2025-06-06 - Love is a Spectrum: Dance Party

Alan is up in the DJ booth for the time being. He'll be trading in and out with others for the night, but for now he's vibing, feeling the energy of the crowd as the party gets started. He's dressed in a plain white tank top with a rainbow galaxy short-sleeved button-up left open over it and some jeans shorts with a pair of black lace-up boots on his feet with rainbow galaxy socks on inside them. The black horns that curl up from his temples sweep back and then curve up to sharp points from the tousled waves of his hair. His teeth are equally sharp and white when he sings along with whatever is playing.

Asher's uniform is typically a very predictable set. But it's Pride, and they got the memo. They've traded in their jeans for a utilikilt, black suede and deep pockets that hits its hem just at the crease of their knees. But tucked inside the pleats of the garment are stripes of satin in all sorts of vivid rainbow hues. They're wearing it with a grey, fitted, long-sleeved body suit, and there is an open-knit midriff hand-crochet rainbow yarn fabric sweater swinging breezily over top of it all. They've finished their ensemble with black Doc Martens laced with rainbow ribbons and their usual jewelry and off-duty bling for flare.

They've scoped out the scene and taken notice of where the lines seem longest as well as the smaller pockets where more relative quiet might be findable through the night. They've hit the bar and have something in a bell-shaped cup that's orange and yellow swirled together and a float of green melting down into it from above. The straw in it is one of those rainbow curly ones. It's festive. Their body sways now and then to a snippet of song that flows and beats through the air. But for now... With the sunken sun still having left some warmth out amidst the tiki torches, Asher's following their heart, and they're soaking up what passes for beach time smack dab in the middle of the country, letting the warmth and sand do their heart a bit of good. There are more than enough hours left in the night to get around to dancing them away later.

Artemisia? She should be coordinating things, in theory, but she's put down her clipboard for the night as she bounces around on the dance floor all lit up with refracted rainbows. She's dressed like a rainbow - but literally - in a puffed white crop top with stars on it, the cold shoulder sleeves ended in long bands of fringe in every color of the rainbow that sway and flutter with her movements, finished off with a sky blue mini skirt, rainbow bedazzled fishnets, and a pair of platform Doc Martens. The boots. They're in theme. Hers have pink ribbons in the place of laces.

Her makeup and nails are done in similarly colourful themes, with her eyes a bright cat-eye of blue over pink with a purple fade, making her eyes look even larger than they normally do and a scattering of glitter freckles over her nose. Artemisia grins as she spots Alan singing, joining in.

Ravin shows up with Aaron on their arm, possibly giving off the impression of proudly showing off the cute boyfriend. They're wearing a shimmery purple cocktail dress with purple, blue, and pink flowers around the neckline and hem. On their feet are thigh-high purple boots with a bit of a heel which does leave them almost half a foot taller than Aaron. Their eyeshadow is a rainbow ombre and their bald head is covered with body-paint designs of gold vines with flowers matching the ones on their dress. They glance around, giving waves to Artemisia and Asher before asking Aaron, "Drinks first or dancing first?"

Theo comes in looking bright in his rainbow shirt and white shirt with a slogan on it, pulling his hair back with a hand as if it makes him see things better. Blue jeans and pink Converse complete his outfit.

Wandering to the bar, he picks up one of the colorful drinks and salutes the tender. He wanders over to Alan and his booth to say hello. When there is a break in the songs, he grins and says, "Hey, I want to dance with you!" It had been a while since the last time he remembered being here, which was when the flowers were doing their thing. He's in good spirits regardless as he moves away from the booth to see who is all here. He's friendly and approachable as he takes a sip of his drink. "Woo, this is good!" Not saying that to anyone in particular.

"Ravin! Aaron! Hi!" Artemisia greets as she half-bounces, half-walks off the dance floor towards the adorable couple. "I am deeply envious of how good you look in that dress. Oh!" She reaches into the pocket of her waist bag and pulls out a pair of rainbow bracelets that are beaded. "Happy Pride! Glad you could make it."

Asher waves back to Ravin, taking in the gorgeous dress as well as the lovely arm candy. Is that the bear? A brow lifts, a look of curiosity crossing Asher's expression. With a sip of their drink, Asher gives up on the beach vibes and heads in to join the crowds where the faint strains of music outside pick up until they throb and bounce through Asher's chest on the rhythms. There's an upnod to Theo as Asher catches the comment about drinks. Their own is booze-free, but, it's slushy and fruity and really, really tasty. They're more than happy with their selection.

Noticing Artemisia and her spectacular outfit, Asher calls over, "Looking good, Arte! I love the sleeves!" They check out the DJ booth, glancing to take in the guy spinning, and the way that rainbows reflect and refract against that dark sheen of horns. If nothing else... Asher's first Pride outside the Bay looks like it might still be able to hang. They're curious to see how the magic of Spellbound will spill into and through the far more mundane but heart-saving magics of Pride.

Dodge arrives solo, wearing a 'More Pride, Less Prejudice' shirt with light wash denim shorts and rainbow colored Converse, and of course, her camera is hanging around her neck, the lens still popped on. She's not here under the guise of work, but all the same couldn't help but conclude that the vibrant celebration deserved to be captured in perpetuity--and hey, maybe marketing would use some of the shots in the next summer's collateral.

She interjects a handful of times to ask to take someone's photograph; sure, there's signage and waivers and 'by presence on the premises you consent to being photographed/filmed' galore in the park, but at events like this, it's just become her preference to ask for permission anyway. Consent is sexy.

She makes her way to the bar and gives the bartender a small smile when she's handed a violently blue drink that's been dosed with a healthy amount of luster that has the beverage glittering in the light, and then turns to regard the rest of the soiree. She takes a sip of the drink; it's sweet, maybe too sweet, but she tips well all the same, and finishes it before leaving the side of the bar to head towards the open doors and take advantage of the light of golden hour.

"Hey there," she says, addressing Asher. She lifts her camera and gives them a small smile. "Can I take your picture?"

Robin rolls in, lanky self, hair spiked up in some galaxy colours that shift in different light like an oil puddle. The tall painter from the research team, tonight, leans back into the Sandman motif with the long coat, mesh shirt, and the skinny jeans, and knee high Chuck Taylors with rainbow flames up the back that have some illusion reflecting a rainbow dire dancing around the bottom of his coat.

Entering there's a bright grin Alan with some ASL to the DJ <<Look good! Gimme Gimme Gimme?>> There's a circle of fingers to Ravin with a nod of approval before a chef's kiss and then off to the bar. There's a small hip bump to Arte signing, though with little cyan letters appearing between them 'Everything looks super. You did a good job'

Alan tosses a little wink at Artemisia when he sees her singing along as well, giving her an up-nod of greeting from the booth. His head bobs along to the music. As one song blends into the next, he leans forward in the booth, resting his folded arms on the edge to listen when Theo comes over. The proclamation gets a chuckle and a thumbs-up from the DJ. "I'll put you on my card," he says with a sharp-toothed smile before straightening up again as Theo heads off to mingle.

From the booth, he spots Robin and quickly signs back. << You too. >> Then he nods his head in Arte's direction and signs, << It's Arte's list tonight. >> He's just making sure it keeps spinning. << I'll be down in a bit. >> It's not like he has to do much with the pre-arranged list, just make announcements at the appropriate times, so he makes sure everything is in order and then locks up the booth and comes down to the floor.

When Dodge comes by with that camera, Asher actually takes a step to the side when they hear that questin about taking a picture. Surely she's looking for Ravin and Aaron, or Artemesia, or any of the other more vividly attired folks. But that step to the side lets them realize it's just them staring back at the camera person, and their smile warms. "Sure, if you'd like?" They read the caption of Dodge's shirt, and can't help but grin. "Excellent Austen reference." Clearly, Asher approves of the fashion choices being made tonight, even if they rarely step outside their comfort zones of their own.

As Asher and Dodge are chatting, Asher notices Robin head inside, and recognizes the bird-darts guy. There's a wave sent his way as the sign and air writing goes flying through the air alongside the beats of music. And back towards Dodge, and that request for a picture, Asher adds, "I'm not sure I've seen you around the park, are you new here?" Or is it just a VERY large park and Asher hasn't really been making efforts to meet folks until very recently. "I'm Asher." And while Asher hasn't done much sign of their own, save that waved hello to Robin... The way their silvery eyes flit around the room make clear they're reading along with every word.

Arron walking n with Ravin a smile instantly hits him, looking around. "Let's get a drink then we can go dance." Aaron is dressed in a nice pair of blue jeans, with a purple button-down long sleeve shirt with a black leather vest over that, his hair is done up with streaks of different colors going through it. He wanted to make Ravins colors, holding his boyfriend's hand he grins, "It looks so good."

Artemisia's smile positively blooms at Robin's hip bump. <Thank you,> she signs a little awkwardly. Her dark eyes flash pink as the cyan letters appear in front of her. That gives her an idea. Grinning, she summons up an illusion of the phrase, 'Sorry. I don't know much sign language. I'm Arte! Nice to meet you. Again. Not in a weird dream.' Her letters are pink and bubbly.

A wink is aimed at Alan when he agrees to put Theo on his dance card. A small wave is given to Robin when he sees him, and that wave is also aimed at Asher.

He now goes in the direction of Aaron and Ravin. "Hey, nice to see you all." Smiling in general. Whoever he does not know, which is Dodge and Asher, he gives his name, "Theo! Nice to meet you." Artemisia also gets a wave from the performer. Lots of people here. That is a good thing as far as he is concerned, as he takes another drink and smacks his lips.

Ravin grins at Arte's greeting and laughs. "Well, you look absolutely adorable, too. There's plenty of pretty to go around at this party." They sign <<Thank you. Good to see you.>> to Robin, and then grin at Theo. Aaron gets a kiss on the cheek as they lead off towards the bar for drinks. "I'll be back to dance in a moment," they call over their shoulder to those on the dance floor.

"Thank you, I was quite pleased with it myself," Dodge enthuses, glancing down at her own shirt when it's indicated. She raises the camera and pops the lens off, and the click-clack of the shutter rattles like a wooden fan, catching Asher in a few candid moments. The boundless wonders of digital storage means there's no such thing as too many shots.

"Asher," she smiles as she repeats the name, committing it to memory. "Lovely to meet you. I'm Dodge, and I've been here for... oh, a year and a half, almost? I spend a lot of time in the dark room," she allows with a small cant of her head to the side, and then she gestures with the camera. "And behind the camera. It's one of those blend-in gigs, you know? Always around, rarely noticed." Now she actually gives Asher a moment to pose themselves, if they'd like to, before snapping a few more photos.

"The light is just so great right now..." she mutters, almost more to herself than to Asher. She upticks her chin and asks, "What do you do for the park?"

"Hey, Theo," Asher repeats their own name, "Asher." Then they're glancing back to Dodge again. There's another sip through the curly straw in their drink before they're doing what they can to give Dodge a few names with which to work, absolutely feeling kindred over being here longer than someone should be before getting brave enough to collect any names. "The hottie in the gown is Ravin, there is no better fairy drag mama in Spellbound, if you're ever needing some extra Bibbity Bobbity." As to the man on his arm, "I don't remember what they told me their boyfriend's name is, but they lit up every time they said it, so, pretty sure he's a decent dude."

As the photos click, Asher just keeps chatting. If they had to think about how to smile, or pose, or do anything more than exist it would go pear-shaped awkward in a heartbeat. So Asher doesn't. They just chat and act like the camera isn't even there. They picked that habit up from the way LeeLee's boy is always around with a lens of his own. "Good to meet you, too, Dodge." As to what Asher does at the park? "Nothing as glamarous as stalking the red carpets," or strewn rainbow glitter and confetti as the case might be. "I'm a medic, part of the first-responders team when folks can't get themselves over to the clinic without an assist."

And then, Asher offers one more name as Dodge is murmuring about the light. "You should definitely meet Arte. I met her the other day watching the manatees, but, every time I've spotted her since, she's just a little more magic than the time before." Asher doesn't sound like they mean the capital M variety for which Spellbound is known, but. Arte is absolutely made of some kind of magic all her own.

Robin looks back to Arte with a wry grin signing back with subtitles 'I can hear you. I can't talk but I can hear you. Your penmanship is great. We should find some of the kids and make a big tic-tac-toe board for them or something. Get some teams going.' His critique of trying to sign. Turning to see Theo there's a wink with a fingerpoint in an 'I see ya there man' greeting.

He dances as he walks up to the bar giving Ashur a salute-wave back; a grin widening as Aaron shows up. Taking out his ID and card he gets his drink before proceeding to let the day start to erase itself.

Aaron waves over to Robin << Hello! Good to see you! >> he waves back to Theo as well, "Hey, been a min. Hope all is well?" there is a bit of a dance in Aarons steps when Ravin kisses his cheek, he grins wide heading for the bar trying to figure out what he wants to drink, "What do you want Bae?" looking to Ravin then back to the bar tender. "Oh man music is so good." he is stepping from foot to foot to the beat of the music.

So caught up in taking the photos, Dodge's greeting for Theo comes a little belated, but she smiles warmly at him. "Dodge," she introduces, finally lowering the camera and replacing the lens with a small click. "So nice to meet you. Cheers!" There's a sincerity to her interactions that comes across as equal parts nerdy and innocent.

She follows Asher's gaze around the room as they take the time to point out others at the party. "Ravin, and Arte." She deposits the names into her memory like pennies. "And a medic, hm?" She sounds impressed. "Well, let's hope I never have to see you for servies rendered. I can send you some of these shots, too, by the way, if you'd like them, before marketing gets their grubby little paws all over them." Her dark eyes flit around the space to take in the vibrant scenery and even more colorful patrons, and she smiles, seemingly quite happy to be here.

"OH!" Artemisia flashes Robin a shy grin and ducks her head. "It's okay. Did some art in school. Not just a joke about my name. Also that sounds super fun." She wiggles her fingers in a wave as Robin dances off towards the bar.

Ravin laughs delightedly at all the comments going back and forth, then grins at the bartender. "Hey. I'd like one of the fruity mocktails. I may get alcohol a bit later, but we'll start with hydrating." Ravin leaves a hand resting on the small of Aaron's back, just keeping that little bit of contact in the crowd.

A grin for Robin when the other man acknowledges Theo. Aaron has his attention now before he, too, dances off to the bar with Ravin. "Hey, man. Yeah, it's been a hot minute. But glad to be here tonight. Have fun!" Attention falls to Dodge when she gives her name up. "If I am not too nosy, how did you get the name Dodge? Reminds me of a car or something? If it's none of my business, you can tell me. I like the name, it is interesting."

Iseul slips in to join the festivities a bit late, after wrapping up the last of her work for the day and rushing home to change. She looks positively carefree and cool in the sleeveless dress she chose to replace her park uniform, its gauzy, gently ruffled layers flowing around her in multiple tiers of ombre, rainbow-hued chaos . So, she dressed in theme, in other words. Pausing to glance around and send sunny smiles toward a few familiar faces, she shifts her focus behind herself briefly as though checking for someone or something one last time, then heads toward the bar that's been set up.

Alan makes his way over toward the bar and where people seem to be congregated, flashing a smile at those there and lifting a hand in a bit of a wave. He leans against the bar and offers the bartender a grin when a cold bottle of water is passed over to him. He's on the clock, technically, so no booze for him, yet. But he can hang out while the music continues on, pre-programmed. Now that he's not trying to communicate across the room, he says to Robin, "How's it going, man?" Arte gets a little grin and he says, "You both owe me dances tonight, too," indicating she and Robin. Ravin, Aaron, Dodge, Asher, and now Iseul all get a friendly grin. "Love that dress," he tells Iseul as she gets closer to the bar.

It's not pistachio ice cream, and their own drink has no booze, but, Asher lifts the cup towards Robin as he's grabbing a drink of his own. It's still a salute about survivng another week of it all, and sometimes that's all the acknowledgement somthing needs. But when Dodge mentions hoping not to need their help... The warmth in Asher's grin fades, and it's definitely a forced kind of a smile, they try to cover it, but. They're a horrible liar, and that includes their face. "Yeah. Off the clock is definitely a safer way to meet." But the mention of photos helps return a little bit of the meaning to their expressions. "That would be kind of you. I don't know that I have any of myself after Spellbound..." It might be nice.

When Isuel slips in, Asher grins. The girl with the cute PJ's from the butterfly house. "Hey, Iz. Absolutely love the dress!"

"Always," Arte chirps towards Alan with a brilliant smile. "Oh-my-gosh." She moves towards Iseul in a beeline of rainbow flare, the tassels hanging from her arms flitting about as she laps her hands. "I love you dress! Hi. I'm Arte." She offers a hand, having no problem introducing herself.

Robin takes his drink which is- well it is cyan blue with an orange slice. The grin brightens to Alan signing back with one hand, little letters popping up, 'I know! It's why I showed up man. New job is good. Different but I'm liking it a lot. Get to see new places now and bring back images of that. Should come with us sometime- escape the booth.'

Looking to Iseul He makes a little 'spin around let's appreciate the whole dress' sort of gesture, then points to Alan. There's agreement of the layers of colour here. Looking to the others gathered nearish he signs, letters floating in mid-air <<Robin. This is Alan your DJ. Ravin, Aaron, and Theo over there there and there.>> for a brief moment a little down arrow appears over people's heads as he names introductions.

"Oh," Dodge laughs at Theo's question, not seemingly put off by it at all. "It was a nickname when I was a kid. I was really close with my dad, always following him, always wanted to do whatever my dad was doing. His name was Roger, and Dodge is short for Roger, so everyone started calling me Dodge, and it stuck." She gives him a smile. "I know, I wish it was a cooler story, too," she apologizes. "Like if I had narrowly leapt out of the way of a train or something, Dodge would be a great moniker, but no. Just after my dad."

But when Dodge notices Asher's expression fall, she feels like she kicked a puppy and internally panics, which is legible on her features. "Oh, um, I didn't mean, I'm sorry," she just spams words, trying to recover, and then finally just claps her hand over her mouth, rubs her face, and starts over, ears bright red from embarrassment.

"You know, I can email them to you," she tries to just pave over the whole faux pas by honing in on the conversation about photos. "As soon as I touch them up. I think you'll really like them. You look great," she insists to Asher, far, far more sincere than flirtatious.

"And I am going to go get another drink in the hopes that it will keep me from sticking my foot in my mouth again. Would either of you like anything?" she asks both Theo and Asher.

"Thanks!" comes the cheerful reply, and Iseul laughingly indulges Robin with a quick twirl that sends those tiers of light, floaty color flaring out around herself. "I thought it'd be great for dancing!" Her eyes warm with gratitude toward Alan, and she raises her hand in a greeting wave to Asher before extending it to give Arte's a gentle squeeze. "Iseul." Definitely a trace of the foreign in that name. Which makes sense, given the givens. "You look amazing, yourself." A beat. "Everyone does," she self-corrects, her eyes flitting about between partygoers. "This is great. Just daebak."

Aaron wants to let lose a bit so he orders a whiskey sour, waiting for his drink he leans slightly into the touch at his back as he dances a bit in place waving and greeting everyone. He is a bit like the energizer bunny tonight; it's been a while since he been out to let thing much energy out. "Hi Iseul! It's nice to see you again and girl that dress is amazing!" he grins wide once his drink comes, he picks up and sips it.

A wide grin appears on Theo's face when Iseul comes in with that stunning dress. When Robin does the introductions and reads his name, he waves at Iseul. "Hey." He greets easily enough. A casual air surrounds him as he people-watches and continues to drink. His smile is now aimed at Dodge when she tells him her name and how she got it. "It is a great story. I love that you are close to your dad." His words are sincere as he says them. Shaking his head negatively when Dodge asks if he wants another drink. "I'm good. Thanks!"

Asher isn't sure what's got Dodge red, but maybe it was the story of how she got the name? "Nah," they try to assure her. "That's a fantastic origin story. I used to be really close with my dad, too. Nothing wrong with being known for your ties to the folks who love you most." When another drink is offered, Asher tells Dodge, "I'm not much of a drinker, but, the citrus mocktail is amazingly good!" They've also sucked most of it down, so they add, "An iced tonic with lime?" Less rainbow, but more familiar. Then Asher is glancing to Iseul, "You're included in that everyone, and don't think we've not noticed."

Ravin ends up with something pink and slushy, also with one of the rainbow curly straws. They guide Aaron a little away from the bar to let other people in to get drinks and then look around for where they want to hang, though their gaze gets caught on Iseul's spin with the dress and they give an appreciative whistle. They glace down towards Aaron. "Hey, sweetie, have you met Asher, yet? Also, I think we may owe several people dances, but it's a bit chaotic in here."

"Yeah?" Alan asks Robin with a raised brow. "They got much call for DJs in your new department?" He chuckles just a little bit, trying to figure out how that would fit in and then says, "Maybe." When Robin does introductions, he lifts a hand in greeting at his name. "Technically, this is all Arte's work tonight. I'm just playing her songs." He can't take credit and puts it where credit is due.

He then asks Theo, "So, are we still on for that dance? Or should I steal someone else for now?" Grinning at Iseul he says, "It's got the perfect amount of swish for dancing."

Is it possible for Artemisia's eyes to get bigger as she stares at Iseul. They do. And pinker. "It is totally daebak," she agrees with a giggle, giving the other woman's hand a squeeze. "<<I'm also Korean!>>" She offers with only a little accent on the words as she switches languages fluidly. "Now. I'm wishing I'd put more Kpop on the set list." There's soooome. She claps her hands, dancing from one foot to another.

There is Theo's glass put down on the bar counter when he hears Alan's question. "Oh hell yeah." Grinning at Alan. He has had fun dancing with Alan in the past. He also makes a gesture for others to get on the dance floor once introductions and drinks have been done. Telling Arte when he hears Alan give her credit, "Nice song choices!" Beckoning Alan in specific, "Come on, DJ! Before duty calls!" He laughs as he heads to the dance floor.

Aaron moves off with Ravin looking around as everyone is talking and gathering around, "No I have not meet Asher yet." he shakes his head sipping his drink as he sways his hips to the music a bit, "Well they can collect their dances after we have our first one." he leans in to kiss Ravins cheek smiling.

Robin turns from the sharing of the dad stories to Alan and shrugs with a silent chuckle pointing to himself and making a telephone gesture. 'If I call you does it count as a yes?' Looking to Theo and back to Alan he makes a shooing gesture 'I'll still owe you like 2 songs from now. I'm not leaving til we're caught up.' He encourages of the dancing- if not also to catch up on his drink. Looking to Arte he looks to her curious, fingers signing 2 letters and a question mark, "You add CL?". he has some Kpop prefs there.

Iseul's eyes widen as well, flooding with delight as she hears her native tongue — probably for the first time in a minute — falling so perfectly from Arte's lips. In no time flat, she's joining in on the excited bouncing from foot to foot, all but squealing in her reply. "This is fantastic! I'm so thrilled to meet you!" Slices of home are always a welcome treat. "There's some good English-language stuff dropping lately, we should make it our mission to introduce more people to the genre," she adds, of K-pop. Her focus drifts to Asher and there's a touch of color at her cheeks following the compliment, paired with a brightening of her smile. Much more luminosity and she's going to have to start worrying about blinding people. Yay for good moods! "So what's good to drink, tonight?" she asks, generally.

It's asked if introductions have been made, and Asher waves at Aaron as that answer of Ravin's gets answered. "Seriously, bish." Asher will insist. "Go dance with your man. We'll all still be here after!" Or, if they're not, the next day, or the one after. Asher and the bear will meet someday, hopefully not in the woods when the fuzzy one is hungry, but. It's a risk Asher's willing to take to see Ravin dancing in that glam dress and having the time of their life.

"There is." Artemisia pauses her thought to wave at Theo and give him a thumbs up for the compliment on the playlist. "I just didn't want to skew the vibe too much when I made the set list. Although all the transitions are all Alan. And hard yes. Agreed." She beams at Iseul and waves towards the bar. "Let me show you the rainbow - of drinks!" She giggles and wiggles her fingers at Asher in a wave. "I need one too. I'm parched af."

Leading the way, Artemsia heads towards the bar. She orders something that is kiwi and comes back to her in layers of green and blue. "They'll do lower or more alcohol if you ask," she informs Iseul, picking up a rainbow bendy straw.

Ravin grins and offers Asher a salute with their drink, then wraps their non-drink containing arm more fully around Aaron's waist and smiles down at him with a totally smitten look, swaying their own hips with the music. "You get as many dances as you want, cutie. Boyfriend privilege."

"That's kind," Dodge smiles to both Theo and Asher before she slips away to retrieve drinks, an iced tonic with lime for Asher and whatever that blue business with the glittery luster was for herself.

She gets a little distracted along the way by taking more photographs, some of the decor and some of the dancing, some of people who look like they're having the time of their lives. Whoever planned this party really brought their A-game. And there's a moment that she leans against the bar to scroll through the photos, deleting blurry ones and taking a moment to detox from the socializing. It's not that she's become overly accustomed to alone time, it's just that... well, no. It's that.

When she returns, she hands the tonic to Asher and then smiles warmly at Iseul. "Hello!" she greets brightly. "I'm Dodge and your dress is fantastic," she tells her enthusiastically. "Do you mind if I take your photograph?" she asks, setting her drink down and gesturing with the professional-grade camera that's hanging around her neck by a sturdy strap.

Alan dips his be-horned head when Theo seems ready for dancing. He nods to Robin after a moment of thought and says, "If you call me, I'll count it as a win either way," with a grin as he heads out onto the dance floor with Theo. Once they dip into the crowd, he finds a spot for them among the other dancers and falls easily into the rhythm of the song that's currently playing. "Been a while," he says to the performer. "Things going well over at the amphitheatre?" he inquires. "What's new?"

Luckily, Iseul hasn't yet claimed a drink from herself, so her hands remain empty. At Dodge's query, she cheerily raises both arms above her head, then curls them back down again to point her hands toward the crown of her head. Yep, she totally just made a big ole heart pose. It's sort of fitting, given that the topic of K-pop has been bouncing around a little. She holds steady till the shutter-click can be heard, then quickly puts in her request at the bar for something with orange — blood or regular, she cares not — and turns back to Dodge again. "Nice to meet you! I'm Iseul. You having a good time?"

Aaron smiles at Asher then look to Ravin and leads him out onto the dance floor, drink in one hand as he finds a spot for them and turns to face Ravin as he falls into the beat and starts to move to the beat of the music keeping Ravins arm wrapped around his waist and his free hand moves to rest of Ravins hip.

Theo effortlessly weaves around the crowd that is already on the dance floor and makes an effort to stay near Alan, not to lose him. He is also able to keep up with the rhythm of the song that plays around them. "This was Artemisia's doing, huh? You're just making sure the songs play when they are supposed to?" Yes, he's grinning as he speaks with his fellow performer. "Do you ever get tired of it, or is it something that you thrive off of? Being a DJ and all?" Nodding at the talk of it being a while. "I got a little overwhelmed with the uptick of people at the park and the different magics that were going on. Had to take a small break from socializing. But ready to be back at it. Especially if you keep throwing parties regardless of whether it's you or someone else who starts it." At the talk of what's new, he says, "I got to see a new world. I'm sure you've heard of that, yeah? Even got to keep a rock for my troubles. It was spectacular, and I look forward to my next adventure. I have no clue what might be waiting once I step out of the portal. What about you? What have you got going on?"

"Thanks!" Asher offers Dodge a grin as they sit their empty bell glass on the bar top, then pluck out their rainbow bendy straw to drop into the fresh tonic. "Seriously. If I'm going to stumble my way out onto that dance floor at some point," and even though Asher has no rhythm, it's not going to stop them, "I figure if I'm not hydrating, I can't quibble at the rest of you about it, either." They turn their back to the bar, leaning against it and adjusting the fall of their kilt. It's possibly not until that lean that it's clear how most of the crowd towers over them. But it's not unusual for folks to assume Asher taller than they are at first glances. It's the medic training, mostly. But it gives them a great vantage point for people watching as folks start hitting the dance floor in earnest.

"Of course," Dodge answers Asher, and she smiles at Iseul's cute pose and snaps a few photos of it before replacing the lens cap on her camera and retrieving her drink from the bartop where she left it. "That was great, thanks. And I am! Everyone looks fantastic, the set list is amazing, the drinks are very strong," she adds, lofting her brow to emphasize the point and possibly Asher's good wisdom in going with mocktails for the time being. "They're definitely Pride pours." IYKYK. "Asher is going to outlast all of us."

Ravin seems more than happy to be lost in the moment for a bit, just dancing with Aaron and looking cute together. They'll likely be back to full performer later, but for now, they're dancing with their hot boyfriend and that seems to be enough.

Alan nods, "Yep, this is all her. I'm just making sure things keep running." Usually, he would be putting together the setlist and blending one song into another and choosing what to mix in to match the vibe, but tonight he's got it easy. He can mostly just dance if he wants to. Laughing he shakes his head, "Nah. I live off the energy."

There's a nod when Theo mentions having to take a bit of a break with all the changes going on. "Yeah, I get that. Heard things got a little crazy while I was away. I went back to New York for a bit. Got a short-term offer I couldn't refuse and took a little unpaid leave. But that project's over, so I'm back here now."

The mention of a new world though, that has him shaking his head slowly. "Wild. Yeah, I've heard a little bit about it but haven't actually seen any of that new Magical Studies stuff. I haven't been back long."

"Good, someone needs to," Artemisia decides, flashing Asher a pink-eyed grin as her gaze flickers with the soft hue. Her drink? Definitely boozey. "So what's your flavor? I opted for kiwi because little sweet, little tart," she says, addressing the others at the bar. She doesn't come very high up from the counter. "You're orange," she points at Iseul. Then, she looks at Asher, "Raspberry?" It's a guess. It's probably wrong. "And you I haven't met. Hi! I'm Arte." A hand is offered to Dodge.

When it's proclaimed that Asher is going to outlast them all... Their silvery gaze takes in Dodge all over again. To be honest, outlasting the last one down is usually Asher's game plan. Mostly, becuase they're a medic, and keeping to their feet to get others back on theirs is trained into them professionally with a lot of hands-on hours to reinforce it. But. It's Spellbound, where talents and skills come wrapped in layers. And something about how Dodge speaks makes Asher wonder if their excellent views of the world have to do with how much of it is studied through a camera's lens, or if it runs deeper.

When Arte asks about drinks, though, Asher's head shakes. Wasn't raspberry. "I asked them to blend the citron slush with the grapefruit sorbet. Then they floated some herbacious botanical bitters over top of it. No idea what it was called, but, it was fantastic and I highly reccomend it." But they grin as Arte introduces herself to Dodge, and suggests, "Arte, let her get pictures of your sleeves. They have to outlast just tonight!"

Aaron rolls up the sleeves to his shirt up to his forearms as it gets warm while he dances with his amazing hot boyfriend, his arms move to wrap around Ravins neck as he still holds his drink dancing close, leaning in to whisper something to Ravin softly then laughing a soft pink coming to his cheeks as they dance.

Theo's attention is entirely on Alan as they dance and talk. Catching up if you will. Grinning when Alan speaks of live off the energy. "I understand that. Every night after my performance, I feel like I'm still vibing off of what the audience gave me." Amusement flickers as he speaks.

"Ah, that is why I haven't seen your handsome face around. I just figured it was me being a hermit. Glad you are back. I have been here. Just work and going back to the apartment." He asks Alan, "When we both have a free day or night, want to take a tour together? I was there for the opening. It was pretty cool. No expert, though." A slight shrug when he makes that offer.

Ravin laughs delightedly at whatever it was Aaron whispered to them and kisses him firmly, if more or less chastely. The song is transitioning to a new one, now, so they start looking around. "Alright, who wants to claim next dance? Asher, you gonna come dance with us?"

"Hi, Arte!" Dodge greets Artemisia without any awareness of how Asher is regarding her, accepting the handshake with a firm but warm and friendly squeeze. "Great to meet you. I'm Dodge. And this mind-erasing delicacy is a Blue Lagoon, I think," she says, gesturing with her drink. She grins at Asher's suggestion and takes another draining sip from her drink before hoisting the camera and centering the viewfinder on Arte and her epic fit, snapping a few photos as the shutter softly clicks.

Robin lifts the glass and signs to Alan and signs back 'Well I'll have to call you and we'll get you in. It was really surreal.' Looking to Theo he grins and asks with some excitement 'which one you see? We've been having fun cataloguing them. I didn't get to go in yet.'

He works on his drink but looks to Dodger and flaps his hand at her but enough to get her attention and not tap the new person with the expensive equipment on the shoulder. He points to her as he sets the glass down 'Anyone ever take your pic or you like a vampire with no reflection, Dodge?'

"Oh!" Artemisia chimes when Asher says she should have her picture taken. Obligingly, she lifts up her rainbow streamered arms for full effect, flashing Dodge a warm smile as she takes her hand. "So nice to meet you! Thanks for coming out." Twirling on a foot, she lets the photos be taken without protest, even hamming it up a little. "I went a little literal with the rainbow thing, but I like it."

A little bit after festivities have started, Hawthorne arrives at the club. Seeing the decor and everyone already in party mode, he looks around and tries to spot Arte. It isn't like it's difficult, both with her energy and attire, and soon he smiles and starts his way to the bar.

After researching, debating, and second guessing...he had finally landed on an outfit he hoped was good for the event. A mesh rainbow short sleeved top with black trousers, rainbow patterned canvas shoes, and several glow necklaces and bracelets. His longer hair is pulled back out of his face by a rainbow bandana folded and used as a headband.

Getting the the bar he seems to exhale after making it through the crowd of people, offering a smile to Arte and those around, but letting her have her moment getting her picture taken as he orders a drink.

Dodge has found new targets for their camera, and Arte is willing to oblige, leaving Asher beaming at the pair of them. When Ravin calls out to the dance floor, Asher sips from their fresh drink and then nods. They push off from the bar, just in time to wave at Hawthorne in passing as he heads in and Asher heads off to join Ravin and Aaron. And once they're in ear shot, they warn both of them, "I cannot dance to save my life, but it's not going to stop me from pretending otherwise. Watch your toes!"

Asher may still be finding their place in Spellbound, but they're quickly at least finding their people, and that's better than a place any day. One song fades into the next, and Asher dances with abandon, fully aware of how ridiculous they must look, and clearly giving absolutely zero fucks or self consciousness about it. Yesterday sucked. Tomorrow is unknowable. But tonight has music, and friends, and if they're lucky - more than enough laughter and dancing to make it all worth it. And it's Pride. The last thing Asher is going to be is ashamed - at least not of their dancing. Magic... Well. That's neither laughter nor dancing, so it can wait for it no longer to be tonight.

Dodge snaps a few more photos for good measure, grinning as she admires them on the screen of the camera. "Excellent," she praises Arte. "A natural. Did you plan this?" she asks, gesturing around with a twirling finger. "It's fantastic. Are you an event coordinator for the park?"

When Robin waves to Dodge and gets her attention, she smiles at him and returns the wave enthusiastically, then laughs. Sensing an opportunity to test her nascent sign language skills, she (somewhat slowly, maybe a little clumsily) replies in ASL <<Oh no. My secret!>> She wrinkles her nose cutely at him and then signs, <<My name is Dodge. Hello!>>

Retrieving her orange slushy concoction from bartender, Iseul doesn't hesitate before taking a rather large sip through the rainbow-hued twisty straw. And then she's blinking, wide-eyed and staring down at her glass as though it just flick her on the forehead, or something. Like, the audacity. "Whoa," she breathes, giving her head a tiny shake. "You all weren't kidding about the heavy pours." Mind you, she doesn't seem upset about it. Quite the contrary. She grins, turning to watch those enjoying themselves on the dance floor for a little, and taking another (smaller!) sip of her drink.

"God. No." Artemisia laughs brightly. "I'm a performer. Pianist and painter. I volunteered for this detail. The actual event planner couldn't do it because of a scheduled vacation and we weren't not gonna have Pride!" The horror. She takes a sip of her drink, smiling softly as she spots a small figure in the crowd.

Shameless, she calls out. "Can I buy you a drink, handsome?" Artemisia directs it at the tall figure of Hawthorne, although someone else points to themself with a lift of their brows. "Oh no," Arte says softly, giggling. "I think I'm about to have to buy two drinks."

Ravin grins at Asher. "Fear not, my boots will protect me. Asher, my boyfriend Aaron, yes the one who is sometimes an animal. Aaron, Asher, I ran into them at the bookstore and we had a great conversation. I'm going to be showing them how to do some make-up and maybe let them play with my pallets so they can decide what kind of colors they like on their skin."

"Nah," Alan says, "I was out of town. Never know what'll come up, but I'll probably be here for a good while unless something particularly good comes up that I can't refuse." He moves in time with the music, with the crowd, just enjoying the energy around him, the conversations nearby, the lights as they flicker with their rainbow colors. "I'm sure we can figure something out," he agrees easily enough. There's a glance from Robin back toward Theo, curious as to the answer to Robin's question, too. "What did you see?" he asks, curiously.

Aaron returns the kiss and steps back to watch Ravin and Asher dance for the moment downing the rest of his drink and putting it on the nearby table. Then he moves back in, "Hello Asher." he greets them, "It is nice to meet you." he starts to dance with them both, his hips moving, his body shaking and he makes sure to be careful of the deadly feet! "Oh wow, I have some also if you like I can give it to Ravin for when you guys get together." he grins, "I enjoy playing with makeup its very relaxing to me."

"Aaron!" The bear has a name. "It's a delight. Ravin has showed off photos, they don't do the true cuteness of you both any forms of justice." Speaking of makeup, though, Asher asks Ravin, "Have you seen Arte's eyes? Do you know how to make rainbow eyes?" Asher's strange silver gaze really needs some bright rainbow shadow to offset the doom and gloom of the polluted oil-slicked rainbows in their hair. And well. Talking makeup for once in their life not with the girls makes Asher realize how much their slip into solid androgyny was an over-correct, and they'd far rather be masc in rainbows and skirts than trying to fit into other molds that aren't them, just because it's not the mold they were clawing out of. Different isn't always better. "I'd absolutely love that."

At Arte's flirt, Hawthorne turns his attention to her and smiles. "I won't say no, but I feel like I should be buying you a drink. This all looks great and don't sell yourself short." There's a nod towards Dodge as if to confirm what he's saying before he continues to Arte, "You ARE an event coordinator now. You've coordinated. There's been events. That counts to me."

See? Logic! Reaching his hand out he takes her, giving it a quick squeeze. A silent reinforcement of his praise. "If you're buying I guess it's only fair I let you pick what I get then."

There is a look to see where Robin is. Theo is aware that Robin can hear him, but out of habit, he likes to make sure he's facing a person when he speaks with them, and they are using sign language—a glance at Alan to include him in his answer. "I just remember there being a forest—an old stone building. I believe what I saw in the sky was a pegasus. I might be wrong. So maybe this world has a fantasy bent." He attempts to explain to both Robin and Alan.

There's a thumbs-up when Alan says they can figure something out. Turning to look at Robin, "You gonna be our tour guide, since did I hear you correctly, you are part of Magical Studies?" He continues to dance with Alan, even when the music changes, offering winks to those who are now on the dance floor.

Taking Hawthorne's hand, Artemisia tugs him closer as she gestures to the two she's standing with. "Iseul, Dodge, this is Hawthorne. Likely responsible for some plant that you've seen at some point here." AKA: He's a groundskeeper. She bites her lip when Hawthorne says she should pick his drink. "Can we get one of those orange slushies with the booze for him?" She requests, pointing at Iseul's drink.

Ravin gestures to their own rainbow eye make-up and grins. "I can, yes, several versions. Though I'll warn you, it's a lot easier to start with two or three colors. Six or seven or eight involves a lot more precision. It can be done, though. And I've seen a couple versions where you do red-orange-yellow on one eye and green-blue-violet on the other." They finish off their drink and likewise move to set the empty glass on a nearish table, then return to their dance partners.

Iseul turns gleaming brown eyes toward Hawthorne as Arte makes the introductions, smiling and lifting her glass. "Careful," she mentions, as the same is ordered for him. "It's got a bit of a slap to it. I haven't decided yet if I should take it slow, or lean into the vibe." Her eyes crinkle. "Nice meeting you, Hawthorne."

Robin considers something about Dodge's answer giving her a grin and signs to her < <I'll fix this in a moment. Haven't gotten to do this in a minute>> he holds up a finger to wait and grabs a plain bar napkin that also bears the bar logo in rainbow print.

Looking to Theo he awaits the answer and points to himself with a nod. He signs back without dropping the napkin, letters added in, 'Yeah. Been working on image capturing things we can't get pics of and theoretical imagery. Still painting but I never did that during the day really.'

He holds up a finger to Theo and Alan before heading back to where Dodge is taking pictures of people. He signs << This is my only good bar trick so you have to promise to give a courtesy Pikachu expression>> He stretches his fingers, the scared hand making like he's changing the aperture on a pretend camera. He pretends to 'snap' the pic. Where it gets different is pulling the square napkin like a polaroid, but there is a picture on it as he waves it and blows on it (exactly as one ought not to do with a polaroid pic) and hands it to her: Dodge's picture now on the napkin. 'Now someone took your picture too. Is fair.'

"Told you," she gives Iseul a grave nod when she mentions the potency of the drink. "Pride pour," she repeats conspiratorially.

She smiles as she's introduced to Hawthorne. "Hawthorne, so nice to meet you. I'm Dodge."

When Robin retrieves a napkin, she tilts her head curiously in what is very much a puppy dog-esque affectation and watches with interest, and then he's handing her the napkin with her photo imprinted on it. "Holy shit," she reacts, so caught offguard by the party trick that she forgets all about her attempts to sign, and she laughs in surprise. "That's awesome! You definitely earned a courtesy Pikachu," she agrees, doing her best impression of shocked-Pikachu. "I'm going to keep this, it's going in my locker. Thank you."

Aaron looks to Ravin then back to Asher, "They did?" he looks to Ravin a blush coming to his cheeks even more now, "I hope they were nice ones." he moves to gently hip bump Ravins as they dance and move so that Asher is in the middle and Ravin and Aaron are dancing on either side of them.

Asher may lose track of Aaron and Ravin in separate moments as they're dropping off empty glasses while Asher spins in circles that aren't exactly dancing, but are super fun. And it sends the rainbow pleats between their black suede utilikilt spinning out brightly beneath the rainbows, too. Asher checks out Ravin's makeup now that they're closer. From afar, it was all gown and boots. It looks good which is utterly expected. Another spin, and they're grinning at Aaron. "Yup." They did. Asher has seen the pictures. As to if they're nice or not? "You're gonna have to charm that out of them. I know better than to sell out my fairy drag-mother before I've been taught the secrets of a rainbow eye."

With all of the spinning and bad dancing, they miss the trick with the napkin between Robin of the bird-darting and Dodge. But they are still at least catching some snippets of sign, and air writing, though as they spin through the rainbows... Even that loses some of its interests - and for as much as Asher loves a good linguistics puzzle... Well. Clearly, the middle of a dance floor is their absolute happy place in the world even if they are awful at it.

Hawthorne is easily tugged closer to Arte and leans against the bar. A nod is offered to both Iseul and Dodge as he smiles, "Nice to meet you both as well." As the drink is indicated he looks to Iseul's glass and blinks.

"Oh. Wow." He seems up for the challenge though as he chuckles at Iseul's options, "Be careful, if you lean into it too much you'll probably get a brain freeze." His free hand reaches to tug his mesh shirt at the side a bit, adjusting its fit as he then looks to his bracelets and nods to ask Arte, "You want a couple? They're pretty cool. They have these clear fasten pieces that make it easy to take them off and they apparently glow for awhile."

"It's very orange," Artemisia says, handing it over to Hawthorne and tipping the bartender well. Not like rich person well, but well for someone who works at an amusement park. "It's cute." She says, taking a sip of her green drink and nodding at Hawthorne. "But I think I'm a little in love with the bandana." She winks at him.

Dodge isn't the only one blown away by Robin's party trick. Artemisia squeaks with excitement, pointing at it with her free hand. "That is SO COOL."

Alan grins over at Robin's party trick. He'll catch up with Robin about tours and whatnot in a bit. For now, he continues the dance, his attention back on Theo. "That sounds pretty damn cool," he admits, about the ruins and possible Pegasus. "I'd dig seeing a flying horse. Did you get to ride it?" Because that is the important question here. As the music shifts and the song once more begins to draw to a close he nods over to the others and says, "I owe a couple of other dances. But it was good to see you around again, Theo. Drop by the booth any time, yeah?"

Ravin raises an eyebrow at Aaron. "Of course they're good pictures. I keep the one of you drooling in your sleep with three snuggle bunnies curled against you for myself." Then they grin at Asher. "Eh, I am a kind, benevolent, and forgiving fairy drag mother. I'd still teach you rainbow eyes."

"You were so right," Iseul is agreeing toward Dodge, right about the time the napkin not-polaroid is shaken and presented. Her eyes bounce from the image to Robin, back to the image, then Robin again. "That... how..." Blink. "That's just amazing! Careful flashing a gift like that around, or everyone's going to want one," she teases Robin. Then she's winking toward Hawthorne and noting, "I'll let it melt a little first, I think. I'm a complete wimp when it comes to brainfreeze."

Theo's attention had fallen to Robin doing that magic trick, and when it was done, he looked delighted and clapped for Robin. "I love it!" He calls out.

Looking at Alan as their dance draws to a close. "Yes, you have a dance card to honor." He teases lightly. "I will most definitely drop by the booth anytime." At the talk of being able to ride the flying horse, he shakes his head negatively, "Not enough time. But if I get a chance to go to that world again, I hope I can. It was magical watching its flight."

He pats Alan's shoulder and smiles at the DJ. "Thanks for the dance." Moving off the floor so he can grab something non-alcoholic this time.

Aaron eyes go wide, "Ravie!" he almost trips in his dance step laughing looking to Asher blushing oh Ravin knows how to make him blush. "I am very lucky to have Ravie as my boyfriend." he winks at them. Stepping back, "I'll be back in a moment going to get another drink." he side steps and lets the two dance and talk about make up for the moment. He is bouncing slightly as he makes his way back to the bar ordering another whiskey sour.

Asher is having fun. They laugh when Ravin promises they're benevolent, and Asher is pretty sure it's the truth. But when Aaron's expression goes wide-eyed and crimson, they can't help it, they absolutely are giggling as he goes running off for a refill. And once he's out of earshot, Asher tells Ravin, "He's just as adorable as you said he was." And as the photos showed. But still. Asher double checks, "And he's right, he's totally lucked out on life. But..." There's another spin as one song ends and another starts that lets Asher ask, "He knows you're just as lucky as he is, too, right?"

Ravin laughs and watches Aaron head back towards the bar, but then has their attention drawn back to Asher. "I am absolutely just as lucky as he is, if not more so, but it's always good to remind him. His ex definitely didn't appreciate him enough. And we're counting it as a minor miracle that I have not gone to yell at his parents, yet."

"Definitely orange," Hawthorne adds with a laugh. Taking the drink he looks it over to try and gauge the best approach. A nod is given to Iseul though, "Best tip for a brain freeze. Take your tongue and put it on the roof of your mouth. It helps warm it up faster."

With that he takes his crazy straw and...goes crazy. It takes a bit of effort to get the drink moving, but finally he pulls back and coughs, "Whoa. You weren't kidding. That is STRONG." There's a grin to Arte and then his eyes move up to try and see his own bandana.

"You want it? I have a hair tie I can pull my hair back with." The offer is made quickly and sincerely. The napkin with Dodge's likeness on it is noticed and he grins to Robin, "That is definitely cool."

Alan gives a little bow with a flourish to Theo and says, "I hope you get to see it again. Maybe someday I will, too." He then slips away and makes his way back over in the direction of Robin and some of the others. He stops by the bar to reclaim his bottle of water, taking a sip, and then approaches Robin. "May I have this dance?" he asks with a little grin, though he doesn't interrupt any ongoing conversations and seems perfectly content to loiter, watch people dancing and conversing, and wait his turn. There's a smile for Hawthorne, who he just notices has joined the party and a loft of his water bottle before he finishes it off and sets it aside.

"Nah. I like my curls." Lifting a hand in a steam of colored tassel, Artemisia pats her blonde curls which also look like they've had some glitter sprinkled into them. How much glitter does she own? It's probably a lot. "It's cute though, so I'll borrow it another time." Polishing off the end of her drink, Arte looks up at Hawthorne. "I wanna dance. Think you can manage with a drink in hand or do you want to join me in a bit?"

Robin brings the back of one ink-stained hand to his mouth win a mute chuckle before responding to Dodge in good nature with fingers keeping the ASL more simple for those that don't pontificate all their thoughts with their hands on the regular. 'I don't know if that'll survive leaving the island as a warning. You can take a picture of that in case though. Welcome to living on a magical island. It gets weeeeird." his finger making an exaggerated squiggle past his forehead to emphasize the weirdness. To the others he signs a thank you thank you.

Seeing Alan return he grins 'You think the plants are going to come down and dance with us again now that Hawthorne is here?' He points to Hawthorne offering a hand in somewhat familiar greeting.

Aaron waves to everyone at the bar and looks over to Ravin and Asher as they dance, a smile on his face as he bites his lip waiting for his drink to be made. He is dancing in place to the music enjoying the beat, humming along to it, once his drink is handed to him, he moves back off to lean on a table watching the two dance on the dance floor.

Iseul laughs in spite of herself as Hawthorne disregards Dodge's warning about the Pride pour just like she had, and suffers the same fate. "I'll never doubt you again," she notes to Dodge with a good-spirited wink. "Oh, and can I get a copy of that pic you took earlier? I know someone who'd get a kick out of mocking me for the pose."

Asher has to stop spinning long enough to suck down some of their tonic in order to not put out their own eye with the bendy straw they're using to do it. But they're glad to hear from Ravin that the relationship sounds healthy in addition to happy. But there's no hesitation in the offer, "If that yelling needs backup, I know how to make people think they really will wake up in the tub ice without a kidney." Asher is too small to look like much of a physical threat. But. It doesn't do a thing to make them act as if they won't. And sometimes, a glower in a small package is actually all it takes.

The new song is slower than the last one, so Asher is less spinny and more slightly bouncy. It's still totally off rhythm. But it's clear that just as much as some folks work out their issues in the gym, or over a pint, or tussling in someone else's bedsheets... For Asher... If they can't get out on the waves of a real beach... They find their zens on a dance floor every time.

Dodge winks at Robin and bobs her head in a nod, and she sets the napkin on the bartop to take a few photos of it so it can live as long as time immemorial. Or at least as long as her cloud storage does. Then the napkin goes carefully into her pocket, and the camera lens is popped back on.

"Of course," she replies to Iseul amiably. "I can email it to you after the weekend."

Theo comes back to the bar and orders a Coke. Who does that? He does. Grinning when Alan and Robin are going out to the dance floor, and looking pleased about it as he waits for his soda to be readied. He is content for now.

Ravin gives Artemisia a wave. "Come dance with us!" They call. "You can bring your friend along." They spot Dodge and grin. "When you get a chance, get a picture of the cute guy leaning against the table over there, pretty please," they say indicating Aaron.

"They are pretty amazing...and glittery," Hawthorne says about Arte's curls. She definitely owns a lot of glitter. Hawthorne hasn't even seen all of it, but has seen enough to know this much is true.

"Yeah I can manage," he says with a nod and holding the drink in hand. "Let's dance." It's said enthusiastically even if not confidently. Maybe the alcohol would help!

Seeing Robin's question he laughs and signs as best he can with one hand while voicing it too, "You never know!" It was a fun idea. Giving a nod in departure to the others he follows Arte to the dance floor.

Pulling his phone out of his pocket looking at it he smiles and takes a picture of Ravin and Asher dancing, happy with it his phone is slipped back into a pocket and sips his drink. He is totally leaning against a table arms a bit back behind him, very model like pose as he watches Ravin. "You look good out there on the floor Ravie." he winks.

When Ravin is inviting Arte and Hawthorne to come dance, too, Asher lifts their free hand, waving them both over in agreement. And as to Dodge and her camera, "I saw a few of her shots earlier. She's got some serious talent. I like her eye for composition." Their eyes glance over Theo as he pauses from the dancing to hydrate. He looks happy and zen, so their attentions continue the scan in between their own dancing and conversations. They're mostly present here in the moment, dancing their backside off amongst a mix of friends, strangers, and acquaintances. But they're still always scanning for trouble that might need interrupted before it can arrive. They catch Robin dancing with the DJ, and things over that way seem copacetic as well. So for now, no one needs anything but a good time, and that leaves Asher free to dance with their typical delighted but unskilled abandon. They don't even spot Aaron catching a few pictures of his own of the God in a Gown next to them in the process.

Ravin grins at Aaron. "I thought we'd established that I look good everywhere all the time." There's a small pause. "Except tech week when I have not slept because we have to fit dress rehearsals in around our usual shows." They smile down at Asher. "Aaron was originally hired here as a photographer. So he's usually got his real camera. He's shifted to magical studies, now."

"Never know," Alan says with a little shrug of his shoulders. "Maybe they will. Can never quite tell what's going to happen in here some nights. Keeps things interesting." He glances over toward Hawthorne when Robin indicates the man as a possible source of flower growth. He laughs when Hawthorne answers back essentially the same thing. He then starts to make his way back toward the dance floor, beckoning Robin with him. "Let's see what happens."

Dodge returns the grin to Ravin and gives them a short nod, wielding her camera and padding over to the bar, smiling at Aaron and lifting the the Nikon to take a few snaps of him in his very model-esque pose.

Once that's done, she finishes the rest of her (second) drink and sets the empty glass on the bar, hoisting her camera again to scan the crowd, collecting shots of the merry revelers as they dance, drink, and party.

Iseul finds herself glancing toward the entryway again, then down at one of the bracelets on her wrist. Turns out, the bauble attached to it is actually a smartphone screen, pressed to her pulse-point. She activates the screen, swipes past the clock to another display, scrolls. As a trace of tension dances along the line of her jaw, she sets her glass back up on the bar, sliding it across to be disposed of, and quietly makes her way toward the door while everyone's enjoying the revelry.

Once Theo has his Coke in his hand, he gives a nod of thanks to the tender for it. A glance at Dodge as she takes pics of model-Aaron, not wishing to interrupt what is going on there. When it is done, he asks her, "Wanna take a spin on the floor? I don't think I am a terrible dancer if you are game?" He smiles at her. No pressure is coming from him because she's taking pictures of the party in general, but still, he's going to ask. A glance at Iseul when she makes to depart, "Have a good night!" He says in her direction.

"My LeeLee's boy is another of the camera folks." They're everywhere around the park. But. They all have their own talents and specialties, and that's something Asher has always found beautiful. "I love how a hundred people can all pick up a camera, and take a picture of the same thing, and there's a hundred different images when they do." As to magical studies, though. "I freelance as many shifts as I can grab when they need medical backup. If they had solid slots for my skill-sets, I'd transfer in a heartbeat." It's the mysteries. Asher wants to unravel them all. "I wonder if that means he knows Momo and Dilly..." For that matter. "Or hey. Does he have a co-worker who looks like a narc, but opens notes addressed to 'hopefully not the feds'?" Because Ash still has not idea what Byron's actual name is, and is still trying to figure out how to track him down post-seance. A name might actually help.

It's Iseul sliding that glass across the bar and setting her jaw before leaving that has Asher turning away from Ravin, though. "Hold that thought, though. I'll be right back!" And they head for the door, trying to catch up with Iseul, or at least a breath of fresh air if they didn't hustle quick enough to catch her.

"Yes! Yay!" Artemisia sashay-bounces over towards Ravin and Asher, holding Hawthorne's hand to drag him along. The lights shimmer and shift overhead as the tempo picks up, falling back to some classics. "This is Hawthorne!" She calls over the music, beaming at the pair.

"DO YOU BELIEVE IN LIFE AFTER LOVE..."

Aaron looks over and chuckles as Dodge takes his picture, "Hello, I am Aaron." he sits up sipping his drink again and then decided to go back out on the dance floor with Ravin and Asher. "Did you both miss me?" he winks and kisses Ravins cheek and starts to dance again, but then Asher is off when get gets back to them, but then Arte is there and he beams, "Hey Arte!"

Ravin plants a quick kiss on Aaron. "Always. When Asher gets back, they have some questions about who else you know in your department." They beam at Arte and Hawthorne as they arrive. "A pleasure to meet you, Hawthorne. I'm Ravin. This is Aaron. And the person who just left us, but will hopefully return is Asher."

Pausing to turn and reciprocate Theo's kind farewell, Iseul can't help but note the way Asher's rushing through partygoers like a tiny bull in a china shop, headed straight toward her. She blinks, quickly offering a somewhat distracted but sincere, "Thank you! You too," to Theo, before stepping forward to meet Asher with hands outstretched, concern etched on her features. "What is it? You okay?"

While they make their way over, Hawthorne is drinking more of his orange boozie slushy. Offering a nod in greeting to Ravin and Aaron he smiles, "Nice to meet you both!" A glance is given towards Asher when Ravin mentions them and the name is noted for possible later introductions.

Arte's singing has him looking to her with a grin, but he doesn't join in just yet. Instead he moves to the rhythm as best as his uncoordinated self can and takes another drink before wincing. Brain freeze!

Asher catches up to Iseul, and, well. They're not a billion percent sure they have the right person. They've heard stories a plenty, but. They've only met her the once, and the pieces didn't all fully click into place. They're really hoping they've got the right person and not a case of mistaken identity and the wrong lost-kid-wrangler. But they do reach out their free hand to catch one of Iseul's outstretched ones. "So. Uh. If you're not who I think you are... Uh. Just ignore this. But. Are you the one Other Ash is always rambling on about? If so, let him know, there's some weird around, but also some totally normal. But. Could use his opnions on both. And, uh. If not... Well. It was still great seeing you again, and the dress makes it official, you have the best fashion on a regular I've spotted. Please tell me where you're getting your threads." If Ravin is going to teach them make-up, they may as well find a few cute things to wear with it from time to time, too.

Robin's drink is gone and his good deed done for the day he turns to Alan and grins following him to the dance floor and signs to him << And what's she got you playing now to turn the dance floor into an elaborate fae trap that is working?>> Robin can usually be found on most of the thursdays dancing until he's drunk off his ass and waiting for last song; there seems to be approval but as two musicians collabed on this it'd be hard to find flaws. <<What's your schedule looking like this week? we'll kidnap you back.>>

Aaron smiles nodding his head, "Nice to meet you." he steps in a little closer to Ravin, he feels relaxed he has had a drink and working on his second, "You just have to follow the beat." he looks to Hawthorne, "Oh and have an amazingly beautiful and handsome partner, your specially lucky if they are both." he grins at Ravin then looks to Arte, "You look so good tonight Arte!"

Artemisia giggles after she belts the chorus, pressing a hand over her mouth and looking up at Hawthorne, Ravin, and Aaron with bright eyes. There are gentle brushes of her fringe as she moves, the fabric flowing with her as she dances with arms up in the air. She grins at Aaron for the compliment. "Thanks! I went a bit literal on the rainbow vibe," she says, reaching out and takes Hawthorne's hand.

"… Other Ash?" Iseul repeats back, head tilting. And then it seems to click, the similarity in the names. Well, the identicality, really. Perhaps she's just gotten too used to thinking of the 'Other' using some other moniker? Regardless, the figurative light bulb seems to flicker on over her head, and she smiles, giving Asher's hand a squeeze. "No, you got the right person, though... I hadn't realized he'd been talking to anyone about me." Yeah, cue the blush, re: that. "I'll let him know about the weird, and that you want his take on things.. and anytime you want to do some shopping, in the real or online, you just hit me up, okay? That sounds like a blast."

Ravin wraps an arm around Aaron's waist again. "Well, then I am especially lucky." They grin at the other two. "Literal is fine, you're sparkling and glittery and bright. And never be ashamed of singing along to Cher."

As they slip into the crowd and Robin asks his question, Alan points upward to the speakers as Selena Gomez starts singing, "It's been said and done, every beautiful thought's been already sung, and I guess right now here's another one, so your melody will play on and on, with the best of them.." and he sings along a bit, holding an invisible mic as he does. He stops stinging long enough to say, "Sometimes fae like being trapped," brows lifting just a little bit. As for his schedule? "I'm back on my usual schedule, four nights a week, Thursday through Sunday. But I could be up for being kidnapped. And sometimes I can shift-swap."

"Fantastic!" Asher is so stoked they got the right person. Also, for the clothing and shopping buddy. "Get my number from other Ash, and we will absolutely hang as soon as possible!" Asher lifts their mostly empty glass towards Iseul in salute, then tells her, "I won't keep you. You look like something was on your mind, and well..." They look over at the cluster on the dance floor. "My ass is not going to just shake itself."

But after saying goodbye to Iseul, they drop by the bar, dropping off their glass of clinking ice and then telling the bartender to surprise them. Their only request is purple, and no alcohol. Once that has been obtained, they make their way back out into the moving bodies, finding that cluster with Ravin and Aaron, Arte and Hawthorne, and anyone else that's clustered into the group, slipping back into their off-tempo movements alongside all the rest of it.

Hawthorne laughs to Aaron, "Well...I have a great looking partner that's for sure," he looks over to Arte with a wink. Looking back to Aaron, "Not so much the following the beat part though." It doesn't stop him from trying!

Maybe it's the drink or maybe it's the music, but either way as the song continues he starts to let loose more. "I think you're a beautiful rainbow!" he calls to Arte and wraps a free arm around her from behind, continuing to try and do something close to dancing.

Aaron grins at Ravin as his arm wraps around him, he steps in close as he dances with them, looking over to Arte and Hawthorne he grins more he can't help it, "OMG you guys are too much." he laughs as he looks to Asher, "Welcome back." then his attention is back to Arte and Hawthorne, "Are you guys dating? please say yes you guys look great together!" oh, Aaron is feeling his drinks it's not that he is drunk he just is not shy at the moment he feels relaxed.

Theo grins at the group as a whole and even waves to those on the dance floor. Putting his Coke down since he finished it. Telling Dodge on the way out. "I'll catch you next time. Enjoy the party." If he can catch Artemisia's attention, he tells her, "Great party and great outfit. See you later!" He then proceeds to make his way out.

Artemisia tips her head towards Hawthorne with an easy smile. "We're dating," she tells Aaron with a wink, dancing back into Hawthorne as he wraps an arm around her. She waves excitedly at Theo. "Thanks for coming!"

Ravin waves to Theo, then grins at Arte and Hawthorne. "Congrats. You look good together." Asher gets a grin, as well. "Welcome back." They shift around to behind Aaron to dance, arms draped around his waist.

Ok. So. The first thing Asher notices upon their rejoining of Dance Crew is that most of the rest of them all seem to be heavy in their cups. The second thing noticed is just how adorable the entire group of them are. They lift their purple cup towards Theo as he heads out. "Thanks," is offered to that welcoming back from Ravin. Asher may actually have crashed a double date on the dance floor, but. The music is loud, the company is wonderful, and they have no issue in being a fifth wheel about it all. They're just exuding strong 'happy to be here' vibes as they dance the night away.

Robin is not the world's greatest club dancer, and he doesn't care; this is not stopping him from finding the vibe and enjoying getting down to Selena with Alan. When pointed out that some fae enjoy the trap he signs back <<Well its working pretty good so far. no complaints.>> He steps in but picks up one of Alan's hands and draws on it with a finger with a message for just him that will be seen by just the recipient. Back to signing he adds <<Wednesday I'll have to come by and grab ya than.>> Because Thursday night is for dancing.

Club dancing is pretty much the only dancing that Alan does and he's pretty good at it, but he doesn't seem to care what level of expertise anyone he dances with has. He just enjoys the company and the atmosphere of the night and all the people around him having a good time. When Robin reaches for his hand, he tilts his head a little curiously, watching the drawing on it with a mixture of amusement and fascination at the 'message' that appears there. He turns his arm a little this way and that once his hand is released and says, "I like it." Then, after a short pause, he signs back, << Looking forward to it. >>