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Who: Johnny D'Amico, Sparks Nevada, or Graham Specter and YOU.
What: Christmas time shenanigans
When: throughout December
Where: Christmas
Warnings: it's these guys.

Graham Specter, Santa Claus Village, week of Dec. 14
[As things get closer to Christmas, Graham finally decides to show up and help at the Village. There's still some things that need to be put together as far as scenery and decorations go, and he could be a great asset to getting things completely finished with plenty of time. Graham decides to give it a try, but finds it really, really dull. Building is never as fun as breaking things down, and it's doubly dull when it's all Christmas-related claptrap.

Graham can be found lying despondently on the snowy ground in front of some new lamp post displays he erected, tools lying around him.]

I have never been subjected to such torture. Has my soul been crushed under the false pretenses of Christmas cheer!? Just let the snow cover me up so that I can freeze over until the spring!

--

Sparks Nevada, Aqures Ixen, throughout December
[Sparks has decided to volunteer at the city's ice skating rink, renting out skates and handing out warm drinks to the tourists and visitors. An attraction like this is just another way of getting this city back in order after everything it's been through, so he'd decided to lend a helping hand. During one of the quieter moments at the rink, his moogle Red has actually managed to convince him onto the ice after a lot of coaxing.

The marshal has spent too long on a desert planet before arriving in Crystallis, and can't even recall the last time he tried ice skating. Has he even done it before? He doesn't remember. Things on the ice are slow going for him, as he stiffly and slowly tries to make his way around the rink behind Red, doing everything he can to stay upright.]

C'mon, kupo! Are you worried you might fall or something?

I-- no. I just-- Forget it. That's some big talk comin' from someone who can fly.

--

Johnny D'Amico, Santa Claus Village, second and third weeks of December
[After returning from Mysidia, Johnny completely keeps away from everyone for about a week solid. Some stuff happened there that he was totally mortified over, his pride seriously hurt. Eventually he drags himself out to get back to work, and he'd at least spent that time locked away home working on learning some more Christmas songs to play on guitar.

He travels to the Christmas village and decides to help out, thinking maybe that will pull him out of the doldrums. They could always use some muscle when it comes to setting up. And when not doing that, he can be found out somewhere public playing some carols for the visitors. The holiday mood has put people in a mood for more tipping and less complaining, which he's really grateful for.

If you don't spot him doing either of these, there will be points where he's actively looking for his friends, especially closer to Christmas. His guitar in its case on his back, he also carries a bag of gifts with him. It's not much, since he never has a lot of money, but he does what he can. When he spots you walking around too, he'll stop you to say hi.]

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Huh. I never pegged you for a skater, Sparks.

[Oh look who showed up, dressed in Santa attire. Saori skated up to the two with relative ease. She even skated backwards so she could carry on the conversation.]

Still, it's nice to see you outside and not in a pile of paperwork.

Edited 2015-12-19 08:37 (UTC)

Yeah. Well. Technically, I'm not. [Observe his totally rigid skating technique, which consists of him pushing with his skates awkwardly for a few feet and then letting momentum do the rest of the work.]

Thought I'd volunteer here to get some fresh air. Didn't know I was gonna end up on the rink myself.

[She can't help but giggle.]

Well, you're not gonna get much skating done if you're all stiff like that. You need to be a bit more fluid, Sparks. You're going to be cramping tomorrow if you keep it up this up. Would you like some help?

I got it. It's just, y'know. Mars is a little lacking in the ice rink departments. What bein' a desert planet 'n all.

[He tries to loosen up a little, but a few moments later he starts to slip. Before he can fall, he stands up straight again, and nods.]

See, I got it.

Denial isn't just a river in Egypt, Sparks.

[He maybe her superior in ranks, but she can't help but poke a little fun.]

Really? I thought Mars had polar ice caps or did they all melt by the time it got colonized?

See, there was, but one got kinda melted due to robot outlaws. Long story.

Even so, it ain't like I visited 'em much. And it's been a long dang time since I spent winter on Earth. And I've been, like, busy. With other stuff that ain't ice skating.

Aww...C'mon Sparkles, I wanna hear it. You don't talk about Mars much at work. If I could, I wouldn't mind visiting it, to be honest.

[She carefully moves just out of range from Sparks because whoops that nickname slip.]

And by busy you mean with work.

Don't call me that. And, I mean, if ya really care that much, there was a prison there for robot outlaws, 'n they escaped by meltin' the polar ice cape. Had to wrangle that flood myself. [With help from Croach, of course.] Had to use this wormhole lasso. Dangerous stuff, but nothin' I couldn't handle it.

[ Logen squints at Johnny in the snow and lights of the village, his own ragged coat barely keeping out the chill. He walks over to his friend and says, quietly. ]

Evenin, Johnny.

[Johnny gives him a little wave.] Hey man. Surprised to see you here. Doesn't really seem like yer kinda scene.

[Not that it's Johnny's either.]

It ain't. I just saw all the lights n' stuff and got curious. Civilization, eh?

[ He shrugs. ]

Yeah. Though this is a pretty weird part of it, huh. I don't mind, though. Tourists here have been great tippers. Gotta love that Christmas spirit.

[Speaking of, Johnny digs around in the bag he's carrying and pulls out a bottle of decent whisky with a bow hastily tied to the top. He's not much for wrapping.]

Gotta keep spreadin' that good cheer. Merry Christmas, dude.

You're the best, Johnny. You can stand in my dozen anytime.

[ He claps him around the shoulder and grins. ]

Nice to have a friend who hasn't tried to kill me, or that I haven't killed yet.

Never say never. We got plenty of time yet to kill each other.

[Johnny grins back. It's nice to have folks to buy gifts for this year, even if he doesn't have a lot to spend. ]

[Ales is helping with the decorations, climbing up poles and adjusting the lights hanging from the rooftops. See, creating is more fun than destroying things, no matter what the man lying in the snow about to die of hypothermia believes.]

Odd to see someone so down while preparing for a holiday. [He walks over to Graham and stands by his head, looking down at him.] Did something happen to you recently?

[It's just another day of Graham being Graham. He stays laying on the ground, blinking up at Ales with those sleepy eyes.]

What's happened to me is the building of this place! The tedium of such a chore is killing me faster than this place is being built. I'll be dead before I ever get a chance to take it all down! And if that's the case, what's the point? What's the point to anything I do?!

[He covers his face with his hands and flails back and forth a bit, sending bits of snow flying.]

[He looks up at the chain of holly that stretches from lamppost to lamppost, and while it looks beautiful, it must have been a chore to get it all up there. A boring, repetitive, and dangerous chore.]

If decorating puts you in such a bad mood, you shouldn't be doing it in the first place. Lesson learned. [He steps back and covers his face with his hands as the snow flies.] Look, can you stop throwing a tantrum in the middle of the street?

[In the blink of an eye, Graham's wrench swings down right next to Ales, narrowly but deliberately missing him. Graham doesn't like being told he's having a tantrum. He's still laying in the snow, but he's lying on his stomach now, frowning at Ales.]

I thought that perhaps holiday cheer would be contagious and I would feel what everyone else does about this sort of work. Instead it's the opposite! But I've also been promised that once this nonsense comes to an end, I get to take it all down if I also help put it up. But now it's taking every fiber of my being to not just rip it down right now!

[He stands up now and looks at his handiwork, smacking his wrench off his hand. He's thinking about doing it anyway.]

WHAT THE- [He jumps back, holding onto his hat before realizing it missed him. His heart is beating fast after that near-death experience, and each heavy breath hangs in the frozen air while he stares at the wrench nested deep into the snow beside him.

He glares at Graham.] Then deal with it that doesn't involve almost killing me! Come on, get up. [He shoves Graham's shoulder.] Go tear apart, I don't know, that decoration you put up. Then redecorate and take it down until you feel better about it, whatever. Until you can leave and work on something else.

[Ales lightly kicks his booted feet against his body. This man is sometimes isn't worth the trouble that he has to go through to entertain him.]

[He sits up, glaring down at Ales. He'd be in a lot more trouble if Graham didn't like him as he did. His eyes turn to the decorations above them that Graham helped assemble and hang, and he feels worse than ever.]

I could, I could start to tear down and rebuild and tear down and rebuild and tear down and rebuild... But what does that get us? Nothing but stagnation! A static existence trapped forever in a Christmas hellscape! I'd be driven to madness in no time flat. Doomed to a life of false cheer and empty celebrations! Stuck in this cycle, the holiday would suddenly lose all sense of meaning. No, I don't want to live this nightmare over and over. I just want it to. All. Come. Down!

[With that, he leaps to his feet and immediately starts to take apart that lamp post he had put up minutes earlier. And he might not stop there.]

[And Ales glares right back at Graham until he gets up. He stands to the side with this arms crossed and watches him take everything down. There, he's happy. Then he'll have to put it up again and be upset, followed by dismantling it once more. It's a neverending cycle of death and rebirth. Ales should expect some of the ornaments to take responsibility and fight against the periodic destruction of their lamppost; the Calamity of Christmas decorations.]

Where are you going? [To lie in another patch of snow?]

[Graham would appreciate the poetry of said cycle if he wasn't busy wordlessly yelling as he took down the next nearest lamp post. And he's going for the next, too.

This isn't looking good.]

[What are you--oh my god.

Ales runs after Graham and wishes he had something on him to throw. That wooden decoration he just tossed away will have to do, and Ales chucks it at his head.]

GRAHAM!! [He runs leaned over, his snout pointed right in front of his body. His feat tap lightly against the cover of snow as he catches up to him.] NOT EVERYTHING!

[Like Johnny, Kidd was mostly keeping to herself for much of the month. November had gone a bit less smoothly than planned between Palitutu showing up in Trano Golsaucia and the revelations in Mysidia. She was mostly going along with Ramza on his own trip in the hope that it wouldn't be the third bit in a trifecta of disaster. The boy didn't deserve to be torn down.

But then she too decided she had to do something, and as Johnny walks around the edges of the village he may find the pirate clad in a festive costume and carrying crates onto a likewise decked out personal airship.]

[Johnny gives her a little wave to flag her down.]

Hey there. Looks like you're really into this stuff too, huh.

[Johnny's been working here playing music, but he's not going go as far as wearing red and green, or even an ironic ugly sweater. No thanks.]

Not as much as everyone else, but it's nice to see everyone so happy. I've been helping out with some of the supply shipments mostly. It's one of the things I'm experienced with that doesn't end with blood being spilled.

[That and running an inn, but that's a story for a different time.]

I was thinking of doing something extra special tonight though. Would you mind lending me a hand loading this?

[She hefts a crate, turning just so and the label of "Caution: Fireworks" becomes more visible.]

Fireworks? That's my kind of Christmas. Sure, I'll help ya.

[He'll take that crate off of her, and follow.]

Where're these going?

Not far. My airship isn't too far off.

[She shoots Johnny a look and a conspiratorial smirk.]

Thinking I might launch a few from midair and give everyone a nice show tonight.

Sweet. Man, I don't know if I wanna be up there to help ya, or down below to watch the show. Tough call!

We never get fireworks in winter back home. I like how people think around here though, since they seem to like to use 'em all year round.

I've had a chance to see a few shows from an airship at this point. Trust me, there's nothing like flying through one. Course you have to clear out before they try to arrest you.

I think they just appreciate having the sky lit up with light and colors to give them a break from the darkness. Myself, I'm more used to more tropical temperatures, even in winter, but it still gets dark quicker.

I'm from New York. Cold's nothin to me. But I agree, somethin' to break up those long nights is nice.

Besides, everyone loves explosions, too.

[Kidd can't help but chuckle. She's seen Johnny a few times when he's down. It's good to see him when he's enjoying himself. His approval of her plan doesn't hurt either.]

Anyway, let's get the rest of these loaded up and we'll see what sort of show we can put on for everyone.

[Busy as he was with his Santa'ing, Cloud had not seen much of his roommate this past month. After finishing up with some of his own duties as one of the resident merrymakers he goes for a walk, enjoying the sights and sounds of Santa's Village.

It's during his work that he nearly trips over Graham as he lays there on the ground.]

Oh ho ho! Graham! Are you alright? Do you need some help?

[By this point Cloud's definitely put on some weight and that beard looks like it won't be going anywhere until the season is at least over.]

[Hands over his face, a blue eye peeks out from beneath Graham's fingers and up at Cloud. After a moment, he removes his hands and looks up at Cloud, confused.]

I may not be, after all. I think I'm cracking up! Cloud, is that really you?

[Cloud chuckles and pats his belly.]

As real as I can be. Though a bit more of me lately than you're probably used to.

[He reaches down and offers Graham his hand.]

Come on, let's get you out of that snow before you catch cold.

[Graham stares at his hand, then back up at him, before taking the offer and hauling himself up.]

That costume is so... authentic! Startlingly so! I didn't even recognize you at first. It looks really weird!

[Leave it to Graham to tell you exactly how he feels.]

Are you that into the whole idea of Christmas?

[Cloud chuckles and tugs on his belt, not able to clear his expanded gut. With his belly and the beard, Cloud can't blame Graham for his words.]

I hardly recognize myself in the mirror sometimes. And I'm going to need to exercise a bunch once the holiday is over but...it's worth it I think.

Christmas, is that the version of it from your world? I've always liked this holiday for bringing some light and happiness to the middle of winter...and I think we can all use some light and happiness right now ourselves.

What a sad story. Perhaps you've taken all the holiday cheer and left none for anyone else. I can't get into this celebration! All this work for what? A fleeting moment in the midst of winter, come and gone before we know it! Effort that could be placed into something else more long-lasting, or even just interesting. But some people might need that escapism. I just can't fall into it myself! Too much building, forever and ever building this village, when it's taking every last inch of my will to not tear it all down now! And why don't I? It would certainly bring me much-needed cheer!

[Graham swats at the snow on the ground with his wrench, sending a shower away from them.]

[Cloud's smile fades as he listens to Graham's rant, but he doesn't seem displeased either. He tugs on his beard thoughtfully as he tries to make sense of what the other blonde has convinced himself. How he can turn the other man around to some cheer of his own.]

Well, I'm sure there's enough cheer to go around. Even for you. And even if it's temporary it's something people look forward to every year. It's not like it's a single moment in time. But why do you want to tear it down? It's bringing everyone happiness after all.

[He's seen his roommate dismantling things around the house but he's mostly been preoccupied with other things. This is the first time he's really asking about it.]

[Graham shrugs like this was the easiest question in the world.] Because I want to. Because I have to. Because it's what I do. That's all the reason I need.

There might not even be a next year here, with the Calamity on its way. I suppose in that way, that's a reason to celebrate. Get it now before it's too late. Before the rest of this world suffers the worst fate of all, being stuck in static isolation for eternity! Whittle away the rest of your precious time with fancy lights and tinsel and meaningless gifts!

[Graham's mood seemed to be switching from pouting to nihilisticly amused.]

Even if we did build something that to last forever, it would be gone somehow eventually. The Calamity, a tidal wave, an earthquake, an invasion from the Empire, the sun exploding; eventually something someday will wipe it all away. So why not take it all apart? Why build it to begin with!?

[Cloud tugs on his beard as he listens to Graham. The concerns and questions do have merit. And even his reason for wanting to tear things down is reasonable enough. At least he has some conviction behind it. They're not easy questions to answer though.]

Hmmm. I suppose we build things to prove we can. And even if they only bring us happiness briefly, it's still happiness worth having. If it made us happy all the time then how could we really appreciate it? It would just become something we expect rather than anticipate.

[He looks around at all the lights and colors glittering around them and smiles.]

Once all this is done we will need to take it down. Put everything in its proper place so we can use it again for next year. We'll probably need your help for that. The taking down is just as important as the putting up.

[Graham, reasonable? Will wonders never cease. Everyone has to have a good idea every once in awhile.]

Mmm, yes, that day can't come soon enough! This holiday is going on for so long that it's eroding my very soul. It crumbles like a mountain in an earthquake, swept away like sand in a tsunami, vaporized in the wake of our dying sun! If I can just hold out until it's all over, maybe then I'll be rewarded for my perseverance. Ah, isn't that a great word?

Ho ho ho, yes I suppose it is.

[Cloud can understand a little of what Graham means about the length of the holiday. But at least it's relatively confined compared to come other worlds. But this is more celebration than Cloud is used to. But on the other hand he's caught up in the spirit of it all as well.]

I'm sure you'll be rewarded indeed. Just be sure you're on your best behavior and Santa Claus may bring you a gift.

[On Starlight Celebration's day, Graham will find a complex knot of bolted and wound together scrap metal, sort of like one of those blacksmith puzzles but designed to be taken apart with a wrench. Cloud will of course deny all involvement in getting it for him.]

[…

well. She prods him with one foot, just in case.]

Will that make it better?

[more importantly:]

Does that mean you're done with those tools, then?

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Johnny

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Johnny, Third week

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Graham

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Graham