Just give me a D!
Mr. Teacher Please!

Nemi walks in as she looks around and waves softly, walking casually towards Esme.

Stelle/span>/span/iSophie giggles as she chants along with the crowd, enjoying herself with the others. A silly glance is directed at Kai, with a suggestive little wiggle of her brows.

Esme wiggles a wave toward Nemi with a smile as she comes over. She’s looking quite relaxed in her seat. “Heyy Nemi, long time no see. How ya been?”

“How does my asking whether your handler has been assisting you somehow undermine your sense of accomplishment and worth,” Arachne wonders of Cristal, skimming the blonde over from beneath her lashes, almost pitying. Instead, it is a half-smile that creases her lips. “You own a Waffle House, and other side hustles, and businesses. That should be something to be proud of, putting those degrees to use.” And then, she’s shifting her attention to Derek when he comes at her side, considerably warmer, softer even. “I’m your cousin, Derek. Your cousin. You needn’t be so formal when I came here to show you support.”

Hester uneasily scratches at her rashes, glancing around the room and sinking her posture smaller and smaller – not that she can defy the laws of geometry, though. Is it the song? Is it something else? Hard to tell with the self-conscious fat one. Malin only just distracts her enough from some internal whirlwind, to whom she croaks, “Ah?” Angling a sideways look, she attempts to measure quite clinically with her eyes. “.. ehm, I feel if you sit and it rides up entirely, then it might be.. too short. But it’s fitting for here!”

Jakem smirks over to Annabelle, raising a brow “Oh, so you’re suddenly a prank connosieur are yah? You know who we should ask. Kai.”

Finally the music cuts out suddenly and Casey is left with mic at her lips, her breath heavy into it with sweat on her skin, She whispers loud into the mic, “Mr Teacher, I need that fuckin’ D.” then she lowers the mic, grinning to herself. Lost a moment before she looks through the crowd to try and find someone in particular. It’s Hester she picks out and she holds out the mic while staying on the table for now.

Who enjoys a college party? Not this bitch, judging by the stank look on her face. Charlotte walks in, heels clicking, and takes in the scene before her. After a moment, she notices Malin, and with a look of STRONG relief, she sails over to the woman. “Malin, darling, I was hoping to run into you here.” She comments, giving her friend a kiss on the cheek. “What an….interesting event this is.”

Kai dances along right behind Sophie, grinning as the drugs begin to take hold, he lowers his hands to Sophie’s hips and pulls her back against his, swaying to the beat, even though he can’t dance for shit, “Just gimme the P!” he calls out and leans in to murmur in Sophie’s ear.

“I ain’t got no handlers!” Cristal insists, but the more kinder compliments seem to fluster the blonde. “Thank ya.” she huffs, eyes darting back and forth, as if unable to discern whether there was a hidden something in the compliment. Regardless, her hackles lower.

“Nuh-uh.” Annabelle sniffles, wiping her forefinger down on the band logo of his shirt. “I just think it’s sexy to use the euphemism, ‘my boyfriend’s going to engineer me,’ or something.”

“..I’m still working on the phrasing.” She mutters, turning her nails back around for her to look at.

As Hester gives her approval for Malin’s dress, Malin starts beaming brightly. “Thank you,” she expresses warmly, like Hester’s opinion truly matters to her, and as Charlotte approaches, she starts to squeal girlishly. “Charrrrrlotttte!” The kiss is returned to the other woman’s cheek. “Hester says I don’t look too slutty. What do you think?” Then she notes to Charlotte, “Those jeans have seen a lot of love!”

Alice stands suddenly, holding a hand to her earpiece and stepping away from the table a bit. She can be heard muttering, “Yes,” “Yeah,” “Got it,” then she shoots a glance at Stelle, nodding to her, before she gives a little wave to Hester. “Sorry, Hester – getting called away. I, uhm. Cool party. Thanks for the invite. Hope you passed all your finals!” She reaches blindly for Stelle, feeling for a hand as she starts to head for the stairs.

A screech of feedback erupts on the speakers as Hester takes the mic from Casey.

“H-hi, everyone. No, I’m not ehm, giving anybody a D. I’m happy with my A’s, please. Thank you for coming to the End of Term party, hosted by Windermere’s student union government and the Den of Wonder,” Hester nervously speaks into a mic, the spotlights glaring off of her glasses. “I’m your Student Council Vice President, Hester Flanagan. Ehm, I’ll let the others introduce themselves whenever..” she mumbles, unfolding one page worth of a cheat sheet. “But I’d like to say a few things, since this is an open-invitation party, not just one for students.”

Annabelle winces.

Cristal claps for Hester during the spotlight.

Esme grimaces with the feedback but then tries to focus on Hester’s speech.

Sophie cheers for Hester, “Wooooo!”

Malin wolf whistles at Hester.

Jakem hmm’s thoughtfully to someone “I mean, I /am/ an engineer now. You could do that now if you wanted.” he comments, seeming either partially deaf, or used to sudden loud staticy screaching, or perhaps the two things are related and both true.

Jakem hmm’s thoughtfully to Annabelle “I mean, I /am/ an engineer now. You could do that now if you wanted.” he comments, seeming either partially deaf, or used to sudden loud staticy screaching, or perhaps the two things are related and both true.

Stelle nods at Alice, eyes drifting left. “Yeah. Take care,” Stelle adds to Alice’s words, her head tilting leftward a moment later.

Casey elects to climb down from the table when Hester comes on the table. The weight of two women and all the things on it likely threatens catastrophe and so the pig-tailed emo-femme gets down to catch her breath and join the party.

Yes, it seems despite the sea of drugs and drinks, the ugly nerd is trying to hammer back some education in the event. Wow.

“Windermere is known for its Ivy League-caliber standards and unique curriculum,” breathes the roundest one, Hester reading from her notes. “Many are majoring in vastly different fields, but we share some core units – from supernatural history and applied occultism…” she says, arm sweeping to the side. “To ethics versus escalation in conflicts a-and critical decision-making. Basically, lessons that mold and prepare us for careers and challenges beyond a term paper.”

“You look hot.” Charlotte announces, tone decisive. “That dress lands on the correct side of slutty, I approve. Where did you get it.” Hester is not greeted, though after a glance, Charlotte asks Malin with zero attempt to moderate her volume “Oh, is that your fat friend you were telling me about?” She assesses the drink options and, pressing her lips together, moved on to ponder the more interesting substances.

Charlotte is displaying a piss-poor attitude per usual

Sophie glares at Charlotte, “Shut the fuck up.”

Derek clears his throat, his left hand drifting to a bowl and grabbing one of the blue pills as he goes to take one, exhaling from his nose, his attention drifting back to Arachne languidly. “My apologies.” he adds with wry amusement, then adding, “I was simply following convention – returning a title with a title.” He does seem to soften slightly after that though, his proverbial mask slipping slightly. “…Thanks.” he adds quietly with a slight, genuine smile. His attention drifts about the room, taking in sights and sounds for a beat.

Charlotte spares Sophie a glance and replies “No, I don’t think I will.” before going back to her conversation.

Kai bursts out laughing at Charlotte’s comment about Hester, he lifts his hands from Sophie’s hips and turns around, twerking his butt back against Sophie’s with the music, “Just gimme the D!” he says out of tune and out of sync and probably a song behind.

“I ordered it online,” Malin explains to Charlotte of her attire, smoothing a palm over a hip where that colour-shifting fabric covers. She tries not to laugh over Charlotte’s question about Hester, and just nods her head. “That’s Hester. She’s my best friend,” is explained rather proudly as she gestures to Hester.

“Ehhhuuh…” Annabelle murmurs, curling a lip into her cheek as she look up at Jakem, trying to place how she feels about it. “It doesn’t work as well. Maybe it’s just the euphemism sucks, I’ll work on it. But if you’re in an educational position at the college you’re in a place of authority, and, like, saying ‘I bang your authority figures has more power to it. Or something.”

Sophie slaps Kai’s ass, hard.

“Let Hester say stuff!” Cristal chides the crowd.

“I like to think many students live by the college’s motto, ventis sapientiae, which means ‘On the Winds of Wisdom’,” Hester continues, trying not to look at the faces around just so she can get to the end of her paper. “But as you well know, ehm, wisdom doesn’t come solely from books or from rituals. It comes from learning from each other–” She squints at her notes, muttering, “Crap, that’s a lot of from’s…”

“That’s why this coming term, the student council would like to strengthen our ehm, mentorship initiatives,” the nerd reminds the crowd with a choreographed wave. Howver, the farther along her talking points she goes, the less.. enthused she sounds. “We’re.. uh… inviting alumni, existing contractors, and anybody interested to connect with undergrads – whether as guest teachers, short-term mentors, or just to scare students into studying and training harder.”

Jakem nods to Annabelle “That’s true, though a lot of the power of that statement comes from you pluralizing authority figures. Sounds like you’re just kinda chainin’ ’em together and going down the line.” he says with a nod of approval.

“Yeooow!” Kai says and jerks his hips forward, arching his back backward and grabs onto his own ass, but he laughs again, turns around and starts dancing around behind Sophie again, barely paying attention to Hester as he dances.

As none of Hester’s announcement applies to Casey, the emo-femme drifts over to Jakem to give an upnod and tired smile, “Wasn’t bad was it? I need a real band I think.” she self-critiques openly.

August rubs his face with the heel of his palm.

“Oh, that’s so nice.” Charlotte replies to Malin, and she’s, like, five percent less of a cunt, turning to Hester and saying “Dear, I do love those pants. They emphasize your better assets.” She also seems to realize she’s being fucking rude left and right, and so Derek and Arachne both get a wave and a “Hello, dears!” Leaning against a table, she gets comfortable for the moment, returning to Malin and asking “What have you been up to, darling, other than renaming my cat?”

August says “Dumbass. “

Arachne threads her arm through Derek’s own, the tips of her manicured nails drifting along the inner line of his arm in a rhythmless drill while she listens to Hester continue on the stage, listening to her set the foundation for the student council’s work for the season. She exhales slow, looking over a shoulder when Charlotte’s wave catches her eye. “Oh, Miss Harker, what an unexpected surprise. It’s good to see you,” she extends amicably, ever pleased.

God, is it not over yet? “I’d also like to announce that the ehm, Windermere Silver Wings might be holding tryouts soon. For football, ice hockey, and the swim team,” Hester raises a hand to get people’s attention. “The cheer squad is looking to dominate another state championship, with Jenny the Azure Owl at the helm,” she says, motioning in someone’ direction. “And our debate society remains one of the best in the country, possibly thanks to a few members being part-time oracles… Shoutout t-to the Sons of Olympia??”

Ears reddening, she clears her throat and adds with a breath of confidence, “And if there’s enough interest, I’ve been quietly researching the possibility of launching an official dueling club. I’m sure our President has many ventures planned, as well, s-so everyone should look forward to those and seeing how all the students improve.” A meager smile now for the crowd. “We’ll do even better if we work together with you.”

“With that said, please let the student council know if you’re keen to get involved.” The bandaged-up ginger folds up her paper and hastily thrusts the mic back at Casey, looking so green she may as well throw up in a minute.

God, is it not over yet? “I’d also like to announce that the ehm, Windermere Silver Wings might be holding tryouts soon. For football, ice hockey, and the swim team,” Hester raises a hand to get people’s attention. “The cheer squad is looking to dominate another state championship, with the Azure Owl at the helm,” she says, motioning in Jenny’s direction. “And our debate society remains one of the best in the country, possibly thanks to a few members being part-time oracles… Shoutout t-to the Sons of Olympia??”

Ears reddening, she clears her throat and adds with a breath of confidence, “And if there’s enough interest, I’ve been quietly researching the possibility of launching an official dueling club. I’m sure our President has many ventures planned, as well, s-so everyone should look forward to those and seeing how all the students improve.” A meager smile now for the crowd. “We’ll do even better if we work together with you.”

“With that said, please let the student council know if you’re keen to get involved.” The bandaged-up ginger folds up her paper and hastily thrusts the mic back at Casey, looking so green she may as well throw up in a minute.

“Oh,” Malin has been caught. Not red handed, but caught all of the same. “Uh… How is… Shnookie doing anyway?” she tries to sound genuine and natural while posing that question. “You have a wonderful home, by the way.” Complimenting someone’s decor and residence seems to be a believed way out after someone tells you they know you broke into their home. “Mostly, chatting with friends, hanging out, being lazy, eating great food, planning five events for the future. What about you?” She is listening to Hester’s speech, too, flashing a wide smile at the much younger woman with the mic.

Jakem whistles at Hester “That sounds like a shit ton of work!” He calls out… Encouragingly?

“There’s sum overlap in community.” Annabelle sighs to Jakem’s comment, seemingly conceding the sense of it as she looks lidded over to Casey. “I’m working three twelve hour shifts a week. I might have time for a band.”

Esme offers up a bit of applause for Hester when the speech (finally) ends, perhaps not an enthusiastic as she usually is but blame it on the Xanax. “Lots of stuff!” She agrees with Jakem.

Charlotte doesn’t seem bothered at all that Malin apparently took an uninvited stroll through her property, informing the woman cheerfully “Teach Matthew not to be such a snitch. And Big Baby Pudding Snatcher is great!” She nods at the assessment of Malin’s wild life. “Not doing much. I’ve been a bit absent, as Arachne observed – family obligations. All of them terribly boring.”

Kai digs out his phone and holds up his phone, blasting The Oscars’ ‘Wrap it up’ music as loud as the phone will allow after Hester keeps giving a speech. Then she passes the mic back and he scowls, ends the song and puts his phone away.

Sophie nudges Kai, “Hey! Don’t be a dick to your student council.”

“So sad,” Malin/span>/spanKai snickers a little at Sophie and shrugs, “Fiiine…” he wanders off from her for another shot and returns with one for her, leaning a shoulder to one of hers.

“Oh fuck, don’t make me name things, do you know how hard it is for me to even make lyrics?” Casey ask someone with a hint of playful panic. She receives the mic thrust upon her, her brow lifted in surprise. She hesitates with it, staying off the table for now as she looks towards someone with a silent question and a what-the-hell shrug

August says “I’ll allow it.“

“Oh fuck, don’t make me name things, do you know how hard it is for me to even make lyrics?” Casey ask Jakem with a hint of playful panic. She receives the mic thrust upon her, her brow lifted in surprise. She hesitates with it, staying off the table for now as she looks towards Jakem with a silent question and a what-the-hell shrug

“Don’t be a dick to Hester.” Annabelle contents with the supporting argument: “You’ll feel bad.”

“Grand-mere will never let me escape, though she was mad at me for a bit after my little stunt at the Bachelor” Charlotte says, looking delighted by her own life choices. “Perhaps I’ll go on reality television again and she won’t speak to me at least six months.”

Jakem snickers over to Annabelle “I can’t tell whether you’re trying to guilt them or threaten them.”

Kai indicates Charlotte as he talks, loudly, to Sophie, “That lady is such a bitch it’s hilarious,” he says, laughter in his voice and he nods at August.

Sophie nibbles on Kai’s ear before whispering something.

Hester ambles right back to the crowd, disoriented and looking like she regretted every second of that. It’s a cacophony of opposing pro and anti Hesters going on that brings her to rub some migraine out of her forehead. Whatever the case, she’s found Malin again, but not the other two who were just here.

“Ohhh, well, you know what works, then!” Malin praises Charlotte, sounding impressed. “Here,” she’s waving at Hester who is already heading over. “Hester, this is Charlotte. Charlotte, this is Hester. She’s one of the most helpful and dedicated people you’ll ever meet. And very talented.”

“When you make someone feel bad, you’re supposed to feel guilt.” Annabelle responds innocently, patting what she’s packing; a lime green water gun. “Kinda crazy when people can’t behave in public, so maybe someone needs a quick correction of Psyche and Safety.”

Derek stands beside Arachne, his attention resting on Hester though appearing perhaps distracted, his gaze occasionally flitting about to one of the neighboring conversations before Kai starts playing music, and he snorts with mild amusement. As Hester wraps up, he lifts his other hand to give a golf-clap; the MDMA he had taken earlier seems to have taken affect, and he seems to have relaxed considerably, subconsciously leaning against Arachne a bit. “…I believe so.” he muses, flashing a grin for a beat.

Jakem nods to Annabelle “But you didn’t say you feel guilt, you said she’ll feel bad. That’s a little more… threaty.” he muses academically. “Oh, so when you said bad, you meant wet?”

“Charmed, I’m sure” Charlotte says to Hester easily, looking utterly unbothered about Kai’s commentary on her personality. He’s not wrong, after all. She looks the chubby girl in front of her over with a somewhat wary eye, saying “I’d shake your hand, but you seem to be sloughing off here and there. If Malin says you’re talented, though, you must be. She knows how to sniff out useful people.”

Casey has the mic, but since it’s left loose at her side and muted it’s not making any noise through the speakers. She tries to keep up with her surroundings so when Sophie ask August if he has words she steps closer to offer out the mic to him as an option.

Jakem nods to Annabelle “Good idea, you can always come up with more interesting things than wet with suitable forethought.”

“You’re practically lost to the high,” Arachne accuses Derek in tepid tease, just a hint of affection warming the socialite’s words. The curl of her fingers at his bicep soften, head turning to spare a glance in Hester’s direction, skimming her over before extending her voice in compliment, “You wrote a fine speech, Miss Flanagan.”

Hand still in his pockets, August leans aside with the mic up to his face, and starts to speak through the haze of his eyes. “Hey, everyone. Welcome to my TedTalk.” He’s far from being as serious as Hester was, and he’s far more drugged up than any human should ever be. “Hester said some stuff that I didn’t listen to, but I’m not gonna risk repeating it either. Thanks for coming to get high as a kite with the student council.” That’s it. He just nods, and continues to slouch in his seat, half-drowsy, far from here.

Hester holds her hands up in surrender at Charlotte, evading any possibility of a handshake as well. “Ehm, hi, Miss Charlotte,” she croaks at the woman, shaking her head to agree. “Yeah, ehm. Please don’t. I’m not sure if you’re.. if you’ve got the immune resistance for it. I’m already about to get sued by a beauty corp..” Arachne’s voice reaching her begets a blank-eyed stare that way, as if the woman had instead spun up the complete opposite. Still, a thin-lipped smile is given back.

Jakem calls up to the ‘stage’ “Elaborate on dueling club! Is that starting today? Who’s in it?” he calls to August.

Kai sways behind Sophie and lifts his phone up to once more as soon as August starts to speak, that Oscars’ Wrap it Up’ music blaring from his phone until he seems to be done. He keeps it going another few moments, it’s the only way to be sure, and then kills the music and puts it into his pocket.

Cristal/span>/span“How’s the night so far?” Vivian asks of Kai. “Seems to be going uh-… I don’t know, it’s a bit overwhelming.” She smiles and grins at Hester. “Hey there.” The girl spends some time looking through the crowds of students, but upon noticing someone she reaches out to them, it was the Jenny, a grin on her face, with both of her hands she waved at Jenny. “Hoot hoot!” A low chant.

Cristal checks her pockets and comes up empty, shaking her head at Esme. “Sorry honeybee! Ya hungry?”

for a lack of someone to take it off of her Casey places the mic on the table, giving it up to just about anyone to take and abuse

Kai looks aside to Vivian, “Hey will you… it’s good. You want to do some drugs? Take the little blue pill in that bowl,” he points to one of the bowls randomly and grins at her a little, “Hoot hoot!” he calls to Vivian, for some reason and rests his chin on Sophie’s shoulder lightly.

Esme laughs, “Nah, but I keep hearin’ about it. One ah these days.” She figures to Cristal

“It’s contagious? Oh, dear, you should really see a specialist about that.” Charlotte says to the broke college student. “And a beauty corporation? What did you do, go lick the samples at MAC?” Her hands go in the pockets of her well-loved jeans and she crosses one ankle over the other, getting comfortable in her spot. “It just all looks so uncomfortable.” Her tone is matter-of-fact rather than cruel.

Hester’s lingering, blank-eyed stare goes without notice as Arachne’s attention drifts on August when he gives a lethargic address to the crowd. Her arm shifts, one hand joining the other in muted applause from a brief patter of fingertips. “A dueling club could be interesting,” she muses in aside to Derek, before glancing down, drawing out her phone.

Jenny spreads her wings over to Vivian, her voice speaking out from behind the mesh “Hoot hoot!”

Vivian shakes her head. “I don’t do drugs, sorry.” she answers to Kai.

“Drink some vodka then,” Kai tries to pressure Vivian, “Take your top off. Cut loose!” he tells her with a little laugh, “You can go to confession later.”

Derek giggles after Arachne as she teases him, tilting his head back as if stretching his neck out and closing his eyes. He peeks an eye open to look over at August as he gives his announcement with slight interest, a silly smile crossing his expression after Kai starts blaring music from his phone. He seems distracted but happy, gaze drifting languidly back to Arachne at his side. “It could be, couldn’t it?” he muses, exhaling through his nose and humming contentedly.

Casey wrinkles her nose at what Kai says to Vivian but doesn’t step in to interfere. She just shows her disdain for the man’s attitude.

Sophie hops up and grabs the mic, then points to the five student council members with a crooked smile. “Alright, we’re going to set an example as we play a little game to introduce people to us and then to welcome them to share about themselves. Thankfully it’s a simple game so nobody should have an issue. And then, two people who give the most hilarious responses will win a thing.” She says, pointing to the crowd, :We’re playing True or False. You say one thing about yourself. The rest of us guess if youre lying and why.” She leans forward, her tone playful but daring. “Be clever. Make us second-guess everything. And we’re starting with the President, then Vice, then Treasurere, then Secretary and then Mascot.”

Sophie hops up and grabs the mic, then points to the five student council members with a crooked smile. “Alright, we’re going to set an example as we play a little game to introduce people to us and then to welcome them to share about themselves. Thankfully it’s a simple game so nobody should have an issue. And then, two people who give the most hilarious responses will win a thing.” She says, pointing to the crowd, “We’re playing True or False. You say one thing about yourself. The rest of us guess if youre lying and why.” She leans forward, her tone playful but daring. “Be clever. Make us second-guess everything. And we’re starting with the President, then Vice, then Treasurere, then Secretary and then Mascot.” –fix

Esme brightens some as Gabriel comes in, “Hey, babe.” She eases up from her lazy slouch, clearly on something or other at that has her vibing.

August grumbles under his breath.

Gabriel grins and finds a spot near Esme, “Hey. Damn this place is busier than I thought it’d be.”

A game is announced, and Charlotte for once does not lean into her heritage. “Alas, I need to wash my hair. Hester, lovely meeting you. I’ll ask Malin how useful you are sometime, I have some projects you could be helpful with. Your sense of whimsy is just great – I enjoyed those carnival games you created.” And with that, off she fucks into the ether.

Kai totally ignores Casey’s dirty looks and turns his back to Vivian and starts twerking in her direction, “You do you, I’ll do me, chillin at the bottom of the sea!” he sings horrendously through Sophie’s announcement.

Annabelle smiles with a giddy shrug, and mouths okay, then turns aside and takes out her phone as she leans against Jakem like a pillar.

Esme chuckles to Gabriel, “Yeah. I barely know what’s goin’ on but figure we’ve got Dovie’s job soon anyway.”

Sophie says “She had some quest.“

Vivian shakes her head. “Sorry, I… No.” She answers Kai, this time with a touch more firm tone. “I don’t drink either, I’m just here to get used to groups of people.” She tilts her head. “The smell is terrible though.” She looks around.

Jakem hmms over to Kai “Smells like rotten potatoes.”

“Vodka has a smell, he means the rohypnol he puts in it has no smell.” Casey clarifies to Vivian for Kai. Taking a shot at the man with a mean smirk of her own.

“Ehm. If you get sick easily, you’d probably ehm..” But the wary-eyed woman had come and gone like an insult. Hester can only just stand there and exist in its echoes. On the bright side, she’s not -still- doing a speech. Some distraction gets her peering about the room, belatedly noticing Vivian and giving her an tired wave. But from here, she’s just hugging her belly, trying to make herself seem smaller.

“Shuddap,” Kai tells Jakem without any heat in his tone, a little grin on his face, “I’m trying to corrupt a delusional Christian,” he tells the man and looks to Casey, “Hey fuck yourself lady.”

Sophie manages the busy crowd and gives August a look, “Alright mister President. Tell us your truth or a lie.”

Arachne peels away from Derek, leaving him to his own drug-influenced devices with a fond little pat to his arm. She turns to scan the crowd, eyes falling on Esme and Gabriel to deliver a gentle wiggle of her fingers in their direction without disturbing them, drifting along toward the end of the table.

“Yeah, the smell, half the people here smell like they’ve smoked weed or they had too many drinks.” Vivian explains to Sophie. “But like I said, I don’t drink.” She nods her head at Kai. “And I’m not delusional either.” With that she looks away, clearly the words had an effect on her.

Gabriel spots Arachne wiggled greeting and returns a faint smile and a little wave of his own.

Esme waves to Arachne with a smile in turn, sending off another couple texts before checking the time with another little sigh and murmurs something to Gabriel

Kai turns his head back to Vivian, “Nah you’re right, it’s not delusional, my bad. You should talk with Eloa, she’s Catholic. I’m kinda surprised she isn’t here… but I think she will be if you stick around,” he grins a little and looks from her to Sophie, then to August, both brows lifted as he waits. When he notices Gabriel he gives the man a two-handed wave over his head, as if he were flagging him down on a highway, “Hey Gabe!” he calls to the man chipperly.

Gabriel gives Kai a friendly wave before grinning and presenting him single finger, “Hey, Kai.”

As Arachne peels away from him, Derek looks to his side, and she’s gone. He gives a little hum, before grabbing a couple more shots of rum, downing those promptly, before looking over to Gabriel with a smile. “Hiii, Gabe.” he draws out, his pupils probably looking dilated at this point.

When all else is lost, where must Hester turn to? The food, of course. Except rather than indulge in pizza rolls, she very consciously selects a fruit skewer and a serving of cheese. The drinks get a tempted look from her next, however, before a glance is shot up toward Sophie to try and catch where at all things were at the moment.

“I don’t know,” August lazily drawls aside, then sighs in the drop of his head. It hangs off the backrest of his seat, angled to the ceiling, but he does bring his hands out of his pockets — just to fold his arms over his chest. “I’m thinking.” In that longstanding pondering, his head slowly shifts to stare at Sophie, given she goaded him on, and he simply reveals; “I’m on five different drugs right now.” Is that the truth? The lie? Who knows. It’s something.

Gabriel glances to Derek now and chuckles once he spots the other man’s eyes, “You look like you’re having a really good time. Clearly I showed up too late for most of the festivities.”

Jakem calls up to August “Hah! We only got four here you liar!” he calls out. Clearly he’s made his guess.

Sophie squints at August but rolls with it, “Alright crowd, do you think he’s on five different drugs right now? Or more? Or less. Shoutout your answers.”

Kai waves at Kaelyn, “Hey you found us! Ooo… maybe… I got an idea,” he kisses Sophie on the cheek and jogs off to the stairs.

Kai jogs back up the stairs and over to the tables again.

As someone willing to get on the table and sing for a crowd of strangers Casey makes for an unusual wallflower as she drifts away from the crowd to stand out on her own, listening and watching but she isn’t engaged in any conversations.

Gabriel checks his phone and leans in to say something to Esme.

Esme grins a bit, “I got some party favors for later.” She figures to Gabriel, head tilting to listen.

“Whoa!” Kai ejaculates when the woman disappears and immediately yanks his phone out to start texting away.

Esme chuckles quietly.

Gabriel nods to Esme, “Sounds good. Got to swing by my place and I’ll be there.”

“He’s phrobably on six,” Hester drones to Sophie loudly from the food tables, checking out the tequila next and pouring herself a whole-arse cup.

Gabriel waves to the familiar faces on his way out.

Esme gets up from her seat with a stretch and a wave to the gathered, “Have fun everyone! Great party.”

Kai heads over to Derek and asks him, “Derek, wake up! How did your cousin just disappear like that?” he asks and reaches out to try to shake the man by the shoulders lightly.

Cristal pokes Derek. “Holy shit is that real fairy dust???”

Sophie chuckles at Hester, “So we have two people calling him liars.” She looks at August, “And the answer is?”

Vivian tilts her head at Casey “What’s Rhoy- rholy- anyway? I’m not really that good at chemistry, or drug knowledge.” She puts hands behind her back.

Derek stares blankly as Kai gives him a shake by the shoulders, flopping about. A silly smile crosses his expression, and he giggles. “Hi, Kai; it’s usually nice to say hi first.” he greets him all chipper. “Um… Magic, or something?” He seems clueless to that question’s answer, at least. He looks over to Cristal, nodding rapidly. “It isssss.” he draws out.

“I don’t remember..” August mumbles to himself, over his phone. “Probably more.”

Casey blinks, returning from her funk when Vivian speaks to her to ask something. “Huh? Oh, its a date rate drug. Knocks you out so the creeps can take advantage.” she gives Vivian a smile and just gives her words of wisdom, “Just cover your drink and never accept one from a stranger.”

Jakem nods, snapping with a cofident smirk to Sophie “Hah, called it, if he was on five drugs he woulda remembered the fifth. Since there is no fifth, he doesn’t recall the ones he’s not on.”

“Hi Derek,” Kai tells Derek and steps away from him when he seems to be of no use to him, off over to Vivian, “They’re roofies, she’s calling me something vile because she’s an asshole,” he informs Vivian of Casey.

Sophie hums for a moment, “As it seems that two of our five council members have partied themselves into..well an inability to partake. I think I’m going to drop the game and just let Hester pick who in the room gets these little things. As she did an amazing job.”

Vivian tilts her head at both Casey and Kai. “I don’t drink anyway.” She explains to them both, though she looks bakc at someone and smiles softly. “I’m Vivian, nice to meet you, you can call me Vi though.” She offers her a tiny wave.

Vivian tilts her head at both Casey and Kai. “I don’t drink anyway.” She explains to them both, though she looks back at Casey and smiles softly. “I’m Vivian, nice to meet you, you can call me Vi though.” She offers her a tiny wave.

Casey smiles back at Vivian and introduces herself, “I’m Casey. I dont’ go to the school or anything but I was invited to sing here.”

“Huh?” Derek states after Cristal, squinting though still with that wide, close-lipped smile. “Um… Well, I don’t know…” he draws out skeptically.

“Wait, what-” And now the Secretary is giving Hester free merch. Not just one but two owls. “How many of these do we have..?” she must ask, after giving them a look and comparing their size and make to Jenny. “Soph– ah..”

“…I think I wanted to try the peach one before they were gone.” Derek mumbles after Cristal, grabbing that one then and taking it nonchalantly.

Kai looks over to Casey, “Nice to meet you Casey. Can you take back what you said about me and rohypnol please?” he asks, stuffing his hand into his hoodie pocket.

Jakem elbows Annabelle “Don’t be dour, this city is a true 8th Wonder.” he declares with confidence.

“It’s an eclectic mess of instant gratification stimulus and death.” Annabelle responds dryly.

Hester tucks one bird underneath her wing before passing the other to Jenny with a shady instruction of, “.. You know what to do.” In her roam back to the goodie table, she mumbles a brief but genuine thanks to Casey, “Ehm, that was a very not PG-13 kind of song but I thought it was witty and you did great, ma’am.”

Jenny looks down at the plushie giving a gasp “Hoot!” then looks over to Eloa “Hoot hoot!”

Kai waves at Eloa, “Eloa! This is Vivian, come here and make friends,” he tells her and points at Vivian, “Viv, this is Eloa,” he tells Vivian, grinning a little.

“This is a college party with drugs.” Casey reasons to Hester as the content of her song is brought up. She seems amused by the comparison to the other vices at the party but nods, “Thanks for letting me sing.” she glances then to Kai to ask him, “Then tell me with a straight face you’ve never roofied someone and maybe I’ll apologize.”

Jakem smirks to Annabelle “I suppose that’s a little less dour. Gonna have to take off, got a thing… Oof, I think you got drunk osmotically.”

Slowly, but carefully, August extracts himself from his seat. “I’m gonna have to dip, guys. I’m sorry for going all quiet at you all, but,” One hand in his pocket, the other by his head, he twirls his index around. “I’m off my rockers right now and I can’t focus on anything. Keep on keeping on, though. Thanks to the council members for all their hard work,” Then he points at the drugs, “Hester, don’t lose ’em.” And off he goes.

“I’ve only roofied an awakened demonborn because he was going on a rampage. Now apologize,” Kai tells Casey as he looks up from his phone to her.

Malin finishes up an unexpected business call and then refocuses.

Derek exhales from his nose, drawing his arms around himself as if giving himself a hug, humming happily. He peeks his green eyes half-open, looking over to Eloa as she arrives with something of a silly smile on hs face. “Hiiii, Eloa.” he draws out; that second pill seems to have slowed him down somewhat, and he seems perfectly relaxed at that point. “…Are there any beanbag chairs or… something or other?” he mumbles to nobody in particular, still running his hands along his arms idly.

Vivian nods her head. “I actually don’t go to the school either.” She chuckles and brings a hand to scratch the back of her hands, as she gives Casey a sheepish smile. “There’s just some of my friends that go to school, so…” She nods her head. “I liked your singing though, even if the music is not my taste.” She nods in respect, then. At Kai’s cue she looks to Eloa, waving at her. “Hello.”

“I apologize for saying you might roofie an innocent girl.” Casey tells Kai, reluctantly. “Gotta work on your vibe a bit if you don’t want those kind of assumptions.” she ask Vivian then out of casual interest, “What sort of music is your taste?”

Derek says, sounding perhaps giddy and probably high, in an upper-class New England tenor, “I do believe I’m indisposed… heh.“

Jakem squints at Annabelle “You did even worse than I did. At least all I did was nothing.” he says, doing the unthinkable… leaving that high five hanging.

Hester gives a half-hearted salute to the departing Pierce before stationing herself close to all the candies. She watches them like a hawk. A heavyweight hawk, and not the muscular kind. Between texts, she takes sips of tequila, wincing and coughing as it goes down.

Eloa looks immediately overwhelmed and slowly makes her way forward to the tables. A small smile is given up the mascot and she waved up at the owl before she’s accosted by Kai and Derek. “Are you okay Derek?” She asks with a few blinks then turns to greet someone shyly. “Ola.”

Eloa looks immediately overwhelmed and slowly makes her way forward to the tables. A small smile is given up the mascot and she waved up at the owl before she’s accosted by Kai and Derek. “Are you okay Derek?” She asks with a few blinks then turns to greet Vivian Cshyly. “Ola.”

Eloa looks immediately overwhelmed and slowly makes her way forward to the tables. A small smile is given up the mascot and she waved up at the owl before she’s accosted by Kai and Derek. “Are you okay Derek?” She asks with a few blinks then turns to greet Vivian shyly. “Ola.”

“Thank you,” Kai tells Casey and clasps his hands and bows to her in an east-Asianesque style, he stands back up and adds to her, “Fair, I guess,” he looks from her to Eloa and Vivian, focusing on the former, “Thanks a lot for hanging out all night by the way. I was like, fine when I woke up this morning.”

Cristal heads to the bathroom.

Eloa says “it sounds like your event is really popular Dovie so will let others go unless you don’t have enough“

“Nothing is the worst kind of outcome when someone’s like that.” Annabelle huffs, striking hands to her hips. “That’s a good outcome. He actually acknowledged how he felt and removed himself from a self-destructive cycle. At least for a moment.” Who’s she talking about? Who knows. Probably Jakem.

Derek tippity-taps on his phone a bit, before pocketing his phone, his green-eyed gaze looking back up to Eloa. “Huh? I’m greeeaaat.” he draws out in something of a coo, seeming ever-relaxed.

Jakem smirks at Annabelle “A’right, maybe you’ll prove me wrong later, but right now that’s just supposition.”

“Classical music, choir, a little bit of jazz.” Vivian says the last one with a touch of embarrrassment to Casey. Though she turns back to Eloa, smiling softly. With an equally shy wave returned, hearing ‘Ola’ seems to awaken something in her for a moment. “Ehh, ola.. Mi nombre es.” Despite pronounciation being more or less correct, if CLEARLY with accent, the nervousness doesn’t help her. “…Vivian.” She lets out a soft sigh. “Nice to meet you.” She switches back to English, not risking embarrassing herself with any more words.

Nemi is back from a phone call that took over her life for a few moments metaphorically.

Hester can’t quite see to recover from having gone on and done public speaking. At the wrong kind of event, no less. But the nerd shall nerd. Speaking of nerds, her science is now examining how many more people might go for the drugs. Gauging glances go to the crowd, and then to the bowls so nicely set out.

“Thats definitely not my style.” Casey states the obvious to Vivian but in a friendly way. She glances to her phone then says, “Well, time for me to head home.”

“No worries Kai.” Eloa flashes Kai a small smile and kind-of huddles in on herself. She turns to Vivian, “Eloa nice meet as well. You all seem like you’re having um… fun.” Her eyes sweep to the obviously high Derek and she giggles. “Is rare see Derek like this.” She teases softly.

Jakem smiles way too big at Annabelle, waving, then calls out to Hester “Great shindig Hester! Loved the decorations, and the announcement was exciting. Can’t wait for the dueling/debate club combo!”

With the host gone, Annabelle looks around the remains of the student party, still half attentive to her phone as she scrapes a long strand of curl behind her ear through three tries.

Vivian rapidly turns to the north, and then south respectively as howls sound off, she seems utterly confused and a bit out of touch with reality for a moment, but then she snaps back to it as Eloa speaks to her. “Well, um, I guess a little bit- I’m not really a party person, I just know some people coming here are my friends, so…” She chuckles softly. “Yeah.”

Kai wanders back over to Derek and leans on the table while he plays around with his phone, frowning a little.

“Wait, ehm, no – it’s not a combo, people can’t deflect punches with insults,” Hester tries to argue with the glampunk guy, but he’s just as well disappeared himself. A quiet sigh escapes her, and she just checks on the remaining group without approaching – mostly making sure Malin’s in one piece.

Constance says “They can if their insults are powerful enough.“

Cristal returns from the bathroom. “Dang I woozy. Gotta lie down…”

Eloa turns to waggles her fingers at Nemi and Annabelle, seeming a bit less shy now that people are leaving.

Still in once piece, Malin is swiping across the pristine screen of her smartphone, sending off text after text. She seems to sense Hester’s gaze, though, and her blue eyes lift to find her friend. A wink is given in a playful manner.

Eloa also waves at Jenny too of course, giggling a little as she studies Jenny.

“Hehe… Well, it’s a party.” Derek supposes to Eloa, as if this was surely a reason, and he re-seats himself at a table, sprawling and taking up space without a care, his green-eyed gaze tracking up to Kai as he wanders back around, a chipper smile presented to him, though perhaps sleepier than before. “Hey, Kai.” he greets him.

Hester stares down at her phone like Thanos had just snapped half of her device into oblivion. Spooked, she holds Malin’s look for a long moment of disbelief.

Both eyebrows lift as Malin gazes back at Hester. She asks, “Is everything all right?” in a tone that is slightly tainted with concern.

Annabelle raises a hand at Eloa, the gesture having been kept cold and cryo from her end of the table as she starts to make of a party like a COVID baby and goes digital.

Taking a seat next to Derek, Eloa rubs the man’s back a little as she turns her attention back to Vivian. “Eloa also not much of party person.. Too shy. But hey at least you come to town at end of semester and can relax a bit.”

Kai waves at Jasper, “Jasper!” he calls to the man in greeting.

Eloa lifts her head to give Jasper a smile and a wave.

Jenny lays her head down on the table “Damn.. those two really go together…”

“Evening,” Jasper greets the crowd as he arrives.

“I heard you were a christian.” Vivian says to Eloa, as if she’s sharing gossip. “I honestly had a lot of trouble finding fellow christians, every time I say that I am one, everyone just turns into a philosopher saying stuff like ‘God is evil’ and plenty other rude things.” She sighs. “Doesn’t help it seems like there’s not actual church around.”

Derek hums contentedly as Eloa rubs at his back, his eyes drifting over to Jasper as he lifts a hand to wiggle his fingers in greeting. “Heyyyy, Jasper.” he intones, his pupils looking dilated.

Vivian pauses for a few moments. “Weed?” She asks of Jenny.

“Oh Eloa is Catholic.” Eloa nods her head at Vivian and smiles warmly. “Uhh no one say things like that to Eloa yet. Just lots of complaints about how no can have sex before marriage.” Eloa looks pointed at Kai and then giggles a bit.

Hester withers before Malin but just also explains digital-wise, with a distracted “hi Jasper” when Jasper makes himself known. She quickly stuffs her mouth with cheese and another sip of tequila.

“Yeah, exactly, I get the same complaints a lot.” Vivian explains to her, also pointing at Kai with her thumb.

“Shit.. did I miss the weed? I took some Molly and uh… acid.” Jenny asks over to Vivian

Annabelle fiddles with her belongings, and, eventually, decides to take the staircase for a grind, the sick nurse leaving the only way that’s appropriately gnarly.

Annabelle uses a black skateboard: Master level trick: You are the master of the board. Combine a few tricks like a kickflip, hand stand, axel grind or something suitably impressive involving multiple maneuvers chained together.

“Hey not fair, I didn’t try to sleep with you,” Kai tells Vivian, but he doesn’t dispute the claim from Eloa, h just runs his fingers up through his hair and tells Eloa, “You should take the little blue pill in one of those bowls.”

Eloa laughs, “Oh no Eloa is not taking drugs. Nuh uh.” She pats Derek’s back a little. “You all are high enough for Eloa.”

Malin leans a little to peer at Hester’s phone, but then her own sends off an alert and she looks at the message displayed there. Lashes are fluttering, and then she asks, “Isn’t that a good thing?”

Nemi just…. watches it all as she leans back and looks over to Hester. “I think I sort of just…. shut down and listened to everything everyone said didnt I?”

“Heh, always with the drugs,” Jasper muses, walking towards the table to grab himself some pizza rolls.”

Nemi seems to snap out of it

Constance takes a deep breath and exhales, leaning back in her seat. She looks hungover as hell, dark circles under her eyes.

Vivian shakes her head. “No, you just smell like weed.” She explains to Jenny, despite not having been standing anywhere close to her. To Kai however she smiles. “It is what it is.”

“I like the blue pill. I’m really glad I tried the peach one too… I feel so gooooooood.” Derek draws out comfortably, probably leaning against either the table or Eloa, whichever would be closer as he seems to decompress.

“The peach one is Xanax. It’s greaaat,” Kai says and stretches his arms over his head, wanders over by the bowls and looks around.

Hester’s cheeks seem to inflate even more after Malin’s inspection of the phone. Flustered, quite flustered is the fattie. “.. I don’t know,” is her helpless answer, burying her face in her hands. Between spaces of her fingers, she grimaces at the drugged out students – with an isolated nod for Nemi, “Uh-huh… You probably ehm, had one of the candies..”

Kai absolutely stuffs his pockets with drugs, though he doesn’t empty any bowl in particular, he then tries to Irish goodbye his way to the stairs.

Malin notes all of the various ways that Hester reacts and then those filler enhanced lips start to form a smile that shows off her amusement. She starts texting a response of her own, rather than vocalising.

So harrowing is whatever’s going on on her phone that Hester welcomes the sardonic-eyed lad’s distraction, if only for a bit. “Okay. No. No more drugs for you! This is going in the science fund instead,” she grumbles, starting to pack up the goods, one bowl on top of the other. Sharp eyes shoot for Malin before going into her phone, and her face grows beet red.