2025-06-22 - All Eyes On You Expo

A glowing necklace settles around Artemisia's neck, with a bright grin passed on to the person handing them out, as she walks into the stunning array of colors and ambiance that has utterly transformed the ballroom. "Whoa," she utters, almost stumbling over her platform wedge heels as she watches an animation bounce from one screen to another. Dressed in a pale blue dress that ends at the thigh with a macrame fringe overlaid over it, swinging about her knees, the blonde falls somewhere between club and cocktail as a half dozen hoops glint in her ears, her blonde waves half slicked back in a grunge nod to the twenties. The look is completed with a dark eye that is somehow still sparkly and a pair of false lashes. There's a nervous cadence to her energy as she glances towards the stage, black strapped wedges lacing up her ankles and crossing over her calves.

When she walks in, Hayley Birch looks more nervous and overwhelmed than anything. The blonde has clearly taken some time to get ready, her face made up with pale eyeliner that cause her green eyes to stand out and contoured to accentuate the heart shape, while her lips have been filled in with classic, vivid red liner and lipstick, a layer of gloss applied over the top. Her blonde curls have somehow been mostly tamed into a crown braid that rides right along her parietal, and where they connect, her hair falls loosely down her back in stretched ringlets.

She's dressed in a mostly-modest green dress with a slit up her thigh showing off a tanned and muscular leg, and a pair of gladiator style heels that give her about an extra inch of height. She's already close enough to six foot, and avoiding going over it tonight.

Fresh flowers adorn her, and she turns to look for someone she came in with as she straps some of the glowing LED's onto her arms in a line of flashing bracelets.

Asher really isn't sure they're cool enough for this event. But. The weren't going to miss it when they had the opportunity to attend. Even if they're just watching from the edges, it looks like the kind of thing that would be a wonderfully great time. They've even dressed up for it. They're wearing a lilac silk tee shirt tucked into a pair of cigarette-legged black linen pants with black satin piping down the outer seams of the legs, tuxedo style. Over top is a black blazer with a brocade pattern in shades of grey and silver paisley. Their shoes are still their hand-decorated favorite pair of purple canvas sneakers, though. Looking around, the decor is phenomenal, but, mostly Asher is just looking for a familiar face or few in the crowds. Spotting Hayley and Artemisia at the opposite side of the room, they lift a hand manicured in matte black polish with silver chrome french-tips, and wave to the blondes across the way.

Dodge walks in shortly after Hayley, dark hair swept into a loose and relaxed updo with minimal makeup but perfect eyebrows and lashes, a light sheen of gloss on her lips, and wearing a dark blue DvF dress with silver heels. She's paused near the entrance to pull one of the glowing bracelets around her wrist, and then heads over to join her friend.

"Do you want to get a drink?" she asks Hayley, noticing Asher and Arte and lifting a hand to wave in their direction.

Angelo showed up with Aisley in red with the shirt so unbuttoned it's moot. It's been fun to catch up with some former collaborators he's not seen since VidCon a couple years ago, and let all the dumb shit he's done in college come back to bite him in the ass. This happens when you document many years of your gymnastics life on YT and Insta. The round of telling everyone they look like a Hollywood baddie is made as old and new people come and go through the night.

He's wearing the glowing necklace and enjoying the electric green contrast. "See, Aisley, raves are always the safest parties. You wouldn't think it but if the power ever goes out everyone's go a safety device. Funny enough I think I learned that from my mom."

As Halloran's plus one for the evening Kellin has been around since he arrived with her. He has taken a pass on many of the shiny, flashing baubles being offered at the entrance, but does have a flashing pin attached to the lapel of his grey blazer, worn over a waistcoat, button-up, and gray dress pants. He was flummoxed about what to wear to something like this but he managed well enough.

As Halloran greets the guests he is over at the bar getting drinks for them, he has ordered them, and is just waiting for them to be made and handed over.

Diana plucks a champagne flute off a passing silver trey and scans the crowd for a familiar face. Never one to pass up on the opportunity to dress up, she's wearing a black vintage gown that dips low in the back showing off her toned glowing skin. Her hair is done in deep waves, and makeup reminiscent of old Hollywood glam. Spotting Angelo, she gives a finger wave. She recognized Ainsley as well, but hadn't seen her in a while, perhaps not since a themed children's breakfast when she was in full costume.

"Heya Kell," Artemisia greets after returning Dodge's wave with a chipper enthusiasm. She sidles up to the ship captain, leaning against the bar with an ease that promises she is wearing high shoes. Otherwise it would be too high for her. "Somehow didn't expect this to be your vibe, but I'm happy to see you here."

It had been previously discussed that Angelo would be wearing red and being slightly cryptic about what Aisley was going to wear, she let him know that she'd match the red. Not one to have 'all eyes on' her at any given time, she had stepped out of her comfort zone for this one shoulder red dress. It wasn't the dress itself that had been out of her comfort zone, but the wings that she'd gone out to find the wardrobe department. Begging off a favor, she'd found a pair that worked perfectly for the dres, with tones of red and gold.

Aisley's eyes were everywhere at once, taking in the area with an impressed gaze, turning her head to Angelo at his comment, she laughed. Her own glowing necklace had been safely secured by Angelo around her neck, glowing a bright green color. "At least I won't lose you tonight."

Zeke had definitely gone the more clubwear style as he steps into the party, wearing a patterned diamond jacket opened over a white shirt that simply reads #Tricksters, black jeans and white and black canvas style sneakers.

His hair is slicked back into an attempt at a style as he has a glow necklace and bracelets on either wrist. He is also taking the approach of finding a familiar face and Asher's happens to be the first he spots. Walking in that direction he offers a nod and speaks over the music, "Hey. Long time no see," he says because it had in fact not been long at all since they had helped him with the coffee mishap.

Lifting a hand and waving it in Asher's dirextion, arms aglow with a myriad of lights, Hayley turns to look at Dodge at the question asked and grins at her, nodding. "At least one," she says with just a hint of deviousness. There's wine going around, and she considers that, but instead moves toward a nearby bar that's been set up and, eventually, emerges with two electric blue cocktails of unknown provenance, passing one over to Dodge. "There's curaçao," she explains, taking a sip. "If you don't like it, I'll finish it for you."

So kind. So generous.

Then she guides Dodge in the direction of Asher, looking around, admiring the dresses and suits and tux-inspired wear, her eyes lingering on a few fine cuts.

Zeke is right at her target, so she upnods him and extends her free hand. "Hayley," she says by way of introduction.

Asher offers a bright grin and wave to Dodge as well as they spot her with Hayley across the way. They glance once more around the room, and then glance back at the door, assuming they're going to have to brave the crowds to get to where Hayley and Dodge are. But they find a different familiar face finding them instead. Their smile instantly warms. "Hey, Zee." They can't help the glance down at his right hand, even though they know better than maybe anyone that he's fine.

Taking in his outfit, they laugh, "If I'd known tee shirts would be allowed..." Oh well. They may not have had to get this fancy, but, it's kind of fun having the excuse. It's the jacket they're really eyeballing though. "I like the sequins. But so help me if you didn't buy that one off the rack..." They look him over almost suspiciously. "If you're getting all the good second-hand threads before me, I'm going to have to start shopping out of your closet." Not that his jackets would fit them. Not that having to roll a few sleeves and add a few pins has ever stopped them.

At least they've stood there long enough for Dodge and Hayley to make the trip across to them, so, win! "Hayles! Dodge!" Asher finishes the started introductions. "Zee, this is Dodge and Hayley," and then to the ladies, "Dodge, Bun, have either of you met Zeke?"

"I can get down with a little curaçao," Dodge declares, taking a sip before being steered over towards Asher and Zeke.

"Hey there," she chirps brightly to Asher, features curving into a grin, dark gaze ticking from them over to Zeke. "I don't believe we've met. Pleasure," she chimes, reaching out a hand to shake his after Hayley.

Having heard about the wrap-up party for the Expo during one of her trips to prior events, Iseul shows up with a sunny smile of anticipation on the evening of, wearing a lightweight cold-shoulder mini dress in pale purple reminiscent of lilac blooms. Dangling on delicate cords from bodice, sleeves and the hem of the skirt that skims her thighs are a few faux floral curiosities that dance and sway around her with her movements, endearing in their fairy-sweet cuteness. She sends her focus out over the growing crowd of people, noting a number of familiar faces that lends her steps a little spring as she moves further into the ballroom.

Once she gets free, Jessamine makes her way over toward Kellin where he is busy getting the drinks and rests a hand on his arm lightly. "Thank you, I'm dying of thirst," she says, which may be a slight exaggeration, but the appreciation is genuine. "I'm glad that you came with me tonight. There's so many people. And everyone looks great, don't you think?" She's casually taking in the arrivals and points out Aisley and Angelo, "Oh look! Matching faeries! I love it. Hold on, I need a pic." Her phone comes out and she grabs a couple of quick snaps of the pair.

Diana had asked one of the staff to take pictures of her by the entrance when Iseul came in. "Wow," she says, shocked with herself for the lack of filter. "I like your dress," it was a genuine compliment, something she doesn't hand out all that freely.

She retrieves her phone from the waiter and starts to broadcast to her socials. That's what this thing is for right? "Well, well, well," she says to her viewers as they start to chime in. "Broadcasting from you live at the All Eyes on You Expo where we have quite the fashion show going on. Who do you guys want to meet?" She asks her followers. "Oh?" They instruct her to turn the camera to the person next to her. "What's your name, what's your handles? The world loves your outfit. Who are you wearing tonight? Can we have a little OOTD?"

Asher's inquiry earns a hesitance wince from the man, "Not thrift store, but...ebay." Sorry!

The comment about his attire had him looking around and chuckling, "Uh I don't know that 'allowed' is necessarily the word. My wardrobe bar definitely seems to be on the lower scale. I figure I'll just make everyone else look more stylish by comparison." You're. Welcome.

Oh hey! People! As Asher makes the introductions, Zeke nod to the two and looks to the hands before extending his. First to Hayley, then to Dodge. "Nice to meet you." He definitely has the fidgeting posture of someone who is not comfortable in crowds, it's why he was always backstage on tour!

"Did someone say drinks?" Ok yes it may be a distraction. Still, he's pretty sure someone said curacao.

"Hey there, Arte." As surprised as she is to see him, he is the opposite. This is the exact kind of thing Arte would be at. "Guess I can occasionally be unpredictable." He tells her in a droll tone.

He takes the drinks from the bartender as Halloran comes up to him and Kellin passes the one she requested to her a pleasant, but small smile on his face. "The turnout is great." He looks from her to the gathered people "Guess we all clean up well." The fairies especially. "Have you meet Arte." He gestures to Artemisia as he makes introductions.

Angelo grins wryly to Aisley, "As if you could be rid of me. Bug spray might work now, I dunno." He steals one smooch spinning her around in the dance floor whish is hard to do when your dance partner has non-articulated wings. He lets go briefly to not catch one in the face before waving to Diana and Isuel. "Heey you made it some join us."

Turning he lifts the wings for the good photo op with Aisley to mug for Hayley's camera and offers, "Should let us get one of the both of you if no one has yet. People need to take pics of photographers more often. missed market." In case he foes the intros, "Diana, Isuel and Aisley. Kid wranglers with a day off. You both look great. I am not at all surprised."

There's flashing lights! She's a creature of curiosity and also distracted by shiny things. Artemisia flashes Kellin a grin as he responds in a droll tone. She opens her mouth to quip something, then pauses as Halloran arrives. Oh. She offers the other woman a smile and a hand, "Hi. Arte. I'm one of the performers here." There's a warm flicker of pink in her eyes. "How d'you two know each other?"

Jessamine takes the drink that Kellin passes to her with a bright smile and takes a sip, turning to look at Arte as the introductions are made. "Jessamine Halloran," she introduces herself, extending her free hand to Artemisia. "A pleasure to meet you. The Captain was kind enough to come with me tonight and keep me company." She gestures a bit with her glass in the direction of Calanthe. "I figured Callie would be way too busy to hang out with me the whole night. Besides, we do this kind of thing all the time." Then she smiles at Kellin and says, "He let me interview him for our YouTube channel," to explain where they met.

"Oh wow, I love the whole -- everything you're doing here!" Hayley says to Asher, motioning a hand in their general direction as an excuse for speaking as she takes a deep drink of her bright blue beverage, just a little fizz on the top as she clears her throat after, her head turning toward Zeke as introductions are made. "Pretty sure it's an open bar, either that or we're being charged by our ID," Hayley tells him.

Notably, she does not comment on his outfit the same way she had Asher's, but a quick look and a knowing grin is given to him anyway as she turns to look at the crowd. "Honestly love to see this many people here."

Then she answers Asher's question finally. "Haven't met Zeke until just now! What do you do here?" she wonders to him. "Or are you one of the influencers?"

There are flashes coming from every which way around her. Aisley had no idea that people had spotted her and Angelo and started snapping pictures; she was blissfully unaware spinning on the dancefloor with him, leading her to do so.

"Oh! Sorry!" Laughing and reaching up to touch Angelo's face when she realizes she hit him in the face with her wing, "These things are hard to get used to. I don't know how you do it."

Then the next thing she knows she's pulling pulled toward Angelo and she's posing for a picture in the position that she's turned. This was more Angelo's speed than her own, but she's smiling and enjoying herself all the same. Lifting a hand up at Diana and Isuel at the introduction. "Nice to see you." She says to Diana and to to Iseul, she wags a finger, "You were at the flower ball, right?"

Diana smiles over at Angelo. "You're on the Le Roux Review," she tells him, still broadcasting live but now to several thousand who are going absolutely apeshit for Angelo and Ainsley's complimentary outfits. "Angelo Kerekes is a nepo baby," she confirms to her followers. "Doesn't he dress nice? I'll have everyones handles tagged, don't worry." She tells another commenter. "That's all for now from All Eyes on You. I'll broadcast live in a bit once I've had at least two more drinks." She ends the livestream and pockets her phone. "Nice to see you again Aisley." She'd already said "Hi" to Iseul in her own way.

Calanthe Collier does seem quite busy, to be fair. She is navigating the crowd and catching up with someone here, someone there, doing quick bites and interviews, hustling her way from one side of the ballroom to the other. Seeing Jessamine gesture toward her with her glass, she lifts a hand and waves at those over at the bar, but then she's off again in a swirl of wildflowers and sound bites. The time is getting closer to when they have to be on stage and she's clearly got a few things left to do before heading there.

She nearly bumps into Zeke on her way past and blinks, "Oh! Sorry!" She then takes a moment to look at those gathered around and says "Love the purple. And the green. Fantastic!" Zeke's jacket gets another look and she says, "Interesting!"

Then she spots Diana and her eyes light up. "Diana Le Roux!" It's almost a squeak. She's off again!

"So nice to meet you too, Jessamine," Artemisia says with genuine pleasure and not just fan shock. She may have watched some things, but she's no influencer herself. "Kell is excellent company," she says in way of hyping the man up, there's nothing but friendly affection there. "Oh. So he gave you one of your first looks at Spellbound then?"

Asher grins widely at Dodge, "That dress is fantastic." Deep blue is absolutely the dark-haired camera-woman's color. Of course, Hayley looks just as incredible, "And yours is just as awesome!" Seriously, they both look dressed to kill. But when those compliments are turned back their way? Asher actually blushes. "Thanks." They've done what they can to spiff it up, but really, their hair is doing the vast majority of that heavy lifting as the oil slick sheen of colors shifts and moves across the strands even when they're standing fully still.

Zeke is mentioning drinks, and fidgeting like he's going to crawl out of his skin. So without even thinking about it, Asher makes the move they know works. Their right hand lifts, fingertips just barely at the back of his elbow. The touch isn't nearly enough to hold onto him, it's barely even enough to do more than be felt in the faintest weight through his jacket. But if his elbow shifts backwards, it's the reminder he doesn't have to face this crowd alone, even if there are no spotlights. But it leaves him full ability to simply head towards the bar on his own, too.

When Collier stumbles past, Asher gives them a once-over through the gaze of a medic, nah. She's fine. Over-exuberant with excitement, but fine. And she looks incredible as she goes bumping past on the way towards Diana none the less. But for as helpful as Asher was at giving names for introductions? They say nothing at all about what Zeke does or if he's an influencer. Those are his stories, and Asher is just there as unexpected moral support.

Blinking as she's addressed, she casts a tentative but unfailingly warm smile to Diana, seeming... well, perhaps a little relieved and certainly more relaxed once the livestream is cut. "Thank you — you look fantastic, yourself," she compliments in return, warm brown eyes skimming the woman's own outfit with appreciation. She lingers a few moments more, before looking for some form of refreshment as Diana offers her greetings to Aisley. It's summer, it's a party, so a drink is a must.

Dodge chuckles softly and says to her blonde friend, "Hayley, let the guy get a drink before the interrogation." She clearly noticed Zeke's fidgety disposition and i sable to trace it to its anxious roots, even without activating her abilities.

"You do look great," she adds to Asher, winking, and then she sips from her drink and turns to regard the rest of the crowd, smiling when Collier makes her way past them, stopping to chirp exuberantly before skittering off.

"Thanks," Di smiles back to Iseul and lifts her champagne to her lips. She glances around trying to spot the bar. "Anyone have any thoughts on ordering a round of shots?" She asks to all those within earshot. Something about these things had even Diana on edge.

Di's ears perk and she looks over her shoulder to see a beaming blonde. "Hi, there," she smiles, trying to figure out if she recognizes her from somewhere. Everyone who is here is somebody... or will be soon.

"It's nice to meet you," she says, absolutely checking out the pretty almost painterly like flowers on the blondes dress. "I love this," she's stunned. Another compliment? So soon?

Holding her drink, Artemisia claps cheerfully as Jessamine heads back to the front. Once she's out of earshot, she glances at Kellin with a slight smile. "She's pretty. And more importantly, seems nice."

As Hayley asks about his job he nods, "I make donuts. Over at Don't You Want Donuts?" Because hey it might not have been obvious!

Collier's comment about his jacket gets a smile and wave before she is off to socialize more.

He looks to Asher and chuckles,"I don't know why I thought an influencer party would be more casual. Granted...I've never been to an influencer party before...I've only been an 'influenced'." Dodge's comment about letting him get drinks earns a grin and he's looking to her again, "I don't mind. What would you all like?"

Asher's touch to his elbow isn't fully registered at first, but he's feeling calmer. Looking back, he sees their contact there and offers them a small smile. Then, his eyes go to the stage as the announcement is made. He joins the others in clapping. Supporting the acknowlegement.

"Oh!" Hayley realizes, blushing lightly, but she turns to Collier and lifts a hand in a quick wave and calls, "Thank you!" as she leaves, looking more bemused than anything as Asher and Dodge offer support for Zeke, bringing him a metaphorical egg in these trying times.

When she learns he makes donuts, though, her eyes widen and she comments, "You're my new favorite," before the announcement starts and she shuts up, attention turning to Calanthe and Jessamine, clapping politely.

When Hayley pronounces Zeke the new favored, Asher laughs. "His co-worker owes me freebies for a while bun. We'll swing past and I'll introduce you, make sure you get in on the mid-shift hook ups, too." There's a quick wink tossed Dodge's way at that extra compliment to their last-minute arrangement of a knock-off tuxedo. Asher's hand stays light and gentle at Zeke's elbow until that calm settles into him and he's sent that smile their way. They move their hand after in order to join the applause for the two women on stage, as well as for the sponsors that made this whole thing happen. After the applause, their hand moves right back to where it had been, still light, but still there.

"I'm okay." He says with a shrug after Halloran and Arte exchange small talk. "Thankfully the interview didn't go viral." Not to his knowledge at least.

As the lights go down and the screens light up, Kell sips his drink, as Halloran takes to the stage. There is a huff of laughter at Arte, but with some presentation about to start he doesn't make further comment.

Aisley pauses in the dance, turning to Angelo, backing her wings against him so she doesn't hit anyone else with them. Her eyes drawn to the stage as the announcements start, her hands coming together in applause when everyone else does.

"Oooh, donuts," Dodge echoes Hayley's sentiment towards Zeke, cocking her head at an allured angle. When Zeke asks what they'd like to drink, Dodge lifts her own, still more than two-thirds full. "I'm good. I pre-gamed a little bit," she admits. "Going to take it easy."

She joins the round of applause for Calanthe and Jessamine after their brief address, and then with her free hand adjusts one of the strategically loose strands from her relaxed updo while she takes a studious look at the strange logo, the little green person with several violet eyes. "Huh," she murmurs, then turning back to her companions.

Snagging something fruity and refreshing, and chilled enough that condensation has already started to bead on the surface of the glass, Iseul slips through the crowd until she draws even with Asher, opposite where Zeke stands. A light, playful nudge is given to Asher's side, and she winks to Dodge as smile shifts toward a light, airy grin. "Any idea what kind of presentation we're in for? Good to see you all, by the by."

Angelo says to Aisley and Iseul, "Yeah we're advocating her rights to adopt tiny deer and any other assortment of tiny critters." He's on board with this plan. Reaching out he gives Aisley's wing a little wiggle.

Looking to Diana's phone he blows it a kiss. "Bonjooooour Le Roux Review. Yup. Guilty. Total nepo baby, but I'm thrown at the ground enough to keep me humble, promise." Gymnast struggles are real. "We should do an open forum some time."

Leaning over to Aisley he arches an eyebrow, "You think this is good news? Or do you think gnomes escaped the portals and there's a cookie siege?"

"Iseul!" Asher beams at the woman as their hip is bumped. "You look like a breathing bloom of wisteria in that dress. Is Ash around somewhere, or is he working? If he hasn't seen you in this dress and he doesn't get photos, he's going to kill me!" Because seriously. Iseul usually ties neck and neck with Arte to set the fashion bars in any room, but tonight's dress is truly spectacular." And then they start introductions all over again, making sure Isuel knows Dodge, Hayley, and Zeke, and that all of them know Iseul.

Turning her head and angling it so that she can hear Angelo over the sound of the applause and crowd, she smiles and says, "Considering how things have been going recently? Gnomes escaping portals. Cookie and candy cane siege, with a chocolate river."

A look over at Iseul as she joins their little cluster, and Hayley is upticking her chin in that direction, smiling briefly as she holds her own drink up for Zeke to see. It's draining steadily, but not so quickly that she's in need of replacement.

She does say, more quietly, more in Asher's direction than to Asher, "Of course they have a donut hookup." This is expected of the person who basically force-fed her pastries not long ago. But, she smiles and waves her hand as Asher introduces her to Iseul.

"Open forum could be fun," Di says to Angelo. She really didn't share her friends and colleagues enough, and as Spellbound gained popularity, so did interest in more than just her.

She pauses long enough to clap for the announcements, then looks for the nearest bar, excusing herself from those around her.

There's a laugh from Zeke at being dubbed the new favorite, "Well that was easy." He nods to them, "I'm glad to be a donut hookup though. I was worried working with donuts all day would make me get sick of them, but luckily that has not been the case."

As everyone seems to be good on drinks, he's also good now that he's found a conversation and groove, with his gaze going back to the stage so that he can listen to everything. Then...things get concerning. Tensing as the display takes place, he frowns, "I'm guessing this isn't some dramatic live art performance."

As the banners drop down and hands get lit up (but not in the fun club way), Artemisia takes a step away from Kellin and towards the stage. She lifts a hand with a witchy point towards the man with flaming hands, attempting to induce a calm state in him with Empathy.

Asher laughs at Hayley's comment said about them rather than to them but still fully in their ear-shot. They may not be a cop, but, medics still know where to get the best mid-shift snacks. They also tend to stock up favors for them, too. Perk of the job. "I promise," Asher assures them, "You're not going to go hungry." Even if Asher keeps having to ambush her in the woods with a backpack full of snacks. And, while they're thinking of snacks, they offer to both Hayley and Dodge, "By the way, next weekend, down on the Beach at Crescent, Lex and I are having an 'impromptu' bake sale. Baked sale? Eh. We're baking. You can get baked. All proceeds go towards buying supplies for Operation Ball Pit. If you're n..."

Whatever Asher was saying gets forgotten when the stage gets rushed and the banners unfurl. Asher's hand on Zeke's elbow slips from behind it to the crook of it, actually holding tightly enough to not lose track of him if the crowds start moving quickly. They've seen enough packed rooms rush in a panic to take the risk seriously. Their other hand reaches for Iseul's, trying to catch her for the same reasons. "Art isn't really my specialty," they murmur to Zeke, "But, they seem pretty serious about..." Asher squints, trying to get a better view... "Whatever this is?"

Iseul's eyes warm with genuine interest as Asher performs introductions, seeming perfectly delighted at the prospect of new connections to be developed. Undoubtedly, she would've responded with friendly greetings to those she didn't know, but chaos appears to be taking shape in the ballroom. The masked man's dramatically shouted warnings have both of her brows rising in unison. "What on Earth..." Then flame whooshes to life over the disruptor's hands, and she gasps automatically, taking a step back regardless of her relative proximity to the stage.

Dodge is smiling at Iseul and then nodding, "Definitely," to Asher's mention of a bake(d) sale when the commotion erupts around the stage. "Oh, shit," she reacts, watching the scene unfold.

"Oh, shit," she says again, a little bit louder. "Hey!" she shouts indignantly at the man with fire coming from his hands, like she takes personal umbrage for this offense, and whether wise or not, she starts walking towards the stage, shouting at the guy.

"Hey, get the fuck away from them, you fucking sponge, you weirdass little matchstick." Any distraction will do.

The banners drop down and Aisley looks up as the shouting started, "ok, maybe not cookies and candy canes..." Aisley muses. This was definitely not good, a step back pushes her further against Angelo. Her eyes shifting around the crowd, starting to make a look out to see if there were more people in crowd that were part of this protest of Spellbound that would suddenly pop out.

"I'm in," Hayley manages to say to Asher before her head turns toward the intruder, and the flames. First, she just goes silent, her mouth still open mid-sentence. Then, her eyes widen. Then?

She downs the rest of her drink, and finds a place to set the glass as she clears her throat. "Crap," she agrees, echoing Dodge's sentiments here.

Though she doesn't throw the strange insults at the man, she does step up next to the brunette, calling out just a single, loud, "Boo!" in his direction. Calling it with all her heart and soul.

The presentation and free drinks is what most people came here to see, maybe not in that order, but whatever. A guy rushing the stage with fire hands wasn't on his program.

"Careful." He says softly to Arte as she moves forward past him. Grabbing his came he moves to follow at a slower pace, Kellin gathers his own magics in case he can catch the Pyro's eye to petrify him in place, but only as a last resort.

"It's capitalism!" Artemisia yells back at the flier, "We're already brainwashed." And the she rolls her eyes so hard it's amazing they don't fall out of her head. But really, it is a business in America. Of course there's some cult vibes. She maintains her field of calm around the stage, flashing Kellin a quick smile.

When Dodge goes towards the stage, Asher is worried, but not worried enough to try to stop her. They look at Hayley as the blonde moves out with Dodge, and Asher is incredibly glad neither of them are wading into this mess alone. Iseul is taking a step back and away, which is good, at least in Asher's opinion, especially as it is a slow and calm one. They still have a hand wrapped tightly around Zeke's elbow. That leaves everyone in Asher's own little knot of the crowd accounted for, at least. Their eyes roam wider. Arte is out there just pointing and staring down the same guy Dodge is yelling at, with Kellin right behind her. They recognize Angelo from Pride, but never got his name, but he and his winged friend aren't panicking, either.

But when the woman goes flying? Asher's silver eyes go wide. As the woman swoops down through air, Asher may no longer be Zeke's emotional support buddy. He might have become theirs... They take a half-step back, much like Isuel had, tucked just a touch behind his shoulder. They leave their right hand wrapped around Zeke's elbow, but Asher's left hand dips into their blazer's lapel pocket to draw out their phone. They open it not to record, but to pull up their notes app, and they use their thumb to swipe in a few details. Visions of Wonder. A cult. Brainwashing. Asher isn't going to sit down to try and put the pieces of this puzzle together in the middle of it all, but. Asher is going to make sure they don't forget what any of those pieces are for later, when they are ready to see if any answers might be found in them.

Iseul's eyes flare wide with a mix of anxiety and shock as Dodge starts just... charging toward the stage, and deliberately trying to antagonize 'Fire Hands.' Her fingers curl tight through Asher's, stress transmitted through the squeeze that's delivered. As events play out, she remains still for the moment, previous topics like whether Ash has seen her in her current outfit or bake sales she'd already heard about and planned on attending fading neatly into the background as she observes. Intently. She's not a coward, per se, but she's... cautious.

Everything happens so fast. Fire hands. Tackle. Flight. Chaos.

It seems the guards have the others captured, but now they have to worry about the woman making a flight for it. Keeping close to Asher, he steps forward only enough to get a better view of the woman above them and furrows his brow as he stays quiet. Trying to concentrate. Where the woman flies, there would suddenly be a growing sound of music playing.

It's louder than the other areas in the room. Specifically growing louder around her. Trying to overwhelm her with the volume enough to throw her off balance or something to try and help her be easier for the guards or for somebody else in the crowd to get down.

Angelo Gives Aisley's hand a squeeze "Delete the footage if this goes bad." He takes a step forward to launch himself upward like a hornet on a mission after the flying woman in the black cargo pants. Luckily it's used to maneuvering around fight programs so when he starts to come up on little miss cargo pants flying off to evade he avoids getting kicked in the face twice, running into the support pillar, taking candy to the face (look out below!), but does manage to grab her and start steering them both to ground. "Sorry, but we're gonna need to see your ticket."

The crowd starts to get restless, people around her are starting to run and people are bumping into her left and right as those rush the stage and other start to exit to get out of dodge of anything that is about to go down.

"Wait. What... Where are you..." But Angelo is gone, launching himself into the air. Aisley watches him aiming for a woman in cargo pants who just launched herself off the balcony.

Looking around her, Aisley starts taking from child delvopement training for what happens in bad situations. "Slow down!" she tells the ones running, "Watch where you are going and don't trample anyone."

"Jackass," Dodge says in the direction of Fire Hands on the ground, peeling away from the stage and back in the direction of her companions, looking up at Angelo squaring off with Cpt. Cargo Pants, shuffling out of the way to avoid them should they plummet to the ground.

"Can you believe these assholes?" she says to Hayley and Asher, hooking her thumb in his direction with an incredulous expression on her face. She seems mostly annoyed, if deeply annoyed, that someone is ruining the party. She turns to watch the rest of the kerfluffle as Cpt. Cargo Pants gets taken under control. Then Calanthe is on the mic trying to get the party back on track.

Angelo holds onto Cargo Pants the Yapping Doomcaller(tm) though makes every effort to both not land on people, but also to land feet first. Thankfully security is there too. "What? A cult? There's not dues are there? I'm bad with bookkeeping. Are we owed snacks? You're just going to shout- that's coool. Hey guys she's super excited to see you I'm sure."

Once security has her in hand he pivots slowly on heel knowing everyone's either evacing or has a camera, and strikes the Cpt. Cashew victory pose; fist on him, and a cocky two-finger salute from his temple to anyone filming. "Thaaaat was fun." Next he looks to find Aisley to make sure she's not trampled, on fire, covered in kids and unable to escape- typical cult things for Spellbound so he's heard now.

There's a long, long sigh from Hayley as the Situation is Handled, and then she grumps at Dodge, "No, I can't. Protestors coming in to draw attention in the worst possible way, and over... what? We're pretty open about who we are and what we're doing here. Oh nooo the plants might GIT you," she exclaims, hands lifting dramatically and fingers wiggling in the air.

Rant over, she grabs a champagne flute and goes back to join the others she was standing near, head shaking quickly.

"Well, they'll get their audience, have to give them that."

Asher is with Iseul on team cautious but not coward. But Zeke might be the only one able to guess why. Asher has their talents, and they're useful. But rule one of being the medic... You don't get to go down. Last medic standing pulls everyone else back up after. So they links her left arm around Iseul's and keeps close with her, for now just watching, but glad to not be watching it alone. And it lets them keep taking those notes on their phone about everything that Captain Cargo Pants is ranting about until she's drug out of earshot. They've noticed the pick up of music. They've noticed that shift in posture of Zeke and how his arm has moved beneath their own. But the room is too crowded, too noisy, and too full of conflicting signals. And they're too new at trying to piece together what anyone else can do, mostly having only focused on their own talents. They can't prove it had anything to do with Zeke. But their hand still stays holding onto him anyway.

When Dodge and Hayley come back to rejoin them, Asher is nodding in full agreement about the assholes, and the situation, and just all of it. "We absolutely should have gotten those drinks." They're turning off their phone and unlinking their arm from Iseul's so it can be returned to their pockets. "We should definitely go do so now, while it's not too late." Though, if they do... Asher will only be ordering a mocktail. Something full of citrus, as tart as it might be sweet.

Aisley felt incredibly useless as her 'teacher voice' did nothing to call people. Let's not mention that he's about half the size of some people who are wearing heels. Thankfully, her boyfriend flew and could be helpful; this also made it easier for her to keep an eye on him. When Angelo lands back on the ground and delivers Cargo Pants to the security team, she spys his victory pose, laughs, and raises her camera over her head to try and grab a picture with an unrestricted view. he was going to want to see that later.

"Angelo!" she calls out through the crowd and starts jumping in place so that her wings and red dress grab his attention as to where she was. "Over here!"

"Quite a performance." Kellin supplies for Halloran as she returns to the bar. "It's a shame those crazies ruined yours." His mismatched gaze scans the crowd, he will be on alert the rest of the evening. It's been a few years since he was discharged, but some of that military training has stuck.

'You going to be okay?" He could understand how that can shake someone up. Though maybe Artie's power helped with that? "I'll get you a refill." He gestures to the bartender for more of what she's having.

Artemisia watches with her arms crossed as they escort Fire-Hands away. Bye, boo. Then, she looks up to Kellin with a half-smile. "Knew you had tricks I hadn't seen yet," she teases. She'll give the man a squeeze on the arm and leaves him to talk to Halloran.

Then, getting a cocktail Artemisia will slip back into the crowd. She's dancing tonight even if it is chill vibes.

Halloran's smile wavers just a little bit. She's usually very good at disguising disappointment, but in this moment she seems a little unsettled. "I'm just glad nobody got hurt," she admits after a moment or two of thought. When he asks if she's going to be okay she nods and lets out a steadying breath. "I think so. I'm glad you're here." There's something reassuring about his presence, discharged or not. And she seems appreciative when he offers to get her another drink. "Thanks. Hopefully things will just.. calm down now." She offers a smile to Artemisia as well as the woman goes off to dance. "I hope I didn't chase your friend away," she says to Kellin.

Just as quickly as it had all escalated? It is just as suddenly over and the crowd that remains is trying to move forward with the evening. Watching the guards take the group away, he frowns and watches until they're out of the room just to make sure.

Then, Zeke is turning back to face Asher, Dodge, Hayley, and Iseul, though his arm still at an angle where Asher can hold it. Giving a shake of his head, "If we let it throw off our evening then it's just another 'win' they get and they don't deserve that. I say drinks and then find a way to enjoy what's left of the evening. Whether here or somewhere else."

Calanthe Collier, on the other hand, is on a mission, and that mission is to go chase after security and ask them some questions about those protesters. As soon as she is off the stage, she's forgotten about being star struck by Diana or commenting on everyone else's outfits. She's got some security to catch up with and some questions to ask.

"Drinks," Dodge agrees with Asher and Zeke, draining the rest of her curaçao drink in preparation of getting another one. She turns her head and looks over in the direction of where the protestors were hauled off, then scans the crowd. "I wonder what they meant, though. The magic? The portals? What danger had them so inflamed?"

The events of the evening seem to be taking something of a toll on Iseul, strangely. She wasn't directly involved in the conflict, but in a room crowded with people exhibiting various emotional responses of varying intensities... she's begun to look a little pale. Twitchy, even. Her gaze darts from face to face, and though she draws in a deep breath in an attempt to steady herself, it ultimately proves less than fully effective. Throat constricting on a subtle swallow, she takes another small step back as Asher releases their hold on her to attend to their phone. "I think I need some air. Apologies... Asher, I'll bring something to the bake sale that you can..." No, she's not thinking clearly, evident in the way she concludes lamely, "… sell." Because that's what one does, at a sale. Sell. Shaking her head, she turns and hurries toward the exit where she can feel reasonably confident it won't be so... peopley.

"I don't know. That would have been a much more useful bit of informarion than saying we were in a cult," Hayley opines, working on the champagne she snagged on the way back.

She watches Iseul leave, sympathy in her expression, but she doesn't chase after her. Instead, she nods toward Zeke, Dodge and Asher. "Drinks. Maybe all of us should get some air, too," she supposes, definitely tense herself.

Drinks and enjoying the rest of the evening sounds good to Asher. They're more than happy to follow Zeke, Dodge, and Hayley for that, and to drag Iseul along as well. Though Iseul needs to head out. "Text later so we know you got home ok?" The woman looks shaken, but Asher knows the last thing she needs is two Ash's stressing over her safety. They will just have to ask the other half of Team Ash-hole how the aftermath went next time they see him.

But when Dodge asks what had them so inflamed? (Yes, pun intended.). Asher gives a bit of a shrug. "I don't know that I'm as interested in why they're mad, so much as who they are, and, moreso what they might be willing to do about it." Hayley mentions the cult, and this is why Asher took notes. "Visions of Wonder? Who are they? It didn't sound like a group these folks were a part of, but one they wanted to reveal? Either way... Cults are never good news." But. If folks want to get drinks and then get air? Asher never was an influencer. And those who influence them don't usually have a presence on social media. A lot of them are already right here in this small circle, and most of the rest are back at home. "I'm game for whatever." They glance at Zeke for the quickest of moments as they continue chatting with Dodge and Hayley about it, "Just as long as we're the ones still out here doing whatever it is we choose."

Angelo looks around but spotting Aisley with her phone he gives another pose for her hamming it up casually for the pic. "There's your thumbnail. Sorry about that. We, um, we might have to work on smoothing that out." The smile is practice, assured, but it's also the same look he has before a competition that only thinly veils uncertainty if everything is going to even out.

"Let's dance, and let things settle and if it feels off we can go fly around and try to get your wings to work."

Dodge also watches Iseul take off, pinching her brow together. "Ah, poor thing," she mutters, starting to make her way towards the bar to order a vodka soda, more vodka than soda.

When Hayley mentions getting some air, Dodge starts drinking faster. "Sure," she chirps. "We can kick rocks if that's what you'd prefer." Herself, she seems pretty cool-headed for the whole thing, like flinging (strange) insults was the height of how bothered she's capable of getting; chalk it up to years spent in a city where people screaming about this or that or the other on the subway or in the street is a fairly common occurrence, and you just start to develop a thick skin against such things.

"Not that there is much to see with it." Kellin staring hard at someone so they stop moving,. Not the most flashy ability, but it got the job done.

There is that amused huff, "With this crowd the only people at risk of getting hurt are the crazies that try stunts like that." The fact that nome of the crazies left in an ambulance is more surprising.

There is a look between Hallotand the retreating Arte. "You didn't, she just can't resist the call of the dance floor." He gestures to the dance area "If you want to join her go for it, I don't mind holding up the bar." With his leg dancing isn't an option, not the kind that is going on now at least.

"I can't do anything that would have been really helpful," Jessamine admits. "He could have lit me on fire if you guys didn't stop him. It doesn't have to be flashy to be helpful." Though when he mentions that it's surprising the protesters didn't leave in an ambulance she nods, "True." But when he mentions the dancing, she shakes her head, looking out toward the floor and says, "I think I'd rather just stay here with you."

"Honestly," Zeke offers with a shrug, "not the first time I've been accused of being in a cult." He smirks, an expression that is one trying to either cheer up or reassure the others as he then adds, "Band life eh?"

As everyone seems to agree on drinks and some sort of hangout though he nods, "Ok. Then let's grab last (thought also technically first for him) rounds here and then make a game plan." With that, he heads to the bar. Whatever the evening had in store, the goal was to find some sort of calm after all of that.

"Feels to me like a bunch of isolated people yelling in unison about how much some random company is a cult without evidence is much more of a cult," Hayley grumbles, her hand coming to her face as she almost rubs at it, and then remembers: makeup. The telltale sign of someone who's not used to wearing too much. Instead, she takes a long, deep drink of her champagne.

"Not my first time, either," she admits to Zeke. Last round gathered is a bottle of cheap beer, and she looks all too willing to follow Zeke's lead out.

"We need to work on that smile of yours," Aisley says when Angelo finds her again. Despite all the craziness that has happened, she's still smiling, but observing the looks and atmosphere of it all. It was still tense.

"Yeah," she says after beat, "I could use another dance to calm these nerves feels I was having." Letting Angelo lead her back into a dance, "Btw, good job on the flight. But Damn it, if that didn't scare the death out of me."