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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[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.]

[ He was lucky to have avoided similar episodes in the past, allowing his desire to see the good in others overshadow the feeling of annoyance. That is not to say he claimed to agree with any of what had been said. ]

Well, it's time to prove them wrong.

[ He belatedly picks up on the unintentional implication of his own words, but all he can do is let out a small shrug. ]

At least, I would like to believe I'm not messing up where it counts.

[ Even better. Um. Might as well.... ]

... In a little over a week, we'll see the arrival of a new year. For that particular occasion, they are inviting everyone on board of the Enterprise.

[Tear knew that that if she focused too much on the unintentional implication of his words she would begin blushing all over again, so she quickly opts not to. Besides, the event he had brought up...]

Oh, you mean the ball to celebrate its coming. [That was one celebration she was mostly familiar with, and she had received the invitation just like everyone else. However, she hadn't thought too deeply about it since either.]

It seems like a good way to pass the evening for those interested, were you planning on going?

[ The boy comments on her first statement with an affirmative nod, sweeping the hall with his gaze before returning to her with a less decisive answer. ]

To be honest, I don't know. [ He wasn't particularly drawn to the idea of such grandeur in the face of the danger that would follow. ] It feels a bit awkward to be bringing this up now, all things considered, but this also makes for good opportunity to talk without being overheard.

[ Sure, they were able to just send the critters off, but officially placing Hana a leave, however short, would undoubtedly break the Moogle's heart. As justified as it was, they'd been through a lot together. ]

... I was surprised to find it holding such significance for everyone, let's put it that way.

[The corners of her lips begin to curve into a smile with his observation, her hand rising to cover it out of habit. Maybe it seemed like they would be granted better privacy, but who knew really?

She could try to clarify just why the turn of the calendar might hold such significance though, or try to.] In my world, other than being the only celebration everyone held, it was seen as a new opportunity for hope and prosperity, a new beginning and a chance to start over. Or so I'd noticed.

[The Score might have made it moot in the end, honestly. But put in such a way, one could argue it was that much more important to celebrate because of oncoming dangers.]

[ Hands planted firmly at his sides, the boy shoves eloquence aside for a moment, responding with a soft 'hm.'

To Ace, the notion of starting over happened to hold a somewhat unusual connotation that was better left unspoken for now, but he certainly saw the appeal of leaving behind the struggles that once weighed you down. Growing up in a closed-off environment, he had always expressed himself with absolute clarity regarding his hopes and wishes, for they always, unchangeably, carried the same message, and that is making Her proud.

The year before he'd arrived in Crystallis introduced changes that he weren't aware of until they had become his life, and subsequent awakening as a Hero of Light had managed to twist his understanding of the world in ways he would have never thought were possible. Without a doubt, he could no longer claim to call himself the same person he had once been, and though the sentiments from the past never truly faded, he now had new reasons to fight for. ]

I like that. [ He allows himself a tiny smile. ] This might be something we all need.

[ But not without underlining the importance of moments that left him with a feeling of deep gratitude, at the same time. ]

It might be. [ Lowering the hand from her face to expose the smile she had tried to hide, Tear nods once in agreement as she brushes a loose strand of hair away from her face. ]

If you can make it, I think you should go. Even if it's to be around the people you care for, I think it'd be a good experience to have, at least once.

[ Thinking about it, it occurred to her that maybe she should make the effort to attend. After all, it might render her words pointless if she talked him into going only to not even bother herself, or consider it. ]

At least once, huh?

[ His gaze is turned away from his companion as he reiterates her words without really realizing. ]

Well, this all feels unbelievable enough as it is, so it's actually difficult to imagine there could ever even be another.

[ Even if there were others who had spent over a year in their service as Heroes, the idea of a long-term stay still didn't quite stuck; still, he tries to push any semblances of sadness from his voice, because acting gloomy about the inevitable defeats the purpose. Instead, he suddenly sounds... serious? ]

Tear?

Wouldn't that be even more reason to go? [Though her thoughts are in line with his—it was difficult to imagine being here so long, especially when she still had a goal she needed to fulfil back in Auldrant. They had been so close to achieving it that it was a constant source of uneasiness for her, even though it had become easier to manage with time.

Right now, it's the sudden seriousness of her friend's demeanour that helps anchor her back to the present. Blinking a few times, she straightens her posture to look right into his eyes, questioning and also inviting him to continue.]

What is it...?

[ Precisely, she's given enough reasons for him to now speak confidently about his plan that presented itself as a merely vague idea before. He doesn't want to make it sound more complicated than a simple request that it is, unable to carry any more weight of misguided feelings and emotions. No, he has to remain straightforward about the way he phrases it all; his own awareness is telling him that much. ]

Without hiding behind false pretenses, I would like to ask you to accompany me, even if only for a short while. I've already considered telling you earlier, so this has nothing to do with tonight...--

[ For a second, he glances to the side. ]

--... Except for one thing. Just now, I've realized that I would rather have you refuse, than live with regrets. That's all.

[There was something about the sincerity of his request that kept her from falling into the timid and uncertain reaction she would have had otherwise, or maybe it was simply the effect of everything they had discussed tonight reassuring her that there was no need for worry.

Nevertheless, the sense of warmth she was becoming all too familiar with was rising again in her cheeks, though this time it was accompanied with a soft smile that reflected the gratitude she felt for being offered the choice.

Though takes a few tries, with her lips parting to try and give him the proper response to his request, she was eventually able to just take a deep breath continue smiling, her voice small yet gentle.]

... I accept.

[If this was about not wanting to live with regrets... then there was no other answer.]

[ Leaving his mouth is a muffled exhale as he hears these two words. ]

I'm glad.

[ Even if he was just as ready to acknowledge a negative response, there was nothing wrong about expressing his relief, was there? He hadn't had time to think what kind of reaction his words would bring, but he still manages to be positively surprised by the reality of things. Facing such a bright smile, it's hard not to return it.

However, there is no further attempt at physical reassurance like the ones that have snuck their way into their daily exchanges when they weren't paying attention. Not that he would terribly mind holding her hand in his, but perhaps for that very reason it wouldn't be the wisest thing to consider. After all, the tingling sensation that had spread all over the area of his cheek that she had kissed was not getting any weaker with the moments that passed, so he already had his hands full figuring that one out.

And in the rare instances that he shoved these thoughts aside, instead he caught himself wondering whether it was even possible to learn the basic dance steps with less than nine days left. ]

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Christmas Party & Cheer

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