15818/Gotham Gallery Opening Gala

Gotham Gallery Opening Gala
Date of Scene:	31 October 2023
Location:	Malakim
Synopsis:	Malakim opens and there is no attempted kidnappings or anything else. Whew!
Cast of Characters:	Asariel, Cassandra Cain, Damian Wayne, Gabby Kinney, Phoebe Beacon, Tom McCarthy, Dick Grayson, Essix, Stephanie Brown, Austin Reese

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Asariel has posed:
It is Halloween! This is exciting for a few reasons. That means that there are a lot of people out and about and Gotham is a scary place on its own, the added suspense of the night makes for a great time to open up a bit of a dark gallery. Or so a certain woman would think.

Malakim is a small art gallery that has been overseen by Doctor Asariel Basotini, while the Thrones is a main hub, Gotham is the place where the sister gallery is. It makes sense given the woman calls the city a second home. The inside of Malakin is painted black with a series of gold and silver runes, glyphs and other esoteric symbols that line the walls and the ceiling. In the center of the gallery is a Sigil of Ameth that has been meticulously burned into the floor.

Is it all aesthetic? Maybe. Those that know Asariel probably get the decor.

It's not all her artwork on display tonight. Some local dark artists have been asked to come and display and there is the sculpture of the Archangel Michael that she did...and destroyed... that has been pieced back together. Because her Uncle was a dick, but she loved that statue. Lucifer's statue is also on display here. His wings are different though, not the feathery that one would expect, but more leathery and demonic.

Asariel is towards the front of the gallery in a black gown that has been created for the occasion. It's a bit simplistic, but the jewelry that she wears and the unearthly roses that she wears in her hair are what makes the outfit pop. She greets those that come in, but doesn't hold anyone up from enjoying the paintings and presence of others. There is a playlist of dark romantic tracks that play. There is also finger food, drinks and an open bar!

Oh and it is her birthday. But...only a few might know that.

Cassandra Cain has posed:
So, there's something to be said for training. Gets you active, teaches you things if you put enough into it. But this? This isn't training. Or it shouldn't have been training, but I mean...

So anyway. Cassandra has been doing ballet, and trying to become known...well, no, that's not the right turn of phrase either. She's good at ballet, but that's because she loves to DO it. But then someone, not naming any names, suggested that it might be a really good cover story for her. And being a ballerina comes with...ugh.

Socializing.

So here she is, in a black sheathe dress with a skirt that stops at her thighs, showing off her legs, and she looks like she's the awkward person. Which is odd, since every move she makes is exact and controlled. She steps up to the door, hands clasped demurely in front of her, and waits patiently to enter. But yeah, this is work. She's got to learn how to do this kinda thing.

Not that she wasn't doing just fine without it. Ugh.

Damian Wayne has posed:
After going to the costume party the night before, Damian and Gabby are making their second official appearance together. Not as a Wayne and his bodyguard, but as a couple that have started dating.

Damian has dressed for the black tie affair in an Issey Miyake original, the tuxedo cut slightly different for the Japanese cut. The super smooth and dense wool is a deep black in color, with trousers are using a variation of a wrap design, making it flow more than a pair of stiff trousers normally would be, giving it the appearance of a calla lily. An elegant overcoat is set over the tuxedo, the inner lining of it a rich jade color that matches his girlfriend's dress, and gives a slight 'glow' to the tuxedo beneath with the rich colored green against the black cloth. A pair of jade and gold cufflinks complete the ensemble.

His arm is settled with Gabby, providing her escort as he takes a look around as they prepare to enter. As he notices Cassandra, he smiles. "Good evening, Cassandra." he greets and he's banking on the fact that Gabby already knows Cassie. Cause she knows /everyone/.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney has her hair done up nicely. It was simple, basic, a high swept bun with an ornamental hairstick through it to hold it in place. It keeps the hair off her neck allowing her shoulders to be revealed. All the better to show off the decorative embellishments on the shoulders of her Mac Duggal dress. It's a pleasant sage green adorned with rows of sequins running in rivulets down the loose skirt of the dress. Similar flower and star adornments in gold and green decorate from around knee down to the hem. Beneath she wears a pair of heels one would suspect though the skirt dances just a bit above the floor making it impossible to see exactly what shoe.

Lacing her arm in with Damian's, leaning in against his side for a bit of warmth (her coat had been left at the door), she flashes a bright smile at seeing a familiar face. "Cass! Hi! I'm here for... well. The party I guess." Usually she was bodyguarding. Not tonight.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    It's Halloween! It's also one of Phoebe's favorite holidays, in spite of the events of the last few years that's marred it. She still loves seeing little kids in their halloween costumes, and what's better than lobbing candy at strange children wearing get-ups meant to be your friends in some cases?

    At least she's PRETTY sure that kid last year was supposed to be Conner Kent's Superboy.

    And yes. Asariel's uncle is a dick.

    Phoebe's dusky pink hair has been braided and set into shape like waves on her head, carefully pinned with dozens of tiny orange roses made of ceramic, she wore a dark blue scarf over her shoulders to help hide the burn scars, and an empire-waist, a-line gown in a matching dark blue, richer than Navy, with sparkling threads set through-out, twinkling like shooting stars in a starless night sky. Her wide choker collar is switched from its normal black to a rich orange to match the roses pinned in her hair.

    Clutching her small navy blue .... clutch, she makes her way inside, giving a bright grin to Cassandra, Damian, and Gabby.

    She does stop short though at the broken and reassmbled Michael statue, and she feels her stomach drop out a little bit.

Tom McCarthy has posed:
Black tie? Good lord. That meant Tom had to get a proper tuxedo! Thankfully he had the forewarning, and was able to arrange for one to be fitted for him - no reason to go against the required attire. Dressed like a rather stylish British agent, the man makes his way into the gallery. In his hand, he has a small gift-wrapped box.

<<That statue... is disturbing.>> Digi uttered in Tom's head, when he turned and saw the sculpture of Lucifer.

~It's just a statue.~ The man comforts to the otherworldly companion.

Spotting the hostess, Tom makes his way over towards Asariel, smiling as he does. "Doctor, this all looks amazing." He offers over, his tone charming and sincere. "And you certainly shine above and beyond the art." A wink to her, the small gift offered over. "Happy Birthday."

Dick Grayson has posed:
    It's always nice to see openings in Gotham. This one is fairly fitting, both of the season and the city itself. Gotham's socialites would never miss a gallery opening, and so limos are taking turns releasing their passengers at the gallery doors. One such group is Dick Grayson, Stephanie Brown and Essix. Where the first two are fairly well known on social circles, the latter is not. All three are dressed formally for the event, though Dick at least is just in what could be called a 'generic' designer tuxedo. It looks good on him, but it doesn't stand out in a crowd. He has his arm around Steph's waist as they enter, Essix walking beside the pair.

    Spotting Damian, Gabby and Cassandra just ahead of them, he guides Steph over towards the small group. "Evening guys, didn't know we'd be running into you here. How are you all doing? Oh, if you haven't met yet, this is Essix. I'm showing her the ropes of living in Gotham, that kind of thing."

Essix has posed:
This is the first Halloween that Essix had people to do things with. Her last one she was still hiding from people and merely watched as children went from house to house to beg for candy. Not being able to taste food, she hadn't joined in, but to her it had looked like a lot of fun.

In a human form tonight (although her face still lacked the fine details and looked like someone hit her with an ugly stick) she wore a long aqua colored gown with a sparkling effect to the material. It wasn't sexy or revealing, in fact it was long sleeved, with a modest waist, and a pleated skirt to the floor, but it looked good on the human form she considered 'her'. On her feet a pair of color matching flat Mary Jane's. Her black hair is pulled up on her head with some random fancy barrette to hold it in place, even it sparkles because she really has a thing for sparkles.

This was the first Halloween and Essix's first gala, so she was a ball of excited and nervous energy vibrating in a location near Dick and Stephanie, though trying very hard not to invade their space.

"This is so amazing," she chirps out, smoothing the dress a few times, even though she doesn't really need to. "What happens next?" That is when she spots Phoebe and starts waving like a mad woman and calls out loudly, "Phoebe! Hi! Hello!"

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown is wearing a lovely black strapless dress, the neckline plunging deeply but with straps crisscrossing and black lace covering even what is left revealed. A slit up the side gives glimpses of some beautiful black pumps. Stephanie had to make herself memorize the name of the designer in case she's asked. She is willing to give opinions on if she likes something, but she still mostly relies on Dick Grayson to help her with selecting something appropriate for such events.

Looking over to Essix, Stephanie tells her, "That's a beautiful color for your dress. You like nice in it." She still isn't quite sure what Essix's emotions are like and if compliments like that have much meaning to her. But this is how you learn such things.

She looks around the gallery, smiling to one or two people that she's met before, but happy to let Dick lead the way. "Sometimes there is dancing, though not always. Food and beverages. Talking to people and mingling," Stephanie explains to Essix.

Asariel has posed:
Asariel does spot Phoebe coming through the door and she offers a warm smile to the young woman, "You look lovely this evening, I hope that you have a good time." she tells her. Then she dips her head to Gabby and Damian, "Nice to see you guys again as well." she smiles to them. "Please feel free to look around and partake in food. We've got 'goodie' bags as well on the table by the exit door." she points out.

She does her best to greet people and answer questions. Then there is a sense of Tom and Digi arriving and the white haired woman turns to look over the man, "Well. We will assuredly need to find reasons to get you in a tux more often." she grins up to him. She accepts the small box from the man, then leans up to press a kiss to his cheek, "Thank you." she murmurs to him. "I wasn't sure if work was going to let you come." she muses.

Cassandra Cain has posed:
Damian being a snappy dresser (not bad!) gets Cassandra's eyebrows raising. She glances between him and Gabby, then back, and it doesn't seem as if her eyebrows are returning any time soon. She gets a slightly shy smile on her face, then nods and ...oh thank god there's an interruption.

Leaning in, Cass hugs Phoebe on arrival. A polite A-type hug, no magical displays of affection. But she appreciates her, along with everyone else, and it shows. Then she pauses and makes the ASL signs for 'have you all met?'

Then others show, which causes her to slip back and make room. She hasn't yet met the host/hostess of the occasion, but she's determined to be a lady for once in her life. Even if her lack of verbal communication may be a detriment.

Though it might be noted, the ASL itself is a new addition. Usually she's just sullen and detatched.

Damian Wayne has posed:
When someone working the coat room passes by, Damian offers his coat up to the young woman along with a generous tip. His attention turns when Gabby is making conversation and he offers a small, if warm, smile to her before looking back to Cassandra.

And he finds her reaction to the pair of them more than a little amusing. It might end up being a theme of the night, really. "Hi Phoebe!" he greets his sister first, before his attention swivels.

"Good evening, Dick." comes Damian's greeting to his brother, an upnod of his head in greetings. And then to Stephanie. "Stephanie. You look okay. I guess." High praise, surely.

Essix gets a curious, piercing glance from Damian. Something about her does not sit right. But if Dick is vouching for her. "Hello, I am Dick's brother, Damian. And this is Gabby Kinney." he offers in way of introduction. There's got to be someone Gabby hasn't met yet.

His attention turns to the statue of Michael (reassembled), and considers it. "It looks like someone was attempting a version of Kintsugi. I am not sure if they succeeded."

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney just beams with a bright smile at Cassandra's apparent surprise. A little half-shrug is given but nothing is outright said on it. She knew Cass could ready body language well enough, so she just opts to sign a quick 'it's new' before watching her friend go off to greet others.

Shifting her attention back to her date of the evening she steps further in greeting more familiar faces and one new one. It's a shock, perhaps, that there is someone that Gabby hasn't met. Essix was it though. She's met with an equally warm grin and a friendly, "Hi! Nice to meet you. This looks like it'll be a fun evening." To Dick and Steph she just gives a little nod, and, "Good to see you both again!"

As for the statue that everyone is gaping over? That causes her smile to falter just a bit with a worried glance cast over toward Phoebe. "Looks more like someone went at it with a crow bar then decided to super glue it back together. Can't blame them. About the crowbar."

Tom McCarthy has posed:
So many faces unknown to Tom, being a social engagement. Tom grins at the kiss from Asariel, beaming at the compliment from the woman. "I was able to clear up a few cases, so I had time free." The man admits, with a slight shrug. A look down to his suit, then back to her. "I think it sits well on my frame. I'm used to less formal suits." A chuckle as he then glances around the room.

"Quite the turn out." He mentions to her, eyes taking all those who are socializing and admiring the art. "Any interesting RSVPs?"

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown's lips turn up in a wry smile at Damian's comment. She doesn't retort back, but that's just for the moment. Neither of them really show much need to not get under the other's skin when possible. Instead she tells Gabby, "You look lovely. Very nice to see you again."

Spotting Cassandra and Phoebe across the way, Steph lets out a sigh of relief that Cass isn't dangling from an air vent or something as her way of entering. She flashes the Asian young woman a quick smile when their eyes meet, and also grins over to Phoebe a greeting as well.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    "Asariel, thank you. I'm sorry, I keep meaning to come by..." she trails off a moment, and her mouth works to find no words as she drops her gaze, and just gives a nod as she moves on, and Phoebe remains to regard the statue.

    She gives a friendly ASL sign to Cass of 'you look great as usual',, and then looks over to Damian, and then Gabby.

    "Well, I can't blame her. We all have some complex emotions regarding... well." she states quietly, and she breathes out.

    "I hope it helps."

    She gives a smile to Dick and Steph, and finally replies to Essix "Hey Ess. Sorry I didn't respond right away -- mind just went Elsewhere. You're looking great. Did you have help picking out the dress? I know Steph's got an eye for color... just beware Dick's fashion sense."

Essix has posed:
Essix yanks her hand back down from the frantic waving as she looks to Stephanie with a broad smile on her face, "This is my color, I mean the color I normally am, so thank you so much!" It would seem she enjoyed compliments just as a human would, or perhaps it was just this particular compliment about color.

Being introduced to people, she offers each a smile, a nod and then her hand to shake. If they choose to shake it, hers is a little too vigorous with excitement. "Yes, I am Essix, so happy to meet all of you!" and the tone matches those words. If she notices Damian being leery, she doesn't show it at all.

Looking to Phoebe now, she migrates that way, "I looked at dresses on the internet, I did not know who to ask so I just picked one. I did not think to ask Dick, he is a male after all, and well..." she hmms softly, not sure how to say what she is thinking so decides to go with, "... I do not know Stephanie that well so would never intrude."

Dick Grayson has posed:
    Looking around the gallery, Dick notes "It all seems to fit, at least. One of these days we have to get a Chuck E. Cheese or something like that to open here. Gothic darkness is all well and good I suppose, but the city could use a little more color." He collects a pair of champagne flutes from a passing tray, handing one to Steph before taking a sip himself.

    "Not to say anything bad about the gallery, it's all quite impressive." He glances at Steph, saying "Remind me to bankroll something colorful soon, I might as well push the city away from dark colors instead of waiting for someone else to do it."

    Overhearing Phoebe's comment, he raises an eyebrow and says "I have excellent fashion sense. I mean, my socks match today, right?"

Austin Reese has posed:
Three years ago, Austin Reese celebrated his birthday in an abandoned apartment complex with some candy and a cupcake. If somebody had told him he'd be spending his 22nd birthday wearing a tuxedo at some fancy Gotham gala, he'd have laughed in their face. Which is what he's thinking about on the drive over. Running a little late. Halloween is one of those nights that Gotham is...Well, weirder than normal.

Once he has reached the gala proper and gotten inside, he does a quick look around, gathering his bearings before he wanders deeper into the gala proper, he spots several familiar faces, grinning a little bit as he slides on over, heading Phoebe's way in particular, though giving a few waves to people he knows along the way, including finding himself getting stopped a few times on the way, "Oh hello again councilman." He says to one of the city council members that stops him. Mentally he rolls his eyes as the councilman tries to talk his ear off, but he manages to slip away after a brief distraction, soon re-appearing near Phoebe, and safe from chatty politicians for the moment.

Asariel has posed:
"Well, my Uncle Lucifer could not make it. Which...I guess makes sense." Asariel frowns a little bit. She did adore her Uncle. It might be weird, but...whatever! "He did send flowers though." she shrugs. "I look you look fantastic." she smiles to that.

Phoebe's apology makes her shake her head, "You're doing other things. You don't need to apologize. I just want you to have fun." the woman tells her as she moves off. Then she looks to Tom, "Umm, I mean, most of the Wayne family is here. Though I don't think I've seen Bruce come in unless he's hiding in the shadows." she chuckles. "Should I open this now...or later?" she asks in regards to the present.

"I should also move around and mingle, would you like to meet others?" she asks him.

Damian Wayne has posed:
Gabby is far more intuitive that Damian is at reading emotions. Her subtle words about the crowbar draw his attention over to Phoebe and his eyes narrow in concern. He was about to approach her, but it seems that others have it handled - and he can always ask her later, when they aren't in the middle of a public event.

"Really, you didn't know her?" he asks Gabby, looking genuinely surprised and amused as he gives her hand a warm squeeze. And yes, he can see the communication between Cassandra and the others, however, he has nothing to add about it.

However, to Dick, he comments, "A Chuck E. Cheese in Gotham would quickly become a Freddy Fazbear's Pizzatime Experience." he comments with a small smile. See, he's trying humor. At least a little.

He's not very good at it yet.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney does take Essix's hand when offered to shake, and doesn't even seem to mind her over-enthusiasm with the gesture. Once freed however she cants her head back toward Damian looking highly amused. "I don't know *everyone*... Besides, I've been operating out of New York mainly as of late and not Gotham. Though I do swing by for the shop." A pause and she considers, "I should show you the shop. Roberto got it for me for Christmas but I let the employees mostly run it since it was theirs to begin with. I want to be a good boss and not stifle their creativity." though she sometimes would have special requests or projects they were asked to work on.

Mention of Freddy Fazbear has her lean in toward Damian's side a bit more with a mutter of, "We are totaly going to go see that when it's released, by the way." Oh she had plans. Horror genre plans.

Even with all the distractions she still keeps a half ear open listening to the conversations around her. "Lucifer? Doesn't he run a club in New York? Him," she adds with a wry grin, "I have never met. ... I don't think."

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    "Dick I have seen some of your past fashions. I'm doubting you. So hard." Phoebe states casually, and she shrugs her shoulders. "And honestly, if it wasn't for my friend Lindsay and Alfred, I'd probably be dressed afully for the occasion.

    And she pauses, and she looks over at Damian with a disturbed expression.

    "No, no, no cursed, haunted, creepy anamatronics. Especially not around Halloween." she protests, and she gives a small shudder.

    And then there is Austin. Phoebe is good for keeping away chatty politicians. The last one got a broken nose from someone close to her. It hit Tik Tok. 'guy with sweet car punches politician on GU campus' reached the top 500 and even had three remixes.

    Phoebe withdraws a little bit to start walking around the gallery.

    "I met him very briefly where I was working as a barback. And then I was sent out. Didn't want me to associate with him I suppose."

Cassandra Cain has posed:
This isn't my type of event, Cass says to herself. In her head, in her heart. She wants to be able to chat, to interact, but it's all word-stuff and so very complex to keep track of. Instead all she's seeing is basically emotions. The affection between some makes her smile, and hidden animosity between others, less so. Jealousy? Yeah, I guess that's happening. Petty squabbles. Sigh.

Why is it so hard to really understand, how to be like everyone else? They all care for each other, very much so. Even the new girl is pretty easy to read. She glances at Essix, and it's not so hard to tell. But she can tell that she's not really the right piece for this kind of puzzle.

Then, suddenly realizing that she's lost in her own thoughts again, she shakes herself a bit and gives Dick and Steph a slight wave. Then she goes into the gallery to look at the art.

Which gives her pause. There's a painting on the wall, and it makes her stop. She doesn't understand, but...you know, there's still something there. And she needs to figure out what it is.

Tom McCarthy has posed:
The mention of Lucifer has Tom covering a polite cough. Yep. Digi is clearly not wanting to meet that specific relative. That would be awkward, at best. "That's too bad." At least he's polite about it! "And I think we could spend all night just going back and forth, "arguing" about who looks better - so I will cede that honor to you. You win. You look the best." He teases.

There's a nod to Phoebe as she is near, in greeting - though he's not going to interrupt any conversations. As the Wayne family is brought up, he gives an oh. "I am not even certain I'd know what to say to someone in that elite class." A smile. "And you can open it if you like? It won't bite."

As Asariel mentions needing to mingle - he nods. "I would be happy to walk with you, if I'm not impeding your mingling."

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown accepts the flute of champagne with a warm smile for Dick. She takes a sip before telling Essix, "I can't claim to be a fashion guru, but if you ever want advice I'd be happy to offer what I can. I was... still am... far more of a jeans and t-shirt girl. Even if I can't necessarily pull that off somewhere like, well, like here," she says, giving Essix a soft grin.

She takes another sip. "I always thought the animatronics were kind of creepy. Though that's probably because of a thing they used to have on Amusement Mile that broken down when I went there with a friend's family for a birthday party. It started... shaking and its limbs flailing about in a way that was just kind of freaky for little me at that age," she says.

A soft pat is given to Dick's arm. "Though I'm sure you'd work out how to make one work."

Damian Wayne has posed:
Gabby is making plans, and Damian is finding himself drawn into them, and he has no complaints about it. "What type of shop is it?" he asks curiously, as it seems the doors are opening and there is a splitting up of the group to walk around and look at the artwork.

When Gabby leans into him, he takes a page from Dick's playbook and his hand moves from Gabby's arm to slide arond and give her a waist a squeeze. Though he looks slightly confused. "I thought it was out already?" he asks her curiously. "I was going to stream it at the Manor, but if you want to make other plans, I'll make myself available." he offers to her.

Though he also pauses as he comes across a piece of artwork and his lips purse together. "I'm not sure I can place what this is." he admits honestly. But he'll figure it out. A little lean to Gabby and a whispered word.

Essix has posed:
Essix doesn't seem to notice the looks she's getting, or care about them for that matter, she's all smiles on her messed up face and cheer in her voice when she speaks.

"I know nothing about clothing and style," she admits plainly to anyone who might be listening, but really to Stephanie. "I would very much appreciate advice in that area. Humans tend to wear such lovely things, but I have no idea if I should mimic those things or not, other than of course when being a jacket or purse makes it easier to gather information."

In her excitement, the little goopling has forgotten to watch how she words things and is just laying it all out there as she normally would. To be fair, she still isn't entirely certain when or how to speak about humans as anything other than calling them humans.

"I have learned a great deal from magazines and the internet, but it is always better to learn things face to face or hand to hand," she then adds with a slight bounce on the balls of her feet. "I am grateful however to have been accepted at Happy Harbor, that has been /very/ helpful... so thank you Dick."

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney makes a little perplexed noise and she lifts her wrist to look at the watch that Is Not There. Her arm remains raised in that manner for a moment only to drop away back to her side as it all clicks into place. "... So uh how many days have passed exactly since we started dating then? I think I lost track."

"If it's already out I'm totally up for a manor viewing. Less crowd. And really the movie theaters smell awful," she has to admit a bit quieter so as to not upset anyone that's nearby.

Another few glances around is given as she takes everything in. And then lightly nudges Damian's side with her elbow.

Dick Grayson has posed:
    Dick chuckles at Steph, saying "I dunno, it's kind of hard breaking the status quo sometimes. Besides, with my luck, opening someplace colorful would pull the Joker straight to it, then you get Batman and Nightwing fighting him, and the next thing you know you're making insurance claims for the scraps of your former business. Just seems a bit pointless in the end."

    With that, he starts to drift slowly in the direction of the artwork, feeling that if one goes to a gallery opening, one should perhaps look at the art. Sipping his champagne, he looks back when Essix addresses him, "No problem. It's probably the best place for you to learn about the things you need, and they're pretty much designed for kids who are different."

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Giving a grin to Tom McCarthy, Phoebe looks over to the gentleman with Asariel.

    "Generally, 'hi', first. Followed by introduction, like, 'Hi, I'm Phoebe Wayne'." and she gives an upnod to Asariel.

    "The good doctor and I worked together in the past on a couple projects." she mentions breezily as she manuvers through the crowd having interrupted their conversation rudely with a little humor.

    And she draws her shawl a little higher over her shoulders self-conciously, and breathes out in a huff.

    Jackets. Jackets on dresses should be a thing.

Austin Reese has posed:
Managing to slip his way through, Austin overhears Damian's comment about Freddy Fazbear, "It's already out." He comments back to the pair of them as he comes on up, "It's on digital too if you don't wanna do the whole theater thing." He ooohs, "Maybe we should set up a movie night. Could be fun for everyone."

Asariel has posed:
Asariel gives a soft smile to Tom as she starts to unwrap the gift that has been given. She was just about to say something, but Phoebe beats her to it. She giggles at that, "She's right you know." she points out to Tom about what Phoebe had stated. "Phoebe is a rather remarkable young woman. I do miss working with her." she admits.

She makes a few passes around those that are close, making sure that folks are taken care of. "If anyone has any questions just let us know." she comments.

Cassandra Cain has posed:
Cassandra is somewhat glad that Damian is with her on not totally getting the art. it's good not to be alone, and if she's honest it's possible that Damian is the one of all of the people here who's closest to who she really is. Maybe not in emotions, but in what they both were. And what they were meant to be. If he was way ahead of her in art appreciation, she'd feel like she was losing somehow.

Still, she nods to him and his date (Gabby, who is loved), and then turns to the room. And sighs. Where do you even start?

She approaches the hostess, but says nothing. Not that she's hoping to be introduced; she merely eschews words. It's kind of a thing.

Essix has posed:
The truth is, Essix has no idea what this gala is, or about the art, or anything of that nature. To her it is merely a chance to interact with humans and learn things she might not already know. However, when Dick starts moving to look at the art, she moves with him, still keeping that respectful distance so as not to be all up in he and Stephanie's space.

"What is the purpose of these things?" she asks quietly, pointing at the various pieces of art that they are by. "Is this a past time of humans? Do they hope they mean something?"

Tom McCarthy has posed:
Tom has a good sense of humor, and Phoebe was spot on. "Ah, I see. I keep forgetting that part." The man grins. "Hello, I'm Tom McCarthy. Pleased to meet you, Miss Wayne." A look from Phoebe to Asariel, smirking. "Which projects? Any of these present?" He wonders.

The gift that is unwrapped by Asariel, is a delicate silver brooch, a stylized feather.

Damian Wayne has posed:
"We've been dating a couple of weeks now." Damian points out. "But if you're looking for when I asked you to be my girlfriend? About a week." he offers to her. "We can totally do a showing in the Manor. I bet I could rent a popcorn maker, and we have the bar." He looks thoughtful.

"I suppose we could do that." comes his reluctant agreement - just as he catches sight of Cassandra. Her nod is return, as well as a small smile. He lifts his hand and offers in ASL. 'Want to join us for a movie?' The first invitation already extended for the woman that is much like him - and Gabby for that matter.

There's a playful oof as Gabby elbows him gently and he reaches up to rub at his side, making a show of it before turning his attention back to the artwork, remaining next to Gabby.

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney flashes a grin over at Austin when he pipes up looking all the more amused, and concerned, that she'd totally lost track of time. Damian just clarifies it with earning a little sigh. "Okay fair, and yes. I may have been distracted lately," she admits giving Damian a fond sidelong grin as if it were really all his fault.

"I'd totally be up for a movie night of course. We do them sometimes in our other group of friends, with Phoebe and some others." The Outsiders. It helped having an actual movie theater room of course, but she imagined the manor might be just as cozy.

Art aside at least she felt comfortable around all the familiar faces. There were others she didn't know, mostly politicians and other rich sorts that were bobbing in and out of the crowd. Right here though she was doing fine.

Another sidelong headtilt at Damian has her remarking, "I expect burgers after this?"

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Phoebe gives a small grin as she leans back into the conversation, and gives a nod to Tom. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. McCarthy. And I'm afraid none of the projects we worked on are public exhibition; and quite firmly in the past." she states with her head high, and an air of finality about it, "... but she is very dear to me, in spite of the fact that I don't get out to see her much."

    Such it is for the person that was in the last 'Family Portrait' Phoebe drew.

    Ah, youth.

    And she hears Essix speaking up, and she motions her over.

    "Well, People create art for a lot of reasons. For some, it's their job. For some, it's an act of love. Or process of emotion." she states thoughtfully, and then she draws down the mantle she was wearing over her left shoulder. There are old burn scars here at the top, but below there is a delicately tattooed-in blue lotus on a stem, with Arabic along the side of it in beautiful caligraphy. Asariel might recall that's where Phoebe had burned into her skin something important a few years ago. It's still there in scars, but covered with the blue, green, and gold ink on her skin.

    "I make art that sometimes ends up on my body, as a way to process things that have happened to me." she explains, giving a very personal glimpse to the 'goo.

    "Doctor, Mr. McCarthy, this is Miss Essix. She's a friend of mine." she introduces Essix. "Miss Essix, Doctor Basotini, who is the artist who owns the gallery, and Mr. McCarthy -- I apologize, I didn't catch what you do. I'm a horrible socialite."

    Much better face-puncher.

Damian Wayne has posed:
"So demanding." Damian comments to Gabby's need for burgers, but he agrees with the request. "Maybe I'll finally get that final Robin toy." He means himself. He hasn't secured one yet. "And I heard that they are doing a glass set for the holidays. Like, with the Batpersonas in holiday outfits." He can totally hope for a Batman as Santa cup.

Or a Batgirl as an elf. The redheaded one, not the blonde.

Though he offers in a more quiet tone. "If you need to do things with your family or the shop or any of that, I understand. I enjoy your company, but we both have our own things, which just makes coming back together a little sweeter?" A pause. "Just not too long." he teases.

Cassandra Cain has posed:
Cassandra turns a big grin on Damian after his question. That will be her answer, given that she's likely to say very little directly in any context. Both he and Gabby are good people, and maybe they can introduce her to something that's actually entertaining. Not like that MMA program she watched one time.

Wow, so much painful suck in one room. Yikes. But she did end up shouting that one time, when they couldn't figure out how to break guard.

Essix has posed:
At the motion, Essix moves over to listen very intently to Phoebe as she speaks. When the art on her body is revealed, the goopling stares at it in wonder. She had seen tattoos before on people, but never heard some of the reasons for them... and this one was lovely to the little alien's eyes.

Only once she has finished staring does she look up at the people Phoebe is introducing her to, and extends her hand straight out. "Very pleased to meet you! I apologize if my question regarding art was offensive, it is merely not a part of my people's culture so completely alien to me." This makes her giggle. "It is lovely to my eyes, and will forever be remembered."

Gabby Kinney has posed:
Gabby Kinney slides her hand down to lace her fingers through Damian's giving a little squeeze. "Super demanding. Beware, I have a large appetite." Not so large but for as tiny as she was she did pack away a good deal of calories.

The remark about the shop and family has her smile softly. "It's a clothing shop that sells shirts, hoodies and hats with street art designs. Since I took ownership of it I've also started a line of 'hero inspired' designs that give a portion to various charities. It's just a small print shop, mostly," she has to admit with a chuckle. "And family is complicated. Usually busy."

A smile tugs at her a moment before she finally decides, "Okay, I'm cold. This dress is super pretty and amazing but I want warmth." Looking up she lifts her free hand to wave toward Phoebe, Austin and Cass with a remark of, "Sorry I'm stealing him away now. Great event though!"

Austin Reese has posed:
"Oh don't worry about the popcorn." Austin replies, "I have a way to handle that, don't you worry." An old friend of his from before the Bat days is a manager at a movie theater. So it'll be super easy to slip him a hundred and get a few trash bags full of popcorn. Well he supposes it'd probably be easy to get a whole showing to themselves at the theater too, it's not like they couldn't just rent it out for a night.

"I suppose we should poll everybody in the group chat and see what the winner is." The real hard part is going to be organizing a night where everyone can actually be off and not be busy with so many various projects. When Gabby goes to take Damian off, he grins, "You two have fun." He says, before wandering off into the party a bit deeper, eventually coming up behind Phoebe, "You look very in your element tonight, Phoebe."

Damian Wayne has posed:
"Oh, I think I can afford a couple of meals." Damian teases. "Unless you want to go Dutch?" that is offered to her playfully, but leaves her the choice as she squeezes his hand. "If your coat is not enough, you may use mine?"

A wave is offered to the others as he starts to lead Gabby back to the entrance. He actually borrowed one of the cars tonight to take Gabby out and he reaches into his pocket to activate the remote start to start warming up the sports car.

There's a wave to the others and a smile offered to Phoebe in support before he gets his coat to drape over Gabby's shoulders.

Asariel has posed:
"I think most folks think he's my bodyguard, but he's not." Asariel chuckles to that. Though she gives Phoebe a very soft smile, "I am sorry that I have been poor about reaching out. I lost my memory for a few months and this gentlemen helped a lot. So I'm going to try to get out to see everyone more." she tells the young woman. She gives a smile then to Essix, "That is a lovely name. Never apologize for questioning art. Malakim was made to house paintings that keep a certain...darkness at bay. Some art helps to heal when things are exorcised and we want to display that here." she explains.

The gift that Tom has picked for her makes her smile, "Is this supposed to be an angel feather?" she asks as she removes it form the box and pins it on the shoulder of her dress, "It's perfect, thank you." she murmurs to him.

Cassandra Cain has posed:
Cassandra Cain was aiming to have a moment with Asariel, but she's busy. So, you know, the night is long. And they'll probably have time to talk offscreen, but not everything can happen at once. And we're all here, and the room is freezing (why? Can we not afford wood?). But in the end, there are other things that pull us away.

Or maybe that's just me. But really, you can't go wrong with wishing people well. Happy birthday? And if you think about it, this was a perfect Halloween moment. We're all in costume, right?

Tom McCarthy has posed:
As Phoebe introduces Essix, Tom turns and offers a smile to the newly met person. "Pleased to meet you, Miss Essix. I'm Tom McCarthy, I work for SHIELD." At least he's allowed to say that much! As the ink art is shown, Tom offers another nod of appreciation. "I never talked myself into getting any art like that, even while in the service." A chuckle. "It is beautiful."

"Yes, an angel feather. Closest I could find." The man smiles. "You are very welcome."

Dick Grayson has posed:
    Dick and Steph circulate through the gallery for a bit, looking over artwork and making polite conversation with random socialites who approach them, but eventually make their way back to the entry. "Essix, if you're not ready to leave, you have your phone, right? We're going to take off. It's been a very nice debut, but we're both a bit tired tonight."

    That or they just want to escape some of the more obnoxious socialites. It's hard to say, really.

Essix has posed:
Overly delighted at meeting new people, Essix sqeees softly and bounces in place before regaining control of herself. "I cannot be marked on my skin, it is not really skin, but I do like many of the skin art I have seen before. I also like these," she points to some of the art, nothing specific, perhaps all of it if anyone watches her finger moving from piece to piece.

Turning to face Dick the second he says her name, she reaches into a pocket that isn't really there and pulls out a cell phone, "Yes.. I have this phone you gave to me. I can get myself back, and will call if something happens as you instructed."

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    "Thank you. It's ah... a promise to someone important to me." Phoebe states, taken offguard by the complement, "He's shown a lot of patience when it comes to some of the things I'm still processing over the last few years."

    However, Tom McCarthy is marked as potentially dangerous. She's had dealings with SHIELD, not all positive. Phoebe gives a small smile to Asariel.

    "I think that may be the worst thing to occur, as you know my memories are all I have of others." she states, and she draws herself away a little to gift Essix a little time on her own, though Phoebe doesn't go too far as Austin pops up, and Phoebe gives a wave to Damian and Gabby.

    "Oh, don't say that Austin. These things always make me so nervous and tense. I can feel my teeth cracking." she comments dryly to the bruiser. "All I want is to switch to a business suit and... get to business." she states to her brother-in-arms, letting her shoulders sag.

    "This is exhausting."

Austin Reese has posed:
Austin watches Phoebe's body language as she replies, "You're better at faking it than me that's for sure. If you wanna bail I bet I could make a nice distraction for you." He pauses, and hmms, "It is my birthday after all. I bet I could get the catering crew to put something together and make a spectacle. Should give you plenty of time to slip out undetected."

Austin is always willing to cause chaos to help Phoebe out, after all. He just needs the word.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    "I know. And you and Asariel are so stupid hard to shop for, because what do you do for people like you?" Phoebe asks incredulously. "I'm easy. Say 'Phoebe you do not have to do anything social. Just watch TV with your dogs and maybe like, two people if you feel like it and eat a whole cheese pizza without feeling bad." Phoebe complains dently to Austin with a grin.

    "But better not cause any issue. Asariel was a good friend of mine." she smiles slightly. "I wouldn't want her cross on her birthday. C'mon. Dumplings, then patrol?" she questions with an eyebrow raised.

Austin Reese has posed:
"Absolutely. Lets go." He says in response to her. Hell, there's a good chance he's probably already on the way to the door before Phoebe finishes the word patrol. He loves going out on his birthday, because he loves it when the city gets extra weird.

Asariel has posed:
"Have a good night you two!" Asariel calls to Phoebe and Austin. "I'll call and we can do lunch." she adds. But she doesn't deter people. She does give a look to Tom though and there's a smile, "Would you like to dance, Agent?" she asks him as she pulls him off to the side of the gallery. Hey, it was her birthday and she just wanted to have fun!