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Altered Perceptions

Where: Vineyards When: Wine Fest 2025 Who: Teddy Bryne @teddy-byrne

Running in heels was NOT originally the plan, for one they were suppsoed to be safe here and this suddenly did not feel safe. She had decided to not wear the olive branch this year. She'd worn the indicator last year, this time she had chosen not to given that Gwen was not with them. She'd shot off a few rocks that she could, there was no source of water which was their preferred element of the two but she made due. "Fuck off! I'm not a snack." She started to head back toward the villa to catch someone that could help. She knew that while she could use a little stronger a spell this was a community event and she didn't want to start a whole incident. The vampire kept following he must have been a newer turn and didn't know how to control himself. "Where did that fucking guard go..."

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She smiled at the kiss to her forehead, it was an odd spot to be in. No one prepared you for being adopted at 35, or that your new father would start dating. She could see how much she cared and she had ended up with a new friend so she really didn't argue. "Okay, supposed to....maybe not. Want to for sure." She looked at the guide and then back at him. "Yeah I don't think that'll be hard. Our guide looks less than enthused and well most of this crowd is tipsy or drunk soooo." The guide seemed to drone on about the specifics of the wood barrels they used at this location. All she heard was 'Blah, blah, blah pretensious statement, blah, blah, blah, not so sutble brag.' She was waiting for the group to start moving. "We can slip behind these barrels."

"Who wouldn't want to match her." He pressed a kiss to Max's forehead. He was still on cloud nine about his relationship with Faye, and it meant the world to him that his daughter was being so supportive. He always knew that they were a good egg, but Max always gave him reason to be proud of them. He'd taken a break from manning the stall to take the tour. Probably for the best seeing as he was running out of wine puns to make the patrons groan.

"Supposed to find or that you want to find?" He raised an eyebrow, pretending to be interested in whatever the employee had to say. Something about the type of wood. Despite knowing people who worked with alcohol, Will still couldn't tell the woodsy notes from the floral or fruity ones. "We gotta ditch the crowd though."

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"Well normally that is me, I'm a little more Iris at the moment but we'll blame that on the vampires." The tattoo artist smiled softly, "Oh you're good, I'm here for these." She pops a black olive in her mouth before answering him, "I'm good. It's nice to see you, Sipho." Their relationship with the covens, their leaders, and the council was a little odd. She knew all of them to varied degrees as the tattoo artist but outside of that she avoided the leadership of the covens. Especially Eli now that Rei was back in town. "How are you and yours? I hope they let you get some rest after the black outs."

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Sipho vaguely recognised the person that had joined him at the wine and cheese station. It took him a few moments before he placed them as one of Rei’s friends, and also one the coven-less witches he had made himself aware of some time ago. “Hey,” He greeted, retracting his hand away from one of the sticks of cheese, “Sorry, you go first.” Sipho laughed, ignoring the loud rumble of his stomach. “It’s Max, right? How are you?” He asked warmly.

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Roger, Rogers

When: VC Wine Fest Where: Cellars Who: Will Rogers ( @will-rogers )

"You two came in matching outfits! It's so cute. And you look great in the armor, don't let anyone tell you different." She spoke poking her dad's shoulder as they followed the guided tour. The sound of her heels clicking on the floor and the shifting of the bead on her tights knocking into one another. "She said there was some like forbidden area down here that we're supposed to find." Taking his hand, like a child leading a parent to a new toy. "Fuck, I don't remember where though. Damn wine.."

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"It is, I'm hoping they don't burn out." That worried him more than anything, for both girls and for Will. The burnout was envitable but at least he was there to assist when it did. He clinked his glass against hers with a smile, "You're right there. We can't let Artemis win. Have a good evening, Victoria." He gave them a bit of wave before finally spotting his father again and starting to slowly saunter thier way over to him. The conversation with Victoria was interesting and made him miss his partner a little.

“Yes, it’s good for them to have a distraction.” Victoria replied, keeping an even tone to her voice. While Victoria usually liked the keep her emotionally attachments to a minimum, she did consider Faye her friend and so keeping the information the council regarding her brother from her certainly hadn’t been a proud moment. She could only imagine the fall-out when things finally came to their conclusion, whatever that would be.

“We’re all too good to let Artemis beat us.” Victoria replied, “Besides, the city would be boring if we all stood still, wouldn’t it?” Victoria smiled, “Well,” She offered out her glass so that they could clink them together. “Cheers to an eventful evening.”

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"I appreciate that, the next time we have a sleep over you'll have to come. Then you can see me in my true element. And see more of my tattoos." He chuckled, part of him was pretty sure if he stopped trying that something would crack and this confidence would shatter. They needed to be a rock for the ones they loved for now, then they could fall apart for a bit. The mischevious grin on her face was fitting. He hoped to see that look on her face more often. She seemed to be slowly intergrating herself into the community and at least had picked good people to be friends with. "Alright, challenge is after this party you have to come out with me one time. You deserve to have hun with us supernatural types and not have to worry about anything."

Her smile softens at Max's words, giving their arm a squeeze in an attempt to be of comfort. "It's okay not to try sometimes. Hell, I don't try almost all the time. But, I'm glad to see you feeling well enough to do so."

She nods her head. "I'll do my best to get there." Beck's head tilts at Max's question, another mischevious grin spreading across her features. "You've got my completely undivided attention. What's the challenge?"

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"She's burying herself in rehab and rebuilding the bar with her cousin so at least they both have that. I can't imagine it's been easy on either of them." He was just glad that he was able to help where they could. It at least kept them from worrying as much as they would like.

"I'm glad to hear it. I haven't seen them in a bit and I keep meaning to check in on him but you know how it gets. One second you're bored and then for the next 3 months you're non stop." Usually they were pretty good about keeping their schedule from over whelming them but like anyone with a mind that's not typical it didn't stay that way. Max needed to make time to get out of just their place and Gwen's but that could wait. "I'm glad the community is bouncing back as it always does with a party with some kind silly little magic prank or trick. Makes it feel almost normal again."

“Hm. It doesn’t sound much different to my day-to-day.” Victoria teased. “No, I’m sure we don’t.” She agreed, although she might have been partial to the drama, the Lycaon’s had been through enough lately and Victoria didn’t want to see anything add to their turmoil. “How is she doing?” Victoria asked. “These past couple months can’t have been easy for any of you.”

“I’m fine.” Victoria reassured, “I was lucky to have been left out of it. And Ayumu seems to be recovering.” The pair weren’t close, but from her visits, Victoria could see that Ware was very much still standing, which was as far as it went.

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Max's Dionysus Outfit- Iris the goddess of Rainbows

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“Ya know….I forgot how I started the conversation.” He’d never been one to really tone things down, for now he’d blame the environment and the booze. They had been out of the dating game for nearly 10 months now, it was a welcome change and he could tell the parts of him that had changed to accommodate the attachment to her. “I’m definitely never against going full hermit. Its kind of part of the artist aesthetic, only instead of a cottage in the woods I’d need like a haunted castle in Romania or something.”

“Mine was alright, definitely not great. She had porcelain dolls everywhere.” Max was curious on just how much time Jo had been spending with therapist, it wasn’t his place and he’d stopped seeing his once he’d hit being a teenager. It was hard to talk to your therapist about everything if they weren’t in the community. He couldn’t go breaking the golden rule for giggles that wasn’t something he was ever really willing to do. Especially since being the one that had to tattoo people, he saw what it was like to learn about the community without being born into it. “Okay… you got me there. His puppy dog eyes are really hard to say no to.” He always had a hard time saying no to his dad even if they hadn't grown up with him. Will was a fun loving and wonderful person that gave so much joy to more than just them so it was hard to say no. "Fun cult? or like might be in a documentary in a few years, cult?" Cults had always been a point of interest for them. Probably had something to do with them being into the more macabe things. "I mean I hear some cults have great yoga programs. SO could be relaxing."

Jo snorted out a laugh then promptly hid her grin against the back of her hand. "Did that idea occur to you before or after we were discussing orgies?" In the admittedly short time she had known Max, propriety had never seemed like a big concern of his. But perhaps that was the drink talking, it certainly kept her lips loose enough. "Trust me, staying home is the superior choice. People suck. At least if you live like hermits, nothing can get between you two."

"Ah, but I could tell you a thing or two about therapists." Technically, both Victoria and Isabelle were psychiatrists but potayto, potahto. It wouldn't end well for Jo in any case, if she got caught badmouthing either one of them. "They have just as many screws lose as we do, if not more. Especially the supernatural ones."

"Right. You say that now, then next time we talk you'll tell me you bought a townhouse because you couldn't resist his puppy eyes," she joked, though she wouldn't put it past Will to charm his way to an entire ranch. "I'm not on animal control, unless they start shifting into humans. In which case, I will absolutely hold you responsible."

"I did take a day-trip to a gun range half an hour outside the city—got to stick it to some of the big burly guys there," Jo said, brows rising along with her inflection. "That counts as relaxing, right?" She gave a loose shrug. "I mean, I don’t know what you people expect. My job is my entire life. But I got some sun, made some enemies, possibly joined a cult. It was, you know, restful."

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"Well I guess you have a point, no one did expect that. But I mean Karen Gillian very sexy red head. I'd happily have that problem." He chuckled, she had a good point but it made him so tempted to dye his hair ginger for a while and see what happened. "I promise it's safe, baby girl. I'm not about to give you something I didn't already drink. This is the one I grabbed earlier and you don't see me being more flirty than I usually am." He cheersed her glass and took a sip making sure to grab a waiter and ask for more water the next time they walked by. "Based on what I've seen thus far, the yellow is lucky. So if anything we should leave and go to the casino."

Daphne wanted to visit Gwen when things settled down. While she didn't know the woman well, she was an important person in Max's life. That counted for so much. The least that the witch could do was bring over a few healing potions and some flowers- maybe even a muffin basket. Did Gwen eat gluten? Daph needed to ask when she could actually concentrate on something beside the way that Max's hair drew the eye to his chest.

"Of course it is." She didn't even bother to lift her head, words muffled by the table. It was always her luck to pick the worst choice whenever possible. She should go get water and hope to flush whatever magic was in the drink out of her system, but Daph physically couldn't. If she got up, she was either going to swoon or jump on someone. Neither option sounded appealing to her, although in her current state, jumping on someone did hold a bit of appeal. "Gingers are very dangerous. You never know when one will lure you in with a false sense of sweetness only to pounce. No one ever expected Ed Sheeran to be sexy."

The brunette warily eyed the yellow drink. "What's that one? It looks like it glows in the dark. Do I need to be radioactive next?" She knew that Max would never hurt her. He was too good a friend- practically family. "Can't be worse than the red one." She held up the cup to Max. "Cheers."

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"You're not wrong there. It's been constantly shifting as long as I've lived here and that's only been the last twenty or so." As much as he wouldn't mind the world stopping long enough for his life to calm down he knew that wouldn't happen. He flashed her a bit a mischevious smile, "I heard there was a chance of kissing or fighting so you may have been saved, unless there's someone in the community you are looking to kiss... or verbally abuse but I think you could get away with that tonight if you want."

"I'm pretty sure if anything I'm doing others a favor, last thing we need is my werewolf girlfriend starting an incident." He shook his head and took another sip of the drink. He was also glad he didn't have to be jealous of others trying to flirt with Gwen. "A bit chaotic. The blackouts did a lot to the people I care about. That being said Will's moved in with me and it's been nice. He pretty much adopted me, so it's been really nice having him with me. I hope you weren't effected too badly. I know Ayumu got hit."

“I think that’s why I’ve stayed in the city for so long. It never sits still and there’s always something unfolding beneath the surface.” For some, they found that fact unsettling and disturbing, but for Victoria the silence of nothingness was more terrifying. “I unfortunately didn’t get to experience the Christmas party either this year, I decided to take a trip away but apparently I missed out on mistletoe drama.” The spirit pouted.

“I think that’s very sensible.” Victoria nodded. She wasn’t one for relationships herself but that didn’t mean she was opposed to other people being committed to one another. Perhaps a little resentful, maybe, a little jealous deep down, but most of that she kept effectively hidden. “So, how has life been outside of work?”

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"Oooo, I could be convinced to do both I haven't done the second one in a while. The get drunk part is a little more frequent but less public and less fun." He was glad to have Judas, he was such a grounding presence for their nerves. "Feel like getting drunk with me and doing something stupid? It's been a while since we've been trouble."

"Do you know how ridiculous he would be if he wins a costume contest in that?" He loved his adopted father, he deserved a win and Max would be happy to watch him run around in that and talk about his award. "I really want to know what the Westwoods thought of it. I'm sure it'll be a good laugh later."

"Oh yeah, we better put your ego in check. Maybe you should get drunk and do something embarrassing," they teased. If anyone deserved to have an ego, it was Max. He worked hard for what he had.

"Honestly, he knew the play better than me, I thought it was very on theme." He wouldn't have known about the donkey headed guy if not for Will's very clever outfit. "He wins the costume contest in my opinion."

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Current statuses:

Dating: Gwen Lycaon Adopted Parent: William Rogers Bestie: Rei Remington, Daphne Blackwood, Judas Samara Mentor: Artus Westwood Enemies: Artemis

Living: Above their shop with Will Work: Gilded Ink (owner), Council's Tattoo Artist Coven: Covenless

The Highlights:

First starter in VC: Inked Lines - April 6, 2024 Will basically adopts Max post Phantom Creek: Dusty Dreams - September, 2024 Gwen and Max's First Date: Watercolor Hearts September 14,2024 Max's Parents Death: Violent Repercussions - October 22, 2024 Max and Gwen: Make it Official - Xmas 2024 Gwen is attacked durning the black outs: Deja Vu - March 8, 2025

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“You make a good point, I do have an awful lot of wolves around me for being a witch. Not that I mind though, at least my house doesn’t always have the wet dog smell. Though its often.” Not that that was because of his dad, the little zoo they had was most of the blame there.

“I was trying to be not vulgar.” Max knew what was happening was a lot more than flirting for some people. He chuckled and shook his head, “I used to be a flirt but I think I just got bored of it and started stayin home and crushing on the hot chef so you know a win for me really.”

 It was good to see Jo so animated, Max was glad that at least despite the chaos of their life they still had a sense of humor. Sure a part of him wondered how much was Jo and how much was the elf drink that was doing whatever magic it had. “Don’t look at me hun, I’m on the list of the worst people to be a therapist. Hell I should probably be seeing one but little hard to do that and be what we are.”

He laughed at the mention of the zoo and he couldn’t help the bit of a face palm, “I know but it’s hard to say no to the man, and Montie likes the company. That being said my apartment is not that big, so we are going to have to stop taking in critters soon. They’ll behave and if they don’t I promise to make it so you don’t have to deal with it.”

“So please tell me that you got to have fun on your sabbatical?  And didn’t just work when you weren’t working.”

Instinctively, her hand went to cover Max's. "No, you misunderstand. The battering ram is to widen the door, not for you. I'd have a legion of wolves on my ass if I touched a single hair on your head—and my landlord doesn't allow pets." They’d worked a few cases together, but Jo doubted even Jaxson would wait to hear her side should any harm come to Max. It was almost like they had formed a weird little pack of their own—Max, Caleb's little sister, Jaxon and Will.

"Flirty..?" she echoed with a laugh, her gaze sliding toward the increasingly rowdy crowd by the drinks table. "I'd hate to be set up on a blind date by you." Finally remembering to let go of Max's hand, she hooked her thumb towards them. "I'm no prude, but that's not flirty. That's Twenty Shades of Grey with dubious consent."

"Tell me about it. It's a joke. Like we don't know exactly what to say to pass." Granted, it had been a little harder to get back in Pam's good graces after she had deliberately tanked her evaluation. But that was just the point—Jo hadn't slipped up, she'd said it on purpose. Of course, top brass had to cover their asses somehow. "If I'm ever actually unfit to do my job, you're not gonna find out by sitting me down and asking questions."

"I haven’t yet. When I hear grown men in animal costumes, my first instinct is to head the other way." Jo grimaced, though her eyes stayed bright. "Blame it on childhood trauma—Shawn the Rabbit. He was pink. Six-foot-something. I had nightmares for weeks." Still, she rocked up onto her tiptoes to look for the men in question. "Not too much trouble I hope. I kinda value Jaxon's input as a consultant." Once her heels were back on solid ground—or as solid as it could be in these shoes—she turned back to Max. "You might wanna tell your old man to lay off the animals for bit. They're not exactly inconspicuous."

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"She's okay, been better of course, but getting there." He was appreciative of the people who were asking about Gwen it was nice of them. They were happy to be here and enjoying the break from the stress for a little bit. Daphne's flirts were so cute, he knew this was going to be embarrassing for her later. "Why thank you, Daph that's really sweet." "Yeah, no...the red one is a problem." Max did their best to not do a spit take when she said gingers. That was not the reaction they had been expecting, but fuck was that funny. "Okay, babes let me go get you something to kick this before any gingers hear you. You stay here, don't move." Max made their way past a few people picking up the safe yellow ones. One for him and one for her, "I'm good thank you!" He avoided a few other people that were also drinking the red ones. He finally mangaged to get back to the table. "Lets try this, one okay?"

"Is she alright?" She chewed her bottom lip, remembering that Gwen had been hurt in the recent blackout. Daphne wished that there was more that could have been done, but at least Gwen was now awake. The fact that she was well enough for Max to be comfortable going to the play and festivities also soothed her worry. Max cared too much for too many to simply have fun while others suffered. "Well deserved compliments. You look sexy."

Resting her head on the table, Daphne closed her eyes in the hopes that doing so might calm her body down. She hadn't felt like this since she'd read that one book about the billionaire and his bride. She shifted in her seat, yet nothing was working.

"What else could it be?" She groaned, looking up at Max. That didn't help. Looking at them only added to her growing heat. "I drank the red one. Maybe don't touch the red one. I should know better. In nature, a lot of red things are a warning sign: black widows, poison dart frogs, gingers."

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PEDRO PASCAL dancing and showing his 'Protect The Dolls' shirt during his 50th birthday party

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"An event in Vievecor without mischief? I don't think that's possible. I heard the christmsas party had enchanted mistletoe which i missed somehow. I'm glad I did, I don't think I could have handled that." Granted the Christmas party had been a good time for them, aside from having to tattoo that poor human boy again. "I think I might join you in that. If I pretend that's how it ends it'll make all of this far more funny later." He chuckled at the comment about only having eyes for one and nodded. "You're not wrong. I have a partner, she's not here tonight. I don't mind a harmless flirt here and there but I don't want to give anyone the wrong impression."

“I can’t say I know any of them particularly well.” Victoria shrugged, “But judging by the drinks selection I’d say whoever was leading the party planning didn’t want the event to pass by without any mischief.” It was true people were still cautious over the attacks, but Victoria wasn’t one of them.

“I don’t remember either, but I’m going to pretend that it does.” Victoria replied with an amused smile, taking another sip of her drink. The spirit huffed a laugh, “I think perhaps that’s these.” She raised her glass to shake it very gently, “Why are you not enjoying the attention, do you only have eyes for one?”