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

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.

[ When she lets go, it feels like a wake-up call for his consciousness. The melody of laughter and joyous music, the festive tree that envelopes the centre of the hall with its fresh scent - it all falls back into place with a quick snap, making their conversation seem only more surreal. What an odd scenario to be having in such public space, where anybody could overhear what they both kept deep inside their chests.

And there is still one more thing he hasn't told her despite having so many opportunities along the way. He should have known better than to let his secret evolve into actual feeling of guilt that it now was, almost managing to push the truth past his lips at Tear's advice. ]

Some things will never feel quite right, but that's the least I can do.

[ He knew there was nothing selfish about ensuring the right atmosphere, a step that evidently cost them a lot today. Because of that, he can't bring himself to add any more weight to the melodist's shoulders, settling for a lighter response than he initially planned, preceded by a soft exhale. ]

You know, there's a time and place for everything, but I don't think we're supposed to give those plants this much attention... let's move on.

[He was right on both accounts, and now it's Tear's turn to remember that they were still in the midst of what was supposed to be a joyful celebration... full of a number of people who could have overheard them.

It's that thought that drives her to nod in agreement quickly, kneeling down to retrieve her gift with a faint blush dusting her cheeks. However, it wasn't just the awareness causing the reaction but an idea now crossing her mind, her heart once again beating strongly in anticipation.

Taking in a deep breath then releasing it softly, she rises to her feet and takes a step forward, leaning over to press her lips against his cheek. Shy and only just there, it was nevertheless gentle for the brief moment it had lasted before she pulled back and instinctively casting her gaze downward, the warmth igniting anew.]

... Happy Starlight, Ace.

Edited (tagging while half-asleep is full of danger) 2016-01-02 07:07 (UTC)

[ Even if her response went against everything discussed up until that point, it's the timing of it all that takes him aback more than anything else. The temptation to just revel in the moment is unnaturally strong as he struggles to find his bearings, but the desire to address what has just happened overwhelms it by far.

The girl would realize soon enough that two could play the game she has started.

If it was a deliberate move on her part, so is his when he takes advantage of Tear's moment of weakness to close the distance between them and return the affection, in his own way. Stifling the urge to smile, but finding the corners of his mouth curling into one either way, he ghosts his lips over her forehead with equal timidity.

Drawing back, he suddenly understands why the melodist reacted the way she did, but he still fights to retain a clear view of her face's features, his head kept upright. ]

Happy Starlight to you as well, Tear.

[ His voice is small, but unwilling to let the silence between them linger, it's not long until the cadet resumes speaking, cheeks visibly flushed. ]

I would... recommend that you listen to the songs, if you haven't yet.

[Honestly, she hadn't expected him to return the gesture at all, precisely because of what they had just talked about. They could still walk away and keep things exactly as they were, putting the evening behind them and simply continuing to be there for one another just as they had been.

Yet there was an unexpected feeling of relief woven in with her surprise when she felt his lips against her forehead, and she can't stop herself from smiling despite her better judgement, his single action soothing her nerves. While it was tempting to try and figure out why, she promptly pushed that urge back as she lifts her head when he pulls back, the expression remaining the same all the while.]

I'll be sure to, they might help in the future with new songs.

[Of course she would listen to and appreciate them just the same even if they didn't, but it didn't go unnoticed that there was a distinct air to the ones tied in with the celebration.

Though at that precise moment a certain tinsel-covered moogle decides to reappear, floating right into Ace's face with a scrutinizing look with a loud "hmmmm...!".]

Does this mean you two done yet, kupo? If Mystearica is smiling, that must mean you're still partners, kupo...!

[... Thank you for the interruption, Sein, they would definitely be having that talk later.]

[ As if the Moogles haven't had enough of this unintentional show, in line with the holiday spirit, Ace seems the tiniest bit starlight-struck watching Tear smile. Whether that's the thing that sets the worried pom-pom user off or something else, the intervention easily wipes every trace of that expression off the boy's face, replacing it with a subtle frown. ]

... Done?

[ Still partners? Growing slightly tense from the accusatory tone of Sein's question, Ace feels as if there's a larger meaning beyond his words that he fails to understand. Hanafuda either appears to have a better idea, or it's simply in an act of defense that she plants herself on her Hero's shoulder, anticipating some reaction. ]

Yes, kupo...! You have your gifts and have had your chance under the mistletoe kupo, unless you want to try dancing—

Sein... [Tear's smile was clearly gone by this point, beginning to take on what seemed more like exasperation as the moogle continued on, clearly not hearing her.]

—but Mystearica says she doesn't know how to, you'll just have to wait, kupo...! There's still more presents to deliver, maybe one of them can help you learn if Ace won't, kupo...!

Sein...

Or did you not want it to be him—?

Sein! [That's it, she's grabbing hold of the moogle and tugging him in for a very tight hug, stifling whatever else he might have said. The blush she had before was still there, but it was more out of exasperation and being just a little mortified at this point.

Of all the times for him to have his moments of passion, why did it have to be now, over this situation?]

... I'm sorry.

[ It does put a certain twist on things, and even as he shakes his head at the unnecessary apology, it's partially to his quickened breath and dryness of the throat. He'd maybe expected Hana to meddle the way she always did, but hearing the same from Sein was on its own a truly bizarre experience.

Oddly enough, his Moogle companion remained quiet against his shoulder up until that point, inwardly shaking her pom-pom at the less than subtle confession. With a flutter of her wings, she jumps in front of the duo to take hold of Sein's flailing arms, head lifted upwards to offer Tear a glance that seems weirdly apologetic. ]

Let me take steal him for a sec, kupo, we need to chat....

[ And should Tear allow it, the Moogle will do exactly that, not sparing him words of complaint while uncaring of being heard (which she really shouldn't be doing, considering). ]

Unbelievable, kupo....
Yeah, you know what I think...--
... a little dumb and oblivious, both of them, kupo...
... but that's what we're here for...
... their hands without SPILLING IT ALL OUT IN ONE GO, KUPO~O!!

[ Whatever words were at the end of the boy's tongue, they no longer seem to be relevant. Closing his eyes briefly, he tries anew. ]

... I'm sure they both meant well.

[ But for kupo's sake.... ]

[Tear doesn't put up any resistance when Hana pulls Sein out of her arms, only blinking in confusion as she watched the two moogles float off to have their little exchange. But the more she overheard, the more their actions irked her. Honestly...!]

It's so simple, kupo...!
Maybe if we tried another way...

They're making it sound like we're incapable. [Which... okay, maybe they had a point in regards to herself, but that didn't make it any less irritating. Perhaps it was also a matter of pride, but she did already have experience with others meddling.]

Christmas Party & Cheer

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