melodiesoflife | Event || The New Year

Event || The New Year

Characters: Anyone!
Where: The Enterprise.
When: The Night from December 31st to January 1st.
Summary: A Ball aboard the Enterprise, for well-dressed (mostly) Heroes of Light and their friends who want to dance and (especially) eat for free.
Warning: Nothing.

While the passing from a year to another isn't as big of an event as the Starlight Celebration, it is no reason to pass up an ocasion to celebrate and have fun. There are fireworks in all major cities and various activities to enjoy. Noticeably, there are gatherings of people in Aqures Ixen and Trano Golsaucia in particular, if only to conclude what is one of the most celebrated week in the year, and wish to each other the best possible year to come-- Though most people are worried about what's to come soon. After all, the end might be nigh with the Calamity about to take over the planet...

To celebrate this, the Heroes of Light have all been invited to stay aboard the Enterprise for a particularly prestigious and animated Ball. Indeed, the Enterprise will from Aqures Ixen and go all the way to Mysidia at midnight-- This way, New Year is going to last even longer than normal thanks to the magic of timezones.

There are tables with foods for everyone to eat and of course, music for people to dance together if they so wish. There is also a consequent number of chairs lined up, for all those who refuse to dance or are too awkward to do so.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ It might surprise some, but as promised Tear had come along for the event and was certainly dressed the part. Her outfit was a simple white dress, easily flowing and shifting around her with even the slightest movement while only a white beaded bolero jacket covered her shoulders. At Sein's insistence there was also an accessory adorning her hair with its burst of small flowers, chittering something about how she needed to further embrace short length when she at last agreed to put it on.

Still, even with her moogle's surprising knowledge and help there was every capability of feeling out of place, as she had never been to such a formal party before. It's why she reached up to touch the pendant she wore every so often, its violet jewel providing an unseen sense of comfort as she kept a watchful eye out from her seat. Whether others came to pull her further into the celebration or not she did take brave going herself every so often, given there was one person in particular she wanted to find...

That wasn't to say she was going to confine herself to staying inside the entire time. When she needed a few moments away, she would venture out onto the deck to watch the festivities occurring throughout the world below with wistful smile, appreciating the light and colours of the fireworks dancing in the sky as well as the wind against her bare skin, despite its chill. Though a myriad of thoughts ran through her mind, she wouldn't turn away anyone who wanted to simply talk or share in the silence. ]

[ They had been in agreement regarding seeing each other on board of the airship instead of meeting up prior to that point, just the way it had always seemed to work out. Between the formal character of the event and the fact that the invitation had in the end been his idea, there were also other aspects behind the choice to put a twist on the established etiquette and keep things... well, as normal as they could be.

Nonetheless, the cadet had gone through his share of mental preparations to ease into the concept of being somebody's partner for the evening, finding his confidence waning slightly at something that could otherwise be considered a simple task compared to what he had already faced. At the same time, he remained somewhat stubborn about doing everything singlehandedly despite his Moogle's protests, resulting in some truly devastating critique on Hana's part, whether it referred to the simple, white uniform he'd decided to wear ('too boring, kupo, needs more buffs'), typically unruly strands of hair obscuring a side of his face ('desperately in need of brushing', which was also the one thing the little furball had somehow managed to fix while he wasn't paying attention), or his own quiet concern that manifested itself through his uncontrollably sulky expression ('seriously, this is the attitude you're going to walk in with, kupo?'). The small feather charm that he had received was now pinned onto the side of his collar, a place holding a special significance, for it would always bear the Vermillion Bird emblem in the past.

Although he had never forgotten, he was now in the present, stepping between the little groups of people that had formed across the hall. It was a bit strange, but he failed to realize that he had suddenly found himself next to Tear until she turned around in her own search, revealing her new attire.

Step one - don't fall victim to your own emotions before anything has even started. Feeling his face already warming up uncomfortably, he decided to break the silence, his voice soft. ]

... The flowers really suit you.

[ Failed step one. ]

Ace...! [ Well she hadn't expected to find him just by turning around, and it shows in the look of surprise on her face upon realising who it was she had almost walked into. Nevertheless the girl recovers quickly enough, managing to keep up a tiny smile even as she felt her cheeks becoming warm already from his compliment. Resisting the urge to reach up and tug at the decoration, she simply folds her hands together loosely in front of her, looking away for just a second before choosing to meet his eyes instead. For whatever reason, it proved to be a bigger feat than it probably had any right to be. ]

Thank you... It was Sein's idea, I hadn't really thought of anything to do with it. [ Maybe he had noticed how much she missed flowers as well... Or had seen it in one of her notebooks, the little sneak.

Though looking him over, there was a part of her that was pleased to see the charm attached to his collar. It helped to ease some of the nervousness she still felt about the whole situation, replacing it an odd sense of relief. ]

I'm glad to see you made it, you... look handsome yourself.

[ There, she said it. Even if she genuinely meant the compliment, it doesn't stop the warmth from flooding her cheeks again or glancing down for just a moment. ]

[ It was hardly surprising that Tear would be getting the same kind of treatment from her own Moogle, but the point still stood that ultimately she was the one responsible for making the cadet's eyes glow a bit brighter. Although all the Heroes seemed to have risen to the occasion, and he'd passed a multitude of examples of beauty and elegance on his way there, none of them had been capable of holding his attention in such effective manner.

Well, he did promise -- ah.... this wouldn't be how the boy had expected her to respond, not at all. When it came to his own looks, perhaps he lacked enough self-awareness to feel insecure (it simply didn't seem overly important), though nothing stopped him from looking somewhat dumbfounded at the comment, regardless. Following, after a brief moment, was a bashful smirk. ]

As long as it means you won't be ashamed of having me by your side, I will accept that.

[ With that, he shifts slightly, encouraging her to slip her arm into his... the same way he'd seen it being done when he'd observed the ballroom before. All the while, his stare is fixed on the melodist but doesn't always meet her own, shyly alternating between her hands,the curls of hair wrapped loosely around the flowers, and more rarely, the curve of her lips. He would probably fear being caught at some point, if only he realized what he was doing. ]

[ If Ace had had any intention of catching her off-guard with his response, he'd certainly succeeded in doing so. After blinking a few times in surprise, the melodist found herself stifling what sounded an awful lot like a quiet giggle. While there was something vaguely familiar about the comment, Tear was determined to keep mind in the present and her attention on the boy in front of her, a hint of amusement in her expression. ]

And just why would I be? [ It was more a rhetorical question, with Tear ready to silence him in the event he even tried to give a serious answer. But noticing the invitation, her expression softens again as she stepped closer to gently accept the same way she had seen others do, glancing up at him in time to catch one of those moments he happened to be looking at her.

Now curious, she tilted her head enough that her bangs shifted, allowing the girl to peer at him with both eyes completely unobscured. ] What is it?

[ Ace had easily taken the bait, not really noticing there being anything wrong with a little explanation. ]

For one, I still can't claim to be overly familiar with the rules of -- [ -- con...duct? Having his answer forcibly cut off left him slightly befuddled, but it didn't take him long to realize that it had all been done in good will.

The turn of her head, however, had his own immediately draw away as if his attention had been stolen by an unknown point far away in the distance, the fact that there didn't seem to be anything located in that direction aside from a couple of tables lined up hardly helping. Somehow, the possibility of having her accidentally assume he was hungry seemed more bearable of a thought than the truth did. ]

... Nothing. [ It came out too rushed to be fully believable, and it was as if his throat wasn't used to giving such blatant lies a free pass, slowly drying up. ] Let me know if you wanted to meet up with some of your friends. If it really was one of the bigger celebrations in your world, I'm sure it must matter to all of you.

[ Glad that Ace had stopped his reasoning with simply pressing her finger to his lips, she let her hand fall away almost as quickly before eventually following his line of vision, wondering just what he could be staring at in the distance or why his answer had come out so rushed. ]

Hm... [ Though was tempting to ask, would it be worth possibly making him uncomfortable? After thinking it over a few moments Tear decided to leave the topic be, focusing on the rest of what he had said. ]

Actually... we've never celebrated it together before, the new year had already passed when I first started travelling with them. [ At least in terms of the people of her world. For them there was the fact that they were focused on more pressing matters, often forgetting to take the time to relax unless it was shoved right in their faces. ] I'll be sure to look for them later, if they don't come looking for me first.

[ ... Which they might, if they weren't already spying on the two of them already... ]

[ There were many aspects to his behaviour that couldn't be explained with simple terms while still bearing an indirect relation to his initial shock of sorts. She could of course choose the path of questioning, but it wouldn't even be out of his stubbornness if he refused to answer.

The cadet had slowly seemed to relax as the time went, if that counted, loosening his hold a little, and most importantly keeping the temperature of his face in check. There was a little sting accompanying her notion that pulled at his chest; a sense of familiarity that he would however keep to himself. After all, he hadn't been given this opportunity, either, and never would again, but all what the admittance would cause would be to overshadow the point she'd made.

If he could do something, it was to help her embrace the possibility she did have in her grasp. It was just the spying part he didn't really take note of. ]

Good. [ To that, Ace nodded. ] I realize this might have sounded a bit out of place, but I would feel bad if you missed such a chance. And in the case they do find you, well...--

[ She would be able to manage, wouldn't she? Letting his smile erase some of the wistfulness in his tone, he slowly began to walk, not having any doubts that she could keep up no matter what her attire was, but staying mindful of that fact regardless.

As to where, he did not really know, but it felt a bit early to pursue dancing -- it would always be a little early. For now, he was more than willing to find some freedom from the crowd that had been forming around them, already seeking respite while constantly checking whether the melodist didn't by any chance have any suggestions.

He might in fact be interested in seeing what seemed to be keeping most of her attention. ]

[ His concerns over whether she would be able to spend time with her companions were certainly thoughtful, which meant it was all the more important she seek them out at some point during the evening for his peace of mind. So she quietly promises to with a firm nod, waiting a moment before voicing her own thoughts. ]

Just be sure to go do the same yourself, okay? [ They may have agreed to be one another's partner for the evening, but she was hardly about to obligate him to stick with her for its entirety. That seemed more likely to make him uncomfortable than anything. ] If they come up to us... Then maybe it's time I introduced you properly, unless you'd rather do so yourself when you have the chance.

[ Able to keep up with him easily and simultaneously relieved about leaving the gathering crowd, Tear's gaze wanders from one aspect of the party to another with just a hint of wonder. It was hard to know what to suggest when so much of the grandeur was new to her. ]

You know, this is my first experience with a party of this scale. I thought Sein was exaggerating a little, but I guess he knew much more about it than he let on.

[ Uncomfortable? If such was the impression she'd gotten from him, he would need to fight extra hard to make it pass; perhaps steering clear from confusing reactions for the time being was the key. Easier said than done, though. ]

Oh, I -- [ The cadet politely bows his head. ] I wouldn't mind that at all. [ There was something oddly bold about the offer, but most importantly kind, filling him with a sense of gratitude that she would be willing to make him feel welcome. ] Don't worry, I know for a fact that some of my housemates are going to participate as well, and their personalities make them rather difficult to ignore, even in crowds.

But would I be right to assume that introductions would be rather counterproductive at this point?

[ Ace tips his head downwards, a quiet laugh escaping his throat as he remembers all the evenings that were ultimately less of a secret than they hoped. Should he try to falsely pretend to be oblivious, it would probably elicit a frown on each of his housemates' faces at best.

... Except if Tear did expect him to do so anyway, he could probably handle that.

But ah, here they were again, continuing their little tradition of finding themselves befuddled by the simplest of things. Just as she seemed to struggle with it, spontaneous behaviour wasn't Ace's strongest suit, either. ]

Come to think of it, doesn't using an entire airship for such purposes seem a little odd to you? Then again -- [ Smiling. ] -- it gives you an opportunity to quite literally revel in the moment. Being here, up in the air, we can no longer follow time so precisely.

... And I bet that the views from above are going to be quite impressive.

You might be, we've been seeing each other at your place for so long. [ In a sense, she was surprised (and perhaps a little relieved) that not one of them had approached them about the nature of all those evenings together. That she knew of anyway, but it was something she had begun to think about since he first asked her to come with him. ]

As for using an entire airship... Maybe it seems odd, but as I mentioned when we first met my world has yet to regain flight capability to this degree. Before that, the possibility of travelling in the skies was almost unthinkable. [ So really, everything about it was odd to her. Compared to the Enterprise and even the standard airships, the Albiore seemed so small and simple... But it had no less opened her eyes to the world she hadn't known before. ]

I hadn't thought about it that way until I came to this world, because it was all so strange at first. Though putting it that way, you're right... it makes 'now' more meaningful, doesn't it?

[ Which in turn made the events leading up to it all the more remarkable, and in her mind they were; part of her was still processing that she was actually here, among fellow Heroes and with him. Without realising it she was smiling again, subtle and holding a touch of wonder. ]

With so many worlds out there, technology is merely a small part of what makes them all special, and so different from one another. It's okay not to know these things.

[ Even to him, the Enterprise seemed on par with the inventions of the Empire rather than the level of comprehension possessed by Rubrum, though the fondness for exaggerated scale ultimately applied to both.

But that was hardly the point he wanted to make, if all they had now was unique on its own. Even if it wasn't permanent, for each one of the fateful meetings had its own day of parting already set in stone, their time together was real and that's what mattered.

How is it that each time he came to similar conclusion, it was with her by his side? Perhaps it was that, working in conjunction with her words that sparked a thought in his mind while they were just about to leave the main section of the hall only to retreat to the sidelines, again. ]

... It really does.

[ It was a slightly different, new kind of resolve that caused his steps to come to a halt, his head already angled slightly so as to address the questions the melodist would surely have. After all, it could be considered a rather strange point to stop at, unless....

Conveniently, a new song had just begun playing for those gathered in the hall and wishing to dance along to the music. ]

What do you think about it? The melody?

[ It's okay not to know these things. There was something about those words that made her pause, staring at him in bewilderment—with so much of her life consisting of others withholding knowledge from her, it seemed even more important that she know as much as possible, enough so that there were times she would be upset about it.

Yet those words incited only a sense of reassurance rather than annoyance or concern—maybe it had to do with the person who said them, who perhaps knew more about her vulnerabilities than he realised.

And for once she doesn't mind it as much, the air around her softening with this new acceptance.

The questions she had for him fall silent, dashed away when he pulled her attention to the change in music. Closing her eyes, the melodist allowed herself to be lost in the sound, subconsciously relaxing against the boy with a faint smile. ]

It seems rousing. [ Which given the people making their way to the dance floor, was probably the point. ] Whoever wrote it must have had celebrations like this one in mind, or they are that fond of movement. It... glides in the air, almost.

[ The soft pressure against his shoulder was just as welcome of a touch as it had now put a small twist on what was only the first step in what he'd meant to do. The boy no longer dared to withdraw his arm from her hold, in any case, in return finding her expression to be a soothing remedy for his thoughts. ]

It makes you wonder whether it's even possible to replicate that lightness of movements through your own, especially if you've never been taught how it's done.

[ Between one sentiment and another was an involuntary exhale. ]

... Then again, there will never be a better moment to find out if the present is all we have.

... I don't think it's meant to be replicated. [ Despite having a sneaking suspicion of what he might mean to do, the girl held back on voicing it for the time being. ] Maybe trying to do that could risk doing the exact opposite, so the best thing to do would be to just go on and do it, with a heart and mind as light as those movements. A free spirit.

[ Except she could also be completely wrong, what did she know of dancing aside from what Sein had tried to teach her the past week? What she had definitely learned, however, was how incredibly similar the concept was to singing... albeit much more nerve-wracking.

Yet the look she gives him when she opens her eyes again is nothing but encouraging, perhaps even expectant. ]

If you're ready to find out, then don't hold back.

[ There seemed to be no room left for interpretation in the way she addressed his unspoken request if the glint in her eyes was any indication. Ace had grown to associate it with the same determination that had given rise to their classes together, and yet the circumstances they had now found themselves in charged her gaze with a slightly different meaning as well.

Though the decision forced him to break their contact, it was only so that he could offer to build it anew, placing all of his trust onto his outstretched right hand. There was no telling whether he could apply himself to her instructions, but he did feel his heart growing lighter with this act of compliance. ]

Would you dance with me? [ Having taken that first step, he continues, light smile never leaving his lips. ] I promise to do my best, but I will be counting on your help as well.

[ Even though Tear had anticipated such a move, there was still a moment where she was taken aback by the hand now being offered to her, culminating as a soft pink blush. Nevertheless the corners of her lips curve upward affectionately, nodding as she came closer to slip her hand into his, a warm gesture that was becoming increasingly natural.

Once settled the melodist cast aside her worries enough to meet his gaze, granting him the same trust he had placed graciously placed in her. ]

I'll be sure to give it my best, too. [ Despite their inexperience, the girl had enough faith in his feelings and promise, and in his ability to listen enough to the melody. ] This time I'll be depending on your guidance, Ace.

Edited 2016-01-12 09:03 (UTC)

[ Smiling shyly, Ace had no witty remark to give this time, his fingers gently curling around her palm of their own accord as the boy led them both closer to the center of the commotion, which, oddly enough, seemed to provide a little bit more anonymity. It was when they'd stopped that he realized the error of his ways, the discovery of which leaving him visibly flustered.

What guidance he'd just provided, and they hadn't even started yet. ]

Ah, it would have to be the other hand, wouldn't it? [ The tingling sensation at the back of his throat produces a small, awkward laugh the cadet fails to stifle despite his efforts. It makes him feel so unlike himself when even that ability is taken away from him, keeping his composure in check has always been something he was rather capable of. ] I-I'm sorry, here.

[ Slightly lowering his head, he shifted his position so as to take hold of the melodist's right hand while hesitantly loosening his grasp on the other, delicately resting his own on her waist, in a manner that might have as well indicated that she was made of glass. It was yet another part that had him question his knowledge quite a bit, but he wouldn't let himself be discouraged once his mind had already been made.

After all, he did want to have this experience for the both of them to remember. Mindful of her advice just as he had been every time they sang together, he tried to open his mind for the melody before lifting his eyes to meet hers and pulling the girl along with the first movement of his feet. ]

[ Truthfully Tear hadn't even noticed the blunder since her own experience with the activity was so limited, simply following the cadet into the crowd up until he'd pointed it out. With a quiet "oh!" she moved with him to adjust their stances accordingly, trying to keep the warmness of her face under control for his sake as they settled into the more natural position.

Once they had, though, it occurred to her that she'd never been held like this before, so tenderly that it made her own throat go dry at this new realisation. For so long the girl had thought it would make her seem weak if she indulged in behaviours that might be deemed unfitting for a soldier, but the vulnerability she felt now was... unexpectedly different than what she had felt before. Perhaps it had to do with their similar backgrounds that she so often found herself thinking about such things with him, and would for several moments believe it was okay to have those thoughts. Though she'd had them before with another person, there was just something...

And so she meets his eyes without hesitation as he pulls her along the first movement, listening for the melody herself and resisting the urge to look down at their feet instead. For all the uncertainty Tear had they were still partners in this, and she had every intention of helping and making him feel more at ease. ]

[ Partners. Ace was likewise holding onto that keyword with all his might, despite the rhythm of his own heartbeat ringing in his ears and threatening to disrupt their pace. It's something they had managed to establish, at the very least, he finally noticed with another turn taken, and it was a comforting realization.

It was something he would leave unspoken, but the cadet found himself secretly enjoying being the taller of the two, for it left him with a clear picture of Tear's face, bright eyes always lifted to meet his, but unable to feign composure; she wasn't by any means alone in that. Maybe it's because it seemed simpler to do without relying on verbal cues, that he'd quickly taken it upon himself to provide her with little reassurances, be it through subtly letting his fingers become interlocked with hers, or moving the other hand up to the small of her back for additional support, a motion that nevertheless would paint his cheeks a shade of pink if he was caught.

Every error, each miscalculated response that sent both slightly off track was merely an excuse to rekindle their contact and start anew, and because of that, the cadet had eventually come to the point where their outward appearances no longer seemed any relevant in light of the joy such closeness brought him. Without a doubt, Tear was the more graceful of the two, but he remained agile enough to avoid the terrible mistake of stepping on anybody's feet - perhaps that would be something that made him somewhat wary, still. ]

[ Each subtle touch bringing them closer set her own heart racing, whether it was simply his small reassurances or a misstep that had her briefly resting against him for support. But unlike before the sensation wasn't unwelcome—rather, it only added to the quiet elation felt in these moments together, melting away whatever tension may have lingered as every so often she leads him not because he's doing a bad job, but because it felt right.

As much as the hand on her back demands a response the melodist can't bring herself to point it out just yet, if she would even do it at all. If other couples were doing it then there was little reason tell him to stop, and it did help in following him along better. Though she'd tried to remember what Sein told her, eventually she acknowledged that it probably didn't matter. This was theirs to embrace together, depending on each other and the melody.

Except that as much as she was looking into Ace's eyes, she should have still been paying closer attention to the proximity of the other pairs dancing. When one particular enthusiastic bump into her, it sends her right into him with a squeak of surprise and the blush begins anew, half-hiding her face in his chest as she tried to regain her bearings. ]

[ Ace hadn't seen that coming, either, the collision leaving him the tiniest bit embarrassed for not being able to evade it as he should have, remaining the one in the lead. At the very least, he managed to catch the girl almost effortlessly, arms instinctively wrapped around her to shield her from further impact for the brief seconds that passed before he pulled away, although not entirely. Even with his hold on her loosened, he let her remain where she was, unless she decided to move on her own. Maybe, just maybe, she would get to take note of his own heartbeat that showed no intention of calming down anytime soon. ]

Are you all right? We could take a break, if you'd like, or - or stop entirely.

[ All he needed was to whisper, his mouth a mere inch or two away from the locks of her hair, she'd gotten that... dangerously close. That's how it all felt, threatening, but never unwanted; and yet, he would respect her decision whatever it would be, as it was all that mattered now. ]

I-I'm all right, are you? [ She had been the one to fall against him, and it felt important that she get that out of the way first as she was not quite up to trying to meet his gaze again just yet. Taking a few deep breaths, she lets out each one slowly until she feels the warmth of her cheeks subside to her satisfaction. But now that she had recovered enough, it was that much easier to focus on Ace himself and notice the heartbeat drumming erratically against her ear.

Though a part of her was curious about this, she kept her silence and allowed herself a tiny smile as she gently pulled back further. Maybe he needed the respite more than she did...

... And then it struck her just how close they really were, eyes widening just a little. So much for calming down, now her own heartbeat was beginning to flutter anew. ]

Ah... Just a break would be enough, it's starting to get a little warm. [ Of course, that could also be her own shyness making her think it was. ]

[ Feeling his breath hitch in his throat, he would have simply nodded, except it would make an incomprehensible gesture if she couldn't see him. For that reason, he waited for a moment before answering properly, as properly as such proximity would allow him. ]

Me too. It's been... kind of fun.

[ For obvious reasons, he found himself unable to disagree with her sentiment when the girl had finally created some distance between them, or semblance thereof. In fact, none of them seemed to be in a particular rush to break the contact completely, either depending on another to take the first step, or....

Ace wasn't sure, but he was beginning to figure that out. Slightly inclining his head to the side, the boy smiled. ]

Would you like to walk outside for a bit?

[ While the temperature jump could prove to be a little extreme after everything that had taken place, he knew he could use some air to clear his own mind. ]

That's good, you lead well. [ That small accident aside, it made her happy to know he was enjoying himself despite both of them being so new at this. Taking another step back, she nods as she looks him over only to reach out and try to smooth out the jacket she had so unceremoniously wrinkled a little when she stumbled.

Once finished she offers an apologetic look, wondering if it had perhaps been too out of line for her to do that. ]

We can go do that, I'm sure part of the point of having the ball on the Enterprise was so we could also appreciate the view from outside. If you're ready...

[ With that she reaches down and takes his hand again, this time being the one to try and lead them out of the crowd of people still dancing. Hopefully they wouldn't be bumped into too much along the way. ]

Tear Grants | Open

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... actually, it was an honest ooc mistake that I just decided to roll with

if it works it works...?!

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