#event:christmas2024

[frankielennox]

location: grand ballroom who: jaxson & frankie when: vc christmas

Frankie had been attempting to stay on the fringes of the room. A dance card slipped around her wrist she mostly kept moving so no one would notice her long enough to ask if she would dance. For her tonight was a spectator sport. She just wanted to see, everything, and there was a weird little thrill that traveled through her as she looked around the room, knowing technically she was not supposed to be there.

Her eyes continued to travel, taking as much in as she could. She was certain the falling snow must have been a trick of lights, and the moving snow me? Those had to be folks in costumes. She couldn't help but wonder how much a gig like that would pay? And if it was hot in their costumes. As these thoughts entered and left her mind she turned to see a very familiar face.

Her own eyes grew wide before she brought her fingers to her lips instantly and rushed over to him. "I know, I know I'm not supposed to be here." She said in a hushed tone. "But you know me, and I haven't had any holiday festivities this year. I just was gonna come in, look around, dip out. Please, please, don't get me into trouble. Please!?" She pouted up at him before taking in his appearance.

"Oh my god, you look dapper as hell." She commented, impressed with the ensemble and also maybe trying to smooth over any anger he might be having towards her. @thejax-reed

[frankielennox]

Frankie watched him and felt a twinge of guilt slip past her and settle into her stomach. "I know," she said to her boss, wishing she would have informed him of her plan before she had taken the night off. Even if it would have meant her might stop her, it was better that the fear of potentially disappointing him. "You're right, promise I won't do it again," she said sincerely as she laced her hands behind her back. Shifting a little as she took a deep breath.

"Well I mean, its nice that you worry. It means you care about the pub as much as I do. I'd probably be kind of peeved if I were you too." She admitted as she looked down at her shoes for a moment. His next question however surprised her. She looked him over cautiously. "O-okay, but you promise not to get mad or laugh at me when I step on your foot. Because the likelihood of that is like a 90% chance." She warned, wondering if this might sway him. "Just for transparency."

The longer their exchange, the more restless Jaxon felt himself getting. He lacked any authority to make her leave and protecting her from the supernatural was too tall of an order. Hell, it was manageable at the bar but here? It was practically impossible. Letting out a sigh of defeat, the werewolf shook his head lightly. "..right. You know me, I like to be informed about any changes prior to them happening." At least since his return, he thought. He'd been pretty content with checking in every once in a while during his time away from VC.

Hearing Frankie begin to excuse herself, Reed couldn't help but try one last time. "You're not, Frankie. I'm sorry if I made you feel that way-" he shook his head, "Like I said, I worry too much.. Maybe I can help but first, would you consider dancing with me? It's what most people seem to be doin' anyway..might as well make the most of this, right?"

[frankielennox]

Frankie looked up at him as he gave her arm a gentle squeeze, it was a friendly sort of gesture, one she was used to from him. But something in his expression was so very serious, and Frankie couldn't entirely understand what it was or where it was coming from. The idea that it was from her crashing a party seemed odd to her. There was a sensation happening in her stomach, a hollow sensation that made her feel like she was missing something. The puzzle pieces were blurred and unclear. But she made the decision to stay in that, whatever the reasons, he had done so much for her. She wanted to continue trusting that whatever she didn't know was for the best.

She followed his eyes that flickered over the crowd. "Gotcha," she said with a nod of her head. She didn't know what that meant, that this wasn't a 'regular' party. That was fairly obvious from the falling snow, dancing, and costumes. The last real party she had been had no dress code and a shared boxed wine. He seemed stressed but trying to remain calm. "Gosh, have a little faith in me Jax, I got my shift covered, and you know if anything were to happen they would have me to deal with." Frankie scoffed before taking a deep breath. "But I don't want to make you worry or ruin your night so...I'll head out. You deserve to enjoy yourself. Do you mind helping me sneak to the kitchen again?"

"..sorry, I- you're probably right." Jaxon gave her elbow a soft squeeze, not yet realizing that way in which his words and actions were coming across. Fifteen minutes was not a lot but he didn't want her leaving here with questions or...worse. Despite being exposed to it every night, Frankie didn't deserve the chaos that was finding out about the supernatural and this was not how the wolf envisioned this happening.

Flicking his gaze towards the crowd and back, Jaxon created some space between them and thought about what to say. "No..it's not, whatever that means. I'm just saying you should be careful, that's all. This ain't a regular party." Jax did not often watch films, but when he did..William picked them, which meant a lot of romcoms and some questionable animated stuff. Nevermind, he was getting off topic. The wolf ran his fingertips down his facial hair, dropping his shoulders in some attempt to relax. "Yeah, great..Who's watching the pub, Frankie? I thought it was your night."

[frankielennox]

His reaction was a bit surprising to her. More so because he seemed very sincerely concerned. He lead them to a spot with less people and she felt her brows knit together as she looked up at him. "I heard some murmurs at the bar. I figured if it was a big enough shindig no one would really clock me being here." She rolled her shoulder back a bit. Though when he mentioned strict organizers she couldn't help but narrow her eyes.

She always looked the other way when funny business or odd conversations were happening at the bar. She was pretty good at playing dumb and sometime it was a good idea to be none the wiser. "Is this an Eyes Wide Shut situation?" Frankie asked in a low tone, from the glamourous nature of the party it wouldn't totally shock her. But if it was that kind of a party she would probably need to sneak herself back out quickly.

Frankie noticed his expression change to a smile and she relaxed for a brief moment. "Oh thanks, I thrifted it for like $40, great find right?" Frankie said looking over her red dress, it was probably the only 'elegant' article of clothing she owned. "Um, I dunno, I think like 15 minutes maybe? Despite all the security, getting in through the catering department is the way to go. In case you ever need to crash a party." She sad before straightening up and clearing her throat.

"So...is it like really not okay that I'm here?" The dark haired woman questioned cautiously.

How many hours had it been? Three, and shit was already going down? Jesus Christ. This had to be a record of some sort, for sure, but it was hardly a surprise. At the time he spotted his manager, Jax had been walking away from an interaction with one of his old pack members, tired and honestly, a little tipsy. It took him a moment, of course..but that scent and the puzzled look in her eyes when she saw him were dead giveaways.

She was not supposed to be there and yet, Frankie had somehow found her way in past security. Both impressive things, if it wasn't for what this could potentially lead to. "..Frankie, who told you this was taking place?" The werewolf grumbled as she rushed towards him and pulled her aside slightly, to a less lit area where less people might notice them. "..believe me, trouble's the last thing I'd want for you. It might look safe to you here but it's not, Frankie. The organizers are strict." Well..maybe not so much, if they hadn't noticed someone without a tattoo sneak in.

Reed huffed at the compliment, smiling only briefly. "Thank you, so do you..how long have you been here anyway?" How much have you seen, he wanted to ask, but he was afraid of the answer.