[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/171112/3259bb55924fd66d126ebbcc8845ec00.png[/img]
[img]https://funnypictures4.fjcdn.com/thumbnails/comments/She+looks+like+sharon+belle+_647922292f379bace119ac84fe10de1d.png[/img]
[color=1a7b30][b]Location;[/b][/color] Washington Square
[color=1a7b30][b]Interacting With;[/b][/color] No one.[/center]
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 [b]"~And don't forget, if someone makes you uncomfortable, punch them in the throat."[/b] Her father's sing-song voice burst out of the house just before she was able to close the door. Her cheeks felt a burst of warmth as the relatively cool air began to rasp against them. She looked around her neighborhood to make sure nobody had overheard or called the police for a domestic dispute. 

 Alden began to regret dropping by his house beforehand. Though most of his hour long, dad-ecture had consisted of staying away from the wrong people and breathing exercises, she could tell that he was trying hard to hide his actual fear. It was the first time that she'd be attending the Founder Day celebration by herself, which usually drew in large crowds of townspeople and tourists alike. It was a situation in which her anxiety could easily get the better of her. And that was without the ever-present thought that something, or someone, would be lurking in the shadows around her. Large events with some vendors that supplied alcohol often didn't mix-well with humans or supernaturals alike. 

 The girl knew much to well from hanging around any member of her family while intoxicated. Some stupid fight was sure to happen, and knowing her luck, she'd probably be involved in some shape or form. But she couldn't give herself time to debate whether or not she'd go. If she had, it'd easily turn into a 'maybe next year' and another one, after that. Plus she had a commitment to fulfill. Instead she simply fixed the floppy, set of dog ears on her head, before trudging towards Washington Square nervously.

 It was no loss to her why she had volunteered to help man the (so creatively named) Annual Petting Booth. The feeling of 'purpose' combined with other's in constant proximity gave her an ample amount of security. Each year the local animal shelter would give some of it's furry occupants enough room to stretch their legs within a fenced enclosure, while everyone in sight spoiled them. They were also up for adoption at discounted rates which led to the month with the lowest put-downs. That was enough to spark warmth into the heart of Alden, along with the added catch that it wasn't exactly 'working' if you could get a break whenever you wanted, or have the opportunity to chill-out with cuddly animals. Sure she had to dress 'stupidly' - the aforementioned ears combined with a rather oversized hoodie with superhero dogs prancing about - but it was a hard bargain to pass up.

 Her eyes scanned the crowd absently as she coddled one of their recent admits, Marco, gently. Every so often she'd feel the faintest ounce of warmth shoot up her wrists. It was something she had steadily learned to ignore. Nothing tragic would happen with so many present, unless the person orchestrating it had a small army.

 [b]"Yo, Alden."[/b] Her supervisor, Brandon, spoke, causing her to look back at him. He was a relatively lanky man that switched between intimidating and softhearted often. On the outside he looked far from the type that would usually devote his time to such matters - a shaved head, numerous facial piercings, and a slew of dark tattoos on either arm. There were many times a family would wander into the shelter, only to turn their own-selves away. Sadly, it was a price of diversity in such a small town. [b]"Me and some of the dogs-"[/b] He looked around at the other volunteers in attendance, grinning, [b]"-Are going to go out to eat after pack-up. Down?"[/b]

 As soon as she nodded the man fistpumped the air, effectively scaring the Pomeranian nestled into his lap. She smiled as he began to console her. Promising a plethora of treats and apologizing for his [b]"rude behavior"[/b]. Alden rarely went out with co-workers. Namely, the ones that worked under her father. Though it seemed to be a 'year of new opportunities' in which she felt the need to push herself. A few months ago she would've died at the thought of wearing such attire in public or acting like a little kid. To finally... Get loose for once.

 She was proud, Marco was getting the cuddle of his life, and there was the evident promise of surprise in the air.