EVENT: LIFE'S A BEACH

[cuddlemods]

EVENT: LIFE'S A BEACH

Is it hot in here, cuddlers, or is it just us? No, it's definitely hot — the end of summer is here, and a few miles out from the city, on the beach, the scene is set: if you’ve been able to follow’s Baby’s clues, they led you here. The dress code is — surprise, surprise — beachwear, but do think of bringing some layers to cover up these beautiful bikinis and all, because the night could get a little chilly if you stray too far from that bonfire. And, of course, if you don’t want to be that exposed, it’s not like the dress code is a mandatory thing, either. (Just don't be surprised if you hear a few disappointed groans from the audience if you come all covered up.) The first thing that can be seen is a BAR, with a large poster advertising CriminALES at its front. Like any good beach bar, beers and cocktails with tiny little umbrellas in them can be obtained for a small price — or for free, if you're suave enough to impress the bartender on duty. Nearby, SNACK TABLES feature a veritable buffet of edibles, ranging from chips to brownies to crudites and dips (all courtesy of Kimberly and Clary, thank you!). However, if you felt like bringing your own food and alcohol to the party, you won’t be turned away. Further down the beach, dry wood has been piled up in what looks like an imminent BONFIRE; if you're a little too delicate to rest on the sand, don't worry — there are plenty of bean bags, cushions, and blankets. Feel free to cuddle up to someone familiar, or maybe a new friend, and enjoy the roaring fire once the sun sets. Beyond the obvious entertainment of the sun, surf, and sand, your party planners have gone to great lengths to ensure everyone is ready to have a great time. Near the bar, inflated beach balls and other toys are strewn around, and the beach's VOLLEYBALL COURT is no stranger to a game or two. As the night goes on, there just might be a few DRINKING GAMES started — "spin the bottle", anyone? Of course, a party hosted by Baby himself wouldn't be the same without the all-important KILLER TUNES. Nestled directly to the side of the seating area, a makeshift DJ booth flanked by tiki torches serves as the beating heart of the party, and marks the start of a large square expanse of sand, a DIY DANCE FLOOR cordoned off by a large speaker in each of the four corners, all connected by links of colorful bunting. As promised, the MUSIC will be blasting until the morning, ranging from massive party tunes (no, but seriously) to romantic ballads for those who feel like a slow dance. There are also, strewn around, some serious dancing jams because what’s a party without some exquisitely cheesy songs? Later on, when there is less dancing and more lounging around, quieter, softer classics will be put on as background music. Feel free to MAKE A REQUEST (or ten), or even steal the mic and sing a little song yourself! Come on down, Cadelle, and give the summer one last hurrah before it goes away. As the unimitable Ella Fitzgerald would say, "it's summertime, and the livin' is easy." The mod team is so excited to post our first PLAYER-HOSTED EVENT! If your character has the desire to host an event of some kind, be it a party, a grand opening for their business, or something else all together, please don't hesitate to let us know via our EVENT SUGGESTIONS POST! For help with this, or for any other concerns, please feel free to reach out to us via our GENERAL INBOX (or SCREENED INBOX, if you prefer). Have fun, cuddlers, and don't forget your SPF!

Comments

isabelle lightwood | shadowhunters. ota!

[distractly]

( one might find it difficult to believe that izzy couldn't thrive in an event like a beach party, however since coming to cadelle, merely taking the time to enjoy herself hasn't exactly been something she's excelled at. perhaps it's a day and evening to do just that, or she'll at least give it her best, clad in a—you guessed it—black mesh one piece and a pair of reliable, tattered levi's to accompany. it's just about as casual as she gets without the sweats she's packed along back at her apartment— but dipping her toes in the sand certainly didn't call for those.

briefly, if you catch her, she can be spotted at the bar grabbing herself a daquiri, because if she's going to relax, there's nothing like a stereotype frozen, beach-y drink to get her started. while the suns at it's peak, she'll be dabbling along the snack bar ( le agradezco, clary and kimberly ), and if she can find any willing participants—ahem, fray, back her up on this one—perhaps even getting a game of beach volleyball started. she's got to relieve her competitive kick somehow, right?

she sees you at that dj booth, baby. she's trying not to make eyes.

as evening settles in, tide picks up and a breeze hits along the oceanfront, you'll find her perched atop one of those aztec, threadbare blankets before the bonfire, umbrella tucked behind her ear from re: daquiri. you're welcome to join her, though her eyes may be wandering for a particular someone- one who may have promised her a reserved dance. she doesn't bite, otherwise- promise. )

[killertrack]

[ It's been a long night - a mostly good night, even if his talk with Kimberly still hangs heavy in his heart. They'll get somewhere where they can be friends, he hopes, but right now it's just... well, awkward, and Baby knows he's hurt her.

But then, he sees Isabelle, and his heart lifts, thumping hard in his throat. He's done with spinning tunes, letting playlists do the job now, and most of the party has moved from the dancefloor to the bonfire, looking for warmth, most people drunk enough to start playing games Baby is pretty sure he doesn't want to get involved in.

Instead, he puts on the shirt he's kept hanging from the back pocket of his shorts, and walks over to Isabelle, holding out a hand to her when he's close enough. The music is a bunch of classic Motown - his favorite kind of tunes. ]

May I have this dance?

[distractly]

( if there were any chance to keep her features from lighting the moment she catches him making his way toward her, firelight dancing off the lean height of his figure, izzy's shown to give no efforts toward them. he looks good, like this. in his element, sweat glistening at his temples soon to be comforted by the crisp breeze that's drawn through, skin freshly sun-kissed from a better part of the afternoon spent behind that table.

she doesn't miss the music that's accompanying his arrival, either, heart swelling to twice it's size and those little flutters taking to her stomach—cliche as it all is, seemingly far too sweet and surreal, she'll take every moment of it while she can. a dazzling grin is let up toward him once hand is offered, easily accepting the option of his company despite the comfort of the fire.

palm slides easily into his, petite in comparison, and she's humming once she stands, goosebumps kissing her flesh as another jostling gust rolls along the beach, tousling with black strands. ) I was hoping you hadn't forgotten about me.

[killertrack]

[ He helps her to her feet and lead her towards the now mainly empty dancefloor - it's colder there, but he pulls Isabelle to him, keeping her hand in his and turning it so that their palms slide against one another, his other hand setting on her waist. ]

I haven't stopped thinking about you.

[ He's not lying, either. Since their first date, and their text conversation, he's been thinking about her so much it's kept him awake late at night, thinking of songs to add to her mixtape; of the way her hair seems to glow in the dying sun; of her kindness, the curve of her spine, the red-blood of her lips. ]

[distractly]

( she follows him with ease, sliding lithe digits to lace through his as she's steered toward a more remote area of the party, one that'd previously been swarmed with fast-thrumming pulses and liquor-kissed grins, all having made their way to huddle around the large mouth of the fire. it leaves the two of them, for the most part, alone, that same nervous smile settling across her mouth as he secures her to his front, aligns their hands and takes her waist. )

Mm. Is that right? ( a delicate tease, letting limbs and hips move naturally, an attest to her heritage. it was only on rare occasion that isabelle was granted the intimacy of a dance, the art of it, and so there's a certain peace that wraps it's tendrils about her- even separate than the ones that follow in his company. )

It's only fair. It'd be awfully tragic if I was the only one.

[killertrack]

[ They sway together to Percy Sledge's smooth voice; one of the most romantic songs Baby knows, Joe's very favorite. And he looks down at Isabelle, taken by the look on her face, the flirtatious tease of her words. ]

You are so - [ He pauses, eyes traveling over her face. Without his usual sunglasses, he feels more vulnerable, but he doesn't allow himself to look away. ] - so beautiful.

[ It adds nothing to the conversation, he knows, but it's the kind of words he can't help but let slip out, absolutely sincere and heartfelt. ] And I told you some... about who I am. And yet here you are.

[distractly]

( there's that breathy tone of his, gaze like embers yet kissing a violent shiver up along her spine with those words. there's a tugging in her belly, something akin to nerves she hasn't felt for another in... well, she's really only felt something like this once, and even then it was of no contest to what baby does to her. he marvels, but she wonders if he can see the way she looks back.

a bashful glance down, lashes kissing the tops of her cheeks and lips tucking in on one another. if you look closely enough, you'll see the rose tint to her cheeks; even with no more than the moonlight accompanying them, the backdrop of a fire now blurred in the distance. )

I told you I would be, didn't I? ( hues with his, again. ) I'm a girl of my word.

[killertrack]

You are.

[ He smiles, grins when she looks down, like he's embarrassed her. It's - cute, honestly, it really is. Isabelle is so self-possessed, confident; she obviously knows herself, and to an extent, how beautiful she is, and how to use it. But it looks like his sincerity, simple and earnest, is getting to her more than a myriad of convoluted compliments would. ]

And so am I. Which is why, here we are. [ He leans in, his nose brushing the top of her hair, barely, before he straightens up again. ] And I could stay here all night.

[distractly]

( she's met with a grin and she can't help but to trace it with eyes alone, the gleam of his teeth and once more the note that when he smiles there's no hesitation to the way every bit of him gives in to it, how it takes him over. it disheartens her, at times, the way those that know little of person perceive her— mistake her confidence for arrogance, the fact that she's spent so many years learning herself as a woman who jutted her chin to others.

never once has isabelle considered another lesser to her, no one, at least, other than valentine and those equally as absorbed with hate. such was not the boy before her, finally bringing the hand that wasn't taken by his up to hold at the nape of his neck, thumb scoring against it's warmth slowly. )

I didn't... ever expect coming here would bring me something like this. I've been so focused, so hellbent on telling myself it wasn't a time to be selfish. ( a little shrug, expelling a breath and searching betwixt his eyes. )

I can't help it. Being near you.

[killertrack]

[ Her touch, such a simple touch, her finger against his neck, her nail just brushing his skin, is enough to make him shiver, his eyes closing for a second longer than a blink would take. His hand on her waist moves to the small of her back, pressing her even closer, a leg fitting snugly between hers. ]

I came here for selfish reasons. And yet I didn't think... [ He looks down again, lips parting. ] I'm just - so attracted to you.

[ He pauses, once more trying to find the right words. ] But it's not just - your looks. I want to know you.

[ Inside and out. He is endlessly fascinated by the infinity of layers that make up Isabelle, and want to peel them all off, one by one. ] This isn't a game for me.

[distractly]

( undoubtedly, izzy was a woman who knew full and well what her looks could accomplish, that she had to of held some sort of appeal given the amount of missions she'd tackle with initial responsibility being to distract. but that knowing isn't something she outwardly carries as anything more than a defense, perhaps even at times a means of suggesting everything tucked beneath the surface wasn't suffering as it was.

so compliments, genuine compliments from another she'd begun to care about... they thread themselves about the most vital parts of her, made home in little pulls between her ribs as if to declare they were here to stay; and maybe he was, too. )

I don't think it's necessary for me to say that I'll let you in, Baby. ( it's already been clear, hasn't it? he was the first person she'd told as to why she was here, what'd happened back in brooklyn. there are endless nooks of her to learn just as there are of him, but for once, she's open. for him only. )

And I don't know what that means, that I'm willing to do that. That I can push aside the fact that eventually we'll be leaving this place... but I'm up for figuring that out, if you are.

[killertrack]

I want to let you in, too. [ He says it in a rush of breath, looking straight into her eyes. His hand feels big over the small of her back, keeping her close, and the ocean breeze keeps on throwing wafts of her shampoo up to his nose, putting all of his senses on high alert. ]

I don't think about leaving - I don't think about home, when I'm with you. But, before you... [ Licking his lips, he swallows hard, his fingers squeezing hers gently. ]

Before you make a decision like this, you ought to know. The reason I'm here - back home, I'm a wanted man. I was going to go to prison.

[ He feels like he owes her this; the truth, ugly and selfish. She gave him her reasons to be here, and she might not want to keep seeing him after knowing what he is, truly. He wouldn't blame her. ]

[distractly]

( i want to let you in, and she's waiting for that lingering 'but' that seems to always fall close behind. would she be upset with him, if he couldn't? if maybe he found it unwise, just as she'd been telling herself from the moment she'd stepped foot into cadelle? she wouldn't; couldn't hold that against him. they all had their own lives to return to, it wouldn't be realistic of either of them to hold something that glared to be temporary over the other's head.

and when he proceeds with it, when he tells her exactly why he'd been hesitant to talk about his wish up at the mountains, she doesn't pause their movements nor make any efforts to shift away from him. if anything, she looks closer. there was a vast difference between the intent to murder, and being placed under inhumane circumstance.

all she has is what he has told her; that he'd worked for someone, that the man wouldn't take no for an answer. for a long moment, she is quiet, but her gaze isn't. and when she finally speaks it's almost a sigh. )

Were you wanted, Baby? Or was it association? ( in other words: did he act under his own free will, or was there something at stake? ) When I look at you... spend time with you, I don't... ( she shakes her head, hair rustling. ) I don't believe you're capable of anything horrible unless you didn't have a choice. And maybe I'm wrong, but- I'd think you'd tell me if I was.

[killertrack]

[ He tries to keep himself open, looking at her even as the thoughts and feelings rush through him at her questions. They're fair, but he still takes some time to answer. For a moment, he's searching for the ringing in his ears, the usual noise of it, and doesn't stop until he can hear it, faintly, under the music, under her breaths and the steady beat of her heart. For all that he can't deal with it, it reminds him of who he is. ]

I was. For a lot of different crimes, Izzy. I didn't have much of a choice when it all started - I was just a kid. I didn't know any better, and I had a debt to pay. But everything that happened just before I came here, I chose to do. To end it all. To be free of it.

[ Gently, he pulls the hand he's holding in his to his heart, her palm against the cotton of his shirt. ]

I don't want you to think I'm someone I'm not. I've done bad things, and I've made bad decisions. All I've ever wanted was to be free, and for my loved ones to be safe, and that is why I did what I did.

[distractly]

( she listens, because she knows this isn't anything light to him, knows it's really not something that should be; and maybe it's foolish of her, maybe even a little naive that she isn't a bit more cold about it, a bit more inquisitive in ways others would be—while she may not have known the extent to why he was here, there was never a moment with him in which she felt he wasn't being honest. what she felt, what she was beginning to feel, it wasn't constructed on anything but the man he was, who he made her when she was around him.

as hand is pulled to the centre of his chest she's softly closing fingers about the edge of his palm, glancing down to the sight. for a moment, she questions as to whether or not he truly wishes to get close to her, if he's capable of it given what he's been through, the debt he's still paying unto himself for what he's done. )

The way you think of yourself isn't always going to be how others see you. ( voice light, hidden just between the two of them. ) I can't say that the things you've done weren't wrong. I can see that they were, what it's done to you. ( she looks to him again, now, brows met in a tuft of concern. )

You're here, though. Trying to fix them. Trying to fix something, no? ( that doesn't mean nothing, in her book. )

[killertrack]

I'm trying to fix what can still be fixed. [ He wants to pull her hand up to his lips, kiss the center of her palm - just because - but he resists; he has more to say, more to admit. It won't assuage his guilt, but she'll be able to decide whether or not she truly wants to be around him, knowing everything there is to know. ]

I don't mind, really, if I go home and end up in prison. People died, because of me, and I have to pay for it. But my family, the people I love - they don't deserve to be caught in the crossfire.

[ His thumb brush her knuckles. They're not really dancing anymore, now, just standing on the dancefloor, sand under their feet, a party going on behind them. Baby's only got eyes for Isabelle. ]

So, there you have it. I understand, if it's a dealbreaker.

[distractly]

( it says something, doesn't it? that the lives that were lost weren't the reason he was here, but the reason he was guilty. if they were good people, if they were lives that deserved to be led like the hundreds of downworlders that'd lost their place in brooklyn, he'd speak for them. maybe even ask for them back, just as she was—but he's here for those that were left intermixed. those that loved him just as so, and in consequence got wrapped into something they didn't want to be a part of, just as he didn't.

whether it's her place to or not, she believes him, when he says he wants to fix things. that maybe there were those that, even if had been what'd landed him a wanted man, he wouldn't take back, but pay the price for. there was some kind of nobility, letting nothing get in the way of who he cared for. all isabelle really has are his words, and what she feels from them.

and she's betting on that. so she'll let that hand at the nape of his neck drift back, let her thumb score beneath the fuller swell of his lower lip- more a means to soothe than taunt. )

You're not a bad man, Baby. And I can see you already are paying for it. ( she isn't here to add to that. )

It's a little more difficult to get rid of me, I'm afraid. ( however silly she may sound in saying so, given the magnitude of his words. she doesn't say it to lessen them, however, just to assure. )

[killertrack]

[ He, genuinely, didn't give thought to wish to bring Buddy and Darling back. Maybe they deserved it, but they'd killed so many, themselves, and hurt a lot more. What Buddy had been capable of was terrifying and Baby didn't even see the full extent of it, and so, no. No, he'd wished for Joe to be well and safe, and for Debbie to avoid being seen as an accessory, and for himself to be free. His own way of fixing it. ]

I don't want to be rid of you, [ He replies seriously, even if she was teasing. He is sincere about it, too - he would be perfectly fine to just spend the rest of his time in Cadelle in her arms, just like this; he can't imagine he would regret a moment of it. ]

I wasn't lying, I really do want to see where this leads. With you. But you deserved to know the truth about me.

[ This time, he does bring her hand up to his lips, and kisses the heel of her palm, ever so softly. ]

[distractly]

( not once has she ever doubted his sincerity, and that doubt certainly hasn't shown itself here. the rest of the party has dwindled behind them, no longer able to hear the soft murmurings around a crackling fire, just the steady rush of the waves pushing and curling themselves about the shore, the low octaves of his voice soothing in with them. )

Thank you for telling me. ( she means it, knows it wasn't something that was easy for him, because if it was he'd of gotten it out the first evening they'd truly spent time with one another. the fact that he'd hesitated was every bit a testament to his fear on how she may have looked at him, how anyone may look at him once they know. when izzy feels, though, she feels to a devastating degree, and maybe she feels she owes it to herself, to see what happens. to feel something good, for a change.

eyes follow the way he purses lips to her palm, a faint smile hinting across her lips, though that brief tinge of sadness still lingered in her gaze. he was like her, if anything. punishment in it's worse form could only come from oneself. )

Looks like we've got some time to figure it out. ( where we'll go. )

[killertrack]

Yeah. We do.

[ He nods, smiling against her palm before he turns his cheek into her hand, and then releases it, only to pull her fully into a hug, resuming their light swaying. The music swells in his ears again, having switched from Percy Sledge to Kings Of Leon, which feels appropriate.

He lets her go after another moment, hand brushing some hair off of her forehead as he looks at her. ]

So, what would you say to another date?

[ He smiles, a little crooked. ]

[creatio]

( It's not that hard for her to find Izzy. All she has to do is follow the gaze of all those heads turning, and lo and behold, there she is. Clary's mostly been busying herself with organising the snack table by colour ( she'd been feeling a little bit weird about all the bared skin she's got going on, okay, she's not weird ) but when her friend arrives she abandons that in favour of jogging over the sand to get to her. )

So we're totally going to kick ass at volleyball, right? Because I've never been on the winning side before and I totally want to take advantage of my new and epic balance skill.

( She'd been very, very clumsy once upon a time. )

Also, you look amazing, but I think you knew that already.

[distractly]

( there's something about clary that attracts the sunlight, beyond the fiery halo about her temples and that beaming grin izzy is so often greeted with in her company. will running in to her on city grounds ever not serve as a relief? she finds it hard to believe. just as so, she's returned a full pearled smile in return, cocktail in hand perspiring in cool droplets along her knuckles. she'd been waiting for takers to start up the game, now all they really need is two able bodies to stand on that opposite end.

boys vs. girls, anyone? where are baby and jace when you need them? )

Have you seen who you're on a team with? They won't stand a chance, runes or no. ( though they certainly helped. she can't help but to snicker a little in remembrance of the evening clary had first come to the institute. a little nudge of her hip to clary's, )

Me? Look at you, hermosa. Sporting a little cleavage. ( a playful wink, rolling her tongue in further emphasis. look, let her be a proud mom about this. )

sasses one character to your other character.

[creatio]

( She tries very valiantly not to blush at Isabelle's comment. Clary likes to think she's come a long ways anyway, even if she still doesn't believe she can exactly rock the low cut quite like her friend does. )

Well, I thought I'd get into the spirit of things.

( Her effort does not succeed, but maybe she can blame the flush of colour on the sun and the heat and not that she's ridiculous. Towing a line in the sand with her flipflop, Clary grins a little, scanning the beach before her. ) At least I'm not like the guy who turned up in jeans. Who does that? He's so going to fry by the end of the day.

( The denim lines sound like a nightmare alone. )

i can't believe

[distractly]

( as far as she's concerned, everyone's got a different figure for different aspects of flattery. clary was certainly nothing hard on the eyes, and the bashful means with which she registers so much as a compliment just adds an even more endearing note to her personality. izzy's easily following her gaze, sights setting in on said targeted male the moment she's commenting on his attire—an analyzation she'd made the moment she'd first surveyed the crowd about her.

a snort of a snicker. ) Probably, but given that's like his third drink, it's pretty likely he won't have the mind to care. ( a lithe shrug, gaze narrowing a bit further to the sun's glow, taking the moment again to scan for a particularly familiar blond. )

Speaking of getting into the spirit of things, where's Jace?

[creatio]

I really hope he hydrates.

( Clary, please. You cannot go over there and shove water down his throat. No matter how much you'd like to. ) I definitely think I'm going to wait for it to be a little less hot before I hit up the bar. We don't have a heat stroke rune, do we?

( Her eyes are glittering with mischief, amused and teasing. )

He's avoiding me. ( She puts stress on the word avoiding, because he's not really. He's just not glued to her side. ) I think he's trying to behave. I'm just glad he came. I didn't think he would.