melodiesoflife | O Tidings Of Comfort And Joy

Who: Cloud and OPEN
What: Cloud has taken on the Santa Claus Job and is doing his part to spread Christmas Cheer. Side effects of the Job are likely.
When: Throughout the month leading up to the 25. A separate log may or may not be used for the Starlight Celebration itself, we'll see when we get there.
Where: Aqures Ixen, Trano Golsaucia, Christmas Village
Warnings: Personality changes

Given how things have gone for Cloud in the past with some of the special seasonal Jobs, he was a little reluctant to use this one. Mako didn't seem that impressed with it either but this time of year always made him a little grumpy. It was too cold. But after thinking it over Cloud's eyes went back to the letter the moogles sent asking for help, not to mention those sent by the other Heroes getting into the spirit of the season as well.

And so Cloud donned the job before penning his responses, some of which started to show a bit more cheer for the season that he'd normally give. After telling everyone he was planning to help, it was time to put it into action. He asked for the month off from the Chocobo Ranch owner who wasn't thrilled with him taking a break, but this was for a better cause than being a Hero of Light after all.

And so Cloud began his Christmas adventure~

Santa is Coming to Town~

Trano Golsaucia was into the spirit for the sake of the children, so armed with the job Cloud had taken up one of the jobs waiting on lines of kids coming to tell him their Christmas wishes. At first he thought it would be tiring but he found he loved it. Every day of talking with the kids he found himself even more energized than when he started.

As the month went on Cloud also made sure to do some similar stops in Aqures Ixen and of course the Christmas Village itself. Another odd thing that happened as the month went on is that he found his belt getting tighter, no longer needing the pillow after two weeks of this. By this point it also completely slipped his mind that the beard the Job gave him hadn't been taken off in a while and was in fact getting thicker as well.

But he was having fun, and he was happy to see some of his fellow Heroes working with him or even waiting on line to tell him their own wishes.

Letters to Santa

After about two weeks of using the job, Cloud got a wonderful idea. They were encouraging children to send letters to Santa at the village, but wouldn't it be even better if someone was answering them? Nothing huge, just thanking them and encouraging them to be nice children. He couldn't get to all of them of course, but it seemed like a nice thing to do.

He stayed up late into the night at his home in Aqures Ixen or whatever inn room he was using elsewhere, writing replies while eating cookies and cakes. He'd been eating a lot of them lately and he had to push his chair back to make room for his belly.

Here Comes Santa Claus (Wildcard)

When Cloud wasn't busy writing letters or listening to kids he made a point of being out in public, walking around and waving to people or riding around in one of the sleighs that the Christmas Village supplied, pulled by two chocobos decked out in seasonal Starlight barding. He was happy to talk to anyone who wanted to come up and speak to Santa.

However as much as he was getting into this, he felt good about this Job. He knew he was himself and doing this for the sake of the children. He never once slipped the line into thinking he was Santa himself though more and more he thought he might like to be. It just felt good to be giving back to this world after all the problems it was seeing thanks in part to the Heroes.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Rukia had just finished her last tour at Santa's Office, sending off the group of kids with a cheery smile and a wave as they bit into their frosted sugar cookies. No one seemed to mind that some of them were made with rabbit cookie cutters, as she'd decorated them in seasonal attire. A cookie was a cookie, after all.

She pulled loose the strings of her apron and hung it up, then arched her back and rubbed the nape of her neck with a sigh. There would need to be more baking in the morning to replenish the cookie supply, but for now, she could use a break before returning to her rented house. She passed her replacement with a casual high five, surrendering the role of Mrs. Clause to go back to being Rukia in a warm velvet dress with fur trim.

Even though the jingling of bells was everywhere, she still turned her head every time she heard the familiar sound to see what was making it this time. Ah, and there was Cloud! With two chocobos? That was rather endearing, though it did make her worry a little about Zack. Perhaps he was resting? She hoped that was the case.

"So you've taken the job as well," she smiled up at him, folding her arms. "How do you like it? And where did you get this sleigh?" She kind of wanted to ride in one too.

A cookie was a cookie and a cute cookie was always tastier, no matter what the shape was. Besides, who didn't like bunnies? Naughty children, that's who.

Cloud on the other hand was in the middle of one of his now regular public appearances. He was showing up as one of the daily Santas for the kids and he was one of the most popular ones, even if he was a little short. He was certainly bringing enough jolly to make up for it. Also his belly was definitely getting into the game as well.

He pulled the sleigh to a stop and gave Rukia a wave when he saw her. Her question was given a jolly laugh in reward. "The village had a few available for the Santas to use. The chocobos aren't as well trained as the ones at the ranch but they're better suited to the cold. I have this under control though."

He looked around, smiling at the bustling little town. "This is really nice. We've been through a lot lately and it's nice to have something for us to be happy about. At least for a little while."

Edited 2015-12-15 00:11 (UTC)

Rukia chuckled, hitching her shoulders. "You do seem to have a knack for handling these birds. It's quite remarkable." It never hurt to give praise where praise was due, in her opinion. And the chocobos did seem pretty well trained, if they were working together to pull a single sleigh.

At his statement, she inclined her head in agreement. "Everyone needs a rest now and again. It reminds us of the value of what we're fighting to protect, and rejuvenates the soul."

She turned her head to look out over the snowy town with a fond smile. As hard as she tries to remind herself that she shouldn't get too attached to this world, her heart deviates. It will make things difficult in the future when it comes time to bid farewell. She's such a fool. With a wry smile and a shake of her head, she takes a step back. "Are you finished with your rounds? You're welcome to come inside."

Either that or she might hop in and ride along with him.

"Haha, I don't think I'll really be 'done' until the celebration is over...but I can take a break." Stepping down from the sleigh he made sure everything was secure and doted over the birds a moment before turning back to Rukia.

"I could use a bit of a warmup, but I can't stay too long. I need to get them back to the stable so they can have a dinner of their own."

"Not to worry," she said, taking a step toward the house as she smiled. "I'll fix you up with a mug of cocoa, and send you on your way. It'll be nice to have something to warm your fingers, correct?"

She turned (her hand stealing to the side to pat one of the chocobos) to lead the way back into Santa's Office, tapping her boots on the walk to dislodge the packed snow from her soles. Then she went inside, leaving the door open for Cloud while she went to the kitchen.

She'd made sure to always have hot water available for those who wanted tea or cocoa, as they seemed to be the beverage of choice for visitors. Measuring out the pale brown powder, Rukia tapped the tablespoons into a clean mug.

"You can return the mug in the morning. Go ahead and warm yourself by the fire while I get this ready."

Cloud followed along and did the same, clearing the snow from his boots. He gave one last look to the sleigh behind him, giving the birds a nod as if to say 'Keep watch and behave'. Maybe it was the Job class but the birds he was using for this promotion were being very well behaved.

Taking the mug from Rukia and cupping it in his gloved hands he gave her a smile before settling down by the fire with a happy sigh.

"Ahhhh, this is much better than the winters back home..."

"Oh?" Rukia approached one of the empty armchairs, taking a seat on the arm rather than in the chair itself. She folded her arms, perfectly relaxed just where she was. The winters in Soul Society were fairly mild (for which she was grateful as a child), and the snowfall in this part of the world was much heavier than she was used to seeing.

"What were they like?" she asked, curious. "Did you have any holidays similar to this place?"

Cloud took a sip from the cocoa, sighing happily as he felt it warming him up. It was a nice feeling, that expanding glow of warmth from his belly to his toes.

"They got pretty cold and dark. It was like that most of the year considering that Nibelheim was at the base of a mountain range. We had a small winter festival, lights and a community meal. Something to help us get through that darkest night of the year. The story is different, but the way it makes everyone feel...I think that's important."

Rukia bowed her head once in agreement. "For the living, winters were a tough season to weather. Food was scarce, and so was warmth. Having a holiday that brings people to work together only seems natural, to boost spirits in such times of uncertainty."

She smiled, turning her gaze to the fireplace. "Here, everyone has enough to eat, and a warm place to go. There is little more we could ask for than this."

For a moment she hesitated, then spoke again. "I am glad the Moogles chose to take on such a project. I wasn't sure what good it would do at first, but the feelings it stirs up are pleasant. I think it must be more important than I realized."

Cloud nodded, turning the mug in his hand. The warmth was tempting, he was comfortable in this chair and he could stay in it all night if he wanted to. "It is, and that's why it's important not to take the good moments for granted."

He finished his drink and stood, handing the mug back to Rukia. "I better get back out there and do one more round before finishing up for the night. Maybe I'm overdoing it, but I want to make sure everyone enjoys the holiday." For all they knew it could be the last.

"Your dedication is commendable," she replied, taking the mug to the sink to wash and rinse it once he'd departed. "Do your best to remain warm, and don't push yourself too hard." Rukia meant for him to survive this season without getting a cold. It was bad enough that his chocobo got sick, she wouldn't have her friend fall ill too.

"Best of luck, Cloud."

O Tidings Of Comfort And Joy

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