cuddlecity | EVENT: LIFE'S A BEACH

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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!

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[ In spite of himself, Derek laughs a little when she shows so much enthusiasm. It still feels surreal and weird to know her, never mind take her hands in a greeting he doesn't really understand — he's oblivious; it is what it is — but here he is.

He smirks a little at her response because he can't tell if it's a word she knows that he doesn't or if she's just tipsy enough to have made up a word of her own. ]

Not bad, not bad. It's good to see you again. What are you up to tonight?

[ A little bit of both- she tries to keep her Ozian vocabulary to a minimum here though it still sneaks through from time to time. As soon as her hands are in his, she gives them a squeeze and another bright smile.]

It's good to see you too.

[ And despite how tipsy she may be, she's very genuine with that- her demeanor sobering just enough to convey her sincerity- before she's back to her far too excitable self. ]

They're setting up a game of some sort... [ She hadn't actually been paying attention to which game, just that it had been suggested she join. ] I was going to play a little, then relax by the bonfire... Where were you going? You should join!

[ It's weird how she manages to make him feel like the only person in the entire city when they talk. It's like she just has this way about her that suggests she's always giving whoever she's talking to at any given time her full and undivided attention. Derek doesn't know if that's true and he'd be incredibly impressed if it is, but it's a nice feeling either way. ]

Oh, I was headed...home, I guess; I didn't have any actual plans. I was just helping at the bar when my coworkers wanted or needed breaks.

[ He looks over at the group as they start to settle on the sand in a circle and he spies the empty wine bottle in the center. Looking back over at Glinda, he lifts his eyebrows. ]

You know that's a kissing game, right?

[ The tone is playful so that he doesn't come across as insulting, but he's genuinely trying to help her, because he wonders whether that's a thing in Oz: Spin the Bottle. He's sort of doubting it. ]

[ He'd be surprised to find out that it was just how she operated. Regardless, her face fell just a bit when he said he was going home- regardless how selfless it was of him to be here just to help his coworkers... And as he glances over at the group, she looks over her shoulder as well.

She turns back to him, just after he looks back at her, her own eyebrows raising.]

Oh! [A pause as she laughs lightly.] Well... It could be fun, right?

[ Maybe they had it in Oz, maybe not... She's going to be easy-going about it regardless. Though she certainly would like for him to join the game, she's not going to insist- and instead she looks thoughtful for a moment before she adds:]

Or I can skip the whole thing if you'd like to join me at the bonfire for a bit?

[ He's starting, finally, to adjust to the idea that people might actually enjoy his company now and again, but the novelty of the swell of warmth that creeps into his chest whenever it happens might never get old. When she suggests that they could still play, Derek looks amused and impressed in equal measure, because he's not sure why he kind of had her pegged as a goody-goody. ]

I haven't played since I was fifteen, but it was fun back then?

[ With a small smile, he shrugs, deciding to leave the ball in her court. He's supposed to eventually be getting intimate with people here; that's part of the deal. A stupid kissing game isn't going to kill him. ]

Whatever you want to do, I don't care. We can play if you want to play.

[ If she's ever clued into this, she'll make sure that he never doubts that she enjoys his company when she's near. Had she been sober, Glinda may have been second guessing her choice to play- there was a lot of baggage she was still managing herself. But she's been enjoying those drinks off and on all day, and there was something about Derek that made her feel more at ease with the world around her...

So with a bright smile she tugged on his hands with hers.]

It's part of why we're here, isn't it? [There was the emphasis on nurturing relationships in this place, even if energy could be gained other ways.] We don't have to play for long.

[ That question makes Derek take pause. Yes, he supposes she's right. He's here because he wants Cora to be safe, but yeah, that was part of the agreement. He hasn't made any real attempts toward anything yet beyond trying to make friends with Kara and flirting with Felicity — both of which are things it's been so long since he's bothered to try to do that he's pretty sure he's awful at them — which probably suggests Cora's only marginally safe and that's not good enough.

So he smiles a little when she tugs on his hands. ]

Yeah, okay, twist my arm. I'll play. For a couple of rounds.

[ That seems like a fair compromise. She did, after all, mention they could go off on their own and talk, so with the circle as big as it is, as long as he doesn't get picked or volunteer to take a turn right away, he might be able to get out of this scot-free and then go hang out with her and get to know her more. ]

Perfect!

[As soon as he agrees she's leading him back over to the circle. It does seem like a game for teenagers more than adults (as though she's a shining model of being an adult)- but one would think adults would appreciate it much more.

She takes her seat again, nudges her parasol and shoes to the side and makes enough room for him to take a seat. She has no intention of volunteering to go first either, but she'll have fun watching everyone else start up the game. It was easy enough to only pay half attention to what was going on as she leans toward him- there's no reason they can't chat while everyone else is playing the game.]

Have you been settling in well?

[ As they settle in the sand, Derek looks around the circle. He's not sure he loves the idea that his odds are still pretty good at being chosen, but he's really rather hoping Glinda gets a bottleneck pointing at her before he does. Maybe after that, they can go off on their own and he won't feel guilty about pulling her away from the game before she's actually gotten a chance to play it.

His attention moves back to her fully when she speaks again and he smiles. ]

Ish, yeah. I'm getting there. I could've done without the earthquake, though, I'll be honest.

[ He makes a face at that. After all, isn't this place supposed to be better than home? Replacing supernatural threats and hunters with natural disasters wasn't exactly what he'd had in mind. ]

How about you? Are you settling in all right?

[Turn after turn the bottle doesn't land on her, though at this point she hardly minds. She glances over at him and mirrors that smile while nodding.]

As long as we're both being candid, I agree wholeheartedly. That was a bit overwhelming to start out our stay here with.

[And she had done what she could to help- but was it really enough in the long run? It was still jarring to so many residents...]

Mmmm. It's a little peculiar being here- I'm not entirely sure I knew what I was getting myself into. Finding a similar-ish job, for instance...

[What even was her job back home other than to be the smiling face people needed to see? She thought she was doing Good for Oz and instead she was just being used...]

I'll find something I like, I think- [She pauses as she feels a nudge at her arm and sees someone handing her the bottle.] OH! [She laughs and excuses herself long enough to spin it...

And see it land on the very one who already has all of her attention.]

Yeah, well, if I wanted earthquakes, I could've just stayed in California.

[ If it sounds like he's joking, it's because largely, he is. There's an element of truth to it, because with a statement like that, of course there is. Who would want something like earthquakes to follow them to a new place? Not that he's endured many, but he's not a stranger to them, either. ]

I feel you on the jobs. I never worked — [ He nods to let their conversation be interrupted before continuing after she's spun the bottle ] — in my life, so I just sort of jumped at the first opportunity that presented it...self, really? Okay.

[ There were enough people in the group that he'd sort of thought he'd maybe get to escape being an actual part of the game, but there it is. She seemed interested enough to play in the first place, so he's not going to be the guy who lets her down.

He pauses, though, waiting to make sure that she isn't trying to decide if that'll be entirely too awkward and she'd rather just try her luck with another spin. When she doesn't necessarily give him any indication of that, he leans forward slowly and, when she still doesn't give him any indication that she would prefer he didn't, he kisses her. Derek hasn't played this game in over a decade, but he remembers enough to know that a chaste little peck is only going to get them both mocked, so he kisses her, although it's short and sweet, before he pulls back again. ]

[ Even if Glinda isn't familiar enough with California's natural disaster patterns, that's enough to make her laugh. Regardless, a lot of that is forgotten when he's leaning forward.

The kiss was, woefully, short- but she didn't enjoy it any less. There was something a little more special about it that way. Somehow.

As he pulls back, she smiles at him and breathes out of a soft breath.]

I think we can call it quits and enjoy that bonfire now.

[No one else in the circle could top that. She's sure of that.]

[ Derek is admittedly relieved at the smile in response. It means he read her correctly and he hasn't committed some horrible offense by misunderstanding and indulging the game when she'd changed her mind. They seem to have been on the same page and, even more so, Derek thinks so when she says they can quit playing and head to the bonfire. ]

Sounds like a plan.

[ He returns the smile and pushes himself to his feet, holding out a hand to her, intending to draw her up to her feet as well so that they can go.

Glinda doesn't seem angry, so that's good. She seems to be, well...pleased. The game evidently had its novel effect and she's ready to go off on their own. This could've gone worse; he's glad it hadn't.]

Which way is it?

[ Typically, Derek doesn't do fires, not anymore. Not after one took his family, anyway. But for Glinda, he can. How bad can it be, anyway? It's been a long time since the Hale house fire. This one will be controlled. He's going to be fine. ]

[The Good Witch slips her ridiculous shoes back on, takes her parasol in hand- and by the point he's up and holding his hand out to her. Which she accepts graciously. She gives his hand a squeeze as he helps her back up, stumbling only slightly towards him as she vaguely remembers why she wasn't wearing her shoes earlier.

Though sobering enough now, heels and sand don't exactly get along. Regardless, she's determined and manages to keep herself from stumbling completely into him.]

Just over there.

[She gestures with her free hand, not keen on letting go of his hand just yet.]

[ His eyebrows lift a little, in a mixture of amusement and incredulity when Glinda puts her shoes back on. She might as well keep them off, if she wants to walk comfortably, but he keeps that to himself and just lets her steady herself by holding his hand. Mostly because, admittedly, it's kind of nice to hold her hand. It's a sweet, intimate sort of gesture he can honestly say he hasn't indulged in since he was in high school.

Derek nods and starts in the direction indicated, smiling sheepishly over at her. ]

Was that okay? I didn't mean to make it weird or anything, but I didn't want you to waste your turn, either...

[ Might as well check with her directly to make sure that they're still good, after all. It'll be secretly plaguing him all night if he doesn't. ]

[ She is bound and determined to keep wearing the shoes- she went through enough trouble to pair them with her outfit after all. Still, probably through sheer determination, she's able to walk without looking completely ridiculous-

Even if he's second guessing the kiss. Glinda glances over at him and breathes out a soft laugh while shaking her head. ]

It was more than okay- I would have stopped you if it wasn't.

[ She'd like to try again without the bottle and crowd. Longer next time too. But that remains unsaid as she half follows/half leads the way towards the fire. ]

But I promise it didn't make anything weird.

[ Derek easily relaxes when she gives her reassuring response. More than okay suggests something he's not sure she meant to imply, but he lets it slide because he doesn't want to overanalyze anything and this is Glinda of all people. Glinda the Good Witch of the North. It's a little too surreal to let himself think that someone like her could be interested in someone as broken and damaged as he is. ]

I'm glad. That it wasn't weird, I mean; I would've felt bad.

[ They make their way to the bonfire and Derek chooses a spot far from the flames but not so far that they're not a part of the crowd. There, he lowers himself to the sand and finally takes his own shoes off, letting his toes sink into the sand as he looks over at her. ]

You look really nice tonight.

[ In case no one's told her. Someone should. ]

[ Glinda sits next to him- only just now realizing how awkward it is that she's taking off her shoes again. She pulls her knees close to her chest and turns her head to look at him- cheek against her knees.]

Thank you, Derek.

[ You do too? ]

I'm glad I ran into you before you left the party. This is nice.

[ That movement makes her look somehow so much more approachable, even though he doesn't perceive her to be unapproachable in the first place. There's something casual and childlike about it that Derek finds endearing and the smile on his face illustrates that. ]

You're welcome. I'm glad I ran into you, too.

[ He probably shouldn't still be thinking about that stupid game and the kiss that came out of it, but he is. He's glad that happened, too. It felt nice and God knows he wouldn't have had it in him to try to kiss Glinda the Good Witch of the North from the Wizard of Oz otherwise. That much is for sure.

Although, thinking that makes him realize he doesn't actually know Glinda at all. It's not like she played a very big role in the movie. Important, yes, but big, no. ]

So, what have you been doing with yourself lately?

[ Oh that kiss is going to be on her mind for quite some time. Even if it was just that chaste peck. The thing is, the more he smiles? The more she does. ]

Honestly I have been doing much. I've been trying to learn the technology around here... and I've been volunteering my time at the soup kitchen and animal shelter... while I try to find a job.

[ She leans in just enough to knock her shoulder lightly against his arm and wiggles her toes in the sand.

With him, she can forget the difficulties of the past... The lost friends, lost fiance... It's nice to be allowed a break from that mental burden. ]

You? Apart from the job you've picked up?

[ And likewise, the more she smiles, the more Derek does; they appear to be fueling one another's fires in that way. Derek smirks, amused, when she nudges his arm with her shoulder. ]

I'd put in a good word for you where I work, but it's kind of a rough crowd in there. I don't think you'd like it much.

[ Regardless of the accuracy of the perception, Derek sees Glinda as a lot more fragile than someone who would want to work in a place like CriminALES. ]

Me? Ah, not really much. Mostly the job and I've been reading. I kind of gave up on the search through Cadelle's history in favor of Pride and Prejudice. Someone recommended it to me and I'm giving it a shot.

[ He leans back a little, hands in the sand behind himself to keep him largely upright as he looks over at her. ]

What do you do for fun? Unless the volunteering is the fun part?

[ The thought of her working at a bar, even while here in a place so far from home, is laughable... And even with good intentions, she can't help but giggle at the thought. ]

Thank you for that regardless. I'll find something perhaps not so rough.

[ She could handle herself, but it's more that she wants to keep up appearances and all. ]

I haven't heard of that- perhaps I should look into reading more stories to pass my time.

[ Glinda remains as she is as he leans back, still smiling over at him as she does. ]

It's been a while since I've had time for taking a break and doing anything fun. The volunteering was meant to be some of my fun... The parties, though a lot different from home... I would go out dancing a lot when I was younger. [ As though she's 'old' now... even if she feels it. ]

[ Derek nods a little, smiling. It's a knowing sort of smirk; knowing because there's no way she was going to work at CriminALES and he wasn't serious. If she had wanted, he would've put in a good word, but he'd mostly been joking. ]

I'm sure you will. If I can help, let me know.

[ Shrugging a little, Derek looks back at her. ]

It's okay. Some woman on the Ok Cuddle recommended it. Not really my cup of tea, but it's not bad at all. You can borrow it when I'm done if you want? I prefer to buy books over taking them out of libraries. That way, if I feel like making little notes in the margins, I'm not an asshole.

[ A smile pulls at the corners of his mouth as he looks back at her, saying when she was younger as if she's somehow old. If she is, she certainly doesn't look it. ]

I learned how to ballroom dance when I was a kid. My mom made my sister and I take lessons for one of my cousins' weddings. That's the last time I've bothered dancing. What made you stop? If you like it, age shouldn't stop you doing it.

[ Look- if she was determined enough, she'd offer to work there just out of spite. There's probably a spell or five in the Grimmerie that would be useful at more uncouth establishments. ]

You'll be the first person I go to.

[ As he continues about the book however, Glinda finds herself nodding as he speaks, smiling and laughing at his comment about marking up the margins. ]

I would love to read it after you're done- if not only to see what notes you have to say about it in the margins.

[ She's an old soul! Or at least that's what she's telling herself... She's not actually, but recent events have matured her rapidly. That's her story and she's sticking to it... ]

I got a little too busy for it. An elected official doesn't have much time to herself... especially not when everything goes topsy turvy. [ And your fiance leaves you for your best friend whose sister dies shortly after and then your fiance dies and your best friend reveals that the man in charge of Oz is a fraud and horrid person and then she dies...

Not much of a chance to go dancing during all of that. But despite her thoughts going off track as such, she manages a small smile over at him. ]

Would you like to go dancing with me sometime, Derek?

[ Derek laughs a little at the way Glinda gets just that out of it and he shakes his head. ]

I think with this book, you'd be pretty disappointed, since most, if not all, of my notes are little questions I mean to Google for further analysis. Or ask around, maybe, but I hear Google has just about everything, so... Maybe I can find what I'm looking for.

[ He pauses then, thoughtfully. ]

...I wonder if they even have Google here...

[ Shaking his head, he gives Glinda his attention again. It doesn't matter, anyway. He'll figure out what he needs to figure out one way or another.

Glinda's plight earns her a sympathetic look. Derek knows what it's like to lead and it's a lot of work and responsibility. One mistake could cost lives. Being elected into it is almost definitely different than stealing the power and creating a group of followers, so to speak, the way he had, but still. The end game is the same, to some degree. So when she asks whether he'd like to go dancing with her, rather than answer that he'd like to spend more time with her, but that dancing isn't really his thing, Derek decides against it. ]

Yeah. Yeah, I would.

[ He pauses, looking over at her. ]

How about now?

[ There isn't really the kind of music playing that he'd prefer, plus it's distant from where they're sitting, but so? ]

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