It is afternoon/i/i>78F(25C) degrees, and there are clear skies. The mist is heaviest At Mayflower and Atlantic/span

Preston makes his way into the bar, on rather unsturdy feet. “I swear..” he grumbles, smoothing out the dress – that’s suddenly flaring up. “Ah, Miss Dovie?” The maid-man says, stumbling over towards her.

Sofia tells both Jasper and Mercedes, “Please, try it if you like! It’s pretty strong, but it should keep the coloration as you drink!” She snickers as she notices Preston’s maid getup and Dovie’s bro reaction to seeing him.

Nemi walks in dragging what seems to be a large, partly rusted maybe, but heavy three meter long bladed sword, and with their right hand carrys the heavy burden of incoming PENANCE.

Mercedes blinks and looks at Sofia apologetically, “Sincerest apologies dear! It appears I’ve jostled the contents of the bowl…”

Nemi gives a soft wave and a flex of their gloved fingers. Pyramid head has arrived.

Kai whispers as he enters, in particular to Sophie when he sees her choice of outfits, his gaze searching around to look at Nemi, “Is that Silent Hill?” he asks her with a chipper grin.

“AYO WHO DOVIE? I’M KEN!” Dovie insists, stamping her black-sneakered foot on the ground, making her horseshoe bling bling chain jingle. “YOU CAN CALL ME YOUR FUTURE BEE-EFF,” she informs Preston in a terrible impression of a macho dude.

Evalina approaches the bar in quick steps, looking rather impressed at the iron throne. “Had I known this, I would have considered going as Tywin.” She murmurs with an appreciative nod, then furrowing her brow, “…Or perhaps the Spider, but can I really work my hair away that much…” A shrug follows, and she’s eying the pyramid head, curiously checking out her outfit

Sofia gets over to fuss with the punch bowl and tells Mercedes, “Don’t worry at all! All good.”

Nemi raises a hand to Kai and gives a thumbs up.

Coming in with Kai and Sophie, Eloa hangs further back although studies all the people in costumes with interest, in particular Preston in his maid outfit and Nemi

Malin walks in, glittery galore-ness going on, and eying everyone, taking in their outfits. Then she frowns and tries to adjust her jumpsuit. “What the fuck is that, Kai?” gets asked in her lightly Swedish affected accent at Kai. “Dressed down and raggedy girl wear?”

Mercedes holds up her little cup of rainbow magic and takes a big sip, “Oh that is quite good!”

“I don’t have an outfit, leave me alone… whoever you are,” Kai tells Malin with a laugh and grimaces from that laugh as he heads to the bar.

“My bee-eff?” Preston wonders of Dovie, AKA, Ken. “Mis-” Preston pauses himself. “I’m sure you’d be a very valuable.. customer at the maid shop.” Thinking on it, he puts his hands on his ips. “You want a selfie? Costs like ten dollars, for a wonderful customer as yourself.”

Nemi nods softly. But they do have an extra ‘blade’ in their belts sheath it seems.

Upon wandering in, Aeryn waves a hand, dropping into a seat at the bar.

Getting up, Jasper heads towards the bowl and grabs a glass to pour it with the drink. He turns to look at the new arrivals, pausing to examine Preston with a smirk, until he takes a sip.

Climbing atop the Iron Throne, Sofia booms out to the crowd of people filtering in, “Welcome one and all to the New Haven Pride Drag Contest! It’s lovely to see all of you. I’m going to give about half an hour for any late arrivals, and then everyone in costume I’d like to come up here with me to address the crowd, and show off what your costume is, maybe talk a little in your character…” Sofia glances aside to someone and says, “If your character talks, that is! So please, for now, mingle and enjoy the punch, and we’ll get to the display and voting soon!”

Alice immediately locks onto Preston, her eyes wide. She fast-walks across the room to him, her perfect gamer fit giving her full range of motion: comfy shorts to free the legs and hold her things, a t-shirt to power up her hearts and ensure her sword shoots laser beams when she swings it. “Oh, my, god,” she says loudly. She brings her phone up, ready to memorialize this forever.

Eloa waves at Jasper shyly from the bar where she stays close to Kai and Sophie.

Amelia raises a hand to Dovie in greeting and walks over to her.

Kai waves to Aeryn, Dovie and others, but eventually gives up and leans heavily against the bar as he looks around, a little grin on his lips, “Damn I kinda wish I had made an outfit afterall…”

Climbing atop the Iron Throne, Sofia booms out to the crowd of people filtering in, “Welcome one and all to the New Haven Pride Drag Contest! It’s lovely to see all of you. I’m going to give about half an hour for any late arrivals, and then everyone in costume I’d like to come up here with me to address the crowd, and show off what your costume is, maybe talk a little in your character…” She glances aside to Nemi and says, “If your character talks, that is! So please, for now, mingle and enjoy the punch, and we’ll get to the display and voting soon!”

Dovie catches sight of Amelia and smiles, waving excitedly, forgetting her tough guy act. She belatedly catches herself, coughing into her hand and upnodding Amelia. “HEY GIRRRL.”

It’s someone familiar Preston recognizes, and he turns around to near where Alice is, who’s just decided to stroll right up to him. Popping his hip out, he attempts to uwu-ify his face, scrunching it up just a little in what he considers to be cuteness. “Photos, my dear customer,” he tells Alice. “Costs money!” But still he poses for the camera.

“Same,” Jasper tells Kai with a nod, licking the remains of the rainbow punch off his lips.

Nemi just shrugs and then silently laughs. Before giving a solem NOD to Sofia.

“Oh dear. Had I known there was to be something like this, I would have possibly prepared differently…” Evalina murmurs of the announcement, tapping her umbrella on the ground as she leans her back against the bar. Peoplewatching time.

Aeryn gives a small glance of alarm to Malin, before she nods.

Kai turns his gaze on Nemi, “You win, hands down, it’s crazy,” he grins and nods at Jasper as he lifts his phone to take picturess.

Alice snaps a handful of photos, her hands shaking from the sheer adrenaline. “So this is what it feels like to be on the other side,” she says in her creepiest, handsiest old man voice. “You’re so cute, what’s your name?” she asks Preston, slipping onto a seat by the bar. “Give us a smile, won’t you?”

Malin touches delicately at her fake mustache that looks like it’s really just a bunch of little pieces of hair clippings from a barber’s floor glued above her upper up, and she smiles at Aeryn, quite proud.

Ambrose drifts and lingers alongside the bar, neither taking a stool nor leaning against it; instead, he keeps himself unobtrusively tucked aside, a little weight rested on his cane-umbrella, to people watch from behind his sunglasses.

Amelia chuckles and smiles at Dovie’s antics as she joins them at the long bar.

Jasper raises his phone to take photos as well.

Aeryn grins at Malin as she nods. “It turned out perfect.”

Preston flashes Alice his most winsome smile he can muster, flashing off those pearly whites of his. Another little hip pop, before bending forward just a tad, in an attempt to display more of his… ‘cleavage’ – the dress doesn’t fit him properly. He’s already showing off so much chest. “My valued customer, you may refer to me as P!”

Dovie nods at Amelia. “That’s alright, it’s optional anyway! Oh and Derek is coming!” She turns back to Preston for a moment to add to him. “I don’t want a photo. I want you to come home with me to clean my Mojo Dojo Casa House.”

Alice drops character almost immediately, squealing and wiggling her hands in front of her. “This is amazing! This is the best!” she declares, before she reaches forward to slip a bill directly into Preston’s cleavage. “P is the cutest maid in the whole world!”

Sophie blinks at Sofia, “Holy shit boss!! You look amaazing!”

Eloa lifts up her phone to sneak a few photos around the place as well, seeming impressed by all the costumes as she practically hides behind Kai and Sophie. Her eyes does follow Ambrose to the bar though and she moves forward to lean into the man for a whisper.

“Thank you,” Malin says happily to Aeryn, although she does look entirely disappointed that most people are just in their normal clothes.

Kai nods in agreement with Sophie, “She looks good, Pyramid guy looks good too… lots of good costumes actually,” he hmms and looks to Malin, “Who’re you?” he asks with a grin to the person.

“Already loving the costumes I’m seeing, can’t wait for you all to get a moment in the spotlight and show off!” Sofia mingles from behind the bar with a little grin to Amelia. “And of course, costumes are optional, have you friends come and take a look!” She looks over to Sophie and then gives a little flex, showing off her arms and chest a bit. “Do you know who I am?”

Malin eyes the bar top like she’s scheming something with it being involved somehow, and that cannot possibly be good — but then Kai is interrupting her nefarious plan and she turns her head. “I’m Benson Boone. You’ll be able to tell later when I have to adjust my crotch with the solemnity of a dude protecting his legacy and whatnot.”

Preston winks at Alice, accepting that cleavage money that.. well, disappears down his dress somewhere. “Dear customer,” Preston says, spinning a little on his heel – that makes his dress flare up and ride up a little bit, really showing off those legs and stockings he’s wear. “Come home with you? I’m sure we can figure out a price for my personal cleaning services!” Preston replies to Dovie.

Ambrose pans his gaze to Eloa at her words, offering what passes for a small smile to her, along with the quiet words: “Quite alright, but thank you for asking. Simply showing face while I have a moment.”

Eloa whispers some more soft words, giving Ambrose another soft smile before she moves back over next to Kai and Sophie and pretends to blend in with them or at least hide behind them or something.

Alice lets Preston off the hook after that, giggling to herself as she settles into a seat next to Stelle. She takes the chance to look around at the costumes, smiling wide.

“Who?” Kai asks Malin in confusion with a lift of his brows, scratching incessantly at his stomach as he looks them over, he eventually catches Preston in his gaze, “Oh my… fuck…” and he lifts his phone to take a picture.

Evalina’s eyes linger on Preston for a moment with mirth, but she doesn’t make a comment, or allow her gaze to linger. Instead, she’s taking out her phone, scrolling her socials and taking selfies. Priorities.

Ambrose lifts one hand in a gentle motion at the wrist for Eloa, before his gaze drifts off elsewhere.

Sophie grins at Sofia and bows, “A proud Dothraki..” She giggles, “I’m a big Game of Thrones nerd.”

There’s a tsking sound from his throat as Preston wanders straight over to Kai, “Dear customer,” he tells him. “Photos cost money.” A hand comes out, extending it towards him.

Now, Malin is very pleased by what she sees upon viewing Preston. Two fingers slip into her mouth and out comes a shrill wolf whistle. “I need to hire you to clean the penthouse.”

Mercedes takes a moment to peer around the room, taking in all the outfits with a gleeful smile. She wiggles her fingers at Kai and Sophie.

Sophie smiles at Mercedes and returns the finger wiggle.

Sofia grins back to Sophie and agrees, expounding and saying, “Not just any Dothraki. I’m Khal Sofo.”

“You can call me Ken. AKA Your Mojo Dojo Casa House-owning Daddy,” Dovie tells Preston. She pulls out a crisp fifty dollar bill from a leather dude-wallet, stuffing it into Preston’s cleavage – or at least trying to. With the height difference, it’s a bit of an odd geometry.

Kai extends his phone toward Preston and a little noise goes off, he looks to Mercedes and gives a wave to her.

“Do you think he’d really clean?” Aeryn wonders of Malin, studying Preston nearly silently.

Evalina spots Matthew, and breaks out in a wild giggle before covering her mouth, averting her eyes. Giggling? Someone? Not her!

Sophie grins at Sofia, “Khal Sofo, huh? Well, if you’re the Khal, are you looking for a Khaleesi?” She wiggles her eyebrows.

Amelia nods agreement to the optionality of costume. After hearing the suggestion to invite others, she pulls up her phone, typing out a text, and sending it, before taking some time to let her gaze drift over the varied costumes.

Malin fixes her blue eyes on Aeryn and nods. “Of course. I’d zap him with my cattle prod if he didn’t.”

The wolf whistle from Malin, makes Preston wiggle his hips a little bit. “For a price!” Preston calls out, miming featherdusting somethng in the air. “I didn’t bring my supplies with me today, though.” Calling over his shoulder a bit, “Alright, Ken.. Daddy.” He almost can’t get the word out without breaking character, but he manages to say it, despite the fact there’s a shit-eating grin on his face.

Ambrose spares a look to Matthew as well, trace amusement on his features, before he turns and, as quietly as he slipped in, drifts back out.

Sofia snorts back at Sophie and plays along, saying, “Only if she knows how to ride, all day and night.”

Aeryn beams at Malin, seeming quite pleased with that response, and she nods her head once.

Alice loses it, almost choking on her own spit, her eyes wide.

“Nobody should be thirsty, and if you are it’s your fault,” Sophie says with a giggle, “Try the punch.”

Dovie breaks character by giggling at Preston.

“Everyone looks so good right now so far,” Jasper says, taking another sip from his drink. “I like it.”

Matthew steps in and scans the area before moving right along towards the bar. Any giggles earned are udderly missed, going over their head as an order is made, “I’d like some mooo-zerella sticks, please!”

Sophie winks at Sofia, “I fear, my skills are lacking but I will find someone worthy amidst this crowd.”

“I pay my maids very well,” Malin calls to Preston, and then snorts when he speaks further. But then there is Matthew in all of his radiant, heifer glory and she’s rushing over to him in those Adidas as the sequins glimmer all over that skintight jumpsuit of hers. The mustache stays put, somehow.

Derek makes his arrival with a lift of his hand, swishing it to, then fro in a princess-like gesture as he makes his way to the bar.

Amelia grins as she takes in Derek’s outfit. “Nice sundress- I like it.”

Dovie grins wide at seeing Derek. “HEY GURRRL! THE LONG TERM, LONG DISTANCE, LOW COMMITMENT, CASUAL GIRLFRIEND OF MY DREAMS IS HERE!” Dovie nudges Amelia with a grin, waving at Derek. “SUP!”

Waving shyly at Derek, Eloa hangs near Kai and Sophie, although her eyes do drift a bit to the punch, likely because of the mass of people around. She does take her time enjoy everyone’s different outfits though.

For a long moment, Aeryn is frozen staring at Matthew. There’s several practiced blinks of her eyes, and she finally lifts her hand in a wave, attempting to control the look of absolute horror on her face.

Malin hops up and down excitedly, grabbing onto one of Matthew’s arms. “Udderly no tolerance for any bull! Look at you, a heifer-weight champion or something, mooo-ving with all that grace.

“Hey, Derek,” Jasper greets Derek with a smile. “You look pretty today.”

Kai looks over to Derek and whistles at the fellow, he lifts his phone to take a picture of the man, “Wow you clean up nice,” he grins a little and glances to Eloa and nudges her in the side lightly, then he nudges Sophie as well.

More money is handed to him from Dovie, and he makes a big show of tucking it into his cleavage, patting his chest, and then settling down onto a bar stool, forgetting about the fact he’ll probably have to smooth his dress down – which slowly ride up. “Well, we’ll figure out a cleaning price!” Preston calls to Malin.

Kai bursts out laughing at Matthew and holds onto his stomach in pain, laughing even as he holds his phone up to take a picture of them.

“Why Benson Boon, is that yoooou?” Any other words to be said are lost to Malin’s quick witted puns, though there is an added, “May I say you look absolutely bovine. Been drinking milk no doubt.” With that Matthew smiles proud, hands resting at the hip.

Eloa also gives Matthew a wave as well, “Ola Matthew. Is look good.” She tells him with a small smile.

A slight upcurl tinges Derek’s smile as he’s photographed. “My, the paparazzi are out tonight,” he muses, as his gaze drifts over to Dovie, his smile widening. “Ah, my beloved… Dovert.” he greets, brows wrinkling before he gives a nod after that name. “Yep. Dovert.”

“Deal! Are you any good at cleaning trunks?” Malin asks the most important question of all to Preston before examining Matthew and his onesie that has been stitched to slay. “It’s a won-sie if you win!” which sounds exactly like ‘onesie’ and probably doesn’t come across as she intends.

Dovie giggles. “DOVERT! I hired a maid to clean the Mojo Dojo Casa House so you don’t have to,” Dovie points out Preston for Derek.

“Ten minute warning folks!” Sofia calls out to the crowd, beaming a smile. “After ten minutes I’ll have all of the contestants wearing drag join me up beside the throne, everyone can show off their outfits in turn, and then we’ll all vote via text and crown this year’s Pride Monarch!”

Nemi walks over to Sofia, typing something out on their phone they show it to them saying.

Kai whistles at Lykaia when he spots her, “Wow you look great, holy.” he lifts his phone to snap a picture and shakes his head, “Ugh… I really should have dressed up, damn it,” he scolds himself as he looks around the crowd in awe at all the varied outfits.

Matthew scans the crowd for Eloa when his name is called. He does a bit of a shimmy that waggles all that dangles off his person as he waves back. “Good to see you!”

Derek’s gaze then trails over to Jasper as he smiles softly, presenting a dip of his chin. “Why, thank you, dear Jasper,” he intones smoothly, before his attention drifts to Kai with a loft of his brow and a smile. “I should hope you’d expect nothing less,” he muses with an idle confidence.

Nemi shows the phone which says ‘I sign up, having kai speak for me’

“I can clean anything!” Preston replies to Malin. “Trunks, and even chests!” Shifting a little in his stool, he lifts one leg over the other, trying his best to sit proper and daintily. “We’ll figure out a price, and P’s Maid Service will come on by, filling that trunk with all your cleaning supplies, before scrubbing it dry!”

Nemi hopes Sofia can see the message on her phone.

Matthew then scans the room until at last those dusky eyes of his land on Aeryn, beaming a bright smile that way.

Sophie leans on Kai gently, as she watches the chaos.

Sophie looks over at Preston, “In the maid outfit, with the lace.”

Seeming very taken with the cow costume, Eloa sneaks her way over from Kai and Sophie so that she’s infront of Matthew, “Can touch?” She asks pointing to one of his udders.

Aeryn motions to a seat at the bar nearby, waving Matthew that direction.

“I don’t usually let other people touch my chest!” Malin informs Preston with all of the honesty in the entire universe, but she nods. “But my trunk would benefit!” She squeezes at Matthew’s arm again. “It is me, Benson Boone, and thank you, you look Grade A, never seen a heifer look so prime. If love were milk, though, I might be lactore intolerant, because like, you’ve got me bloated with all kinds of feelings.”

Kai calls after Eloa when she approaches Matthew, “Milk him! I don’t believe those are real!” as he wears a shit-eating grin.

Sophie laughs and adds, “Consent before milkings.”

Derek seems to have just noticed the onesie Matthew wears… And he stares. For a moment, then for two. He then looks to Malin in utter disbelief, then back to Matthew. “Ahem,” he clears his throat, seeming perfectly speechless.

Evalina grimaces looking between Kai and Eloa, “S-she’s not /actually/ going to milk the moovelous cow, is she?” She wonders, not entirely convinced as she glances around as if hoping someone stops that.

Nemi nods to Sofia as she shows a work in progress paragraph of what to say, the text almost ready to send.

“You’re welcome,” Jasper replies to Derek before he looks between Kai and Matthew. “If it’s actual milk, what does it taste like?”

“My god I hope not,” Aeryn nearly blurts out, but the corner of her mouth twitches upward, and she starts to snicker. “Matthew, you did wonderfully.”

“Understood, dear customer,” Preston replies back to Malin. “Do let me know if you require some trunk cleaning though!” And then he flashes his most winsome smile back at Malin, before winking towards Lykaia.

“Can you get me some cookies please? I’d like to be ready,” Kai asks Aeryn when he notices her staring and glances to the side at Lykaia, laughing a bit, “Yeah. I didn’t wear anything special, I’m filled with regret,” he admits and looks over Nemi’s way for a moment.

Sofia grins a mile wide, seeming particularly amused as her head swivels between the antics of Preston and Matthew.

Sophie winces as she knocks her arm, then moves to lean on Kai, stealing a free arm to wrap around her.

Matthew is spreading his arms, welcoming Eloa’s exploration, “Be gentle,” he begs but then Malin is speaking and all his focus goes there. “Well, I herd that confidence from a mile away. Figured it must be Boone for sure. You’re really out here pasture prime, huh? Don’t graze too long though, or I might start beefing with myself. And listen, if love were milk, then call me two percent because I’m only mildly equipped to handle all this emotional dairy, but I’m still trying to churn through it.” He pauses, winks, “I promise I won’t steer you wrong.”

Amelia joins Derek in the staring. Her eyes can’t seem to moove off the cow onesie. When Derek clears his throat, she finds herself again, turning toward him she says in a low voice, “Some people are too afraid to dress up and be looked at, but others are truly cowardly.”

“I don’t normally keep cookies,” Aeryn tells Kai, not mentioning the horrible idea he tossed into the air moments ago, “But I’ll try. I’ll tell Elise that I need a recipe or something.”

Mercedes flits a look at Kai before snorting down at her phone.

Dovie dissolves in a fit of giggles at seeing Matthew’s costume before she gazes around in awe of the other ones in the room.

Reaching out, Eloa carefully holds one of the udders, giving it a experiemntal squeeze. She looks at Kai as if she’s about to milk but then decides she’s too shy. Ducking her head, she gives Matthew a shy grin and a light tug of his tail before she returns back to the bar next to Kai and Sophie, hiding there.

Sophie gives Eloa a wink and makes room for her, happy to keep her near.

Kai wraps his arm around Sophie and squeezes her up against his side, he nods to Aeryn, “It won’t be in time but it’s fine,” he turns his head to kiss Sophie on the temple and back to Eloa, he sighs when Eloa doesn’t milk Matthew, “Damn… Thought I almost convinced you.”

“You go milk Matthew. I sure he no mind.” Eloa tells Kai with a straight face, her lip twitching.

“No trunk is too scandalous for Mademoiselle Preston,” Malin proclaims of Preston the French Maid. She snorts helplessly at Matthew, and then she busts up laughing, having to pinch and pull at the sparkly material that is clinging way too hard to her arse, and she does so unabashedly. “I’m going to make you stay up pasture bedtime, no bull. Moochas gracias for coming dressed up, Matthew. My heart skipped a beef when I saw you.”

Alice blinks. Oops. That had alcohol. She recoils from the cup, grimacing a little.

Standing from her seat, Aeryn gives a wave, squeezing Malin’s shoulder with a peck to the cheek before she waves. “I unfortunately need to turn in a bit early this evening,” she says. “I’ll see you all later, you all look wonderful. Someone let me know who wins!”

Sophie leans back to place kiss Kai’s neck before grabbing a glass of punch, “Shit, this is good.”

Kai unwraps his arm from around Sophie, smiling from her kiss and stands up with a grunt of pain, grinning at Eloa, “Good idea,” he says and wanders through the crowd, shielding his stomach with his arm as he approaches Matthew, “Hey there, I’m thirsty and I hear you have two percent?” he asks with a waggle of his brows.

Malin looks to Aeryn very softly, but she smiles at her, dropping the cow puns for now. “I hope you get some good rest. It was really nice to see you,” she says with a gentle squeeze to the woman’s arm.

Evalina looks Jakem up and down, then shaking her head, “Aww, I would have really enjoyed seeing a dress on that one…”

Jakem nods to Constance as he settles in across from her “Hey Connie. Good to see yah.”

Preston nods at Alice and then does the exact opposite of whatever it she’s suggested in that hush whisper. Because the man takes his phone in hand, and extends his leg out a little bit. Fondling the hem of his stockings, he pulls up the fabric for a moment, and then just sticks his phone into it – letting it rest against his leg, before letting the stocking slap back against his skin. “Nope! Nothing’s too scandalous, dear customer!” Preston calls back to Malin.

Leaning into Sophie, Eloa gives Jakem a small wave and smile as he makes his way in before turning her attention to Kai as he heads for Matthew the wonderful cow. “Is think he will really do?” She asks Sophie as her hair mixes with the other girls.

Derek snorts under his breath at what Amelia says, and he meanders over to partake of some of the punch, taking a serving and sipping idly. “So it would seem,” he muses with a flit of his brows.

Aeryn beams at Malin, floating herself out the door with a content expression.

Constance blinks, surprised by anyone at all coming to the table where she’s observing everyone at the bar from. “Oh, hi, Jakem,” she murmurs. “How’s it going? I don’t have any, like, alternative outfits but I figured I’d come just to show up.”

Dovie spots Jakem through the crowd and weaves her way over to him. “Hey! I never got a chance to say thank you properly for trying to save me.”

Sophie gives Eloa a smirk, “Naa, he’s just the cheekiest bastard, and I’ll be damned if I don’t adore him for it.”

Sofia moves to stand before the Iron Throne and then calls out to the contestants, a wireless microphone in hand amplifying her words through the bar’s PA system. “Alright, contestants! It’s time to strut your stuff. Please make your way to the sides of the throne, and I’ll hold the microphone up for each of you in turn so you can explain to the audience what your costume is. Once every contestant has shown off, we’ll start the voting via text. Please hold your votes until every participant has had a turn to show off their outfits!”

“Evening,” Jasper greets Jakem with an upnod. “Lots of cool costumes so far.”

Jakem nods to Constance “Eh, I figure what I usually wear is outlandish enough. Though I suppose I coulda grabbed a mesh shirt instead…” He grins to Dovie “Hey, right, the talky one.”

Alice hops up from her spot at the bar, making her way across to the throne!

Matthew lets out a theatrical gasp, clutching hsi chest like he’s just been tipped. “You tryna butter me up or milk this moment for all its worth, Boone?” a pause and then, “Either way I’m udderly shook, might have to hoof it outta here before I fall head-over-heels into a dairy-tale ending.” He’s got a goofy grin there for Malin, his attention drifting next towards Preston whom he calls out to. “Ohhhh, hey yooooooooou. Do house calls for paddies?”

When Kai arrives that same spread em motion is granted, “Be gentle,” he insists.

Nemi stands up and moves over, quite carefully as to not poke anyones eye out with their pyramid head.

Preston slips off the bar stool, landing on his feet, and struts his way over towards the throne, slipping into line behind Alice

A slight look of annoyance crosses Dovie’s face at being labeled the ‘talky’ one. “My number’s 710-0051. Reach out, I wanted to discuss a proper thank you.” Her tone is a little snippy as she turns to make her way into line.

Jakem looks back to Constance “So have yah voted yet? Who you going to vote for?”

Kai stands to the side of Matthew just in case any actual milk comes out and starts to yank on the fellow’s teats, “There’s no way they’re this perky if they’re real,” he declares loudly as he jerks at the udders in an effort to milk them. Even if they were actual udders, it’s very obvious the young man has no idea what he’s doing.

From where he stands in line, Preston lifts a hand and waves it towards Matthew. “Of course, dear customer! House calls for a price!”

Evalina seems perfectly comfortable at the bar, thank you very much, and makes no effort to join the line. The eyepatch? Clearly an eye infection. The suit? That’s just fridays for her. She nods to herself, observing instead.

Stelle seemed ready to join Preston, Alice et al, but something on her phone pulls her away and Stelle steps into the other room.

Malin is just busting up laughing at Matthew, and she sighs happily. “Hay, I’m going to dub you the Dairy Queen or something. You’re going to be someone else’s better calf someday, they just cown’t stop thinking about you.” Then she dares to ask Matthew, “If those udders work, can you make milkshakes?”

Sofia kicks things off as contestants begin to file into the line, gesturing for more to come up and then pointing over to Preston as the first person in line, saying through the microphone, “Contestant number one! Let’s kick things off. Tell us all about yourself!”

Alice claps, hooting and hollering. “Yaaay, P! Number one cutest maid in the world!!”

Nemi makes their way to near back of the line as they turn to watch the other contestants.

Sofia holds up the microphone for Preston as the maid-man comes up to the throne.

Dovie claps politely for Preston.

Matthew glances down to the rub and tug Kai is delivering to those udders, commenting, “Don’t think you’ll get any milk that way, but valiant effort all the same.” Preston’s voice pierces through, and the bartering has begun. “Well, I hope that price includes hazard pay, sugar, cus I’ve been stepping through cow patties of bad decisions all week. My aura smells like premium-grade manure!” He’s fanning himself with dramatic flair, “Still, I’d muck it all again just for your serice with a sashay!”

Malin just kind of stares at Kai.

Jasper bursts into laughter upon seeing Kai pull Matthew’s udders. “You should try to be more gentle on those, Kai.”

Kai retreats from Matthew when he fails to milk the udders of the cow, he clutches at his face, “I cown’t believe it. How did I get steered wrong. I guess I didn’t moo-ve my hands the right way… I’m an udder failure and a calf,” he bemoans as he makes his way back to the bar to sit by Sophie, Eloa and Lykaia, still wearing a shit eating grin as he turns to watch the actual contest.

Matthew breaks out in a laugh for Kai’s comments, gesturing in his direction as he calls out to Malin, “Well, I guess I’m just here trying to steer my way into hearts- hoping someone’s ready to take the plunge and milk this moment for all it’s worth!” With that he’s looking towards the throne, taking stock of what is happening.

Preston is now the first person in line, or at least Sofia’s pointing at him. Up he goes, nearer towards the throne, and accepts the microphone from Sofia with a wink. “Hello, dear customers!” Preston begins, strutting around a little bit. “My name is P, and I’m a maid.” Gesturing to himself, it’s obvious he is. Got the whole getup and everything. “Cutest one in the land even!” That comes with a smile, flashing his teeth to everyone in the bar. “If you want a photo, or anything, we can work out a price, especially for all these lovely, dear customers!” Lowering the microphone a little, Preston does a small walking spin – letting his dress that doesn’t particularly fit him flare up just a bit, riding up – which probably hints the tiniest hint of pink boxers underneath. “And that’s all! I..” Preston leans forward a tad, and blows a massive kiss to the crowd. “Love you all!”

The mircophone is handed back to Sofia and Preston walks over to the bar.

Eloa reaches out to give Kai’s shoulder a gentle pat, “Is okay. You tried.” She tells him, not really able to catch the puns so much with her fragile grasp on english but understanding people are being more Moo oriented.

Dovie screams at Preston on the stage. “WE LOVE YOU!! CLEAN MY HOUSE!”

Jakem nods to Constance with a crooked grin “Cause you’re an *upstanding* member of New Haven, who’s presence casts a shadow of community wherever she goes. Known for your giant heart, if you’d skipped this event you’d surely leave a… I’m out of tall person puns. Giant sized hole in our heart?”

Matthew makes his way over to the throne where a line has formed, ignorantly taking a place behind it. He leans towards Nemi, asking, “Hey, what’s this line for again?”

Evalina claps for Preston, “Go go Prestie!” She cheers, then blinking, “I mean P! Go go P!” She’s cheerfully raising her umbrella up before watching Salim walk in, her eyes narrowing on the man for a moment, and she’s typing away on her phone

Eloa calls out to Matthew, “Is milking line.”

Salim steps into the pizza place and halts just inside the threshold of the bar, shoulders squaring at the press of bodies and the thrum of noise. With an expression that doesn’t shift much, there is still a marked look of hesitation writ plain on Salim’s features. Still, Salim moves forward towards the bar all the same. Threading past some of the crowds, Salim skirts the edge of the festivities and settles onto a stool near the bar with a quiet exhale.

Alice cheers wildly for Preston, jumping up and down in line and clapping loudly. “P! P! P! Number one worldwide cutest maid! We love P! We love P!” She waves, hoping her favorite maid notices her in the crowd.

Jakem shrugs to Constance, glancing over to the crowd “Though I hear you. I wish I’d had more prep time for this. Didn’t catch the bit about the costumes.”

Malin cannot help but to laugh further at Matthew’s puns. “I think Kai is going to do his best to see that happen,” she says of Kai’s previous milking attempts.

A round of applause breaks from the customers in the crowded bar, a few wolf-whistles as Preston shows off, and Sofia takes the mike back, calling out, “Let’s hear it for the lovely P everybody!” Woefully ignoring the places in line everyone had, the Dothraki points over at a random attendant in line, her finger landing on Dovie. “Alright contestant, please come up and tell the crowd what you’re all about!” She holds the mic up for Dovie to take.

“P is pretty!” Jasper hollers while he watches Preston.

Malin stands in this line of contestants.

Amelia puts her fingers to her lips and gives an encouraging whistle of appreciation as Dovie takes the throne.

Derek claps with a smile as Preston shows off, maintaining a delicate affect before his attention drifts to Dovie as she’s ushered on to the throne.

After Preston’s little show is done on the Iron Throne that’s become a stage, he settles into a stool of the bar, slipping his phone from where it peeks out of his stocking. “WOOOOO!” Preston shouts out, “It’s Ken! GOOOOO KEN!”

Sophie grins at Kai and then watches the show.

Dovie struts over to Sofia, at least, as much as a short young woman wearing a giant white faux fur coat can. She takes the mic and strikes a pose for the audience, flexing muscles that are clearly not there as she speaks into the mic:

“HEY! I’m Ken. Founder of the Mojo Dojo Casa House and lead innovator in the field of MAN STUFF!” she hits her chest with a fist, a residual ‘Ow!’ picked up by the mic before she coughs and continues:

“Our mission? Radical vibes, unquestioned authority, a horse in every room – even the bathroom. I don’t need Barbie. I just need her to see me.” A pause. “Constantly.” Dovie points over at Derek in the crowd. “Now, you gotta excuse me cuz I got a brooding sesh scheduled by the window.” She flips a complicated hand motion as a fake gang sign and hands the mic back to Sofia.

Alice jumps up and down again, clapping for Dovie as loud as she clapped for Preston. “Keeeeeeen! We love youuuu! Please let me be your long distance low commitment casual girlfriend!!”

Dovie gives Alice an exaggerated wink.

Sitting on her stool, Eloa watches the show although she doesn’t show any of the enthusiasm of the people jumping up and down and cheering. If anything, the cheers make Eloa more shy, and she presses in against Kai and Sophie as if using them as bodily shields against the noise.

“WOOOOOO KEEEEEEEENN!” Preston calls out – fanning his face with a hand. “If you flex like that, I’ll clean the Mojo Dojo Casa House for free!!!”

Malin claps loudly for Dovie.

Kai claps for Dovie as she goes over her character, his bloodshot eyes bright as he grins and folds his arm around Sophie when he’s done clapping, a little smile given to Eloa when she presses in closer, “Thanks Eloa,” he says as he scratches more fervently at his belly with his other hand, reaching up under his hoodie for better access, he leans over to murmur to Lykaia.

Amelia joins in the clapping for Dovie. “Love your kenergy,” she calls out.

Sofia covers her mouth with her opposite hand as she takes the mic back, stifling a snicker at Dovie’s performance, which she plays out a casual stroke of her beard. “Well, maybe I can get an appointment at the Mojo Dojo Casa House for Ken to teach me all about MAN STUFF! Give it up for Ken!” Then scanning the line, MC Drogo turns to pick out the next victim, leveling her gaze finally at Derek and pointing, saying, “Next contestant, please make your way to the stage and tell us what you have going on!” She gestures for Derek to come up, holding the mic out to take.

Kai makes an O with his lips and nods at Lykaia, “Truuuue, that’s a good idea,” he agrees and leans back from her to turn to look at the next competitor.

Evalina glances Chara’s rifle, then grimaces, “I thought we weren’t taking weapons inside of this event.” She murmurs, slowly shuffling along the bar, closer to the exit.

“Hm?” Cadalie looks down at her own hip apologetically. “Well. I suppose I’ll go and put my pistol in the car, but that’ll never stop shifters from slaughterin’ us, don’t you think?”

Kai lifts his hand to wave at someone and Cadalie, “Hey guys,” he says and glances to Evalina, “Don’t worry, you’re safe,” he tells her, “Don’t run off before you show off your outfit!”

makes his way up to the throne with nonchalant confidence as Sofia points towards him and invites him to the throne, a slight, polite smile presented as he gingerly accepts the microphone with an affect of delicateness.

“Good evening, dearest guests,” he begins, before holding the microphone up a bit closer. “I am the illustrious Faerie Queen Barbie.” he muses without missing a beat, lifting a hand to princess wave to one corner of the crowd, then to the next, a cordial smile gracing his expression.

“And, as it happens, I’ve many courtly matters to attend to – as it happens, I may very well be the prize debutante of this lovely affair,” Derek muses, a little grin presented as he lifts a hand to wave once more. “If you would appreciate a picture in my presence, do be so kind as to inform me prior and I’d be more than pleased to oblige,” he adds cordially, before handing the microphone back to Sofia in as graceful a gesture as he might muster, giving a short, but prolonged bow.

Amelia takes out her phone and holds it up, recording Derek as he takes the stage, eyes wide and happy as she captures the moment.

Kai lifts his hand to wave at Cadalie, “Hey guys,” he says and glances to Evalina, “Don’t worry, you’re safe,” he tells her, “Don’t run off before you show off your outfit!”

Mercedes stands and gives a big round of applause for Dovie before waving to the openly armed Pontifex, “Hello Sister!”

“Or! Oh, silly me..” And Cadalie does feel quite silly, pallor of a ghost and anemic. “I suppose that’s the intent, isn’t it? Well- don’t let me ruin your fun-” She giggle giddley, flagging an arm off with a posture of oh you!

Derek would, rather.

Malin applauds for Derek in that satin sundress.

Kai sticks his fingers into his mouth and lets out a piercing whistling and a whoop! for Derek when they take the stage, a big grin on his face.

Dovie cheers for Derek. “WE LOVE YOU!!!”

Alice jumps up and down to clap again. Every act is so good! “BARBIE LET ME JOIN YOUR COURT AND BE YOUR JESTER!” she calls.

“BARBIE AND KEN!” Preston begins, to chant. “SITTING IN THE.. MOJO DOJO CASA HOUSE!” It completely ruins the rhythm of the song, but he continues on anyway. “K-I-S-S-I-N-G!”

Malin laughs at Preston.

Leaning forward the bar, Salim rests his forearms along its edge as his eye flicks briefly across the crowd. Two fingers tap twice against the bar top as the bartender passes by. “Pilsnever,” Salim orders, his voice low and even. Cash is set down without comment, his gaze shifting and momentarily wincing at the loud chanting.

Cristal wheels her way into the crowded area in a wheelchair, looking beat to hell.

Sophie looks over at Salim, “You should try the punch too.”

Jakem nods over to Cristal “Oh hey, you’re looking better. And they didn’t amputate anything visible? Lucky.”

Cristal waves tiredly to Jakem. “Heya J! Why would I get amputatered?”

Chara helps Cristal over to the dining tables “Glad my bike is finally fixed up..” she says giving a wave over to Jakem

“Well well well! Will the lovely Faerie Queen Barbie add another title to her list of honorifics tonight and be crowned the Monarch of New Haven Pride? I guess we’ll just have to see!” Sofia claps loudly along with the audience as someone departs, and then goes back to pick out the night’s next entertainment, pointing over to Alice. “Let’s see if our next contestant can stack up!” She holds the mic over to Alice to come up and join her at the throne.

Jakem nods over to Chara “Hey Char.” He looks to Cristal “I dunno, there’s a good market for extra parts though, so don’t let them do it for free.”

“You go, queen,” Jasper cheers at Derek, letting out a wolf whistle until he turns to Cristal. “Hey, Cristal. Glad you’re okay.”

“Well well well! Will the lovely Faerie Queen Barbie add another title to her list of honorifics tonight and be crowned the Monarch of New Haven Pride? I guess we’ll just have to see!” Sofia claps loudly along with the audience as Derek departs, and then goes back to pick out the night’s next entertainment, pointing over to Alice. “Let’s see if our next contestant can stack up!” She holds the mic over to Alice to come up and join her at the throne.

Cristal thanks Chara and rolls her eyes at Jakem. “Heya Jasper!”

When Alice is the one announced, Preston claps excitedly for her. “GO LINK! SAVE THE PRINCESS! I BET YOU’RE A MASTER AT THE SWORD!”

Malin claps happily.

Alice steps up to the iron throne, slipping one of ‘his’ hands into his pocket as he goes. He reaches up to scratch at his stubbly beard, taking the offered microphone and speaking into it much too closely first, “He–” he stops as the speakers give off a feedback screech, then tries again. “Hey, uh, what’s up everybody. My name’s Alex.” He pauses, then gestures smugly to the triforce logo on his shirt. “As you can see, I’m an epic gamer. I beat the water temple on the first try.” He looks out at the gathered crowd, and says, “If any of you lovely ladies – or you, specifically, Ken, no homo – are looking to ‘level up’ your love life, why don’t you let me roll for initiative and take a shot? And don’t worry, if my game cartridge doesn’t work, you just have to blow on it a little bit, hehe.” She manages to hold down her own bile, giving one more lazy wave before handing the microphone back to Sofia.

Dovie thumps her chest and yells out. “COME HANG WITH ME BRAHHH! WE GOTTA PLACE FOR YOU AT THE MOJO DOJO CASA HOUSE!” She howls. Because that’s totally what dudes do…

“GO ALEX!” Preston calls out towards Alice. “If you go to live at the Mojo Dojo Casa House, I’ll come along and clean up your room! Game cartridges will cost extra though!”

Chara smiles creeps on her face as she takes a seat at a table “The.. Mojo Dojo Casa House?”

Jakem tilts his head and looks to Chara “They’re doing a bit from that Barbie movie.”

Cristal doesn’t seem to be listening, instead she’s trying to snag a slice of pizza.

Stelle thins her lips and shakes her head, a cup of punch taken as she types away furiously at her phone.

Derek claps as Alice departs the stage, keen to maintain his ‘courtly’ demeanor, maintaining decorum in slow, fluid motions. “Charmed, dear Alex,” he states in lyric tones.

Chara says “Oh, I don’t think I ever got around to seeing that one..”“

Taking back the microphone, Sofia grins from ear to ear and claps Alice off, shaking her head. “Did Alex roll a nat 20 or a nat 1, people? Will he need a saving throw? You’ll all be able to vote soon! But for now, we’ve got another udderly fantastic contestant lined up.” Sofia points back over to Matthew, saying, “Moove on up here, contestant!” She hands the mic over for Matthew.

Jakem nods with a glance towards the throne “Well you’re seeing the best part of it right now.”

Amelia joins in the clapping as Alice leaves the stage.

Leaning quietly into Kai and Sophie, Eloa gives applause everytime everyone else does, her hazel eyes just watching the show quietly as she tries her best to be otherwise invisible to the rest of the crowd.

Malin hops up and down as it is Matthew’s turn.

Matthew takes the mic in dramatic fashion, leaning in close to Sofia to utter his gratitude into the mic, “Thank you darlin’.”

With that he steps up, presenting himself to the crowd with a lowered his head, letting those embroidered eyes atop his hood sweep over each person with flair. In the next moment he’s shimmying, unabashedly bouncing those udders to his own fae-licious beat. “A little about myself! I’m all about long walks in the pastures, sniffin’ the freshest flowers,” he moos out his vowels into the mic, then striking a pose with one bedazzled foot high and a snort loud enough to carry over the celebration.

A dramatic pause before ee twirls, “and swapping cudd-les as easily as I swap milkers.” Back to everyone he drops it like its hot, a real romp-shaking, twerking moment that sends his tail waving wild fosor the crowd. He twists then, turning to face the crowd with a flirtatious wink. “Im here to butter you up, keep things udderly charming, and prove Im the cream of this crop!”

Cristal leans over to whisper to Chara and Jakem. “Ya think those milkers work?” Cristal wonders, staring at Matthew.

Jakem nods to Cristal “yeah, saw them go off earlier. It’s quite a spray let me tell yah. Nearly got us over here.”

Kai leans away from Lykaia and unwraps his arm from Sophie to let out a cheer and claps for Matthew, laughing at the horrendous puns as he looks toward the stage.

Malin gazes at Matthew, looking in awe of her best friend dressed up like a heifer.

Chara chuckles over Cristal “I would like to see that.”

Dovie cheers along with the crowd for Matthew. “MOOOO-RE!”

Cristal nods back to Jakem and Chara. “Dannng!”

Malin cackles at Dovie.

A brightened smile graces Derek’s expression as he applauds Matthew. “A most excellent show from a bovine beauty!” he declares.

Matthew straightens up, feigning coy as he pouts for the crowd, continuing to milk that mic for all it’s worth. “I’m afraid, my little moo-moos, that moooore won’t come unless you vote me number one.” WIth that he passes it back to the host and stamps off.

Preston claps for Matthew. “That was completely MOOOOOOving!” The man calls out. “Moothew! Moothew! Moothew!

Kai nudges Sophie lightly and wraps his arm around her once he’s done cheering for Matthew, he looks down at his phone and then turns it to take a picture of Sophie from the side with a little smirk.

Sophie giggles and cheers along with Kai for the udderly amazing one.

“Would you look at those moooooves!” Sofia says with a laugh and a wide smile at Matthew, extending an arm to usher him back before he leaves the vicinity of the throne. “But I didn’t catch your name, contestant! What should we call you?”

Sophie blushes and smiles for the photo with Kai.

Glancing past Alice, Salim takes in the color, chaos, and cheer of the party with a slow sweep of his sole good eye. There’s a brief stint where Salim seems to be taking in the music, the outfits, and the crowd. Then, without missing a beat, he looks back to Alice, entirely deadpan. “Yeah. What other better time would there be?”

Matthew doesn’t need the mic, his voice rings out for all to hear, “I am the lovely Mooo-lificent Matthew, the Udderly Faboulous!”

“Moo-lificent Matthew!” Malin cries out at Matthew. “Wooo!”

Amelia watches Matthew take the stage in his cow onesie, a happy smile on her face. As Matthew finishes his introduction she claps.

Sophie smiles at Kai and gives them a little kiss before whispering something to them.

Alice looks with serious concern at Salim, splitting her attention between the on-going festivities and him, and shakes her head. “Like, literally any other time. What about them?”

“You heard it here people, the Mooo-lificent Matthew!” Sofia waits for the applause to die down then looks to the lone, menacing figure in line, nodding once to Nemi. “Now it looks like our final contestant in line can’t speak, but I’ve been informed that we have a stand-in to help narrate this one. Would this striking, pointy figure please come up and join us, as well as their interpreter!” Sofia points over to Nemi and Kai with each hand, extending the mic out to Kai in particular.

Malin yells out at Sofia, “I’m also in line!”

Matthew plops himself over by Malin, leaning to wonder down at them, “Why you not gettin in line, Boone? I wanna say something about boone’s farm but it’s not coming to me, heeeeelp me out here!”

Sophie blinks at Kai and applauds in surprise, giggling as the mic is passed over.

Chara says “I’m so fucking lost…“

“Well get outta the bar and come to line then!” Sofia laughs over to Malin with a smile. “But of course, join us!” She hands the mic back to Kai.

“Hired someone to narrate, genius!” Dovie claps as Nemi and Kai head to the stage.

Nemi walks onto the ‘stage’ flourishing their blade 26Guilt and raising their shield PENANCE` a loud triumphant roar of power is given, impressively masculine as well, before the they pose, Cleaver sword 26Guilt Against the front of the PENANCE shield as their 66Rusted Pyramid Head Lies forever hung low from the guilt of whom thought them up, left leg a bit forward to show off thigh even as their upper torso mostly faces the crowd, a deep nod being given as they sway slightly as Kai speaks.

Kai stands up and makes his way over to the stage to duck behind Nemi, speaking in a lower voice than his usual as he declares, picking his words carefully and deliberately as he heralds Nemi

“This is Pyramid Head! He exists as the representation of one’s guilt and lack of penance for their sins and will carve you down without any hope of you stopping him. He originally starred in Silent Hill two as a manifestation of the main character’s guilt for his actions and was the only male monster present in the game. Pyramid Head also takes the form of Silent Hills’ executioner from its dark, curse ridden past. He usually carries a massive modified M4A1 bayonet, butcher’s cleaver, or an executioner’s axe. He now also bears a shield just as formidable as his weapons to represent the unstoppable and undeniable force that is the penance that must be paid. He represents heavily religious, penance filled themes of the games that follow.

“Give it up for Pigeon Head!” he calls and then winces, “Oh no, I fucked up!” and holds his arms up in a cower.

Kai stands up and makes his way over to the stage to duck behind Nemi, speaking in a lower voice than his usual as he declares, picking his words carefully and deliberately as he heralds Nemi

“This is Pyramid Head! He exists as the representation of one’s guilt and lack of penance for their sins and will carve you down without any hope of you stopping him. He originally starred in Silent Hill two as a manifestation of the main character’s guilt for his actions and was the only male monster present in the game. Pyramid Head also takes the form of Silent Hills’ executioner from its dark, curse ridden past. He usually carries a massive modified M4A1 bayonet, butcher’s cleaver, or an executioner’s axe. He now also bears a shield just as formidable as his weapons to represent the unstoppable and undeniable force that is the penance that must be paid. He represents heavily religious, penance filled themes of the games that follow.”

“Give it up for Pigeon Head!” he calls and then winces, “Oh no, I fucked up!” and holds his arms up in a cower. [quick fix?]

Jakem leans over to Chara “They’re having a competition. Figure out which one you like the best, or dislike the least. There’s gonna be a vote.”

“Coo! Coo!” Cristal/span yells at the stage, easily winded by that.

Malin winks at Matthew and joins the line, maybe. She isn’t sure.

Mercedes gives a big round of applause for Kai with her arms, “That was very informative Mister Ashford!”

Matthew does their best to dissuade Malin from retreating, waving and criss-crossing their arms in a universal signal that this is now a no-fly-zone.

Nemi walks onto the ‘stage’ flourishing their blade 26Guilt and raising their shield PENANCE a loud triumphant roar of power is given, impressively masculine as well, before the they pose, Cleaver sword 26Guilt Against the front of the PENANCE shield as their 66Rusted Pyramid Head Lies forever hung low from the guilt of whom thought them up, left leg a bit forward to show off thigh even as their upper torso mostly faces the crowd, a deep nod being given as they sway slightly as Kai speaks. Though when the mistake is made the massive beast has already flourish its sword and HURLS Guilt right at Kai Expertly aimed and striking between their arm and midriff for theatrics and not lethal effects. (FIX).

Alice snaps her gaze back to the stage, jumping off her barstool to give a wild cheer for Nemi. “WOOOO! I WISH I WAS TRAPPED IN A NIGHTMARE WORLD WITH YOU!”

Preston claps for Nemi, “PIGEON HEAD! PIGEON HEAD! PIGEON HEAD!” The maid-man chants, smirking at Kai’s screw up, amusement filling his eyes.

Dovie cheers for Kai and Nemi. “Careful! He needs all his parts to deliver things!”

“Aaaargh!” Kai says as he gets hit with the prop sword and staggers back, he bends down to grab the sword and sucks it under one arm and throws himself onto the ground, on his back, the sword sticking up in the air as if impaled upon it, his tongue lolling out and his eyes closed in ‘death’.

“He needs all his parts for everything else too” Sophie says with a laugh.

“Don’t worry honeybee we got like seventy cemetaries ’round,” Cristal adds, wheezing with the effort to raise her voice.

Derek watches with eager interest as Kai speaks on behalf of Nemi, green eyes glinting with curiosity, crossing his arms as he explains – and then… that blunder. He snorts, covering his mouth, almost losing his composure, before he lowers his hand and claps excitedly. “A fair greeting to Pigeon Head!” he provides in bright lyric tones, lifting his hands and clapping cheerily, before re-seating himself and taking a sip from his cup of punch.

Nemi gives a deep bow after the applause, no noise given except the dragging of the… actually very real and non prop shield- Unlike the sword at least as they get the mic, deliver it back to Sofia, and head off back towards the bar. That must be heavy.

Matthew moos out their cheer for Nemi, echoing Preston’s calls, “Pigeon head. Pigeon head!”

Malin is applauding Nemi.

Amelia joins in the applause for Evalina and Kai

Nemi sets the shield down, a thunk given as it sits for the first time free of her grasp.

Eloa claps her hands for Nemi enthusiastically, seeming to get more into the show now, forgetting her shyness a little as she sits snug with Sophie.

Sofia crosses her arms and laughs as Kai cowers and is clobbedered, looking up to Nemi as she leans down to take the mic from the ‘deceased’ Kai. Standing up, she declares, “It looks like Kai has been stricken by GUILT. Let’s give it up for the lovely PIGEON HEAD!” Bowing softly to Nemi, she then turns her gaze to Malin and says, “Now we’ve got I think for real our actual last contestant, come on up and tell us what you’re all about!” She extends the mic for Malin.

Kai gets up after Nemi descends from the stage, he grins and takes a bow, then heads to the bar and returns Nemi’s sword to her before retaking his seat with Sophie, Eloa and Lykaia, “Whew…” he says as he leans back against the bar.

Sophie leans on Eloa, basking in her aura and enjoying the vibe. When Kai returns her smile grows wide, “Tsk tsk..that tongue of yours.”

After getting up on stage, a “Hello, Los Angeles!” is called out by Malin in her best Benson Boone voice which is just her voice with a slightly lower register and not at all convincing. But she does have hair glued onto her upper lip. She’s declaring that greeting to everyone in that pitch that does not pass for being masculine. At all. “Now, I’m Benson Boone and I like to do backflips. Therefore, logic dictates…”

What Malin intends to happen is one thing. What does happen is entirely something else. It’s more or less a sideways crab-hob-spiral-lurch combo with a partial handstand as legs flail and the massive amount of sequins sparkle. At least her commitment is flawless, if nothing else… even up to the point when she’s falling over and ends up on her back with limbs making her look not unlike a dying starfish. One fingers is held up and she shouts, “Nailed it!”

Kai nods in agreement to Sophie and laughs when Malin falls over, whistling, “Yeah you did!” he calls out in agreement and sags back against the bar.

“Shame,” Salim responds, though not before raising his glass slightly in mock toast. The notion of ‘Sephiroth’ and ‘gamer tags’ does seem utterly lost upon him, but nonetheless he toasts, “To epic gamers.” He raises his glass ever so slightly towards Alice before bringing it back towards his lips and taking a light quaff of it.

Nemi nods thankfully to Kai and gives them a gloved thumbs up with a nod, clapping for Malin happily.

Sophie shouts “Flawless Victory!”

“PERFECT BACKFLIP!” Preston calls out to Malin, quickly miming something, that looks like he’s writing on board. Lifting it up, he shows it off, “See! FRom the reviewboard of P, the Prettiest Maid, you’ve just earned a perfect score. It’s five out of seven!”

Dovie claps for Malin. “WE LOVE YOU BENSON!!!”

Nemi claps softly with their gloves hands.

“I love you all!” is cried out from Malin’s place on the stage, on her back.

Chara blinks looking over at Constance “Oh hey, when did you get here?”

Matthew erupts in a cheer, loud and applauding as he whistles out loud, pinkies going into mouth. “BEST BACKFLIP-FLOP I’VE EVER SEEN,” is called out, “NAILED IT BUDDY!”

Cristal waves wearily at Constance. “Hey Con-Con!”

Jakem calls from amidst the crowd “I haven’t seen that level of gymnastic fluidity since that meet they held during the Peruvian earthquakes.”

Constance says “I’ve been here from the start, I just didn’t have anything to bring or worth saying.“

Malin finally manages to sit up and she carefully touches fingertips to ensure her fake mustache is still attached in all of its pencil thin glory.

Jakem nods to Chara “Connie was here before me.”

Amelia leans forward, peering over as if to check on Malin after they land on their back, settling backward as Malin announces they nailed it.

Derek rises to applaud Malin with an upcurl to his lips. “So liquid! Well done!” he congratulates brightly.

Matthew begins to chant out, “Benson, benson Benson,” until at last Malin sits up and then he’s calling out, “flawless ‘stache!”

Cristal asks Constance, Chara, and Jakem. “What the hell liquid mean?” She scratches the side of her head.

Ten out of ten!” Jasper applauds on Malin’s backflip. “Spectacular!”

Malin gets back to standing on the soles of her pair of Adidas sneakers, and in classic Benson Boone Grammy style, she’s pulling out a front wedgie briefly, whilst hopping on one foot.

“Ten out of ten!” Jasper applauds on Malin’s backflip. “Spectacular!” (fix)

Jakem shrugs to Cristal “I assume it’s the same as fluid?”

Alice watches Salim do a toast, politely raising her hand with no cup in it in a mock toast. “Uhm, to, to epic gamers,” she managers, looking askance. She grimaces, looking over as the last contestant does the best backflip in the history of backflips. “Wow,” she says, giving a little clap.

Sofia laughs brightly as another act ends with someone down on the floor and then gathers up the mic, saying, “And that’s Benson Boone with a perfect, flawless, textbook, no mistake backflip, everybody! And I believe that is our last contestant of the evening!” She gives a moment for the crowd to calm down, patting the air with her hand as she makes an announcement.

“Now you’ve just seen Seven amazing performers, Kings and Queens all of them, but it’s time to see who will be crowned the Monarch of New Haven Pride! Your contestants are as follows: The lovely Maid-Man P, the Manosphere Influencer, Ken, the lovely Faerie Queen Barbie! The Epic Gamer Alex! The Mooo-lificent Matthew! The ever menacing Pigeon Head! And of course, the ever agile, Benson Boone!”

“Please, everyone vote by text to Seven One Oh. Oh Oh Nine Two. That’s 7100092. Just include the name of the contestant you’re voting for, and optionally your real name if you want me to have your number and I don’t already.”

Sophie says “Everyone okay? “

Eloa gives a little clap too then takes out her phone.

Jakem glances to Chara “So whatcha thinking? I’m leaning towards Ken, but that cow put in some effort.”

Matthew makes his way over to Evalina, “Well shiver me teets and call me curdled, looks like I’ve run aground on the high seas of your fashion, Captain.”

Sofia begins tallying up the votes on her phone furiously, slumping back to the throne. “I’ll give you guys a little more time for the votes to come in, but I can say right now, everyone is getting votes, and the competition is FIERCE!”

Salim seems to catch the sight of the backflip as well in his periphery, prompting a raise of his brow and the faintest note of surprise registered as his palm lightly taps against the side of his beer glass in a subdued show of applause. The edge of his mouth lifts, just enough to mark some measure of silent approval before he finishes the last of his beer. As he lays the empty glass back upon the table, Salim begins to wince slightly at the surrounding crowd. Finally, Salim rises from his bar stool and affords Alice one last glance. “You did good. Don’t be so embarrassed. Though, I can’t say I rightly know what’s going on.” Affording Alice with a sympathetic shrug, Salim turns and steps away from the bar, making his way to the pizzeria’s exit while carving a quiet path through the gathered patrons.

“I liked the pyramid head.. I really like Silent Hill.” Chara says over to Jakem after sending off a text

Cristal looks overwhelmed by everything and starts to wheel herself over to the front room for air, and pizza.

Jakem squints at Chara “The pigeon thing? Eh, silent hills are about as much fun as tepid tundras.”

Cristal wheels her way in the wheelchair back to the dining tables.

Evalina if she was correctly tagged by Matthew (?), would look up at him, surprised, blinking, but probably was miss-referenced again

Chara chuckles “To be fair. Its abit funny to think about Silent Hill and then realized the fucking mist shit northside that is pretty similar. Text it to 7100092.” she says to Jakem

Malin heads over to Matthew and winks at him as she presses at the hair clippings on her face for good measure.

“Alright, voting has calmed down a little!” Sofia calls from the Iron Throne. “I’m going to give you all another few minutes to get your votes in, but remember that number for voting is 7100092! It’s a razor thin margin right now so every vote counts!”

Settling deeper into her seat, Eloa sends off presumably a vote then glances over to Kai and Sophie’s phones as if trying to work out who they’re voting for.

Nemi looks at myhaven… and then turns their head to stare into Kai’s metaphorical soul.

Evalina stands up, tapping her umbrella on the ground, “Oops, seems I overstayed, have fun everyone.” She murmurs before hurrying out

Kai looks Nemi’s way and winks at them with a little grin.

Matthew is indeed speaking to someone, motioning about the suit they came dressed in, “These are exactly the sort of clothes I am told would moove me in the right direction.” A grin, then a laugh as he look to Malin, beaming a smile her way. “You know this well dressed pirate?”

Matthew looks to Malin, beaming a smile down at her. “That was great.”

Kai lifts his phone to point Preston’s way as his phone makes a camera shutter sfx.

Sophie waves to Kurt and Elliot.

Preston looks to Kai, and flashes a cutesy wutesy little smile.

“Any last minute votes we’re missing? Giving one last call for votes here, 7100092.” Sofia shouts off the number one final time, saying, “Remember, the contestants are, P, Ken, Barbie, Alex, Moo-Matthew, Pigeon Head, and Benson Boone!”

“Yeah?” Malin asks Matthew, smiling so very widely at him. “You were incredible up there.”

Eloa looks curiously over at Elliot and gives him a wave. “You no need crutches anymore. Leg heal fast.” She calls out in a soft voice that’s probably lost in the din of the bar.

Sophie places her hands over her mouth to amplify, “Drink your punch! And order some snacks.”

Kai gives a wave to Elliot and Kurt upon noticing them, Diego also receives a wave and a little grin.

Matthew nods, no arguments, claiming, “We both were.” He glances at his phone, reads the screen then says to Malin, “Same, twin. Same.”

“Hey, Elliot,” Jasper waves towards Elliot with a smile. “I see you’re doing well, right?”

Malin winks playfully at Matthew.

Nemi at some point has scooted closer to Kai. occasionally poking them with the large prop sword every time ‘Pigeon head’ and not Pyramid Head is heard or read.

Diego drifts on by, more audience than spectator. He rubs his chin in deepest pond’rance.

Jakem smiles and nods to Mercedes “Hey, joining the cool kids crowd? Actually, could you start one so we all could join?”

Matthew says, clarifying, “I mean for you!“

Kai snickers everytime Nemi pokes him with their sword, he sighs and rubs at his darkly circled eyes, though he peers toward the stage as he waits for the votes to come in.

Ticking in, with his cane, Elliot strides forth, lacking his crutches and cast, no longer hobbling, but moving forward like a man on a mission. No costume for him, it appears, though, he does give a wave towards everyone present before settling at the bar, gesturing Kurt to a seat beside him. “I’m doing quite well, Jasper,” he tells Jasper, settling his cane at his side. “Anything interesting happen while I was away?”

Matthew then looks back for the eye-patch wearing suit he’d been talking to, apparently missing their exit.

Chara gives a wave over to Mercedes “Hey. How you been?”

Sophie moves the prop away from Kai and says to Nemi, “Gentle..gentle.”

Malin snorts at Matthew faintly. “I understand!” she assures.

Cristal waves to Mercedes, looking half alive, a little piece of bacon stuck on her lip.

“Nah, I’m fine now,” Kai assures Sophie with a little grin and waggles his brows at her.

Mercedes slips out from the bar to join table and company, she snickers at Jakem “Heya! It’s so noisy over there!” she looks over Cristal, “And… You okay hun?”

Derek lifts a hand to princess-wave to Elliot with a slight smile. “Best of evenings to you, Mister Harrington,” he greets nonchalantly, taking a sip from a cup of punch.

“So I can punch you in the stomach?” Sophie returns to Kai with a wiggle of her own brows.

Kurt inclines his head towards Elliot, taking the indicated his seat, though he flashes a smile and a wave towards Kai and Sophie, “Evening, everyone. Doing well, I hope?”

Preston just settles onto his bar stool, awaiting the results of the competition eagerly.

Kai nods to Sophie, “Yeah, definitely,” he agrees with a chipper grin and sits up a little straighter as he braces for impact.

Jakem nods to Mercedes “She’s fine, she’s using the pizza to regenerate her missing limbs. You can hardly even tell how many she lost anymore.”

Cristal ignores what Jakem is saying, stuffing pizza into her mouth instead.

“Ah, my supposed twin,” Jasper muses towards Diego with a grin. “I didn’t came up with a costume, but at least I get to watch.” Turning to Elliot, he tells him, “I’ve went to the gym earlier.”

“Alright people, votes are in and it’s a nail biter, incredibly close!” Sofia hops up, with her microphone in hand, and calls out to the audience. “We have a three way tie for third place, but only one winner! So I want the following four contestants to come up to the stage: Pigeon Head!” she points at Nemi, then drifts her someone, “The Mooo-lificent Matthew!” She then points to Preston, “Maid P! And finally, Ken!” She points over to Dovie. “One of you will be crowned as tonight’s champion. And the rest, are all tied for second!”

Sophie pats Kai’s stomach and gives him a kiss instead, “Good boy.” She looks over at Kurt, “You missed a lot of the chaos. Good to see you! Try the punch.”

“Alright people, votes are in and it’s a nail biter, incredibly close!” Sofia hops up, with her microphone in hand, and calls out to the audience. “We have a three way tie for third place, but only one winner! So I want the following four contestants to come up to the stage: Pigeon Head!” she points at Nemi, then drifts her Matthew, “The Mooo-lificent Matthew!” She then points to Preston, “Maid P! And finally, Ken!” She points over to Dovie. “One of you will be crowned as tonight’s champion. And the rest, are all tied for second!”

“Alright people, votes are in and it’s a nail biter, incredibly close!” Sofia hops up, with her microphone in hand, and calls out to the audience. “We have a three way tie for third place, but only one winner! So I want the following four contestants to come up to the stage: Pigeon Head!” she points at Nemi, then drifts her finger to Matthew, “The Mooo-lificent Matthew!” She then points to Preston, “Maid P! And finally, Ken!” She points over to Dovie. “One of you will be crowned as tonight’s champion. And the rest, are all tied for second!”

Nemi stands up, heading over to the stage after a slight nod is given.

Dovie cheers for the other contestants and gasps when her ‘name’ is called, moving over to the stage.

“Go Pigeon Head!” Kai calls after Nemi and claps his hands over his head with a laugh.

Chara says over to Mercedes “Mist attack.” she says with a frown looking down at the pie Cristal is eating “What is that?”

Malin applauds loudly for the four contestants, whistling as well in appreciation for them all.

Alice claps loudly for the four contestants, cheering. “Yaaaay! P! Ken! My beloveds! One of you has to win! Yaaaay!”

Kurt lets out a soft laugh, shaking his head towards Sophie, “If you insist, I suppose so.”

“I dunno but it’s good as hell! Try some?” Cristal passes the large box over to Chara.

Sophie winks at Kurt, “I do! I really do.”

Chara gives a shrug trying a bite and handing it back “T-this.. is this mashed potatos? I.. this has no reason being this good.”

Matthew awakens from whatever daze had befallen him, hearing his name called. He tips to lean against Malin briefly, “You were robbed.” he claims.

Mercedes frowns solemnly at Chara and then nods, “Yeah! You gotta watch out for that. I skirted the edge of one while driving and almost ran into something gnarly.”

Preston slips from his bar stool, and sashays his way up onto the stage – adding as much flair and seduction as those hips can bring him. Unfortunately, he’s not Shakira, and his hips may toss out a lie or two. Up on the stage he goes, standing as primly and maidly as he can. Arms held close to his chest, hands clasped around his stomach, like he’s trying to pop his cleavage out for a little show.

Malin laughs at Matthew. “I kind of fell over, so…”

Diego lets out a piercing wolf-whistle as Preston sways those hips up onto the stage.

Matthew makes his way over to the throne, departing from Malin’s side with a smile and a wink. Once he breaks the breach of the crowd he’s showboating, turning to smile and blow cow-kisses to everyone.

“And a good eve to you, Mister Fairchild,” Elliot acknowledges Derek, giving them a small smile. “You’re well, hopefully?” A nod is thrown towards Jasper, and an admittance to follow. “I was sparring, but, I quite do believe I need to hit up the gym soon. I must regain lost strength.”

Jakem nods to Mercedes “Don’t worry, you’ll get it next time. If you want Chara can probably hook yah up with one of those cow-catchers they put in trains in the midwest.”

Jakem scratches his jaw “I should do stand up comedy. I bet I could get bars to pay me not to come. Make a mint.” he pontificates.

“Before we crown the new monarch of New Haven pride, I just want to say, all of your costumes were amazing, hilarious, and I’m so grateful you all showed up! But without further adieu…” Sofia taps her thumb to her phone and a drumroll SFX begin to play over the speakers to build suspense.

“Your winner of the the 2025 Drag Show by one singular vote… the gorgeous, the lovely…” The drumroll continues on in the background.

“…MAID P! GET ON UP HERE QUEEN!”

Amelia puts her hand to her lips and whistles encouragement to Dovie. “Bring the kenergy,” she calls out afterward. Yet for all her attempts at energy, something in her bearing hints at a tiredness. This is a girl ready to head to bed.

Sophie applauds and whistles for Preston.

Eloa claps for Preston as she gives a small shy in the back.

Derek claps as the final contenders are announced, a slight upcurl to his lips.

“Aww,” Kai announces his disappointment but he gives applause to Preston all the same, he grins at the stage, “Pigeon Head!” he calls in support of Nemi and leans to the side to bump shoulders with Sophie before turning his head to nod and murmur back to Lykaia.

Matthew breaks out into applause, cheering for Preston with a wild show of applause.

“Right,” Jasper nods towards Elliot and turns back to look at the four finalists. “Go, P!” He then applauds and whistles upon Preston as well as the other three.

Dovie breaks out into cheering for Preston. “AHHHHH!!! WE LOVE YOU P!!!”

Nemi starts clapping happily for the cow maid as their name is called out as the winner. A happy clap with a nod of respect being given, even if their head can’t be seen, respect still being given for the winner Preston as Nemi is certainly not a sore loser.

Alice jumps up from her seat, hooting and hollering and bouncing up and down. She claps loud, joining in the cheers: “WE LOVE YOU P!! CUTEST MAID IN THE WHOLE WORLD!! GIVE US SOME FANSERVICE!”

Cristal looks over in concern at Chara.

Mercedes bursts into giggles and rises to clap for Preston, “Come clean my kitchen please!”

“BUST A CLEANING MOVE!!” Dovie claps on stage.

Malin claps wildly for Preston

The winner is announced and it’s Preston. He blinks once, and then sashays his way over towards Sofia, extending out his hands for the crown, or whatever it is he’s about to receive from MC Drogo. Before making his way all the over, he pauses, and turns slightly to the crowd – standing up on one foot, twisting his leg in towards himself. Two fingers go up to surround an eye, and he winks with the other, he holds that pose for a second or so, and then lets that pose drop. Facing the crowd just a little more fully, he flexes his chest. Just like P, and being the Prettiest P, he Pops those Pecs. “Muah!” Preston says, giving a little blown kiss before strutting the rest of the way to MC Drogo. “Thank you all, my dear customers!”

Dovie snaps photos of Preston posing.

Sophie says “Absolutely! “

Sofia hops down off of the throne and bows, inviting Preston to take his rightful place. She extends a golden tiara in her hands and bows down, showing off the delicate, golden crown to the audience, each of its seven peaks bejeweled with a color of the rainbow. “A crown for a Queen,” she offers to the maid, extending the tiara to rest upon his head, and then give a regal bow. “And remember everyone! Pictures cost extra!” She flashes a little peace sign, and poses next to the newly crowned Drag Queen.

Preston bows his head when the crown is placed on his head, and he takes up the throne – settling into it comfortably.

Alice claps again, giving one last shout, “Queen P, we love you!! Where else can we find cute maids like you?!”

Derek claps brightly for Preston, applauding with ease. “Much love to Queen P!” he cheers out.

Kai gives one final round of applause to Preston with a slight grin and leans over to murmur to Sophie.

“If you’re looking for the prettiest maids, you should all make sure to visit The Puff Puff Parlour! Maids, cakes, desserts!” Lifting a hand, Preston does his best Queenly wave. “Make sure you pay a visit, and definitely buy some things!”

Malin jokingly calls out at Preston, “This is a capitalistic marketing scheme!”

Grinning aside to Alice, and Preston as they get the little pitch in, Sofia shifts gears to wrap things up. “And with that, we conclude our contest! Feel free to stay, mingle, get some dinner or some drinks if you want! And if you need to make some space to talk or eat in quiet, remember we also have our enclosed patio down the hall! Thanks so much for attending everyone, I had so much fun!”

“And thank you to Sofia, the lovely host for hosting this event!” Preston begins to clap for her. “I think we should all give her a round of applause!”

Dovie claps for Sofia as well!

Alice applauds for Sofia

“It is lovely to see you, Miss Fairchild,” Elliot tells Dovie, covering his lips as he yawns a little. “Or should I call you, Mister Ken? Apologies for the lack of flowers, I was quite busy, for a time.”

Sophie cheers for Sofia.

Kai murmurs to Lykaia and indicates Elliot.

Kai murmurs to Lykaia and indicates Eloa. [fix]

Dovie turns towards Elliot with a smile. “Oh, Mr. Harrington! Not to worry. I’m right as rain now, how are you doing? Excited for the weekend now?”

Nemi nods in agreement to someone, clapping more and happily for Sofia.

Nemi nods in agreement to Preston, clapping more and happily for Sofia.

Jakem bellows “Woo, great event Sofia.” from his table.

Eloa waves at Lykaia, “Eloa no recognize..”

Sofia gives a grateful little bow to the audience, smiling wide, and saying, “Thanks all! I’ll be out to mingle in just a few. Have fun everyone!” She slides out from beside the Iron Throne and heads out of the room for a moment.

Matthew makes his way to the thorne where Preston resides, offering up his heartfelt congratulations. “Hey, I don’t know where they have maid outfits in your size, but you absolutely nailed it..” his eyes travel lower to the shoes, “And where did you find mary janes. This is too good!”

“Excited to get to work,” Elliot chuckles at Dovie with a polite smile. “I have duties to pursue, now that the cast is off, and I can move freely.”

Dovie nods at Elliot, “Freedom of movement is such a wonderful thing isn’t it? It’s a busy weekend this weekend too!”

Malin beams brightly over at Preston, so very proud of that French Maid.

Dovie says “Thank you! Great job to everyone! So fun!“

Preston leans casually in his throne, and snorts to Matthew – the act almost gone. “Actually,” he begins. “I think Verity got it made in time.” Lifting a hand, he rubs at his face. “And the shoes? They don’t exactly fit properly, my feet are KILLING me.”

Derek blinks, nodding once or twice after Elliot. “Oh! Yeah, doing well,” he comments, evidently having missed his question before, nodding once or twice as he meanders over to mingle. “Are you happy to be castless?” he inquires softly, before adding, “I’d quite attached it to my vision of you, so I must confess it to be rather different seeing you without it,” with a cheeky smile.

“Doesn’t matter when there’s cake,” Jasper belatedly muses towards Malin. “As in, any kind of cake.”

Eloa flashes Elliot a shy smile. “Eloa greet but Moosey might not hear. Moosey no crutches anymore though.” She tells him excitedly.

Matthew winces, shaking out with laughter, “Fashion is pain and you pulled it off, man. Congrats.” With that he claps the maid’s shoulder before vacating the Queen’s throne.

Looking to Jasper, Malin raises both eyebrows. “Cake?” She’s looking for that cake. “I’m Dobie — not actually Benson Boone,” is said to clear things up, because how else would he know?

“Hey, Dobie,” Jasper replies to Malin. “Name’s Jasper. And the cake part’s a little quip, but given the desserts around town.”

Kurt says “For those I haven’t met before… Kurt Steiner. Sunset, on myhaven. Pleasure’s mine.“

“Glad to see you’re doing well,” Elliot smiles at Derek, swiveling on his stool. “And I’m quite pleased to be free. Finally. No more boredom, far more gallivanting. I can fight, shoot, face danger, now, without worry. I’m feeling more like my dashing self, less hopeless.” Spreading his lips, so that he flashes a winsome grin, he crinkles his eyes over at Dovie. “What’re you doing this weekend?” Turning his face, he nods happily over towards Eloa, tapping his cane. “Still want the tick and tacking for style, but yes, I’m healed, and not so useless.”

Kai grins a little at Sophie and waggles his eyebrows.

Sophie smirks at Kai and blushes, “Promise?”

“Oh too many things,” Dovie bemoans dramatically to Elliot. “I must secure a birthday present soon as well,” she murmurs. “I hope my special order is here, and useless is just a state of mind, of which you are certainly not, Elliot. What of you, plans?”

“Oh, you’re Jasper. Miss Kane is always calling Diego Jasper and now… I met the real one,” Malin expresses to Jasper, lightly filler-enhanced lips with their fake mustache right above all forming a genuine smile together. “Lovely to meet you. So, which one is the hottest one, then?” gets wondered next of Jasper as she eyes everyone in the crowd. “What is the culinary, baking version of Hot or Not, anyway? Cake or Fake?”

Kai prods Sophie lightly in the side and shakes his head, “Nah,” he hmms and asks Eloa, “Did you have fun?”

Eloa shakes her head at Elliot, “Moosey was not useless anyways.”

Sofia scoops up her punch into a glass and lets out a satisfied noise, smiling idly as she watches everyone converse from behind the bar.

Stelle nods faintly at Alice.

Matthew makes slow circuit that leads him to the punch bowl where he pours himself a drink before he begins making the rounds, pausing when he nears to Stelle. “Hey,” he greets, “don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting, I’m Matthew.”

Alice glances over at Sofia, spinning around on her seat and asking, “Do you have anything non-alcoholic back there?”

Cristal turns to Chara. “Do ya think we could go back? I gotta headache. And maybe a bellyache too… Gonna sleep.”

Sofia shakes her head and tells Alice, “Not at the bar, there’s a soda cooler by the front counter though! Grab one of those!”

Preston slips from the Iron Throne, and meanders his way over towards the bar. Less prim and proper now, he settles down at the bar, propping his chin up with his hands.

Chara gives a nod to Cristal “Yeah.. abit too much is going on for me right now. Did Vincent say if he wanted pizza?” she asks giving a wave to Constance someone and Jakem

Sophie looks at Alice, “Did you want me to grab you a soda?”

Chara gives a nod to Cristal “Yeah.. abit too much is going on for me right now. Did Vincent say if he wanted pizza?” she asks giving a wave to Constance Mercedes and Jakem

“Planning some designs for someone,” Elliot expresses to Dovie, tapping his phone after producing a stylus for it. “Then, I’ll be waiting for some god send of money, so that I can begin laying the ground work for Harrington Manor.” A glance over towards Eloa, and a faint ruddy color paints those tawny cheeks of his, and with a sincere smile, he admits, “I’m glad you think so, but I was quite useless.”

Stelle dips her head and holds out a hand to Matthew. “Stelle. Love the euh… outfit,” Stelle replies, giving the upright cow an appraising look before offering something purple in turn.

“Hard to guess who’s the hottest one,” Jasper nods his head with a soft laugh. “Yeah, cake or fake. And also yeah, like I suddenly have a twin or something.”

Cristal waves to Jakem, Constance and Mercedes. “Nini!”

Kurt presses his lips into a thin line as he takes a sip from the punch, chuckling as his lips unpurse. “Been awhile since I’ve had good punch…”

Jakem lifts a hand to wave to Chara “Have fun. See yah Cristal.”

Dovie hums at Elliot. “I’ll be very curious what you do with the grounds of the manor.”

Mercedes wiggles her fingers at Cristal, “Get better soon hun!”

Sophie grins at Kurt, “You like? Sofia is amazing, huh!”

Alice nods at Sofia, hopping off her seat and shuffling out to find something to drink.

Malin arches her left eyebrow as she listens to Jasper. “What makes someone hot?” is asked of the near stranger.

Alice slips back in quietly, getting back to her seat and setting down a soda for Stelle.

Kurt turns to Sophie, flashing a wry grin, “If my body processed alcohol the same way, I’m fairly certain a few more sips of that would have me on my ass. My compliments to the mixologist responsible.”

Sophie tilts her head at Kurt, “Wh..huh? How do you?”

“Gardens, darling Miss Fairchild,” Elliot smiles, lifting his eyebrows and brightening his eyes. “More Roman issued architecture, a pool in the back, sun bathing chairs, a volley-ball net.”

Dipping her head at Alice, Stelle offers silent thanks before picking up the bottle and taking a sip.

Nemi just sits there humming softly.

Eloa gives Elliot another shy smile then turns back to Kai, “Yes I enjoy show. Many costume. Very creative.”

Kurt shakes his head, waving a dismissive hand towards Sophie, “It’s, ah, complicated. Another time.”

Sofia looks between Sophie and Kurt and grins, saying, “I can’t take all the credit, we’ve got an arcanist potion master in the kitchen who was able to stabilize it and make it stay rainbow colored like that.”

Dovie beams at the thought of it all. “You must invite me over. I would love to see it all when it’s ready.”

Sophie nods to Kurt, “I won’t prod, I’ll just nod.”

Preston taps his fingers atop the bar idly, not particularly joining in an topic of conversation, just listening, enjoying the chatter.

Matthew takes the bar like it were Stelle’s hand, bowing low before he’s rising back up. “What this old thing?” he echoes, striking a slight pose, “I only wear it when I want to feel particularly moo-gnificient.” His gaze drops to the purple-wrapped treat she offers, bows lifting with curiosity. “Can’t say I’ve tried one of these before, thank you!”

Mercedes smiles at Jakem and Constance, “I’m gonna mingle over at the bar a bit!”

“I’ll have plenty of masquerades, parties, and other things to host,” Elliot assures Dovie fluttering his eyelashes coquettishly. “And all but a select few I can count on my hand, are welcome.”

Derek runs a hand through his auburn hair, listening to Elliot for a time, before his eyes flit back to Dovie. “Oh, he’d also mentioned an observatory – like, with magic lenses to filter out light pollution,” he fills her in with a smile.

Constance nods at Mercedes. “Have fun.”

Jakem nods to Mercedes, lifting a hand to wave “All right, I might join yah.”

Dovie grins and looks to Derek. “Did you do your makeup yourself? Looks stunning.”

“It depends on the type of person,” Jasper tell Malin. “What you find as good qualities.”

Jakem nods to those along the bar as he sidles up to it. “So who’s tried the punch?”

Preston gestures at himself at Jakem’s question. “It’s great.”

Sophie beams a smile at Jakem, “Hopefully everyone, have you?”

Sofia bobs her head aside to Dovie in agreement, telling Derek, “I think you’re my favorite for cutest outfit!”

Malin hmms thoughtfully while listening to Jasper. “I see, I see,” gets said with two nods paired with those words. “So, like — the hot ones are the ones who have good qualities. What qualities are you looking for?” she just starts asking Jasper personal questions, like she’s a personal matchmaker.

“Ah yes, the observatory,” Elliot grins over at Derek, throwing a wink. “Something to observe the weather, something to indulge in the arcane.” With a small nod, he assets to Dovie, “And I’ll look forward to your presence, Miss Fairchild. Certainly, you can brighten a room, you seem quite cheery.”

Jakem looks to Sophie “Don’t remember, but my whistle’s wet and I’m seeing colors so I’m gonna assume so.”

“I am euh… /cowed/ by your energy,” Stelle replies to Matthew, smiling faintly and sprinkling nothing in the air over the candy bar with a wiggle of her fingers, “Every bite contains a little magic, no? Enjoy it by yourself or better, with your friends.”

“I tried it,” Alice says to Jakem with a smile, “But I’m a bad judge of quality. I’m not the biggest fan of booze,” she explains. “And, sorry I didn’t bring you a sock today.”

Mercedes returns to Sofia beaming a bright smile, “Wonderful Drag show! Absolutely Stellar,” she giggles, “The outfits were insane!”

Sophie tells Jakem, “Better try some more to make sure.”

Derek beams over to Dovie, nodding a few times. “I did!” he enthuses, then looking over to Sofia with that same grin.

“It’s been my dream to meet,” Matthew slowly catches on, studying the purple bar, “you Mr. Wonka. PErhaps we have business in the future, milk duds.. milk chocolate, milk…” he’s really trying, he’s really reaching, and finally he’s breaking that character. “Oh yeah, will I find a golden ticket?”

Nemi waves as they head out.

Kurt lets out a soft laugh, nodding to Sophie, “Nothing I’m embarassed by, mind you. Just not a conversation for such pleasant company.” He gestures grandly, indicating everyone else present, “That said, here’s to you all, for making it a great party!” With that, he reaches, refilling his glass and taking another sip.

Jakem tilts his head as he regards Sophie “I feel like we could do a decent Abott and Costello bit.” He nods to Alice “Too bad. I’ve still got enough of the last one, I coulda made a pair.”

Sophie nods at Kurt, “So you’re saying it’s a conversation for a brunch tomorrow?”

“Dearest Derek, you have a real talent here,” Dovie declares before she chuckles at Elliot.

“Right?” Sofia asks Mercedes, touching at her own war-painted chest. “We had such a good turnout, I wasn’t sure we’d have so many people dressing up!”

Dovie checks her phone. “Well, I apologies all, but I must away to rest before the next shindig.” She waves to Derek, Elliot and others. “Enjoy the rest of the party!”

Kurt pauses for a beat, raising a brow towards Sophie, “I, ah, will admit to not being often awake before four or five in the afternoon. Far more of a night owl.”

“I’m absolutely surprised I won,” Preston admits to nobody in particular – taking a hold of his cup and swirling it around before taking a sip of it.

Eloa shakes her head at Elliot and given she’s in her usual clothes, probably isnt a big costume person either.

“I’m not.” Alice throws a look at Preston, one eyebrow raised. “You make maiding look easy, P.”

Preston smiles at Alice. “I learned from the best, Alex!”

Sophie purses her lips and nods, “Alright then, second dinner.” She says to Kurt.

“Right now, I’m putting the relationship thing on hold currently,” Jasper answers Malin. “Even though I did dodged a bullet on the first one.”

“Alas, the punch has been punched out,” Derek laments.

Sophie grins at Sofia, “Not a drop left, it was good!”

Mercedes nods eagerly at Sofia, “Hopefully I can make up for my lack of creative attire at another party,” she then looks toward Preston, “Congratulations, I’m going to have to visit your parlor now!”

“How have you been, Miss Eloa?” Elliot asks Eloa, before glancing over at Kurt with a ginger and approving nod.

“No more punch, but we got beer on tap, and sodas in the cooler out front if you don’t drink or you’re driving home!” Sofia calls out to the crowd from behind the bar, smiling wide.

“Well, if you change your mind, I’m totally going to try my hand at matchmaking,” Malin informs Jasper, no longer surveying the crowd for Cake or Fake individuals and scoring them mentally. “Dodged a bullet, huh? What happened?” She reaches up to press her fake mustache against her skin to ensure it doesn’t fall off just yet.

Jakem whistles as he looks to Jasper “That sounds like a story. Unless you literally dodged a bullet… But if it was shot at you by a romantic interest, that’s an even better story.”

“Bubbly milk bombs?” Stelle offers as her smile turns toothy. She gives her reply to Matthew some thought and settles on, “Oh, maybe. I couldn’t just slip one in every bar, no? And I’m afraid they’ve all been mixed up hiswhere, herwhere and euh.. everyelsewhere. You will just have to try again sometime if you don’t.”

Ducking her head, Eloa gives Elliot a faint smile as she shifts from next to Kai and Sophie a bit more over towards him. “Eloa good. Lot people get injured. So spend much time at hospital. Eloa come with Kai and Sophie help them feel better. Big crowds usually scare Eloa honestly.” She admits with a soft sigh.

Kurt lets out a soft laugh, nodding to Sophie, “Second dinner it is. My schedule’s generally open, later on in the evening. Just let me know.”

“I’m not the greatest fan of crowds either,” Elliot nods over in agreement with Eloa. “Sometimes it can be a bit stifling.”

“The girl I once dated turns out to have a… weird taste in men as she get herself a boyfriend,” Jasper says, rubbing his chin with one hand while he glances towards the west. “But also for the best given there are those who are night owls or early birds.”

Jakem glances over at someone “so you do matchmaking? What’s your technique? Read tea leaves? Cards?”

“Is know everyone here?” Eloa asks Elliot, looking around, “Lots face Eloa not know..” She nods slightly at Kurt, “Is know name?

Sofia offers as an aside to Elliot, “I like that we’ve got a little space here to spread out, I’m the same. Crowds can get to me a little bit.”

Kurt shifts his gaze to Eloa as she directs a sentence towards him. Extending a hand towards her, he flashes a faint smile. “Kurt Steiner. The pleasure is mine.”

Preston grins at Mercedes, “Definitely,” he says to Mercedes, “I probably won’t be there, although,” Preston thinks on it, “If you do visit the Puff Puff Parlour, and buy some things!” Preston pauses, thinking the next words out. “Maybe, just maybe the New Haven Drag Queen will make an appearance.”

Jakem glances over at Malin “so you do matchmaking? What’s your technique? Read tea leaves? Cards?”

Preston grins at Mercedes, “Definitely,” he says to Mercedes, “I probably won’t be there, although,” Preston thinks on it, “If you do visit the Puff Puff Parlour and buy some things!” Preston pauses, thinking the next words out. “Maybe, just maybe the New Haven Drag Queen will make an appearance!” (fix)

Eloa blinks a few times at the hand offered to her and shyly extends her own after a moment to place her hand in his. “Eloa. Nice meet.” She tells him in a breathy heavily Brazilian accented voice.

“That is my friend, Mister Steiner,” Elliot introduces Kurt, formally, to Eloa, before he reciprocates such towards the tall blonde man. “Mister Steiner, this is the delightful Miss Eloa.”

Malin takes in what Jasper has to share and she ends up nodding at him. “Got it. Yeah, I totally understand.” It doesn’t look like she understands at all, and then her blue eyes focus on Jakem. “Em bee tee eye,” comes her answer. “Personality matching.”

“Bubbly milk bombs!” Matthew repeats, gratitude in his tone for the assistance Stelle renders. What’s said on golden tickets has him surveying the candy bar, really working it through his fingers like maybe that will betray whether that golden foil will be revealed upon its unraveling. In classic Charlie form he draws it up, barely tearing at one corner until just a hint of chocolate is there for that first nibble of a bite. “I’ll hold onto hope,” he promises Mr. Wonka. A beat and then he’s wondering, “When you’re not forging chocolates, Stella,” a distinction between characters, no longer Moo-lificent and more himself, Matthew, “what do you enjoy getting up to?”

Sophie nudges Kai softly, “You doing ok? Been a long twenty four hours.”

Kai looks to Sophie and blinks a couple of times, nodding at her, “Yep, you?” he asks with a smile.

Jakem nods to Jasper “I cannot really parse whatcha said, but good for you. Standing your ground, making those boundaries.” He looks to Malin “Peronality matrices? Huh, interesting. Any interest in talking shop sometime?”

Sofia beams a gentle smile back to Elliot and bobs your head. “Oh I know, I’ve been a table partner once or twice by now. You have a fun night, I’m gonna slip out for some air. Back in a few.”

Nemi chuckles and holds it up. “Mesh outside, Very airy beneath with holes I made.” she states with a nod. “the worst part is this shield- It’s real. And it is heavy. I also have a real version of the sword I’m giving to someone for their birthday tomorrow.” She states with a nod.

Nemi says “I sort of went all out-“

Sofia chuckles over to Nemi and gives a bow of her head. “Thought it was you under there. Such a good outfit, I thought for sure you were gonna take it. Only one vote from tying first!” She rolls her head lightly and sips at her beer, smiling to Salim. “Having a good night?”

Salim’s brow lifts slightly at the mention of the real sword, his gaze flicking between the helmet and Nemi. “Genuine steel for a birth gift,” Salim muses, curiosity in his tone. There’s a brief pause as he takes in the weight of that statement. “I’m hoping it’s not for a kid.” The wry edge to his tone makes the jest clear, though his expression stays as neutral as ever.

At Sofia’s prompting, Salim lilts his head over towards Sofia. “Yeah. Nice party. Too many people for my liking though so I stepped out for a smoke.”

Nemi nods softly as she smiles and bows. “Put a lot of work into it. This was actually a design for halloween so Most of the plans were already drawn up. Just had to adjust some parts.” She states with another nod. “Pft no, full grown adult luckily.” She states with a grin and a soft sigh.

Nemi sighs softly. “It’s night time… a lot of fresh air… nights still young. But I’ve got so much on my mind to consider and it damn hurts to try processing all of it at once… even slowly it just really hurts to think about Y’know?”

Nemi says “Just glad we had this party tonight. Got my mind off a lot of things.“

Sofia agrees gently with Salim, saying, “I just about froze up at that last big party at Obie’s for the Brine Pool Opening. This one was easier cause I had a purpose other than mingling.” She smiles over to Nemi and says, “Sometimes it’s necessary to just… think about stuff that’s not really important. Just fun.”

There’s a short nod given in reply towards Nemi, absorbing the words without pressing at all. His sole-eyed gaze settles somewhere in the middle distance as he listens to both Nemi and Sofia, evidently tapping away at his smartphone before setting it down back into the pocket of his field pants. “Yeah,” Salim says simply, voice steady. “I can get that. Thinking is heavier on some nights than others.”

Towards Sofia, there’s a bit of a warmer reception, familiarity perhaps. “Yeah. Glad you had fun, Sofia. I felt the same with the Brine. I left that one early too. Went shooting instead.”

Sofia makes a little finger-gun, then holds it up to her own head, groaning over to Salim. “That one put me out of commission the whole night, I could hardly even respond to texts I was so people fried. All the fancy posturing and posing…” She sighs a little, then smiles to Nemi and Salim. “I’m gonna head back in there, check on people. Carver though, one of these parties, I’m gonna have to sneak out here and bum a couple drags of a smoke off of you, definitely helps clear my head…” She flashes a little wink, and then takes another sip, heading back inside to the dimming-down party.

Mercedes snorts a laugh at Elliot and then very gently elbows him in the side, “Careful with Jakem, he’s almost as charming a charlatan as you Mister Harrington.”

Jakem looks curiously to Malin “Wait, are we unravelling the paper towels, or literally ripping the cardboard of the roll into a scroll format so that we can record the anals of our conversation?”

Falling quiet again as everyone else speaks around her, Eloa moves back over to Sophie so that the other woman can bask in her aura.

Matthew looks towards Sophie, studying the woman for a time, “You know, I’d say I’m like a…..” he drawls that vowel out for a long time, pulling out his phone to scan it and slowly work his fingers over the screen in the start of a text. “limited edition, misprint. Slightly off center. Probably not what the factory intended, but somehow valuable because of it?” He doesn’t sound certain but he smiles like it’s a point of pride.

Jakem glances to Mercedes “I’m twice the charlatan, and half the charm. I figure that evens out.”

Alice leans back in her stool, trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of the quieter but still-busy party. Eventually, it’s a bit too much, and she excuses herself, standing quietly from her stool. “I think I’m at my limit,” she announces quietly, passing a glance to Stelle. “I’m gonna get some air,” she informs, then she slips away, bringing her soda with her. NEVER leave your soda.

“A charlatan?” Elliot scoffs, pressing his palm to his chest. “What makes you say such a thing, Miss Satine?”

Kurt flashes a grin towards Mercedes, “Sister? Well, then by all means, the pleasure is mine twice over, then. It’s wonderful to meet you.”

Sophie lifts a curious brow at Matthew and says after a soft beat, “So…you’re normal.”

Malin hums thoughtfully at Jakem, “I like the word annals, and it fits because it’s a lot like anals and paper towels can be used in dire situations where there isn’t any toilet paper, I feel like, so it’s a win win situation.”

Preston turns around in his stool a little bit, and opens up his legs – it might be rather lewd and it’s probably pretty revealing. Thighs are full on display now, the maid dress doing it’s best to cover up anything improper though. Not revealing any undergarments. “No?” Preston replies towards Malin. “No teeth, but I think I can crush a watermelon..”

Stelle raises her eyebrows at ‘cannon bowling’ and then, she shakes her head. “Never heard of it. It euh… it sounds… Well it has an interesting name, no? How about y-” Stelle replies to Matthew, brow furrowing as she gives the name some thought but lifts herself as someone leaves. “Ah. Sorry, I am her ride. I should check on her. But it was nice to meet you,” Stelle quickly interjects, shuffling off westward.

Stelle raises her eyebrows at ‘cannon bowling’ and then, she shakes her head. “Never heard of it. It euh… it sounds… Well it has an interesting name, no? How about y-” Stelle replies to Matthew, brow furrowing as she gives the name some thought but lifts herself as the redhead seated beside her leaves. “Ah. Sorry, I am her ride. I should check on her. But it was nice to meet you,” Stelle quickly interjects, shuffling off westward.

Malin whistles at Preston, sound entirely impressed. “Dayum, Maid.”

Jakem nods to Malin “So it’s settled. We’re making a scroll of paper towels to record a conversation we’ve both forgotten so that we can refer back to the now wildly inaccurate document, which will henceforth be referred to as the anal anals.”

Matthew nods at someone, looking like he will follow, “Perfect timing, my firend’s outside now and i need to check on her, too.” In response to Sophie he only winks, “I’m anything but.”

Matthew nods to Willy Wonka, looking like he will follow, “Perfect timing, my firend’s outside now and i need to check on her, too.” In response to Sophie he only winks, “I’m anything but.”

Kurt coughs, “Annals. The pronunciation’s different. Annals.”

Sophie glancing at Sofia, “You doin okay Boss?”

Jakem glances to Kurt “Don’t anally anul my announcement of the Pizza shop annals.”

Sofia brushes at her mustache and then grins at Elliot, asking, “Tell me, am I just as lovely with my beard and this whole outfit on?” She flexes her pecs one by one, causing a little jiggle in her corset.

“Exactly!” Malin seems quite excited over how well Jakem followed along with her absolute nonsense. “And you know, some people’s deepest thoughts occur while in the loo, and so it’s pretty much going to be a sacred scroll on a roll, but like an almost toilet paper Dead Sea Scroll version, chronicling the forgotten lore for future generations to discover, and they will never be able to decipher it.” Then she adds, “They’ll blame it on Aliens.”

“Of course, Miss Delvecchio, if I was gay, I would be swooning on my stool with one look at you,” Elliot smirks, batting his eyelashes. “Sadly, I’m not, so no swooning for you.”

Kurt lets out a snort of laughter, “You’ll find, I think, it was the analyze your annals with almost anal-retentive focus. And, when all is done… Chuck it in a canal.”

Kurt says “It’s wise to, rather.“

There’s a snorted laugh that escapes from Preston at hearing Malin mention the fact things’ll be blamed on Aliens, but otherwise is relatively silent. Thinking, and just listening once more to the conversations.

Sofia snaps in approval and nods her head at Elliot saying, “I’ll take it.” Then over to Sophie, she nods enthusiastically, saying, “There were so many ways it coulda gone wrong, but yeah, went off without a single hitch if you ask me.”

Sophie nods to Sofia, “When’s the next holiday?” Her brow furrows as she things, “The fourth of July?”

A solemn nod is given to Kurt by Malin and she says, “For now, it is only to be unrolled in moments of great desperation, or during constipation of thought.”

“Sounds right,” Sofia replies to Sophie thoughtfully. “Next big one I can think of at least. If you have any event ideas, run ’em by me and we’ll see about hosting them here.”

Kurt lets out a quiet chuckle, shifting to extend a hand across to Malin. “Kurt Steiner. The pleasure is definitely mine. Always a treat finding someone with an appreciation for wordplay.” Turning to Elliot, he flashes a wry grin, “What? Not a fan of such banalities?”

“And I’m probably bi,” Jasper says and nods his head. “Anyway, imagine the aliens in the future reading it. That is, if the world is still alive.”

Sophie grins at Sofia, “Oh, I always have ideas. It’s a terrible habit.”

“Well, these sorts of double entendres and puns aren’t my most favored,” Elliot snorts at Kurt, shaking his head. “Glad we somehow mixed toilet paper up with religion.”

“Probably?” Derek wonders softly after Jasper, leaning against the counter and toying with his empty punch cup, studying it idly before his gaze drifts over languidly to Elliot with a flit of his brows. “…That sounds sacrilegious,” he states nonchalantly while seeming nonetheless unbothered.

Preston says “With what? The fuck?“

Derek says “…What kind of help?“

Jakem says “Like what sorta help? I can do counselling.“

Kurt says “Go on?“

“Apologies, Miss Eloa, I keep getting distracted with all the delightful company. I’d imagine that it’s-.” Elliot pausws, listening.

Elliot says “Explain? “

Sofia offers to Kurt and Sophie, “There are actually a few people out there who are timeswept and have like… actual experience jousting. Might be ringers.”

Preston grunts at something, and slips off his stool, and wanders out.

Eloa shakes her head as everyone seems to get tense. “What happening?” She asks worriedly.

Sophie gives Kurt an excited nod, “Done.” She looks at Sofia, “Think we could pull it off?”

“Hello, Kurt,” Malin replies after Kurt’s introduction and she accepts the offered hand with her right, while the left uses its fore and middle finger to keep her mustache glued above her upper lip. “I’m Dobie. Or Malin. I answer to either,” is said in her own introduction. “A log of logs. I believe banalities are just profundities that havent yet wiped properly.”

Malin says, “But if you use the scroll… the it might leave skid marks on the test…”

Malin frowns a little at that thought.

Eloa says “Anyone know what happening?“

Eloa asks as she watches the hand all flee from the party

“Something at the Four Seasons.” Derek fills Eloa in softly. “Details to come.”

Eloa sighs softly and shifts a bit closer to Derek. “Is lots of violence recently.”

“I’ve no clue. There was no information provided.” Derek replies to Sofia with a sigh, his attention drifting to Eloa to whom he nods a few times. “It’s really quite a lot,” he agrees. “I pray for no more reunions in hospitals.”

Sophie winces and touches her arm at the mention of hospitals.

“With mist and monsters and such,” Jasper grimaces a bit before he nods once more. “Seems like a lot of attacks.”

Sophie looks over at Jasper as they talk and nods along.

Sofia sighs and admits to Derek, “Well, I hate when so many people are in hospitals, but it does lead to a lot of pizzas getting ordered.”

“Pizza is not allowed hospital food.” Eloa comments under her breath, sighing softly with a undertone of worry

Derek looks over to Sofia with a flit of his brows. “…Really? I feel like I’d put on weight if I ended up stuck in the hospital eating lots of pizza,” he muses with a puff of air from his nose, gaze drifting over to Eloa with a slight dip of his chin.

“Pizza is the best hospital food,” Sofia assures both Derek and Eloa at once. “I’ve been told that the marinara we use has magical healing properties.”

“…Told by whom?” Derek wonders, leaning an elbow on the bar and propping his chin on his hand, regarding Sofia curiously.

Sophie nods, “I may need to order some. As I guess I’m staying there for a day or two.”

Helen walks through the pizza place into the bar area, with Matthew lasso’d up behind her. She gives a few little and quite manageable tugs as if pulling him along, “I caught this’n tryin’ to ‘scape!” She gestures out behind herself with a lift of her hat off her head, swinging it about wildly and then placing it back onto her head afterwards, “Even with them shoes, ain’t no match for me and my steed!”

Malin lifts a hand to wave at Matthew and Helen.

“Seafood is high allergen food not good for hospital.” Eloa insists softly, although without much heat or passion to it.

“Ambrose Vasquez, who I’m sure you’ll agree is a very reliable source,” Sofia nods back to Derek enthusiastically, a little grin lingering on her lips. She raises a hand over to Helen in greeting and says, “Are you a cattle rustler?”

Sophie says “I’d like a new body, please.“

It’s true. Matthew has been caught, and by the looks of it, is wrangled up nice and secure with a loop that pins arms to body. There’s no complaint in his features for it, that jolly cow smiling with his usual charm as he trails after Helen.

Sophie says “Just still pretty sore from last night.“

Derek’s gaze flits to Matthew. “Oh, dear, they caught Moothew.” he mumbles to himself more than anything, lifting a hand to wave with his fingers over to Helen.

Sophie says “Huh? “

Sophie says “Do we keep a..nevermind.“

Malin laughs helplessly at what Derek says about Matthew and Helen. “This is perfect,” she utters out.

“Rustle cattle, up breakfast, lots of things,” Helen says to Sofia as she waves towards the woman, Malin and several others nearby. She leads the Moothew on back towards the bar and gives a little tug to place Matthew up to lean towards it, as she takes a seat and then reaches out to begin to unwrap the lasso from him, “Ifn’ he be runnin’ again, going to have to hogtie him, wooweee, tell you what.”

Malin is pressing the tips of her fore and middle fingers of her left hand to her glued on mustache that is continually trying to rid itself of her. She says, “Howdy there, cowboy, looks like yer wrasslin’ up some grub. Grade A steak right there.” A nod is given to Matthew.

Jasper says “Be right back. Getting some cola.“

“…Ahoy.” Derek offers to Helen in clearly the wrong fashion, still wearing his sleek jade sundress and ballet flats, before exhaling from his nose. “Now, we can’t be having a Moothew on the loose,” he muses with a few different nods after Helen. “We’ll be sure to have him cowtied should he manage to escape again.” He squints over to to Matthew, then snorting again after Malin. “Grade A Steak, indeed,” he muses.

Sophie says “What book? “

Matthew bends an arm at the elbow, returning Derek’s wave, “I know, she’s udderly moo-varlous with a rope,” he claims. His gaze is cutting next towards Malin, “She got me on the first try, too. Roped me up like a sale during stampede week”

Once at the bar free to roam like a cow off the range, he reaches for a neglected glass of punch – it might be his, might be someone else’s, but at this point, he’s grazing – and takes a long, contemplative sip.

Reading her phone, Eloa seems relieved by something, smiling a little and tucking her phone away. “Yes but getting a bit sleepy.”

Sophie gives Eloa a smile, “Me too.”

Eloa nods and leans against Sophie. “Too much people drain energy.” She gives Kurt and Elliot a smile as they come back.

Malin gazes at Derek suddenly and goes, “Oh, hey, you’re Derek right? Buck thinks you and I are dating,” in an offhanded manner and without any other context, looking back to Matthew right after.

“I feel similarly, Miss Eloa,” Elliot chirps back over towards Eloa, as he takes a seat at the bar again, or, more aptly, leans his derriere and back against the bar, leaning, as he settles his cane between his legs, hands pressed up on the hook as if to drive it into the ground. “Did I miss anything interesting?”

“Look at you go.” Derek murmurs as his green eyes trail Elliot as he walks in confidently, lifting a hand to wave with his fingers, before snickering after Malin. “…Really?” he just states blankly, before nodding once or twice. “Yeah, I’m Derek. Charmed to make your acquaintance.” He looks back to Matthew, grazing at the remainder of his punch with mute curiosity.

Sophie looks down a there phone and then uses her good hand to palm her forehad as she laughs, looking over at Kurt with a smile.

Eloa shakes her head at Elliot, “No was just wondering if you fight shark.”

Sophie looks down at her phone and then uses her good hand to palm her forehad as she laughs, looking over at Kurt with a smile. –fix jeesh

Kurt lets out a bemused laugh, shaking his head. “There it is. In any case… Did we miss much of anything while we were gone?”

Sofia slumps slightly behind the bar, saying, “Phew. I’m beat. There’s a ball tonight too?” She shakes her head and gives Sophie a gentle nudge, saying, “I’m gonna be in the office chilling for a while if you need me or just wanna chat.”

“Yeah, he overheard someone mention I’m seeing someone, and he blurted out that it had to be Derek,” Malin says to Derek. “So, hi, in some strange man’s mind, you and I are a couple.” She winks at him and then laughs, and then has to press that strip of facial hair to her skin again. “I’m Dobie. Malin… One of those, at least,” and then she gazes at Helen to see what her friend does next to the poor Matthew.

“Small crowds works better for me, at least,” Jasper says after he sips from his bottle. “I would feel kind of lost when in very large crowds.”

“Not quite,” Elliot chuckles at Eloa, “I’m not quite prepared for that bit of gallivanting.”

Sophie gives Sofia a little wave, “I’m kinda wiped and a still feeling a lil defeated. I may end up heading back to the hospital soon.” She smiles, “Night boss.”

Helen pushes off the bar just to follow Matthew around close enough that the lasso could come into play again. She even reaches out to give him a little tap with it as she says, “Hear all them? Don’t be runnin’ off no more, we can’t abide by loose cattle, everything has to be moooooving at the right speed, up to us wranglers.” She takes a couple steps towards the bar again and tips her hat towards Derek, “Howdy partner. If anyone wants a some Grade A steak, we got the best round these parts. I’m Helen, by the by, pleasure.”

Sofia finishes off the remainder of her beer and gruffly wipes at her lips with her leather bracers, swaggering off like a true dothraki warrior. She pauses for just a second at Sophie’s words and smiles. “Get some sleep. And see if you can find someone to heal you up quicker, yeah?” She heads out.

Sophie looks down at her arm and pouts, “Useless human form.”

Mercedes beams at Helen, “Oh! Hiya Helen! Didn’t recognize you.”

After a sort time away, Preston trails his way back in, marching fluidly in and dropping himself into a seat at the bar. No longer is Preston a Pretty Maid, back in his regularly scheduled clothes.

Kurt presses his lips into a thin line, shaking his head towards Sophie, “Treasure it. It’s far, far from useless.” After that moment, the ever-present smirk returns, and he turns to Helen, “I don’t recall if we’ve met. Kurt Steiner.” He extends a hand towards her, “The pleasure’s mine.”

Jasper says “Oh… “

“So is someone boy who cry wolf then?” Eloa asks Elliot as she set her hand on the table. “For make everyone run off go rescue?”

“I struggle with bigger crowds too, honestly.” Derek admits candidly after Jasper, swivelling around in his stool for a time before he looks back to Malin with a snicker. “Oh, so you’re Dobie-Malin!…Dobiemelon?” He begins before stating somewhat amusedly. “Nice to meet you though. I do find it funny that Mister Ransom would think that.” His attention then drifts over to Helen with a slight upcurl to his lips. “Charmed, dear Helen.” He leans against the bar, letting out a relaxed sigh, before his eyes cut to Sophie, his brows knit for a moment though he doesn’t comment for the time.

how does one graze over punch? Truly it’s anyone’s guess but Moothew makes a show of it anyway, sniffing the glass like it might sprout hay or alfafa or something, then takes the last few swallows like it were the juiciest ball of cud (cus backwash, eww) in the pasture. With the cup empty and no cud to chew, he moseys on through the bar -the field if you will- in search of fresh grazing grounds; he must be hungry. But as Helen taps him with the lasso and delivers her warning, Matthew turns with a slow bink and low, perfectly timed, “Moo,” in solem, cow-like agreement. Because sometimes, words just get in the way of bovine diplomacy.

Sophie gives Kurt a curious glance and then shrugs, “I’d be far less useless I’m sure if I wasn’t..” She motions to herself.

“Not quite,” Elliot reassures Eloa gently, “But it’s not something to worry you pretty face about. If you’re feeling a little over-socialized, did you want to go chat for a bit somewhere quieter?”

“Maybe some other time?” Eloa asks Elliot, “Is probably need nap in little bit. Not good company for mister Moosey.”

Mercedes gives Preston another glance with a smile, “I was just talking with Miss Evalina Rothwell, I had no idea you two were friends.”

“Hey, Merci,” Helen says as she waves towards Mercedes and smiles, reaching out to take Kurt’s hand into her own to give a good up and down, firm handshake, “Nice to meet you, Kurt.” She begins to look around herself, spotting Derek as well, “That is the one and only DobieMelon, for sure, she told me that there was a steer around here needin’ some wranglin’.” She saddles herself up onto one of the stools at the bar, looking back towards Matthew, “Moo, to you, too!”

Eloa blinks a few times as if just considering that. “Is need invite?” She asks taking out her phone and frowning at it.

Jasper nods towards Derek before he drinks from his bottle.

“I’m not sure,” Elliot shrugs, “But, I’m not acquainted with whomever is throwing it, and I’m not going to impose myself upon it.”

Preston waves towards Mercedes, “Oh?” he asks, tapping his knuckles on the bar top. “Yeah, we’re friends.” It’s all he really says about it in fact, maybe not really having much more to say, but then, something alights and he mentions. “She’s funny.”

“Well Eloa invite Elliot if want. But not know person well either.” Eloa shakes her head, her chestnut curls falling about her shoulders. “Is Mask ball so Eloa usually hide back under mask.”

Sophie snickers softly.

Malin points at herself to confirm Derek’s guesses. “That’s me!” she says with a bright smile and the mustache falls off, ruining her outfit. “It’s really nice to meet you, too, Derek. Mister Ransom is really…” A beat. “Uh…” Another. “…special…?” Her voice raises in register at the end of that last word. Special seems about right, because she nods a little more.

Mercedes snorts a laugh at Preston, “Oh is she? I very much like her taste in broadway theatre… Cats I think she said was her favorite,” she says lazily drinking her ale at the bar.

“You’re not imposing yourself on anything, dear Elliot. You’re gracing them with your presence.” Derek corrects idly as he studies his hand for a moment, before looking over to him, then to Malin with a snort after her observation of the absent Ransom. “…He’d texted me asking on some of the recent happenings, but I didn’t really have as much information as I’d’ve hoped,” he recalls.

“I don’t have a mask, and, sadly, I’m running tight on current fundings, until my next check comes in,” Elliot informs Eloa with a faint smile. “Quite disappointing, really.” A laugh is thrown towards Derek, and a ruddy hue coats his tawny, freckles cheeks. “I am confident, but not quite that confident.”

Matthew can only laugh in the face of Helen’s moo’d reply, the sound of full amsuement as if some unspoken deal has just been struck and sealed with a nod. Stepping out of character just long enough to lean comfortably beside his wrangler, he angles himself twoards the bar, gaze drifting to the faces he’s less familiar with. “Kurt,” he repeats first, locking eyes with at Kurt, and then Mercedes, addressing her by name as well. A smile and he lifts a hand, “I’m Moothew, don’t believe I’m had the pleasure of grazing in your company befor.”

Preston nods at Mercedes in agreement, “I think she is at least,” the man responds with a smile. “I have yet to talk to her about… theatre, but I don’t know anything about it.”

Malin is sticking her faux ‘stache back on to keep up appearances, as if that was the only thing preventing her from looking silly……. “Oh, Buck is a fan of yours, huh?” she asks Derek. “He stole a roll of toilet paper from me once. I only offered him one, and he took two.”

“Calendar say mask is provided.” Eloa turns her phone to Elliot to show him for a moment. “But is okay if no want to.” She looks over at Derek and Jasper. “Is anyone else going?”

Matthew then interjects into Malin’s conversation, “In need of a good glittering, if you ask me. It’d brighten him up.”

Malin starts to laugh over Matthew’s words and she nods in agreement. “Yes, yes, yes.”

Matthew then throws out, “And he two TWO? I…” he’s delivering a face of mock-disapproval, “was too distracted by the rain.”