#cape.event:001

[nadinexluna]

Location: Pier { Carnival } Status: CLOSED ( @jchnnybcy )

Nadine grumbled as they dragged their feet across the wooden boards of the pier. "Why did you drag me out to this thing?" They blinked as kids ran by with cotton candy and balloons before rolling their eyes and looking over at their friend. "What's the big woop about it? Some white men just threw some tea in the harbor for freedom, and then bang - now color lacks the 'u' and we set off fireworks?" They shook their head, trying not to laugh at their own perception of the day.

[tallulahowens]

"Oh yes, training starts as soon as this year's carnival ends. Need to have my recruits in tip-top shape. Isn't that right, Ellie?" Tallulah played along, her smile deepening. Up on her tiptoes, she reached up towards JJ's niece next and gave her a gentle, little squeeze on her arm. "You just might have too, but thank you god the food truck is right there. Crisis averted." Tallulah walked on until she reached the back of the line. Onion rings were already going to be her little treat for the evening, but all this dessert talk had her reconsidering. "You got it. Pistachio ice cream is my favorite, too. I just might have to splurge and get some myself."

"That means we should prepare her for next year's carnival. You know what they say, gotta start them young." He smiled and rubbed the little girl's back feeling her relax against him. Her eyelid fluttered against his neck where her head rested. "Ah, gotcha okay so you're telling me I have to get the bail money out of the vault then." Their banter was one of his favorite things and it always seemed to flow so easily. "If desserts on you that means we'll get to splurgeeeee." That made Ellie giggle and turn her head to the side. "My favorite dessert is pistachio ice cream. Tia juju makes it."

[lucaderossi]

Who: @juliettevarona | Closed Where: Downtown Cape May

The events of the carnival might have settled for the night, but things were just getting started in the streets of downtown Cape May. Departing from the docks of Waverly Wharf, Luca had eventually found himself at one of the lesser-known establishments, a quaint but delightful bar just north of the beach front. He had been initally hesitant to do so, but after a brief check-in with the staff at the Boiler Room, all of whom had urged him to take the night off, he hardly needed to be told twice. 

In typical fashion, it hadn’t taken long before Luca had struck up conversations with the nearby patrons, who, like him, had made their way over following the conclusion of the festival activities. Following a few rounds of drinks and the emphatic requests of those nearby, he managed to find himself on the karoake stage. Hardly a surprising move, given his propensity for impulse and general enjoyment of the spotlight. He was considering the arrangement he would perform when he saw her, looking even more captivating since their last encounter at the farmer’s market — a feat he wouldn’t have thought possible, until he noticed her across the room. Leave it to Juliette. 

Unsure if it was the alcohol or the nostalgia talking, though he was certain he didn’t care, one way or the other. Hastily approaching the microphone, Luca briefly looked upon Juliette, intently but briefly, soaking in this moment, eager to see the look that would inevitably register on her face when she realized that, not only did they end up at the same bar, but that he was insistent she accompany him onstage. “This first number is really far better suited with a singing partner. How about…” Pausing to quickly gaze across the audience, as if he hadn’t already set his sights on her the second he realized she was here. “You? Hmm? What do you say, sweet cheeks? Join me on stage for a quick one?” he asked with a smirk, waving at Juliette as the crowd erupted in applause, motioning with his index finger for her to accompany him. 

[swedethings]

@iristhxtcher

Having planned to meet up with Iris at the Cape May Independence Day Carnival, Agnes was scanning the crowds for the particular blonde. The two had made plans; but they'd not actually finalized where to meet up. Her phone was in her pocket; and given her hands were currently preoccupied with a sleeping toddler who'd just crashed from an ice cream sugar high, she couldn't exactly dig out said phone in order to confirm a meeting spot. So scanning the crowds was her best option.

Fortunately, she could spot those braids from a mile away. Amongst the crowd forming in front of the ring toss game, Agnes spotted her. Making her way over to the game, she shifted Gunnar's weight in her arms before sneaking up behind her favorite blonde. "Hej hej, väninna... Do you want to win me a bear?"

[juliettevarona]

There wasn't many in town who knew about Juliette's careful (pun intended) dance with getting back into the very subject. Though it seemed her dance career was eons away from her, she couldn't help but feel like little bits and pieces would bleed out of her, and each time it was never easy to contain it back in. So as the music played, she of course bobbed her head to the rhythm, a habit she couldn't break. But when Tallulah invited her to show off her moves, rather then being afraid to publicly indulge, she let herself go if only for the evening.

Every movement was methodical, yet appropriate to the genre. When she was able to cancel out any of the added clapping from people cheering the two women on, she purely focused on getting herself to the end of the song, not over thinking about how this was a part of herself she had to let die. But tonight? It was very still very much alive. When all was said and done, she was in stitches with Tallulah as they sauntered away from the line dancing. "Oh about that story? You'll have to bully it out of me first."

( END. )

The notes of the song barely hung in the air for a couple of seconds before Tallulah's deep chestnut irises widened in sheer, teenage-like excitement. Like mother, like daughter. "You're going to leave me hanging here with an 'it's complicated. 'Just wait until this song is over. I'm getting a full report. We can go back to my place. Mrs. Louis is bringing Miranda home anyway." Tallulah supplied more information than necessary. Her eyes narrowed next, punctuated with a playful eye waggle that followed. "Plus, I also have some news for you, too."

Tallulah left it at that, leading them over to the dance floor. Having grown up in the south, line dancing was practically a right of passage. Of course, Tallulah wasn't a professional dancer by any stretch of the imagination, but she always did find it fun. "Me never? But I hear you're quite the dancer, Arizona." Tallulah mused, sauntering over towards a bit of empty space. She gestured towards the spot beside her with a shoulder shimmy beyond her control as the chorus of the song began to build. "By all means, show us how it's done."

[lucaderossi]

Who: @jxttxs | closed Where: Carnival Cook Off, Waverly Wharf

Work hard, play harder. If ever there was a walking and talking embodiment of that mantra, it was Luca. Having fully immersed himself in the festivities of the day, he was determined as ever to continue to his cake and eat it too — or, in this particular case, bistecca alla fiorentina, pasta primavera, and a side of raspberry bombolini. He was hardly going to miss the chance to cook three of his favorite dishes, under the eyes of what promised to be an eager and enthusiastic audience. Sure, he might not be the one indulging in consuming the dishes for himself, but getting to compete alongside JJ in the Carnival Cook Off was an equally satisfying prospect, one that Luca, ever the opportunist, could hardly refuse. 

Packed materials in hand, Luca was quick to locate JJ upon arrival, waving down their culinary counterpart before settling into their designated prep table within the contest area. “Buongorno, amico mio!” Offering a pair of kisses to each of his cheeks, a greeting traditionally reserved for family members and close friends. One in the same, as far as Luca was concerned. “ How about this? Ready to dazzle the masses?” 

[tallulahowens]

Open || Independence Day Carnival

Ever since summer had begun, Tallulah had been very skeptical about this whole independence thing. It had absolutely nothing to do with the Independence Day Carnival itself —the one that she had been tirelessly helping to plan— and everything to do with giving her almost teenage daughter her own small taste of independence while at the event. After much begging and a highly organized PowerPoint presentation complete with bullet points and pie charts, Tallulah had allowed Miranda to roam the carnival with just her friends, a 10PM curfew, and periodic text check-ins that were not to be missed.

Of course, Tallulah would still be in attendance as well. She had volunteered to work the event, and was doing just that, weaving in and out of the crowd selling 50/50 tickets. Just as she finished off a sale, Tallulah caught sight of her daughter near the Ferris Wheel making googly eyes at some kid Tallulah automatically assumed was trouble. It took everything in the former beauty queen not to not march right up to the little punk and break up their little love fest. Instead, she opted to play it more stealth and darted behind the cotton candy stand for a better vantage point, peeking out slightly to monitor the situation not realizing that someone else had been monitoring her too. 

Caught red handed, Tallulah heard someone call out her name. She turned around slowly greeting the looming presence with her million dollar smile in an attempt to conceal her blatant spying. She held up the tickets as a decoy ignoring the obvious and asked sweetly, “How about a 50/50? It's for a great cause."

[juliettevarona]

An attention-seeking hare he was indeed. Juliette looked down to see the softest little nose sniffing around and booping along her arm. Socks had the softest cotton tail that seemed to wiggle every time she spoke affirmations and kindness over to him. "Oh he's just soaking this all in," Juliette said with a laugh. "But I'm sure my darling Amaretto would absolutely be beside herself if I tried to bring a bunny friend home." Satiated with the fluffy cuddling, Juliette passed off Socks back to the handler and clasped her hands together in thanks. "That was magical, are you guys here for the entire duration of the event?"

Zoe kept quiet as she ensured Socks settled into the other's arms. She watched the little rabbit make himself comfortable before she finally pulled her attention away and back up to the woman now holding him. "Everyone loves Socks. Sometimes I wonder if he's just a little attention hare who turns on the charm in exchange for cuddles. Regardless, he's best boy." She smiled, reaching out to gently pet the rabbit. He truly was the best. There was a reason he was brought to every event. He was a shining star for sure.

[grayscollins]

location: Dunk Tanks with: Open @capemaystarters

Grayson stood to the side of the growing crowd, head tilted slightly as he tried to make sense of it all. "Wait, so they're willingly paying american dollars to try to throw that ball as hard as they can to get that poor sop into the tank?" Grayson asked the person beside him. His arms were folded together as he watched person after person paying to throw and missing the target horribly. "Do we even know who's in the tank?" Grayson questioned once more, before a mischievous glint settled in his eyes. "I'll bet you $20 that I can hit the target." He felt confident enough that he wouldn't miss, considering he had to use precision for most tasks on the boat. "You in?"

[juliettevarona]

location: Cape May Carnival with: OPEN @capemaystarters

"I'll take a whole roll please," Juliette began. The patron at the ticket booth seemed stunned at the notion but she knew what she was about. "Just to be clear, if I don't use these all up today I can still come back this entire weekend?" With the positive reply, Juliette grinned in delight. "Then again yes a whole roll please." She turned to the person beside her, pointing to the roll and over to them, "Name your favorite ride and I'll fund your way through to said ride." She shimmied slightly as the roll was given to her and walked into the apex of the space. The sound of the crowd, music in the background, kids squealing in delight, meant that the highest point of the summer was well under way. "Where to first?"

[grayscollins]

Laughing at Imara's remarks, Grayson had to shrug as he said, "I guess every little town has its own traditions. This one is just filled with glory-seeking throwers." He watched as people in front of them cast their throws and failed miserably, while others were so close to the target but no cigar. "Targeting a high profile official though, that's pretty ballsy." He wound up his arm to simulate just where he wanted the ball to land. If anything, he wanted the glory to save face but also not be out $50. "You drive a hard bargain, and with higher risks!" Grayson said as he held his hand out to shake her own. "You've got yourself a deal."

The funny thing was not how Imara's head was a complete mirror of Gray's, but how she didn't even realize the monetization of the activity. "They're what?" Her eyes shooting wide. "Leave it to America to capitalize on humiliation." The joke accompanied with a shake of her head, her hand meeting her forehead as she was processing it all just as he was. "I never knew of this, and I was raised in America. Maybe it's a shore thing?" The woman attempted to rationalize. What she did know was who the mayor was. "I'm pretty sure the mayor is the target, from the looks of it." Her tone filling with confusion before his wager caused her eyes to fly to him. "Make it $50 and I'm so in. Oh, oh - and the loser has to volunteer to be dunked next."

[grayscollins]

location: Food Trucks at The Carnival with: @brodiesato

All things considered, Grayson wasn't usually the type to meander into a town carnival. At least not by his own volition, but a certain Sato had been eyeing the flyers that had plastered themselves over their community boards back at the apartments. Slipping a note under Harper's door, he took the initiative to take her out for at least one of the nights and things were going supremely well. They'd walked through most of the vendors, caught a few musical acts, and even pointed out rides they'd hit up next but first they needed sustenance. Leaving Harper to their own devices, he opted to stand in line and get their orders, but couldn't shake the feeling that there were another set of eyes boring into the back of his skull. Once he'd gotten the food, he turned briefly and locked eyes with the culprit.

Another Sato. Someone he only knew from pictures that Harper had shown while abroad and if he wasn't mistaken, this had to be the brother - Brodie. Eye brow lifted, he said, "Do you need a napkin?"

[grayscollins]

location: Entrance of the Carnival with: @harpersato

Slipping a note under Harper's door, Grayson had taken the first shot he could take to ask them if they'd be interested and available to go to the town's carnival with him. He was learning that between all their jobs and how strict the charter schedules were becoming that it might have been an impossible mission, but he also was pining to see her again, he just didn't want to be too obvious about it. That was why when he got a note back under his door with a resounding yes, that he found himself walking side by side with Harper. The first thing he could notice was the cacophony of sound between patrons screaming on rides, vendors yelling for attention, and even music blasting towards the south end of the bend. "I don't know about you but I seem to remember a bet we made that if we ever encountered bumper cars that you would "toast me" on said ride." He pointed over in the direction of said ride. "Shall we test that theory?"

[juliettevarona]

Juliette watched as Lucy assessed herself, something that she'd noted the woman doing much more as her pregnancy progressed. "Say the word too and we can head on home if you're tuckered out." Juliette offered, before nodding in agreement about JJ's tacos. "I give him a lot of grief for plenty of things, but man can he cook a taco." Eyeing up the spot where his recipe was being sold to the masses, Juliette said, "I'll grab you some more and I think I'm in the mood to try some of those panzerotti things. Fried goods, melty cheese, what more could we want? And how about you Miss. Ellie?"

"Thanks, this is a nice place to sit and rest and it give Ellie something fun to do." She said as she looked down at her feet to check and make sure her ankles weren't swelling with all of the walking she'd been doing. She let out a soft chuckle. "Would it be greedy if I said that I'm craving more of JJ's tacos even though I already had three earlier today? They have just the right amount of spice and they are soo good." She did the chef's kiss motion before letting out a soft giggle. "What are you in the mood for?"

[swedethings]

"Um..." What did she feel like? Agnes honestly had no idea. She hadn't given much thought to what she was going to eat at the carnival. She'd been far more preoccupied with ensured she packed plenty of snacks for Gunnar as well as knew what carnival foods were good for him to eat. Due to the latter, she'd really only scoped out the places selling ice-cold bottles of water or ice cream. She and her son had Nordic blood. They did not do so well in this heat. After spending a long moment glancing around the immediate vicinity for food vendors, something caught the brunette's eyes. "What is a Chipstix?" She read the unfamiliar name, her curiosity now piqued. "Honestly, I want to find some place away from this heat."

ivy knew what it was like to be a mother and how busy it can get and how you are so focussed on your little ones that you sometimes forget to take care of yourself. "well lets go get you something to eat. what do you feel like?" ivy asked looking at the other. "is there anything you wanted to do? i can take gunner for an hour or so if you wanted" she said looking at the other.

[grayscollins]

The simmering tension was one that Gray knew would only end in one way. No matter how his rational side told him to walk away if only for Harper's sake, it was clear Brodie wanted blood. He do anything, incite everything to stir the first hit, but Gray managed to hold his ground, even if his knuckles were porcelain white at this point. "I ask you again, to mind your language about your own goddamn sister." It was one thing to endure it while knowing somewhere deep down there was a small right for his flourishing anger, but it was hard to reconcile that someone this volatile could have ever had a hand in shaping Harper to the person they were today.

"I'm not fucking taking advantage of anyon-" But the proclamation fell on deaf ears, soon enough a fist had connected with his jaw where he could feel a slight cut forming on his lip. Then in an act of madness Brodie's shirt was discarded and feral screaming from the American resounded. People started to gather, phones and gasps alerted Gray that they had an audience, but as Brodie insisted on being the "alpha" male of it all, Gray went into the defense. Years of being roughed up on the streets and on many ships, he knew when to strike and he did as if he were hunting prey.

His first instinct was to disarm, a swift punch landed first on Brodie's gut before he hooked an arm to encircle around the man's knees, bringing him down to the ground. The next step was taking his own shirt and using it to tie his hands behind his back, the knots so intricate, Brodie would either have to cut the shirt up to free himself or break a hand. The third? He pinned the man down, his elbow on his shoulder as hard as he could, he drew a hand then forcing to force Brodie and his babbling mouth to contend with the ground. "Whatever you think you know about me and Harper is an infantile bloody fantasy. I am not going to justify or explain to you what I feel when you're like this." But then, as Gray looked up, he could see Harper slowly approaching, watching the scene. "Better yet, you have the honor of telling her what a "BITCH ASS" you've been." Against the struggling, Gray let out one final push until he was up on his feet and dispelling away from the crowd, he'd leave it up to the Sato's to navigate around the utter implosion.

Witnessing the crumpling of the napkin as well as the tension in the other male's jaw, Brodie grinned. "What's wrong, Wanker?" His head tilted to the side as if he were asking for a fight. In actuality, that's all he was really aiming for. "I'd just very much would appreciate for someone whose not a cuck to be fucking my sister. Not too much to ask." He shrugged, as if his language was excusable in this situation.

"It's more about my distrust in your fugly ass but alright man. I raised Harper. I think I would know when someone genuinely was interested or just wanted to take advantage of a pure heart with wide eyes." Who knew more about wolves than a wolf, himself? No one. It was a mixture of his annoying accent along with 'knob' being utilized that sent the male over the edge and sent Brodie's fist to the other's jaw. "Let's fucking GO - Independence Day round mother fucking two, BITCH ASS." It was screamed, the tall male taking off his shirt to pound at his chest and hype himself up.