#colossal.starter

Dario had been spending most of his time so far snacking away, though if you asked him he’d tell you it was just a thorough quality check on the spread—community service, really, and certainly not the munchies…even though it was absolutely the latter. He swayed a little to the music, fingers drumming on the edge of the table as he glanced around the basement, lazily searching for anyone who didn't look like they were too caught up in their conversation so he could wander over.

Spotting someone, he closes the short distance, an inviting grin spread across his face. “Okay, real important question,” he said, leaning just enough to cut through the music, voice playful and warm as usual. “You having a good time, or do I need to distract you with a really cool magic trick?” He gave a small shrug and chuckle. “Cool is subjective, obviously, but I promise it’ll at least be entertaining.”

did he arrive early? yes. was there disappointed latched onto his appearance when he brought out a full tray of brownies but confirmed they didn't have p.ot in them when asked? also yes. none of that was going to stop him from having fun!

frankie has one of the best seats in house as the second movie starts, a perk of working for portal and coordinating this event. well, coordinating might be a little strong, but she did give petey all of her opinions about the choices for the movie marathon. even if this genre isn't her favorite—or even top three—she has an appreciation for the artistry, and what the movies symbolize for this weekend. more importantly, she's looking forward to enjoying the rest of the movies uninterrupted.

a lingering form appears to the right, thwarting that plan with impressive speed. "did you lose your seat after the first movie, or miss it completely? actually, don't answer that. i'll lose a little respect for you either way," she sighs, communicating to them in a stage whisper of sorts. her eyes cut to the empty seat next to hers, then she tilts her head back to look at them again. "make you a deal? i'll let you sit next to me, but only if you get me some more popcorn. running out in the middle of a movie is the worst." frankie says this in a way that implies she has some big say on seating. she does not.

rose quartz — $3 $2.70. opens the heart to share and receive love more easily.

reading the tag on the box of milky pink crystals, shane lets out an involuntary snort, brows shooting up toward his hairline as he leans back from the shelf. ❝ and how does that work ? ❞ the words are muttered entirely to himself, but they do come out loud enough that when he notices the person standing nearby he feels the need to add, ❝ sorry, talking to myself. but it's hard not to wonder, right ? ❞

frankie lingers on the edge of tonight's party, hip pressed gently against the wall behind her. she's no blushing wallflower or anything, just likes watching the people around her. especially when those people aren't paying attention to her, and right now they're not, caught up in their drinking, talking, letting loose. she has every intention of joining the fun... eventually. but maybe she'll see something good first.

a noise to the right catches her attention briefly, eyes shifting in that direction, shifting away just as fast. she only registers after looking away that something is different this time, the figure stopping at the bottom of the stairs instead of moving forward and disappearing into the party like people usually do. she looks over just in time to see the motion, subtle but not so subtle that frankie warner could miss it. more satisfying than witnessing what they did is realizing they don't notice frankie watching them. for a quick moment, it feels like pure bliss: the unwelcomed access, entitlement to a moment she didn't earn. frankie sees them, but they don't see her.

"i saw that," she announces, voice much louder than it should in this quiet little corner. her expression gives nothing away at first, then the corners of her mouth start to lift like she might smile. she doesn't. "don't look so worried. it can be our little secret."