be called. She really didn't feel nervous, but she'd only ever done this in the training room. But what the hell. Her sword was in it's sheath in her hand, a long, curved katana that she'd been using for just over a year now. Ruby walked across to the far side of the stage, reaching into a small pouch at her side and bringing out what looked like a black ball about the size of a tennis ball. She didn't say much, just waited on Dani to take their own spot opposite. When they were set, Ruby tossed the ball into the air, in a high arch towards Dani, as they did the same. At the right time, Ruby pulled her sword from the sheath in a great sweeping arch, slicing the ball in half and exploding glitter and sparks all across the stage, while the same happened on Dani's side. "Just in case you thought they weren't real," Ruby said towards the audience as the glitter died down.

"He dreams of being my boyfriend," Bellamy teased, knowing Ryden had no intention of dating considering what had only just happened to him but knowing that wasn't anyone else's business. "No, my boyfriend has his kids right now, he might be by later," she smiled of Miles. "Ryden just enjoys being handsome around me, plus he works at my restaurant."

Ryden, apparently, was absolutely clueless that each outfit was supposed to represent a person. "Oh! So, one was like, inspired by me? Heh, which one?" When Darla assumed something slightly inappropriate but definitely amusing, Ryden barked out a loud but charming laughter, energetic, boyish and showing off the unnaturally white, sharp canines. "Naw. Just her sex slave."

Ephram saw Cassie and rushed to join her, neverminding her fella being around. "Hey!" he greeted her, waving. "Heeeeey! Are you gonna do a talent? Thing? Up there later?"

Bella smirked, shaking her head. "How rude that you couldn't tell," she pouted playfully. "Leather jacket and exceptionally tight blue jeans, that's like all you wear."

Darla took in this information, just listening for now but not letting go of Bellamy one fraction. "I dunno," she mused, "if jeans should be anything other than exceptionally tight. On the right people." She looked at Bellamy, her long lashes sweeping slowly as she then looked over at Ryden.

The crowed around him seemed to explode into cheers when the sliced ball exploded into magical sparks and glitter, which of course gave the globe a further lively shimmer. "Good going Ruby," Iann said, clapping and whistling some more. And Dani too, but Iann knew this wasn't the tiny human's only performance for the night. Savins never did things by halves.

Cassie looked through some of the crowd, trying to spot Lilo with Addie since they shouldn’t have been too far behind. They might have been doing two different acts, but they did in fact arrive together. “Hmm?” Cassie turned eyebrows raising when she saw Ephram. She took a step back so she could see all of him and nodded, fixing her jacket some, “Yeah gymnastics. Balance beam. What about you? Performing some rockin’ Cotton Eyed Joe or something?”

Lilo was standing next to Cassie, colorful rainbow baby strapped to his chest in some kind of new-fangled papoose, his guitar case in one hand. He was feeling pretty good about the whole talent thing at first. Now he was feeling less than chopped liver with how Ephram, rude and unrepentant, breezed past him.

The swords were very, very sharp. Not blunted or charmed. She and Dani had practiced a long time for Ruby to move up to real blades. But they weren't done yet. The color was just to show the authenticity of the blades themselves.

Lilo standing next to Cassie after sneaking up from the crowd of course. He hadn't announced himself yet.

"A boy can dream yo~ Dreams are for free and sometimes they git wet~" Ryden landed a quick peck on her cheek. "Oooh okaaay, nice! And I'm not rude, I'm poor and have no fashion sense." He then realized he didn't really properly introduced himself to this other woman. "And who's your friend?" Now this look from Darla he did not miss. A terribly charming smirk pulled at the corner of his lips. Ryden didn't use his charm on Bellamy, simply for the fact that she was taken and he wasn't the homewrecker type. But with Darla, he turned the charm up full bast, like the perfectly sculpted muscles and a handsome face weren't enough.

Fane pulled out his phone, typing off a quick text to Ryan about bringing Bear around soon since they were presently between acts and he knew he would probably be up soon.

"Only sometimes?" Bella teased, a little defensive as Ryden seemed to have taken the attention of the woman, as Bella suspected that he would. It wasn't like Bellamy was delusional, Darla was...crazy hot and sweet and adorable, least so far, but she had Miles and she still considered it cheating even if it wasn't with a dude, but it had felt pretty nice to have someone be so immediately excited about knowing her. Most people tended to be a little more resistant these days. Even Ryden she'd had to put in a bit of effort with. "This is Darla," Bella said, pulling her closer, to the place Darla had pulled away from.

Ephram paused in accosting Cassie to holler at the stage and clap loudly, highly resembling a Wookie more than anything. "Gymnastics!" he half-shouted at Cassie before remembering to turn down the volume again. "I cain't wait to see it, that's sure gonna be a sight to see." He couldn't help biting his lip at the idea of it, gaze traveling over Cassie's form before he pulled himself together enough to snort at her question. "Din't nobody ask me to do nothin'," Ephram declared, "so I took that as a hint." Belatedly, Ephram noticed Lilo and stared at him with that thoughtful look again before saying, "oh, hey, din't see you there, Lilo."

To say Dani was brimming with excitement might have been an understatement. Nothing thrilled them quite like the prospect of a sword fight, and now that Ruby had honed her skills, they were just as excited to show off what she had learned. Dani held their blade loosely in their hand, giving it a quick spin as they reached the stage. As they had planned, they tossed their sphere of glitter to Ruby as Ruby did to them. It was essential they demonstrate that this wasn't just a mock spar. That wouldn't be nearly as thrilling. "Because what fun would that be?" Dani grinned out at the audience and proceeded to walk to the opposite end of the stage from where the other woman was standing. Her instructor eyed her across the space as if to inquire whether or not she was ready.

"I'm Darla," she repeated, reddened lips curling into a smile as she nestled back against Bellamy but kept looking at Ryden. "Bella's taken me under her wing, isn't that the most sweetest, wonderfullest, kindest thing you ever heard?" She turned and kissed Bellamy's cheekbone, leaving a little slick of gold-flecked gloss.

Lilo offered a small little wave. "Oh hey Ephram, you excited to see Cassie's gymnastying all over the stage too?" He pushed himself into the conversation just as cheery as he could. Bouncing off and on to give Addie a playful and wiggly ride.

Ruby circled a bit as Dani moved, keeping her own place for the fight. When Dani stopped and eyed her, Ruby gave a dip of her head and pointed her sword at Dani in the ready position. Music started playing in the background.

Ruby: http://youtube.com/watch?v=s0hNYub-y5E

“Nothing?” Cassie said a little surprised. After all, it seemed like plenty of people had gotten wound up in the show. She shrugged, “I suppose we need just as many supportive audience members anyways.” Cassie laughed, turning when Ephram mentioned Lilo she smiled when she saw him. “Not all over the stage.” Cassie waved her hand to clear any confusion. “They’re hardly set up for that. Anyways, Lilo’s singing with Addie.” She announced for the other man’s benefit. “Which is just the cutest.”

The Watcher stands up to get a better look. Makes "whoo" sounds, again with a thick slavic accent.

Ephram nodded solemnly. "Wouldn't miss Cassie gymnastying for the world," he drawled, a smirk just barely crossing his face before he was distracted by Addie. "Well now -- ain't that gonna be jes the sweetest thing!"

"Hey Darla~" Ryden practically purred her name, looking her up and down with bright gray eyes. "How come I never seen ya around? I usually notice pretty things real quick." Looking back at Bellamy, his grin widened. "She does that, yes. Took this stray pup in too. Back when I was hangin' out in a cardboard box with an adopt me sign around me neck."

Bella felt the kiss to her cheek and leaned into it, feeling the stickiness of the gold gloss on her now, not wiping it away. "Too distracted by other pretty things maybe?" Bellamy suggested.

Lilo: always seemed to grow an inch taller under Cassie's praise, no matter what it was. "Aww, Addie is going to be the star of that performance, yes she is. Yes she's gonna steal everybody's heart." He held out his hand, letting Addie grab at his fingers.

Darla visibly went all slinky at the tone of Ryden's voice, explaining, "I just got here! Brand spanking new in town and ready to get to know people." She beamed at them both. "Like you two. Already such nice, generous, beautiful company." Darla shifted, a circuit of her hips brushing against them both lightly enough that it could have been deliberate or totally innocent. 

"Well we're a beautiful town," Bella agreed of Darla's comment but was confident Ryden couldn't be quite as generous as she could be, as conceited as that was. Darla seemed to draw close to both of them once more and Bellamy knew Ryden's comment about dreams was definitely going to be an issue that evening. "Maybe after the show you can help me take my clothes home," she suggested to Darla.

Cassie chuckled a little nervously at Ephram’s response, “Yeah, I don’t know how well I’ll do. It’s been a little while since I’ve done gymnastics formally. Other talents are probably more exciting too.” Cassie found gymnastics was sort of an acquired taste.

Dani waited for Ruby to find her stance before they settled into their own. They each had their own different styles of wielding a blade - Ruby with her favor for the katana and Dani's for blades with a slight curve to the edge. They were confident in Ruby's ability to both defend herself and advance, which was why Dani hadn't opted for much in the way of skin cover. And again -- this was all about putting on a show, right? As the music started, they allowed for a few tense seconds of stillness to pass before dashing forward to make a strike at Ruby's middle. Simple enough to dodge.

Maya cheered loudly as Dani and Ruby started to swordfight. She absolutely going to have to ask Dani to teach her that.

Darla pressed briefly against Ryden as she bent to fiddle with the strap of her shoe, giving him a glimpse of her breasts. "I am one hundred percent going to help you with those clothes," she said to Bellamy with a brilliant smile, the corners of her eyes crinkling from it. "I would love to see where you live, Bella."

Lilo clapped around Addie to not jostle her too much. "Look baby girl! Look at those cool people fight? Huh? Maybe you wanna be a real cool badbaby fighter. Well There will be two people to ask to teach you." Lilo grinned and smiled at Addie as she mostly cooed at the lights reflecting off the swords.

Ruby pulled the blade back over her shoulder, parallel with the ground as she waiting on Dani to advance. Her own outfit wasn't much different from Dani's, having grown used to the other woman's workout style as they'd trained. Dani came in with a fierce swipe towards Ruby's bare midriff, a move that would have split her open if it hadn't been blocked. Ruby swept her bladedown and pushed Dani's blow to the side, arching back up and advancing with a downwrds strike of her own towards dani's s houlder.

Fane figured that for the time being he wasn't specifically needed stage side, and so he wandered off to fetch a drink. Scanning the audience he spotted Maya and walked over. "Hey!" he gave her a one-armed hug "how you enjoying it so far?"

Bella if Darla wasn't looking she'd have poked her tongue out at Ryden she was that mature in this situation, but fortunately she was and instead just gave herself a short glimpse at what her movements were showing off. "Let's head out then," she smiled, grabbing the rack and Darla, actually poking her tongue out to her friend as she walked her off.

"Oooh, welcome then! Hope ya have a good time in this crazy town. We're all mad here~" Reference perfectly deliberate, Ryden added. "Yes, yes, and beautiful too." Smiling at the light kiss, he looked back to the stage, following Dani and Ruby's performance for a bit. Apparently, there was a sword fight going on there and he totally missed the view down Darkla's titty crack though he still placed a firm hand on her arm to help her balance. "Hooly shit, this is friggin' awesome~ Gotta watch this shit. Darla, if Bella ever gets ya to Erzebet's, I'lll gladly get ya a drink~" He winked at the taller blonde, swooping in to give Bella a quick kiss on her cheek. "Bye, babes."

Maya was so intent on watching Ruby and Dani that she didn't notice Fane until he was right next to her. She jumped a little before laughing. "It's been really amazing so far. Although I lost my hot dog," she wanted to finish that sentence to a hot dog, but decided that as much as Fane might appreciate the pun the person it was about might mitigate that.

Danny was not in the show as he had no real talents but hearing that Freddie would be he knew he had to make it. Unfortunately it seemed as though he had missed a few acts by the time he showed up. Sneaking in the back he patted Ryden on the back. "Hey mate," he said. "Miss a faerie and a human doing some magic?" Danny asked, wallaby by his side.

Ryden: "Oh hey mate! Uhh... Honestly, I didn't pay much attention. I think there weren't none ye-- what is that?" Ryden pointed at the wallaby, kind of weirded out by it.

"Oh, yeah, you didn't meet Steve last time," he said with a grin, looking to his side at the wallaby half his size. "This is my familiar, Steve," Danny introduced, the wallaby holding his hand out to Ryden. "He doesn't come with me on dates often so he was at home when you saved me from that psycho vamp."

Fane lightly jostled her once she settled, slightly playful and mostly relaxed. "I'm pretty happy with how it's come together honestly, surprising considering it was an absolute last minute flying by the seat of our pants put together by Iann and me" he smiled his eyes fixated on the stage as he spoke. The remark about her hot-dog however, earned a side-look from Fane, "you want another one?"

"Whoo!" Lilo whoo-hoo'ed the fight. Holding up Addie's chubby baby arms and letting them wiggle like she was cheering on the display herself. "Ahah, Cassie look at this!"

Cassie looked over at Addie when Lilo spoke to her. She scratched her chin watching the sword fighting for a moment before she said, “You might be better teaching her that. And I can teach her things like ballet and ice-skating.” Cassie leaned in to give the baby a little tickle.

Ryden couldn't help his eyes going wide as saucers as the creature stuck out its... paw? to shake hands. Ryden took it and shook it lightly, a big grin coming up on his face. Shit, he shook a kangaroo's paw! "Oh, okay, yeah, makes sense. What's a familiar??"

Faye had moved off to warm up a bit, and came back over now that the competition was underway. She heard the sound of metal on metal and paused to watch Dani and... was that Ruby?... sword fighting. "Shit," she said to herself, glad she had magic to defend herself with. She'd cut her arm off trying to do that. She moved over to where she saw Fane and Maya chatting. "Hey, girlie," Faye said, giving a lock of MAya's hair a gentle tug. "You joinin' in all the fun tonight?"

Lilo smiled at Cassie, "Hey! a kid who knows her ice-skating and sword-play is a well rounded kid!" Lilo grinned up at his fiance, then nodded at the crowd in general for someone to hear him an agree. He'd expected Ephram but supposed the man was slightly more engrossed with finding show snacks, or biting his husband's ears, or something akin to that.

"Dude, I'm a faerie, he's like my...magical buddy?" Danny tried to explain simply. It was an awful explanation of what Steve was and Danny got a pretty intense glare from the wallaby for it but for someone who didn't know it didn't seem that bad to Danny. "When I was born he just like...suddenly existed and I've had him ever since. He's much smarter than me though, got his own mind and all that."

"Oooh! Faeries get that??" Ryden was seriously impressed, staring at the familiar. "Meanwhile, I obviously get to turn into mine. Balls. How are ya man? Good? Neck healed up?"

Dani grinned when they felt their blade collide with that of Ruby's. Her response was swift and practiced, and Dani couldn't have been prouder. However, that didn't mean they were going to be nice about it. Ruby pushed their blade to the side and Dani moved with it, skipping back only to crouch as Ruby's katana came down. They turned the edge of their blade upwards, but at a slight tilt. When the two swords met, the smaller of the two fighters pushed forward by the balls of their feet, leaving a trail of sparks as blade slid against blade and the lower of the performers used their position to dart under their opponent's arm. They sprung back up behind her with a practiced grace, this time a swipe toward her neck.

Cassie “I agree.” Cassie nodded to Lilo before taking his arm and motioning over to a small group, “Let’s go say Hi to Faye and Fane. The other girl Maya is from last night too – remember?”

Maya nodded, "Yeah. It seemed a little..." She searched for a good word, "Last minute when Iann mentioned it yesterday." It still seemed to her like perhaps something else was going on, but she decided again not to ask about it. She shook her head, "Nah, but I should eat later." Now that she was less laser focused on the stage she heard Faye approaching and therefore didn't jump when she appeared. Shaking her head at Faye's question she replied, "Nah, I don't have any stage appropriate skills." She also wasn't a fan of being the center of attention either, which seemed to make her something of an outlier in the Savin family.

"I bet your wolf is awesome though, dude, most people think I'm a wolf cause I'm just huge and hairy but as you have witnessed I don't have your strength," Danny complimented, running his fingers over top of Steve's head while he watched what was happening upon the stage, it was quite interesting to him. "Yeah, necks all good, bloods all back in my body. Now to find a new vampire to hopefully not murder me," Danny laughed.

Lilo let Cassie lead him to be more social, "Oh yeah! Sounds good!" Along the way Addie saw the big fuzzy wallaby, and wiggled to see it more clearly. "Puppy! Puppy!" It wasn't quite right, but that was Addie's best animal reference, and she made little grabby hands towards Danny's familiar.

Ruby was taller than Dani, and that sometimes gave her an advantage. As she blocked the strike and Dani backed away, she couldn't help the grin that spread across her face. Though she didn't let it distract her for one second. Because Dani wasn't going to let up. Sparks flew as the swords met again and Dani used their smaller size to put Rubys' back to them. She felt more than saw the strike coming and dipped forwards, catching herself on one hand before swiping a leg out in an attempt to catch Dani off guard before she pulled around in another sweeping arch.

"I have no friggin' idea, I feel anythin' but cool when I go wolf. Mostly I just end up shittin' squirrels for the next week." Ryden shrugged. "Hey, ya be careful yo, don't let 'um terminally anemic chicks get ahead of ya~" He chuckled but was actually relieved Danny was okay now.

"Everyone got stage skills," Faye grinned, though she knew her opinion was biased. She didn't say anything else about it though, since it wasn't a big deal. EVeryone seemed to be having fun, so that was the important part. "You call Ryan yet?" Faye mentioned to Fane. She knew he was bringing Bear up for an act, and didn't want him to have forgotten in all the other things he had going on.

Danny "Ew, as a freakin' human?" Danny asked, frowning in shocked. That sounded fucking disgusting, no wonder Steve was a vegan. Danny laughed at the guys joke and shook his head. "Nah, I don't normally chase vampires, but it happens sometimes. They're so strong, it's super hot to me. You got anything going on right now, mate?"

Fane smiled, now that Faye was here he slipped his free arm around her waist lightly kissing her cheek. "Yeah, he'll be over probably just after the next act so guess it'll be me up there in the spotlight."

"YUP." Ryden confirmed, his blank expression revealing that he was completely unamused by that himself and definitely really grossed out but unlike Danny, he was cursed to get used to it. "Well, at least I think it was a squirrel. Coulda been a rat. I don't know." He shrugged. "Uhh, right now? No, just watchin' the show. I've already been up there, done my thing."

"I can't wait to see you up there," Faye said, leaning close. It had been a busy day, and they'd not seen each other much, so she'd steal whatever time she could get.

"Least it's just squirrels and rats and not like...humans," Danny pointed out, that would probably not be something anyone could just get used to. "I meant you sleeping with anyone?" Danny laughed, shaking his head. "Tell me what you did though up there."

Maya made a face and said in a perfect imitation of a teenager, "Oh my gawd are you guys going to make out? Is this what it means to have parents? That they make out in public. Ewwwwww."

Ryden: "Hopefully..." Ryden shifted awkwardly where he stood because, well... maybe he did. The mere thought made a shiver run up his spine. But the next much brighter topic put a grin on his face "I've... sneaked into some beds, sure. And uh, I did some flair bartending I guess. You gonna do anythin'?"

Faye snorted. "I mean... we can? I'm up for some PDA if you are, love?" Faye said to Fane. She was kidding - mostly - because this was a family friendly show. But she coudln't help the light teasing.

Danny "Hopefully...I mean, no one in town has died lately, right? Except, you know...old people," Danny assumed. Ryden would have had to have checked if he was worried about it, right? "Some beds, nice," Danny nodded his head. Of the people around here admittedly he hadn't snuck into that many. "Oh nah, I'm a talentless dude, I'm only good at getting my arse kicked and this isn't the place for that."

Fane lifted his eyes from Dani and Ruby on the stage to the orb that spun reflecting the lights across the audience, it seemed to practically be humming with life and brightening all the more with each act that came on and performed. Good. At this rate the town wouldn't be destroyed and they would be able to get their local geologist back from the quagmire she had unfortunately been nymph-napped into. Maya's impromptu exclamation caused him to draw his attention back. "I'd hardly say that classifies as making out," he stage-whispered to Faye then "clearly she doesn't know what it is" giving Faye a gentle squeeze where he had his arm looped about her waist.

Faye had leaned against Fane, looping an arm casually around his shoulders and toying with the ends of his gold-flecked hair as she watched Ruby and Dani start to head towards the end of their routine. "Mmm, maybe we should clarify?"

Maya laughed, "Do you want me to tell you just how much I know about making out? I'd be happy to provide details." She stuck her tongue out at Fane. "I think I'm going to grab something to eat quick, anyone else want something?" she asked.

Fane almost purred under Faye’s attentions, little though they were, but he shot Maya a mildly disturbed look. “Yeah-- no thanks love, as much as I’d happily entertain you I don’t want to be scarred by Maya’s exploits.” Specifically because of who he knew they involved and it was generally a bit weird anyhow.

"True." Which Ryden didn't really check because he just hoped he didn't step over that particular line. He was pretty sure he didn't. He'd remember THAT, wouldn't he?? "Pshhh come on, can't be that bad." He grinned at Danny, giving him a light jab in the shoulder.

Danny "I am exceptionally talentless, mate," he grinned. He had talents really but nothing that could be displayed on stage. "I'm going to go find Freddie and wish him good luck though. Don't eat anyone," Danny taunted, walking off.

Though there was a disadvantage by default fighting someone who was taller than you, Dani had grown up training with people who were taller than them - primarily their father and his progeny. But their father and his progeny had trained Sam, as well. Dani had been sparring with him for over two decades, and fortunately, Ruby was only an inch off his height. The moment her hand hit the ground, they knew what was coming, because they had taught Ruby that trick, as their guardians had taught them. Believe it or not, swordplay wasn't just about sword skills. They timed the move in their head, tapping into the muscle memory of every time they'd been knocked on their ass in practice. Instead of attempting to dodge it, they held fast until it was almost too late. When the moment hit, they hopped, just barely, like skipping a jumprope, and Dani used that brief period between her movement and her return to make a move of their own. As Ruby swept around, Dani stepped into the swing and met her blade at a perpendicular angle. The risky closeness allowed them, with a smirk, to hook their leg around her ankle and pull - which threw her off balance and onto her back. They circled her with their blade pointed down, still wearing that smirk, though an encouraging light still lingered behind their golden eyes. "Tired, yet?"

Ruby had expected Dani to counter, but she was NOT expected to be flat on her back so quickly. She let out a grunt, but immediately brought her sword up into a defensive posture, her eyes following Dani as they circled her. This was a dangerous position to be in, and a few months ago Ruby would have admitted defeat. But she had learned from some of the best. She grinned, breathing hard but not winded. "Hardly." She swiped her up towards Dani's, sparks flying as the blade was pushed away with just enough time for Ruby to leap to her and come at Dani again, using their momentum against them as they had to back up to keep out of range. The two went back and forth until finally, after a flurry of flashing steel and swiftly moving bodies, sword met flesh: Dani's sword under Ruby's chin. With a grin, having no qualms about not being the victor, Ruby consented defeat, lowering her sword. But not the grin on her face. "Took you long enough," she told Dani before the two stood, bowed, and exited the stage for the next act.

The Watcher approves and applauds. "Is good show. Even without ze blood."

Lilo was just minding his business, intent on grilling Fane if there was some sort of bet between him and Iann, and maybe setting up a playdate with Wyn and Addie when Addie started screaming. "Puppy! Puppy! Pet! LET PUPPY!" 

Cassie looked over to what seemed to be taking the baby’s attention. Cassie wouldn’t be surprised if it was a puppy, but it wasn’t even close. Which caused Cassie to laugh out loud, “That’s not a puppy, silly girl.” She shook her head, “It’s a wallaby-“ She side glanced at Lilo, “That must, of course, belong to someone.”

Lilo sighed, always one to indulge. "Okay, okay, lets go say hi to the not-puppy and maybe find the, it's a fairy's thing right? The famly-mer, Fairy family member thing?" Lilo asked Cassie beside him as they meandered closer to Danny. Maybe beg the guy to indulge the child who just seemed obsessed with the new animal, eyes boggling, and yup Lilo was already holding her little hands in his so they wouldn't get too grabby.

Realising he would be needed up on stage again, Fane stole another quick kiss from Faye apparently this would be a night of short lived moments and with a final squeeze slipped away from the group. Taking up the microphone again to continue hyping up the audience ahead of announcing, “the marvellous, the mysterious, the beautiful -- GREATEST FITZGERALD!!”

Babs heard the announcement of their act and a rush of adrenaline surged through her spine. Applause hit her like a wave when she entered the stage, and just as they'd planned, Freddie began to glamour up some smoke to make her entrance all the more magical. "Good evening everyone!" she boomed, holding her hands out to address the crowd. Already more were paying attention to her than that fateful night in Vegas. A good sign. "I'm so pleased to be part of this wonderful celebration of love and acceptance. I'm well aware that many of you have magic interwoven with your everyday lives, but tonight I'd like to regale you with my own brand of magic. If my lovely assistant would join me on stage please?"

Freddie When Babs called for him, Freddie stepped out onto the stage, and crossed smoothly to his mark, smiling at the audience and then at Babs herself. She looked beautiful - confident and radiant, nerves quelled in the wake of the applause - and the crowd was clearly already held in the palm of her hand; intrigued at the prospect that this woman might show them something they hadn't seen before. Or hadn't taken the time to appreciate in a very long while. Freddie found Ephram in the midst of that sea of faces easily enough, blew him a little kiss, then placed himself entirely in Babs' lovely and very dexterous hands.

Danny had not been able to find Freddie and assumed he must have been ready to go on stage soon when he saw Lilo and Cassie coming up to him with a tiny child. This must have been the baby they'd mentioned at the Halloween thing, he hadn't seen either since then but remembered their costumes happily. "Hey man, you in the show?" Danny asked, Steve next to him, unaware of the child's interest in him.

Lilo brightened, and almost jumped for joy (were it not for the baby in front of him he may have) to see the fairy in questions was cool-guy Danny. "Danny! Buddy!" Lilo let go of one of his grabby baby's hands and reached out to shake Danny's. "We're both in the show. I mean, all of us, all three." He grinned, Addie's free hand reaching perilously close to Steve's incredibly soft looking fur. "puup puppy...." Addie whispered in aww.

Cassie recognized the fairy when she followed Lilo up to him. Cassie smiled in recognition, giving a little wave. “Hey it’s been a while ah-“ She glanced between the excited baby and the clearly indifferent wallaby, “Would your familiar indulge a super happy baby for just a pat or two?”

Maya returned with a small boat of fries just as Babs and Freddie were starting their magic show. She looked on curious. A magic show wasn't something she expected since it was a magical town. In truth it just made her more curious to see what they might do.

Danny shook the man's hand, giving him a happy and messy sort of grin, surrounded by hair. "Nice, dude, you each have more talent than I got," he assured them, looking down at Addie who seemed to be reaching for Steve, his eyes then moving to his familiar who was already quite invested in getting attention, coming forward and putting his paw on her gently while ducking his head down so she could reach. "Guess he don't mind, sure he's happier being called a puppy than a Wallaby."

Miguel had been enjoying the open mic night a lot. He had thought it would be angsty teenagers and poems but as the night turned into a more fun based talent show he was sort of happy he was wrong. And a little embarrassed because he had definitely been projecting. He watched as his silly blanquita friend did her ‘magic’. Which had a finesse and grace to it that he could appreciate. She was good at what she did, he would give her that. And with her hands not aching, she could do more of what she loved easier. He almost didn’t feel guilty for using her to get to witch bones, since it had helped her too. He watched as the little neighbor family started bothering a fairy and Addie pet it. Miguel thought about waving and offering up his own familiar (who for all intents and purposes was just a happy friendly dog who would LOVE to play with the child) but it seemed like the... kangaroo thing... didn’t mind. Still Miguel waved at Lilo and Cassie.

Faye glanced over at the stranger, eyeing him a bit cautiously. She'd never seen him around. But whatever. There was enough firepower here between everyone that if someone got too weird it'd be handled.

Cassie “Lilo is going to sing with Addie.” Cassie said before motioning to herself, “I’m doing gymnastics so…a little different. They’ll be a lot cuter.” She watched Steve react to happy and mesmerized Addie before glancing back to Danny, “She really likes animals.”

Lilo "Ay! Thanks' man, you are the best." Lilo nodded and took a snug seat besides Steve so Addie could reach comfortable. Her calls of 'puppy' devolving into more baby like babble as she rubbed her hands along the familiar's fuzzy face and ears, even getting her face down in there. Lilo looked up at Cassie for approval. "Hey! let's hope we don't find out she's allergic to marscapones like this huh?" He meant marsupials, but he was just so off. "Oh hey!" Lilo saw Miguels wave and motioned for him to come closer, not wanting to move and interrupt Addie communing with nature, or whatever she was doing. He was still under the impression she was a werewolf baby, and assumed she might be in a phase that involved scenting. "Hey hey! Miguel comeover! you got something planned?"

“Miguel!” Cassie called while waving him over, “You enjoying the talent?” It’s funny, she almost never saw him and then in the past few days she saw her neighbor several several times.

"Damn, this cute," Danny said of Lilo and Addie singing together before laughing a little at what Cassie was intending to do. "Basically going to make sure every guy in this place knows Lilo lucked out then," he said to Cassie before smirking. "I don't even know if he'd have like marsupial fur or anything, she could be and still not react to him, being magic and all."

Miguel held in a groan as he got up and made his way to the cute little family (plus fairy friend and familiar). Moly wagged her tail and trot along next to him. He was just very tired from all the pride stuff. But as he sat next to Lilo he was content with the move and the new seat. “I don’t think so. I mean, I don’t think I’ll do anything. I didn’t sign up or anything. But I am really enjoying the show.” He smiled at everything and then focused on the fairy. “Hey, I don’t think we’ve met before. I’m Miguel.” He held out his hand. “Cassie, Lilo, and Addie are my neighbors,” he explained with a grin. “And if your familiar gets tired of pets, Addie is more than welcome to dote on Molly.”

"Danny," the Aussie man offered, his accent thick as he shook the guys hand. "Nice to meet you mate, I don't think I'm much of anything to them but some guy they meet at parties but I like 'em," he said of the werewolf couple. "Oh he loves kids, better than adults because they talk directly to him instead of to me, but hey, why have just one fluffy thing to play with?"

Lilo nodded at Danny's remark, although the reminder of an entire crowd seeing how hot his fiance was, was a different kind of sensation. He'd break that one down later. "AHah, yeah she sure reminds me of how lucky I am everyday." Lilo winked at Cassie, smiled widely at Miguel, and just about all his attention was yanked away, grabbed, hogtied among many other things by Freddie the Magician's Assistant's suit. It was bright, sparkly, magical, and a perfect accompaniment to the lady magician's sleek outfit. "Ooooh man I love magic shows. Always freaked out at how they did this stuff as a kid. Fingers were too thick to really do a card trick right any time I tried it myself though."

Cassie waved away Lilo’s thought of allergies. Cassie doubted it very much. She was delighted when Miguel and Molly joined them and motioned to Addie still held up in the carrier on Lilo’s chest, “Oh let her out for a few minutes.” Addie’s reaction to animals was almost too precious to handle, “She won’t go far with two fuzzy playmates.” She pursed her lips momentarily when Lilo winked at her. It wasn’t hard to guess what Danny meant, but Cassie took it as a simple compliment regardless. Cassie regarded the magic act for a moment, “It’s probably just real illusions with Freddie up there, right?”

Danny "No clue, he didn't give me the details but I don't know if he'd compromise things that way, less it made him look good," Danny said of his handsome friend up on stage, grinning wildly. Steve might have cared more had Ollie been up there but for now he was content to be played with, the child's fingers feeling wonderful in his fur.

Ephram hoisted Ollie up higher, having dashed home to fetch the little Chin in order for him to witness his fairy's-- "No, he's not making a spectacle of himself, c'mon," Ephram wheedled the familiar. "He's performing! There's a big difference. And look how beautiful he is. You cain't deny he's dazzling." Ollie gave a snuff in response, but Ephram noticed that he held his ears more perkily as he watched the show.

Lilo began to snap off the baby restraints and life Addie to her own seat. Surrounded by soft fuzzy things to hug and no idea where to start she gurgled with joy. "Okay, okay, I few seconds of baby free time." Lilo agreed to Cassie's request and smiled from Danny to Miguel. "Hey! Are we the couple that everyone will hang out with if they through barbecues and stuff? I would love to be that couple." Then as a last minute though he scrunched his nose at Cassie. "Ayyy, lobocita, have more faith in the mysterious magician woman. I bet you ten nights of dishes that Freddie is just up there to look pretty."

Iann there was some minor panic at the food/drink stalls that pulled Iann away from the stage for a bit, but fortunately he returned just in time to see Babs and Freddie take the stage and it felt so surreal and unrealthat Iann. It felt like the past and present colliding, and the oddest and most unpredictable patterns and connections and threads weaving together between Babs here and Babs then, between Freddie and Mala, between himself and...himself. It was enough to make Iann believe in fate, but he still stubbornly refused. Instead he just wobbled on his feet, then reached out to grab whoever was closest to him, just to catch his balance. "Whoa...wow..."

Maya jumped a little as a hand fell on her shoulder. She turned to see Iann. "You okay dude?" she asked, brow furrowing in confusion.

Ephram stared down at the hand grasping him and heard an exasperated huff from Ollie, which really, should have told him who the person was. "Hey," he said without any real anything in his voice. "Hey, Cardero. Freddie looks pretty good up there huh? Real ... assistanty."

As Fane moved off to go meet Ryan and Bear for their upcoming act, and Maya shimmied off to talk to someone she knew, Faye looked around, seeing a few people she hadn't talked to yet. The act on stage - Freddie and a woman that looked... eerily familiar, but who Faye couldn't get a good look at from here - was winding up, so she moved off to say hello to Cassie and Lilo. "Hey there Papa Wolf," Faye said, tapping Lilo on the shoulder. "Long time no see." Her eyes moved around the little group. "Danny. How are ya? Doc," she greeted Miguel as well before waving to Cassie.

"I mean you guys should definitely have a barbecue," Danny agreed. He actually sort of missed stuff like that. They were pretty common back home. Happily he noticed Ollie being held up by Freddie's partner Ephram and the fae smiled as he seemed so happy to see his husband performing on stage. Freddie was a lucky guy.

"Fuzzy!" Addie cooed up to Faye in greeting, halfway onto Steve's 'lap' and only now noticing Molly to crawl toward. "Pups!"

Cassie blinked at Lilo, “Oh I didn’t mean…well it’s just we know Freddie but have you ever seen that woman?” Cassie asked about Babs up on stage. It wasn’t like there was a rule the magic couldn’t be real. Cassie had just been curious. She held out a hand near Addie as the baby moved between the two differing familiars trying to decide how to lavish attention to both at once. “Faye, hi.” Cassie grinned back.

Iann gripped Maya's shoulder tight, but not like tight that she'd crumple or even bruise. Just firm and heavy like a warmed-up beanbag heating pad suddenly slumped on her shoulder. His other hand fish-flopped uselessly on Ephram's back trying to find purchase and failing. "Are you okay?" Iann snapped but it was hardly aimed at Maya specifically so much as a reflex retort. Iann blinked and focused on Maya first, then up at Pettaline. He gave a smile that flailed under his moustache. Iann let Maya go and pointed to the stage. "Look how cool that is. That's my Aunt Babs. We're not related-" She used to bang my mom "- but you know how you call people Aunt. Well, you wouldn't know," Iann said looking down at Maya. "your childhood was a trainwreck. And I don't know about you Pettaline I'm sure 'y'all' had ten different appalachian slangs for all sorts of folk."

Faye smiled. "Yess, Steve is fuzzy... unless you mean my hair, huh baby?" Faye leaned her fluffy hair down towards Addie, a bit of gold glitter drifting towards the little girl and the wallaby familiar.

Molly wagged her tail and crawled low to the ground to seem less intimidating - not that that was a problem for Addie. Miguel just watched with a wry smile.

“There could be a barbeque for the fourth of July?” Cassie offered to Lilo next.

"Hey, lady," Faye said to Cassie, her violet eyes flicking to Lilo and back, eyebrows raising in a 'you didn't tell me daddy was back?' look. Though it was simply curious, nothing more. And Faye continued to smile at her friend and the toddler near her feet.

Ephram nodded, unperturbed. "And none of em were 'y'all'. That's further down South you're talkin'." Ollie grumpily tucked himself further back into Ephram's elbow, possibly so he wouldn't have to entertain Iann's presence if it wasn't strictly necessary. "So yon fancy magic lady up there is one'a your Aunts? She the one who got you all het up for magic business?"

Danny turned as Faye approached her friend, giving the woman a wink and a smirk. "Hey, darling," he said to her.

Maya continued to look at Iann in concern. His hand remained tight on her shoulder, not painful, but still seeming to steady him. "Well I have fries so," she replied to answer what wasn't really a question. When Iann pointed to it she looked at the stage. Nodding she replied, "Yes, my childhood was a trainwreck, but I understand the concept. So she was like your mom's best friend?" It was in that sort of context that Maya had heard other people use the term, so she figured it was a safe guess.

Ruby had put her things away and gotten a drink of water while the other acts went on. Freddie and a lady she didnt' know. Ruby moved closer to watch, seeing Ephram, Iann, and Maya standing around watching. "What about aunts?" she said, sidling up next to Iann and giving Maya and Ephram a wave, unwrapping the tape from her fingers after her act with Dani.

Lilo held out his now free hand to Cassie's to hold. "Oh I didn't mean anything by it either, and no I dunno who that lady is. But a 4th of July barbecue sounds perfect." He was now too busy wrapped up smiling at his fiance to see Addie's conundrum. She had but two hands, one of them reaching to tug on Faye's pretty golden curls, another fisted into marsupial fur, and she needed yet another to pat the good doggy's head. It was almost too much to deal with, she might cry.

Faye: "Hey Danny, long time no see. How you been?"

Danny "I've been good, missed you, darling," he flirted openly. He probably shouldn't have been, considering her boyfriend was hosting the event but Danny figured that Faye knew it was a light hearted thing that didn't mean anything. "Without you I've been getting into a whole lot of mess." Finally he turned to Cassie and Lilo though. "I will show up even though I obviously don't have much investment in Fourth of July," Danny laughed. May 8th had already passed so he would accept it.

Faye said as she had to stand back up or risk Addie snatching all her curls down. Though it left the little girl with a hand covered in glitter.

Ephram shushed Ollie when the little dog made an entirely exasperated noise, and leaned over to hug Ruby in greeting. "Oh, y'know," he said, "how some of us got aunts a-plenty and some've us don't. I would say it's mostly a Southern thing but that wouldn't account for Cardero here, what with one've his aunts bein' up on stage as we stand here."

Ruby: "Right," Ruby nodded. "Like real aunts, and your mom's friends that're aunts, and the little lady down teh street that's an aunt... folks at church you ain't never met that''re aunts..." Ruby craned her neck to see the blonde woman on stage with Freddie. "I can see the family resemblance," Ruby said, grinning back at Iann.

Lilo Addie shook her glittered hand, a solution suddenly found. She moved to wipe the sparkles off in Molly's fur, and giggled when they caught the light.

Iann snapped again, this time focused at Pettaline. "She's not 'one of my Aunts'," he said sounding insulted, then felt a surge of guilt for sounding insulted. God, he could be such a fucking dick sometimes. He fumed though, his anger not subsiding because it felt good and it felt way better than those...other...inexplicable feelings of feelingness. "And how do you know about--? Oh right." Anaxis. Demons had a way, after all, of getting into your head and reading all those delicious little secret thoughts. It made Iann instinctively knock his knees together, just for a moment. "No she's a human," Iann responded. He looked at Maya and the anger subsided into a not-so-pleasant dullness. Iann worried and fretted internally, looking up at the globe. He didn't want to ruin the energy-filling orb's record with himself. Fortunately the ooh's and ahhh's on the stage were enough, he supposed, and Iann pulled himself out of his morass by reminding himself (in his mother's annoyed voice in the back of his mind, no less) that while he was busy being a floppy loser, he was missing Babs and Freddie's performance. "Idiot!" Iann chided himself, then stared at the stage hungrily, hand curled over his mouth as he watched Babs and Freddie. "Hm?" he glanced down at Maya. "Oh yeah, yeah. Family friends and all that. " Ruby showed up and Iann gave her a wan smile at her joke, then returned his attention avidly to the stage. He couldn't miss a second of this. Not for anyone else and damn well not for himself.

"Have you now?" Faye smiled. "And I'm glad you're good. Haven't been by in a bit, I know. " Fane knew Faye was a bit of a flirt, and he knew about Danny, so he wouldn't mind a bit of harmless flirting. "No real trouble I hope?" she asked a bit more seriously. "You know if you ever need anything..." she told him, though something on stage drew everyone's attention for a moment.

Cassie nudged Lilo, “There you go, see we know Danny will come.” One person was all they needed really, but Cassie would never refuse a good barbeque. “It’s a splendid idea.” Her gaze dropped to Addie who was wiping glitter and tugging at Faye, “Be gentle.” She warned softly, crouching down for a moment to try and properly get the baby’s attention. But with so much excitement, it wasn’t very successful.

Maya's concerned expression didn't leave her face. Something evidently was up with Iann. She didn't think he wanted her to ask though. At the very least not at the moment as he focused again on the stage. Therefore she said nothing to him instead replying to Ruby to say, "Yeah, that's definitely not a Massachusetts thing."

Ephram started when Iann snapped at him, at first bewildered at how this had become him being the one at fault when Iann was the one who'd been insulting in the first place. But as fast as he'd flared up, Cardero's ire got knocked back down and he looked weirdly ... crushed, for a moment. "I din't mean nothin' by it," Ephram said after a moment. But Cardero was staring at the act as if he needed to commit it to memory, so Ephram huffed a little breath and responded to Ruby. "I could do with havin' more Aunts in Soapberry," he said. "Or big sisters. I could have a bunch more of those."

"I actually got pretty fucked up - I mean...messed up," Danny corrected as he remembered their was a child present. "By this vampire chick. Bit my neck open, crazy sh-stuff." It was not something he imagined would surprise Faye but it still succked. "I need anything?" Danny asked Faye, moving to Cassie. "And I'll drag Freddie, who'll drag Ephram who'll probably drag some other people. You guys will have a bunch of people for a barbecue."

Ruby quick picking on Iann as he didn't have a snarky comeback. He seemed intent on the stage, on Freddie and on the blonde woman, so she let him be, though kept a nugget of concern tucked tight in her chest. She turned to Ephram. "Yeah, I know what you mean. I got a good big brother finally... outta Tuah. But I'd love a auntie to squeeze my cheek and feed me and tell me i looked too skinny."

Molly grinned her doggie grin and nuzzled into Addie. She cleaned the toddlers face with her tongue.

With Molly playing with Addie, Steve reached out and did the same as his human companion, seeing how the dog would react to this act.

Ephram was faintly bewildered by Ruby's statement. "Tuah?" he repeated. "Is Tuah in town again? Did I know you two was that close?" He squeezed Ollie tighter unintentionally until the Chin ruffed to alert him, and Ephram shook his head, blinking. "Jesus Lord. That one throwed me for a loop. Tuah's like your big brother." Honestly, Ephram couldn't see it, but that didn't mean such a relationship couldn't exist. He watched Freddie onstage, glittering and gleaming, letting the sight settle him back down.

Faye's brow furrowed in concern. "What? When?" She could see that he was alright, outwardly at least. But still. "God... I'm glad you're okay. You are okay right?" She followed the line of conversation to Cassie. "The day you get Freddie Watts to a barbeque is the day I eat one of Iann's hats."

Babs gave Freddie a huge grin as he came on stage, obviously soaking up the attention just as much as she was. Even though they'd only had one night to practice their routine, as they got into it it was obvious that Freddie was a quick study and a natural at this, pulling off all she'd asked of him and with flourish to boot. They began with a simple levitation, Babs laying Freddie out across two chairs and seeming to make him rise before her, pushing the chairs away and running a hoop around him to complete the illusion. Then they transitioned into a metamorphosis, where she locked Freddie into a chest, climbed on top with a curtain, and simply switched places in the blink of an eye. After a few more tricks in every magician's arsenal (she hadn't had time to come up with anything too special on such short notice) and some close up magic involving audience members, they were finally ready for the finale. As she locked Freddie into the rack contraption, she picked someone from the audience. "You there. Miguel, my dear, why don't you come up here and test these locks for me? Prove their real? And no funny business. This show had been free of your brand of magic so far."

Cassie “I’ll have to count on your popularity Danny.” Cassie chuckled. She didn’t even realize how many people they both knew until the fairy spelled it out. “You’ll get the word out better than an email.” She was slightly interrupted by Addie’s high giggles of delight, she clung onto the dog more before watching Steve interact with Molly in a quiet sort of interest. Almost giving Steve his own turn. “What?” Cassie arched a brow at Faye, “He’d come to a barbeque if Danny and I both asked him. And if Ephram made him. Probably.”

"Hasn't been for long," Ruby told Ephram. "Couple weeks? Maybe?" She glanced up at Ephram. "We've been friends for a good long while. You knew that." Didn't he? "He's as close to a brother as I've got yeah. He's... is that strange to you?" she asked suddenly. "I'm stayin' at his place for months now." Her tone was merely curious, nothing more. Did Ephram know that she and Tuah were close? Christ she couldn't remember so many things lately. Everything ran together.

"I dunno, a few weeks ago or something, maybe more recently?" Danny shrugged, not super focused on when it had happened. "Oh yeah, I am, this dude helped me, Ryden? Yeah, dude pulled her off me and called the cops and an ambulance and stuff," Danny continued to act dismissive about thee whole thing. "Of course he'll come if I ask, he loves me," Danny stated with a little shrug. "See, he loves us all. You don't like him?" Danny asked with a confused sort of look. Freddie was so generous to him.

Miguel smirked and excused himself. He left Molly with Addie and hopped up onto the stage. He tugged on the locks and smiled at Babs. “Feels good to me.” He gave her his lopsided wink

Ephram frowned. "Yeah, that shoulda been somethang I recalled." He took a breath and shook his head hard, doglike, and gave Ruby a reassuring grin. "Probly jes wrung out some. I must of ... missed you two gettin' close. Was that while we was together? Oh, wait, wait--" Ephram directed more of his attention to the stage, unconsciously mirroring Iann's stare as he intensely watched the magic tricks and Freddie's part in them. He also unconsciously made a thrumming sound in his throat as he watched his husband get locked down, until Ollie gave a disgusted sneeze. "Awright, awright," Ephram laughed. "I'll indulge in my dirty thoughts when you ain't around."

"Oh my god. Oh my god oh mygodohmyo--" Iann was enraptured. He couldn't remember - he was only three years old at the time, of course he couldn't remember - but it wasn't so much the catalogue of memory and timeline so much as it was of all thing, a feeling. An instinct, a sensory experience that couldn't be explained with words or visuals. Iann just felt a distinct thrill, one that he hadn't felt in a long time. Perhaps as long as almost 37 years ago. Could a toddler hold a memory like this? Iann didn't know and didn't care because all he cared about in this moment was reliving a lost moment. Reliving something that never happened, but it really, really should've. Reliving a sense of need and warmth and comfort and confusion and fear and glee and wonder, all wrapped up and aborted way back then. But it was allowed to carry through now - with The Greatest Fitzgerald and her lovely assistant Freddie Watts. And when Babs asked Miguel to the stage, that was almost a breaking point for Iann. He whooped and hollered and called out, eager to see Miguel do his part for the last trick of the night. It felt like he was watching himself outside, like an out-of-body experience. Connections and patterns and a fate he refused to believe in.

"Well, maybe if all of you ganged up on him," Faye conceded. She didn't get on with the man, but she didn't hate him either. He was important to Ephram, so Faye would be civil and respectful. Honestly, she had no reason not to be. She turned to Danny. "Yeah, I know Ryden. Big guy. Tatts. Jesus..." she said, looking mildly disturbed on her friend's behalf. But she shrugged as Danny asked about her liking Freddie. "We don't get on," she told him. "But it's mutual. I don't dislike him. He loves my brother and he's good to him. Makes him happy. But I don't like him either. I'm... Freddie Watts neutral."

"Yeah, he's pretty good looking for a guy," Danny acknowledged of thee way Faye described Ryden. Danny wasn't into guys but he also wasn't dumb. Girls liked big guys, especially if they weren't as hairy as a baby bear the way that Danny was. "Well I'm Freddie Watts loving, if I was gay and Ephram didn't exist I'd scope him up. As it is I'm straight and totally bombing when it comes to women. How did Fane get you?" he joked.

Ruby narrowed her gaze at Ephram just a bit. Not in frustration or anything of the sort, but with that searching look she'd always used when she was trying to tell if he was alright. "You could use a few days off maybe." It was just her opinion. He worked long, hard hours, and it would wear on a person. "Some of it was. We was friends while you an' me an' Freddie was together. He sorta... helped me through some rough stuff. During. After." Ruby shrugged, giving Ephram a smile as Ollie admonished him.

Lilo scooted to the edge of his seat. "Ayyy, the locks are real locks!" He was totally absorbed in the show and the display of it all, maybe not as much as Iann but then the man had less ties and history all wrapped up on the stage like some kind of psychological morality play. He was just here for the magic. Meanwhile, Addie was wrapped up in watching Steve the 'big puppy' in her mind due to the way she still cataloged information, petting molly the 'good puppy'. She didn't know it could work like this, she was transfixed.

Ephram fell back into pattern as well, giving a one-shouldered shrug as he tended to do when it was suggested that perhaps he should slow down from the steady grind of his job. He loved what he did, and he'd always had more stamina than a horse, so it wasn't something he'd do without being firmly instructed. "I reckon I'm surprised, is all," Ephram remarked in relation to Tuah. "Although Tuah does seem like a listener. Notsomuch a ..." Ephram sucked his teeth, trying to find the right word. Ollie nipped his thumb gently, and Ephram looked down at the dog, then said, "A person who'll say much back to you. Y'know, discuss shit out."

"He's alright," Faye nodded. Her type was a bit different. Still tall and dark. Romanian. Liked bad jokes and hot tea... with... gold dye in his hair that she wanted to just... run her fingers- Faye shook herself out of the daydream and turned back to Danny. "I'm sure Freddie would scoop you up too, fuzzy bear or not. And you can't tell me there's no one? At all?" She blushed as he asked about Fane. "Let's say that... the stars aligned and we both got lucky?" Which wasn't far from the truth.

Ruby didn't say much else on behalf of Ephram taking time off. She was certain Freddie would see to it, though as his friend, and someone who loved him, she would always worry. Ruby gave a small hum to Ephram comment on Tuah. "He listens. But he talks too. Eventually. Once he knows you're not gonna press him for anythin'. He's... hesitant though," Ruby nodded. '"But I think it's more he doesn't wanna bother anyone with his problems." She glanced at Iann, wondering if the two menhad made up since Tuah came back to town.

"I mean, I sort of liked this vampire woman but she seemed not all that into me, like I just felt like...," Danny started to talk but with so many people around clammed up, giving his head a shake as he pushed away the feelings he had about not being good enough for Lina. "Then I slept with this girl, Elena but she's such a mate, you know?" he shrugged his head. There had been a few others but not really many that stood out to him. "I'm not sure I got any stars aligning," Danny shrugged.

Babs gave Miguel an appreciative nod when he confirmed the locks were real and secure. "Thank you, sir." Once Miguel was gone from the stage again, she grabbed the handles of the rack, which was one wheels, and began to turn it on the stage. Once. Twice. Three times. Each rotation increase the speed. On the fourth turn, when the front came around again, it was Babs locked up instead, Freddie finishing the turn with a flourish. "The Assistant's Revenge! I should have known!" Her play acting wasn't the best, but the audience seemed to eat it up nonetheless. Freddie unlocked her from the rack and as the audience cheered, they took their bows and exited the stage, Babs panting with excitement. She grabbed Freddie's shoulders and kissed him on the cheek. "You were fantastic, darling!"

The Watcher stood up to applaud. "Pretty man iz very good. Pretty magician iz better. Thank you for the magics."

Freddie beamed as Babs kissed him, returning the gesture as applause thundered behind them. "Honestly, love, I had a wonderful time," he laughed, "I mean, that many people with their eyes on me, whilst a beautiful woman commands the action? How could it get any better?"

Babs placed a hand on Freddie's cheek. "Ever the flatterer. I feel this act is the ultimate assistant's revenge, given my history," she joked, but it was true. Her heart was brimming with triumph. "Thank you, Freddie. I couldn't have done this without you."

Freddie's smile softened and he covered Babs' hand on his cheek with his own, turning his face to press a kiss to the centre of her palm. "It isn't flattery when it's sincere, love - then it's only the truth." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "You were bloody brilliant tonight; I was just lucky enough to have the best seat in the house."

Faye: "It's hard when people seem more like friends, yeah." She hoped she wasn't misreading what Danny was saying. She didn't press him for more, but gave him an affectionate bump with her arm. "Everyone's stars align eventually," Faye said. "It's just a matter of knowin' which ones are yours."

"Which stars look like a gigantic bear having sex with something much cuter?" Danny joked, figuring that at the very least she was a witch and probably knew which stars looked like bears.

Iann laughed at Babs' play-acting, and even though he knew quite well that it was the final act, he was still feeling a loss when it actually ended. It was so great. And when Iann looked around, it was thrilling to see that the audience clearly thought so too. No booing at Babs, no heckling her or telling her a woman should stick to being an assistant. It was...kind of stupid and sad, but for the first time Iann could look around the rainbow-bedecked crowd and comprehend this concept of 'acceptance'. That whole gooshy feel-good bleeding-heart stuff that people liked to promote during Pride, finally Iann actually understood it. And really brought it back home, in an almost literal way. Iann wanted to die. "God, I want to die," he proclaimed, looking over his shoulder and down at Maya. "What's you think? Did you enjoy her act?" Iann was still clapping his hands, even though the rest of the audience had stopped.

Ephram hrrrm'd thoughtfully at Ruby's further elaboration, then whooped and hollered and whistled as the trick onstage came to a satisfyingly mind-bending finish, Babs and Freddie both soaking up the attention and adoration from the crowd. It was good to see Freddie like that, being admired out in public for something so ... homespun and small-town. So domestic. Once the two performers had left the stage, he picked up the conversation with Ruby, saying, "Well, I'm glad the two of you'n found some support in each other. That's the real important thing." Ollie, bored with this topic, set his front paws against Ephram's shoulder so he could look around at what was going on; Ephram held him up instinctively and said, "Oh! Your act was great, by the way. All them flyin' blades."

Maya cheered as Babs finished her act. She looked up at Iann, a little confused, when he proclaimed that he wanted to die. But his tone was happy enough she decided it was more of a if I died right now I'd be happy sort of thing. "It was really good," she replied with a smile, "And you said she was human? So no real magic to help her do all that?"

Iann His tone wasn't so much happy as sedate, his face earnest but unsmiling as he looked at Maya. "Good," he seemed to approve of Maya's answer, as if his question was a test. "Yep, she's pure unadulterated human. C'mon, you had to know that, you're an actual witch. A witch doing those illusions wouldn't be half as impressive. Thank god this crowd enjoyed a human performing our idea of 'magic'....it was the right time and place, I guess."

Ruby clapped too as the act finished up. It was amazing, and Ruby was proud of Freddie, who looked so at home out on stage. The blond woman had been astounding as well, and Ruby thought that she wanted very much to meet her soon. But sheturned back to Ephram whenteh applause - except for Iann - died down. "Thanks," she smiled. "He's a good friend. A good guy. But... I'm sure most folks know that." She figured they did if they knew Tuah. How could they not? She blushed a bit as he complimented her act with Dani. "Yeah? God, I can't believe I've been trainin' with them for over a year now. It's... shit but it's fun. So I'm glad it looked good too, thanks." She bumped him with her arm, careful not to jostle Ollie. "Can I carry a sword to work, by the way? Oh... actually. Hold that thought... I'll be right back." She touched his arm in apology and scooted off.

Babs simply offered a smile, the conversation getting a tad too mushy for her, giving his cheek a few more pats. "You'd better get back to your husband. I'm sure he quite enjoyed seeing you in chains tonight." She winked, before heading out into the audience, spotting Iann and heading straight for him. "Chiquito! Did you enjoy the show?"

Iann pulled himself together when Babs came to talk to him (he felt a little stupid for not charging over towards Freddie and Babs himself, but things were what they were) and grinned huge and wide. "That was fucking incredible. You were perfect. I felt like we went back in time and you did your first ever show and totally stuck it to all those fucking assholes. Jesus, look at you..." Iann couldn't help holding Babs' shoulders, giving her a once over from her flushed face down to her sleek gams (she still got it) back up again. "You're beaming. Must've been such a trip for you, huh? Back on the stage again? Everyone enthralled this time."

Miguel was lingering near Iann and Babs, two of the people who he knew most about and who knew the most about him. There was some level of trust in that but... there was still so much he DIDNT know, which was apparent from the way Babs called Iann chiquito. But Miguel stayed quiet about it and just nodded along with Iann even if he didn’t completely know what Iann was talking about. “You did a great job, Babs. It was really fun to watch.”

"So did you, random audience member," Iann said, calming exponentially in the presence of both Babs and then Miguel. He threw and arm around Miguel and jostled him. "Think you could do any of those fancy magic tricks, brujito?"

Miguel scoffed. “Not without vomiting,” he said and rolled his eyes. “Or storing a lot of magic before hand.... and even then I don’t think I’d be able to pull off teleportation.”

Babs couldn't get the grin off her face if she tried. And honestly, she didn't want to. He was right, it had been a trip for her. The ultimate revenge on those assholes in Vegas. Without them though, she probably wouldn't have had Mala in her life for so long, wouldn't know who Iann was, maybe wouldn't even be here. That in itself was a trip. "I feel young again. Probably won't feel the same in the morning when it all catches up with my body, but I'll ride the high while I can." As Miguel voiced his praise as well, she beamed even brighter. "Thank you, darling. I'm glad you enjoyed it." Seeing Iann and Miguel together, Babs cocked her head to the side for a moment. They had an odd resemblance to each other. Something Babs couldn't quite place. "You two look strikingly similar," she blurted out. "Has anyone ever told you that."

"Ay dios mio, Auntie, don't be racist," Iann joked with an animated roll of his eyes and he looked down at Miguel. She wasn't wrong of course, but Iann just wanted to give her a hard time for it. "We don't all look alike." And when she mentioned not feeling as good in the morning, Iann scoffed. "Just give me a ring, I'll arrange for the Antoinette's professionals to come to Stonefruit and give you a total spa day or something. Massage and foot soaks and...whatever cool stuff you want."

Dani Like Ruby, after their first performance, Dani had wandered off in search of water. They would have to change before Samhain took the stage, but for now, they thought it best to cool off and relax. Their night was just getting started and they wanted to make it through to the end without faltering from exhaustion. They had watched the next routine from the ground to the side of the stage, thrilled to see Freddie taking part. They were equally excited to see that a true magician had come to perform. In a town where literal magic existed, it was refreshing to witness the craft of classic mortal magic as it was meant to be performed. They had tremendous respect for those who could pull off such complicated illusions and tricks, and if Freddie was working with said magician, Dani very much wanted to meet her. As soon as their act ended, Dani made their way through the crowd, though their height made it difficult to follow where the most recent performers had gone. Fortunately, it didn't take them too long to find their bearings. Walking up to the gathered few, they made a quiet approach and offered a smile to no one in particular. "I hope I'm not butting into something," they started, then turning their attention to the mystery woman, "I wanted to commend you on your act. It's rare we get true magicians here. Magic is so abundant... sometimes people forget that magic is more than ley lines and spellwork. You were absolutely fantastic."

Miguel was quiet for another minute, mulling over the fact that he and Iann looked similar. A couple weeks ago he would have made the same joke Iann had made. But... after seeing his foglet versión right next to Iann, he had to admit that they did look alike. “Do you have any witches in your family, Iann?”

"Hell no," Iann replied with surety, but then as he stepped to one side to let Dani speak to Babs, he added with a similar joking tone, "But then again, I have no clue who my sperm-donor was. Never met him, don't know his name, no clue who he is. But I doubt he's - he was - magical."

“Oh...” Miguel pursed his lips. “I don’t know who my dad was either. But I assume he wasn’t human. My mom kind of just... wanted the most magical baby possible.”

Iann grunted, unsurprising that yet one more kid was abandoned by one more deadbeat unpresent father. Water was also wet, and the sky was also blue. Iann was about to add more, when his phone beeped. "Oh shit, I have to go for a bit." Fortunately there was a small break in between the shows, which gave Iann a chance to duck out. "Miguel - behave. Auntie - I'll talk to you later," Iann gave Babs a quick impulsive (compulsive) kiss on her cheekbone. "Dani? Where is Dani? Oh there they are, I almost missed you." Iann grinned. "Catch you later."

Babs simply laughed at Iann's attempt to give her a hard time. As she went to respond, she was distracted by the new face approaching. "Why thank you, darling! I saw a bit of your swordplay as well, it was quite impressive." It was amazing to her that the townfolk was so respective to her brand of magic. She felt silly for even being hesitant in the first place. She grinned at Iann's kiss to her cheek, patting him in a surprisingly loving way on the shoulder before he left.

Miguel Miguel slid up to Babs with his Cheshire Cat grin and his Cheshire Cat curiosity. He wanted so badly to ask her how she knew Iann, but he could wait for her conversation with Dani to end.

Dani huffed, but in a manner that hinted affection, as Iann so subsequently greeted them and dismissed himself. "Later to you too, Cardero." When the ever-curious human departed, the petite figure turned back to the woman. They had always been a tad bashful about receiving praise for their performances, despite their energetic and confident stage presence. "Ah, the thanks are mutual then," they chuckled. "I'm glad you thought so. I've never had a spar in front of such a large audience before. It was quite the experience." They extended a hand then, offering a welcome grin, "As Iann said, I'm Dani. Dani Savin. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Babs extended her hand as well, giving Dani's a firm shake. Her grip had improved tremendously lately with Miguel's help. "Savin? You're related to Fane?" she asked curiously.

Dani returned her shake just as firmly before lowering it to their side. "Sort of," the slightest smirk curled the edge of their lips. "I'm his child. Adopted, obviously." Their head tilted in interest, a hand hitching on their hip. "I take it you two have met?"

Babs nodded, returning the smirk. "Decades ago, yes. Only reunited earlier tonight in fact. He helped me out of a bit of a scrape in the past." She wasn't about to say more and ruin her good mood by dragging up less than savory memories.

Dani A quiet hum of understanding passed through Dani's lips at her explanation. "This town does have an odd way of reuniting distant companions." Whatever it was their father had assisted her with, they wouldn't ask. They knew well enough the sorts of scrapes he got into - and the many unfortunate souls that always seemed to wander into his path. Out of the corner of their eye, they spotted Miguel hovering, clearly eager to speak with the woman. "And in this case, welcome to Soapberry, Ms. ..." Dani hadn't actually caught her name yet, but they wouldn't keep her much longer. "It seems there's someone rather eager to speak with you." Their full gaze flitted to the doctor. "I hope we can snatch a more opportune chat sometime. I'll leave you it." And with a parting nod, they left Miguel to begin his inquiry.

Two Types of Forever

A/n (PLEASE READ) My first fic! And it’s a vampire!BamBam fic but really him being a vampire isn’t apparent until the very end. I know my writing is a bit suck-ish now but I’m working on it like it’s a muscle that’ll get stronger with more exercise :) please support it and I hope you actually enjoy it! Hopefully, this will be a chapter fic as long as I keep up the motivation I have for writing it. Also! I’ll be posting this on a writing blog that me and a friend Admin for called “write-the-sun” by tomorrow, so if you like what you read you’ll be able to see more of my work on this account (my personal account) and on that one! Thank you for reading and I hope you have a lovely day <3

Rated: M for smut and graphic depictions of sex

Word Count: 12,080

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I was on my fifth glass of water and I couldn’t tell if the tugging in my stomach was from the nerves wreaking havoc on my body or if the last glass had gone straight through me and to my bladder.

“I’m going to throw up as soon as I get up there, Nadine,” I groan, throwing a look to my best friend that I’m hoping will accurately depict my distress and horror. She scoffs and reaches her hand across the table between us, placing it on top of mine and rubbing attempting to comfort me.

“You’ll be fine, hun, trust me the only thing you’ll do up there is blow us all away. I promise,” she says in response to my fretting.

“I don’t know what made me think I could just walk in here and enter a poetry slam, I’ve never even performed here before! What if they hate me? Only I would come to New York for the first time to watch an open mic and then end up accidentally joining a poetry slam. I haven’t practiced my stuff in weeks!” I whine at her and she huffs while rolling her eyes.

“You’re good honestly, everyone here will be blessed to have seen you perform,” she counters and I just huff, picking up my water and sipping at it nervously again.

“Zara, don’t look now but the hottest guy I’ve ever seen in my life just walked in and I think he’s signing up for the slam,” Nadine whispers at me and, before she’s even finished, my head is turned to the door, a loud groan emitting from my friend.

“I said don’t look,” she sasses as I analyze my competition. His lip stays stuck between his teeth as he focuses on the signup sheet. His legs, snugly hugged by the tightest pair of black ripped skinny jeans I had seen that day, went on for miles. His silver dyed hair was styled to show off his forehead and the dangly ear rings hanging off of his many ear piercings, a black v neck silk shirt hanging off his body and revealing his collar bones. His skin looked like the sun had kissed it, slightly tan and incredibly kissable. He’s slender and tall and emanates grace and elegance. The slam MC sees him from his table amongst the judges and immediately shoots up, heading towards him with a smile and arms wide open.

“You made it bro! I haven’t seen you in so long I thought you quit the scene, you gonna spit some fire tonight?” I catch him saying to the silver haired boy and immediately wish for death as the silver haired boys’ gaze catches mine in search for the speaker. He smirks at me as my face heats, his shoulders shaking in silent laughter before he trains his gaze on the slam MC, dapping him up before he responds. I turn around, face red from being caught staring and not wanting to risk getting caught eavesdropping either.

“When are they going to start? You need to go up there and kill it quick because the last train back is at 11, honey. If we get stuck in New York at night with no more cash, barely enough money in our bank accounts, and no transportation, we’re going to have to scope out a bench and take turns sleeping on it,” she mutters, only half joking considering that really will be our reality if we miss our train.

“See? The universe is just telling me that I shouldn’t perform at this slam! We could just-”

“No, we’re not going to leave until you go up there,” she asserts, interrupting me as she checks her phone for the time. I peek at it and bite my lip in anxiety, seeing it’s already nine o’clock and there’s no way this thing will end before 11 p.m. with five competitors and three rounds.

I sigh, trying to collect my wits as I survey the room, the poets and audience. The room is large with a bar on one side where two girls sit making conversation with the bartender. There are large tables surrounding the stage that is lit with a spotlight on a single mic in the middle of the stage. There are renaissance style paintings covering the walls, dimly lit by sparsely placed sconces and the candles that sit in the middle of every table.

“He’s coming here,” Nadine whispers to me, her wide eyes no doubt trained over my shoulder and on silver hair. I grimace and go back to nervously sipping at my water as loud music shakes the room and the slam MC struts up the stairs onto the stage. Silver hair passes by our table leisurely saying his hellos to people here and there in the crowd, leaving behind trails of expensive spicy cologne and I can basically see Nadine’s mouth water.

           “I’m about to throw up the fried tofu we had for lunch and you’re here ogling,” I pout at her as I can’t help but ogling at silver hair either. He walks as if he commands the attention of everyone in the room and I can’t help but to feel even more insecure as I see the judges’ eyes follow him about the room, too.

           “That’s because there are three things I know right now. I know that roses are red, I know that guy over there is so hot I’m ready to drop my panties, and I know that no matter how anxious you are right now, you’re going to go up there and murder the mic,” she winks at me as I narrow my eyes at her.

           “Ok! Is everybody ready? Because I’m ready! I want to hear how ready you guys are!” the MC booms into the mic, adjusting it to his tall height as the room breaks out in cheers and claps. Silver hair takes a seat, leans back, and kicks up his feet onto another chair as if he owns the room and I grimace as he raises his eyebrows at the judges and they smile back in recognition.

           “Is that BamBam? Oh my gosh no way, I’ve seen his spoken word videos on YouTube! His hair looks so much better in person, you think he’ll let me touch it if I hype up his poetry enough?” one of the girls from the bar whispers to the other as they pass by our table to take their seats, and I frown. My competitive spirit wakes up and burns in me, pushing my anxiety into a box, taping it shut, and sitting on top of it.

           “That was weak guys, we’re at a poetry slam, not a senior home, I want to hear you!” the MC goads into the mic, the audience responding by raising their cheers by a decibel or two. The MC looks extremely pleased with himself as he looks around the room and opens his mouth to speak again.

           “Here are the rules of the slam! We have 5 competitors that are going to come out here and speak their truth. If you’re feeling what they’re spitting, you’re going to snap it up like this-” he demonstrates snapping along with the judges as some giggles are heard around the crowd, “and when they walk off you’re going to clap it up. The more you snap and clap, the better these 5 lovely beautiful judges will know what score to give them on a scale of one to ten, decimals are allowed up to only the tenths and no smaller. The highest and lowest score will be dropped and the middle three will be added with ½ a point being deducted from this cumulative score for every 10 seconds the poet goes over their time limit. Final scores will determine the order for the next round with the highest score performing first and the lowest score performing last. All five competitors will perform in the first two rounds but only the top three performers will perform in an epic third round that will burn this house down! Remember, we clap for the people, not the scores. First place will get a spot on the slam team and will advance on to regional competitions in Orlando, Florida. Second place will get a free drink at the bar,” He finishes, joking as the crowd laughs and the bartender shakes her head in disapproval.

           “But, before we can get to the main course, we need an appetizer. Let’s have the sacrificial poet come up here and perform a piece to get you all and the judges warmed up. Give it up for our sacrificial poet, Amber Lee,” the MC surveys the crowd as a small girl gets up from her table with a notebook in hand, wading her way between the crowd and I size her up. She wears her blonde hair up in a tight bun and large round glasses hug the bridge of her nose. She climbs up the stairs and surveys the crowd, adjusting the mic to her size before she steps back and looks down. The silence suffocates the room as even the candle flames dare not flicker before she takes a breath and steps up to the mic, her melodious voice trembling as she begins her poem with a story about an absent father and an alcoholic mother.

           Silver hair keeps his eyes trained on her, eyebrows wrinkled in concentration as his fingers drum along on this thighs. She’s painfully good and her emotion cuts through the air and straight into my heart, sounds of appreciation and approval emanate from the crowd as well as choruses of snaps at the ends of her elaborate similes and metaphors. My competitive spirit flares, my heart beating faster as she ends her performance to whoops and hollers, the MC heading back on the stage clapping his hands as the judges furiously scribble their scores on their white boards.

           They reveal their scores, even though they won’t count since she’s not a real competitor and the atmosphere immediately changes. Tension permeates the room as we wait to see which competitor will start the slam.

           “Let’s get this thing rolling then, please welcome the first competitor to our stage, give a big hand for Adrian Sean,” the MC announces as a tall white boy stands up from the same table as silver hair. Silver hair looks up at Adrian, sizing up the boy wearing suspenders, khaki shorts, and a pink button down with gigantic glasses hanging off his nose. He swaggers up to the stage in typical entitled boy fashion and grabs the mic off the stand, thanking the MC before he starts his poem about feminism in complete mansplaining style. I grimace and see silver hair’s shoulders shaking in mirth as he tries his best to cover the smirk overcoming his plush lips.

The judges are not amused as Adrian finishes his poem with a line that portrays him as a savior for all female kind, bows, and sashays off the stage. Awkward clapping fills the room as the MC takes the stage again, rubbing his neck with a wary smile on his lips.

“Wow, so how do we feel about that?” The MC stalls as the judges whisper back in forth before scribbling one their boards. Adrian himself whoops and hollers as another round of awkward clapping ensues, the judges holding up their boards to reveal an overall score of 15.

“You already know they gave him that score out of pity, you have this in the bag, Zara,” Nadine scoffs from behind me, eyes flickering to silver hair. I roll my eyes as the MC announces the next competitor, a tall and beautiful colored girl by the name of Crystal.

“I’m going to go pee before they call me up there,” I inform Nadine and she nods before I get up and head down the back wall and into a long hallway. A bathroom sign points me towards a single, unisex bathroom that I enter and lock behind me, immediately heading to the sink and splashing cold water on my face. I focus on myself in the mirror, looking myself in the eyes to the sound of muted snaps and hollers.

“You can do this. This isn’t even your first slam. You’re going to serve them a 4 course meal in the form of a poem and Adrian, Silver hair, and everyone in that room are going to eat it,” I assert at my reflection. Wiping my face clean on a paper towel I practice some breathing exercises before opening the door, letting out a surprised yelp as I collide into someone.

“Whoa there, is there something in there I should be running away from, too?” A deep and playful voice teases me. I close my eyes to collect my wits before looking up and meeting silver hair’s eyes.

“I thought I saw Bloody Mary,” I blurt out lamely, in attempt at making banter and his voluptuous lips quirk in response to my horrifying attempt at making a joke. I immediately wish for a bolt of lightning to strike me on the spot, a blush making its way to my face that I hope he can’t see in the dim lighting.

“Hmm, maybe she can teach you that it’s not very polite to stare. Of course, I don’t mind but let the wrong person catch you and I’m sure you won’t be so lucky,” he retorts, looking immensely pleased with himself and I feel my jaw hit the floor.

“You look cute when you’re dumbstruck. It’s ok, you can show me what you got once you get up on that stage, Kitten. And by the way, I just love your shoes,” he taunts while moving past me and into the bathroom before closing and locking the door. I stand absolutely astounded for a moment trying to process what happened before rage and my competitive spirit take over and I almost break down the door to the bathroom to tell him just where he can shove my shoes if he likes them so much. Looking down to check what shoes I had actually worn that day, I instantly wish for death again for the umpteenth time that day as I notice a trail of toilet paper sticking to one of my sneakers. So that’s why he “loved” my shoes. I fume internally as I rip the toilet paper off my shoe, ball it up angrily, and pelt it at the bathroom door before marching back to my table just as the judges reveal Crystal’s score. She totals a score of 24.7 and out of the corner of my eye I can see Adrian scowling at her no doubt for blowing his score out of the water. As the next competitor by the stage name Zipper takes the stage, silver hair passes by our table on his way back to his own and has the gall to look at me over his shoulder. He throws a pointed look towards my shoes and I have to hold myself back from chucking my glass of water at him.

Zipper’s poem sounds more like a rap, the ends of his lines rhyming perfectly as his poem literally flows through the air and into our ears. His analogies are only strengthened by the power of his voice as he performs his poem about his experience with drug addiction, moving the entire audience into a cacophony of ooh’s, ah’s, snaps, and even the stray “fuck”. The entire audience is moved to silence as he finishes his poem and walks off the stage, before they erupt into claps and cheers. The MC struts onto the stage clapping taking the mic in his hand and howling into it.

“Now that’s what I’m talking about!” the MC bellows into the mic as the judge’s score shoot up into the air, totaling a solid 26.3 and my heart sinks as I realize the competition is getting stiffer.

“Now, next up we have a reigning legend and badass coming up to bless this stage and your ears, I want you all to give it up for BamBam!” the MC hypes as silver hair indulges in the cheers from the audience. He stands as if he already knows he’s won and strides up to the stage, taking the stairs two at a time. The spotlight catches on his silk shirt and it’s as if the entire room waits in baited breath before he opens his mouth and starts his poem.

He doesn’t just speak his truth, he performs it. His facial expressions match his grief and his voice oozes pain as he talks about a lover lost. His hands caress the mic stand as he speaks about her, gripping it until his knuckles turn white as he talks about her loss and the heartbreak that ensues. There’s alliteration and repetition, internal rhymes and everything that drives an English major, like myself, into a frenzy of excitement. His eyes survey the crowd, locking with mine as he delivers perfectly executed analogy after analogy, his voice raising in volume as his poem reaches a climax. He leaves the poem without resolution, a decision that leaves me feeling as if I’ve been punched in the gut, gasping for air. His lithe legs carry him off the stage as chaos breaks in the crowd and people stand giving him a standing ovation. He just smirks and plops back down on his chair, nodding in recognition to their recognition of him. Yet, while his poem leaves me hurting after a love I’ve never even had, I can’t help but to feel an urge to get up there and show him the magic I could also weave in front of a mic. The judges reveal his score and I bristle internally as I see he’s scored a 28.4. The window gets tighter and tighter, but I don’t feel any of that pressure as I walk up to the stage to the sound of the MC calling my name.

I take a moment to survey the crowd and smile at Nadine as she sends me a little thumbs up before taking a deep breath. I grip the mic in my hands before baring my soul to this crowd of people I’ve never seen before, telling them about my relationship to my depression and meds. The road I took to finally being “ok” spills out from between my lips. I cast my spell over the audience and watch it take its form as they snap and nod, leaning towards my words like Icarus to the sun. Glancing over at BamBam I see that even his eyebrows are raised in shock and I take a brief moment to revel in the effect I have before I deliver the end of my poem.

“Thank you,” I breathe out and into the mic, as almost half the audience stands and shouts while I make my way off stage. The MC shakes my hand as I get to the bottom of the stairs.

“You killed it sweetheart, this your first time?” He asks quickly, only catching me shake my head no as he jumps back onto the stage to do his job. Passing by BamBam, it’s my turn to smirk at him and he raises his hands in a sign of acknowledgment, giving me a quick once over that puts an extra spring in my step. Nadine greets me with a hug as I get back to my table and we quickly take our seats.

“See! I told you that you wouldn’t choke up there,” she comments before eagerly looking towards the judge’s scores, a total of 28.2. I gawk, my ego taking a slight bruising as I notice the .2 difference between my score and BamBam’s. I sigh, even if I didn’t get first place, I could’ve done a lot worse. My score is still pretty solid considering there’s another round to qualify for the final.

“Zara, it’s 10:30 and if we don’t leave now, we’re gonna miss the last train but you still have like 2 more rounds to go,” Nadine informs me, her forehead crinkled in worry.

“Shit. I can’t just leave, my name’s officially in and I’ve already started,” I mutter back to her.

“My mom’s actually going to kill me if I don’t get back on time, dude,” she responds, rolling her eyes.

“Yeah no, definitely. My parents’ are out for the week so it’s not like they’ll know that I’m not home but like, I have nowhere to stay tonight if I stay and finish this thing,” I groan, “but you should go. I don’t want to make you stay and have to deal with the wrath of your mom. I’ll figure something out.”

“Are you sure? Damnit I don’t want to leave you here alone, but I need to go, too. Keep me updated babe, let me know if you find somewhere to stay and if you’re safe,” she rushes as she gathers her things and stands. She rounds the table and gives me a quick peck on the cheek before she heads towards the exit. I wrack my brain trying to think of where I could stay for the night as the MC takes the stage again and the room quiets down as he starts speaking, banishing any further thoughts on the subject to be dealt with by future me.

“So! That concludes the first round and we have the lineup for the second one set up! Are you all as pumped as me to welcome these fire ass poets back up to the stage?” he exclaims as BamBam retakes the stage to wow the crowd. His poem, my own performance, and the entire second round pass by in a haze as BamBam and I take the highest scores again. I’m silently fuming as my score takes its place .5 below BamBam’s score. The MC announces a 10 minute intermission before the third round to give the audience a time to mingle with each other as well as with tonight’s performers. Several people approach me, praising my poems and I smile and laugh making conversation with them and even adding a few as friends on social media. From the corner of my eye, I see silver hair approach me and brace myself for whatever is about to fall out of his perfectly pink and absolutely kissable lips.

“I’m glad your ability to write poems is better than your ability to make jokes. Looks like you’re at the right open mic,” he teases as he saunters up to me.

“I’d say you could write poems pretty well too, but it seems like your ability to give compliments needs some work so…” I trail, crossing my arm over my chest saucily and trying not to blush as his gaze flickers and rests on my chest before trailing back up.

“Touché, kitten, looks like we both have something to teach the other,” he smiles as he leans his hip on my table, “did your friend leave?”

I nod and reach for my water, noting how his eyes linger on my lips as I take a sip. My core clenches in need as his gaze heats up, but my head tells me to take a step back and be wary. Who knows what kind of psychological game he’s playing, but I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge.

“We had a train to catch but I have a slam to win so she left before she was stuck in the city overnight with nowhere to stay,” I respond haughtily and he chuckles. A shiver runs across my skin at the sound, my pussy waking up from her hibernation and sending me all kinds of desperate messages. I almost curse out loud as my nipples tighten, and his eyes flicker over me as if he knows.

“So where are you going to go after you win this slam, kitten?” he muses, quirking a teasing brow and I want to kiss him just as badly as I want to wipe that look off his face.

“That is to be determined,” I mumble as I catch the MC making his way back to the stage. I quickly find my way back to my seat along with the rest of the audience, begrudgingly noticing BamBam take Nadine’s seat.

“The final line-up for the last round this slam is in this order: BamBam, Zara, and Crystal. For the final round, the judges will not reveal their scores until the end of the round to keep an element of surprise. Before we start though, let’s give it up for Zipper and Adrian, let them feel some love too,” the MC announces as BamBam throws a confident look towards me, bringing his hands together to join the cacophony of claps. I roll my eyes, lips thinning as the MC starts the last round by welcoming BamBam back to the stage.

He performs his final piece, moving half the judges to tears and I scowl because his poem is so good it angers me. He doesn’t just have everyone’s attention, he commands it, playing at everyone’s heartstrings like a master violinist. His hands glide through the air like an orchestra conductor and the audience obeys with a symphony of snaps and moans. It’s as if he completely changes up there, his normal air of elegance and playfulness transforming into an air of power and dominance. His mastery of words and rhyme has me reeling and I’m surprised by just how much it turns me on. Biting my lip, I try to get myself together as he saunters off the stage to a completely chaotic audience. The MC retakes the stage, a look of complete awe on his face and I almost feel a vein burst when BamBam takes Nadine’s seat, reaches across the table to grab my glass of water, and sips from it with his lidded eyes trained on mine. There’s challenge and desire written on his face and I don’t know if the urge I have to jump at him across the table is so that I can throttle him or undress him.

           “Good luck,” he sighs at me as the MC beckons me to the stage and it only fuels my desire to put him in his place, 2nd place to be exact.

           I storm up the stairs and to the stage, the heat of the spotlight on me only fueling the fire that rages inside me. I hear my voice charge the room as my poem comes alive, feeling every eye in the room glued on me. Sounds of awe and grunts of surprise break out at the end of every line I deliver and I revel in it, revel in their attention and let it empower my voice further. I hear gasps from the judges after I deliver a metaphor I’m particularly proud of. A stray “Wow, she did that” reaches my ears as I wrap up my poem, almost breathless from the amount of passion I poured straight from my soul and into this room. Getting off the stage, I smile at the MC who just sits in his seat, absolutely dumbfounded. BamBam’s taken the seat right next to mine and he leans towards me as I take my seat, his lips so close to my ears causing an almost violent shiver to pass through me.

           “That was quite fiery, Kitten, and I love playing with fire” he breathes into my ear, his voice lowering into a husky drawl that almost has me panting. My eyes meet his and they’re filled with lust, the pupils blown up until there’s almost no iris and he grins as I’m sure his hunger is reflected on my face too. Crystal’s voice cuts straight through the tension and I refocus on the stage to stop myself from publicly accosting a man. I startle as I feel BamBam’s warm hand flit over my thigh, possessively taking a place just under the skirt of my dress. The contact sends a dizzying sensation through my body and I bite my lip to keep any sounds in while his fingers press tantalizingly into my inner thigh. He’s cautious, his shoulders stiff wondering if I’ll reject him and while I know I should slap him and change tables, I only widen my thighs. His questioning gaze finds mine and retrains on my lips as I lick them.

           “Don’t... don’t do that, baby. My control is wearing thin and I don’t think it’ll give either of us a higher score if I take you on this table,” he warns through clenched teeth, his hand sliding higher on my thigh. His pinky tentatively flicks across my clothed core and I feel my entire body go languid, a look of surprise taking his face no doubt at how wet I am for him.

           “Oh baby, I’ve barely touched you,” he mumbles, his fingers sweeping over my clothed slit and I grasp the table for dear life.

           “If you keep touching me, these wonderful people are going to get more of a show than the one they came here to see,” I huff back and his shoulders shake in silent laughter, his fingers wreaking havoc under my skirt but never applying enough pressure to get me to where I need.

           His hand leaves from under my skirt and my head snaps towards him, almost taking back everything I just said and he just looks at me amused. I wonder why he’s clapping considering there’s better things that he could be doing with his hands, until I realize Crystal is getting off the stage after ending her poem and I rush to clap too. My cheeks redden as I can feel BamBam snickering at how needy he made me with just a brush of his fingers and I almost slap myself for getting so carried away. Crystal throws a disapproving look my way and I want to bury myself on the spot as the MC retakes the stage.

           “Wow. Just wow, let’s give it up for those last three performers that literally lit this place up. We had some legendary performances tonight, all of them are winners in that aspect. But we can only have one advance tonight, so with that, let’s see who will be the winner of this slam,” the MC prepares the audience as one of the judges rushes up and onto the stage, handing him a folded piece of paper. He makes a big show of unfolding the paper and reading off of it, a smile spreading his lips as the anticipation builds.

           “In third place, with a score of 27.4 after a 1.5 point time deduction, is…” He pauses for effect, “Crystal!”

           Crystal shoots up from her seat and rushes towards the bathroom, tears streaming down her face as the crowd claps for her. I feel a tug in my heart for the girl, remembering crying after losing my own first slam but the MC continues, affectively diverting my thoughts.

           “In second place, with a score of 29.7, we have Zara!” he announces and I smile warily as the audience claps for me, wondering how in the world BamBam could’ve topped an almost perfect score and sighing as I remember just how good his poem was.

           “And with a perfect score of 30, please give it up for BamBam!” the MC exclaims with flourish and the crowd is deafening in their cheers for him. I have to give it to him, he blew us all out of the water and so even I clap for him. The judges stand and one makes his way towards Zipper, no doubt to mingle and talk about his poems. Two judges head towards me and BamBam and I make polite conversation with one who informs me how my poem had personally touched her. The crowd disperses, some heading towards the bar, others heading towards the exit, and still some others milling around and talking to the competitors, judges, and MC. I grab my purse and pull out my phone, noting how close it is to midnight and sigh, drawing up a blank on where I could possibly stay until the trains start running again at 5 a.m. I make conversation with a few other people before Zipper himself makes his way to me and asks to add me on social media. I happily exchange information with him before heading towards the exit myself, making up my mind that it’s probably safest to mill around Penn Station until the trains start working again. I pause as I get out of the building and stand under the awning frowning as rain crashes towards the ground. I remember to call Nadine and quickly dial her number, leaning up on the wall next to the building’s exit as the dial tone rings.

           “Hello? Zara?” Nadine’s worried but groggy voice answers and I smile.

           “Hey. Did you get home safe?” I ask and I hear shuffling from her end.

           “Yeah, but what about you? How’d you do?” she asks, curiosity filling her sleep tinged voice.

           “Ah. Yeah, I got into the third round but placed 2nd overall. Tell me how I lost by .3 points,” I roll my eyes even though she can’t see and she lets out a sound of indignation as well.

           “.3 points!” she screeches, “that’s fucked.”

           “Yeah well, it’s ok. At least I have more experience now. And I even made some friends,” I chuckle into the phone, watching the rain fall towards the earth. It looks like ink in the dark, puddles of the dark liquid sloshing around as taxis zoom by.

           “Aww cute. What are you planning on doing over the night though? It’s dangerous there Zara, if you go missing I’m going to find you just to kill you myself for being so dumb,” she jokes, trying to hide the worry in her voice.

           “I think I’m just going to head to the train station, honestly, and wait around. I’ll try not to sleep but I’m a little worried because my battery is dying and I have no idea how to get to the station without GPS,” I mumble, the seriousness of the situation just setting in.

           “You’re kidding me right? You’re staying at a train station overnight, in New York City, when your phone is dying so even in case something happens, you can’t call anyone for help? Do you have a death wish, Kitten?” I startle, my head whipping towards the source of the voice because it was definitely not Nadine.

           “Who’s that? They’re right, Zara,” Nadine adds from over the phone. I stare at BamBam, a scowl on his face as he regards me, the door to the building that he just emerged from falling shut behind him.

           “I’ll call you back.”

           “But you’re phone is dyin-” I end the phone call before hearing exactly what she says and stuff my phone into my purse, looking at BamBam from under my lashes. He runs his hand through his hair in what seems as frustration and he looks so sexy I have to shake my head to focus on what he said.

           “You can’t do that,” he commands, a frown on his face and I scowl back. Who is he, telling me what I can and can’t do?

           “Uhm, yes I can. Just watch, first I walk away from you and towards the station,” I sass, turning away from him and starting to walk towards where I think I came from, but before I can get away, his hand catches my elbow and pulls my back. He pushes me back up against the wall, his hands on either side of my face as he leans down, his hair tickling my forehead. He looks into my eyes and I gasp as his fingers find my jaw, angling my face towards him. I squeeze my eyes shut as his other hand snakes around my waist and pulls me towards him, our bodies pressing together just as his lips brush teasingly over my own. My breath leaves me in a rush and he uses the opportunity to press his lips to mine in a dizzying kiss.

           His kiss is like the rain hitting the ground, relentless and forceful. I feel as if the earth is shaking from under me as he steadies me with his arm around my waist, his lips engaging mine in a sensual dance. They mesh perfectly, his tongue tracing the outline of my lips and I gasp for air before his tongue enters my mouth and I grasp onto his shoulders, kissing him back with just as much fervor. He tastes like chocolate and something spicy like cinnamon. A low groan slips from him and I feel on top of the world knowing I can affect him just as much as he’s affecting me.

           Just as fast as his lips are there, they’re gone and I lose all ability to stand on my feet. Leaning against the wall panting, I look up at him and he looks like he’s fighting to hold himself back. He licks his lips slowly and the action goes straight to my clit, making me wetter than I was before and I almost let out an embarrassing whimper.

           “Go ahead, Kitten, walk. I’m waiting,” he challenges, crossing his arms over his chest. I ogle at his biceps as the flex before snapping myself out of it and glowering at him. He knows damn well that his kiss made my knees go all funky and I’m sure I want to throttle him now, standing there with a smug look on his face.

           “You’re a little shit, you know,” I bite back at him, still grasping the wall for support. He chuckles and reaches for me, but this time I slap his hands away.

           “Put away the claws, Kitten. You can come back to my place with me. Spend the night with me,” he offers, his voice lowering and going husky with lust and I flush, suddenly feeling shy.

           “But, but stranger danger,” I squeak. BamBam doubles over in laughter and I feel myself turn an even brighter shade of red.

           “You’re quite a piece of work, Kitten. Willing to spend a night at a train station alone with no phone or direction as to how to even get there, but not with the guy who had his hand under your skirt not even an hour ago. Sweetheart, you’re really something,” he chuckles, swiping a tear away from his eye. I grimace while weighing my options. I look at BamBam, really look at him. He’s dangerously attractive, but he doesn’t look dangerous. If I send a text to Nadine with his address, I should be fine, right? There’s nowhere else to go, I remind myself, and I bristle as I realize I’m about to go home with the boy who beat me in a poetry slam by .3 points.

           “Take me,” I breathe out, any hold I had on resistance withers away as he gives me the most heated look I’ve ever seen in my life.

           “I’d love to,” he almost growls, his hand possessively reclaiming my waist, his lips seizing my own and I melt into him. His hands grip my hips, pulling me impossibly closer and I slip my hands over his shoulders, trailing my nails down his back. He makes a guttural noise deep in his throat that travels straight to my core. I gasp as his lips pull away from mine, his hands the only things keeping me up as his lips feverishly wander over my jaw and neck. In a matter of seconds his lips are locked on my most sensitive spot at the base of my neck and I whimper as he sucks hard, not showing any mercy. Biting the inside of my cheek, I try desperately to keep my noises to myself and that only seems to make him work harder, his teeth teasingly scraping my soft skin before his tongue sweeps over it coquettishly.

           “As much as I’d love to ravish you up against this wall right here right now, that brick is going to leave wicked scratches on your back and the only marks I want to see on you right now are the ones I give you,” he grunts, pulling away from me and adjusting himself in his pants. My eyes follow his every movement and he smirks, his fingers brushing a loch of my hair behind my ear so softy it feels like a flower petal trailing down my neck and tracing my clavicle. He grabs onto my hand and pulls me to the curb of the road, quickly hailing a cab and letting me go in first to escape the rain. He follows closely after, raindrops dripping down his cheeks and he looks like art with his silver hair dampened and dangling over his dark eyes. His lips quirk up at my obvious admiring.

           “Hasn’t anyone taught you it’s not polite to stare?” he cocks his head to the side before leaning forward and telling the driver his address. I listen keenly and discreetly pull out my phone to text his address to Nadine and briefly explain what’s going on, letting her know that if she doesn’t hear from me in 24 hours to raise hell, before turning my phone completely off to save whatever I have left of my quickly depleting battery. BamBam leans back in his seat and just studies me, his eyes trained on mine before roving over the rest of me as the taxi driver turns on the radio at BamBam’s request.

           “Hasn’t anyone taught you it’s not polite to stare?” I return one of his lines, but there’s no conviction in my voice and I’m surprised by the low, husky way my voice sounds. His eyebrow quirks up in amusement and his hand comes up to caress my jaw, his thumb swiping over my bottom lip.

           “I’d love to see what smart things you have to say when I’m done with you,” he mumbles low enough for just me to hear and I feel my face light up. He chuckles at my reaction and I want to punch him for being so smug, it’s as attractive to me as it is maddening and I have the irresistible urge to shut him up. My eyes flicker over the taxi driver, seeing his eyes trained solely on navigating the late night weekend city traffic before I muster up the courage to spread my hand over BamBam’s thigh. From the corner of my eye, I see his head snap to mine, his eyes wide as I slide my hand over his bulge which has calmed since we got into the car. I bite my lip, only looking ahead at the city passing us by as I tease BamBam the way he teased me under the table. I quickly undo his zipper and slide my hand inside, reveling in the breath that hisses through his teeth as my hand finally makes contact with his cock. Grasping him in my hand, I swirl my fingers over him and his hand catches my wrist, stilling my movements.

           “What are you doing?” he huffs, his voice strained and I throw him an innocent look.

           “What do you mean?” I play dumb, twisting my wrist and swiping my thumb over the head of his cock. His head drops to the back of the seat and I see the veins straining on his neck, his hands bunching into fists. The taxi driver takes a particularly hard turn and I fall into him, my body pressed against his as I tease him. Collecting his pre-cum on my thumb, I pull my hand out of his pants, looking him in the eye as I open my lips and wrap my them around my thumb, making a big show of sucking and licking it. His eyes widen and his jaw clenches before his eyes narrow. He pulls my hand out of my mouth and wraps his hand around my neck, tugging me to him as his lips capture mine. All notions of subtlety fly out the window as he pulls my leg over both his thighs so I’m straddling him. His hands pull my hips so that my clothed pussy is right above his bulge and the friction has me reeling, my clit throbbing for attention.

           “Driving safety would technically require us to have seatbelts on right now,” my voice is breathy and lacks all the sarcasm I tried for it to have.

           “If I had a dime for every time you’ve surprised me tonight,” BamBam chuckles under his breath as he presses open-mouthed kisses down my neck. I twist my fingers through his hair and pull him to where I want him and he chuckles, his breath tickling my collarbone as his tongue swipes over it and my nipples harden at the sensation. He’s lighting fire to so many of my nerve endings, I’m surprised we’re still clothed. The driver pulls up to the front of lavish apartment building and BamBam groans, pulling a wad of bills out of his back pocket and throwing it towards the front, eagerly pulling me out of the cab before I even know what’s happening. The doorman holds the door open for us and nods at BamBam as he pulls me along with him.

           “What the… you live here?” I question, surprise coloring my voice and BamBam throws a bashful look over his shoulder as we both wait for an elevator. I look around, taking in the fairly upscale surroundings. I look at him with a renewed curiosity, afraid to pry because of how wary he looks.

           “Curiosity killed the cat, you know?” he murmurs, pulling me towards him and softly running his fingers over my cheek. His fingers lightly massage over a spot on my neck where I assume he’s left a hickey, but I don’t have it in me to fight him. The gentle pressure of his arm around my waist warms me and my pulse speeds up.

           “It’s a good thing they have 8 lives then, don’t you think?” I rasp back to him, and his lips twitch. The elevator doors open with a ding and I jump, causing BamBam to break into laughter as he ushers me into the elevator and pushes me up against the back wall, the doors closing us in within seconds. His eyes are glued to my lips and I subconsciously lick them, his head tilts to the side in thought.

           “Your lips look good swollen like this,” he hums, bringing his fingers up to my lips again and I pucker them, softly kissing the pad his finger and he groans. The elevator interrupts our moment as it dings again, opening to what seems to be the penthouse suite of this apartment building and I almost believe we’re in the wrong place until BamBam pulls me after him and into a sleek decorated living rooms. BamBam’s living room is like him, minimalist to the point of elegance, dark woods that contrast with white walls that have fun painting hanging from them. He’s a complete enigma and I can’t even begin to process this in relation to the day I was having. A fun trip to NYC with a friend ending in signing up for a poetry slam that lead me to a stranger who just keeps getting stranger. A stranger who oozes sex appeal like it’s his job and works words like he’s a CEO and they’re his employees.

           “And you said I was full of surprises,” I scoff, looking at him questioningly. He looks slightly sheepish as he shrugs, turns and walks towards his kitchen. I follow him but stop at the dark marble kitchen island as he pulls two glasses out from his cupboard.

           “Are you thirsty?” he asks, trying to play host, but I scowl. Does he have some identity crisis going on? Five minutes ago I had my hand down his pants and now he’s asking if I want coffee or tea? He sees the disapproving look on my face and chuckles, walking towards me and placing a chaste kiss over my lips.

           “Patience, kitten, is a virtue. And besides, the anticipation makes it that much better,” he explains, his voice raspy and so sexy I want to throw him against the island counter. He reads me like an open book and smirks.

           “Humor me, Kitten, are you thirsty? Are you hungry?” he prompts me again, his hands resting on my hips.

           “Not for food…” I mumble petulantly, and his grip on my hips tightens, the look on his face turning more devilish as his tsks.

           “Oh sweetheart,” he pauses while his hands snake under my thighs. He lifts and I’m so startled I almost twist out of his hold but he’s surprisingly strong and I have no idea where it comes from. I wrap my thighs around him with a squeal and he holds me to him with his hands on my ass.

           “When you’re all sore and can’t move in the morning, remember you asked for it,” he warns, his eyes glued to mine and they’re so intense I want to hide. He carries me towards where I believe his room is and I wrap my arms around his neck, steadying myself while also pressing my body flush against his.

           “I hope you’re not all bark and no bite,” I retort as he walks me into his bedroom.

           “Kitten, you really have no idea,” he smirks, his eyes alight in some hidden humor before he deposits me on his bed, immediately climbing over me and attacking my lips in a sizzling kiss that awakens every one of my nerve endings. I notice fleetingly that the mattress under me isn’t your standard run of the mill mattress, it’s like laying in cotton candy and I really think I must have stumbled into some odd dream. If it weren’t for BamBam’s sharp nip on my lip, I really would’ve believed I was in some time of daydream, that something like this could never actually be happening.

           “Focus on me, baby girl, or I’ll have to put you over my knee,” BamBam grunts, his lips attacking my neck. The warning in his voice shoots straight to my core that tightens deliciously at his command. It’s like he has a spell on me, I follow him like he’s religion blurring the line between what’s sin and what’s sacred. His fingers find their way under my dress and my breath hitches in my throat. I grip his shoulders and he chuckles under his breathe causing me to shiver at the sensation of his breath ghosting over my skin.

           “Please,” I whine and I surprise myself by the need in my voice as I raise my hips so his fingers brush over my clothed slit. He moans in approval, his fingers finally putting pressure where I need it and I buck my hips closer in response.

           “Not so fast, sweetheart, we’re just getting started,” he grins maniacally at me as he sits up, his fingers hooking the sides of my panties as he languidly pulls them down my legs. His fingers trail down the sides of my thighs and I shiver, embarrassed by the heat collecting between my thighs making me so slippery wet for him. He hums in approval as he inspects the lace that’s more than just damp in the middle and I don’t know if I want to crawl under the bed or defile it. I settle for the latter as I lift off the bed, BamBam’s mischievous and lusty eyes meeting my own as I reach for his shirt and pull it over his head not wanting to waste time. He’s all beautiful tans and taut muscles and I get to work laying open mouthed kisses on his collar bones to the baritone of his moans. His hands grip the hem of my dress and leisurely lift, exposing inch after inch of my skin to the brisk air and his heated touch. He lifts my dress over my head and I have the irresistible urge to cover myself but he throws the cloth to the side and immediately catches my wrists in one of his hands, pinning me back onto his bed with my wrists above my head.      

           “Fucking gorgeous, you’re as pretty as poem Kitten, and fuck if I don’t want to read you,” he growls and I want to laugh but it’s stuck in my throat along with my breath. His fingers brush from between my collar bones down between my bra clad breasts that rise and fall with my heavy breathing all the way down my stomach, circling around my belly button and right when I think he’s  going to touch my where I want him to, he’s gone from above me.

           “What the fuck!” I exclaim, my eyes flying open to see BamBam rummaging through his drawer. He looks back at me, a sly look in his eyes as he runs them over my body. He finds a foil packet and crawls back over me, his hair hanging over his beautiful face, his lips quirked into a smirk as he grabs my thigh and opens my legs. I swallow thickly as his eyes train over my pussy that responds with fresh wetness and his gaze makes me redden, my nipples hardening. I reach back to unclasp my bra, throwing it over the bed in annoyance.

           “Oh sweetheart, you’re fucking soaking,” BamBam looks back up at me and I think his eyes have stolen all the fire from the stars. I look away, trying to hide my face, unable to take the intensity in his gaze but he just pulls me back, his hand anchoring my hip to the mattress as his lips sweep over mine.      

           “Touch yourself baby, touch yourself for me I want to watch you,” he commands and I want to bristle, to scream in frustration, to tell him what I want but something in me wants to please him more than anything. So when he sits back, his fierce stare secured on my body, I start teasing my nipples. I can’t recognize the mewls and sounds I make as my own as I pull my nipples, rubbing my thighs together with almost not friction between them because of my slippery wetness. BamBam’s groans of approval reach my ears and I find him with his pants chucked off, his hands wrapped around his length lazily jerking to the image of my fingers slipping between my thighs and teasing my wetness over my entrance and engorged clit.

           “BamBam…” I sigh his name as I slip a single finger inside myself and I see something in him snap. I can practically see his carefully retained patience shoot out the window as he pushes my body higher up the bed and anchors himself between my legs. His fingers find my clit and swirl with punishing force, wrenching a sob-like moan from between my lips.

           “Let me hear you, baby girl, I’m going to make you scream,” the promise in his voice scares me just as much as it turns me on. His lips lick tantalizingly over my collarbone and lower still until he’s swirling his tongue around my nipple and lapping at it. His lips lock around my nipple just as his finger finds its way inside, massaging my slick walls and it’s so good I want to cry, my hands fisting his sheets as he wreaks havoc on me.

           “I’m going to kill you if you stop again,” I threaten, my voice breathy and so much higher than usual and he only chuckles in response, slipping a second finger inside me while making a come hither motion that drives me absolutely insane.

           “I’m- I’m going to come,” I manage to stutter out just before my body seizes, a rush of warmth drenching his wrist as he pumps his fingers harder into me and bites the sensitive skin of my neck. His thumb rubs circles into my clit and a scream rips from my throat at how intense it is and how sensitive it makes me. I can’t help clamping my hand over his wrist and pulling his hand away from my core to let me ride out my high in peace.

           “You look absolutely divine when you cum, sweetheart,” he rasps, his eyes roving over my body as I seize every now and then from aftershocks. As soon as the strength returns to my limp limbs, I push him off me and onto his back, his eyes flashing dangerously as I straddle him.

           “I think you need a taste of your own medicine, sweetheart,” I grumble back, taking his cock in my hand and spreading his pre-cum over the head, lowering my mouth to his cock and spitting. I meet his eyes and there’s surprise and hunger and I can’t help but to tease him back. Kissing the head of his cock, I lick down the base all the way to his balls, tracing veins along the way to the soundtrack of his groans. His hands grip the sheets in restraint and I know I’m killing him as much as he was killing me. I want to cackle at the heady feeling dominance gives me and I take him in my mouth, eagerly taking him deeper and dousing him with warm wetness. His hands find my head and tangle in my hair, guiding me and I whine onto his cock, feeling on top of the world as I see his jaw clench, his breath hiss out of him.

           “If you don’t slow down baby, this is going to end a lot sooner than both of us want it to,” his voice is threatening and it makes my pussy clench deliciously to know I can affect him. He pulls me off his length and pulls me up to him, swallowing the yelp that escapes my mouth in a punishing kiss.

           “Hands and knees, Zara,” he orders and I’m taken aback. Is that the first time he’s said my name? I don’t have time to ponder it because he’s pushed me off of him and impatiently slaps my ass. I huff in indignation, surprised by how much I like him man-handling me and I immediately position myself, my back arching my ass in the air towards him as he settles behind me, his hard on poking me in the thigh. A frisson of panic runs through me, will he even fit? I can’t even remember the last time I’ve had sex, remembering the last, first, and only time I’d ever had sex being losing my virginity in early high school. As if sensing my panic, BamBam runs a reassuring hand down my back.

           “Relax, sweetheart, I won’t hurt you,” he hums under his breath, slipping two fingers back into me. I whine as he stretches me patiently, my head buried in the sheets, gasping from the left-over sensitivity from my first orgasm.

           “You’re so fucking sexy, you make a man want to get down on his knees,” BamBam groans and I whine in response, spreading my legs slightly to give him access. He pulls his fingers out of me and when I look over my shoulders, he’s licking my essence off them. The sight is so carnal I want to do something, I want him to fuck me, I want to scream, I want to beg, I’m a mess of wants and desire, a fire so visceral and twisted but instead of being put out, BamBam strokes me to life like’s gasoline and I’m a lighter. His cock slides up and down my slit and I mewl, his head resting in the divot of my opening. The air is a symphony of heavy breathing, mine and his, his bed creaking along to our movements and somewhere in the distance I hear an owl hooting to my amusement, before BamBam thrusts in sharply. A sob-like moan rips from my throat as I feel myself gripping him, his entrance made easy by the copious arousal leaking from me and I swoon when I feel strong fingers playing with my clit.

           “So fucking tight sweetheart, you’re like liquid fire and I want you to burn me, give me your all Kitten,” BamBam emboldens me and his voice is dark, guttural and it goes straight to my core. I can’t help but to throb around him before I feel myself stretching to accommodate the rest of his length, biting onto his sheets because it’s too good, and too much, and too intense but it feels so right when he bottoms out in me and I know my palms will have bruises from where my nails are biting into them. BamBam grabs my hips and positions them higher and I comply as he rocks back slowly, teasingly all the way out and I whine at the feeling of being so empty. He tsks at my need before slipping back inside me, faster than he did before and the friction sends me off. My head is a mess of dizziness and BamBam doesn’t hold back, my moans only encouraging him to pound back into me. His breathe is labored behind me and his hands roam over my ass, my back, to my clit and it makes me go absolutely crazy. The knot in my stomach tightens almost painfully and I’m cursing, strings of unintelligible nonsense dripping from my mouth as BamBam’s punishing rhythm sends me closer and closer to a peak I’m not sure I can cross.

           “BamBam, please, I- I don’t know if I can take it…”

           “Yes you can, and you will sweetheart, let me feel that tight little cunt squeeze around my cock, Kitten, I want you to fucking come, and come hard, my name baby, scream my name,” his words are growls spoken from in between gasp and pants. It’s so good, it hurts… and then his fingers are pinching my clit and I’m screaming and shaking and I can’t tell where I end and he starts, and everything goes black and there are stars swirling in front of my eyes.

           “Zara!” my name a litany off his tongue as he swells in me with a series of pointed thrusts that have me screaming until I’m sure my pussy won’t be the only thing out of commission in the morning.

           And like a house that’s stood for centuries, we collapse in a mess of limp limbs and sweaty skin and satisfaction, his warmth seeping into me and mine into his and I can’t remember the last time things felt so right, so perfect even. His fingers lazily draw patterns into my spine as he readjusts himself beside me.

           “So. Now that that’s out of the way, are you thirsty, Kitten? Hungry?” his voice breaks into my afterglow and I laugh like it’s the most natural thing to do, like I was made to laugh and he kisses my shoulder on his way off the bed. I watch as he pulls off the condom I didn’t even notice him put on and shimmies into a pair of boxers, his devilish gaze catching mine as I watch.

           “Sweetheart, your staring is what got you into this problem in the first place, don’t let it get you into another one. I’m known to have a heavy hand,” he punctuates his statement with a slap to my ass that has me squealing and giggling like a school girl. I wonder where this new girl came from, if getting good dick can really have me switching from hum drum old me to giggles and flirting like I wasn’t made with 2 parts anxiety for every 1 part human. He leaves the room to go get whatever tea or coffee he’s been promising me and I summon the strength in my limbs to limp to his en suite bathroom. I don’t have time to ogle his luxurious bathroom as I clean myself up. But as soon as I start thinking about it, thinking about how little I know the stranger I just slept with, thinking about how I shamelessly threw myself at him, thinking about how I practically slept with a man for a place to stay, I can’t help but to feel the guilt seep in along with the doubts, I can’t help but feel like a whore.  

           “I brought some iced tea, I hope you’re ok with- Zara?” I hear BamBam’s confused voice taper off before hearing footsteps approaching my escape.

           “Kitten? What’s wrong? Why are you crying? Did I hurt you, fuck,” I hear BamBam’s panicked voice as he puts the bottle of iced tea down on the sink counter before rushing to me. I didn’t even know I was crying until I felt BamBam’s frantic fingers desperately wiping away my tears, pulling my face up to look into my eyes with worry evident in his.

           “What’s wrong, Zara? Did I hurt you, sweetheart?” he implores and I hiccup, shaking my head no.

           “I don’t know, it’s silly, don’t mind me, I’m not hurt or anything. It’s just, I started thinking and I can’t help but to feel like I paid you off to let me stay here for the night with sex and-”

           “Are you kidding me? Why are you thinking like that, Kitten, I wanted to sleep with you since the second I saw you looking at me all doe-eyed and pretty when I was signing up to beat you in that poetry slam,” he winks and I actually allow a watery chuckle, wiping my own tears away, “and if you thought I was going to let you stay at a train station overnight alone with no phone, you’re crazier than I thought. Point is, whether or not you slept with me or not, I would’ve let you stay here. It just so happens that I’m irresistibly sexy and you’re attracted to me like a magnet.”

           “You’re really a cuntmuffin, BamBam,” I glower at him and he has the gall to laugh, and even I can’t keep a straight face. Before I know it, he’s leaning down and throwing me over his shoulder, carrying my back to his room as I slap his ass demanding to be let down.

           “Ok, your wish is my command,” he shrugs, throwing my down onto his bed. He tucks me into his blanket, and I just ogle him, sun kissed skin, silver hair, and spellbinding brown eyes. He climbs in next to me, throwing an arm over my waist and pulling me close, fingers tucking hair behind my ears and I’m suddenly so tired, my eyes so heavy they feel like lead.

           “Goodnight, Kitten,” I hear BamBam’s voice rasp to me and before I know it, I’m falling asleep to images of spotlights, rain, and silver hair.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

           Waking up is nothing like what the movies make it out like, with the sun shining on a perfectly groomed beauty whose eyes flutter open before she jumps out of bed and into a morning montage. I’m woken up by a desperate need to pee and a thirst so strong I’d drink milk -and I hate milk. I slip out of BamBam’s grasp to rush to the bathroom, or rush as fast I can feeling like a monster truck ran over my uterus.

           After taking care of myself in the bathroom, I set about looking for something to drink. I cringe at the thought of wearing the same underwear as last night so I just rummage around until I find a pair of BamBam’s boxers and a large, worn shirt that I throw over my head. I’m at a complete loss on what to do. Does he want me to be gone when he wakes up? Isn’t that what people usually do after one night stands? Do I risk the rejection and leave my number? Should I make him breakfast? The thought of breakfast has my stomach grumbling loudly and I curse myself for not taking him up on eating something before bed. I sigh, putting my fretting mind to the side as I decide to just stick around and see what happens, right after I raid his fridge. I mean, I sucked his dick last night so I’m sure he won’t mind me knocking back an egg, some bread, and orange juice, right?

           I close the door behind me, letting sleeping beauty get his rest as I make my way around, lazily taking in all the colorful art on his walls. His penthouse reeks money and I’m taken aback once again by how little I know about the stranger I spent a night with. I find my way into the kitchen, the tiled floor cool under my bare feet and I pull a glass out from the same cabinet I saw BamBam get one from last night. Placing it on the counter, I rummage around for a pan or skillet to scramble some eggs on, glowering as I spend an entire 10 minutes searching but still coming up with nothing. Does this boy never cook?

           I make my way over to the fridge, grumbling, as I open the door. Instead of finding the usual eggs, bread, veggies, and milk you would expect someone to find in a fridge, fear grips me as I take in the neatly stacked packets of red substance that lines the entire fridge.

           What. The. Fuck.

           I tentatively reach in, my brain working miles a minute to come up with an explanation as to why there’s a packet labeled “O-, Donor; Sandra Garret” that looks like blood in the fridge. Maybe he’s a surgeon, and that’s why there’s another bag marked “AB, Donor; Michael Orten” in the fridge. I feel bile rising in my throat, why the fuck is there blood in the fridge?

           “Ahhh, you weren’t supposed to see those, sweetheart. You really have a knack for getting yourself into trouble, don’t you? Now, I really will have to punish you,” I hear a gruff voice answer from near me and I startle, dropping the bag of blood onto the floor and a scream tears from my throat.

           “You’re lucky that bag didn’t rip, Kitten,” BamBam sighs, there’s no menace in his voice, just frustration but that doesn’t stop me from being absolutely terrified of him. Suddenly, it’s like the world has tilted on its axis and I feel blood rush up to my head, a wave of dizziness grasps me as my limbs go dead. BamBam’s eyes widen and the last thing I hear before I hit the floor is a string of curses and a rush of silver hair.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

       This time, when I come to, it is a lot like a movie. I find myself under the covers of BamBam’s bed, the birds chirping outside, and a glass of orange juice and an aspirin on the bedside table. It’s so good, I almost believe it’s all a dream, that my brain had just made up the bloody scene in the kitchen and I almost believe that everything is ok.

     Until I remember that I haven’t remembered a single dream since I was eleven years old. And that’s when the panic grips me.

     “Rise and shine Kitten, it’s good to see those pretty eyes again. And before you scream bloody murder – haha, get it? bloody murder – remember that if I had wanted to hurt you, I would’ve had 2 instances when you were knocked out and a handful of others as well considering, you know, vampires being lurking and powerful creatures of the night in comparison to humans. Speaking of you being knocked out though, don’t you think it was a bit dramatic to pass out? I mean, you could’ve gotten a cut or a bruise and then it would be a lot harder for me to hold myself back.”

           His voice drifts off but my mind stays stuck on one word. Vampire? Vampire? All the moments drift through my head like puzzle pieces finally clicking into place, his strength carrying me to his room, me asking him if he’s all bark and no bite.

           “Kitten, you really have no idea,” he had said. And I didn’t.

           What the fuck kind of trouble did I get into?