We didn't start the fire, it was always burning since the world's been turning...

[labrathor]

Businesses come and go in the Plaza, there one day and gone the next, moved off elsewhere in the great infinite expanse of the Nexus. Today, the sound of classic rock pouring out of a propped open door may lead patrons to the Cafe 80s on the street corner, the building itself brightly colored with garish patterns and colors, and more neon that you can shake a stick at. Step inside and you'll see more of the same, pink and teal checkerboard floor tiles beneath your feet, triangles and dots scattered all along the walls. An entire wall of CRT screens play reruns from Thundercats, Knight Rider, and M*A*S*H among other 1980s classics, and advertisements for Pepsi can be found at every turn, and a row of arcade games line the back wall, Pac-Man and Tetris and Missile Command.

Should you choose to sit down at a booth or at the bar, maybe you'll find that your clothes have been magically transformed into spandex or high-waisted jeans, leg warmers or lacey shirts, or grunge with strategically ripped knees. Maybe you're in leopard print with shoulder pads, or wearing enormous chunky gold chains. Maybe your hair has become a mullet, or teased into a massive puffy pile on top of your head.

Whatever's the case, welcome to the 1980s! Enjoy your stay and don't forget to tip your waitress.


[OOC: For those who have not experienced a LOL before, this is a temporary magical effect that you may choose to influence your character for a timespan of your choosing. How it affects your character is up to you! For inspiration, here are some links to 80s fashion, kids' most desired belongings, and some context on what the 80s were like. Feel free to make your character's transformation as silly as you are comfortable with, and don't forget - this is an in-character event, so people may still ask them about it later after this is all over! This is a party post, so feel free to tag other characters with your own.]

Comments

[stark_ravingmad]

A cafe 80's? Tony's jaw nearly dropped out of sheer admiration for such a building even existing. The thing was Tony actually remembered the 80's as if it were yesterday. Hell, some of the stuff from his workshop was the 80's. Jesus. This was just too cool for words, as he made his way towards the door just dressed in his usual black tank top and blue jeans.

"Well, you know what they say? Let's party like it's 1999."

Prince references aside, he stepped into the Cafe 80's, looking around at the décor and smiling to himself. Yep. Definitely 80's. The arcade machines and Pepsi machines just brought memories flooding back to him of his youth. Times when he sat up late at night typing away on his Apple II computer. Wow. Tony was re-living his youth here.

"Is this the part where I order a Pepsi free? Because I'm more of a caffeine man myself."

Sitting at the bar, Tony slipped himself onto one of the stools and then felt rather strange. It was as if his whole body were tingling, alive, changing almost, as he swallowed and then looked down at his legs. Oh God. What the?-

-he was now dressed in black leather pants, a t-shirt saying "The Final Countdown, a denim jacket and rocking a rather nice large 80's hairdo. A mullet. It was still his same hair colour, but, man, Tony looked the part.

"Oh wow. So, this is what is called stepping back through the portal."

[ididntasktogetmade]

Rocket hops up on one of the stools next to the man in leather pants and a band T-shirt, craning his neck for a menu. Funny, if not for the hair, he might think the man next to him is Tony Stark. But the human died last year.

Then again, this is the Nexus, and Rocket peers up at his face. “Stark, is that you? You look different, man.”

[silverseamariner]

If there's a new cafe in the Nexus, it's a good idea to visit the competition. So skekSa the Mariner's coming for a visit, ostensibly under an excuse, and but it didn't take long far the alien pirate to get sucked into the atmosphere proper. A few members of the Sifa clan are trying out various fashions to blend in, with mixed results. Costumes designed for humans don't fit Gelflings so well.

skekSa isn't exactly from the 80s, it's all alien to her, but she dresses to fit in. She's wearing her usual tricorned hat, but her eyes are covered by Croakies. Her blazer is picked to fit the 80s. The scarlet longcoat and breeches were left at home, though the cutlass is still lashed to her side.

She's perched beside an arcade game, arms folded. She has all the confidence of a Skeksis as she looks out at the visitors. She's been practicing for a bit beforehand - after all, all's fair in piracy, including pirate video games. "Would anybody like to challenge me to a game of Pirate Treasure here in the arcade? I'll explain the rules to anyone who would like to play. Winner takes all!"

[ididntasktogetmade]

“I am Groot!” Groot doesn’t know what Pirate Treasure is, but he’s been on enough jobs with the Guardians to know what loot sounds like. And video games besides? Excellent.

The treenager does not wear clothes as a rule, but today the Cafe 80s has decided otherwise. Rainbow leg warmers adorn his legs, a dozen snap bracelets on his arms, and a bright pink sweatband around his head. He seems not to take notice of that as he looks up at skekSa. “I am Groot.”

[ididntasktogetmade]

“What the hell am I wearing?”

Rocket had been looking for a cheap place to get a drink, and this cafe didn’t seem that far out of place from the dives he’s visited across the galaxy thus far. But this is the first one he’s gone to that’s traded his utility jumpsuit for a gaudy green outfit that he’d never choose on his own accord. And why does his fur all feel like it’s been hair sprayed within an inch of its life? Gross.

“Come on, Groot, let’s-“ Rocket cuts himself off when he turns to find the treenager already on the other side of the room, poking at the arcade cabinets and seemingly oblivious to the fact that he too has new accessories. A bright pink sweatband is wrapped around the youngster’s head, rainbow leg warmers on the trunks of his legs, stiff curly bracelets snapped around his wrists. Rocket sighs, well aware that he’s not about to get the treenager away from the video games any time soon. “Fine, whatever. I still need a drink.”

[tr1ckortreat]

Loki cocked his head at the little fluffy rabbit-like creature and wondered what sort of animal he was. Hard to tell, really, so he'd go with rabbit for now. The green gaudy outfit though? That got Loki's attention since he did enjoy a good splash of green on a good day. Just not in such a bright colour.

"Oh, I don't know. It does sort of suit you. Green is a nice colour I have to concur."

Was he being cheeky? Perhaps. How could he not pick a jibe or two with the talking rabbit creature? It seemed everyone was being subjected to some sort of strange magic that transformed them into weird freakish versions of themselves. Even Loki hadn't escaped. The god's eyes glanced towards the odd-looking plant person poking at the flashing boxes. How odd indeed.

"It seems none of us are immune to this curse. I, myself, would like to know who thinks it's funny to dress us up like mountain goats with a bad case of fur neglect."

[killerkiss]

Sonya had just had a hell of a few days, she was looking forward to nothing so much as a hot shower and taking a full 48 R&R in her quarters. She felt like she could sleep for a week. After she didn’t even remember how many fights, and seeing things that might or might not be the course of her life all she wanted to do was not think for a good two days.

So naturally when she walked through the door of her quarters she walked into a well-lighted, if garish, café. “Of course.” She closed her eyes and stood in the doorway just a moment longer before opening them again. Nope, still there.

She was tired, sore and cranky and in the mood to tolerate exactly zero shit. She stepped forward and froze. “What the hell…” Instead of her fatigues she was wearing spandex. Brightly colored pink and blue spandex with white. And high-top sneakers with scrunched down gym socks. She reached up, the headband wasn’t totally a shock, but the giant chunky earrings were. Her hair was a touch on the fluffy side but nothing outrageous.

She stepped in enough to catch a glimpse of her reflection in the glass and groaned. “If this is another multidimensional fight bullshit thing, somebody is gonna be limping home.” Sonya strode to the counter with a thin lipped look. She slapped her hand down for the server. “Coffee, black. And who runs this place?”

[silverseamariner]

"It's hard to say," say skekSa, who's seated close by with a cup of nectarwine. The seats aren't made so much for Skeksis, but she's managed to make herself comfortable. "Businesses here have a way of appearing and disappearing. Most everything in the Nexus does, you know. People, landmarks, the landscape...but the town is still more stable than the Wilds. Safer, too. But where's the excitement in safety, hm?"

She looks Sonya over. This stranger looks like a fighter, she can see that much. Human, too. Humans aren't native to her planet, but she's learned a bit about them in her time here. They're like Skeksis enough that she can connect and understand them fairly easily.

"You may call me Captain skekSa. I don't know who owns this place, unfortunately, but I hope it stays, myself. I like the atmosphere. I run a tavern in the downtown area with my crew. We won't be disappearing anytime soon, you have my word on that."

[lordofthethundercats]

One of the TV’s on the wall appeared to be not working well. Then again, what could be expected from an electronic that had been clearly worn out before it had been repurposed to entertain people at the Nexus’ newest Cafe.

For those familiar with the brightly colored cartoon? The colors on the screen of this television were just off, with everything assuming a pretty unappealing green tint across the entire picture. Not only that, but there were repeating snow colored lines that flickered across the cartoon image and audible hissing coming from the built in speaker. Simply put the old TV had seen better days.

The ill functioning electronic limps along it’s broadcasting duties, for a while, before aloud pop is heard among the din of the crowd and then the screen simply dies, in mid-battle between Mum-Ra and the Thundercats.

Was it coincidence that at the same moment, a new patron had teleported into an oversized beanbag chair? Or was it Nexus magic that had summoned a cartoon hero though a faulty TV ...

[chiaro_oscuro]

Ben's been trying to keep out of the spotlight for the most part. He's not one for crowds at the best of times, and the fashion and general atmosphere here is so gaudy that it doesn't agree with him. He slapped on some eyeliner to blend in a little bit, but in general he's not trying very hard to mingle. Instead he's lurking over by the beanbag chairs when somebody appears out of nowhere.

He's startled at first, but quickly regains his cool. A person like this wouldn't entirely look out of place in his galaxy. There are far less conventionally humanoid sentient species there - saurians, fish people, intelligent snakes. A large, sentient feline isn't out of place at all. Besides, living in the Nexus makes adjusting to weirdness necessary.

"Who are you?" Not the most polite greeting, but Ben's not known for manners and he's still confused. Did this person pop out of the TV? "Welcome to the Nexus, then. Interesting time you chose to show up."

[the_rebel_son]

Lucifer was out for his usual morning walk when he stepped into the plaza and was assaulted by garish colors. His first thought is who gave Azazael paint, but then he notices his usual black suit has been traded out for a red one. Surely, there was an angel messing with him, though at least he liked the suit, even the matching red leather shoes.

It wasn't until he caught sight of the poofy, near mullet hair that his eyes rolled. That all paled in comparison to his wings. What the fuck happened to his wings. They were chrome and glass with neon... not neon colored, actual strips of neon light down the glass parts. He turned, opened them wide and stared. He flexes both pairs of wings partially hypnotized by the neon turquoise light reflecting on the chrome.

His eyes finally pull away and he sees the little cafe. They better have milkshakes... with booze... or he might set something on fire. He heads right in, sits down and orders without so much as a glance at anyone else.

[stark_ravingmad]

Wow. Tony is just wowed by this guy's obvious attraction to bright colours and everything neon. The last time he'd seen stuff like that was when he used to frequent rather lavish bars and clubs. Most of the time the patrons were either high as a kite on LSD or drunk. Tony had dabbled in drugs when he was at the MIT in the 80's. Who hadn't?

"I'm loving those coloured wings, Icarus. Just maybe tone the flash down a little otherwise I might need to pull out my shades."

He smirked at the angel and actually appreciated the guy's sense of style. Hey, Tony thought he was loud to begin with, but this? This was a whole other level. He himself was dressed in tight leather black pants and a faded blue denim jacket. The Europe t-shirt sporting "The Final Countdown" in faded white lettering. It was definitely a notch down from Lucifer's garb.

[rockandrollvampire]

Oh. Oh! Is he dreaming? Did Toby fall asleep and meander into the Nexus to find this absolutely fantastic place?

The groans and cries of dismay tell him 'nope'.

...this is absolutely brilliant and might the best find of his post-soulmate life.

Excited beyond any reasonable measure, the vampire runs straight into the bar, nearly knocking over some less adventurous folks in his haste to cross the threshold. He's curious to see what this place is going to do to his clothes after hearing several people bemoaning the fashion they're currently rocking, but the 80's were his jam and Toby's excited to see what his current getup of jeans and loose t-shirt become. Will he get to reenact his (in)famous Marty McFly look? Relive his days of glory in leather from nightclubs that now live in history books as the birthplace of famous artists? Are there fishnets in his future?!

The answer to all of these questions is a firm no, but what he gets is even better. Channeling the love of his totem, the cafe sets him up in a Madonna crossplay; Pearls, bracelets, lipstick, tousled and tied up hair, and all. And God if it isn't the absolute best. He grins as he looks himself over, then turns to anyone nearby who might listen.

"I don't know about you, mate, but this might be the best thing this place has given me yet. I'm goddamn Madonna! It's fantastic!"

[dennis_murdoc]

"You're looking good. At least neither of us is in a mullet," Dennis assures him, shrugging, needing the distraction. At least someone was happy. "The music was definitely the best part of the eighties."

[sweetcandygirl]

Harley was roller-skating around the Nexus like any other day, when she decided to sit down for a spell at this new café.

The change in her outfit includes making her roller skates those chunkier 80s style. And end result is that Harley ends up in a leopard pants, bright pink top and a stylish hat (far right woman in this image for reference). And of course... Harley loves the whole look. Especially her hair.

Harley claps to herself with excitement. Today is going to be fun!

[gentle_puck]

Robin had serious doubts that he'd worn this many silver studs during the entire ten-year stretch from '80 to '89, but he wasn't exactly complaining, either. He certainly didn't mind the rainbow accessories or the frankly fabulous curl this place had put into his hair. Besides, the outfit was surprisingly flexible. He spent a few moments proving the point with a couple of pirouettes, a tour jete, and a moonwalk along the length of the bar.

He spun back just in time to see a marvelous combination of leopard print, hot pink and...

"Hey, you got roller skates," he said. He glanced around the interior of the cafe but saw no source of additional pairs. That seemed extremely unfair of the universe at large. "Who do I have to talk to to get roller skates?"

[sohoangel]

Oblivious to most post-WW2 pop culture references, Aziraphale does not pick up on the theme of the café, although that doesn't stop him from popping in to investigate. After all, there might be some culinary delicacy on the menu, something that the conservatively-dressed angel has always been adventurous about trying.

...not so conservatively-dressed anymore. For once the angel crosses the threshold of the door, he finds himself in a outfit far different than his usual waistcoat and bowtie. It's a suit, technically, but far too casual with its rolled up sleeves and pant cuffs. He lets out a shocked little gasp and looks over himself in dismay, in particular the white low-top sneakers on his feet.

"Well, this simply won't do," he mutters to himself. He attempts a miracle, and grimaces when nothing changes. Looks like he's stuck like this, at least so long as he's in the café. Oh, bother! Thank goodness Crowley is supposed to meet him later rather than sooner. Hopefully no one else he knows will see him, either.

((ooc: credit for fanart goes to dinkydins @ twitter))

[chiaro_oscuro]

"You too, huh?" Ben's clearly in a surly mood, but he tries to brighten up when he sees Az. He doesn't know the angel as well as some, but Az has been kind to him. "I can't say much for the dress code in this place. Or the atmosphere. But misery loves company. What do you say if I buy you a drink? I think both of us could use the diversion."

He looks more-or-less the same as usual, except for the eyeliner and the hair, which is wilder than he'd let it get on his own. It's not great, but from what he sees other people wearing it could have been a lot worse. He wouldn't have been caught dead in rainbows or tie-dye. Still, he doesn't like fishnets and the eyebrows are a bit much. And he's going to need to fix his hair if the Nexus doesn't fix it once he gets out of this place.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anybody I saw you like this. It's awkward for a few people, I'm sure."

[iwillcatchup]

It was the sound of rock music that lured Peter to the Cafe 80s in the first place. It was music like this that he often listened to on his walkman all the time. And hearing it from a Nexus business made him feel right at home.

And walking into the Cafe brought more and more memories of home back to Peter. The pink and teal checkerboard floor tiles. The 1980s classics on the CRT screens. The fact that more people seemed to be dressed like Peter normally did...

Peter headed to the row of arcade games along the back wall. And placed his googles over his eyes... so he could play all three at the same time. He zipped between playing Pac-man, Tetris and Missile Command. Using his sonic speed to allow him to play the games that used to belong in his basement (back when he had lived with his Foster Mom).

[rockandrollvampire]

Okay, Toby is fast when he wants to be, but he's not this kind of fast. He watches Peter zoom between machines while he sips at a boozy milkshake, absolutely fascinated by his ability to keep up with all three games at once. This is some serious skill and to same the vampire is impressed would be an understatement.

When Peter finally takes notice of him, Toby smirks at the kid. "That's a trick I've not seen before. The speed, not the games, of course. Those are classics and everyone who's gone through the 80's knows them." He chuckles as he makes his way over to the machines. "That something you can teach someone? Or should I ask for pointers on the games instead?"

[unapprovedtrash]

i.

Well. This is certainly bright. Cal's not sure he's ever seen this many clashing colors in one place since well, EVER. He does have a brief moment of alarm when he recognizes some people he's passed on the street earlier wearing things they DEFINITELY weren't before and he looks down at his clothes. He breathes a sigh of relief. Yeah his clothes have changed, but he seems to have lucked out with a mundane but oddly heroic feeling look. He could have had it MUCH worse. BD-1 has also had a bit of a style change as well! He now sports a primarily black paint job with a few splashes of white and red as well as... Wood paneling? For... some reason. He seems fine enough with it from the happy whistle though.

A sudden thought occurs to Cal and his eyes widen. His lightsaber! His shoulders sag with relief when his hand connects with the handle still clipped safely to his belt. His relief is momentary though after taking it off to inspect. The leather straps wrapped around the grip have been replaced with some kind of neon green leopard print and the lightsaber itself is bright pink and looks like plastic.

"What the..." he sounds HORRIFIED

Does it even still work?! It looks like it'll just MELT if he turns it on.

ii.

There's... something weird in here. Besides the whole thematic costume change thing. That just seems to general Nexus Brand Weird. There's something else... something more sinister feeling. A disturbance in the Force if you will. And if the Force is telling you a thing ain't right... well you should probably listen.

The general feeling of unease is emanating from the gaming cabinets. And one in particular. The game seems to be called... Polybius. This close it feels.. well it doesn't feel like it was tainted with the Dark side or anything. But there's definitely something sinister about it. Just staring at the title screen feels like something is trying to claw and pick at his brain. He shakes his head and closes his eyes, tentatively touching the side of the cabinet.

He's trying to get a read on what exactly this is but he also probably looks like a weirdo feeling a video game up.

((ooc: For the uniformed Polybius is an urban legend about a video game used in the 1980s by the US Government for the purpose of ~Mind Control~ That's the basics but id you want more info a pretty detailed documentary can be found here ))

[chiaro_oscuro]

Ben's not usually one for arcade games. For someone who prides himself in his skills in real fighting, it all seems pointless and beneath him. However, the strange machine catches his attention as surely as it does Cal's. It's not Dark - and he knows the Dark - but there's nevertheless something strange about it. He's about to greet Cal and BD when he sees them, but then he feels the arcade game in his head. He's had quite enough of things poking around there without permission, thank you very much.

And he doesn't want Cal to deal with this thing alone. He's well experienced in keeping things out of his head that aren't meant to be there, so if there's something Dark about Polybius he's one of the better choices to investigate. If his experience with Snoke was good for one thing, it might well be for a situation like this.

"There's something about that game I don't like," he tells Cal, dead serious. "Do you feel it? Trying to get into your skull. It's not the Force, not exactly, but it's close enough that I'm able to keep it out. And whatever it is, it's nothing good." He's trying not to break things anymore, and he's sure whoever runs the cafe wouldn't be pleased if he upped and smashed one of their arcade machines, but it's tempting. This is probably something that shouldn't be in an arcade for random people to play.

[he_put_the_devil_in_me]

Matt had only been looking for a place to get a cup of coffee. Sure, the music in here is a bit loud and the scent of hairspray and plastic seems a bit strong, but he can also smell strong coffee that far outpaces most cheap cafes in New York - these are quality Colombian beans, the kind they don't really sell anywhere anymore.

He was not expecting his suit to suddenly feel stiff and squeaky as he moves, magically replaced by red pleather over a Van Halen band shirt. Not that Matt can see that part, nor tell that his hair has become a great deal more vividly red than it's ever been, almost garish enough to match the outfit. His glasses, too, have undergone a transformation, the lenses still wine-dark but now shaped like stars, the frame thick and chunky plastic.

Matt hesitates just inside the door, clutching his white cane as he tries to get his bearings and figure out what on Earth has just happened to him. This is so uncomfortable - both the setting and his new clothes - and the sound of patrons shifting leather pants against squeaking vinyl is already grating on his ears, never mind the quiet cacophony of the wall of televisions.

Well, this was a mistake.



[ooc: Matt is blind but his other senses are enhanced; feel free to add non-visual sensory details to tags!]

[sweetcandygirl]

"Matt!" Harley remembers him from the brief conversation they had during the Winter of Hell. And of course still considers him a friend. So she rolls over to him and carefully sets a hand on his arm, just in case he needs her support to get his bearings.

He might recognize her from her signature scent. The bubblegum, gun smoke, magic marker and blood scent that is all Harley Quinn.

"It's Harley." She still introduces herself. Hey in this situation, you gotta make sure your friends are okay. "How are you doing?"

[onward_and_upward]

It was the music that caught Astro's attention first when he was on one of his walks downtown. It didn't take long to find the bright 80's neon colored building. He stared a moment. Cafe 80's? Astro was from a time way past that, but he was still curious to check it out. The music was pretty cool at least.

Stepping through the door and into the cafe proper, he paused a moment as he felt a strange tingly sensation. In the next moment once it passed, he happened to notice his clothes were gone. Double taking a little, he took in the sight of the black spandex like briefs and green belt - which was similar to what he was built with; but it was the boots that got most of his attention. Rather than the red metallic plating of what he was used to, it looked like these boots could actually come off. Before he could take in everything around him, the robot boy ran to the nearest reflective surface - staring at his reflection. He poked gingerly at his 'hair' which was now a hard glossy black. His face and body was rounder and not as lean - with a little button nose and large brown eyes with long visible girly lashes.

"What the heck happened to me??" Then he clapped a hand over his mouth. He sounded like a little boy! "Why do I look six?!"

[stark_ravingmad]

"I'm loving that green number on you, Astro. It really takes you back."

Tony sauntered over wearing his 80's clothes, which consisted of a blue rather frayed denim jacket, black leather pants, which were a little tight here and there, and sporting a rather impressive mullet. He looked the part all over. Everyone did it seemed. Those lashes though, well, Tony was just staring and also the hair? Was it actually solid? That was the first thing he thought when he met Astro for the first time back at the book and toy store.

"I'd say you look around eight more than six and those lashes? Definitely a good look."

He pulled out his PINpoint and began recording the inside of the Cafe 80's, just taking in the whole vibe and enjoying the whole scene. It was bizarre but he was loving it all.

[thebluedevil]

Out on one of his daily runs, Sonic was immediately drawn to the garishly bright colored building. Not to mention the awesome music coming out of the open door. It reminded him of the old cassette tapes that he had with his old school boombox back home. Zipping inside in a gust of wind, Sonic came to a halt and looked around staring. His grin was only getting wider at this point.

"Woaaaah this place is cool!"

Wait...he noticed that he was suddenly wearing a child-sized t-shirt. A tie dyed one in bright rainbow neon colors which clashed delightfully with his bright blue fur. He laughed, tugging at it. "Where'd this come from?" He wondered if he'd be able to keep it. He could hang it with his Hawaiian shirts back in his attic room at the Wachowski's. It took a bit for Sonic to truly settle as he zipped around the entire place to check things out. Playing a pin ball game here, watching one of the TV's or dancing to the music - he was moving so fast, he was creating after images of himself.

Finally, he zipped up onto a stool at the bar. "Do you have any chili dogs here? If not, I'd like a couple large pieces of pepperoni pizza please and a big glass of Pepsi!" His legs swung over the edge of the stool and he laughed and spun around. "Wooo spinny!"

[delphicbooksandbaubles]

Aal blinks and looks up at the whoosh of eddies and air. She makes a bemused sound and chuckle. She knows that voice too. "Not sure..and Ello there laddie." She murmurs warmly in greeting.

[delphicbooksandbaubles]

Aal's lived though the eighties once. Thanks to the Dark Curse but some things she remembered semi fondly, while others things we're still semi blurry likely the more..day to day things but one could never be too sure when it came to bloody curses. The music and the some of the sounds has her ears perking up. Eh might as well check things out maybe catch up with some folks or met new faces.

So she softly pads in. Glancing about she heads toward the counter to see what and if they had for milkshakes and maybe fries..Hopefuly some curly ones.

She blinks and pauses for a moment as her dark blue pea coat changes to a leopard spotted fur one, Her glasses go a bit sharper and rhinestone..feeling. She slightly pats the top of her head..some sort of librarian like bun. She tries to recall the name of it as she carefully tries to get on the twirly stool glancing down to see a white pants suit. (oh joy well least it wasn't like Regina's exactly. She shudders at the thought of the Evil Queen. Nope. )

"Could I get a chocolate and peanut butter milkshake with a side of curly fries please?" She asks as she leans an elbow on the counter and then glances at what footwear she was sporting. Hopefully, something she could walk in, she crosses her fingers.

[dennis_murdoc]

Dennis is sitting at the counter of the new cafe. He's looking a bit different than usual. His usual dress casual shirts and blue jeans, with boots, have been replaced with a black bomber jacket, a florescent green t-shirt, black jeans, and white hightops The biggest change, though, is to his hair, which looks like this.

Dennis has stopped being amused by his appearance, though.

His entire attention is on one of the television screens. He'd started watching, when he noticed a blond man waving a spoon over a flame and verbally announcing it to be sulfur. He'd sat down and ordered a coke, intrigued even more, when a lady told a balding man she called Thornton that a Mr. MacGyver needed help.

There was an 80s tv show in some universe about his dad?? "Radical!" as they might have said back then.

That was until the tv MacGyver opened up a piece of paper that read,

"MURDER IS IN THE AIR
UNDER THE TEMPLE OF
RA
DEATH AWAITS
ON THE FINAL
CURTAIN"

Dennis didn't need the actor to highlight the beginning letters in blue to see the name Murdoc glaring out at him.

Dennis watches as MacGyver remembers encounters with Murdoc. He watches, his mouth a grim line, his cheeks drawn into tight lines of pain and anger, his eyes bright and wild. Dennis watches as "Murdoc" (and why the Hell does Murdoc look like a young Nick Helman??) attacks MacGyver with a flamethrower. He trembles as the scene switches to Murdoc attacking MacGyver with a knife on some cliff, before falling off himself.

It's a good thing Dennis' soda came in a thick, 80s style glass bottle. His hands are twisting around the glass, as Dennis struggles to control his reactions. He tries to tell himself it's just a tv show. None of that happened.

None of that happened, but Dennis sits, staring at the tv in agony, rage and contempt at the fictional Murdoc, and the not-so-fictional one, burning in his gut. Worse, he knows can get rid of the emotions, just filter them away and leave himself feeling empty and cold. But, that's what Murdoc would do and Dennis refuses.


ooc: The tv episode Dennis is watching is Cleo Rocks from the OG MacGyver. The picture is from David Dastmalchian's instagram.

[readvondaniken]

Palmer's from the 80s himself - he was plucked out of the winter of 1982. Honestly, walking into a Nexus 80s-themed cafe feels more like home than he's been in a long time. He worries that the longer he stays in the Nexus, putting off what he's sure will be his death, the more danger there will be of forgetting his home and his team. Getting to know the strange alternative versions of them like Kinner has helped, but it's not quite the same.

Except he's pretty sure that if Mac comes he'll bring a flamethrower and there will probably be blood tests. He's not looking forward to that. Still, it would be nice to see a member of the Outpost crew again. He misses Childs, and Fuchs, and maybe even Windows.

"So, anybody know what there is to eat 'round here?" he asks as he looks around. "I'm open to suggestions."

[dennis_murdoc]

Ahhh, a familiar face. Dennis appreciates those, more and more.

"I think burger and fries were the favorite food back then. Pizza took over in the nineties, yeah?"

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Ziggy had been on a bender the night before, cocaine and way too much whiskey. To be honest, when he looked in the mirror he couldn't say anything was off. The outfit looked completely normal to his style, or rather the more outlandish side of it anyway. They crawled off the couch in a neon green fishnet crop top, wildly colored leggings, dangerously high red pumps and the make up and jewelry are pretty normal and he's still sporting the gold forehead circle. There's some extra fluff and length to his red hair but this is status quo.

What he really needs is coffee. That has him out in the plaza looking at entirely different facades. Grouchy at the changes. "Where the fuck is the coffee shop?"

He just yells it at whatever and whomever is where the coffee shop he likes should be.

[rockandrollvampire]

Toby's enjoying meandering around the cafe, taking in the sights and sounds (and honestly a few good scents) of his favorite era on Earth. The shout for coffee sounds like one from a person who's struggling a bit after a good night out, and it makes the vampire rather sympathetic to the poor soul who's calling for it. With a small grin on his face, he walks over to the brightly dressed person to offer to get them something from the counter.

"Stuff in here is pretty good from what I can--" Oh God. Oh holy shit what is happening right now. Toby's eyes widen and his mouth hangs open for a moment before he gets over himself enough to flail about like the internally squealing fangirl he currently is.

"Uh. Sorry, mate, but there's... uh." He points back inside toward the bar, where a few fresh coffee cups sit ready and waiting for people to use. "Coffee. Inside. Stronger stuff too if you need to take the edge off."

ohGodwhatthehellpleasestaycoolTobyholyshit

[tr1ckortreat]

Loki had heard all the commotion around the new bar on the Plaza called "Cafe 80's." Obviously, it was some sort of mortal related thing since he had no idea what the "80's" were or what it was supposed to represent other than a decade in Midgardian history. Yet, his curiosity had gotten the better of him as he found himself walking through into the cafe, just glancing around at the rather gaudy interior. Norns, this is how humans used to live? The arcade machines in the corner did look rather interesting to the god and so did the other novelties. Most of which passed straight over his head.

It was then, Loki felt strange all of a sudden. Was he feeling alright? He gripped the pane of the door and then shook his head a little, as if shaking away a slight woozy feeling. It passed as soon as it came and then he found walking a little more difficult than usual. Looking down, he noticed he was no longer dressed in his usual green garb and beige linen pants but was now sporting leather pants. Not the usual ones he wore with his Asgardian armour, but tighter, shinier leather pants that were way too tight along with a studded leather jacket and blacked spiky gloves.

As for his hair? He had just spotted a reflected image showing back at him in the window. Well, that had changed a lot too. No longer was it the usual slicked back raven locks with slight flicks to the ends. He was now sporting a rather large 80's perm. Also, eyeliner. Loki was wearing black eyeliner underneath his rather large and expressive eyes. That and whilst looking at his hands, he noticed some sort of henna tattoos running along the backs of his wrists, running towards his hands. They were akin to his Jotun runes but more prominent in the brown ink.

"What in the Norns am I wearing? This--can't be happening to me."

[chiaro_oscuro]

"It got you, too, huh?"

Ben looks surly. He's usually surly, even in the relaxed atmosphere of the Nexus, but even by his standards he doessn't seem pleased with himself. Maybe it's the black eyeshadow. Maybe it's the spiky collar around his throat, or the black T-shirt the cafe crammed him into. Either way, he looks very displeased with his situation. He looks relieved to see Loki.

"It's me, Ben. Random Nexus magic hit you. There's nothing you can do besides wait it out. You don't think I'd put this ridiculous outfit on of my own free will, would you?" He sighs. "At leas I'm not the only one who's stuck with eyeliner. How people voluntarily put this on I don't even pretend to understand. I, for one, am not a fan."

[hellomajortom]

They had been out stargazing at the edge of the plaza the night before, an idea Aletayria had been suggested from others. It was a beautiful park and at some point they had fallen asleep in the cool summer night.

When Aletayria wakes up though and sees Tom she screams from the startle even if she can feel the mind is still Tom's mind. He looks nothing like she's ever seen.

The cry brings Tom fully awake to stare at his wife and her new get up complete with spiked hair. "Did Ziggy dress you this morning?"

She looks down at herself, the tight leather making her look even skinnier than usual and it's hot. Antheans don't do well with the heat. "Have you looked at yourself?" She asks.

Neither of them particularly know what the hell is going on, but the plaza looks like something about 10 years ago for Tom.

[onward_and_upward]

Astro had exited the Cafe 80's to get some fresh air, and test a theory to see if he'd change back after leaving the premises. He looked down at himself, noting that there was no change. "Well that didn't work." God that voice. It wasn't terrible...just so weird to hear it come out of his mouth.

His thoughts were disrupted as his sensitive hearing caught a distinct scream. A very high pitched one almost at the edge of human hearing. Without a second thought and changed appearance forgotten, Astro activated his jet propulsion and shot up into the sky. Holding his hands to his ears, he tried to pinpoint where the sound was coming from. Ah, there! The park bordering the plaza!

He streaked towards where the scream came from - spotting the two figures on the ground. Adjusting his thrust, he came down for a landing - deactivating the boosters once he was low enough and landing on his feet in a semi-crouch.

"Hey are you okay?" He ran over, eyes wide. "I heard a scream." He slid to a stop at their feet, wait...no waaay!

His mouth fell open in shock.

[eumenis]

Any new structure in the Plaza is worth investigating, if only for the sake of potential trade. The name of the place means nothing to Furiosa--casual names for decades past are irrelevant when you measure things in days and years since the world fell down. But the place clearly serves food and drink, and after a cursory glance at the menu by the door, she starts to sit at the counter.

She doesn't notice the shift in her clothing at first, because the tickle of hair all over her neck and forehead makes her jump and swat at herself, half convinced she has flies after her. It's not until she gets a look at herself in the mirror on the wall that she realizes something very strange has occurred.

"Oh what the fuck, what the fuck, what the fuck...!" she whispers to herself repeatedly, staring at the bizarre vision she presents with blonde hair, makeup that's not an Imperator's smear on her forehead, and tailored clothing that is decidedly not Wasteland-friendly. Glancing down, she struggles to process lavender tights and pink satin hot pants.

Thank Mothers she didn't bring any War Boys in here with her.

She stands, ready to get the hell out of this place before it does anything worse, but the event has seen fit to put her in high heels, and it takes less than a step before she's tottering on delicate rhinestone-strap stilettos. (These are not the type of stilettos she likes, goddammit!) Her metal hand latches onto the counter, cutting grooves into the formica, and there she stands, like a newborn colt on an ice skating rink, afraid any further movement will send her onto the floor.

Someone help a lady out, here.

[he_put_the_devil_in_me]

Matt is already having a hard enough time with the incredibly harsh scents and sounds of this place on his senses. Pungent plastic and vinyl, hairspray, sweat and spandex, and the awful chemical smell of scratch-and-sniff stickers seem to confront him at every turn, not to mention the powdery scent of Tang. Nothing in this cafe smells real except the food and the coffee, and with how uncomfortably stiff and squeaky he feels whenever he moves, he's not sure this is really worth it at all anymore.

At least he's not the only one taken off-guard by this nonsense, given that muttered expletive. He might not recognize the scents and sounds of this woman if not for that distinct hydraulic hiss when she bends her arm, the distinct solid echo of metal and gears strapped to the end of her arm stump. They only met in passing, and never spoke to one another that he can recall, but Matt remembers hearing her at the briefing they'd held before those trapped in the Nexus over the winter had ventured out to claim the supplies stashed outside the safe zone.

What was her name? Fury-something? Whatever it was, she does not sound as though she's used to balancing on those stilettos, the sharp click of the heels against the tiles resounding more heavily than such delicate shoes demand. And he can hear the muscles in her legs trembling at the strain of trying not to topple over. He reaches out, not to grab, but to offer his arm for support, his other hand holding tightly onto his cane. "Here, careful."

[thnisko]

Blindness has its downsides. Death usually wore rather tight clothing so he's not too concerned about his attire. He can't see that it looks much different than his usual. He had been on gate duty the day before so even the bracers are expected.

He makes his way out to the plaza. He's getting better navigating and confident with finding things... until he runs face first into a building. He stops and recounts steps. No, there shouldn't be a building here. He brings his arm up to rub away the blood on his lip from the wreck into the wall, only to cut himself on his arm.

Gingerly he touches them and realizes he has sawblades, or what feel like sawblades, on his forearma and upper arms. He's just standing there, lost and gingerly touching the strange clothing. And hair, long hair. Surely his expression looks as confused as he feels, despite his lack of eyes.

[vliste_staba]

Possibly the noises that come cascading from the sky overhead are not reassuring. There's a metallic tinkling noise, like a distant field full of windchimes, and a soft whoosh, and then a familiar voice giving a yelp of confusion. Having sensed his presence, Deet was coming to see Thnisko, but in flying over the new cafe, the LOL took hold of her and--

Well, she's used to flying via wings, but being whisked across the plaza on a magical rainbow is not what she expected this morning.

There's a series of little squeaks as she slides down the colorful anomaly and hits the ground a few feet from him. The impact, fortunately, doesn't sound painful or damaging, although the whole thing is confusing as hell.

"Oh! Oh, what happened?" She's on her feet quickly enough, but swaying a little, not used to the clothing she's been magicked into, nor the look Death is wearing. "Are you all right? I don't know where that came from!"

[knightgallant]

Further back beyond the garishly wallpapered walls and many mounted televisions of the Cafe 80s, there's a single glass door leading into an aerobics studio, complete with pink carpeted floor, multiple neon lights in varying colors and shapes, and several mirrored walls. There are people inside exercising to loud and peppy music. The participants' mix of reactions range from poor Nexusites who have stumbled into the confusion and aren't sure how to react, to people bouncing around enthusiastically to the instructor's shouted directions. Everyone, however, is squeezed into some version of a spandex and sweatband-laden getup. It's a bright and high energy scene, down to the Billy Idol and Madonna reverberating off the walls.

Galahad's among the more enthusiastic participants (once he obediently hung up his transformed sword on a nearby wall when requested), dressed in a brightly-colored aerobics outfit (center), neon green fanny pack, and with his curly blond hair gathered on top of his head and held at bay by a matching neon sweatband. At first the clothing is closer to the skin and more immodest than the knight is comfortable with, but after moving around in it enough, he's finding it surprisingly wearable and airy. It's easier to move in than light armor, and the way the fabric bends and slides against itself is refreshingly flexible compared to the leather padding he wears while training.

The jumping, dancing and fast movements of the aerobics class are overwhelming at first, but everyone's just so friendly and enthusiastic. It takes some time, but now Galahad's getting into the class and the shared camaraderie of the more excited participants. There's an energy in the air that's infectious. This is fun, even if it isn't at all what he was expecting when Galahad headed off to the Nexus markets to take care of the day's shopping and chores.

(i) When the music stops and the instructor tells everyone to take a break, Galahad takes an offered towel and touches up the sweat on his face. If he sees anyone he knows nearby, there's a distinct likelihood that he'll greet them and encourage them to join the wholesome fun.

(ii) "Take five, everyone! And if you see anyone hanging out on the sidelines bring them on in! Fitness is for everyone!"

Well, that's a clear enough instruction. If anyone's hanging around the edges of aerobics studio or watching (perhaps with raised eyebrows), they might be about to be approached by spandex-clad people looking to usher them enthusiastically into the aerobics studio.

[chiaro_oscuro]

Ben's decided to try and slip away from the crowds so there's less risk of being seen in that ridiculous hair and the eyeliner. He's going to have to wash it out later, he's sure of it. This looks ridiculous. He knows he likes dark clothes and looking dark in general, but this is excessive. And the eyeshadow is silly. On what planet did people voluntarily dress like this? He brightens a bit when he sees a familiar face.

Is that Galahad? In fitness gear? Ben can't help but feel a little jealous that at least somebody's enjoying himself. Those clothes are too brightly colored for his tastes. If he'd been shoved into some ridiculous rainbow outfit, kriff social graces and good manners, he'd be out of there. Galahad, however, seems to be in the middle of some bizarre fitness program.

"Galahad?" He wonders if this place has Galahad under some sort of strange eighties spell, but it's completely in Galahad's character to act like this of his own free will. "What are you doing? Are you all right?"

[houseparty]

Tony is pretty dressed down compared to some of the crowd, rocking an East Coast prep-vibe as he slides onto a stool flanking the formica counter. He barely gives the wide displays of tvs a second glance, set on catching the waitress' gaze where she hangs out by the register.

"Yeah, can I get a menu or something? And coffee. Please."

He'll also help himself to one of the clean ashtrays a seat over, sliding it close before he lights up a cigarette. Or tries, anyway- where'd he put his lighter?

Is this at all strange for him? Nope. It's the tail-end of the 80's to him, when Tony was sixteen, hollow-eyed, the eternal annoyance of his professors at MIT and roughly "dating" a solid portion of his fellow classmates.

Hey you. Person. "You got a light?"

[readvondaniken]

"Howdy, kid." Palmer notices the teenager, and is reminded a little of himself - at that age, he was out on the street, hanging with a motorcycle gang to help make ends meet.

He was a skinny cuss, the weakest of his friend group, but he made himself useful in other ways. In a movement, he passes the kid a menu.

"Name's Palmer. You're new here, I'm guessin'. Pleasure to meet you. S'pose I ought to welcome you to the Cafe 80s, huh? If you're gettin' somethin', I suggest the burger and fries. Taste just like home."

It's a little creepy, honestly, but Palmer misses his home. Just not Antarctica. Antarctica was the worst.

[melove_cookies]

Cookie was still very new to the Nexus only having arrived a few hours ago, walking around wondering if there were any good cookie shops he could visit. No luck so far but he had spotted a rather neon-looking place and it said "Cafe 80's" on the sign. Didn't they have one of those in New York? Cookie knew New York quite well being a well travelled monster. Walking in, he pushed the door and then adjusted the Boombox currently resting on his shoulder, currently playing "123 Sesame Street." Along with a bright neon beanie hat and cookie chain dangling from his neck.

He especially loved his cookie chain since he loved cookies. Who didn't? Now, where to find a good plate of cookies and some good company. Were they nice people here? He hoped so.

"Me love cookies. What is this Cafe 80's? Should be Cafe Cookie!"

[yipyipmartians]

"Hello! Greetings! Cookie!"

The yip-yips didn't expect to see one of their friends here, and Cookie Monster's recognizable even in the bling. Blue and Pink both look delighted to see him. They're a little confused by the words he's using, though. They know what cookies are, of course - the little aliens like cookies themselves.

"80s? What are 80s? Yip yip yip yip."