#black-tie event

[realtalkafraidtolive]

September has been secretly beautiful. I’ve been feeling like all my flower petals were plucked, but then I’ve realized it’s fall. How else are we supposed to make room for more leaves baby girl? ♥️🥀🍁

[eye-of-the-hawk]

Conflicted.

[ronseyz]

ronan and gansey performing intricate pool table mating rituals is canon. even if it was a deleted scene it's still real to me.

[sincericida]

ANDREW GARFIELD

attends the National Theatre "Up Next" Gala, in London. (more pics)

[painted-bees]

What are Margie and Raf's favorite dress-up looks for occasional parties? I imagine Raf doesn't like them at all but I can see him going to one or two for her sake

It depends on the kind of party! Typically, Raf will make a point of not dressing to impress anyone (going in his usual attire, which may or may not include endeared thrift store items). Likewise, Margie isn't very...fashion savvy, nor is she very adept at doing her hair and make-up. But she'll at least try her best to look good for a party (and despite himself, Raf will usually help her out with that, esp if it seems to be giving her any amount of anxiety).

On the other hand, though--if it's something he actually cares about, where he wants to be received well or, for whatever reason, the impression he makes is important to him--Raf actually has a remarkably well stocked wardrobe and an ear to the ground on current fashion trends. The outfits he drops real money on are designed to last, made with high quality materials that remain fashionably relevant for a long ass time; simple, clean and understated. If he wears brands to a party, their names are not emblazoned on him, no matter how impressive someone might be tempted to think they'd be. The tailoring, the materials, the appearance of it being well maintained/cared for despite being a well worn fit(not new)--all serves to signal exactly where he's coming from. Even when dressing his best, he doesn't want the average person to recognize his wealth just by looking at him--in fact, if they do clock him, it points to a boastful tackiness being communicated by his fit. If he's dressing to impress, it only matters that he looks neat, tidy, clean and well kempt. It's a kind of style that the average person might not be able to clock as a big deal, but signals to those within the same bracket/status as himself that he's comfortably established in his position and no further statement needs to be made. You either know who he is, or you miss out--and he doesn't care which it will be; he feels no need exert his status. I think...a lot of times, the intended message of his outfit choices frequently goes over the heads of most people he's shown up to...because tbh, celebrity culture isn't the same as the uh... "old continent monied" cultures. Still, a quality fit is a quality fit and it looks (and feels) real good. That's usually enough to get a desired point across, subtext be damned. Margie has....no such sense for this. At all. And so, if Raf comes home with a new outfit and tells her to wear it before and to the party, that's exactly what she's gonna do (and she loves it when he does)! And so her looks will usually follow that same simple, understated, clean elegance. Otherwise, she'll dress like a college art student attending a faculty gallery show.... Tess, on the other hand, dresses like the designers lmao. She will not understate. She doesn't dress to show off money, but she dresses to show off her superior aesthetic tastes. What she wears is a portfolio of her inspired ideas--which in turn makes her very inspiring to behold! Tess makes herself the aesthetic centerpiece of any party lmaooo a goddess.

[anxious-alastor]

May I Have This Dance? ||Pt. 1|| Albert Wesker x Fem! Reader

"Why are people so stupid." You groaned as you and your team returned to the STARS office of the Raccoon City Police Department.

"You seem cheery." Jill commented as she put away her outer layer of protective gear and harnesses.

"Yeah. Responding to a chemical threat and finding two idiots who couldn't bother to read a label is just peachy." You huffed as you closed your locker a little too hard.

"Is something wrong, Doctor?"

You whirled around to see Captain Albert Wesker standing in the doorway. His arms were crossed and his usual harsh expression seemed softer than usual as your frustration ebbed away.

"U-uh. No sir, Captain Wesker."

"Let's not go slamming doors then."

You opened your mouth to respond but he had already walked off. You looked at Jill who shrugged and shook her head. Another growl of frustration left you before you sat down at your desk to fill out the required paperwork.

***

Time flew by fast as you worked, before you knew it you were done and everyone had begun to pack up and leave. On your way out, something in your brain switched and you began noticing things.

Chris and Barry had been incoherent until you heard Barry say, "So are you excited for the Banquet?"

Your legs stopped moving as you thought hard to process what was said. Wasn't the banquet for another week?

There was another whisper from Rebecca to Jill that you managed to catch as they brushed past you.

"Have you got a new dress?"

The RPD Banquet. The special event hosted by the city for the Police Department to thank them for their work, to get cozy with donors, and to show off to other notable guests. You hated wearing formal clothes, especially the kind they'd expect you and your other coworkers to wear. Chief Irons had an especially strict dress code for the entire station. Of course you had pushed it out of your mind until now.

"Hey Jill wait—" You grabbed her shoulder before she got too far.

The brunette turned to you, intrigued and concerned by the sudden grab and the shift of color in your face.

"Something wrong? You look like you're in trouble."

"I guess you could say that," You glanced around, "Is the banquet tonight?"

She grinned sympathetically, "Yeah it is, you forgot didn't you?"

"Of course I did. And I don't have a dress."

"What happened to the one you wore last year?"

"I rented that one." You sighed softly, "Maybe I'll have to back out..."

"If you think that's best." She offered a pat on your shoulder before returning to her conversation with Rebecca.

You just sighed to yourself before disappearing off to your apartment.

***

You had settled on your bed after having taken a shower. Comfy in pjs and wrapped in your blanket, you were barely aware of some strange baking show as you wondered about the event taking place about an hour from now. Guilt simmered just below your chest as you thought about what you might've cost the Chief in donations.

Then your phone rang. You quickly dug around your blanket, slightly panicked as you weren't expecting a call and had allowed your cellphone to be engulfed by the soft fabric. It was around the fourth ring when you finally answered it.

"Why aren't you here?" It was Wesker.

"I uh... don't have anything to wear."

"You aren't coming to the most important night for the entire department because you don't have anything to wear?"

You felt your face grow hot with embarrassment as you stuttered into the phone.

There was a pause, a long excruciating pause that was only broken as he drew in and let out a sigh.

"I don't accept this. Get ready, I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

"What—" You began but the call had disconnected.

You stared at your phone for a good minute before scrambling out of bed and attempting to not rush through your makeup. Even if it were a simple look, you didn't want it to seem sloppy.

You hovered around your hair for a moment before you heard the knocking at your door. With some hesitation, and after peeking through the peephole, you opened it to see your captain holding an opaque garment bag. You couldn't see his eyes behind his sunglasses as he offered it to you, but you swear you could see his cheeks get slightly pink.

You took it, glancing at him warily, "Do you want to come in?"

"I'll wait out here."

You just nodded before closing the door and quickly returning to your room.

Upon opening the dress you found that it was rather unique to you. It hugged you in all the right places and draped where it needed to, and it stopped at the length you felt most comfortable with. The only thing not tailored to your comfort was the color scheme. Black lace covered the deep crimson fabric that felt soft against your skin.

You admired the dress for a moment before deciding to add some dark red to your makeup look to compliment the colors. You then slipped into some heels and met your captain outside.

"I need you to zip it. I can't reach." Your voice was breathless and a little uneven.

He chuckled softly and placed one hand against your lower back while the other pulled up the zipper. He then led you to a limousine that he had hired.

***

It felt like the world finally slowed down as you settled onto the leather seat across from your captain. You hadn't noticed his outfit entirely until now. It matched yours perfectly—his was elegant and yet much more moody. It was hard to suppress a giggle as you realized how perfectly that described the man across from you.

"Something funny?" He tilted his head towards you.

You shook your head quickly, glancing out the window to avoid his gaze.

"How come you went through all the trouble just to get me to the Banquet? How did you get this dress so quickly?" You had so many questions.

"It's the most important event of the year according to Chief Irons. It was no trouble at all really." He paused as if deciding on his words. "I had a tailor design and make the dress a couple weeks ago. You seemed to be drowning in work."

"And my sizing?"

"Based off the size of your gear in your locker."

It seemed reasonable enough, though still very strange. You couldn't be too upset though since you'd be able to attend the banquet and not get teased for lack of attendance the next day.

Silence fell in the space until you reached the venue where the roar of chatter was a gentle rumble from outside. Your chauffeur parked and opened the door for the both of you. Wesker stepped out then offered you his hand which you took gratefully as you bowed out of the vehicle.

There were some people outside, not necessarily for you or your Captain but for the donors. Some of Raccoon city's biggest celebrities were attending and everyone wanted to see.

"Keep your chin up." Wesker spoke softly, something unusual for him as he wrapped your arm around his.

Your head had been tilted down, eyes preferring the ground rather than those who might be looking at you. Upon registering his words you lifted your head, faintly blushing as you tried to keep your eyes forward. Your hand gripped his arm tight as he led you into the venue.

All eyes were on you.

[kply-industries]

[deliciouskeys]

In case, you were wondering what Antony Starr was doing at the Emmys when The Boys s4 had not met the deadline to be included this year.

[gotham-at-nightfall]

Batman and Catwoman team up to undermine Waller's takeover!

Batman #151

[strangergraphics-archive]

sparkly gold/black tie event themed dividers requested by @mediocredreams

please like and credit if you use, reblogs are appreciated! thank you! 💕

[tahwarts]

corinne from hr!

from @unpretty's fic

[petit-papillion]

Ferretti Group builds the Riva yacht, so makes sense for Charles to be invited.

This is the only picture I could find...

📸 My Fair Venice

[like-this-post-if-you]

Like this post if you like to wear suits

[sincericida]

ANDREW GARFIELD

attends the National Theatre "Up Next" Gala, in London.

[modern-inheritance]

Random Bits of Writing #6: Some Credit

(A/N: This takes place well before Arya and Eragon become a couple, but they're at a very easy and very good point in their friendship, where Eragon is pretty much almost at Glen and Brom's level for how Arya sees him in her 'war family' in a way. Saphira's always been way up there, but it's been a decent amount of time and Eragon has regained her trust after the whole Bloodoath thing. Everyone has been looped into a black tie fundraiser in Surda to try and get in some more support for the war effort, and Arya was volun-told to be Eragon's platonic date to keep an eye on him and keep others/strangers from dancing with him to keep him as safe as possible. They both have perfected their outer masks for how to look and behave at official events, and they're doing their best to keep them up while also chatting on the way there. I bashed this out in 15 minutes, so it's crap but I had fun.)

~~~

"I promise I won't embarrass you." Eragon smiled as the elf took his offered arm. Together they walked the entrance, simply two more people in the sea of faces that were streaming towards the massive courtyard lit with golden lamps and shimmering with faint music. Saphira's bulk was already curled in one of the open corners, her scales reflecting the lights in a beautiful display.

Arya shook her head with a soft smile at his assurance. Even as she did, her eyes never stopped scanning the people around them, roving across hands and faces and ceremonial blades. "Hate to say it, but I'll probably be the one embarrassing you. It's been a long time since we've had one of these." At that thought the smile faltered, though only just long enough for Eragon's sharp eye to catch it before it returned.

The young Rider nodded to a passing nobleman, murmuring through his false flash of teeth, "I'm guessing you and Fäolin were a pretty stunning sight for all these folks." He found himself somewhat surprised that the dead elf’s name didn’t bring any flash of jealousy. Instead he felt some odd sense of warmth, almost like the soothing peace before finally falling asleep. Happy that she had someone, even if he was gone now. 

If she noticed his different tone, Arya showed no sign of it. She kept that little grin at her lips, the nearly coy expression of a hastily selected piece of arm candy that many of the noblewomen around them held. A mask to hide the sharp steel of two blades down the sides of her flat soled boots and the pistol strapped to her leg beneath the high collared black dress. “I couldn’t show favoritism. Glen, Fäolin and I were a packaged deal or we didn’t dance at all.” The grin took on more of a smirk, the very tips of draconic teeth showing as she suppressed an eyeroll Eragon could practically feel in a tiny shiver up the arm that wrapped around his own and heard in the dry tone creeping into her voice. “‘Course, if I showed up with or danced with any man we could hear half the place whispering about how I must be sleeping with him. I swear the Surdan court has nothing else to talk about besides who’s ffff…flouting about with who.”

A choked off wheeze snuck past Eragon’s guard at Arya’s quickly caught swearing. Oh, she was trying very hard not to be herself. “Well, that shouldn't be a problem tonight. Everyone here knows you’re a bodyguard for Saphira and me, and I’m pretty sure they all know we’re close friends.” As if summoned by his mention of Arya’s true duties, a couple moved to brush by the pair. With practiced ease, Arya shifted her stance, pushed Eragon just enough in the direction she needed to force them to squeeze past her side rather than his. “And it’s open war right now. I doubt anyone thinks you of all people are sleeping with anyone considering your service history.” It was his turn to smirk, a slight blush on his cheeks as boldness in their familiarity still made his heart patter just a little faster. “Not that I would know if you were sleeping with anyone.”

At that Arya let out a genuine laugh, and Eragon could not help but rip his gaze from the crowd ahead to take her in. There was warmth in her eyes, enough to break through that familiar happy squint as she covered her mouth to try and stifle the sound. For once nothing escaped her braid, carefully combed back and done in a traditional crested braid style that ran from the front of her forehead and down her back after much fussing over from Glen. Damn it, she looked stunning in an altogether different way than he usually saw. And while she glowed in the low light and looked every bit a goddess to him…he wished more of her true self shone out of this odd, put together facade that they both had to play in official events. Give him a goddess of war any day, and as long as it was her….

“No. No, I’m too busy.” Arya’s voice, still bubbling with laughter, shook Eragon from his reverie. There was the familiar smile, the wild fire in her eyes and feral love of life gleaming in the sharp teeth she bared. A flash, a moment, only for them to share as she leaned in closer and hugged his upper arm to playfully growl, “I spend all my time having to watch over this whelp of a Rider that’s got such a taste for trouble that his dragon has twice the wit he does and even more brains in her head after how many times people have tried to bash his in.”

Eragon barked out a laugh of his own. “Oh, owch, Major! Credit where credit’s due!” Arya just beamed at him, and he had to stop himself from jumping when she subtly pinched his ribs through his suit coat. “Saphira has at least three times my wit!”

[anxious-alastor]

May I Have This Dance? ||Pt. 2|| Albert Wesker x Fem! Reader

Cameras flashed from multiple directions while reporters pushed microphones as far as their arms could reach. Wesker kept you close and didn't spare a single glance to those grasping for the pair of you.

The soft light from the event hall was welcoming as you passed through the doors. Several hundred conversations muddled into a soft roar just below the sound of live music. You glanced around the crowd, there were some minor celebrities, officers from the RPD, and of course several of the largest donors the city had. You hadn't realized you were approaching them until Wesker offered a greeting.

"Lord Spencer, my pleasure to be seeing you again." Your captain put his other hand on his chest and bowed slightly. You moved slightly to match him with a curtsy.

"Ah, no need for such formalities Albert, Oswell is fine." Oswell seemed amused as he shifted his attention to you, "And this must be the darling doctor I've heard so much about."

"It's very nice to meet you, sir." You smiled politely and offered your free hand to him.

"As it is with you my dear. Albert rarely gives praise to his coworkers." He chuckled and gave your hand a firm shake.

You could feel the blood rushing to your cheeks as you glanced up at your captain. Beneath his sunglasses his eyes were fixated on you and he was smirking. This naturally made the flustered feeling worsen and you quickly looked away. You couldn't deny you had the urge to wipe the smirk off his face but there was something else you were feeling.

"Excuse me a moment, Oswell. I should bring my guest here to the STARS table. I'll be back to go over some things with you." Wesker bowed again.

"Of course. We have a lot to discuss." Oswell nodded and seemed to chuckle some more as Wesker whisked you off to one of the many round tables.

The one you stopped at had your office's acronym as well as the words "Alpha Team" underlined beneath. Wesker pulled the chair out for you which you gratefully accepted. He didn't move to sit down after though. Instead he leaned down to talk into your ear.

"I've got some business to attend to. I'll be back soon." His tone seemed secretive. You opened your mouth to question or object but he was already gone.

•••

"Hey doc!" You heard Jill calling nearby and saw her approaching you along with an irritated looking Chris. Jill was in a royal blue floor-length dress that hugged her figure and flared at the bottom while Chris was in a tux. They both sat at the table with you.

"Jill! Chris?" You eagerly turned to them, excited to see your friends here.

"How are you here? Where did you get that dress?" Jill was always quick with the questions. Chris huffed distantly, eyes fixated somewhere else in the ocean of heads.

"Well Captain Wesker actually came by my apartment and-" Upon saying his name you had seemed to finally register the oddity that had happened.

"And?" Jill's eyebrow was cocked and she too had smirk. Something about that simple twitch of the mouth was driving you crazy tonight.

"He brought me this dress and a limousine ride." You knew it sounded ridiculous. How could it not? You promptly shifted topics, "What's wrong with Chris?"

"A rookie brought his sister as a plus one." Jill rolled her eyes.

"A rookie! Can you believe the audacity?" Chris scoffed and muttered something about not being good enough for Claire.

Both you and Jill exchanged glances before laughing. People around your trio shifted with some giving irritated looks while others smiled. Brad and Barry had joined the table a little while later and quickly you all fell into conversation as you ate. It was a nice night to be with friends.

"Hey I can't believe I finally found you guys!" Rebecca's voice caught your attention as she approached from your blind spot. She was in a pale green dress with lace flowers that faded upwards from the bottom of the skirt. She sat down and leaned close, "It's almost time for the speech from Chief Irons."

"You look like a pixie." Chris chuckled, giving Rebecca a thumbs up. Rebecca grinned and returned the gesture.

The ringing sound of metal on glass caused silence to sweep across the hall. The lights dimmed everywhere besides a long rectangular table that sat on a platform a half-foot above the others. Chief Irons was standing in the middle.

You didn't pay attention to a word the Chief said as you were too lost in your own head, thinking only of your Captain.

•••

The last of Chief Irons' speech rang throughout the hall, and soon after applause followed. The chief bowed and gestured to Wesker who was sitting to his left, "Captain Albert Wesker of the STARS Alpha Team would like to give his own toast."

"Thank you Chief Irons." Wesker nodded to the chief after standing up, "I'd like to give a special thanks to our highest donor, Lord Oswell Spencer, CEO of the Umbrella Corporation whose generous donation has fulfilled our goal." He paused as a round of applause was given to Oswell and removed his sunglasses. His piercing blue eyes met yours with an intensity that made a knot form in your stomach.

"One last thing. I want to give my appreciation to the doctor who has been by my side for several years, who has been loyal, compassionate, and the light during dark times. If you would be so kind dearheart," He moved off the stage and to you, leaning into a bow and offering his hand to you "May I have this dance?"

The entire room seemed to have held its breath. Shock and surprise was the only thing you saw as you glanced amongst your friends. It felt like the entire world had stopped as you gazed at Wesker. You didn't dare look away from him, afraid to see everyone staring, and afraid that he would stop. After a couple seconds you finally took his hand and followed as he led you to the dance floor.

Time returned to the rest of the world as the soft hum of voices slowly rose and the musicians began to play a waltz. You didn't notice the whispering. You were too enthralled by him, by the way his gaze made you feel, and by the way warmth was spreading from where your hands met. You felt like you could've floated away and the only thing keeping you grounded was him.

"How long..." The words caught in your mouth.

"How long have I had my eye on you?" He offered. When you nodded he chuckled softly, "Quite a while now dearheart."

You had no idea if your cheeks could grow any hotter. He pulled you closer into an embrace as the music slowed and he whispered to you

"Your stubborness, your sweetness, your anger, and your joy, all of it is absolutely enchanting to me." He was breathless as he brushed his hand against your cheek. "I want all of it–all of you."

"You mean that?" Your hand reached to his and grasped it tight as you looked at him helplessly.

"Why else would I have dropped everything to bring you here?" He smiled earnestly and you couldn't help but believe him.

You allowed his words and actions to quiet that little questioning voice inside you and you leaned close to him. You pressed your lips to his as you both slowed to a stop. After a few moments you pulled away and registered the sounds of applause.

"Let's get out of here." You offered with a smile.

"Gladly." Wesker grinned before quickly scooping you into his arms and dashing out the hall. Whistles and cheers followed you through the exit and you found yourself wondering if you were dreaming. Another kiss proved one thing to be true.

It wasn't a dream anymore.