#event: madival bday2020 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

edgewoodrp · 4 years ago

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Birthday Bash || Outdoor Festivities

Date/Time: May 29th, 2020 8:00PM -- 1:00AM

Location: 315 Canterbury Cv, Castle Ridge -- The Outskirts

Participants: @caterinasingh, @charlottexkingsley, @darklighterxdemitri, @heatherpayne, @logancree, @maxinebeauchamp, @trevor-wells, @valeriebianchi, @xavier-bennett

Summary: In the backyard, the drinks are flowing and the party is in full swing as the games begin.

Trevor had parked a few blocks away, and by the time he'd made it to the house, the party was in full swing. Bypassing the front door-- he didnt know either of the hosts that well-- he instead walked up the side yard and into the back of the house, whistling under his breath. "Damn, that is one nice setup."

Demitri's hands were shoved in his pocket as he eyed the house. It was already becoming slightly chaotic but not in the way he enjoyed. People began to flush into the front doors and he slowly made his way to the back yard. He licked his lips as he glanced sideways, hearing someone speak. "I've seen better." He snorted as he leaned against a nearby tree.

Logan had noticed both woman were busy inside and greeting the rest of their guests. So for now, the vampire would continue to hold his drink and "wait" for his turn. Stepping outside, his ears picked up the comments made about the set up and a smirk formed on his lips at the slight remark. "Really? I'd have to agree the set up is nice. What would you have changed or added then?"

Trevor turned towards the voice that had answered him, and laughed in return as his dismissive attitude. "Oh yeah? Around here? I'm just saying its a pretty nice setup for an outdoor party. Not too frat-boy, not too wedding-shower." He shook his head and shrugged, the 6-pack he had tucked under his arm lifting in the motion. When another individual stepped beside him to his defense, Trevor gestured at him. "See? Thank you!"

"I never said around here." Demitri said as he folded his arms across his chest. "All I'm saying is that it could have been better, had they hired some other person." Demitri honestly could care less. He wasn't someone that really enjoyed the mundane parties anymore. But he could make small talk. "I mean. These games, for start." He motioned towards the games. "I think there should be more adult friendly games."

Trevor laughed before realizing it wasn't meant as a joke. "'Adult-friendly' games? Do you mean like Cards Against Humanity or...?" Shaking his head he shrugged again. "I guess I wouldn't know, I've lived here my whole life." Taking a beer out of the 6-pack, he held out the rest as an offer. "Where are you from?"

Logan held his drink up indicating he was good. The vamps eyes narrowed at Demitri and his tone wondering why would he come to such an event with that attitude. He might just be that way regardless. Biting his laughter back, he said, "The night is young mate, there might be more to these games once the host gets around to explaining them."

"Yeah sure. Cards against humanity." Demitri snorted and shook his head. Humans and their fucking card games. He thought to himself. "How unfortunate." He muttered. Demitri's eyebrows rose at the question, a wry smile forming on his lips. "You need someone to explain the games to you?" Demitri asked, eyeing the other male. "How old are you, Logan?" He teased the other with a smile. He knew he wasn't a human. He could tell. "I'm from hell." He said, chuckling lowly as he glanced between the two to see their reaction.

Chuckling also, Logan gave an innocent shrug. "I am only saying-there could be more to the game then the obvious. But, I suppose we will find out all about it later. I may be wrong." Taking a sip of his drink, his eyes narrowed still at the stranger but the smirk never left. "I'm 33, give or take." The vampire glanced at Trevor and then sarcastically laughing to Demitri, "Really? There's more of you? How unfortunate."

"I'm just saying, I have no idea what you mean by 'Adult games' man," Trevor shook his head, opening the beer in his hand and taking a sip. A sip that he almost spit out at the response to his question. Trevor turned and locked eyes with the other man, eyebrows raised in a face of 'thats definitely a normal response to that question', before turning back. "Hell, huh. That's in Minnesota, right?"

Heather saw some women hanging around in the kitchen through the window, so she made her way around back instead. She didnt wanna be part of whatever gender conforming nonsense was happening in there. She promised herself that she would make it around to say hi to Cat sometime: she was after all who had bugged Heather to come to a party for people she barely knew. She made her way through the back gate and towards a table to set down the beer she had brought. Then she caught sight of who she was with. Two of the most suspicious men in town and someone she didnt recognize. "Fuck, how did you guys get invited to this? I thought Cat had good taste."

Demitri glanced towards Logan. "You seem to be making these games way more complicated in your head." He said and then his eyes flickered to the other male. "You're not serious." His voice was low and dull. Man, people were so fucking dumb. "Sure." He muttered then went to say something else but closed his lips when he noticed someone else moving to the outside. "Who said we got invited?" He asked, giving Heather a toothy grin.

Eventually, Charlotte found her way to the backyard. "Hey kids, we've got lots of booze chilling in the fridge--does anyone need anything? Or want anything put in the fridge?" Lingering by the s'more bar, she snagged a marshmallow while she waited for answers.

Trevor sidestepped to allow the newcomer, a woman he didn't recognize but who clearly knew the other two, join their little circle by the fire. "There were invites? I just followed the crowd." He turned at the sound of a familiar voice, feeling the familiar catch in his stomach when he recognized Charlotte. "I'm good, thanks," he replied--because what was he gonna do, ignore her?-- holding up the six pack he'd brought for emphasis.

"Well I was invited by the host," Heather said, sending Demitri a glare. "So, what types of games were we thinking of playing?" This could get crazy quickly, but she would love to pound Demitri into the ground. She approached the woman and made to hand her the six pack she had brought. "Could you please put this in the fridge? I splurged so that it's not the cheapest stuff at least." She didn't have a personal beer preference, but knew that she was holding a popular brand.

Maxine saw too many people getting mushy inside and was quick to pour herself a glass and sneak outside. She groaned seeing Logan outside, but was happy to see Charlotte out back. "Did someone say drinking games? Let's get this party started!"

Charlotte stilled at Trevor's voice but nodded at his answer. Turning to Heather, she nodded and met her halfway to accept the bottle from her. "You got it, there's probably still room on the top shelf for this--if you come looking for it." Maxine's grand entrance brought a smile to her face; she made a mental note to sneak back out for games later and started backing slowly towards the house. "Everyone else good?"

Kids? Demitri thought as he glanced towards the woman that just entered the backyard. "You could get me two beers." He winked at the woman. He really only drank to keep up appearances. He didn't actually like the taste of most alcoholic drinks. "Not these games." He motioned towards the cornhole and ladderball. "Something more interesting." He said with a smile. "Something with alcohol, for sure." He then glanced towards the woman that just came out and asked about drinking games. "What's your favorite drinking game?" He asked Maxine as he moved closer to Heather, just to annoy her. He liked getting under everyone's skin but recently, Heather was a person he was focused more on.

It took every ounce of Charlotte's willpower to not roll her eyes at the man. "Two beers, coming right up." And with that she disappeared into the house.

Maxine lifted her glass to indicate that she was covered. "You better come back out and join us for some games!" While the set up was very elegant, the game selection was lacking for a party. "First we need some tunes going. I see a speaker over there, someone should get some tunes going. If we're looking to just get drunk fast, we could start with sip, sip, shot?"

"Thank you," Heather told Charlotte as she took the drinks. "Don't worry about it, I brought this for everyone else." But when Demetri ordered some drinks--quite rudely--she decided she had to be a part of the drinking to not stand out. "Actually, I will go ahead and take one of my drinks," she backtracked, grabbing one from her six pack. She popped it open and took a swig, wincing as the alcohol went down. "Maxine!" she exclaimed in uncharacteristic excitement at the new arrival. She moved closer to the newcomer, but didn't miss Demitri moving closer as well. Finally someone she knew was trustworthy. As another witch, Maxine might even be able to help if her suspicions about Logan's species were correct.

Maxine grinned seeing Heather. She hadn't noticed her at first but was quick to walk over. She didn't know Demetri well, but she had her own reservations about Trevor and Logan. "Hey girl, good to see you here! You a fan of drinking games?"

Trevor hadn't wanted to ask Charlotte to bring his own six pack in, so instead he set it down in the grass at his feet. "These are for anyone who wants to save themselves a trip inside," he announced as he did so, glancing around at the group steadily growing larger. "Feel free to take them for your drinking games."

"It's good to see you too." Heather shrugged. "I'm not really into heavy drinking, but I'm willing to play along. I wouldn't mind seeing secrets spill tonight." Not her own of course. "I have a feeling you can hold your liquor though." She watched the man she didn't know and decided that he didn't seem too suspicious...yet. "We can grab mine from the fridge as well once they are chilled," she offered. The one in her hand was a bit warm.

Demitri smirked as he watched everyone discuss the drinks, and then the game. He noticed one of the men move to sit the six pack of beer on the ground at his feet. He already had some woman getting him his drinks, he didn't need the other male's. "I'm good. Thanks for offering." He said with a smile. He wasn't normally one to even say thank you but this was Demitri's way of trying to "fit in" with the crowd. The very lively crowd. "Ah, secret spilling. Now that's my kind of game." He eyed Heather with a smile. Secrets were something he specialized in. He was always trying to get information from any witch or potential whitelighter. Of course, he'd use those secrets and information to his advantage. "So, what's everyone's favorite drinking game that involves spilling some secrets?" He asked, glancing around. "Come on, don't be shy. We can vote on which one we'd rather participate in."

Trevor shook his head and raised his hands as if in surrender. "I'm driving tonight, so unfortunately no drinking games for me. But I'll be happy to watch. And judge," he added as an afterthought with a grin. Stepping to the side, he spotted an empty chair by the fire, and dropped into it.

Maxine raised a brow a bit surprised that the others were so interested in 'secret spilling'. She had to say she was intrigued. So she gave a shrug. "We can always play a game of true or false. Someone states two facts about themselves and we all have to determine which is true and which is a lie. Those who get it wrong have to take a drink."

Heather was surprised but relieved that the suggested game wasn't truth or dare. That could have turned bad. "I think that sounds fun," she voted, "though I thought the game was two truths and a lie."

Xavier, who had slipped into the backyard only moments ago, armed with a smaller cooler made his way over to the gathered group, giving a nod of acknowledgement to Logan. "I'm with Heather on that one, I've always played it like two truths and a lie."

Alcohol in hand, Charlotte made it back outside in time to hear two truths and a lie. "Is that what you guys are starting with? That's fun," She said, crossing the yard to deliver the barely-cooled beers to the weird guy. "Never Have I Ever is a good one, too."

Maxine grinned as Charlotte came out. "It's just a modified version of the same thing, with higher odds, but I'm happy to start with either or a round of never have I ever. But I feel like we should take this over to the fire," she began, walking over to sit on the nice chairs arranged around the small fire pit.

"That's... not a bad idea," Charlotte agreed, taking a look around the group gathered for the game. She didn't know most of them that well, this would be an excellent pregame for the dance party inside. She twisted the cap off her bottle of wine as she followed Maxine over to the fire and claimed a chair closest to the house. "Now I know you can hear me, Max, no cheating!"

Heather brightened at Xavier's arrival and shouted a greeting. Now she was thinking she might actually have fun tonight. Now that the game was decided and ready she headed to claim a chair as well, taking the one on the other side of Maxine. She motioned for Xavier to take her other side. It would be good to have someone strong to hold her back if she tried to leap across the fire pit and stab someone tonight. "So, do we have any volunteers to start?"

Logan nodded back at Xavior when he arrived and held back his glare at Demitri's rude comments and attitude. Cree couldn't help it though-he was starting to grow nervous. Two confirmed witches in this group and Heather who he still wasn't quite sure what she was yet, made his instincts stay sharp. Either one of the games that was being suggested couldn't really affect him due to his high tolerance being a vampire. However, the vampire was still curious and wouldn't back down from a "fun" night.

Xavier pulled a beer out of his cooler and made his way over to the fire, taking the seat offered seat next to Heather. Taking note of the gathered crowd he only recognized about half of them. Overall it would make for an interesting game and hopefully he’d have a new friend or two.

Charlotte soon realized she hadn't brought a glass out. Looking around, she noticed a stack on the table of food and refreshments outside. The night was still too young to start drinking straight from the bottle, so she grabbed one and poured her drink as she rejoined the circle. With no immediate volunteers to start the game, she reluctantly raised her hand. "I'll go first," She said. "So two truths and a lie, let's see... my eyes are green, I haven't seen all the Harry Potter movies, and I... may have instigated a bar fight. At some point."

Logan smirked as he heard the truth and took a sip of his drink. His eyes scanned the crowd as he waited to see if anyone wanted to share their opinion first. After a few moments though, Cree spoke, “You’re eyes are not green luv.”

"You havent seen Harry Potter," Heather guessed. She didn't know Charlotte well, but eye color was an easy giveaway and she had said the bar fight in such a way that it sounded true. "Are they?" She asked at Logan's comment, leaning over to try and see Charlotte's eyes, squinting in the fire light, but it wasn't enough to see. She turned her squint to Logan. Did he know her well enough to have remembered her eye color? Or did he have really good vision?

Maxine had an impish grin on her face as she heard Charlotte's thought. But, she didn't mind drinking. And why win if she couldn't drink. Might as well bring others down with her. "Oh she definitely hasn't seen all of the Harry Potter movies."

Charlotte wiggled her eyebrows at Maxine's grin, and looked around the circle as the answers came in. "Good answers, good answers. Any more takers? Non-answers count as a loss~!"

Met with silence, Charlotte tipped her glass to Maxine, "I have not, and I refuse to watch 'em,"--and then to Logan. "But Logan's right, my eyes are brown. Who's up next?"

Demitri folded his arms across his chest and watched as everything began to unfold. It wasn't the kind of game he'd be interested in, but he could at least watch and see what information all of the people were willing to divulge to one another. It could give him some type of leverage. He uncapped his beer and took several long swigs.

Xavier obligingly took a sip of his beer. There were a lot of friends among this group, and he felt like it left him at a slight disadvantage in their current game, but he also supposed that that was how you made friends, playing games like these with strangers. Plus, the point of drinking games was to, well, drink.

"Guess I was wrong," Maxine commented with a shrug, taking a long sip from her drink. For a moment, she was silent, seeing if anyone else would pop up. But it was pretty silent, so she stepped in to save the momentum. "Okay, mine are...I have travelled to thirty different countries, I started my first 'business' venture in high school, and I have been invited out for drinks by a celebrity."

Heather sighed and took a drink. Many people did drinking games as an excuse to get drunk, but for her all games were meant to be won. "There is no way you have been to 30 countries." Max did seem driven enough to have started trying to make money in high school.

Charlotte stared intently at Maxine and tapped the rim of her cup, thinking. "Hmm, I know two countries for sure... I don't know about 30."

Xavier took a moment to study Maxine and think of what he knew of her. Not much, but enough. "I'm also gonna say that 30 countries seems a bit extreme."

Maxine looked around the fire pit as answers poured in. "Seems like you all have your minds made up. Any other answers before I reveal the lie?"

Charlotte followed Maxine's gaze around the circle and slowly raised her glass to take a sip of her drink.

Though he wasn’t planning on playing, Trevor couldn’t help but shake his head from his place by the fire. “Counties maybe, but countries? No way.”

Maxine let out a chuckle at the rest of the responses. "Well, sorry to disappoint, but my mothers did a lot of travelling and flew my brother and I out many places. I didn't start any businesses until early college days. I'm afraid you all have to drink."

"Oh, darn," Charlotte complained, not sounding the least bit disappointed to be taking another drink.

Heather looked between Maxine and Charlotte, suspicious of their collaboration. She took a swig in disappointment. "Well, I guess it's my turn." She turned her gaze to Demitrib to watch his reaction to her claims in particular. "Here are mine: one, I can hold my breath for over two minutes; two, I have been near an explosion; three, I can speak four languages."

Maxine took another swig of her drink as she considered Heather's options. "Hmm, I'm going to go with the first option."

Demitri couldn’t help but smirk as he noticed Heathers gaze on him. Her two truths and a lie wasn’t really anything he was interested in. No. He was more interested in the darker aspects of her and her past. “Last one.” He said, eyeing her closely as he took another sip of his beer.

Logan thought about Heathers choices and thought for a second. They were good ones and some of them-might have not been so obvious if they hadn’t spent some time with her. But having fought with her during their last encounter, he did have more of “feel” for her character. Though the vampire knew it wasn’t enough for be certain of his answer when it came to witches. “I second what Maxine chose.”

Looking at Heather, Charlotte considered her options. With nothing to go on, she was quite prepared to take another drink. "I want to say... door number three."

Huh, Heather had thought more people would have latched onto the explosion. Demetri didn't react to that one in particular, which was hopefully a good sign for his innocence. "Good job, the lie is number 3. In addition to English I only have conversational Spanish and Japanese." Multiple people had guessed correctly, so she must be missing some key to this game. Maybe it was in the delivery or the believability of choices.

His smile widened when she confirmed that he, and a couple of others, were correct. He had a feeling, considering the encounters with the woman that he’d had. However, now he’s a bit curious about the explosion that she mentioned. He assumed it just had to do about her power. The one that she insists to him that she doesn’t have. Demitri knows better. He’s had a lot of experience when it came to witches. “Japanese?” He asked heather. “When did you learn that language?” He really hadn’t expected her to know more then English.

What?! Charlotte had so many questions, and even though she got this one right, she took another sip. "I always wanted to learn Japanese," She added wistfully. "I never got around to it, it's super cool that you did."

At the answer, Maxine took a drink. "Didn't you buy a book about it or something, too?" she asked Charlotte, curiously before looking out at the group. For now, she felt fine, but she had an inkling that if she stood, she would really feel the alcohol. But this was fun, she was getting to know different people better. "Okay, who is next?"

"In college," Heather answered, not giving any more details. She was nowhere near fluent, but she had taken the courses to the highest intermediate level. It was enough to impress most people. She smiled at Charlotte's comment. Turning to Xavier, she said, "You're up, X."

"I totally did," Charlotte answered Maxine. "I bet it's buried on one of the book shelves in the basement. Guess what I looking for when I get home." She added with a chuckle.

Xavier was surprised to find that he wasn't as shocked as he would have suspected at learning that Heather had been involved with an explosion. Everyone had things in their past, after all. "Right." He looked around the circle, reminding himself that his boss was present and he didn't want to incriminate himself too much. "I was afraid of Winnie the Pooh when I was a kid, my favorite flavor of ice cream is coffee, and I've seen every episode of the Bachelor."

Heather tapped her finger on her bottle as she considered Xavier. "To be honest, I could believe any of those. But I'm gonna go with door two." She was hoping that the least embarrassing one was the lie. She had a sense for what type of person he was, but didn't know many personal details yet.

"Could be your resolution for next year," she teased Charlotte. "And now you have someone to practice with, maybe." Hearing the options, Maxine let out a hum. She didn't know Xavier too well, so it was hard to say. "I think I'm going to go with door three. There are just so many seasons of that show."

"Ooo yeah! That's not a bad idea," Charlotte didn't know Xavier at all, and each option sounded equally likely. But out of all of them, she hoped this one was the lie. "Hmm, I'm gonna guess you weren't afraid of Winnie the Pooh."

"Wow, I didn't expect to divide the room that much." Xavier chuckled, looking around at everyone. "Anyone else want to guess?"

Caterina wandered out into the backyard to see how everyone was doing and was happy to see a group congregating. "Glad to see you all are enjoying the fire! How is everyone doing out here? Anyone need a refill? Oooh did you all start any of the games yet?"

Demitri glanced towards the man speaking and he shook his head back and forth. "I'm going to guess the third one. If that's not a lie, then you definitely should pretend it is." He smirked as he finished off his beer. "I need a refill." He winked at Caterina. "Something stronger than this piss drink, though."

"Coffee isn't my favorite flavor of ice cream, it's cookie dough." Xavier answered. "And before you ask, no, I don't know why I was terrified of Winnie the Pooh." He'd burst into tears at the sight of the bear more than once. And the less said about how he'd ended up watching every single episode of the Bachelor... probably for the best. "I'm good on drinks, thanks." He told their host.

"Dang. Both of those are good flavors, though," Charlotte conceded, taking another drink. She cast a sidelong glare at Demitri, but said nothing. "I'm doing alright, thank you, Cat!"

Maxine wrinkled her nose at the sound of cookie dough. "Really? I've always found it too sweet, but different tastes," she commented, with a shrug of her shoulders. Maxine waved a hand at Caterina. "I'm good thanks. We just started a drinking game out here, not any of the other games...why is there anything good hiding out here?"

"Hi Cat!" Heather greeted. "We're half a round into two truths in a lie." She smirked at finally getting one right. She raised her drink towards Xavier, "Right choice. Coffee is such a weird coffee flavor."

Something about Demetri put Caterina on edge. So hearing that no one else needed a refill, she let out a hum. "Well if it is just you needing a drink, I may wait a minute, apologies...oooh two truths and a lie?" she questioned sitting on one of the chairs. "That sounds fun. Learned anything interesting? And, there may be a game of truth or dare jenga hiding out here..."

Logan chuckled a little at his employers answers and made sure to remember that incase it became useful in the future. The man didn't know Xavier that well other then the basics and most importantly that he was a good employee and had given him no reason to not like him. But he still wondered how or why Xavier watched the Bachelor. When Demitri spoke up again demanding another drink, Logan decided it was a good time to take another sip of his own to keep quiet. But after hearing Cat's reply, the vampire smirked as he encouraged the host to join the game. "Why doesn't our host go next?" The longer the woman stayed, the longer the impolite man waited for his drink. There's some next to Trevor human, he wanted to snap, but he was doing his best to remain polite-for now. Though Logan did get a slight sense that Demitir wasn't exactly human. But then what?

"You know, I think I like that idea," Charlotte agreed, nodding at Logan. She patted the seat of the empty chair next to her. "Pop a squat and tell us about yourself, Cat."

Caterina let out a hum. "Alright, I'll join in, but if I'm participating, then I want to hear what I've missed so far too," she said with a wink. "Okay so two truths and a lie...I've lived in Nepal, I have never watched any of the Lord of the Rings movies, and I hate steamed milk in coffee."

"Steamed milk." Charlotte answered after a moment of thought. "Speaking from experience, everyone's seen some of Lord of the Rings whether they've wanted to or not."

“How do you hate steamed milk in coffee?” Trevor exclaimed in surprise. “I’m gonna have to say that’s the lie. I do think it’s possible to never have seen any of the Lord of the Rings movies,” he continued, with a quick glance in Charlotte’s direction, “they’re not nearly as hard to escape on tv as Harry Potter.”

"I dunno, I have pretty distinct memories of flipping through the channels and catching glimpses of, like, 'Return of the King' or something," Charlotte recounted. "But yeah, Harry Potter's up there, too."

Caterina was definitely the type of person to feel strongly about coffee, so Heather felt that that was a truth. And she knew that Cat had lived in many places, so maybe Nepal was one of them. "I think that the second one is a lie. I bet you were hanging out with someone who made you watch part of one. Definitely not the whole one though, since those are insanely long movies."

Xavier took a moment to think it over. They were all so specific, but being a regular in a coffee shop he knew how people could get about their drinks, and Catarina seemed, from the little he knew about her, like someone who had seen the world. "I'm also going with Lord of the Rings, those movies are everywhere. How many memes are there now?"

Logan Cree wasn't sure about the last statement but he also was leaning towards the Lord of the Rings. "I agree with the second one being the lie. I find it pretty hard to imagine going on without seeing at least one of them. Plus, they also have another three that go with the Lord of the Rings...."

Maxine gave a hum considering the options. "I would have to go with the coffee thing too, you seem to have a strong opinion about your drinks," she added, thinking about the drinks she ordered at the Underworld. "Since you are participating too, we can catch you up on what we've learned soon."

Hearing the variety of responses, Caterina smirked to herself. "Seems like everyone is truly divided on this one, but a few of you were right on. I haven't seen any of the Lord of the Rings movies."

Trevor pumped his fist in mini victory, but then a moment later cocked his head to the side. “Wait, so then which is the lie? Nepal or the coffee?”

Charlotte crossed her fingers for the coffee, but slowly raised her glass--just in case.

"It's the coffee thing. I've never been a big fan of all the froth in steamed milk," Caterina answered.

"Yes!" Charlotte cheered, pumping a fist in the air. "I'm still taking a drink, though--this is a party after all."

Demitri hadn't even cared to guess. All he did was watch the others as the listened, put out their best guess, and waited. He was still waiting to see if the host, as she had stated, would get more drinks. But, he wasn't going to complain about it. He honestly could care less if he was drinking.

Heather sighed and took a drink. She cursed this dumb game which she apparently couldn't figure out. Well at least the ones left to go where the guys she wanted to learn about with this.

Trevor took a sip of his beer anyway, before leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "Okay I guess I can go next..." He trailed off a moment thinking. "Okay. I've never broken any bones, I'm really good at baking brownies, and I haven't read a single book in five years."

"Question," Charlotte started. "are we counting eBooks and fractures as books and breaks?"

Despite Maxine having answered correctly, she took a drink too, and then filled Cat in on the fun tidbits she had missed. At Trevor's list, Maxine let out a hum. "I know how much your sister likes to back, so I'm going to go with the book one, though Charlie raises an important point."

Trevor blinked for a moment at the question, wracking his brain, before finally he shook his head. "I guess I am way too dumb to know the difference between a fracture and a break," he laughed. "So yes, all kinds of breaks, small and large. And yeah, I'd count eBooks as books."

Charlotte nodded at his answer, and thought over her own response. "Hmm, alright. I'm gonna say... the books, that's the lie."

Caterina couldn't say she knew Trevor well, but she'd seen him running the PTA booth and heard many rumors. And now getting more info on the others from this game, she was delighted she'd come outside. "I'd have to go with the broken bones option."

Xavier had dutifully taken his sip from the last round, and thought over the answers the man had given. “I’m gonna have to go with the book one.” He’d thought maybe the one about breaking bones, until he’d been asked about clarification.

Heather didnt know anything about this man, and her previous logic trains hadn't seemed to work anyways. So, she decided to just go for a wild guess. "Number 3 is the lie."

Sister? Logan thought. So the human did have a sister-no wonder his features looked familiar and now Logan had a solid guess as to who it was. "I'm also going to go with number 3 being a lie mate."

Trevor paused for any last stragglers before shrugging and scratching the side of his neck. “It sounds super depressing to say out loud but the book one is actually true. The lie is the broken bones. I’ve broken more than I’d like to admit, most recently my ribs last year,” he added, reaching down to touch his side absentmindedly. “So drink!”

Charlotte stared at Trevor, and did nothing to suppress the look of horror on her face. "That's horrifying, you know that, right? Just--just awful." She took a large gulp of wine and shook her head. "Someone else needs to speak now, please, I beg."

Heather agreed, "Yeah, that's a pretty major injury there. What the hell happened?" Unlike Charlotte though she wanted to keep on this track. She didnt miss him reaching to touch his side. She took the smallest sip she felt she could get away with.

Trevor barked a laugh. “I think she was probably referring to the fact that I haven’t read in half a decade.” He shook his head, still smiling though he felt a little more bitter. “The rib thing? Injury at work. No worries though, it’s all healed by now.”

Maxine took a drink after getting the answer wrong and looked over at Logan and Demetri. "I think it's time one of you two chip in now."

Broken ribs at work? What kind of job resulted in that kind of injury, Xavier wondered, reluctantly taking the required sip from his drink. He nodded along with Maxine's suggestion. "Yeah, come on boss man. You've been quiet enough." He said, pointing at Logan.

"That is extremely sad as well," Heather added. It dissapointed her how many people never read anything not assigned for school.

Logan chuckled softly. It was a little funny that humans could still occasionally surprise him. Taking another sip after getting yet another answer wrong-not that it was affecting him in anyway-he smirked at Xavier. “Glad to hear-and see-the injury wasn’t life threatening mate. Very well....” he paused thinking of things that would still be believable and not “impossible” for regular people to do before answering. “I’ve dated twin celebrities. I’ve done commissioned paintings. I can read Egyptian Coptic.”

Hearing Logan's potential truths, Charlotte raised an eyebrow and smirked a little. Knowing what he was but not how old he was made this a... very interesting round. "Wooooow, that's a lot to unload there."

Xavier knew that his boss was an interesting man, who'd lead an interesting life, but he didn't even know where to being guessing on this one. "And when you say commissioned paintings do you mean you commissioned and sat for them or that you were the artist in question?"

Logan took a swing of his drink and smirked at Xavier's question before answering, "That I was the artist in question."

Demitri couldn't help but be amused at all of these so called "confessions" and lies. "I say the lie is that you've dated twin celebrities." Demitri chose to answer this one, eyeing Logan closely.

"The Egyptian feels too specific to be a lie..." Charlotte thought outloud. "Or maybe just specific enough. I don't know, I'm gonna say the twins."

Now this was an interesting round, Heather thought, raising an eyebrow. These all lined up with her evaluation of Logan as full of himself. "I don't think you can read Coptic. Unless you were a scholar studying that culture you would have no reason or easy way to learn that."

Caterina was delighted that she got the answer right to Trevor's list and didn't take a drink. She was planning to stay sober to be a good host. At Logan's list, she raised a brow and let out a hum. That was an interesting list of things. "Wow, what a list. Makes me feel boring. I'd have to say reading Egyptian Coptic is the lie."

"Egyptian what," Trevor repeated, furrowing his brow. "That has to be the lie," he reasoned, "it's too out there. Even if you'd previously lived in Egypt or something, I'd be way more likely to believe you spoke Arabic."

The clarification that Xavier had asked for actually hadn't provided all that much clarification. "It's a tough one, but I'm gonna go with the Egyptian as well."

Maxine looked at Logan as he listed his three and studied him closely. She wasn't sure if he would even abide by the rules but conceded. "I'm going with option two."

Charlotte took a drink before hearing the answer and leaned toward Maxine. Lowering her voice so as to not interrupt the rest of the game, she asked, "I'm gonna get something to eat, do you want anything?"

Maxine looked up from her drink as Charlotte made the offer and nodded. "I think it's about time for a refill, so I'll join you." That said, Maxine stood up to follow her.

Logan laughed at the answers and smirked holding up his drink to everyone. “Everyone except Maxine drink up!” Catching Maxines eyes, he sent her a playful wink before taking the last sip of his drink.

Just before moving inside, Maxine gave Logan a wink and the middle finger. "We'll be right back, so don't spill too many secrets without us!"

Charlotte watched the interaction with amusement, shaking her head and chuckling before heading inside.

Caterina let out a little huff of disappointment but took a sip. "Okay, I've got to know how and why did you learn Egyptian coptic? And I propose that once we finish this round, we bring out the jenga blocks. I think most of us are at a good place to make it fun."

"I call bullshit," Heather interjected. "There is no way that you just know a language like that. Arabic, sure, but you gotta explain Coptic."

"Exactly!" Trevor exclaimed, gesturing in Heather's direction. "That's what I'm saying." His tone was still good natured though, and despite the fact that he shook his head in disbelief, he still dutifully took his drink.

Seeing Maxine's gesture brought another chuckle out of Logan as he shook his head and reached for another drink that the human had placed on the floor. The vampire wasn’t a beer type person but it was something. Hearing the others surprised tones and questions kept the smirk on his face while he answered, “You’re right. I didn’t just “know” Coptic. I had a.....a friend” A Maker, he thought, “a while back who was an Egyptian specialist-she knew all about the language. And I was in the mood for a new hobby....”

"Such an interesting hobby." Demitri said, his eyes on Logan still. The man wasn't human, that much he knew. He wouldn't have been surprised if Logan was actually pretty old. He may not physically look it, but the way he spoke made Demitri get some sense of it.

Caterina eyed the man. "I believe it's your go. You're the only one that hasn't 'spilled your guts' so to say."

"Oh so now you want me to tell mine?" He asked, teasing her. He pressed his lips together into a thin line as he pondered what he was going to say. Demitri smirked and then stated. "I've had a couple of stalkers in the past, I've seen someone die, and I don't like eating food." No one there, or in town, knew anything about him so honestly, to them, any one of those statements could be a truth or a lie.

"That is the point of the game, isn't it," Caterina commented. For a moment, her jaw nearly dropped at the items he listed because they were all so odd, but she managed to collect herself. "Despite how odd all of those are, I guess I'll go with the last one?"

Heather took note of what Logan said. She believed him now, but there was a whole interesting history behind that that she wanted to know. She leaned forward in interest. Finally, it was Demitri's turn. "Or were you the stalker yourself?" she asked, glaring at Demitri. She absolutely believed that he had seen someone die. Honestly, she could believe any of those as truths with how messed up of a person she thought Demitri was. Steeling herself for the drink she knew she would have to take, she said, "I'm saying two was a lie."

"Ah... Heather, Heather." Demitri turned towards the woman with the smile. "Always observant, aren't we?" He winked at her and glanced around. He didn't care to hear what anyone else thought. "You both get to drink. It was the first one that was the lie."

Heather continued to glare, not caring who else was around. Was he admitting that he had stalked her? "Somehow I have trouble believing anything you say." She kept eye contact as she took her drink, finishing the last of her bottle. The urge to throw it at him was strong, but she resisted. Wait, so it was true that he didn't like eating food. It was a natural act, necessary for survival. Unless he isn't human...

Caterina took a drink but eyed Demitri oddly. "What kind of person doesn't like to eat food?"

Demitri snorted. “oh come on, Heather. I’d never lie to you.” He offered her a warm, charming smile as he watched her finish her drink. “Not everyone likes eating. Some eat just to survive. I don’t like the act of eating. I don’t see why that’s so odd.” He shrugged his shoulders. Of course, he worded it so it wasn’t a lie but in reality, he just didn’t enjoy human food.

That wasn't the one Trevor would have guessed either, but he dutifully took a sip of his beer. "As the kids these days say, 'weird flex but okay'. But hang on--" he continued, as something clicked. "Are we all just going to ignore the fact he said he's seen someone die?"

Heather snorted. "Yeah, right." Damn it annoyed her how he kept trying to charm her-- or something. "Yeah, Demitri, wanna elaborate?"

Logan held back a chuckle at Cat's comment and knew a few answers to those who didn't enjoy to eat. The vamp would remember to keep an eye on Demitri though. "Have we not all seen someone die before? On TV, in the hospital, or being in the wrong place at the wrong time? He could have meant anything....couldn't you have mate." Logan smirked bringing the drink to his lips and then decided against it. Meanwhile, he's ears heard the word 'shots' inside. Maybe a little harmless fun inside is in order? "I'm going inside for....a different type of drink."

Demitri smiled, his eyes flickered between Trevor and Heather but lingered on the woman. He knew he'd have to do a lot more than any of this to get her on his side. But he was up for the challenge. "See? Logan has the right frame of mind." He motioned towards the other male. "Wrong place wrong time... or wrong place, right time?" He tilted his head to the side. "I tried to help the woman." Lie. "But she didn't make it." He shrugged his shoulders. "At least, that's what I heard along the rumor mill." He spun his finger in a horizontal circle. "But don't act like none of you have witnessed someone die. Isn't the True Crime and Horror genre's pretty popular among people lately? I'm sure you've seen something along those lines."

Caterina gave an odd look at everyone. "This conversation is taking a...morbid turn. I think I'm going to get the jenga blocks set up while you all sort this out, or whatever."

You didn’t say it was on TV... Trevor wanted to argue but he decided there was no point. He didn’t know the other man well enough. Instead he just shrugged once again. “So did anyone win? I know I sure lost.” His mostly empty beer was testament to that. And he wasn’t going to start another game... But he hadn’t seen heads or tails of Maggie which meant she must be inside having a good time. So...”Sure, Jenga it is then.”

Caterina finished the set up and began explaining the rules. "For those who haven't played truth or dare jenga, each time you pull a block, you have to do the action or answer the question provided. If you refuse, you take a drink."

"I'll start, I guess," he continued, standing up from his place by the fire and moving towards the blocks. Trevor paused for a moment, before picking one smack in the middle of the whole tower. "This one seems safest. Okay. Never have I ever. Huh. Didn't we just play this?" Taking the moment to think, he plopped the block on the top of the tower. "Okay fine, never have I ever been to college."

Having been to college, Charlotte took a drink and glanced around the circle to see who else had also been to college.

Caterina also took a sip of her drink.

Heather snuck around to grab a beer from Trevor's six pack since she had finished her drink during the last game. Sitting back down, she took a sip.

Demitri grabbed one of the beers on the ground and took off the cap but didn’t drink. As far as he knew, he hadn’t gone to college. He glanced around to observe who was drinking.

"Me next!" Charlotte volunteered. Studying the solid tower, she carefully poked one of the side blocks out and read it aloud. "'Which famous personality do you have a crush on and why?' Lame. But like, even though I never watched the movies, I always had a huge crush on Emma Watson. She's so accomplished for her age and she uses her platform so well." With her block fulfilled, she delicately placed it on the top of the tower. "Next?"

She gave a nod at Charlotte's answer. "I'll go ahead and take this round." Caterina took a moment to circle the tower and pulled one from near the bottom successfully. "If you could have anything, what would it be? Hmmm, well, I'm interpreting this as something material, and I would adore a trip to Paris." Question answered, she placed the block on the top.

"I'll go next," Heather hopped up, wanting to get it over with. She took a few seconds to study the tower well and pick a block about halfway up to pull. After reading the block in her head, she cussed and her face turned red. She looked around the crowd, gave a big sigh, and set the block down on the top. Without a word Heather returned to her seat and took a drink.

"Wait wait wait," Trevor leaned forward, out of curiosity. "What did it say?"

Caterina gave a nod as well. "Yes, that is part of the game. We have to know what it said."

"Tickle someone," Heather said flatly.

Charlotte couldn't stop the laugh that came out of her mouth. "Oh no, I can only imagine what else is hidden in there."

Demitri watched as the others chose blocks, read off the questions and answered. Although, Heather answers late. “You didn’t want to tickle someone? That’s not even bad.” He snorted, leaning towards her slightly with a smile. He took a step forward and pulled out a block. It told him to pick another one. “It days pull another one.” He as he then grabbed another one. “What’s your greatest fear?” He read aloud. “I don’t have one.”

Maxine wandered out after taking her shot and quickly noted the game happening. "Well that seems like complete bullshit," she began. "Everyone has something there afraid of, if you don't want to admit it, I think the rule is that you gotta drink." But it was her turn, so she found an easy brick to grab, looked at what it said, and set it beside her. She walked over to Charlotte. "Says I gotta rub noses with someone, so I guess it's eskimo kisses for us."

"Gross, I don't even know you," Charlotte replied with a big grin, obviously joking. She stood up to meet Maxine and rubbed noses with her. "Call me~." She said as she sat back down.

Maxine acted aghast at Charlotte's comment before the two rubbed noses. After a second or two, they separated and Maxine gave a playful wink. "Any time." She moved back to the tower and placed the brink on the top.

Logan smirked as he watched those go before before stepping up for his own turn. With ease the block slipped out and a mentally groaned as he read, "What's your most embarrassing moment ever?" Ever!? Really... "Uh...pen on my face before a meeting with some investors?"

Trevor couldn't help but speak out. "That's your most embarrassing moment? Ever? Damn I'd love to have your life," he laughed.

"Pen on your face? Really?" Charlotte tried to keep a straight, disappointed face, but it quickly dissolved into a fit of tipsy giggles. "That's almost as bad as Mr. No-Fear over there. But Trevor's right, if that's really it you're doing pretty good."

Valerie had poured herself a third shot and walked outside just in time to hear Logan's answer and laughed. "Oh I'm next! Me next!" The shifter drowned the third shot and shut her eyes as the liquid went down. "Whooo! Alright..." Pulling out her block, she threw her head back laughing. "Never have I ever....kissed someone in the first fifteen minutes of meeting them!"

Maxine pulled a face at Logan's answer. "I agree with Charlie, seems like a cop out answer." But given the 'never have I ever' she took a drink.

Caterina on the other hand did not drink, she was tempted to ask who would kiss someone within fifteen minutes of meeting them, but bit her tongue.

"Never in fifteen minutes, nope," Charlotte shook her head. "But twenty minutes.... that's another story." She added with another giggle.

Heather raised an eyebrow. "That's a really low bar."

Demitri licked his lips and smiled. "Got me there." He lifted the beer to his lips and took a long swig. He had done things like that before. He had even went up to women and kissed them within the first second of meeting them.

Trevor shook his head. "Guess I'm safe from that one."

Smirking, Logan lifted his drink to his lip and took a sip.

Trevor glanced around the circle before realizing it was his turn again. It was more difficult this time, but he managed to choose a block on the side that only made the tower sway a little before steadying again. "Finish your drink" he read aloud. "Ha, that's easy enough." Placing the block atop the tower, he returned to his seat. The bottle he'd been nursing only had about a third left, and he lifted it to his lips, tipping it back and finishing in two swallows.

Valerie pouted realizing she didn't have a drink with her other than the empty glass of her shot. Looking around, she saw the beer that was on the floor next to Trevor and made her way over to grab one.

Reaching toward the tower again, Charlotte slid another block out and read it. "Gents take a drink. Sorry, boys." But she wasn't feeling very sorry as she stacked the block back on top.

Demitri nodded and tipped his beer bottle to his lips again, taking a swig.

Logan took a sip also without complaint.

Trevor was at a dilemma after finishing his last drink. "I might have to bow out of this game, unless you'll let me play with water. I can't have another unfortunately, I'm DD tonight."

Charlotte nodded sagely. "Water is acceptable, hydration is important."

Caterina gave a nod at Trevor's request. "I say that is fine, safety first after all." The tower was looking a bit more precarious, but with a little pit of poking, she found a good option and pulled it out. "Finish your drink. Alright, just going to put this back first." Her drink was just under half full, so once the brink was placed, she downed the rest.

With two votes in his favor, Trevor nodded his thanks and lifted a water bottle to take his sip from the last round.

Heather crossed her fingers as she approached the tower. No one else had passed yet, so she couldn't do it a second time. There was one block a third up that was an easy choice, and she slid it out. She groaned as she read the block. "I have to sit in the lap of the person to my right until my next turn." She thanked all that was holy that it was her right and not her left--where Demetri sat. "Cat, would you mind?" If it was anyone other than Cat or Max, she likely would have passed anyways. She placed the block carefully on the top of the pile.

Caterina considered for a moment. It seemed rather intimate, but this was for the sake of a game, so she adjust how she was sitting. "For you, Heather, I would not mind."

Heather nodded and sat gingerly on Cat's legs, her bottom forward almost to the other's knees.

Demitri watched as Heather read out her block and moved to sit on Caterina. If he was a human and didn't have such a sadistic mind, he might think it was adorable. But he didn't. He turned and grabbed the next block and read it out loud. "What's the best game you've ever played in the dark?" He smirked and tucked on the front of his teeth as he leaned back in his chair. "Hide and seek." Most might think the game was innocent fun, but not the way Demitri played it.

Once again, Maxine found herself weirded out by this man's answer. But it was her turn now. The tower was getting wobbly but she picked from near the top. "Alright, the tallest person has to drink," she called out, carefully placing the brick on the top. It continued to wobble, slightly, but didn't fall.

Demitri glanced around at the other's, knowing full well that he was one of the tallest. There weren't many people taller than him in town. He nodded and took another swig of his drink.

Heather took a childish joy in Demitri having to pay for being so ridiculously tall.

Logan noticed the tower's tilt when Maxine grabbed and placed her block back. With him being next, he thought he grabbed a block that would hold. The vampire couldn't have been more wrong. The moment he pulled the block 3/4 of the way, the tower fell. "My apologizes?" The man said with a chuckle still passing his lips.

Caterina peered around Heather at the mess of blocks. She wasn't sure Heather had to keep sitting on her lap now that the tower had fallen, but didn't say anything for the moment. "It was bound to happen. I guess it's your responsibility to rebuild it then. Round two, everyone?"

Heather snickered at the tower falling. She wasnt sure if that meant she would leave Cat's lap, but she stood up anyways and went back to her seat, too embarrassed to look at Cat.

Logan nodded and replied, "It's the least I could do..."

Trevor saw the blocks start to tip and winced as they came crashing down. “Better luck next time,” he laughed, before pushing himself to his feet. “ I think that’s it for me, better go collect my sister. Good game though. And hey, great party,” he added in Caterina’s direction. Before he could fully walk away he turned back and offered, “Anyone else need a ride home?” He glanced around the circle at the game participants, careful not to meet Charlotte’s eyes, to check if anyone else was leaving.

"Thank you for coming by. Text someone here when you get home safely, okay?" Caterina said after resettling herself in her seat.

Valerie waved at Trevor and smiled. "Thanks for coming!"

Charlotte said nothing, but waved slightly at Trevor as he passed. She gave it a little while before standing up, wobbling only slightly. "I need a refill. I'll bring some beer out if anyone wants any--Heather, did you want... whatever you had me put in the fridge?"

"I could use another drink," Caterina requested, seeing as she had to finish hers.

"I can go get the drinks." Demitri stood from the seat. "What is it that you guys want?"

"Tequila please!" Valerie said, winking at the stranger and taking a sip of her beer.

Heather waved her hand. " No thanks." She still had a lot left in this drink, and she did have to drive home later. For not the first time that night she wondered why she got involved in the drinking games. "Ever the gentleman," she said sarcastically to Demitri.

"Oh," Charlotte blinked, surprised by the man's offer. "Sure, thank you. There's a bottle of moscato on the counter still, that's mine if you could grab it. And then the beers are all over the fridge, I just put them wherever there was room." And with that she eased back into her seat.

Caterina looked at the man, and gave a nod. "I'll just take a glass of the chardonnay that's on the counter as well."

"Tequila for the lovely dark haired woman." Demitri offered the girl a smile and then glanced towards their host. "I'll bring the lot, don't worry." He then heard Heather and he rolled his eyes. "I'll bring you your drinks too, don't worry." He then made his way inside to grab everything they had asked for.

Heather interjected, "But I said no."

Valerie volunteered to go first and picked the first block her eyes set eyes on. Pulling it out was easy but reading it and not bursting into laughter was not. "Wh-what’s your favorite battery-operated t-toy?" The laughter soon came after the sentence finished. "Oh....there's just too many to choose from! If you know what I mean....." She added with a wink towards the crowd.

Maxine snickered at the answer and gave her own slow clap. "True that, girl."

Charlotte smirked and nodded. "Right on, Val, right on."

"Guess its my turn now," Maxine stood up and carefully pulled out a brick. "Most embarrassing thing you've ever had to buy....hmm I have definitely felt super judged and embarrassed about buying a pregnancy test, so I'll stick with that."

His arms filled with liquor of everything everyone wanted, he stepped back out of the house and heard what Maxine had said. Demitri moved around the circle, lowering what each person wanted to them. "There you go." He muttered. "And here..." He made sure to give everyone their beverage, smiling at each of them before sitting down with his own. Just another beer. "So what did I miss?"

Caterina stood as Maxine placed her block and pulled out another. "Say something romantic to the person on your left," she looked over to Heather. Well that was rather awkward. She took a beat to consider what to say. "Your sense of determination is inspiring and you are wicked smart." Was that too much? It was supposed to be romantic, not a pick up line. Face a bit red, she put the brick on the top and sat down. Quietly, she muttered a thanks to Demitri as she took a sip of her wine.

Val nodded her thanks to the stranger and poured herself another shot. Logan smiled softly at Cat's statement and took a sip of his own wine.

Heather shifted uncomfortably when she realized that it was going to be her. Cat was a very attractive woman and a friend, but it was crazy that this game was making them do stuff like this. She honestly smiled though at Caterina's compliment. "Thank you," she said before turning back to the front and taking a drink to hide whatever her face was trying to do.

After taking a sip of her wine, Caterina responded with a subdued, "of course." I mean it but didn't want to come off too strong or seem rattled in front of the others. Maybe she shouldn't keep drinking.

Heather was sure her luck couldn't get worse as she slid the next block out. "Which player would you like to be stranded on a desert island with?" she read aloud after confirming it didnt involve physical touch. "Maxine." She knew Maxine was a witch, which would be helpful, and was trustworthy as far as she knew.

Hearing the response, Maxine gave a response. "We'd have one hell of an island party," she joked before taking another sip of her drink.

Demitri listens and then when it's his turn, moved towards one of the blocks. He pulls and just when he thinks he was golden, the whole towel falls over and crashes to the ground. He frowns then lets out a sigh. "Don't everyone stand at once." He held his hands out. "I got it."

Maxine gave a shrug and took another drink. "Well, I mean, you did knock it over. I think I could still do one more round?"

Heather busts out laughing at Demitri's failure. Suddenly the entire night is worth it, and it only took--she checked the time and realized it was quite late. She stands and walks over to Demitri, then gives him a pat on the back. "Oof, almost had it there buddy." Then she kicks one of the blocks away from him. "Well, that's it from me for tonight. Goodbye everyone else." She heads towards the gate and waves at the group.

Logan chuckled at the man picking up the blocks and nods his goodbye to Heather. Valerie smiled and waved at Heather. "Bye!"

Caterina chuckles a little at the interaction and feels a slight bit sad Heather has to go, but gives a wave. "Text when you get home safe! Good night!"

Charlotte barely suppressed another giggle at Demitri's misfortune, but her glee seeped out as Heather announced her leave. "Aww, alright. It was good to see you! Have a good night!"

Demitri watched as Heather walked towards him and patted him on the back. It was the first contact she willingly gave him and he'd take it. It was a win for him, in his eyes. He watched as she kicked one of the blocks and if no one was around, he would have grabbed her by the arm and snapped at her. But he kept his cool and began stacking the blocks again. "Sweet dreams, Heather." He said in a soothing tone of voice and offered her a smile. Once he finished, he grabbed another block. "Imitate a pop or rock star." He rolled his eyes and grabbed his beer. "No thank you." And took a long swig.

Maxine gave a wave to Heather as she left. "Glad you came by! Night!" Her attention turned back to Demetri as he refused the challenge. "I thought you said nothing scares you? And you're turning down a simple challenge?"

"Oh booo! You're no fun stranger!" Valerie said and stuck her tongue out at him before taking another shot. You need to stop with those shots Val, she reminded herself.

"Too bad, I think the birthday girl needed a serenade," Charlotte added as Demitri passed up on his block. Now her turn, Charlotte carefully plucked a block near the middle and read it. "Youngest person drinks, and that is definitely not me."

Maxine shook her head, too. "That's not me either." But she still took another sip anyways. She had a ride home arranged.

"I think it might be one of our birthday girls, if I'm not mistaken," Caterina piped up.

Valerie looked around as others began to say if they were or weren't the youngest and was pleased when it appeared to be her. "Aaannnd that'll be meeeee!" The shifter began, her words slightly starting to slur. Not good, she thought but smiled at the crowd and held her shot glass up and drowned it.

Logan took a step forward and pulled out his block smirking at what it said. "Ladies, take a drink." The vampire then held up his glass of wine to them letting them drink first before drinking himself.

Charlotte raised her glass slightly before taking a drink, finishing off what little was left in the glass. She poured the remains of the bottle in her glass. "Remind me to switch to water after this is gone." She said to no one in particular, but mostly herself.

Caterina took another small sip. All of her drinks throughout the night had been pretty small, so she was feeling more than tipsy, but not wasted. "You've got it, Charlotte. I think I need some water, so I can grab you a glass. Anyone else?"

Maxine took another sip and was still feeling pretty fine. "I'll take a small glass, but only if you have enough hands to carry them all."

"OOoofff...." Val squinted at the tequila bottle and giggled. "Here goes nothing..." she mumbled and took another shot, this time feeling a rough burn in her throat. Once she finished, the shifter raised her hand, "Water...yes, pweatty please?"

Val knew it was her turn next but if it involved more drinking, the birthday girl was going to have to back out that round. Thankfully, as she pulled the block free and read it, the drinking was not meant for her this time. "Neighbors to my left and right, drink!"

Neighbors meant Maxine so she took another drink and was reconsidering how much she needed the water.

Before long Caterina walked back out with four glasses of water and passed them all out. "Alright, hopefully that should help prevent terrible hang overs."

"Cat you are a literal angel, thank you!" Charlotte declared as she accepted the water.

"Thanks," Maxine commented before moving to grab her own block. "Ladies drink, again. Good thing we all have waters now." With that she took a sip of water.

Val smiled at Cat and blew her a kiss. "Thank you!" And after hearing Maxine's block, the shifter was very glad to have the water in her hands as she took a sip also.

"The timing on that was incredible," Charlotte sighed, dutifully taking a sip of wine followed by a drink of water.

"You're welcome, I know I can be," she winked.Caterina took a long drink from her water glass, too and moved to grab another brick. "Let's hope its not another of those," she muttered. "Gentlemen drink this time."

Demitri smirked but said nothing as he took a sip of his beer.

Logan chuckled watching those who didn't have that much of a tolerance drink and then took a drink himself, emptying the glass of wine before refilling it again with what was left of the bottle he held.

Demitri moved forward once everyone was done drinking and pulled a block. “Everyone drinks again.” He announced and took another swig, finishing the bottle.

Caterina took a long drink from her water, nearly finishing it. "There aren't even that many drinking ones in there," she commented.

Valerie bit her lip hard looking at the Tequila bottle in her hand versus the beer in the other. Beer this time Val, she told herself and took a small sip of it before quickly drinking some water.

On the other hand, Maxine switched back to her alcoholic drink and took another drink. "Guess we just got lucky," she shrugged.

Charlotte took another drink of her wine, and another drink of water. "Are you sure about that?" She laughed. "Could've fooled me."

Logan laughed as the blocks continued to involve drinking and finished his bottle as well. "Two birthday woman, double the alcohol."

Charlotte approached the tower carefully, sending up prayers to whatever was listening for a block that didn't hand out blanket shots. She slid the first block out with ease. "And it's... nothing, 'pick another block'." Safe for now. Placing the block back on top, she went after one lower on the tower. "'Drink some water', yeah I can definitely do that." She said with a grin, sitting back down and taking a big drink from the glass Cat gave her. "That was lucky."

Val giggled at Charlie's luck and nodded as she drank more water while watching Logan pick out his block.

Logan carefully reaching out, this time paying a bit more attention to which looked like the looser blocks, he pulled one out and read it out loud. "Ever been skinny-dipping? Well well, aren't we the curious ones." Smirking he placed the block on top as he answered, "Indeed I have."

Valerie narrowed her eyes at the towers as if she could spell the blocks to be nice to her. Slowly reaching out, the woman pulled out a block and groaned out loud this time. "Oh shit I'm in trouble....and gonna need more limes. It says, Double shots!" Val started to giggle a little as she cheated and took one shot and only swallowed half of the second.

Caterina looked at Val a bit nervously. She had drank a lot. "Do you need more water, Val? And I hope you're planning to stay the night tonight because I doubt you are in any condition to drive."

Meanwhile Maxine approached the tower and pulled another block. "Seven minutes in heaven or hell with the person on my right...well I'm in a very committed relationship, so I have to be a party pooper this time. But could play seven minutes of grabbing you something to drink, or eat?"

Looking at the person to Maxine's right, Charlotte thought that was a good idea. "Yeah, I think she's gonna need it. Maybe some excedrin or ibuprofen to get ahead of tomorrow's migraine?"

Val laughed and mumbled, "Wwhat are you saaaying? I'm not....drunk drunk....just, don't ask me to walk in a straight line...."

"Probably the best move, there. I have some ibuprofen just under the counter." Caterina stood to take her turn and pulled out a brick reading "kiss the person on your left. Well Charlotte, are you game for a kiss?"

Maxine gave a quick "Uh-huh, well, you may not be yet, but you just took two shots, might take a few more minutes to hit you. I'm going to get you more water." She turned and walked inside to grab a few items for Valerie.

The shifter pouted as she sat there like a little girl and looked at Charlie and Cat. "That's not fwair.....I don't even get a kissss...." But Valerie still smiled as she watched her other friends continue on with their game.

Charlotte tore her attention away from Maxine's mothering to Caterina's proposition. "Of course," She answered with a grin, standing up (and up higher on her tip toes) to meet the taller woman's in a kiss. She only broke it off to look over at Val and laugh. "Poor birthday girl deprived of her birthday kisses, hang on--!"

Caterina leaned down a bit for the kiss, but also became distracted by Valerie's pouting. "Val, its your birthday, if you want a kiss, just ask," she teased.

Valerie giggled and smiled innocently at the women in front of her and nodded, "I....I want kissessss! Pwease...and thank you...."

Logan meanwhile walked over behind Valerie and slowly moved the Tequila bottle away from her and placed it somewhere out of Val's sight.

Maxine soon returned with the larger glass of water and some ibuprofen. "Drink more water, and have these by your side. Trust me, I've seen too many people regret birthdays due to too much drinking."

"Hey me first, we weren't finished here," Charlotte teased Cat, pulling her back down. "She can wait."

Caterina blinked out of surprise. Was Charlotte very drunk too? "You did get robbed a proper kiss," with that, she leaned in to give her a better kiss. Not just a stage kiss

"Kisses!" Valerie shouted clapping at Cat's and Charlie's kiss. She then smiled at Maxine and looked at the water that was offered to her and the pills. "But...I'm not dwunk....."

Seeing Charlotte and Caterina going in for the kiss, Maxine discreetly took a picture.

Satisfied, Charlotte garbbed Cat's hand and pulled her over by Val. "And now the birthday girl gets her kisses!" She declared, releasing Cat and squatting down beside the seated shapeshifter and giving her a chaste kiss on the cheek. "Happy birthday, Val!"

Caterina followed Charlotte's lead and gave Valerie a kiss on the cheek as well. "We should probably get you to bed. How does that sound?"

Valerie smiled perfectly drunk now and accepting the kisses gracefully with her eyes closed. "Puurfect! Thank youuuu." She said opening her eyes and leaning her head on Charlie's shoulder and then Cat's before looking over at Maxine and raising an eyebrow. "And ww...what about youuuu? No bwirthday kiss?" And then the shifter pouted once more teasingly.

Logan couldn't hold back his laughter now as he watched the poor 27 year old wanting all the kisses she could get. But for now, all the vampire did was begin to pick up the empty cups that had been left nearby.

Maxine paused for a moment. But the jenga block had implied as much. "Alright, alright. It is your birthday after all." She walked over and placed a kiss on Valerie's forehead before giving a wave to everyone. "My ride is here, so I gotta head out. Do you have a safe way home, Charlie? Or are you crashing here too?"

Pleased with Maxine's actions, Valerie smiled and then accepted Cat's offer by nodding and then answered for Charlie without thinking, "Charlie...is sleeping over no?" Val, shut up, her thoughts told her.

Charlotte laughed as Val beckoned Maxine over, too. She squeezed Val's shoulder and stepped back, extracting herself from the huddle and moving toward Maxine to give her a hug goodbye. "Thanks, but I should be good. Wyatt or Quentin should still be up to get me, but I'm gonna stick around and help clean up a bit." Val's comment caught her ear as well and she laughed again. "And probably help get her situated, too."

Maxine nodded and gave a wave as she walked towards the gate. A car was there waiting for her. "This was a pretty fun party. Night everyone."

"Good night! Text me when you get home!" Charlotte called after her.

"Good night, get home safe!" Caterina gave her thanks to Charlotte for helping. "I think we should first get Valerie situated for bed."

"I should probably head out also ladies. Most of the yard is clean-not too many cups out except those around the campfire. Thank you for the invite Caterina," Logan smiled politely and then looked at Valerie offering the woman a smile also, "Happy Birthday Valerie."

After Logan said his goodbye to Maxine and the others, Valerie frowned a little at the word 'bed' but didn't complain or object as she swallowed the pills Maxine had handed her and drank more water. "But...I'm not tired." The shifter lied knowing her body said otherwise.

"Of course, thanks for stopping by! Drive safe." Caterina looked down at her friend with a small smile. "You may not feel tired, but I bet the second you lay down, you'll fall asleep."

"Yeah, it'll be easier to clean up the rest later," Charlotte agreed. "Or Logan's gonna make that job a little easier, awesome. Thanks! And have a good night!" She called after him. Turning back to Valerie, she echoed Cat's assurances. "As soon as your head hits the pillow, you're gonna sleep like a rock and it's gonna feel great." Until she woke up in the morning, of course.

Valerie frowned but nodded at the women's words. "Ohhhhhkay...." she mumbled smiling gently then and following Cat's and Charlie's lead for getting ready for bed. Sure the shifter would feel wonderful as her body hit the bed but Val was going to wish a thing called "morning" didn't exist the next day.

#event: madival bday2020 #caterina singh #charlotte kingsley #demitri #heather payne #logan cree #maxine beauchamp #trevor wells #valerie bianchi #xavier bennett

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edgewoodrp · 4 years ago

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Birthday Bash || Indoor Festivities

Date/Time: May 29th, 2020 8:00PM -- 1:00AM

Location: 315 Canterbury Cv, Castle Ridge -- The Outskirts

Participants: @caterinasingh, @charlottexkingsley, @karenfrompta, @logancree, @madidanvers, @maggie-see, @maxinebeauchamp, @phoenix-castillo, @valeriebianchi

Summary: Madi and Valerie’s birthday celebration kicks off with music, dancing, and drinks inside.

As there was a knock on the door, Caterina happily opened the door to welcome guests in. "Welcome, welcome. Please place your car keys in that tray over there. Food is in the kitchen, you can place any drinks on the counter or in the fridge. And if you have any gifts for the birthday ladies, they can be set in that basket. There are also games in the yard. So, make yourself at home!"

"Thank you, thank you!" Charlotte crossed the threshold and deposited her cards and keys in the appropriate baskets and adjusted her armload. "I brought some beer and wine, too--kitchen must be this way?" She asked, mainly to herself. "Oh--amazing decor by the way!" She called over her shoulder.

"I walked." Maggie said, holding up her empty hands after putting her cards where she was directed. She felt a bit bad, showing up empty handed as far as drinks went, but it just wasn't in the budget at the moment. She went towards what she assumed was the kitchen, knowing that's where all parties tended to start.

Valerie smiled as she walked towards the other who's actual birthday was today before making her rounds to say hello to other guests that were arriving. "You must be Madi? Caterina told me you'd be here by the entrance! Happy birthday!"

Madi loved the idea of a joint birthday party. It gave her an opportunity to meet people. Mutual friends of Cat's would always be a pleasure to talk to. A smile was plastered on her face as people came up to greet her. "Hello, yes! You must be Valerie."

Before Valerie nodded replying, "Yep! The one and only right here!" Laughing and nodding to a few people who were still walking in, the shifter then looked back at Madi. "On a less busy night the three of us need to hang out! But for now, let's parrrrty! Whoa! It's our birthday! Well...your's but I take over at midnight!" Smiling and playfully throwing her hands up, the woman wiggled around.

In the kitchen, Charlotte stowed the wine in the refrigerator door and started unloading a few cans of beer into whatever free space was leftover to chill. She looked up at Maggie as she entered the room. "Hi," she gestured to the still open fridge. "Did you need in there?"

Phoenix arrived fairly early to the party, never one to be out too late. She greeted Cat at the door. "Hi! This looks really nice. Oh were we supposed to bring drinks? Well I got a card for Val at least" She headed to the gift table. She didnt know exactly what Valerie liked, so she got a gift card for a boutique downtown. Phoenix didnt really know the other birthday girl, but she would say hi when she saw her.

"Oh, no, I'm good." Maggie said, waving off Charlotte's offer of the fridge. "I just know that parties tend to start in the kitchen is all." She did take a few steps closer to Charlotte to peer into the fridge, and then turned around upon hearing a familiar voice. "Oh, hey!" She said, turning towards Phoenix.

Moving through the house, Karen took in the decorations which she had to admit were darling, smiling and waving at a few friendly faces she passed on her way to the kitchen. "Hello again Charlotte, I seem to be running into you everywhere lately," she greeted the other woman who she found standing by the fridge with a group forming around her. "Any chance there's room for this in there?" She asked, holding up the bottle of pink wine she'd brought.

"Oh, sure--" Charlotte answered Maggie, backing up to give her space to look when Karen joined the growing kitchen party. "Hey you!" She smiled. "I'm like a bad penny, I'm just everywhere." Peering around the door, she scanned the shelves. "Try the top shelf? I think there's still a little room up there, I almost stuck the rest of the beer up there."

Maggie shuffled out of the way of the fridge empty-handed, nodding at Karen in recognition and also to let her know that it was her turn.

"Hi guys," Phoenix greeted with a smile. "I haven't seen you in a while," she said to Maggie, happy to see her again. She made sure she was way out of the way of the fridge and shuffled into a corner of the crowding kitchen. "Well it seems I missed the memo to bring a drink."

"Thanks," Karen chirped, sneaking past to put the wine in the fridge. "Pinks just always are better chilled." Once the wine was nestled in the top row, Karen slid to the side back out of the way and surveyed the rest of the room. None of the other moms from school seemed to be here, but she did recognize some of the faces from the carnivals. "I don't know if there was an official memo, I just always hate showing up empty handed. You're more than welcome to some of the wine I brought."

Valerie needed a small break from the front door and excused herself as she made her way towards the kitchen where several familiar voices were coming from. Val smiled wide as she entered and said, "Hi guys! Glad everyone was able to make it!" Then laughed as she added, "Though...I truly don't know who all Cat invited."

"It's a busy time of year. Doesn't help when you've got a teenager to wrangle." Maggie agreed, stepping closer to Phoenix. "You're not alone in that, I also showed up empty handed." She turned around when Valerie came into the kitchen. "Happy birthday! It's quite the event."

Charlotte smiled at Valerie as she made her appearance in the kitchen. "Hey happy birthday, Val!" She backed up against the counter to make more room in the kitchen. "She invited many, I hope you're ready to mingle. I think there's a few outside already, too."

"Well that's a relief," Phoenix said, glad to have a partner in breaking party etiquette. This was more of an adult birthday party than she had ever been to. She turned in excitement at hearing Val's voice. "Hi Val! Happy birthday!" She wanted to run up and hug her, but there were too many people and glass bottles between them.

Looking between Valerie and Phoenix, Charlotte looked for an exit from the hub to give them room to get to each other. "I'm going to see if anyone outside needs anything--Cat said the s'more stuff is outside, right?" She asked as she headed towards what she thought was the way outside.

"Phoenix! I'm so happy to see you! And you Charlotte! You too Maggie!" Valerie replied with a large smile and then said, "Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes! But how about some birthday shots now!?" The woman wiggled her eyebrows with a smirk ready to not feel like she was another year older.

Caterina grinned as Charlotte walked in to the home. "Thank you dear. I absolutely adore throwing parties. Everyone feel free to place food, drinks wherever." She moved the tray of keys into a back room and came back out to see Val and Madi mingling and a small smile lit her features. "I'm so glad you all could make it. Does everyone have a drink? I propose we do a cheers to the two birthday ladies. You two have come to be some of my favorite people in the area. Madi, you've been by my side for so long, seen me through some of the best and worst moments, and you still are a dear friend of mine. Valerie, we've grown so close as friends, and it is an absolute pleasure to know you. So, cheers to the two of you!"

Karen waited until Caterina was finished toasting to approach her, touching the side of her arm to get her attention. "Caterina! That was such a nice speech and I have to say that it is just so sweet of you to host a party like this for your friends!" she exclaimed, her voice syrupy sweet.

Hearing Karen, Caterina's expression soured for a fraction of a second before she plastered on her own grin. "Karen!" she turned and gave the woman a quick hug. "Absolutely, I am so glad you could make it! I hope you get the chance to really unwind tonight! And don't worry, I've made sure that no one will be driving home drunk tonight, so just relax and enjoy your evening here! Would you like to help me pick some music?"

Karen made sure her smile didn't falter, even as she was pulled into a brisk hug. "Are you kidding, you invited me, how could I say no. I have a sitter on the clock so I can't stay too late I'm afraid but its been such a lovely party already. I'm so happy to hear it, thats very responsible of you." And she meant it. While Karen's feelings towards Caterina may be hit or miss, she did approve of the woman's care for her guests. "Of course! Lead the way!"

With Heather's bottle in hand, Charlotte re-entered the kitchen and made a beeline to her old friend, the refrigerator. She carefully rearranged the shelf to make room for the new addition. Karen and Cat's talk of music caught her attention. "Ooo, play something dance-y!" Turning back to the fridge, she grabbed two of her barely-chilled beers. "I think they're starting up some drinking games outside, if anyone's ready to get tipsy."

"Then we'll just have to make sure the time you do spend here is worth it," Caterina commented with a wink. It was a layered comment. She did want for Karen to have fun, but also to see the true side of her. "Thank you, I do go all out with decorations, but safety too. Come, the music is this way." She led the woman to the elegantly decorated living room that had been cleared out to create a dance floor. "You got it, Charlotte!" Caterina opened her ipod and pulled open her dance playlist on Spotify. She also made a note to slip outside soon. She would not be drinking much tonight, but she did want to witness any drama "What do you think, Karen? You can queue up a few of your favorite dance songs!

Phoenix watched her host and the PTA mom meet with interest. There seemed to be some sort of veiled hostility, but she didn't dare poked inside their minds to find out. She did however try to catch Maggie's eye to share in the awkwardness. She piqued up at the mention of music and dancing. "Ooh, what's a party without dancing?" She just had to get a crazy dance in with Val tonight.

Karen followed as she was told, impressed by the amount of space Caterina's home had and silently passing judgement on every room they moved through. "You read my mind, I was about to tell you how much I just loved your decorations." Moving beside her, Karen looked over her shoulder at the playlist on the phone, and tsked once under her breath. "Sometimes I forget just how young you are. I'll add a few more tasteful classics to the playlist."

Charlotte stared wistfully at the fridge for a moment longer, willing it to chill her drinks faster, before closing it. She snagged a bite of food before wandering to the fringes of the living room to hear the music. "Tasteful classics?" She laughed at Karen's harmless jab. "I can't wait to hear those, you can't be that much older than me."

Maggie noticed Phoenix trying to catch her eye and gave her own awkward smile in return. This party was a little more... cultured than she was expecting. She was half tempted to go out and join the drinking games in the back yard, but she figured she could stay for a dance or two. “A party without dancing is no party at all.”

"That's absolutely right. Keep an eye on this one, Karen," Charlotte pointed to Maggie. "It sounds like she's ready for a dance off. Can those classic moves stand up to youthful energy?" She teased them playfully.

Caterina raised her brow at Karen's comment. "I don't believe you are that much older than me, and besides, its all about your spirit, isn't it?" Hearing the other comments, Cat nodded. "Well perhaps if they are 'classics', then you can lead us in a quick lesson on dancing to them yeah?"

Karen laughed lightly, glad to see her slight goading had worked. "Oh how kind of you to say so," she smiled making a face and touching her chest dramatically. Much as she loathed to admit it she felt closer to forty every day lately. But the one thing she would not do was go out there and dance for the purpose of being made fun of. Shaking her head, she waved her hand in the direction of the dance floor. "No no, it appears I am outnumbered, so I will leave you to your 'dance-off's and I'm going to go get a drink." Smiling tightly, she excused herself towards the kitchen.

Seeing Karen back out brought a little relief to Cat she did not trust that the music selection would be the best for dancing for. So Cat threw on her high energy pop music that was perfect for dancing to. "Don't think you've gotten yourself out of dancing Karen, I still expect to see you loosen up and dance at some point," she teased with a wink before moving out to the dance floor herself to begin dancing.

Charlotte grinned at the rising festivities, and pat Karen's shoulder as she passed. "Oh don't worry, the night's still young--we'll get to see some of those classics." She moved to head back outside. "I've got a delivery to make, save some dance floor for me!" On her way out, she snagged one of her bottles of wine from the fridge and whispered a chilling spell under her breath.

Phoenix made her way out the the dancing room, saying hi to Mrs. Pierce on her way out of the kitchen as well as motioning for the other youngsters to follow her. She let our a woohoo as the good dance music started and gave a little twirl.

Valerie was really loving all the interactions taking place and how could she not? She had a drink in her hand and the mention of dancing was brought up-what's not to love? As the shifters eyes went back and forth from Karen to Cat's, Val could also sense a little tension. But instead, she took a sip of her drink and threw her hands in the air when the music began. "Well ladies, time to move those hips! Come on!" Valerie exclaimed and wiggled her way into the dancing space, gesturing those who weren't there yet to join them also.

Maggie was more than happy to leave Karen and the kitchen behind, eagerly following everyone else who had moved over to dance, letting them music flow over her and starting to dance.

"Alright, let's get this party started then!" with that announcement, Caterina clicked a button on the wall and the overhead lights went out. In place the string lights came on. The music turned up a few notches as she made her way to dance beside Valerie. "Your wish is my command, birthday girl," she teased.

Karen had been in the middle of conversing with another partygoer she recognized from the school, when suddenly the music came on so loud it made her wince. “Really, though!” She exclaimed aloud in annoyance, turning away from the crowd to roll her eyes. “Is this a house party or a rave?”

Phoenix didn't let Karen the party pooper get to her. She danced around the room, flitting between people. "Ooh, do you have any glowsticks Cat? They are still fun even if we leave the light on."

"C'mon Karen, loosen up and give this music a shot," Caterina called back. Hearing Phoenix's question, Cat excitedly nodded. "I do! In the basket in the corner. I know they're cheesy, but I do adore the aesthetic of them!"

“Who cares if they are cheesy? I absolutely love them! Yes!” Valerie exclaimed and twirled around in the middle of everyone with a smile. Her ears did catch Karen’s comment and a small eye roll couldn’t be helped. “Yes Karen! Loosening up and wiggle those hips of yours-it’ll release some of that stress you seem to be holding on your shoulders. Don’t know why though-it’s just a party.” A calm one for the time being, but can’t wait for some chaos, Val thought and took a sip from her drink while dancing.

Hearing the joy come out of Valerie eased any lingering doubt that the decorations Caterina choose did not suit both Val and Madi. She took another long drink before setting the glass down and dancing beside Valerie. "You pick the next song, okay? Then I think I'm going to check out what's going on outside." She got the feeling something interesting was happening given the crowd that had gathered.

Valerie pouted at Cat, “So soon?” But the shifter quickly smiled again and took Caterina’s hand and gave the host a twirl. “Can’t promise it won’t be a throwback!” She teased, winking and then adding, “Well don’t take too long, I’m gonna wanna do some birthday shots! Who wants shots!” She yelled, boosting the crowd a bit. Then she turned to Phoenix and Maggie dancing with them. “So one of you is gonna have to choose a good oldie to dance to next! Deal? Because I honestly don’t know where to start!”

"Don't worry, darling. It'll only be for a minute. I just want to make sure that everyone is doing well outside." Caterina couldn't help but add in a wink as she walked to the door. "Call me when you start birthday shots!"

Maggie had gone over to get a handful of the glow sticks from the basket that Caterina had indicated, and held them out towards Val and Phoenix. "Oh, I don't think you want me in charge of picking the music at your birthday." She said, shaking her head. "We're leaving that one up to you, Phoenix."

"Thanks," Phoenix said, taking some glow sticks from Maggie. She linked together a few of the bendy ones into a crown that she set into her curls. "Ooh, that's a lot of pressure. I hope I can live up to expectations." She thought for a moment. "How about ABBA for an oldie?"

Valerie took some glow sticks also and made a necklace and a bracelet. "Perfect!" The shifter replied to both their new accessories and the artist that Phoenix had chosen. "Such classics! Now, are we thinking Mama Mia or Dancing Queeeeeeen." She asked, extending the ending of that word with a smile.

Maxine walked inside, with Charlotte in tow, to see the dance party going on. The music, however, could use some improvement...at least in her opinion. "Are you all dancing to classics in here? Seems a little too tame, if you ask me..."

"It's only tame because you haven't touched the dance floor yet," Charlotte replied, finishing off her glass of wine as she gravitated toward the food. She carefully set the empty glass and what remained of her bottle of wine on the counter. "Go on, show 'em how it's done, Max!"

"Hi Maxine!" Phoenix greeted. She wasn't sure they were to that point yet, but she approached Maxine to try and dance with her as well. "I think we're taking recs."

"You've got that right, Charlie," Maxine tossed a wink at the other witch and went over to the device playing music. "If that's the case, then I'm changing up the pace." She was quick to change the current set list to include some bouncier stuff like Say So - Doja Cat. With the music changed, Maxine was quick to join the others on the dance floor.

“Maxine!” Maggie exclaimed, grinning as her friend approached. “Now it’s really a party! Thanks for fixing the music!”

Maxine grinned as Maggie approached and took her friend's hand to give her a spin. "You got it, babe. Just doing a public service," she teased. "Speaking of, who is in for some shots after this song??"

As the bass thrummed from the speakers, Charlotte danced her way over from the kitchen to the rest of the partyers. "Yes, please~!" The wine still hadn't hit her yet, so more alcohol sounded like a great idea. "

"Hell yeah," Maxine cheered. "Okay, so me and Charlie, and the two birthday ladies definitely have to get in on these shots, too! Any other takers?"

Maggie took a moment to think about it, weighing the pros and cons. If it was only one shot it wouldn't be so bad. She had friends here, and Trevor was out in the back. "Count me in too."

"Yes, Maggie!" Charlotte clapped, still moving in time to the music. "Pour one for Karen--and if Karen doesn't want it, I'll take it."

Maxine grinned wickedly when Maggie wanted in. "Hell yeah, girl, and yes, pour one for Karen. Who knows when was the last time she properly partied."

Karen had been enjoying the ABBA that was playing, but just as quickly, it changed to something loud and insipid, and Karen felt the sigh rising in her. Over the noise, she heard her name being called, and wandered over. "Did someone call me? Oh-- no, thank you I'm driving tonight," she answered with a decisive nod, gesturing to the glass of wine she'd been nursing. "This is more than enough for me to party with, thank you."

Charlotte danced her way into the kitchen, slowing to a sway in time to hear Karen's plan of action. "Aww, so responsible, I admire that. But..." She swivelled her gaze to Maxine and batted her eyelashes at her. "She said no, I get her shot."

Valerie watched the interactions between Maxine and all those around her who clearly were more well aquatinted with her. Smiling though as she saw everyone was loosening up some more, the shifter continued to dance to the newer upbeat music. At the sound of the word 'shots', Valerie reached her hand up high and shouted, "SHOTS! Yes! I want my birthday shots!"

Phoenix wasn't that interested in taking shots, though she wasn't driving herself home. She just smiled and followed the more excited partygoers to the shots.

As more bodies entered the kitchen, Charlotte grabbed her bottle off the counter and poured herself another glass. She tilted it slowly, mentally measuring how much remained. Definitely another glass, maybe two if it was a small glass. "So what're we doing? Vodka? Tequila? A fancy foriegn spirit Cat has squirreled away somewhere?"

"Boring," Maxine sang out in response to Karen's comment, but moved beside Charlotte. "Okay, okay you can have the extra shot of rose. I, for one, love tequila, but I think it should be up to the birthday girl. After this shot, we should get outside. I think they're starting a different game."

Valerie followed the girls into the kitchen and shouted, "Tequila! All the way!" Giggling and throwing Maxine and Charlie a wink, she stood beside to have her shot glass ready to be filled. "Oh a game!? Hope it's a drinking one!"

Logan meanwhile walked into the kitchen smiling at the scene of the ladies getting ready for their shots. He, on the other hand, was looking for a bottle of wine instead and once he found it, tried to sneak his way back outside.

"If it isn't, we'll make it one," Maxine said, winking at Val. "Alright, lets get these shots poured and get to partying!"

Maxine poured the shots. Once passed around, she did the 'ceremonial' tip off and downed it. "Whoo, that's some good tequila, alright, let's go see what's happening outside!"

Karen had just about hit her wits end with some of the children gathered around the kitchen. Plus with the commencement of shots, as well as what appeared to be a drinking game outside, it started to feel as though this was not necessarily her 'scene 'any longer. She didn't know where Caterina had wandered off to so she couldn't thank her host, but it was fine by her to slip out relatively unnoticed. Saying goodbye instead to another of the women she'd been speaking with earlier, she moved to the front door and out onto the street below.

#event: madival bday2020 #caterina singh #charlotte kingsley #karen pierce #logan cree #madison danvers #maggie see #maxine beauchamp #phoenix castillo #valerie bianchi

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