melodiesoflife | Christmas Party & Cheer

Christmas Party & Cheer

WHO: OPEN
WHEN: FORWARD DATED: December 22nd
WHERE: Christmas Town
WHAT: Celebrating the snow, the holidays, good cheery, warm fires and friends.
WARNING: Mistletoe?

With Rukia's help they were able to find a large enough hall in Christmas Town to throw the party. Zelda had set it for this day since a group of brave heroes were going to set out on the 24th. She had made sure that everything was perfect and of course everyone was invited. There were at least six decorated trees with polished silver and gold ornaments hanging from their branches. Scarlet red ribbons decorated the trees and tables with large bows tying the streaming trails together.

There was one very large tree at the halls center and there were a few presents around the bottom for those who needed a place to put gifts. At it's top was a large pointed star.

Champagne and small finger snacks were set on the tables and a part of the room was cleared for those who wanted to dance. Zelda was even able to hire a few people to play Christmas songs throughout the night. There was a table dedicated to sweets with cookies, cakes, small pies and other wonderful treats spread out for people to try.

Among the decorations was mistletoe. This little plant hung above the doorways waiting for any pair who happens to be caught in their hold. Most of the mistletoe was thanks to Minako but Zelda might have put up one sprig at the entrance to the party; it's all in good fun and kisses on the hand or cheek are perfectly acceptable.

[ooc: feel free to make open posts and tag around! It's a party!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ A wonderful opportunity indeed. Although he would have sought her out regardless, the cadet visibly lightens up spotting Tear already on her way, sharing every little sentiment she happened to display. ]

Tear, I... [ While his smile grows brighter, the tiniest trace of nervousness makes its way to his face as he suddenly darts his eyes upwards. The gesture that follows in the form of his hand extended in her direction probably makes it no easier to comprehend his concerns, and for that reason, he rushes with an explanation.

That said, he will only very lightly tug at her hand should she accept the offer until she's close enough by his side, also known as the mistletoe-free zone. ]

... I would advise you to watch out for the plants above us, it's mostly my housemate's work.

[ While Ace isn't exactly superstitious, the same can't be said about Hana, which for him is enough. In fact, the Moogle responds to his plan with disappointment and puffed out cheeks, if only for a second before she returns to being her usual cheery self, overly occupied with energetic waving.

When the boy speaks again, there's a softer edge to his tone. ]

I'm glad to see you as well.

Plants...? But there are so many. [For a moment Tear stops in her tracks to look at the ceiling above her with furrowed brow, studying the accused decoration and its matching fellows carefully. They hardly seemed any different from anything else adorning the hall, but she nevertheless gently placed her hand in his without hesitation and allowed herself to be pulled to his side, turning her gaze away from the mistletoe to focus more on him instead.]

Aside from those, I hope you're still able to enjoy yourself. [Of course, she would be even more nervous if she knew just what those plants meant. For the time being she's content with simply being with him, despite the odd warning.]

... I was actually hoping to meet up with you soon, if you can believe that.

[ Though it quickly occurs to him that the melodist is even more oblivious than she initially seemed, it is hardly a matter worth raising an alarm for, so brushing it aside is what he promptly does.

After all, he merely wanted to give her a fair chance having valiantly fought his own way out of the green traps set up all over their house and now, the party as well. Should a possibility exist that they -- should they somehow get stuck underneath one despite his efforts... for once, he doesn't fear the concept of it, itself. ]

In that case, it makes me wonder if we have both been brought here by similar motivations.

[ Even without the mental images provided by the mistletoe he can already feel his face flaring up a little. ]

I am not familiar with the festivities, but they are meant to give you an opportunity to spend this time with those dear to you.

[ An update: flaring up a whole lot, the image completed by a sheepish smile. Well, nothing about that is false. ]

... Maybe we were. [Ace's behaviour merits a curious look from her, prompting Tear to take another step closer to peek at his face. While such an expression was endearing enough on its own, his choice of words were enough to draw out a faint blush on the melodist's own cheeks.

... That she was just now noticing that she still held on to his hand, however lightly it was, did nothing to deter the warmth she was feeling. Nevertheless she tried to keep it in check anyway, granting him a smile of her own instead of pulling away as she absentmindedly pushed a loose strand of hair out of her face.]

Celebrations like this one didn't really happen where I grew up, so I can't say I'm familiar with any of it. Even if it's true for this one, you know you can come over to spend time together whenever you want, right?

[Though she could always take the initiative herself, now that she realised it.]

[ At first, the only answer he has for her is a reaffirming chuckle, as nothing else seems to come to the mind of the cadet, not when the hand in his grasp actively reminds him of the newfound closeness. Needless to say, it doesn't occur to him to withdraw from the contact unless she decides to take that step herself.

Initiative becomes such a curious concept when you find yourself this dependent on someone, all of a sudden. ]

I know. [ Even after a longer moment has passed, he still considers these words important enough to be uttered. Frankly, he would have preferred that to another evening of wallflowering which the party would undoubtedly end up bringing, but knowing that this might as well be one of their last chances to gather before the storm hits, he's decided to swallow the awkwardness if it meant seeing his friends once more.

That, and he has another motive. ]

But since we're here... I have something for you.

Edited 2015-12-26 22:11 (UTC)

I'll look forward to those times, then. [And hopefully deter her housemates from descending upon him with their antics. Nodding once, her smile gave way to a look of quiet surprise; even knowing that one of her main reasons for coming tonight was because she had something to give him in turn, there was still a sense of bewilderment when she automatically voiced her question, looking away for just a moment.]

Have you...? [If they were going to be exchanging gifts, now would be the opportune time for her to give it it to him... If she hadn't entrusted Sein with placing it under the centerpiece tree earlier when she hadn't found him right away.]

Thank you, though I have something for you, too. [Inwardly, she was already wondering yet again if it would be sufficient enough for him. There was only one way to tell.]

[ Would it dispel her worries to know that he's done the same? For some reason, the host Moogles seemed awfully insistent about that particular placement, traditional, as they called it.

( Belatedly, he'd also taken note of the elaborate packaging which most of the presents had in common, wrapped in excessive amounts of shiny paper or cloth that only masked their true appearance. Oblivious to the ruling trends, he was... more straightforward about the ones he'd brought with him, but thankfully, there was more than enough items under the tree not to let it be easily known. )

Sensing her nervousness, he finds himself entwining his fingers with hers for the briefest of moments before meekly retreating to the (figuratively and literally) less binding hold from before. What was supposed to be a reassuring gesture sort of backfires, as it consequently manages to poke at his own insecurity.

Meanwhile, Hana at his side seems to be pointing in the direction of the tree, which should hopefully render any explanations unnecessary. It's almost unlike her how quiet she has been alongside him today. ]

... Who do you think should be first?

[If Ace thought such a gesture would make her uncomfortable, he might be glad to know that it instead had the opposite effect even without her expecting it. Glancing down at their entwined hands briefly, the expression on her face softened just as she breathed a quiet sigh. Now that she was more aware of his nervousness, Tear does her best to reassure him in the only way she knew how to without using words—by giving his hand a gentle squeeze herself, hoping that it would pass the message that it was okay if he wanted to.

Truth be told, maybe she did want him to carry on with it. As sudden as the moment was, it had granted her the sense of peace she had come to associate with him in the moments afterward.

But with the way Hana was directing them on so quietly, perhaps it was only a matter of time before the feeling would give way to something else. For the time being it gave her the push to take the first step, that being the offer to present her gift first.] If you don't mind, I'd like to give you yours first.

[It was also recommended that part of the gift not be stowed away like it was for too long, but that was another story.]

[ This proves to be enough for him to look beyond the self-inflicted tension at last, into the eyes of the one person he would allow to see him like this. It was never a matter of defending his pride or feeling ashamed, because the melodist has already had the opportunity to see what he's capable of, just as she's opened her heart to him in return.

His free hand now held close to his chest, he gives her a little bow and smiles. To step forward and take initiative takes some courage, but following up could be even more difficult to play out correctly.

Thankfully, she's made the choice for them both, and suddenly, Ace is unable to deny feeling a spark of excitement igniting within, having only done such exchanges a couple of times before. Just knowing that she's remembered about him is far more important than the gift's contents, though he hoped, at the same time, that she'd find his package to her liking.

And for that, he's eager to leave his safe corner and have her lead the way. ]

[Were it anyone else, Tear would have only felt flustered by such a gesture. Yet much to her own surprise, a soft giggle escapes her before she can even think of stopping herself, eliciting the instinct to raise a hand to quickly cover her mouth as if it would be enough to dash away the fact it had happened.

Except she knew it was a silly notion, so after a few seconds she lowers that hand to express an apologetic, if also shy smile. With that out of the way she nods once again, moving them to their destination. Now that they were leaving Ace's designated corner, the melodist was beginning to understand just how seemingly safe it had been. Recalling his warning, she did take the time to look up occasionally to try and avoid the little plants peppering the hall, even without knowing why they merited such caution. But if it was for the sake of his comfort, she could make the extra attempt to evade them.

This was when Sein decided to make his appearance, spotting the two on their way. He makes no attempt to leave his place by the tree, but he does wave over to them with more enthusiasm than he normally would, making the small bells attached to the tinsel wreath he wore jingle merrily.]

Just the couple, kupo! It's right over here, Mystearica...!

[ It seems she was now following his warning far more cautiously than Ace himself was, for he... no longer made much note of the ever-present sprigs as they walked. Had he sensed her involvement, it would have probably been fair to at least mention that the plants aren't poisonous, or even provide the full explanation that he ended up skipping before.

After all, it wasn't that much of a deal, was it? ]

Kupopopo~!!

[ The presence of Sein is all the encouragement Hanafuda needs to zoom towards the tree and hover close by. Enticed by his choice of festive ornaments, she gives her own hat an energetic tilt to gauge the effectiveness of the bells sewn onto it against the ones worn by the other Moogle. That, or... who knows why she's so insistent about it, really, what matters is that the louder the sound, the better.

Giving Sein a friendly wave, Ace then locates his own pile from the corner of his eye, tucked away safely just a few feet to the side, which gives him a certain idea...--

-- ...that probably wouldn't work out under current circumstances, so he promptly drops it. After all, there is little to no chance of retrieving it undetected with their hands joined together, so Tear gets to go first, just as she wished. ]

[If it was a louder sound Hana wanted, Sein was more than happy to provide it in the form of performing a few energetic twirls in midair, pausing just once to return Ace's wave... then float around dizzily, to which Tear could only shake her head in amusement. Honestly...

Gently letting go of his hand, she kneels down to retrieve a somewhat oddly-shaped parcel from the pile of presents, taking a few seconds to make sure it hadn't been damaged in the time it had been out of her care. With her limited experience with exchanging gifts, she hadn't really been elaborate with wrapping it aside from making sure it was a neat job and tying a red ribbon around it.

Satisfied with the inspection she turns to fully face him properly again, though not without the feeling of warmth reddening her cheeks as she extended the present to him somewhat abruptly, bowing her head as both a gesture of politeness and to try and hide that blush.]

This is for you! [Then, continuing on quickly:] ... Actually, there's something in there for Hana, too. I wasn't sure when I was going to be able to see you both, so I brought it all together.

[ The moment Tear almost manages to jab him in the face with the massive package in her grasp, Ace finally realizes the flaw in his plan - belatedly. Whatever hid inside, his friend has clearly taken the concept of a small exchange to entirely new heights.... The boy lets out a small gasp, not being the only one to deliver such a reaction while we're at it. ]

F-For me, too, kupo...?!

[ Hanafuda doesn't make any effort to conceal her happiness. Pressing her paws to her blushing cheeks, the tiny Moogle exchanges looks with Sein and flies over to poke at the pretty ribbon.

Meanwhile, Ace certainly seems like he could use some help unwrapping the present, hands placed securely on both sides of the package but not yet making any other movement. ]

... Thank you.

[ But this is too much. Quite literally so, the blond has to kneel on the ground as it's nearly impossible to keep one's balance otherwise while attempting to open it, plus he's unwilling to tear the results of her work apart. Because of that, it takes him a while to unveil the contents that immediately elicit a soft laugh as he spots the familiar green colour. ]

I can't believe you've found these, Sylkis is the best you can get.

[ Wordlessly, he picks up the colorful flower trinket for Hanafuda to reach, not having any doubt that she was the focus of that particular gift. It earns a squeaky commentary from the Moogle, who promptly wraps it around her pom-pom - a perfect fit. Delighted, she bounces right into Tear's arms, whether the girl is ready for it or not.

As the cadet runs his fingers over the intricate front of the case, smile doesn't leave his lips for a second, though this expression slowly grows wistful as he moves on to the folder. While any of these would make him happy on their own with their thoughtfulness, seeing them put together fills his chest with gratitude all the more, to the point he can feel his face warming up again.

He wishes to give every item the attention it deserves, but noticing a glint of gold among the folds of the wrapping paper, he can't resist investigating it right away. It's stronger than him for some reason, that however becomes clear once he gives the little charm, now resting in his palm, a better look. The blond falls completely silent, eyes fixed on the fragile feather.

Although he has yet to cross the dangerous border, without a doubt, this is the closest Ace has been to crying in months, congratulations. ]

[It's a good thing that Tear has quick reflexes, because even without anticipating Hana's actions she succeeds in catching her in time with only a soft "oh!," her instincts encouraging her to embrace the smaller moogle with a soft smile on her lips. But once the moment passes she found herself succumbing to that feeling of nervousness yet again, stronger than before now that he was actually opening the gift. Though the melodist had turned her gaze away when Ace started, she kept glancing back every so often as he continued, secretly relieved that the merchant had been honest with her about the greens she'd included in the package.]

I'm... glad to hear that, since I really don't know that much about them aside from what I've read. [She had had no idea they were so uncommon however, which was enough motivation to set aside her nervousness and the impulse to look away so she could quietly watch him finish with the rest of the gift.

But the anxiety began to return when he fell silent completely, motivating her to kneel down in front of him. Tempting as it was to try and look him in the eye, she kept herself from giving in as she released her hold on Hana, her voice soft.]

Ace...?

[ Hearing his name being called draws his attention back to her, consequently releasing the melodist from her struggle, as she would have no choice but to return the stare. It was that kind of look; determined to express everything that one's words could not. ]

Sorry. Got a bit carried away.

[ An apologetic smile on his lips, he lets the palm grasping the feather drop down onto his lap. ]

... Having your friendship is far more than I could ever ask for.

[ He might look the tiniest bit awkward as he speaks, but the sparks in his eyes shouldn't leave any doubts as to what he thinks of the gifts. ]

[That look in his eyes is all Tear needed to melt her worries away, allowing the girl to let go of a sigh of relief she hadn't even known she was holding on to and leaving a warm smile in its place. Maybe she had overdone it with the gifts, questioning whether it was something he would need or enjoy the entire time, but what she wanted most was to see him happy the way he seemed to be now.

After all, there had to be some way to express just how much he had done for her in the time they'd known each other, a way to communicate her feelings and let him know the stability he had provided her. So she reaches over to place her hand over his gently, quietly looking down at them to consider what words would help her say what she wanted to.]

... For me, it's the same. I don't know how to thank you enough for it and all the times you helped me in the past, so I hope this helps a little. I'm... grateful that we met.

[ The warmth of her hand provides a small challenge to his self-restraint as he momentarily considers a response that usually fell into her domain. What comes out is something more of a feeble imitation - the boy reaches forward to lift her chin with a light touch of his finger (and withdrawing it immediately afterwards, of course), to let her know that her wishes have been met.

His expression is bright, but he also lets the moment linger for a while too long. ]

I, uh.... Stay here, please.

[ Gently sliding his hand out of her grasp, he places the charm on top of the case where it's clearly visible, and rises to his feet. Hanafuda floats up dutifully as well, offering Tear a soft giggle before following Ace to retrieve their part of the exchange.

The melodist wouldn't have to wait long, but there's a chance that she won't foresee ending up with a soft, white wool cape that Ace sneakily drapes around her shoulders upon returning. It comes with a hood and a couple of crimson ribbons for adjusting the cloth under one's chin - in a way, the design accidentally matches the colours of the holidays. ]

... Because you wouldn't admit you felt cold that day.

[ Taking advantage of the commotion, the cadet swiftly moves back to where he was sitting, hands clutching a wooden box that he doesn't present until after a few moments have passed. ]

And here... is what I would like you to hold onto.

[ In the background, Hanafuda tackles Sein with an array of finely-selected Kupo Nuts that she had previously placed in ornamental pouches; the package the fellow Moogle would receive miiight have been significantly richer than the others. It's all well-deserved.]

[A soft gasp escapes past her lips, sensing her cheeks warm anew as the two walked away—even if she wanted to leave for whatever reason, the small gesture kept her frozen in place just as he wished. As each second passed the warmth remained the same, only fading when she sees Sein float in front of her with a smile of... encouragement?

Before she could begin to question just why he was looking that way, he was out of her sight with a sharp "kupoooooooo—!" and she felt the weight of the soft material draping over her shoulders, the look on her face matching a newfound feeling of sheepishness as she pulled it more tightly around herself with closed eyes once she'd recovered from the surprise blooming from both the first gift and watching her moogle squeak in delight over his own gift. No wonder he'd mentioned this being his favourite celebration...]

I didn't think you'd noticed. [The fact that he had causes her to feel shy again, half-hiding her face in the cape until she braves opening her eyes to see the box in his hand.

Slowly she reaches out to grab hold of it with both hands, curiosity blooming as she traced her fingers along the edges carefully before at last opening it.

As much as the girl wasn't one to so openly express her emotions, there was no mistaking the growing look of awe and delight as the notes played the familiar melody. Without even thinking about it she starts humming along, hair spilling over to partially obscure her smile.]

I might have been too occupied being irresponsible at that time.

[ Something akin to a smirk rests upon his lips as he remembers. His belated realisation rendered a regular apology pointless once the damage had already been done, so this seemed fitting as a way to somehow reward her effort... or at least try to. ~~Fashion can be difficult to comprehend as he has found out.~~

Even though he expected her to appreciate his precious finding, his watchful expression betrays a hint of uncertainty as he hands over the box. Needless to say, it begins to gradually disappear with each consecutive movement of the intricate mechanism that made the melodist's features lighten up so much.

He only joins her in humming for a short moment, still being somewhat self-conscious after the myriad of failed attempts he's gone though. Now, the song no longer creates any difficulty, but he would still rather choose to listen to her rendition of it instead. ]

[The smile on her face grows a little more when she hears his voice join hers, however briefly it was—though she doesn't stop to voice it out loud, she had come to miss the nights of singing with him the way they had before, of simply spending time together.

So after a minute of humming along she slows to a stop, looking up at him with a soft smirk of her own.]

If that's what it was... I'll just have to be around to remind you to be more careful, won't I?

[Though it may sound like gentle teasing, there was some truth to her words; it wouldn't be pleasant if he did come down with a cold simply because he hadn't dressed warmly enough.

Now was when Sein decided to float down and practically nuzzle against Tear's cheek, already busying himself with eating one of the prized Kupo Nuts.]

See, Mystearica? I told you it was a good idea to come, kupo...!

[Well, with the continuing feeling of warmth her friend had provided throughout the evening, she couldn't really argue with the moogle. Thus she looks up at the cadet in the eye again, her voice ringing with sincerity.]

Thank you so much, Ace... I'll treasure it.

Edited 2015-12-30 03:54 (UTC)

[ ... Awful as they were about keeping themselves out of harm's way, they thankfully both held onto their desire to keep each other in check, which did balance things out a little.

The blond taps the bridge of his nose absentmindedly as he considers the rather generous offer. ]

That's only if you're willing to be.

[ It's his turn to breathe out a sigh of relief upon finding his presents well-received, and he lets out a bashful chuckle before he knows it, tipping his head downward for a few seconds before reciprocating the stare, the amusement replaced by solemnity, but certain tenderness as well. ]

You're welcome, Tear.

[ He, too, has the exact same idea he means to follow, and his hands wander to the back of his neck, the movement of his fingers revealing a simple chain underneath that comes loose with a small clinking sound. Already hanging from it is a small metal plate that he promptly hides within his palm as he sets the chain down to attach the newly-received feather onto it.

Moments later it's back on his neck, fastened and obscured anew by the collar of his shirt. He's not entirely sure why he's being so sneaky about it, perhaps this wouldn't be the right moment to discuss; what's important is that the gift is kept safe. He smiles to himself. ]

Is there... anything you'd like to do?

[While the way he had handled whatever had been hanging around his neck had intrigued her, Tear chooses to keep his interest in check rather than say anything now. If there was a reason he was hiding it, then she would have to wait for him to share someday if it was ever his wish.

Instead she seems to deliberate what they could do, casting a glance toward the other partygoers.]

I... being with you is enough for me, I'm afraid I'm still not overly familiar with what's supposed to be done at parties.

[Not that there was anything unpleasant about the evening in the slightest, but surely there was more to these occasions than simply stuffing one's self with food.]

Kupo! We need to get you two to more of these things until you're both experts, kupo! There is a lot to do...

[E-experts...?]

[ With the bleak start to the evening slowly gaining colours, Ace almost finds himself willing to present a more open approach before coming to the same conclusion as his companion, somewhat discouraged by the sights. The last time, they accidentally ended chatting the night away, and as pleasant as it was, it is as if he's grown more conscious of her presence since, silently wondering if his own habits and decisions don't end up holding her back...-- ]

... Dancing, for the most part seems to be the usual choice, assuming you're familiar with the moves.

[ Having gone so many years completely clueless about the process, for once, he might seem slightly regretful about it... but then, there comes Sein, who the cadet swears to have a slightly different aura than usual, if the enthusiastic speech isn't enough proof. ]

You truly speak my language, kupo! [ Hanafuda gives Sein a reassuring nudge. ] Go on and try something new, we'll take care of all this, right, Sein-kupo?

[ ... Except the fluffy liar will reprimand them with a cough that despite clearly being fake sounds also rather telling, should they as much as try to leave, pointing upwards at the ceiling. ]

Dancing? Maybe if I knew... [Aside from the job she held, Tear honestly had little clue of the practice or what moves would even be involved. Equipping it was an option, but doing so in the middle of a party didn't seem like the best situation. At least to her it didn't.]

Then it's like Hana said, kupo...! Try something new, you trust each other kupo...!

[Before the girl could even begin to voice a response or expand on what she said moments ago, her attention snaps to the two moogles completely with furrowed brow. She quickly noted Hana pointing up and Sein covering his mouth with his paws, and her question is quickly answered when she sees the little plant hanging above them.

... However, she still seems reasonably calm about it even after remembering Ace's warning.] That wasn't there before, was it...?

[ Between the traditions and people's inexplicable enthusiasm, it was still merely a plant devoid of any powers to enforce its rules. Though Ace looks mildly surprised having somehow overlooked it, it doesn't manage to shake his composure in a long run. ]

Well, they don't have the means to move around, as far as I'm concerned.

[ Might as well complete his explanation from before, the cadet figures as he straightens up in his seat. ]

It's called mistletoe. 'The pair that gets caught underneath is then forced to share a kiss in the name of the holiday spirit.'

[ He manages a fairly confident start before his throat goes a bit dry at the 'kiss' part. Well. ]

That's the story if you were... curious. In the end, it's nothing but a voluntary gesture, no matter how many times Minako has tried to claim otherwise. Don't worry about it.

[ But why it seems to be such a big deal for the two Moogles is truly beyond him. ]

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