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!]

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[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. ]

[It seemed like a perfectly sound explanation, up until Ace uttered that fateful word; at that precise moment she felt herself slowly going rigid, her eyes widening and cheeks flushing in what could only be described as shock.]

You mean... That's why there are so many...

[She was thankful that he had been considerate enough to avoid them before, but now that they were ensnared by the presence of one, she was half-tempted to reach up and cover her face with the hood of her new cape.]

You were avoiding them before.

Here, and at our apartment as well. That girl sure lives up to her title.

[ Although he tries to make some light of their situation, witnessing her emotions take such a deep dive leaves him with a cold shiver of his own; could it be that she was now suspecting him of pulling a prank on her? ]

Yeah, well....

[ It was more like a practice for the sake of his peace of mind, nothing more to even suggest that he has ever considered actually going with what being caught entailed. ]

It doesn't have to be on the lips, you kno--kupooooo!

[ That's it. Ace finds his patience teetering on the limit, immediately rising to his feet to shoot Hana a warning glance. Yeah, he might have done that from the ground... if only the sudden rush of adrenaline let him stay still. ]

[It doesn't even occur to Tear that this might have been a prank, with any ideas of suspicion dashed away immediately with his reaction to Hana's words. Were she any less troubled by the situation she would have found the exchange amusing.

Instead she stays in the same position, glancing down at the box still safe in her hands. Though she does her best to hide it, her thoughts were quickly becoming a tempest of conflicting ideas and emotions. Maybe she was overthinking what was ultimately a silly tradition, but she couldn't just ignore the way her heart was beating rapidly in her chest, so hard that it felt tight. She knew what it could mean...

In her confusion she chances looking up at the three in turn, at last lingering on Ace himself. The blush was by no means gone, accompanied now by traces of conflict as she gently set her gift down, pressing her lips together tightly in a vain attempt to calm herself down. She really was being ridiculous with such a reaction, wasn't she?

... And why was she having it to begin with? That was the part that confused her the most as she slowly rose to her feet, hands clasped together so tightly her knuckles were becoming white.]

[ The blond couldn't give her the answers she wanted, too busy searching for his own. As it was, Ace had already been at a loss for words when Tear's inaction put him into a somewhat uncomfortable position, but he could never blame her.]

It seems like a bit too much, doesn't it?

[ He musters up a soft chuckle; that much they could both agree upon, though he could also feel his own heart grow heavy with indecision. With an easy way out at their disposal, it all made so little sense to concern oneself with odd customs. All it would take was a simple refusal to comply, a fact which neither of them seemed to acknowledge the way they should have.

It's as if the problem lies somewhere else. ]

[Whether he had intended to lighten the mood with such words or not, it was enough to incite a weak smile from the melodist as she looked back down at her hands, willing them to relax from their rigid state.]

Maybe... It would depend on what it is you want. [On what she wanted, though she knew a resolution wouldn't come so easily. The answer had been simple enough all those months ago when she first arrived, finding that the best way to cope was to simply close her heart and try to cast away such sentiments for the sake of that person and her own. Though the ache had lessened with time, the situation served to remind her that it was still there, in the silence that had followed her words.]

Mystearica...? [The little moogle floated over and placed a paw on her shoulder gently, catching his Hero's attention even if she didn't turn to him just yet.] I don't think it'll be like last time, kupo...

[... Ah.]

... Sein. [She gives the moogle a look that clearly said they would have a talk about this later, eliciting a terrified squeak from him followed by his quick departure from the scene upon realising his slip-up (or so she thinks). The girl herself takes a few slow and careful breaths, her smile becoming more wistful.]

Maybe I should consider myself lucky that he thinks he's looking out for me...

What do I want?

[ The gravity of the situation strikes him at last, drawing the breath out of his lungs and curling fingers of the hands, previously planted proudly at his sides, now hanging somewhat helplessly. As a result, the following exchange between Tear and Sein resembles a hushed whisper in his head while he's struggling to figure out an order to his words. ]

The way it all has turned out, [ a frown crosses his features. ] I cannot help but think you've misread my intentions.

I would never.... Tear, it is not within my right to force your hand like this.

[ For a passing remark, it created a real mess out of his thoughts, awakening a side formerly unknown, yet irrational enough to make him consider treating the unfortunate sprig with one of his newly acquired Fire spells. Whether it's safety measures, or a sudden return of his self-control that ultimately keep it from happening, it's worth noting that it's pretty rare for him to drop his guard down to this degree. ]

[... It might make her a terrible person for it, but something Ace's reaction was grounding in a way that it helped calm her own thoughts, and though she wasn't about to admit it out loud. Shaking her head, the nervousness begins to ebb away in favour of a strange sense of calm, a reassurance that perhaps only he could provide her with.]

You've never once forced my hand Ace, even now. [If anything did happen, it would be entirely of her volition. It was something he needed to know.] As you said, it's entirely voluntary and you've been considerate about it. All you've done is prove that I can trust you.

[Not that it meant she was completely relaxed—she could still feel her heart fluttering, but it no longer felt constricted in her desire to reassure and see him smiling again.]

[ Brighten up he does, reaching up to feel the metal feather that rests under his shirt, emitting soft warmth he was slowly beginning to acknowledge as his own feelings. A tangible symbol, both vague enough to keep his thoughts in tangles and persistent in letting him know that there is nothing inherently wrong with that. Given time, he was almost sure he could figure that out on his own.

And maybe... he would tell her, then. For now, he hopes that she will still hold onto her beliefs despite what he's about to do, releasing hold of the charm to gently wrap his arms around her shoulders. It's stronger than him, and hardly forceful in its nature, but most importantly odd for how it seems to be capable of healing the unsteady beating of his heart. ]

[Her breath hitches sharply the moment she feels his arms wrapping around her, leaving her stunned for only a few seconds before the warmth of his embrace begins to soothe her.

Despite being mostly unfamiliar with such gestures of affection, Tear still found herself wrapping her own arms around him in turn, if somewhat shyly. The comfort it brought was undeniable, quieting the celebration happening around them and focusing solely on this moment, just the two of them.]

Thank you.

[ Ace's hold remains rigid, hinting at his own lack of experience, or perhaps courage to press any further if he's already gone far by initiating it in the first place. ]

... But I won't blame you if you've changed your mind.

[ Silence falls as he hesitates to abandon the safety of her arms all the while, but when a memory of Mother's embrace unexpectedly flashes through his mind, it results in a brief moment of uncontrollable tension. The cadet's fingers curl at their tips, eyes shutting tight before he pulls away from the girl.

And then, almost manages to stumble, he steps backwards so fast. ]

[Despite the confusion sparked by his newest actions, Tear automatically reaches out to grab hold of his hands to try and steady him as best she could. Though considering he had pulled away from her in such a way in the first place, maybe she shouldn't be holding on to him in such a way.

The result is she stays exactly as she is, caught in a moment of indecision as she wondered over which would be the better course to take. But there is one thing she felt she had to answer, looking down at their hands again uncertainly.]

... I don't think I'll change my mind...

Edited 2016-01-01 20:52 (UTC)

[ Ace doesn't have any reasons to resist. Whatever it was that she found so intriguing about their hands seems to likewise hold his full attention after he's recovered from the initial shock, and he completes his response with a light shake. ]

Nothing has to change, then. We can simply stay the way we've always been.

[ Swallowing, he considers the redundancy of such statement if none of them is willing to talk any changes. It's him bringing it up, again, for reasons beyond his grasp. ]

What... do you think?

What do I think? [Though she's a little taken aback with the question redirected to her, her expression nevertheless takes a more thoughtful appearance while her fingers laced idly with his.

The answer might be difficult to put into words, but she wanted to make the attempt anyway.]

I'll be honest, I'm... afraid of things changing, and at the same time of things staying the same. This has nothing to do with anything you did, these are my own feelings to deal with the way I should have.

[If she had, maybe she wouldn't have had such a strong reaction to the mistletoe still hanging innocently above them, or maybe it would have been of another nature entirely. Whether any of it made sense to the boy was up in the air, but there was one thing the plant had granted her; the realisation of a small wish the girl hadn't known existed until just moments ago, when she had asked him that seemingly simple question.

So once again her lips curve into a small smile, even with the apologetic look in her eyes.]

If I were to change my mind, I wonder what you would feel about it. This isn't just about me, you know.

[ So much of it goes in line with his own thoughts that it seems strange to mention, but a wave of relief washes over him regardless. She seemed to understand his concerns in her own way, making it feel more like a shared responsibility rather than one-sided plea.

It was hard bearing the thought of the latter. ]

If that makes you feel any better, this is how I see it, as well. Knowing what's at stake, I can't deny feeling less confident than I've ever been.

[ He feels his cheeks growing warm under the weight of his admission. ]

That's why I wish I could answer that, but I cannot. Not now, not like this, but -- [ his features soften. ] -- it seems that each of us has their own share of problems to get out of the way first.

[As a matter of fact, it did make her feel a little better to know he shared the same sentiments even with the small trace of guilt that accompanied such a way of thinking. It was a sentiment she wasn't unfamiliar with, but that would be her own struggle contend with as she slowly lets go of his hands, nodding once in understanding.]

So it would seem, we'll just... have to talk it over again once we've come to terms with them.

[Maybe. She wasn't about to say it out loud, but the tension the little sprig had caused was taking a strange toll that would undoubtedly leave her feeling exhausted by the end of the evening. The amount of bravery it was taking seemed way out of proportion for what many would call an innocent situation.]

Don't feel as if you're obligated to answer, though. With this or something else, if there's anything you ever want to tell me then do so when you want to.

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