. murder on the dancefloor

[dominic vinten cuvo]

Dominic

“What could possibly be so hard? Press a button and it spins.” The unofficial end of summer signified something different now that Dominic had graduated. In a few weeks his friends would disperse to resume their classes, a world he already felt so removed from just a few months later. Classes and schedules and obligations he was remiss to remember, college simply a stage production to him that had finally closed. The future rarely crossed his mind except for this weighty realization that things were changing, watching as caterers flounced about the grounds, as his friend group briefly reconciled, as their guests poured through the Hamptons beach house. Of course most important was the sight of the carousel, Dominic marveling at his contribution to the party as it spun on the beach, kicking sand over an exposed sliver of cable that threatened his fantasy. A single button barely kept his wispy shirt closed against the sea breeze, negroni raised high in the air to cheers himself in celebration of his brilliant display—nevermind the laborers who did all the work. "Are you going to stand there all night and jerk off to that thing?" he heard from the manicured yard, downing his glass and throwing it into the waves before making his way up the short path to the party's beginning.

[kitty smith-sato]

LORD, WHAT FOOLS THESE MORTALS BE.                                                                

k a t h e r i n e        outfit

"Are you going to stand there all night and jerk off to that thing?" Guests have barely started arriving but tonight Kitty is feeling strangely unrestrained, a bottle of rosé Dom Perignon clasped in hand, a bottle that was a measly six years younger than the girl herself. It had started as an affectation, a nod to Venetia Catton by a girl who secretly adored a themed party, but the pale pink liquid was slipping down so easily that she had forgotten the homage. Her eyes move from one Dom to another, the latter admiring his handiwork. "I can't decide if it's tacky or inspired," she says, tilting her head as she considers the carousel in front of them, glinting in the last of the day's watery sunshine. "No reason it can't be both, I suppose. Kudos." The sound of her bottle clinking against his glass is drowned out by a squealing sound behind them, Katherine glancing over her shoulder with the faintest look of distaste. This quickly morphs to a wide, if slightly pained smile, her free hand offering a little wave towards a familiar girl, gushing at the sight of a carousel on the weather worn beach. "On second thoughts, it's tacky. Unforgivably so." Glancing up at Dom, she raises a perfectly plucked and brushed up eyebrow, a genuine smirk tugging at the corner of her lips as she considers him. "Dominic, you'd better put on a good show tonight. It’s going to be tough watching your face drop when you lose this bet, so I’m hoping to see you have some fun before the reality hits. You know, something to hold on to—like how they take Make-A-Wish kids to Disney World.""

[dominic vinten cuvo]

“I think I’m going to keep it and put it in my yard in LA,” he beamed like a proud father at the masterpiece alight and whirling. Galloping, tramping, leaping horses with contorted faces, gilded and glossy, embellished with elaborate barding and saddles and flowing tresses. The ferocity of such powerful, almost mythological creatures tempered by a palette of fairy-like pastels and the colors of soft mossy woods. It was a feast to the eyes against the backdrop of water, Dominic briefly wondering if the tide would dare take it by the end of the party. “I heard a child died on this one,” he added with glee, which he would have frankly paid extra for if true. Kitty was rendered a gnat in his ear while he continued his self-admiration, brows suddenly crooking at her criticism. "Don't be hateful because you didn't think of it first," he tutted, a finger shushing her pillowy mouth. He was briefly jealous of the bottle that was occupying her lips this evening, apparently her first favorite Dom tonight. But that quickly vanished at mention of their little wager, confident in his ability to seduce anyone of her choosing. He simply hoped they weren't ugly. "Let's remind ourselves of the rules, shall we?" Dominic prompted giddily, his motions already airy with the effects of a recent bump and that last drink. "No interfering. No explicit mention of the bet or its prizes," he stopped short, spinning to grin at her like a hungry cartoon predator. "In your case: consequences. When I win, I get twenty-four hours with you, no holds barred. Any way.. any where I want you," he smiled, eyes dropping to the short hem of her dress. It would be a delight to finally have her. "And on the Ozempic slim chance that you win and I am proved wrong? You receive one get-out-of-jail-free card," he breezed through, bored by her less than creative reward, spitting into his hand before offering it for a shake to seal the deal.

[calvin keller]

& WITH A KISS, CONSUMES

CAL FIT

Cal had barely walked through the door twenty minutes ago and he was already covered in glitter. On his arms, in his hair, a combination of swiping past exposed, gleaming skin and the shimmering shower of it over the banisters. Falling from skirts and deft hands and being swept up across faces, knowing some likely dusted his own once features by the time he made it outdoors. Lights sway in the late summer breeze, sun tinged pink as if also falling to Kitty's whims and inspiration. His lips quick mildly at the thought of her, swiping a frosted bottle of champagne from behind the bar and taking a hearty swig. Glasses were bound to be smashed underfoot in no time and he wondered who would first bleed, whether by foot or vicious insult, cataloging the crowd before he spotted a familiar pair admiring the ghostly handiwork that had been erected by the water. The eerie music only added to what he assumed was Dom's delight, daring toward the duo that no other approached without permission. “What a welcome back present,” Cal interrupts, tipping his bottle against Kitty's in silent acknowledgment, eyes meeting hers only briefly before stealing away to the gaudy, beautiful thing in front of them.

[ruby anderson]

& EVERYTHING COMES OUT, TEENAGE PETULANCE.

RUBY FIT

Ruby spent the entirety of the evening in Mirren's room getting together. Lugging all of the outfit choices and makeup into her best friend's room. The girls had been particular in their outfits, searching a decent amount of time until each of them felt satisfied.  Kitty making a point to tell Ruby of the Saltburn theme. A themed party was everything she loved, making the girl wonder what the next year at NYU had in store. The summer flying by quickly as they greeted the month of August. Though Ruby didn't want to, she felt obligated to invite Sasha. Taking Mirren's advice on enjoying the summer and forgetting about the pit she felt in her stomach when it came to the dancer. She would not be included in their get ready fun. Giggling and taking turns playing the song as they pregamed with their favorite summer drinks, a high noon. Sat on Mirren's bed, tying her sandals to the length that felt the most comfortable, Ruby stands. Pulling down the skirt that had risen up. "You look so cute!" She smiles as she looks to the brunette putting on the finishing touches to her look, lip gloss. "Ready?" Entering the home, Ruby is still a little shocked at the dramatics and wealth that this group had. The same sort of surprise she had when treated by Kitty during her weekend away in the city. Glitter, all sorts of flashing decor at every way that she looks. Her arm had been looped with Mira's and she squeezes it, to bring her attention a wild costume. A giggle escaping them both. Champagne was everywhere, so it appeared that would be her first drink of the night, minus the one she'd had during their get ready session.The patio doors were open to show a carousel placed on the beach. "Uh, do you see that too?" Her eyes not sure if she's actually seeing the carnival favorite on the Hampton's beach. She makes out the figure of her friend, moving in the direction towards whom she was standing with, to say hi.

[kitty smith-sato]

LORD, WHAT FOOLS THESE MORTALS BE.                                                                

k a t h e r i n e        outfit

Bubbles fizz across her tongue. She can smell her own perfume, a departure from her norm in Le Labo Matcha 26, fig and cedar and of course, matcha, engulfing her. It mingles with her hair perfume, with her body lotion, every inch of her primed to its most perfect state in anticipation of... what, exactly? The usual faces, the same old sights? A string of lights flickers on above their heads as though she willed them to, dusk creeping in with the lapping waves. Kitty was happier in the Hamptons than LA, close enough to her nucleus of power that she could claim the home territory advantage. She doesn't indulge Dom's musings, so used to his flamboyancy that it barely registered. The mention of the bet does something though, goosebumps prickling along her lotioned, gleaming arms. She masks this with a smile, raising her glass-- well, bottle to it. "That get out of jail free card had better be platinum plated, enshrined in laws higher than man's. No take backsies." It's obvious to her that he thinks the wager one sided, having no idea what the stakes were. For Kitty, her very salvation hung in the balance. Drinking down her nerves, she casts her eye out to the crowds, musing on who would prove the best candidate when suddenly Calvin is there, emerging from the masses like Moses parting the red sea. "Dom's not usually one for sharing his toys, we should be very honored." God, she wished Calvin could be the subject of the bet-- now there's a challenge. She sees a familiar blonde shape approaching and lowers her voice. "Try to be normal." Just like that her face transforms, placid and smiling and open as she holds her arms out for a hug, wrapping them around the slight blonde and adjusting her antlers as she does so. "Rubes!" she gushes, her voice lifting an octave or two, finding a warmth it so often lacked. "God, you look gorgeous. I'm so happy you're here! Did you get some bubbles? Oh great, yay, aren't they good? My favorite vintage." She looks beside her, to the person she knows to be called Mirren. "Hi. It's Mirren, right? I'm Kitty, I'm so glad you're here too. Ruby talks about you all the time! I love that dress, where did you get it? This is Dom and Cal, by the way, have you met?"

[mirren hewitt]

& WITH A KISS, CONSUMES

CAL FIT

Calvin can almost taste the salt in the air from the ocean, a biting tang to the crisp swig of champagne he swallows down as they all stare. “Puts the green lantern to shame.” As if Dom would be trying to win the affections of anyone across the waters, the opulent apple of his eye stood shining, almost leering, right next to them. One he could take a bite out of right now if he could, send savagely outcast as bruised and reduced to pulp and cider; instead he bites his tongue, knowing the long game would sit worse as her face suddenly shifted. Eyes wider, mouth softened, so similar to the look she'd given his sister in New York he had half a mind to assume it was Schuyler approaching. But Sky it was not, recognizing the blonde as Kitty's friend from school he'd met. “Hi Ruby,” he recited luckily from memory, introduced quickly to the friend she'd brought whose eyes were stuck widely on the carousel. “You're not hallucinating, promise. Dom here's just a fan of big gestures.”

& Do I Dare Disturb The Universe?

Mirren Outfit

It felt like old times. Mirren's room was a mess of mini dresses and sequins, strappy sandals the color of the rainbow strewn across the floor and counter piled high to the top with every make-up palette they'd ever had in their hands. She didn't know what it was about a theme night - maybe just the sheer amount of time it took to get ready? - but she was elated, bouncing back and forth between her drink and the glitter carefully dripping down her under eyes, touching up Ruby's make-up until they both giggled together in the mirror, photos full of endless legs and pouty faces and silly, youthful smiles. Nothing could have prepared her, though, for what they were stepping into. For once everyone seemed to have gotten the memo, dressed to the nines and dancing amongst disco balls and floating servers, convinced she saw a champagne fountain flowing frothily in one of the rooms. It was beautiful and wild, a rare view of the Hamptons opulence she knew existed but was rarely spared, carefully crafted images coming down for a night as music twisted through discreet stereo systems. She almost has to down her glass of champagne immediately to absorb the place, following Ruby in a daze into the backyard until she realized she was being introduced to people in front of a carousel. Carousel/. “Hi, Mirren, yes,” she greets, embarrassed, when she picks up the conversation at hand, quickly beaming at the sweet worded compliments. Maybe this girl wasn't as dramatic as old stories had seemed to imply, shifting side to side as the tiny beads reflected off the light. “Thanks, it's Staud. Yours is amazing, too.” It's an honest compliment, the pink the perfect color for her and only enhanced by the metallic smear of her eyes, the dainty antlers on her head. Mirren can only admire it for so long before her eyes drift back to the carousel, brows scrunching a tiny bit at an errant thought. “What if it gets...swept away?”

[ruby anderson]

THE R I S E & THE F A L L

s a s h a

She was a little surprised when she peered down at her phone to see a message from Ruby. Inviting her to a party at house a couple places down. It was straight to the point, nothing overly friendly. But thousands of ideas ran through her mind, of ways to torment the blonde. Sasha stuck to the theme, but kept it a more casual than she knew the girls in the room next door would. Ruby had been courteous enough to give the details of the party - a theme, time and location. Her makeup screamed the theme, a glittery eyelid and thick eyeliner. As for the outfit, she kept it simple. A white t-shirt, and black denim mini skirt. Smiling at her reflection in the mirror, she thought of someone else who'd most likely be wearing a similar get up. Overhearing some of Ruby and Mira's conversations to know that Colt and Henry would be attending together. She heard Ruby yell through the door that they would be heading out. "I'll meet you guys there!" Sasha hollered back, unsure if she had waited around to hear her response, as she finished running the straightener through the last bits of her hair. Heels were a must, looking hot was a priority. Maybe Colton would want to sleep with her again, if she tried hard enough. Ten extra minutes and she was off to join the party. Wasting no time, a glass of champagne in hand, she starts to get a good look around. Think of ways that she could make things worse for Ruby. Who she could see was standing next to Mirren and an unknown girl. Was this the friend she'd visited in the city? The first glass does down fast, it's the second one in her hand as she makes her way down to the beach where she'd just seen her nemesis. Ruby and Mirren were glancing at the carousel, walking around it and looking in awe. "Hi. I'm Sasha. Ruby's mom's dance protege." She'd never been humble a day in her life. "Sorry she was too rude and didn't introduce us."

[dominic vinten cuvo]

“What, this old thing?” he sighed with a roll of his eyes, thumbing at the carousel as if he weren’t gawking at the same monstrosity since it had been erected. Logistics he didn’t know the half of, only invoices that his father’s accountant would vaguely grumble over, trying to remember which kid the charges were associated with. Dominic being the most cumbersome and flamboyant of the bunch, amassing amounts that shocked and awed the family but never stopped him. With each passing moment Dominic was becoming more fond and protective over it, a projection of himself in ways, scrutinizing each person’s opinion as the party roared to full effect and it became an attraction. There are new people and Dom has forgotten that he’s supposed to pay attention, wary that any new face could be his target for the night. First is a batch of girls, apparently acquaintances of Kitty's as she and her bottle played up her hostess abilities. A girl with a gemstone name—maybe she was a stripper, he hoped—cursing the empty air in his unoccupied hand as the brunette announced herself. “Mirror?” he asked incredulously, confused and mildly perturbed, although he had heard worse names, other strange nouns and such. Another time repeated back it finally registered, turning a gear in his head. “Oh! Like Helen. Why didn’t you say so,” he chuckled delightedly, a third girl and much less memorable name arriving, wearing his attention thin. He was about to comment on Kitty’s social popularity when the shiny brunette broke the banter, others floating in the background yet to make themselves known. “Well I’m so glad somebody had the sense to ask,” Dominic announced, catching her elbow as he whisked her toward it, describing the platform it stood on, buried beneath the sand, pulled inland by stand-by workers every hour. “Marvelous, isn’t it?” he breathed, a glass magically arriving to both their hands by passing-by caterers.

[mirren hewitt]

& WITH A KISS, CONSUMES

CAL FIT

It's a break from the usual, to be meeting new people. To remember those who might exist in other places, as if friendships were confined to the quartet they'd woven themselves tightly into and couldn't possibly extend further. But in that sweet spot seemed to lay Kitty's favorite place to play, an overly gracious host to the different company she kept. Watching the brief gloss of opulence play quickly over their features only to remember, and draw back. Calvin had forgotten what this might look like to someone who hadn't stumbled in front of Dom before, watching dark eyes peer nervously over a slim shoulder as he led off...Mirren. Like Helen. A helpful hint as Cal swigged another sip of champagne, realizing his manners soon after and flagging down a waiter. New, frothing flutes arrive in an instant for the girls, ignoring the tacit attempt at an insult from the latest arriving one as he waved his hand out. "Help yourself,” Cal nudges, as if he isn't carelessly swigging from a half full bottle in his palm. He falls easily back into the social fanfare of his childhood, eyes tuned to the group but mind very far away. “Have you been out here for the summer as well?”

& Do I Dare Disturb The Universe?

Mirren Outfit

“Mira's fine,” she corrects almost automatically, dark brows lifting at the connection she'd honestly, wildly, never heard before. Her mother mentioned reading it in a book once and dog earring the page, coming back to it on the day she was born. But it's a smart one, something she pockets, unable to look away from the sharp angles of his face or the way he gestured. As if holding court, big and flourishing, almost startled when he grabbed her elbow and led her away. Dom? Dominic? Mirren's focus splits on his name and the wild mechanics he attempts to describe, the labor it requires to keep it from slipping into the endless blue ocean. It's the same beach as the Dunmere home, trying to peer over the careful hedges to see if she could see their reclines splayed out but of course everything here was pristine and private. And over the top, taking a big sip of the champagne as she crossed her arms to try to seem serious. “It's certainly...something. Are you going to get on, or is it just for show?”

[dominic vinten cuvo]

“Another great question,” he congratulated Mirren, eyes skimming along the undulating animals, rising and falling on the poles secretly heaving away in the canopy. That same gaze briefly inventoried the guests on the beach, more dotting the yard’s edge above and the beach path, sparkling with glitter and sequins and overflowing champagne flutes. A true summer vision, Dominic thought, especially once he took in his own friends—who looked loose and delectable—and even made room for their apparent neighbors. “It’s a lost art, you know. Master carving of these in their prime, and now the painstaking restoration since. This is a 1928 Paragon Carousel!” he said to anyone who would listen, arms splayed wide at the object of his affection. In perfect sync his foot landed on the rotating platform as he reached for a pole, his body smoothly whisked away by the inertia, rewarding him with the brief sensation of flying as he peeled away from his gathering crowd. “This horse reminds me of myself,” he said after a brief survey of the offerings, selecting a brown stallion with dark features and regal dressing, curled defiantly from its bridle as if it had just bucked off its rider and successfully escaped. “Come. Find your animal,” he invited, hand extended out to Mirren as he swung back round to her. “Everybody, come! We’ll have a carousal on a carousel!” he chuckled wildly at his own wit.

[kitty smith-sato]

LORD, WHAT FOOLS THESE MORTALS BE.                                                        

k a t h e r i n e        outfit

Calvin's presence is very... present. Both men physically loomed over Kitty but Dom was an extension of herself, a presence that was felt more in its absence. When apart he was a phantom limb she kept looking for, stumbling when she found he wasn't there to steady her. Since his West Coast exile Calvin had become an almost ominous figure, sinister in his inscrutability. Something had shifted in him. His code switching is less obvious than hers, a natural apathy making it easy for him to converse with the awestruck newcomers. "Oh this? Thanks," she says, glancing down at the dress that cost half of her cat sitter's annual income. Lights bounce off the sequins, casting shards of silver onto Mirren's face and lighting up her artfully applied makeup. Kitty wishes it would stop. Thankfully it does, but only because she's being dragged away, leaving her with Ruby and Calvin.  Before she can think any better of it she slips her arm around Cal's waist, resting her head against his arm as they mutually smile at Ruby, bottles of champagne in hand. "She's so nice." Glad Mirren's gone for now, it doesn't take long for another brunette to appear in her place, though this one has promise. Sasha's sudden appearance paired with characteristic bolshiness thrills Kitty, who would have invited her herself if she'd thought of it. Right on cue Ruby trails off, Kitty throwing a glance in the direction of the carousel and suppressing an eyeroll. "Lovely to meet you Sasha," she says, voice honeyed. The next words come out so naturally she's able to deliver them without even the hint of a smirk, giving the man in question a squeeze as she lies about him. "This is my boyfriend Calvin. You're staying at Dunmere, right? How's that been? It's such a cute place."

[calvin keller]

& Do I Dare Disturb The Universe?

Mirren Outfit

Mirren doesn't fully understand his fascination with the carousel but nods along dutifully, at least present enough to admire someone who could speak so passionately about something so specific. If she's remembering correctly the guy posturing before her was the co-host to Ruby's old roommate, an explanation in and of itself when it came to the requirement of the carnival staple. And the smooth way in which he stepped on to it, floating steadily away before circling back once again with an outstretched hand. He seemed almost like a theatrical apparition, and though she felt sturdy enough in her shoes (though they'd sunken into the ground quite easily), there was something that half made her think her touch would go right through him if she tried. Instead she waits for it to slow, another round to start up, arms crossed over her chest at his announcements for the others. It's only when Mirren turns that she spots Sasha had joined the fray, quickly reaching back for Ruby's attention and offering a lifeline of an escape. “Come on, Rubes, we haven't been on one of these since we were kids.”

& WITH A KISS, CONSUMES

CAL FIT

Though he's used to the flurry of the fray, people orbiting in and out and faces blurring amidst the course of an evening, he still jolts when Kitty's touch drifts around him. It's delicate but foreign, something almost forgotten every time he sees her. Like he'd wipe her from his mind when their distanced lengthened, each moment new and nervous when they came back together. Without a second thought his arm drifts over his shoulder, chilled bottle now dripping cold against her skin. It's only when she introduces him as her boyfriend that he has to suppress a laugh, hard. It effectively rendered him unavailable, a stake claimed that she decided she needed to have. Another game to be played, another chip to be won, gazing down at her in amuse before dragging a sip over her shoulder. “She wishes. I'm gay, actually,” he lies right back, squeezing his arm around her in return. For all he knew he'd never see these people again and this felt much more entertaining, dropping his arm back down and deciding he'd rather go hover somewhere else. “Anyone need anything from the house? Diet coke, coke, cigarettes, canapés?”

[kitty smith-sato]

LORD, WHAT FOOLS THESE MORTALS BE.                                                        

k a t h e r i n e        outfit

Condensation on bare skin, a trickle of ice sending a shiver through her whole body. Calvin's arm is around her for the briefest moments, like everything with him, there and then not there, transitions so quick it was hard to trust that anything had happened. "We're working through it," she says to Sasha, who looks confused but also not entirely interested, which is all she really wanted. "Off you go," she says, waving her free hand before placing it on Sasha's upper arm, giving this a squeeze. It's firm, an athlete's arm, completely free of body fat but taut with muscle. "I really am so glad you're here." How many times was she going to say that string of words tonight? This was as close as she had come to truly meaning it, Sasha a useful tool should she need to vent some boredom. "It must be hard to find your footing staying at that house when they have so much history." She drops her voice conspiratorially, glancing over at Ruby and Mirren laughing together on the carousel. "Don't get me wrong, it's so cute how close they are, I'm like fully jealous. But it's kind of intense too, right?"

[ruby anderson]

THE R I S E & THE F A L L

s a s h a

With her humble introduction, Sasha sees Ruby's body begin to back away. Mirren hollers for her friend, aware of Sasha's presence and tosses her friend an obvious lifeline. It makes Sasha want to throw up, the way these two looked out for each other. Ruby is gone though, heading in the direction towards Mira, the carousel and the unknown man she hadn't been introduced to yet. If she knew Ruby well, an eye roll would be given, but Sasha is surprised when she walks away, leaving Sasha unscathed by one. That is, in her eyesight. "Likewise." Leaves her mouth, but she means it. A smile sweetly following. As Sasha usually was to earn her way further into Ruby's life. "It's nice to meet you," Sasha responds, greeting the tall man that Kitty just introduced as her boyfriend. "I love Dunmere. It's best the best summer, ever." Her mind wanders off to a certain someone who wasn't here yet. She'd been sure to look around, not wanting to appear too obvious. And to how much she's gathered about her nemesis this summer. Cal is quick to rebuff Kitty's title, heading off to the house. Nodding her head in agreement to everything she's said so far. The weirdness between the trio and her inability to get in between them, as she'd hoped. Summer was slowly ticking away, who knew if another chance would arise. "Thank you for saying that. SO Intense." This conversation was turning out to be so interesting, she wanted to keep going. "Ruby is sooo possessive of her friends? One time I was watching Netflix with Colt. She threw a temper tantrum."

& EVERYTHING COMES OUT, TEENAGE PETULANCE.

RUBY FIT

She hugs onto Kitty, happy to be reunited even though it hadn't been too long since their meet up in the city. "Obsessed with your dress!" She gushes at how perfect her friend appears. The outfit, the makeup, right down to the antlers - she'd chosen the best outfit and looked amazing. Ruby sips the crisp champagne, smiling at Kitty's remark on it being her favorite and vintage. The introductions flow with the people surrounding Kitty, and Ruby's pleased to have Mirren finally meet her former roommate.  Mirren goes off in the direction towards the carousel, following Dom who Ruby had heard about from Kitty. "She's great, right?" Her smiles turns wider, watching her best friend walk carefully along the side of the carousel. Listening to whatever Dom was telling her, Ruby notices his hands move as he speaks. There it was in her stomach, the pit of guilt that she pushed away every single day when the thought of Colton floated into her mind. She says another hello to Cal, happy to be distracted from her critical mind. Over her shoulder she notices Sasha making her way down to the beach. She mumbles a hi, especially hearing her ridiculous entry speech. Mira calls for her and she escapes without giving the girl another glance. "This is so...interesting. To see here on the beach." Is the best word she can come up with, as she comes to Mirren's side. "It's beautiful, though." All it takes is a little bit of encouragement from her friend, and she knows she'll get on the thing. Just like that, she asks. "Let's! Which animal are you going to choose?!"