Gala preparations [Invite only][Metropham, NG]

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[Please post your character(s) getting ready for the gala, and en-route, but not -quite- arriving yet for the event. Media reporters should plan on being there 1-2 hours prior, as they see fit. Prep ideas can include hours beforehand, or even weeks. Like the Invite thread, this will be one post with the isolated events, save for the couples, and a few others that may need to co-ordinate with their other half to make arrangements. Have fun, and post a photo of your tux, suit, and gowns in here, or in the Gala thread when it does get posted, or both! There is no such thing as -too much-.]

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A very long time ago, Iris's mother offered her the sage advice to never, ever try on a piece of clothing without looking at the price first. Which is advice that Iris didn't really take too seriously - she's not generally so much into fashion as to not be able to walk away from something that looks fantastic on her because it simply wasn't worth the price, and since she got her degree she's had a job that pays her so well that she gets the sense that she has all the money in the world even though much of it is earmarked for paying back her student loans. And she doesn't generally shop anywhere with offerings over her budget anyway.

But then an invitation to a certain Gala came...

Naturally, she needs something to wear to the event. And she certainly doesn't have anything just sitting in her closet that would be suitable. She has dresses, yes - things that she could easily wear on an extra special date with Nathaniel or something - but not a gown. Her dilemma came when she scoured the city looking for the perfect one, found it, and then saw that it costs exactly as much as it looks like it does. And not one cent less. Well above her budget, she's sure that she could find the money for it... if she literally used all of her savings, and was stupid enough to assume that absolutely no unforeseen expenses would occur over the next few months. No, buying the dress would be even less wise than it was to try on something so expensive in the first place. And yet... how can she just walk away from this one?

This is when she hatched a particularly brilliant plan.

It was yesterday that she first tried on the dress, and though she left it behind she asked them to hold it for her. She and Nathaniel had been planning on spending this evening together, and she lured him here by saying that she thinks she may have found the dress and wants a second opinion. And as expected, the look on his face when she comes out of the dressing room indicates that he's immediately just as sold on it as she is.

And, now that he's trapped into the same problem she has, she confesses, "There is one problem with this dress..." She flips around the price tag so that he can see. Yes, not one cent less than it's worth. But she knows that, while Nathaniel has just as many expenses to worry about as she does, he has something she doesn't have: a trust fund. One that she knows that he's hesitant to dig into but... well, some things are simply worth it. Though she's not one to be greedy, even though she's guessing she could probably convince him to pay for the whole thing. "I do have enough saved to comfortably pay for half," she says quickly, "But much more than that wouldn't be a good idea. Yet it occurred to me that I'm not the only one that would enjoy seeing me in this dress..." She's not going to outright ask him for money either. Even though she knows that he's just not going to be able to refuse anything she wants for while she's wearing this:

[Deleted]

Edward had gotten dressed in preparation for the gala hours ago. He knew on the invite that it stated black tie, but Edward truly dreaded being grouped in the masses of sheep, even if it was for something as simple as clothing. He wore a fitted grey suit a green vest over a white shirt and pink tie. His hair had been brushed back and the pocket square was folded and perfectly place in the pocket of his suit. Being well dressed was never difficult to Edward; it came as natural as a duck to water.

Instead of wasting any time on clothing, he was sitting at his work desk in his warehouse, multiple computer screens stacked on one another, filling the wall. Out of respect for Selina, he decided not to dismantle her security system, though he couldn’t deny the undying itch to solve and work through the challenging puzzle she had put in front of him. No, he would not be chained by his love for puzzle, instead, he would work on getting the necessities for his current plan. As expected, Bruce Wayne….or rather Batman would be in present tonight, and he needed an important item from him, items that he knew the man would never give willingly.

He glanced down at the contact lens that was sitting in solution. Edward was known to put on glasses on occasions. His eye sight wasn’t terrible, but glasses sometimes perfected it. However, this particular sight apparel had very little to do with vision. He had been working on the device since he received the invitation. A flashlight hanging on his head, shined down into the contact lens, as he had his magnifier pointed at the small lens. He stared at the mechanics that seemed almost clear. He wanted to make certain everything was in place before inserting it. He pressed a small button and all the computer screens flashed with the image of his face. He smirked. “Perfect,” he stated, moving the magnifier out of the way and pulling the flashlight from his head. He reached down with his forefinger and with great care, widen his right eye and inserted the contact lens. He blinked, feeling the small mechanic rest on his eye.

When his eyes opened, his right eye took in the image in front of him. It was like seeing the world through a computer. Description of items appeared on the side, and if he focused on one in particular, it would expand and show the finger prints placed on the item.

He didn’t need to hack into Selina’s system; he could be his own camera. He brushed his hands off, and then stood, grabbing his cane. He pulled out his gun and placed it on the desk. It had been a while since he had gone anywhere completely unarmed. Well…he wasn’t completely unarmed. He rubbed his thumb on top of his cane before nodding. He walked to the door, grabbing his black hat off the rack and placing it on his head.

The door opened to a gorgeous woman in a short green dress. She was leaning against the wall, chewing her gum loudly. Her long butterscotch hair cascaded down her arms. “Ed, we going to dance or did you just want me here to look pretty?” she said, still smacking on her gum, but she gave him a smirk that he hadn’t seen in a few years.

“I have forgotten how impatient you are Diedre,” he said, taking her arm into his, “As I have told you girls multiple times, patience is a virtue.”

“Yeah, Ed, a virtue you forget too,” she taunted before blowing her gum into a bubble.

“Should I’ve invited Echo, instead?” he huffed as he lead her through the warehouse.

She popped the bubble, before tilting her head. “You know she’s still mad about the fiasco with Cluemaster. Besides you’ve been missing my ass in green,” she laughed a bit, and annoyingly to him, Edward found a smile on his lips.

He had forgotten why he had every separated from Echo & Query. They could be so humorous…..but then again, they could also be obnoxiously annoying.

“Allen, is the car ready? I have to get my Query to her ball before he finds her answer here,” he smirked, pulling her forward.

[Deleted]

Nathaniel had been to one too many events with his father to not know how dress accordingly. He, sometimes regretfully, knew all the best suit designers and how to choose a suit based on his body type. He knew how to coordinate it with colors and despite the realization making him a little embarrassed, he’d always managed to get compliments when he was younger and numbers and flirtation as he got older from the daughters of his father’s colleagues. Which meant he knew that when shopping for clothing for such an event one had to be prepared to pay quite a bit more than normal.

So when the invitation for the Gala came, he already knew it was going to cost him and he was comfortable digging into his trust fund for such an occasion.

He’d been making plans to go choose something, but when Iris mentions on their evening that she may have found her dress, he wonders if they also sell tuxes there. Two birds with one stone. When they get to store, he recognizes it and is well aware they sell quality dresses and tuxedoes as well. He also becomes amusingly suspicious at Iris dragging him here. He’s aware of the price these clothes can go for and with Iris lacking a trust fund; he also knows she may find herself in love with a dress that she can’t afford on her own.

So he didn’t say a word as she took the dress into the dressing room and Nathaniel himself got fitted for a tux. And when she steps out in the dress, again there are no words, but that’s because he’s speechless at first. She’s absolutely stunning in it.

His brows furrow when he hears there’s a problem and he nears her. His suspicions are confirmed when she turns around and he sees the price tag. And by looking at the dress and her, no it’s exactly what he figured it would be, but to have her looking like that and happy. He smiles even before she starts speaking again.

“Of course, I’ll cover the other half,” he says without any hesitation. “You love this dress, I love this dress on you. It makes you glow and it just enhances everything I love about you. How could I say no?” He chuckles.

And so without a regret he pays that cash and few days before the Gala and after a few fittings he picks up his own suit which he puts on the night of the big event before he’s on his way to meet Iris.

He hopes he’ll be seen as a nice compliment to her wearing this:

[Jeremiah Arkham - Black Mask]

The weeks leading up to the Gala in the Arkham household are filled with that undercurrent of excitement. The ordering of Melina’s dress, Jeremiah ordering his tux. They had to find a baby sitter for Isaiah and that wasn’t even including with the task of RSVPing and all the other odds and ends that went with preparing for the Gala. Jeremiah could tell Melina was excited, though, and happily attended every shopping trip with her as she searched and searched for the perfect dress, but the moment she found it Jeremiah knew it was the one.

The night of the Gala was organized chaos. They got mostly dressed and then as they finished, the babysitter came. They made sure Isaiah’s dinner was ready, that the sitter knew their numbers and emergency contacts. They reminded her of when his bedtime was and how long he was allowed to watch television. Jeremiah wasn’t sure they’d had a moment of breath until they were settled in their car, on their way to the Gala.

They looked as cute as any couple that had been together as long as they had could:

[Deleted]

The Commissioner had been to police balls, charity events held by Bruce Wayne, and other galas and the like. So getting prepared for the Meteropham Gala wasn’t anything new to him. What was new was attending on his own, but he’d had time to come to terms with that and found himself only a bit down that night as he pulled on his white shirt, black pants, and his sturdy suit jacket. It was classic and elegant as were his socks and shoes, all dark and appropriate. His only splash of color was his bowtie: black with pink polka dots.

He slid on his glasses, checked that his hair was acceptable and went on his way, nervous about the Gala but happy for the night out.

[Lola Marks]

Lola was nearly ready for this day. She had been looking forward to it since she first heard about it but there was an issue at that time. She knew that something had to be done about her hair. That painted Buffoon had destroyed it, it was amazing he didn’t just cut it off completely. Just thinking about that made her feel faint. Now her hair was back to its Raven color and it’s feather silk, thanks to a visit to Poison Ivy. She was so sweet to do that for her, the people that put her away must have been crazy themselves. It was a favor that she would never forget.

Lola looked at the clock, it was about time for her puffin to send the limo. He would be waiting for her of course, probably armed with chocolates and flowers in hand. He was such a gentleman, not always wonderful to look at, she knew, but his presence changed drastically in her mind when she thought about his social class. There was always supposed to be more than meets the eye right? Particularly what met the wallet. They were going to be going to the extravagant Gala together! How amazing was it that ‘she’ new to Gotham, landed the richest boyfriend in town? It was amazing, but she deserved to be with the social elite.

She finished prepping her hair and getting into her dress which she had made for just this occasion. For large parties its always best to have your clothes made. It eliminates the possibility of showing up with the same thing on.

She would just die….

After her makeup had been drawn to perfection and her dress and heels adjusted she was called to the limo from the service desk. She grabbed her mink shoulder throw from the couch and went downstairs looking stunning. She couldn’t wait to attend this Gala, especially under such grand company and with her newfound friend. She wondered how many others would be there with her tonight that she knew. Gotham just seemed to be welcoming her with open arms.

Lola went to the limo, greeted her Puffin and they were on their way.

[Zahira Ormarr - Black Serpent]

The Days had seamlessly rolled on since the initial invitation had been received By Zahira and more intently the higher ups in the Museum, even happier to have a representative for the up coming Gala. You see, Zahira Ormarr isn't graced with as much luxury as some may imagine. What money she made went into the more hidden side at night or work clothes, more often she made her clothes. She was in no way near the next hit designer, but she knew enough how to use scissors and a needle… With little means to buy a dress and it certainly needed a step up from her own work of hands. It was aided with the museum putting out for the dress, after all they needed their representative to look the part… When a free moment came to go looking for thee dress as some say, Zahira had found her in a place she certainly never been before. Stepping into a shop and soon regretting it. That was certainly not in keeping with classy dresses. Not by a long shot. Shopping really hadn't been her go to passion, but after a few more efforts from looking at the windows. There was a shop that caught her eye. With the last little debate with herself, Zahira opened the door and walked into a shop with with beautiful fancy dresses. Probably the most fancy she had seen in one place. Dark eyes darted between, really could really begin to know what would suit. Zahira rand through one of the racks of dresses. Looking one after the other. Fabrics that more less felt like silk and satin. Lace. Being drawn at first a gold sequin gown. Pulling it out and momentarily placing it against herself. That of course led eventually to the tag… Four digit numbers was not what she expected. Double take to note it wasn't twenty dollars. No, defiantly not. As her eyes widened a little before gladly putting the dress back on the rack.

Not long after pretty much looking like the lost lamb in the jungle, a seemingly pleasant girl came over to offer assistance. Zahira was usually one to do things on her own, but she could do with some help on this. With a subtle smile and look in her eyes potentially gave that away. "Yes, Thank-you! There's a Gala I'm attending and representing the museum… I am little out of my element." Zahira responded just as pleasantly with the simple honest smile. As her dark eyes looked around the sea of dresses. With a deep uncomfortable feeling in her stomach and her skin felt almost like goosebumps. The sales lady nodded kindly. 'The Metropham Gala, of course! Don't worry you are not the first… Did you have a price range?' Supposedly that was to reassure Zahira, it did a little. Not to say she wasn't a little bit excited to experience what this Gala was going to be. "There really isn't one, the museum is covering it, but I wouldn't feel comfortable spending too much." Zahira said honestly, having never spend anything remotely that expensive, the sales lady nodded and understood. Although there was potentially some sort of gleam knowing there wasn't a set limit, but last thing Zahira wanted to do was take advantage of it. Especially if it was a dress she probably not wear often again. Which she was defiantly feeling to get a dress she could hopefully use again seeing as she had this opportunity. Perhaps even a dress that she could change up in a later time. So the next hour or so was spent following as the sales person pulled out dresses. Saving the ones Zahira felt a little more keen for. Usually ranging in to the neutral palate, whites, greys, silvers, golds and blacks. A little bit of green, but no rainbow paddle pop dress. Eventually leading to the changing room. Began trying on the variety of gowns. Beginning with a white with gold beads, strapless. It snugged nicely, comfortable, but as the sales lady said it didn't scream Gala. Next a long sleeved gold in two tones full length gown. Beautiful. Comfortable, Zahira felt it was a bit much. After few more. Zahira did very much favour a white blouse and skirt option, she seemed to favour more white than her other life suggested. That was when she all, but fell in love with a simple white strapless gown, that snugged the bust and flowed beautifully. It perhaps a little too simple for the Gala, but she did keep that in mind…

Finally when she slipped on the silver one shoulder gown. It was a little like Cinderella's glass slipper. It was the perfect fit. Shaped her body in a classy enough way. Wasn't too much that she couldn't use the dress again or change it if she so desired, although it could potentially be hard to do when it looked beautiful the way it was. Of course the most that gave it away how Zahira smiled and glowed. Not being much one to experience this really at all, she was feeling it at this moment. Of course as the Sales Lady said with a dress, you needed shoes and accessories. To which Zahira had been so hung on getting a dress, she'd all but forgot about the rest. Of course the place had a couple nice options. So a little time was spent trying on shoes, wasn't long at all before she settled on a pair that went well with the dress. Snagged a nice little clutch crusted in diamond looking jewels on sale, but it was questionable if she needed it. Best to get it just incase and she didn't have any fancy purses that she could even think of. Zahira had a few jewellery pieces of her own she could pair with the dress, but did like one of the rings and a gold bangle. Very set on the dress, but her eyes had still gone back to the strapless white dress, it was less then half the price of the silver dress. The Sales Lady suggested a back up dress wasn't a bad thing to have, certainly not comfortable spending too much, but given it was a reasonable price. Zahira really would be able to afford any of these, so she took a little advantage, but she hoped it wasn't taking too much. If there was another event she needed represent, then she'd already have the dress… So Zahira went in there unsure in even getting one dress and came out with two.

[Roy Harper - Arsenal]

The day started out late in bed, but Roy certainly managed enough to drag himself out of bed. Out of Kory's apartment, no doubt questions were probably often raised. Not much of a chance they could put it down they were siblings or even probably cousins… Oh no, they defiantly weren't related. Roy certainly was reminded of that every morning, but of course Roy would never over step Dick's 'boundaries'. Roy was sure he heard Dick's echo of snoring. Having thrown on his best clothes, jeans and a white tee. Leather jacket, which potentially was Faux, but really was there any Faux about Roy? Ah, well least the clothes were clean… Mostly. Ran a hand through his scruffy hair, it was almost sexy in a instant. Having skipped shaving, his stubs were a little freer, but certainly didn't get carried away. Slipping on a gold old pair of aviators. Roy left the apartment. All in his Speedy style, jumped in the car. Borrowing it momentarily. There was after all the Metropham Gala just around the corner. He certainly was surprised he was invited, he sure this meant he was slightly more important, of course the host name Selina Kyle, certainly could make any man dress up. She was as he had heard, Purr-fect. Of course the chance for a gig, any musician would jump up for and Roy certainly was more keen being a fundraiser. He was sure he'd put in as much effort as he could to help raise the money, although as cool as he could be, he knew how uncool he also could be.

So after jumping in the rather cool car. Though it was Fall, creeping closer and closer to winter. The weather was nice enough, especially now that the time was nearing midday. Even the sun was nearing the peak above. Trickling down in gentle rays. Which allowed to keep the car roof down. The gentle breeze played cooling upon his face. As Roy drove through the mild hustle and bustle of the city of Bludhaven. Driving on until reaching Gotham. Yep, Roy Harper was a man on a mission… That mission being trying on the suit that he had ordered a week prior. To get the finale fitting, before taking it back home. The details in how he came to get this suit is information is not really needed. Whether it was something new, if he'd had the suit in the back of his closet. Borrowed from Dick, who really needed to know. Most likely wasn't a wallet busting price, but in more cases it was the tailoring. As they say you want a suit that fits. Least that was what Roy was hoping to aim for…

The traffic was the normal, just a little more hustle and bustle than Bludhaven, but Roy made it to the car space. Scoring the one just outside the shop. Short a walk in the door and to the counter with the cute… Hmmm, very cute. Elise! With golden-brown hair that tousled around her shoulders. Framed her face. Roy didn't even need to look for a tag to properly greet her. Roy hardly ever forgot a face, defiantly not hers. With his charming smile. Never forget the eye contact, not so much that he starred her down to much, but even you knew he was giving you his undivided attention. Quick wave, refreshing with his name, but Elise hadn't quite forgotten either. It wasn't a long hunt, before Elise came from around the counter, to properly put the suit his hands. Led Roy to the fitting room, which he hadn't really forgotten, but it certainly allowed a glance. Yep, as his eyes caught glimpse of those legs… Returning to her eyes as the gentleman that he was, as she turned momentarily before allowing his space to change in the not too small, but cosy box. Elise wandered at nearby racks, but lingered close by… As of course Roy stripped down to his boxer briefs. Put those clothes temporarily to the sit on the seat and began dressing himself in the suit. Beginning with the white shirt, carefully buttoned it up and little by little his tats were covered. Followed by the black pants, tucking the shirt in. Belt and Jacket. He didn't need to try the tie on just yet, nor the scarf, so they were kept a side for now. As he did one of the buttons of the blazer. Hmmm, yeah it was all near feeling fucking perfect, not that he was much of a clothes horse, but he was liking the suit. Pulling back the curtain, as he played a little at his cuffs, but otherwise looked in the mirror. Felt good, but it really wasn't long before Elise had caught glimpse. Soon by his side. Defiantly giving praise. Roy certainly repaid, she certainly knew what she was doing with sharp objects. As soon her hands were on him. The suit, checking for any lasting details. He certainly wasn't too worried as came down to his legs, with needle in hand for just a little tweaking. After a couple pins. With just the finale touch of needing to go under the sewing machine. Roy stepped back into the changing room. After the initial flirting and offering assistance to help, Roy in turn offered his own assistance with the ever subtle raise of his brow. Closing the curtain on both of them in the cosy space… All of which would lead Roy not only with a nice suit, but certainly an added smile.

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Full view of Suit:MAROON 5 - Makes Me Wonder!

[Kory Anders - Starfire]

The night of the Gala was seemingly here, well almost it was creeping by the hour, Kory had taken to a few hours prior to do come relaxation. Relaxation that involved sunbathing, the sun was coming here and there with the approaching wintery weather, so the tamaranean princess was sure to soak up as much as she could. When she could. As humming tune had initially left her lips, it had also led her to a little dreamland. Hoping she'd snag maybe a 15 minutes… Only to hear a deeper. Heavier voice than anyone else in her current dream state of a day on a playground. Swings and sun soon was replaced by clouds. Rain. Yet, it hadn't been depressing, but fun… But soon her heavy eyes graced the living world and Roy's face briefly, commenting if Kory was intending to go to the Gala in her bathing suit. Snapped her thought process as it seemed she'd fell a sleep far longer than she had intended. Soon as Kory all but jumped to her golden feet and toes. Her lengthy red locks came around, draped her bare chest. Much to Roy's delight if there was a peak, but Kory made her bubbly self to her bedroom. Certainly she didn't need a lot of time. Having laid out all her required pieces. Her deep passionate heart, certainly thud from echoing sounds she was sure was Dick… Although she didn't catch him in sight once in the bedroom, perhaps it was a bird at her window. Or taking care of things in their bathroom.

Hmmm, she was surprised he hadn't joined her. Then again maybe he had. That would explain certain elements of the dream. As Kory smiled to herself. Slipping out of what was left of her bathing suit. To then step into lacy and sexy undergarments. Kory, you wouldn't really say she's the overly picky type when it came to clothing, given her view is often from her tamaranean way. Mostly if anything she went by feeling. Always trust your gut or in her case her sleeves. She had tried a couple options. Ranging from the feathery kind, sleek tight elegant kind and princess bride kind, which raised more questions for Dick than she had intended. Hmmm, though they were nice. Kory had sort for something a little more fun. A little more beads. Which lead to the dress she picked. As Kory gracefully pulled up the dress in her room. It was a cyan in tone, beaded dress. Slipping her hands into the sleeves. It certainly raised a few looks from the sales people, the dress was probably intended to be roughly knee length. Of course being 6'4, it went up a couple of inches above her knees, but Kory really wasn't the type to be discouraged by something that 'society' says wasn't made for her. Besides she felt good in it and potentially like a disco ball. As Kory twisted and turned skilful enough to zip up the dress. Keeping accessories simple. Put in some nice earrings that dangled a little. Over to a small dressing table. Kory mostly just ran her fingers through her hair. Added a little more curls with a straightener, before tousling those a little with her hair. Leaving her red hair out. Touching up her face a little. Dabbed on a little shadow around her eyes and followed with light pink for her lips. The last to put on were of course her gold shoes, but she kept them side until the last minute. They added a little height, but not a lot given she really didn't need it. Looking at the clock, seemed there was still some spare minutes.

So naturally with the lasting spare moments. Kory sat upon her bed. Flicking on her little sound system as mussed buzzed out, not to loudly. Just enough. As Kory mildly messed around with her phone. Coming down to lie on torso, with some care not to ruin the beads, but with bare legs dangling a little up in the air and resting on her elbows just a tad. Knocking out a little bit of Candy Crush. It was a mild obsession. With little arms thrown in the air and a cheer here and a boo there. After a little success, checked messages and it appeared Dick had left her message. Most likely when she was sleeping, otherwise little reason she'd ignore it… Pressed speaker phone and as always the beam of a smile to hear his voice. Though talk about a cryptic tease. As Kory mildly rolled on to her back. Was that him trying to get out of the Gala again? She thought amusingly. He was too cute, yet she was still left wondering from his words had he indeed come upon her on the balcony. Otherwise he's been spying again from his apartment, which was somewhat in view from hers. Was that on purpose, hmmm, Kory just thought it was most convenient. Right now Kory was looking too see him with her eyes wide awake, there could be just enough time for a snuggle, that was when she realised she hadn't much clue how they were getting to the Gala. Flight? Car? Bike? Kory guessed they could figure that out, if Dick hadn't been one step ahead of her… As Kory laid, listening to tunes. An up beat Katy Perry song came on. Only needed a little lift up in the volume and it wasn't long before Kory was up dancing upon the bed. That was mostly made after the ruffling earlier in the day, but maybe ruffled a little again as Kory jumped around a little. With a little grace not to bust the dress, but it wasn't hard to dance at least a little in.

"'Cause you're hot then you're cold. You're yes then you're no. You're in then you're out. You're up then you're down…. "

The lyrics just fell easily out for Kory's mouth. Not on key most likely, but hopefully not so bad it was annoying. When Kory was experiencing or even expressing joy, who could really wanna kill it for her. As continued singing, dancing happily upon the bed, all that was missing was Dick. The best piece, though she could defiantly tease him with this song at times. As warm as he was and oh X'hal, he was the most wonderful man she knew, but he could be a little hot n cold, but even in his chilled moments the spark could always be ignited. Especially after the bumps in their road in the most recent months, the passion seemed to be getting stronger again, well as much as they could with Roy next door.

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Music:KATY PERRY - HOT N COLD!

[Deleted]

On the morning of the Metropham Gala, Rowdy Yates and his boy band rehearsed for about two hours in preparation for their sound check at noon.  Without missing a beat, the five men fell into line onstage and began dancing steps they could do in their sleep - - and probably did - - lip-synching to the CD music being played over the sound system until the real-life musicians arrived.  Each member of the group took turns for a front-and-center solo dance moment before returning to their place in line.  It was like something straight out of a music video, and a lot like a beauty pageant, each teammate showcasing their sexy physique and dance talent.

At noon, Rowdy couldn't believe how smoothly the sound check went and how good the singers and instrumentalists sounded.  The room had great acoustics, and the microphones just enhanced the band's already perfect blend.  Selina Kyle had outdone herself with the planning and scheduling of the rehearsal.  The sound technician Selina had hired to run the sound board was one of the best in the business.  There was no doubt in Rowdy's mind that the music portion of tonight's event would be sensational.

After the sound check, Rowdy told his posse to make sure they were back on the premises at least an hour-and-a-half before the event started.  Arriving late was not an option - - not tonight.  Although they were on the docket to provide the after-dinner entertainment, Rowdy wanted to guarantee The Rowdies made a good impression on Gotham's elite who would be in attendance that evening.  That meant being prompt and mingling before and after the show.  Dressed in their black tuxes, the male quintet would definitely be eye candy and attract attention, which was exactly what Rowdy wanted.  With any luck, they would drum up more business for his nightclub, and maybe even some future gigs.

"The Silver Bullet" - Rowdy's Lamborghini Aventador
(This is Rowdy's two-door, two-seater sports car.)

Around 1 p.m., Rowdy decided to start getting ready for the gala.  He only had a few hours before he had to be back at the facility, and so he made a mental list of things he had to do.  Driving The Silver Bullet, the very first thing Rowdy did was go and get a haircut.  Then he picked up his tux from the cleaners, got something to eat, and then went home to shower, shave, and change clothes.

Three hours later, Rowdy had cleaned up pretty good and looked like this:

Around 4:30 p.m., Rowdy left his house to avoid the traffic rush and headed for the Metropham Gala.  On the way, he stopped by the pharmacy to buy some condoms.  He wanted to be prepared, just in case he got lucky that evening.  Better to be safe than sorry . . . .

[Deleted]

Vicki Vale descended the staircase of her two-story house wearing the outfit she had chosen for the Metropham Gala - - a strapless, sleeveless Chiffon floor-length evening dress.  Normally, she would've selected something a bit more conservative, but tonight she wanted to look festive, and the multi-colored print would definitely get her noticed.

She had spent the entire week getting her and her boyfriend's outfits coordinated.  Yes, Ethan Young was her escort.  He had refused to wear a basic black tuxedo to the party; he insisted on color, and so Vicki had helped him choose this outfit:

  

Ethan met her at the foot of the stairs, a wrist corsage in hand.  He kissed her cheek softly and helped her put on the beautiful flower.

Because her dress had a sweetheart neckline, Vicki accessorized with a dazzling diamond necklace with matching earrings.  She completed her ensemble with an off-white shawl that she wore around her shoulders.  Straightening Ethan's tie, she complimented on how handsome and dashing he looked and how she adored his periwinkle vest.  Ethan didn't say much; he was too busy smiling and blushing at her words.

"I know it's early, but the press is supposed to be at the facility two hours prior to the start of the event," she told Ethan.  "My camera bag is already in the car.  I really hate that I have to work this shindig, but we can still have a good time.  Make sure I introduce you to Clark Kent and Lois Lane.  They're my competition, but they're good people.  Lois can be a real witch, but Clark is a big ol' teddy bear.  And if Lex Luthor is throwing a party, I'm sure those two will be there!"

Although Vicki was going to the gala with Ethan, her thoughts kept drifting to another man in particular: Bruce Wayne.  More than likely, their paths would cross that evening, and Vicki had no earthly idea what she was going to say to the billionaire playboy.  She and Bruce were supposed to be good friends, but she hadn't heard from him or seen him in months.  She wasn't concerned or worried about it - - that's just how Bruce was - - but she still hated the fact that he kept her at such a far distance.  Thinking about his treatment of her just made her angry.  If space was what Bruce wanted, then space was what she'd give him.  Besides, her dance card was already filled for the evening by Ethan.

As Ethan walked her to the car, Vicki's thoughts drifted again, this time to Rowdy Yates.  She had skim-read the itinerary Selena Kyle had e-mailed her, and she knew Rowdy and his group were performing for the crowd that evening.  Although Ethan didn't know anything about that, Vicki was looking forward to seeing - - and hearing - - Rowdy again.  Hopefully, this time there wouldn't be any screaming and crying fans around. 

[Deleted]

Princess Diana stared at herself in the full-length mirror of her bedroom.  The red evening gown that Selina Kyle had helped her pick out a week ago looked absolutely stunning on her now and took Diana's breath away!  Diana's tiara and bracelets went perfectly with the outfit, and the magic belt and lasso around her waist tied everything together quite elegantly.  In that very moment, Diana could only imagine how envious her Amazon sisters would be of her right now.

As Diana sat at her vanity and began brushing her long flowing hair one final time,  she thought about her date for the evening.  He was still a mystery man to her; Selina had remained very tight-lipped about him.  Diana wasn't nervous about going out with a complete stranger though.  She trusted Selina's judgment.

A minute later, one of Diana's bodyguards tapped on her door.  "He's here," he announced.  "He's waiting for you in the living room."

Taking a deep breath, Diana put down her brush, rose to her feet, and followed the guard out of the bedroom.  Suddenly, she felt butterflies in her stomach.  She had never been so excited and anxious to meet a member of the opposite sex before in all her life.  To her surprise, a feeling of arousal swept over her, and she began praying to her gods that she wouldn't be disappointed with Selina's choice.

Upon entering the living room, Diana's eyes widened.  She couldn't believe who was standing there . . . .

[Joan Leland]

"What do you think?" The dress had been expensive but a relatively uneventful shopping trip as Joan didn't much like to take the opinion of people who were trying to make a sale. It had still taken several hours of window shopping and cringing at price tags before Joan had given in and settled on something that wouldn't at least take her entire pay check for the month. It was a good thing she firmly believed in setting aside savings for emergencies or at least fancy parties. The response to her question wasn't impressive but her cat never had much of an eye for fashion and just stared as Joan gave a twirl for him.

Nothing. Not so much as an ear twitch. The only way he'd be interested is if she wore a dress made of tuna. Exaggerating a sigh but in good humour Joan gives in and grabs her purse "Yeah, that's what I thought you'd say" She still gives the cat a quick scratch behind the ears before shrugging on her coat "I don't know why I bother asking. Don't get into the cupboards, I'll be home late" she warns on the way out the door and heads downstairs to her car.

[Oswald Cobblepot - The Penguin]

Oswald almost always dresses as if he's attending a high class event which one would think would present a problem of what to wear when he's actually going to such a thing but apparently not for him. The tuxedo and top hat are still present, Oswald as simply chosen a slightly more expensive tuxedo and top hat, custom made with fine embroidery detail, real silver buttons and a waistcoat of the finest silk.

He did however still have his explosive cuff-links and it would be a cold day in hell before anyone got him to go out without his umbrella or the gun in it, however again it was a step above his usual. He'd chosen the silver eagle headed umbrella tonight, he would have had the bullets engraved if he weren't so concerned about them being traced, not that he planned on shooting anyone but one could never be too sure.

Selina might have denied him additional information on the guest list but he was at least nosy enough to do the rounds at the club and work out which of his fellow members of high society had been invited and make sure everyone knew who hadn't to properly rub their noses in it. It was only suitable preparation, it would be terribly embarrassing to find himself talking to someone of importance and find he's forgotten who they are.

It was far from the first Gala he'd attended, he was practically an old hand at the game so preparations when smoothly to the usual plan. Linsey was left to handle business for the night, Terry was keeping a couple of gangs in check, the girls didn't get to go because Lola would be there and Mike was playing chauffeur again and had the evening to sit in the limo and wait until he was needed. He was permitted to have a take away in the car as a result on the condition that Oswald didn't see it at any point.

He met Lola by the car and though Mike handled the task of opening doors Oswald still tips his hat and lets her enter the limo first "You look more stunning every day my dear though I cannot to imagine how you continue to improve upon such perfection" It's not flowers or chocolates he brings this time though, far too inconvenient around a party. Even his gifts are more expensive for the night as this time it's a diamond bracelet, which may adequately suit her dress, a match that wasn't difficult given he provided her with his card to pay for the garment. Plus it's diamond, no sane woman should ever be disappointed by diamonds and it was a was a sparkling reminder that no matter how many suave, young, rich people she meets tonight he's the one giving her such expensive things.