The song comes to an end ((open thread))

[slayers_desire]

For the general public, tonight the Caritas is closed.

For those who have a special invitation however -- there is a party to attend. And the bar is decked out with every single decoration in the world. There are helium balloons floating up by the roof, in all sorts of colors. And we mean all the colors. There are plaid balloons up there!

There are dozens of candles decorating each table. And these candles fire off little tiny explosions of fireworks every half hour.

There is a bubble machine and a fog machine by the dance floor, so people can mix it up and have fun. There is every kind of beverage (even the 'rich red' for vampires) at the bar.

And right now Lorne is on the stage, belting out a song to "Memory".

((here is the deal -- this is a mixed interaction thread. NPCs will interact with everyone who posts, but I encourage others to interact as well. There will be a point when a major plot point will occur, and hopefully I can bring everyone into a posting order))

Comments

[vampire_village]

"Too long." Shasta leans in to give him a kiss. On the lips.

"How have you been?"

[fractured_agent]

Jack returns the kiss with the same enthusiasm. "Not bad. How 'bout yourself and Mister Tall, Blond, and Handsome?"

[vampire_village]

"We are doing good."

"He is hiding in the library right now. Trying to find something... anything that can help Lorne." Shasta knows that it a fruitless search. But every person reacts different.

[fractured_agent]

"He hasn't given up." Jack admires that to an extent, but he hopes Spike won't let anger or grief consume him if he fails.

[vampire_village]

"He is stubborn like that at times."

[fractured_agent]

"Gotta admire that in a guy," Jack says with a nod. "Things okay at home?"

[vampire_village]

"The village is peaceful. Mykal's twins are such a blessing. They are into everything."

[fractured_agent]

"Kids have a way of doing that. How old are they now?" He's lost track, but he's used to that. The older he gets, the quicker people seem to grow up and grow old.

[vampire_village]

"Three. Very dangerous age."

[fractured_agent]

"Say goodbye to peace and quiet, because it means they're up to something," Jack says with a grin.

[vampire_village]

"Luckily, they have a horde of guardians looking after them."

[fractured_agent]

"I think there's a twentieth century Earth saying about it taking a village to raise kids. You guys take it pretty literally."

[vampire_village]

"Our children are very unique. They need a village."

[fractured_agent]

"It's nice to see a place where people take responsibility for their neighbors," Jack agrees. He loves Earth, but sometimes their self-centeredness bothers him a little. Everyone wants to be labeled and segregated into little groups. Growing up in a backwater colony, he was raised with the idea that you should support those around you, and they'd support you in return, regardless of who you are or what you want.

[vampire_village]

"You should visit again." Shasta smiled softly. Her fingers playing with the collar of his shirt.

[fractured_agent]

"I'd be more than happy to," Jack says with a smile. "So long as the husband's okay with it." Though he still doesn't quite get on a fundamental level why flirting or even an actual relationship would lead to such deep attachments, he does respect that his culture isn't the same as Spike's. And April had mentioned to him a while back that Spike needed time to process it.

[vampire_village]

"He would like to see you again too. You realize." Shasta laughed softly.

[fractured_agent]

"I know. I just don't think he'd be as happy when I eventually had to leave."

[vampire_village]

"No matter what Jack... a part of you will always be with us. And we do wish you could be with us more often."

"But we understand. It is not your world. Your place. Your destiny."

[fractured_agent]

Jack has never really liked the idea of destiny, but he understands the sentiment she's trying to express. "Your village is pretty lovely, but I don't think I could do the calm quiet thing for very long anymore. I wouldn't mind coming round every now and then, though."

[vampire_village]

"How about we just promise to keep things exciting when you visit."

[fractured_agent]

"You'd ship in aliens and ancient Romans just for me?" Jack says with a teasing grin. "You really do care."

[vampire_village]

"Well I am sure I could find an alien-themed or ancient Roman-themed costumes. And props. Just for you."

[fractured_agent]

"Well now I feel all special."

[vampire_village]

Shasta held out her hand to him. "Dance with me?"