Proud Corazón | Rosa's Quinceñera Party {Read Invite Below}

[Deleted]

Invitation: Rosa wants to celebrate her 15s party surrounded by people that she knows or her family knows <3  

All those that have threaded with any of the Riveras : Rosa, Héctor, Imelda, Miguel, are invited to attend. This includes all those that joined in the special occasion threads like the Halloween thread, the Thanksgiving thread, or the Christmas thread.  

Invited guests are also allowed to bring their household/families in case the other family members have not been able to participate in those threads. For example, Giselle has threaded with the Riveras, but she can bring John Rolfe and Morgan even though they didn't get a chance to thread with the Riveras yet. 

Before the reception took place, the Rivera family and all who wanted to attend had a ceremony mass at the beautiful Victorian-furnished chapel that the Grand Floridian hotel offered for their weddings. Ah, it was so beautiful. Rosa was so beautiful. Héctor was holding Coco's hand throughout the ceremony, just smiling so proudly through it all. He was so happy to be a part of something like this! He never thought he'd ever have the chance again. 

For the first time in almost a century, Héctor was wearing a blue mariachi traje de charro to mark the occasion and to match with Rosa's dress, the way he liked to do with anyone he was with. He hadn't worn anything this fancy since the day he died. Though it was a simple looking one without a lot of elaborate embroidery, he had a striped blue bow in front, as was his preferred design on clothing. It was very much something he'd wear were he still alive doing performances, in all honesty. 

It was now time for the reception in the Grand Floridian ballroom and everything was decorated perfectly with the help of the staff. Héctor wanted to go over the plan with Rosa again in a small room next to the ballroom because he knew that during stressful moments, people tend to forget. Though they had worked on the dancing, this wasn't a part of the rehearsal. “..And when they announce your name, you walk in the room - small steps, just like Giselle, there's no need to even rush, okay? The rest of the people- eh!" He shrugged, "They could wait! Remember this is your quinces! You are like a princesa today!"  The skeletal great-great grandfather grinned, "Then the rest of your chambelanes will join you at the table in the center of the room..Then we do the toast, do the changing of the shoes, and the rest is just like we practiced in the rehearsal!" He smiled brightly before it faded out of concern. He could tell when people were nervous just by their faces alone. Miguel and Imelda were similar like that. "Okay, wait.. wait.. shake off your nerves, mija..no, I mean literally shake it out..like this!" He literally shook his entire body to demonstrate, "Sacalo (take it out).. sacalo! Pa’ fuera (slang for para afuera = in this situation, it means get it all out) .. eso! (That's it!)" He then placed his hands on each of her shoulders as he bent down to peer into her eye level. "Hey. Mira. Look at me. You’re gonna have a great quinces, Rosa Linda.. you know why? Because you're gonna have a lot of fun, mija! That is the most important thing!" He reassured her enthusiastically with a light caress of her chin, knowing that this was the first time in a long time that a Rivera could have fun with music in their quinces! Even after the rehearsal dance, everyone would be able to dance along with her, doing whatever kind of dancing the modern Americans do now!

The Rivera patriarch then stood up straight with his hands up in the air. "No restrictions!" A brief pause was made before he decided to amend that statement. "..Eh, actually? I don't want to see you drink. I don't like that, no. I got to put my foot down with that one." Héctor crossed his arms in front of him, shifting his eyes off to the side as if he meant what he said and he wasn't about to let Rosa's sweet expressions talk him out of it. They were a little lax in Mexico about the drinking age, but he was going to be firm with this rule. It wasn't even fair considering that he had his first drink around her age, but..this was different. He didn't know why. Maybe it was a father thing. "Ah, you know I care for you a lot, mija." He then returned her gaze with a fond smile and kissed the top of her head, not being able to help but feel a little paternal towards her after almost a year with her, "I'll see you out there, linda (pretty)." 

The skeletal musician in his blue traje de charro felt a little weird not wearing his straw hat. He was holding his large blue mariachi hat in his hand until finally he set it down on a chair. He hated wearing the big mariachi hat, which is why he never wore it and avoided wearing it whenever possible. Glancing over at Imelda, Héctor combed his raven hair above his head with his skeletal fingers before he headed over to be with his wife to greet the guests that would be coming in. “You look good, mi amor.." He complimented her endearingly as he embraced his wife by the entrance, glimpsing every now and then for anyone to come in.  

"That ceremony mass was espectacular!" Héctor was still blown away by how beautiful that mass went! "You were right about going to this hotel, Imelda..that chapel was so beautiful! It was like it was all planned out, eh?" He joked playfully that she picked out the hotel to plan out for Rosa's quinces, but he knew that Rosa came later. Still, technically he had already talked about Rosa's quinces since the very next day he met Rosa, so.. the fact that everything was planned out could not be entirely ruled out by one of the Riveras at least.  

Hector's outfit: media.discordapp.net/attachments/464996579921887242/572036231811039233/15564544459174661719167175953781.jpg?width=285&height=427

[Rosa Rivera]

<<I'm going to get Rosa's pre-appearance/reply in here, but as Héctor said, actual one to come <3>>

There was a difference from seeing Papá Héctor's photo, with his old mariachi suit, and seeing him find one just for her and today. For once he matched his photo closer than he ever had since Rosa had met him, but she'd become so used to how he was in a year that that, and his casual, wasn't odd anymore.

“..And when they announce your name, you walk in the room - small steps, just like Giselle, there's no need to even rush, okay? The rest of the people- eh! They could wait! Remember this is your quinces! You are like a princesa today!"

Rosa nodded. She felt like that was all she'd been doing through Papá Héctor's explanations, and just in taking in and getting the plan down herself. She probably looked too attentive, and it probably gave stuff away.

"Okay, wait.. wait.. shake off your nerves, mija"

Rosa breathed. In and out.

"..no, I mean literally shake it out..like this!"

She raised a brow quizzically and then laughed, some of the tension going with it. Well, she could not shake her head very much after all of Mamá Imelda's work at the braids and flowers, for fear of messing it up, but...

She gave it her best.

"Hey. Mira. Look at me. You’re gonna have a great quinces, Rosa Linda.. you know why? Because you're gonna have a lot of fun, mija! That is the most important thing!"

Rosa smiled softly. He was right of course, at the end of the day it was just her birthday...except with so much good to also celebrate, like music being back in family Quinces for the first time!

"No restrictions!..Eh, actually? I don't want to see you drink. I don't like that, no. I got to put my foot down with that one."

Rosa giggled again, "I don't think I'll have a problem with that" she said, before his next reasoning had her smile softening again. She was as proud as Miguel was (maybe more, though she wouldn't start that debate with her cousin, that Papá Héctor was here and not forgotten as well). She stepped forward to hug him again briefly, in trying to find a way to state her thanks once more, for all of his work, and so much else besides, before nodding and letting him go greet the guests.

She didn't feel quite so jittery after, so his reassurances had worked. Rosa smoothed at her oh so perfect find of a dress and even twirled in it lightly. There would be plenty of that during the coordinated dance also, but she loved to watch it twirl.

[Mamá Imelda]

All of this wasn't quite so different, or hard, from the last time she'd had a major hand in a Quinceañera; Coco's. Ok, sure, the ballroom was fancier than her house's simple courtyard, and the "neighbors" a bit different...and she wasn't human anymore. Nor having to keep an eye on the upholsterer's son, Julio, who kept trying to seek out Coco in a way that had just...ah but she wouldn't trade her son-in-law.

Same as there though, Imelda knew how to turn out befitting to Rosa's big day, but not attention grabbing from her. Her dress was of a bit different shade than Imelda's usual purple, though still a hue of, and different style, and she brushed at it absently, especially since...there was of course one other, very major difference from last time...

“You look good, mi amor.."

Imelda had noticed him fix his hair from across the room, and maybe that was why her own appearance suddenly demanded a recheck. Still, and even if Héctor would always say such things, the compliment was not unappreciated. Nor was having him there, beside her, as he should have been at Coco's own. She leaned against Héctor lightly, but still remained vigilant and prepared for guest greeting.

"Could say the same of you", was of course saying it; Imelda fixed absently at his mariachi tie. She was beyond tagging everything musical as bad, and it was nice to see him in the traditional garb again.

Well...except for his one quirk...

She was lightly distracted as Héctor went on to give her full and beforehand credit of picking his hotel because everything about it had turned out so perfectly for Rosa! "I'm hardly that good", she would only admit to him, with a touched chuckle nonetheless.

Then, since she had the space to ask, she frowned, just curiously. "Héctor...why do you even bring your sombrero along if you don't wear it?". She wasn't complaining, he turned out dapper without it, but it still made little sense to her.

<<And Coco and everyone else of mine to come later>>

[Wart]

<<I hope it's not too early for this >>

Wart rushed into the great hall slightly out of breath. He'd hurried to get there, determined not to be late, but the strange clothes had given him some trouble. The shoes were too stiff and the stockings too short, at least for a boy used to medieval fashions. And pants--what a strange garment! And he thought his kingly robes were uncomfortable.

But he made sure everything was correctly fastened so as not to disappoint the Rivera family. Although Wart's hair was being stubborn. It looked a little like a roof thatched with straw, but he'd done his best to make it behave.

The room was as grand as he'd remembered it, though now it was decorated with even more pomp. It almost took what breath he had left away.

The boy looked around for a familiar face.

[Deleted]

Imelda liked his outfit! "Ey, you like it?" Héctor asked as he held his wife in an embrace, though he knew the answer because he couldn't help but break into a bright smile at her comment; as vague as it was, it was definitely considered a compliment! He knew his wife well at this point. Especially the way she would casually adjust his mariachi tie. Honestly, he wasn't sure what she thought about it given that this outfit could go both ways with her, but he was so glad that it went the right way! Too bad it was a rental, so he wasn't going to keep this blue traje de charro anyways, but it was good to know for the future.

"I'm hardly that good",

Héctor smiled at Imelda's confession, "Bueno, you're plenty good enough, mi amor"  He replied sweetly, gently holding her hand in his. Imelda looked good, she was good hearted, and her judgment and instinct was good, though not perfect all the time, given how she was right about Ernesto but wrong about him, which was so natural. He never cared for perfections anyways. If she was hurt or angry, she had a right to be, and he knew it just meant that she felt everything so deeply. All of her emotions were so real and pure. Despite all that would be seen as flaws to anyone else, they were perfect enough for him just like his flaws were probably good enough for her. 

"Héctor...why do you even bring your sombrero along if you don't wear it?"

Ay, Imelda knew that he didn't like to wear the mariachi sombrero! She was right though, he should have left it in the hotel. He pretty much did that before when he was alive. Purposely forgetting to bring it along in either the hotel or areas in the house. He never thought she noticed.  "Eh...you see..!"  Héctor smiled sheepishly, as if he had been caught. Absent-mindedly, while he quickly thought on an answer, he stroked Imelda's exposed arm as if he would have done that to his forearm were he not embracing her at the moment.  "..I thought it would be different this time!" No excuses this time. Just pure honesty for Imelda. The truth was that Miguel and Panchito wore their sombreros and he thought it would be different this time. But no. Old habits die hard, and even after death. "Besides, there are no rules that say I got to wear the sombrero all the time!” Héctor added with a bright smile. Oh, he would always get by with technicalities. The fact that he hardly wore it, even during pictures, was besides the point. 

Héctor barely recognized Wart looking so nicely dressed as he passed by, thinking it was one of the staff, until he had to take a double take. "Wait, wait, wait, wait.. Is that-?! Wart?! That's you?! Oye, you clean up so well, jefecito! Míralo (look at him), mi amor!" He related more and more to Wart each and every time! Also, the boy had hair that looked probably as hard to maintain as it was when he was a boy himself. He needed a hat. That suddenly struck an idea. "Hey! Look, I got just the thing for you!" He grinned as he swiftly swiped his blue sombrero hat that he placed on a chair and placed it on Wart's head without asking, the way he usually displayed poor boundaries at times. "Tada!" He grinned successfully that Wart wore the sombrero hat. See? If it weren't for him bringing his sombrero, Wart would never be able to get to wear a sombrero! "What? I'm just letting him borrow it!" He shrugged innocently at Imelda with a sheepish grin. He was totally not giving away the hat to get rid of it. He was just letting Wart borrow it for the night. It was a rental after all.. and he certainly could avoid having a similar reputation for borrowing like he did in the land of the dead.

[Deleted]

Well, they actually managed to do it. Helen Parr and her children were one of the invited guests in the party that were willing to attend the mass before the party would start. Actually, it was more like Helen was willing and her children didn't get to have a choice in the matter. The undercover supermother had to recognize that it must have been hard, but they managed to pull through the entire mass ceremony without anyone using their powers. Of course, it wasn't without faint whispering under the breath between all three of them while the pastor was talking, not unlike how Helen did with Bob when they got married at a chapel. It was perhaps needed to keep the peace between Dash and Violet, and to keep them in line. Even Jack-Jack knew not to mess around in front of his mom in public. The mother of three had to let out a breath as soon as the mass was over, not out of disrespect, but just because she was relieved that they got through it without them acting up.

They briefly took a pause to get Jack-Jack changed before they headed over to the reception ballroom area of the Grand Floridian. Dash looked like a mini version of Bob when her husband wore his shirt and tie for work. That was the very first thing she thought of when she saw it, but did not say it aloud. It made her adore Dash for wearing that outfit, but a part of Helen missed Bob a lot more as a result. "Aw, don't take off your tie, Dash. You look so nice wearin' it!" Helen stopped the stroller while they walked down the hallway and bent down to adjust Dash's tie again with a small smirk, which only reminded her of how she used to do that for Bob before going to work. Oh, yeah, her aviator eyes caught her oldest son messing with it earlier. Meanwhile, Jack-Jack smiled from inside his stroller as the happy-go-lucky Parr that didn't have to wear anything formal; the baby ginger just wore a blue onesie.

Once they proceeded forward down the hallway again, Helen then turned to glance over at her daughter with a sympathetic frown, knowing that perhaps her teenaged daughter wanted something a little better with a higher price, but she just couldn't with being a mom trying to work and take care of her three kids by herself. "I know that's probably not the first dress you wanted, sweetie.. but for what it's worth, that dress looks really nice on you." They were on a budget with dresses, so she was glad that Vi was able to pick one that she liked within the budget at least. It wasn't as if Helen treated herself any differently, she was fair after all. Her pink dress was far from glamorous; it was a simple dress that covered her modestly given that she didn't like to show too much skin and was loose-fitted so that she wouldn't feel too insecure by her curves.  
 
"Oh, hi Imelda! I love your dress!" The auburn haired mother said with a warm smile upon first catching sight of her close friend near the doorway, probably meant to greet the guests coming in for the party. 

Dress (without the necklace): i.pinimg.com/originals/21/08/79/2108790690d094fc835b98b29981e01d.jpg

[Dash Parr]

Dashiell Robert Parr was convinced that the Mass was all part of his punishment for telling Mr. Jumba too much about his powers two months back! Oh sure, Mom said, no it was just part of Rosa's birthday party, but who ever heard of a church service before a birthday party!

Dash could not claim well rounded as a personality trait.

The church was old too, so the seats were not that comfortable, and he was wearing a tie! And he had to watch it and not mess up and show powers. Explanations of this not being punishment were hard to fully swallow.

Not that he exactly said his suspicions out-loud, just thought them. Still, he knew when to not try his mother (and could recall he might owe it to Rosa to behave as well), and sat through it, except for when Mom had to remind him to sit up straight. Dash let out a slightly bigger sigh when they were done, then made sure Mom hadn't heard him.

Now to the cake part right!

Still, Dash knew better than to zip over and walked beside Mom and Vi. His fidgeting with his tie was noticed, though.

"Aw, don't take off your tie, Dash. You look so nice wearin' it!"

Dash sighed again, but let Mom fix it, and...didn't mess with it when he thought she was looking. He sent his giggling brother, no doubt giggling at his plight, a teasing look to enjoy it while he could! He wasn't bothered by Jack-Jack's laughing, though, and knew his brother just had to do that, whether Dash was being forced to eat healthy cereal or wearing a tie!

When they got to the ballroom, Mom greeted Miss Imelda, and Dash did as well, before grinning at noticing how dressed up Mr. Héctor was too. "Ok if they made you wear a tie too I don't feel so bad!", he whispered his words though, when Mom seemed distracted.

[Mateo de Alva]

The vest and dress shirt was nothing new for Mateo, Avalor being familiar with a similar fashion as well. Same as he did when it was important to Princess Elena (or Naomi at her Quinceñera also) and court functions, Mateo made sure to turn out presentable and on-time. Or attempt. Even he, as the Royal Wizard back home, wasn't perfect at it.

Proven by the fact that to make the party he was missing the Mass, and hoped the Riveras wouldn't notice or mind.

Actually he understood Wart a lot, as a kid pulled from a normal village life and suddenly having to navigate and understand court manners and things. As for who had it harder, if Chancellor Estaban didn't get picky about things, the Avaloran court wasn't too complicated.

Mateo was kind of rushing as well, just to ensure, and then walked more leisurely when closer in to the ballroom. He greeted both the Riveras and Parrs and then, spotting Wart, walked up to the other one of Rosa's dancing court.

"Hey Wart, ready to remind me how waltzing goes?", he remembered too, he was just trying to put the kid at ease, of all things, with the statement. "and come on, I'll show you which table it is we'll be sitting at". He recalled that from Quinceñeras also.

[Mamá Imelda]

Imelda could have said she liked what Héctor's wearing his blue mariachi suit represented and meant...but that would be making the answer too complicated actually. Héctor was simply asking how she thought he looked. "You're guapo in everything, mi amor", she answered back simply; and sort of noncommittal again.

Though if there was a compliment contest, Héctor was arguably winning.

"Bueno, you're plenty good enough, mi amor"

Imelda didn't miss the wealth of meaning to that and smiled to show him such.

"Eh...you see..I thought it would be different this time!"

Imelda didn't try to guess why he would try to change, but she just smiled softly, it growing in mirth mixed with fond exasperation as he went on.

"Besides, there are no rules that say I got to wear the sombrero all the time!”

She had only been curious, so let it go. Smiling as Wart came through, and quite agreeing with Héctor's statement! Though not her husband's later action!

"Héctor!", sighing, she took the hat back, smiling apologetically to Wart. "Don't mind him, he's trying to get rid of his hat", and if it sounded odd, it was! "You look very nice, Wart, thank-you for coming, and of course for helping Rosa so".

"Helen!", she next greeted her friend, "Oh, you too, it's stunning". And if Imelda understood making that work when raising kids alone and making ends meet, she of course wouldn't point out such, but felt she did. She then smiled down to the kids, it growing at Dash's statement.

Mateo, no doubt putting in an attempt to be punctual, was right behind, Dapper also as Wart and any of them. Imelda smiled to him, "Mateo, gracias and welcome!".

[Deleted]

"..Oh!" Helen glimpsed down at her plain pink dress again. Well, Helen wouldn't exactly use the word stunning in comparison to Imelda's dress - now that was stunning! Still, she knew Imelda meant well. "Thanks," She smiled warmly, though she cocked an eyebrow in regards to the hat that Imelda had in her hands. What was that about? She didn't ask though, instead turning her attention to greeting Héctor, Wart, and Mateo in the room and making sure her kids greeted everyone nicely in return. It was just good manners.

As soon as formalities were out of the way, the southern mother of three then pushed the stroller along inside, stopping shortly upon deciding which table they would be sitting in. Meanwhile, Jack-Jack's teething Raccoon toy that rattled when he shook it was either tossed or it fell out of Jack-Jack's hands while he was rattling it. Either way, Jack-Jack was pretty pleased with the sound it made when it fell onto the ground. He had defeated it.

As a result, Helen was too distracted by Jack-Jack to pay Dash's comment any mind, bending down on the floor to pick it up before standing up again. "Hang on, Jack-Jack.." She murmured as she reached over behind the stroller to get a baby wipe in attempts to wipe it down a bit before drying it off and handing it over back to her baby to bite on.

"Hey um.. Imelda, is there any particular seating arrangement?" Helen turned to asked Imelda with a curious smile, wanting to know which table to sit and park the stroller. She did notice that the two boys, that were gonna be dancing with Rosa would be sitting together, but she wasn't sure if there was a seating order for the rest of the people? Either way, she didn't wanna assume that she could sit at the Rivera's table, though that'd be nice.

[Panchito]

Panchito stepped into the ballroom with great pleasure. He loved parties, and this one, being related to his home country of Mexico, he was especially looking forward to. The room itself, now that everything was decorated, looked more festive than ever. He himself looked exceptionally fine in his brand new suit; it had cost him every peso he could earn in the last week, but it was worth it. After all, he wouldn't want to take away from Rosalita's big moment.

The room, the clothes, the friends he spied waiting inside, the anticipation--everything combined in Panchito to such a degree that he just had to let loose with a monumental grito, just to announce himself.

"Aahhhhhhh-haaaaaaaaa-haaaaaaaa!"

Sometimes you just had to let it out.

[Deleted]

"You're guapo in everything, mi amor"
 
Skeletons don't even have hearts to cause them to melt at such sweet comments, but Héctor's expression looked like he practically melted at Imelda's words. He knew better than to show too much public displays of affection, so he kissed her cheek as he held her hand and brought it to his chest as if it were possible to feel the spiritual heart that was soaring beneath his skeletal ribs. He promised to share more about his thoughts on his sombrero with Imelda later on when they were at a table or alone; he didn't want to say it in front of everyone.     

Of course, he ruined that tender moment anyways when he was trying to barter - Land of the Dead style - by offering the royal Wart to borrow his sombrero. It was a good offer! It matched with Wart's blue outfit and he looked like a tremendo caballero! In exchange, the skeletal musician was not going to have to worry about wearing that sombrero. It would be in good hands - or on a good head!  

"Héctor!"

Héctor whirled around with an apologetic smile, rubbing his forearm sheepishly while Imelda took the sombrero off of Wart and explained that he was trying to get rid of it. Ay, his wife knew him too well. The passive skeleton nodded in agreement with Imelda's words that Wart looked great and turned to apologize, "Hey Jefecito, I apologize for doing that!"  He grinned apologetically with a tinge of nervousness on his expression, hoping such royalty would forgive him; however, that was interrupted by Mateo, who also looked good without wearing his Maguito robes, shortly after the Parrs arrived. He greeted the Parrs and Mateo, who also looked good without even wearing his maguito robes! Even Dash looked so good! Ay these guys! They look so good dressed up! 

"Ok if they made you wear a tie too I don't feel so bad!"

Dash's whispered comment made him smile to himself. Sadly, he could relate! "Eh? You too?" He mused humorously as he gazed over at the sombrero that Imelda had in her hands, referring more to the sombrero he had to wear. He didn't mind the tie so much now, though he never used to wear one all the time when he was younger given the picture that he had in his pocket, just when he was performing. He then turned to face Dash again with a broad smile. "Ah Güerito, but on you it makes you look like the man of the house!" It was true, Dash did look like his papá from the few times he had seen him before he left! He had told Dash during those hard times of the boy losing his father that, as the man of the house, Dash could try to help to take care of things in the house whether it was supporting his mamá or helping out with his baby hermanito. He wanted to ask Dash how that was going, but he was interrupted by a loud grito!

"AAHHHHYAAHAHAHAAY!!" Héctor jumped in the air and did a loud grito of his own in return! Because why not? It felt so good! "Haha! Eyy! Panchito!!!" He exclaimed enthusiastically, waving at him contently to see his feathered friend here, wanting him to join them! "You try it, güerito! C'mon! Belt it out!" He encouraged Dash to do a grito, too! Any other party, this would probably be frowned upon given how loud it was at such a formal occasion, but considering it was a party of the Mexican tradition, it was more than okay! It was expected! 

[Charlotte]

Charlotte had been looking forward to this party, though she didn't know anything about...quincy-ear-o's...or whatever they were called. Still, she couldn't wait to see the skeleton man's dear little skeleton child. Or grandchild, she forgot exactly. Still, she should look sweet in her gown. It was never too early to start wearing ballgowns.

Speaking of which, Lottie's was exquisite, if a little too opulent. But she really didn't get to wear gowns as often as she would like.

She stepped into the room and paused to give people a chance to notice her.

AAHHHHYAAHAHAHAAY!!

With a startled scream, the southern belle jumped a good two feet, no small accomplishment in heels, and landed in a very unladylike way. She was used to 'oohs' and 'ahs' when she entered a room, or even a wolf whistle (ungentlemanly, but she secretly enjoyed it). But that unearthly shriek was something new.

[Judy Hopps]

Judy tried not to run to the hotel where the party was being held, but it wasn't easy to contain her enthusiasm. Still, she was a lot more dressed-up than normal, so she should try to act a little more dignified. She'd purchased a new outfit for the occasion, a white dress with a house and a bunch of balloons on the bottom edge of the skirt. It wasn't quite floor-length, but she hoped it would still be okay.

This would be her chance, not only to have fun, but also to meet the family of Héctor. For a skeleton, he seemed like a nice person.

As she stepped into the room, Judy barely had a chance to take in the beautiful decor before a piercing scream shattered the mood. Instantly, she dropped into a protective crouch, ready to assist in the emergency, whatever it was.

It turned out to be Charlotte who screamed, but she didn't seem to be in any kind of trouble or danger.

"Is everything all right?"

[Basil]

Basil of Baker street entered the room next, hard on the heels of Judy Hopps.

He was looking especially natty today, dressed in his white linen suit, a birthday gift from Miss Charlotte, and it suited him admirably. On his arm and looking equally fine was Miss Gadget. When he'd learnt that she was also invited to this affair, Basil asked if he might escort her.

He heard the various shrieks, though he did not react to them. These Latin types screamed with great regularity, he had learnt in his time in the parks. As did Miss Charlotte, when it came to that.

As he observed the rabbit springing into a fighting stance, Basil calmly told her, "That is merely Miss Charlotte. You will get used to these little things, Officer Hopps."

As he made his way into the room, Basil tipped his hat to the ladies and bowed to His Majesty King Arthur, though he did not fall to one knee in the usual way. If the King wished to maintain his incognito, it was not for Basil to do otherwise.

Spying the skeletal couple, his hosts, Basil thanked them for honouring him with an invitation. He noted that there were no place cards and so determined to wait before choosing a seat to see what the other guests would do.

[Dash Parr]

Dash chuckled as Héctor whispered back co-conspiring to his comment on the tie! That was what was so great about him! He was...different than other adults, but in a good way.

Though the ways he was also like other adults was a good one too...

"Ah Güerito, but on you it makes you look like the man of the house!"

The statement meant a lot more than it perhaps seemed to. Mr. Héctor knew his situation...with his Dad not coming back still even after Vi had. In fact, though he wasn't sure if saying such would make the skeleton uncomfortable or not...or if it was even wrong of him to think such since he still had a father...Héctor had sort of been filing the role of someone to look up to in his time of need with everything with his Dad missing.

The blonde-boy just grinned, not saying how pleased such made him feel, but it showing in his standing a bit taller. And if it was all just a ploy to keep him from getting rid of the tie...well it would also work!

That bird Mr. Héctor knew (Dash had already realized from a few mentions) next showed up and...screeched, but not like any other kind of bird Dash had heard! It made more screaming happen, including from Mr. Héctor, before he encouraged Dash to try as well! The boy glanced to his mother briefly, but...the host in charge had told him to!

"Ahhhhyaaa....". He...tried, but it came out a lot like Miguel's first bad attempt had, and he stopped. "That wasn't it, was it?", he admitted the obvious.

[Moana]

Moana still wasn't sure she understood the cultural significance of this day either, but something akin to when she'd first sat in on a council session to make decision on her own, headdress in place and all, seemed a good way to try to think of it. A coming of age. She could understand that, and for that reason was oh so excited for her new friend she'd met through Mateo's introductions at that last get together!

She'd instantly liked Rosa. Dutiful, but with a hint of mischief to her, much like herself. And to the end of turning out properly for her Coming of Age, Moana had managed to half find and make her Chief outfit, minus the headdress to still give Rosa her due and not outshine her but show up in style for her nonetheless. She smiled as she neared the door, and then jumped herself at the unearthly yell that sounded before she entered!

After Maui and even her own tribes’ war cries she should have been used to a lot, but it was so unexpected! Especially when another sounded right after and as she did enter! Just behind a (very cute!) bunny and mouse. The first immediately checked up on the situation, while the other said it was apparently normal. Well, that was a relief. She smiled and greeted Rosa's two guardians as well.

[Mamá Imelda]

Imelda knew Héctor didn't mean anything by his trying to pawn off his hat on Wart. He hardly ever meant anything, or anything bad, really, by his antics. Imelda just smiled; still she had had to make sure Rosa's event ran smoothly and making the poor boy feel he had to take care of Héctor's hat was not in line with that! She smiled again, softer, as Héctor was so good to Dash, and after his own father's disappearance she knew,

Again she asked herself how she could have ever doubted this...

Panchito arrived, setting off a Grito contest! Well, that and a few just startled screams. Imelda winced and sighed, but Héctor was right in his thoughts, she could hardly do much, except try to explain it to those not used to such. That mouse she recalled from the party (who introduced himself as Basil for her further recalling now even if he had before, she didn't remember) was the one to do it the most effectively, surprisingly.

"I'm sorry, it's...meant well", she still tried to explain to Helen, and as Héctor got Dash in on it too. Partly an explanation for the other guests as well even as she greeted them upon their entrance.

[Jumba Jookiba]

Jumba had not told Moana whether or not he would be attending Héctor's Little Girl's big birthday celebration, because he hadn't quite decided himself. He'd gone to plenty of the get-togethers had here so far, but couldn't really say he understood the Earth Customs of all (or most!) of them and Fish-Out-of-Water syndrome was still to be battled.

But, it was important to Héctor, Jumba knew. Also he could guess at how much, because anything to do with Lilo was important to him. Moana now too. He still hadn't run into Pleakley in the parks, so he thankfully couldn't make him wear a tie! Dressed Up, then, for Jumba consisted of the ironic Tuxedo-Tshirt he had seen and thus had to buy, black shorts and still no shoes. He thankfully didn't have to worry about his three hairs.

"Héctor!", he shook the skeleton's hand heartily on his turn, "Congratulatings on your Little Girl being one year older! Is being monumental I know!".

<<Ok I think all the extras I was bringing in are here too. Coco's...somewhere helping as I said>>

[Wart]

Wart was genuinely glad to see Mr. Hector and Mateo again. He liked them, and they seemed to like him.

Hey! Look, I got just the thing for you!

And it didn't bother him one bit when Mr. Hector dropped a gigantic hat on his head. It flopped down over his eyes and he had to push it up with one hand to see. But Wart was used to being too small for his won things, let alone someone else's hat.

He did think he probably looked silly, though.

Don't mind him, he's trying to get rid of his hat

"That's all right, ma'am," he answered, "I don't mind."

As the other guests started to arrive, Wart was happy just to stand quietly and watch, they were such an interesting assortment.

There was Mr. Panchito, who always seemed to make a lot of noise wherever he went. And a princess or queen, he guessed, who didn't seem too happy with all the yelling. Next came Mr. Basil and some other animals in clothes, this time a rabbit, along with a lady mouse. And then a girl--she must be some sort of barbarian, like a Saracen, maybe. He'd never seen an actual Saracen before. And the next guest was...what was he? Wart had never seen anything like this!

[Gadget]

<<Oops! I forgot about Gadget. I'm editing Basil's post so she comes in with him>>

Gadget looked around with interest at the room's interior. She thought this would be a great opportunity to learn something about another culture; though she'd been to Mexico once before, she hadn't seen one of these parties before. And besides, she always looked forward to meeting new people.

It was formal, though, which posed the problem of what to wear. The brainy mouse went with the long dress she'd bought for that Halloween party two years ago. Or was it three now? Anyway, it was floor-length, though kind of old-fashioned. But Basil said it was fine, so she went with it. She might've hesitated to take his advice if she'd remembered that he came from the past. But Gadget was always forgetting that little detail.

When they stepped into the party, Panchito, whom she hadn't seen in a really long time, was already there. He let out a kind of a scream, for no reason that Gadget could figure. Followed by Lottie, who screamed, too. And then Hector, and a little boy.

Maybe screaming was some kind of Mexican ritual for little girls' birthday parties.

"Should we scream, too?" she asked Basil.

[Panchito]

Well, the place was starting to fill up now. And who should walk in but...

"Carlotta, querida mia! Nice grito." It wasn't, really, but for a Yankee girl, Panchito supposed it was okay. "You know," he continued with a sly look, "I am feeling more like a prince today. I think maybe I need a kiss to find out." Before she could answer, Panchito threw his arms around Lottie, spun her around in a "dip" position, and delivered a kiss so loud, you would almost swear there were little pink hearts popping out into the air.

He set the girl back on her feet with a shrug.

"Oh, I guess not."

It was then that he spotted another familiar face.

"Judy, mi amorita! How long has it been, eh?"

[Deleted]

"That wasn't it, was it?"

If there was a question as to whether something was good or not, Héctor's writhing expression after hearing the painful sound of that grito that came out of Dash's mouth would have cleared any doubts. He was not so smooth as Ernesto would have been about it; Héctor does not conceal anything, good or bad. "Ay..no, that wasn't it.." The Mexican skeleton replied sincerely in a low voice as he rubbed his forehead with a sympathetic frown, glimpsing over at Charlotte in confusion upon suddenly noticing her and Judy looking weirdly apprehensive. Panchito and Basil seemed to clear up the confusion that seemed to occur with the grito, with Imelda there to support it, too. Héctor smiled appreciatively. "Ah, it's okay, güerito! One day we can practice belting out gritos until the neighbors need to sleep!" He added as he offered an encouraging smile to Dash and placed a hand on his shoulder, always taking delight in people learning and especially because belting out a grito was a way to just clear up your soul; to let everything you feel out. He loved that!

The skeletal musician took it upon himself to greet everyone enthusiastically while he stood faithfully next to his wife. He was so happy to see them all here! "Sit down anywhere you like!" Héctor grinned at them, gesturing them to the tables. "Hey! Gadget and Basil! It's really so good you could make it! Your table is next to mine! I got you a good spot so you can see everything that goes on! Not bad, eh?" He was conscious of the fact that it would be hard for mice to see the performance with taller people in the way, so he got them a small table and made sure that the servers knew to bring them their small serving of the meals as well. It was still next to other regular sized tables for them to easily hop on up the tables and chat with anyone they wanted to. Hopefully Jake would be able to join them later.   

"Héctor! Congratulatings on your Little Girl being one year older! Is being monumental I know!"

“Hey! Jumba!!" Héctor shook Jumba's hand enthusiastically to express that he was so happy that he could make it. "..My.. little girl?” His eye sockets tilted upward as a tiny frown formed at the ends of his smile. He misunderstood that to mean his daughter, which tore him a little that he couldn’t do this for his own daughter. Héctor quickly recovered to a full smile though. “Oh..you mean my great-great granddaughter! Yes, it’s so monumental! Yes! I’m really looking forward to tonight!” He was so excited!! “You know where you want to sit? Here, take my - wait, wait, no, I can’t let you take that one. No, I’m sitting with my wife and my daughter, you know? ” He placed two fingers on his mouth, realizing that he couldn't give up his chair. If it weren’t for his family sitting with him, he would have willingly given up his own chair! “But sit anywhere else that you like! Sit in the tables next to me!” He gestured to the big table on the other side of his table, where he would sit with Imelda and Coco. “I..got to go check on some thing..Un segundito (One second), I’ll be right back!" 

With that, the skeletal father went over and gently walked Imelda to the side with a concerned expression as he wore a sheepish smile while rubbing his elbow nervously. He wanted to give Coco personal space since his daughter was an adult now, but now he just wanted to see her.  “Hey, Imelda..you think I should go and look for Coco now?” He wasn't sure if it had anything to do with what Jumba said, but he just wanted to be with his daughter more than anything right now. He didn’t even ask where she was. He was okay with just looking for her. He'd start in the kitchen since he remembered Coco being concerned about the cake earlier. 

[Mamá Imelda]

"That's all right, ma'am, I don't mind."

Imelda smiled, Wart really was the sweetest boy--well boy under pre-teen age--ever she felt! And only even mentally added in the classification to not by-pass her own great-great-grandson or slight Mateo also. "Well...in that case, I suppose it does also match", she admitted, setting it back on his little head, but she kept her voice low, the last thing she needed was Héctor hearing her admit he was right!

If Wart didn't mind, it would keep Héctor out of one scheme for the night.

And he seemed to be coming up with plenty with the other blonde child's presence. She would have to shoot down Grito Lessons later, or insist Héctor take them outside. She added her greeting to the other arrivals as well, pleased to see Héctor had put in his own thought in terms of the mice guests and being able to see.

Imelda felt she knew what Jumba had meant by his comment on their Little Girl, but also instantly saw how it would bring up bad memories of how Héctor had missed Coco's own Quince. And sure enough he pulled her aside to ask where Coco was. Imelda thought carefully about her answer. It wasn't needed no, Coco was checking on the cake, she knew, but...that hadn't really been why or what Héctor had asked.

"I don't think she'd mind if you gave her a hand, and I got this here for a bit; she's in the kitchen, checking the cake I believe", Imelda gave Héctor a reassuring smile and side hug.

[Dash Parr]

Dash had known even before Mr. Héctor said anything what the answer to his question was, but, like he always did, Mr. Héctor was then offering to help him with further Grito lessons! Those sounded fun! "Sure!". If Dash had been spending a lot more time around the Riveras, and Mr. Héctor specifically, ever since his father went back, he hadn't really noticed it or how he might be deferring to a father-figure during the time.

The skeleton was also just cool!

He still knew how that idea would go down with both his mother and Miss Imelda, though, and glanced to them both as if waiting for them to shoot down the idea. "Hey Mr. Jumba!", Dash gave his own greeting to the alien as well after he'd greeted Héctor.