Heartbreakers Ball: Anti-Valentines (Open)

[Kennedy]

It had been a long week and a half learning her new position but she had been comfortable with the adjustment. It was a promotion and she was happy to start working behind the scenes instead of being on display. She enjoyed the new responsibilities. An idea had conjured in her mind at the beginning of the week and she had presented the idea to Eve. It seemed that her boss loved the idea because she left the office with her clipboard in hand as she wrote ideas down.

As the week progressed, the club was starting to have a proper feel for the holiday that was to come on Sunday. Most of the decorations had been set up throughout the club and each table had a center piece. The music had been picked and given to the DJ with room for fun additions or requests. Kennedy had even picked out outfits for the staff to wear so that they matched. She didn't want anyone to have to guess who was working should they need anything. Anyone who wouldn't be in the designated uniform would be Eve, the DJ and herself. The clothes were simple; black slacks, black long sleeve button up and a purple tie for the men, and a black silk top with a broken heart necklace for the women.

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The day had finally arrived and she was excited. Pulling thelittle black dress from her closet, her eyes drifted to her empty bed. A sigh slipped from her as she turned away to get dressed. It had been nearly a year that she had been awake and Mordechai still hadn't been found so she had given up and just let the ghosts of her past haunt her. Kennedy's hope was that this party was going to be cathartic but if not, at least she would be distracted for several hours.

Once she was dressed, she garnished her neck with a lovely necklace, diamond earrings and 6 inch black heels. She decided that it was better to leave her hair down. Letting her locks bounce around her shoulders was almost her signature look as it pulled attention to her. Once she was ready, she spun in the mirror for a quick look before she was on her way. Grabbing her clutch, she stuffed her lip gloss and wallet in before she grabbed her keys and left for the Metronome.

She made sure that she arrived early because she wanted to put the final touches on the club. Doors opened in 3 hours and there was a lot to do. Just as she stepped off the train and made the short steps to the club, the flower delivery was arriving with the special requested black flowers. Tipping the delivery guy after she showed him where to dump the bushels. Quickly she set up the registers so that they were ready before the rest of the staff arrived so they could focus on the event.

Each table had three flowers black flowers added to the center piece. Once each table was set, extra center pieces were spaced out on the bar with the extra black flowers in two large bushels at the entrance for people to enjoy when they arrived. Nodding her head and taking a moment once the flowers were in place to check the drink menu. Kennedy wanted to make sure that everyone attended had refreshments that met their needs or desires no matter who they were.

Looking at the time, it was not long before opening and staff was arriving. Checking over their outfits to make sure they looked clean, professional, and desirable for those extra tips to make up for the fact that they were working on a night that they much would rather have off unless they were single. Everything was perfect and they were ready to open the doors but before she did, she ran over to the DJ booth on the stage to make sure they were ready to go. They gave a thumbs up but asked them to play a quick song to make sure the sound was working while another member of staff hit the lights to give that party and concert feel to the club. Smiling as the song caressed her ears and the lights flickered. It was perfect.

Turning from the DJ and looked down at the staff. "I would like to thank everyone for working tonight. Hopefully those of you that have significant others aren't in trouble too much. This is a big night and I want you to have fun. If there are any issues, please don't hesitate to get a hold of Eve or myself. We will not tolerate bullies or trouble makers, they will be warned and if it continues, they will be removed swiftly. Everyone's safety is important. Alright....let's have a party!" She walked swiftly to the door, greeted by the bouncer and the guy who was carding and taking the cover charge. Giving the DJ a nod to play the greeting song, she turned and opened the door.

"Welcome to The Metronome's Heartbreakers Ball!"

The Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/39Sy1 ... icMl2PFpkA

[Marty James]

By chance, Marty had come across the advertisement for the Anti-Valentines party. He did not frequent the local sites often. The drama on the crownet was not something he cared for. Especially the negativity expressed over vampires. It was the mention of The Metronome that caught his attention. The last time he had spoken with Every, through an email, she mentioned working on renovations at The Metronome. Having told her he would stop by the club to see her, he had not yet done so. The party presented a perfect opportunity. Valentine's day was not a holiday Marty particularly enjoyed. What with his past epic human failures with love. He had pre planned spending the evening binging out on junk food, watching horror movies, and drinking of cours. It was a sure way to keep his mind off the Valentines from his human past.

Walking out from his room, Cato looked surprised by his attire; a clean cut black suit. " Going out after all? Who's the lucky lady?" The thrall sat on the couch, eating popcorn while watching TV. " The Anti-Valentines party, at The Metronome, is tonight. Didn't you want to go?" He had briefly mentioned the party to Cato the day before. " Nah, not feeling up to it. Just going to hang around here, likely to crash out early. Have fun…. Don't do anything crazy.." The last of Catos words shared with the hint of a laugh. Cato knew all too well the sort of trouble Marty often found himself in. Especially when alcohol was involved.

Since being burned, by the trap in the sanctuary, Cato had been hesitant about going out as often. He had healed considerably well, but was scarred from the incident. Both physically and mentally. " No promises! Who knows what adventures the night might hold!" Joking, as he grabbed his dress coat from the front closet near the door. Draping a blood red scarf around his neck, as he spoke on. " I'm off. Don't have too much fun now. I'll try not to wake you when I get back." With that said, Marty was out the door and found himself outside The Metronome in no time.

The place looked to have a nice crowd, and he waited outside with everyone else. Soon the doors were open, and a woman he had never seen before greeted them all. Marty offered the woman a smile, as he shuffled in with the crowd, after paying the entrance fee at the door. He took his time, admiring the atmosphere of the club as he made way inside. He also looked for Every, but didn't see her. Keeping an eye out, making way to the bar. Finding a seat, he took off his coat and scarf. Settled in, enjoying the music. Patiently waiting to get the bartender's attention. Once he had it, a couple shots of vodka were ordered, as he declared it his drink of choice for the evening.

[Shay Sylvar]

Shay was never one to bring attention to himself unnecessarily but the call of of an anti anything was always likely to bring him running....kinda like an Andy Warhol painting.... sh*t but wholesome sh*t. He'd arrived early and suddenly found himself wishing Aviana was here as relatively quickly his mental barrier was torn assunder and left him heavily exposed to the barrage of thoughts that emanated in the locality. Sloping off into the restrooms he once again tried to regain composure failing badly before finally getting a handle on it as his virtual jukebox aka spotify played Big Country's Steeltown lp. He could do this if he could keep his composure... and so it was to be...a fight just to remain sentient....

[Every]

Her decision to purchase the Metronome had been easy enough, the memories of the parties that Cristiana had once thrown before the city had gone to pieces even before Theodosia still fresh in her mind. With the decision had come the need for renovations, and with renovations, she knew she needed a new staff. Kennedy as a manager had been one of the first in her mind; they had worked well together within the Daughters of Destiny faction while it had still been going. Simpler times, Every thought, as she shuffled through property taxes that she needed to file with the town. When Kennedy had suggested the idea of an Anti-Valentine's Day party, there had been no hesitation for Every who was receiving the shipment of alcohol and blood at the time, to tell her friend to knock herself out when it came to planning - she trusted her judgment.

She had been in her office when the music started, Every pushing back out of her seat before she stretched her arms above her head and getting to her feet. A promise of enjoyment was needed - in a way, the party would be a soft re-grand opening. Every had a list of ideas that she needed to get moving. Leaving the jacket she had been wearing, Every collected one of the walkie talkies that had been agreed upon and fixed her ear piece. It would be easier for communication, and it would allow for eyes on the patrons. Pressing down on the microphone clip as she left the room behind, she spoke to her staff, "Keep an eye out for troublemakers. Undead and living. As she said, no nonsense will be tolerated. If you need a teleporter, say so. Don't confront if you aren't comfortable, leave it to one of us. Have fun with the guests."

She pulled the door leading into the staff areas closed behind her, locking it with the keypad and took in the decorations that Kennedy had chosen. A smile graced her lips, clearly proud of the decisions made.

"Everything looks great, Ken."

At the bar, she spotted her grandchilde and shook her head slightly as she spotted the glass of vodka already in the allurist's hand as she thought, Troublemaker and the Headache. She waved to Kennedy and passed one of the waitresses who already begun to make her way towards the opening crowd. She had Chadwick acting as a bouncer, Penn as a bartender. Zachary was floating around the club, acting as her second set of eyes while her shadowed Doppelganger had eyes above. It was going to be a good night.

"Look what the cat coughed up.

Every spoke as she came up behind Marty, pressing a kiss to her grandchilde's cheek. To Penn as he passed, Every said, "Go ahead and give the first round for everyone on the house. Mix or not." Her thrall smirked and nodded, setting Marty's drink down and heading to help another customer.

outfit

[Marty James]

As Every approached, Marty had been distracted. Eyes lingering to his phone, as it was pulled out from his jacket. Wondering, Should I text Maria? The two had not spoken much since the night they met. Overthinking it all, the two hardly knew much about the other. After that night, he put two and two together about what she was. It didn't change his opinion of her, but he wondered how others would feel. Why can't I stop thinking about her?

The moment Every spoke, his eyes would light up, stuffing the phone away. After she kissed his cheek, he turned to face her. Smirking at her words about a free drink. " Always thought it was kind of hot when a woman buys me a drink. So can I offer to buy you one, or are you running this place now? " His tone teasing. Thanking the bartender for his drink, Marty would be sure to hand over some plastic to start an open tab. His plan was to keep the doubles coming. " So, miss me? Sorry I have not been by sooner. Things have been a little crazy as of late." Mentioned in regards to his thrall being burned,added to Marty's typical Drunken shenanigans.

" The place looks good. " Complementing, before drinking down the vodka in his glass. " Vodkas good too." Setting aside his glass, his smile was light hearted. Marty enjoyed a good time, but it was also nice to see Every. The two were not closely acquainted, but there was something to be said about those he shared a blood connection to. A connection he could not understand, nor did he question. " It is really good to see you Every." Taking on a more serious note, but only for the briefest of moments.

[Shay Sylvar]

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He hadn't been out on the town much since arriving in Harper Rock and that may have been mostly due to the fact his first night here had been his last as a mortal, something he'd taken some time to adjust to and this was something he'd attempted to give his sire a hard time about back then.

Since that time however he'd been keeping his head down and staying firmly out of sight, only a chance meeting with another that shared the gift.. or curse.. however you chose to look upon it, had given him the courage to mingle once again with the above ground inhabitants, Her guidance on focusing on things other than the incessant, disembodied voices had been working so far in his forays back out into the open. This however was to be the biggest test thus far!

The Metronome however was a large place, plenty of space and tonight there seemed to be no end of traffic here, one or two he could spot a mile away were peoples of 'the night-time persuasion' like himself, whilst others were quite obviously just 'normal' people enjoying a night out. Shay found himself wondering how many knew they walked among the apex?

Outside of the music he could hear clearly in his head, there was a DJ in-house and some pretty good tracks being played from the sound of it, he resolutely kept his mental spotify playing at full bore though, because once the voices cut in again he knew he'd be in trouble, that's how busy this place was! The DJ cued up another track and Shay found himself grinning like the cheshire cat, Gloria Gaynor : I will survive! This had been a favourite track of his parents when he'd been growing up and it brought back a raft of memories, all of which were good.

After wending his way over to the bar, someone had given him a free drink, which he'd smelled and feigned a small sip of, it wouldn't do to have a repeat performance of the last time he'd attempted to ingest drink, the aroma though was sublime and he could indeed imagine exactly how it would taste and his 'buds' craved it.

Surveying the room from the bar he kept a sharp eye out for Ms Mortll, he still wasn't sure if they were on good terms, the fact that She hadn't already sent him to this other place that he heard whispers of, gave him hope that he'd been forgotten about and that suited him fine at the moment... So much so that he'd most definitely avoid an encounter just yet!

More people were entering in singles and groups and he couldn't help but think that Anti-Valentine seemed an awfully popular event. "Kudos to the organisers, let's hope it's profitable enough to encourage them to hold more!" He thought out loud.

[Mortll]

Mortll eyed the flyer her fingers picking it up. It was an intriguing idea Anti Valentines day party Leave it up to Kennedy to quit her and come up with a Anti V-day party...Mortll grinned at the irony of it. Since Kennedy had left Jardin De Fluers Mortll was looking for a way to show the other woman there were no hard feelings showing up at her new place of employment at her debut as a manager would be hopefully that gesture. Of course she was going to have to show up hopefully this time she would stay fully dressed for the rest of the night.

It had been ages since she had been to the Metronome the club was busy It seemed that Anti Valentines was a popular theme. Mortll could see the allure of ant love if she never met another guy that proclaimed to be in love with her or even lust with her it would be to soon ... She walked into the club and looked around finding the bar she sat down and was glad to see blood on the menu .

[Piper]

Piper was wandering away from home more and more these days. Some may call that lonely; she didn't think of it that way. In her mind, she was simply full of energy, and it only ever grew in the confines of her room. She came up with all the usual excuses people may make - she needed to go to work, she wanted a trip to a tea shop, she was off to look about for more treasures to borrow. They all amounted to the same thing. She was restless.

She hadn't planned to go out to a party, which was why she didn't don appropriate party garb, not that she owned appropriate party garb. She'd only slid on jeans and a turtle-neck sweater, boots to combat the cold. She had only wanted to wander the city, to try to map it in her mind and understand it better. The flyer she came by was happenstance. She had no idea what an Anti-Valentine party might look like, and she really didn't go to parties all that much (or ever), but the hope of high energy and easy disappearance formed in her mind, and her boots started towards Metronome.

She was silent as she waited in line to get inside. She paid her dues with a muttered "Thank you." She didn't know what to expect inside, and was surprised as she stepped through the doors and finally heard the music she'd been feeling in her chest, in her lungs. Her eyes lifted up, face lit with surprise and wonder. She moved along with the first bump from behind as she blocked the door, edging along to try and blend in with the crowd and soak in the emotions from afar. She didn't know anyone here, which she was incredibly aware of, and her nerves were fluttering in her throat.

She marveled at the decorations as she moved by them, reached out once to touch along midnight rose petals, but she withdrew her hand as quickly as she'd touched the velvety plant. This wasn't her place, she reminded herself, and these were not her things to be touching. She slid around people, flitted here and there, trying to find a place to settle in and nest herself.

[Every]

Her grandchilde was, as always, a flirt, it seemed. Every folded her arms in front of her chest, clearly amused, "I'm the owner. If you want to give me your money, I can't argue about it. Kennedy," She nodded towards the other woman, "is the manager. I'm very pleased for the work she's already putting forth." She lifted her hand to rub at the back of her head before she studied the decorations and the people arriving. Some she recognized, others she didn't.

Her eyebrow lifted slightly at the sight of Mortll. A small smile was offered as peace before she watched Penn move off to get the woman's order. She waved to the blonde woman entering by herself, after.

"That's different." She thought, before she gave a soft shake of her head to Marty. "How's your friend? Still running into traps?" The question fell from her lips although she had missed him. "Of course I've missed you. And that sire of yours, wherever she's disappeared off to." Hopefully, Every thought with a shake of her head, not into the shadow realm again after messing with that mooncalf of hers. She needed to sneak into the apartment and kill it.

Every winked in response. "It's good to see you, too, sweets."

[Marty James]

It had come as no surprise to hear Every was the new owner of the club; he had suspected as much. She came off ambitious, and Marty doubted there was anything the woman could not do. With mention of Kennedy, his gaze followed in the direction of her nod. Catching sight of the woman who had greeted the crowd, the moment the doors opened. Upon entering Marty had not paid her, or anyone, much attention. Having had the bar in sight, getting a drink was first priority. Seeing her now, he noted how beautiful she was. Clearly accomplished, if she had organized such a stunningly decorated event. As Every waved to another woman, he didn't know, Marty waved to her also.

With mention of Cato, he shrugged. Still a little bummed the man had not joined him. "He is still a little shaken. Bailed on me tonight! Just not the same, without my wing man. Who's going to make sure I actually make it home tonight?!" His tone was light and joking. Though it was an actual concern, as his consumption of alcohol left open a vast of possibilities for finding trouble. As for his sire, Marty had not seen her in some time but that was not uncommon. She had a life of her own after all, who was he to question when she needed time for herself. "I miss Nishaa too. Not sure when I saw her last.." Shared with a hint of regret. He had not exactly been around much for her, or anyone. A reality he wanted to work on.

"Being the boss lady and all, I know you have things to do and people to see. Have one drink with me first?" Asked, though he knew not if she could drink anything, but likely the place had vampire friendly options. Once he had the attention of the bartender, he placed another drink order. "Two shots of vodka, and a greyhound made with vodka for me. And something for the lady in charge?" Though he didn't know if Every had time to have a drink with him.