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

[ Despite remaining oblivious to the origins of her concerns, Ace could still very much sense the apprehension his words had brought into the air between them, and it left him with a sinking feeling in his chest. There had never been a right way to express it without facing disappointment, but this one seemed to be the simplest solution of them all... at one point. Now, he no longer knew, hanging his head, seeming almost defeated for a brief moment before resuming. Even if it was within her right to refuse to look at him, he still owed her a proper delivery of his explanation with his head lifted, and eyes open for any contact. ]

I'm sorry. [ There was no excuse in not having known how badly it would affect her, since he had still acknowledged it wouldn't be a fair game. Especially on a night like this, but he stops himself from uttering another apology in favour of focusing on the obvious question. ]

I spent some time at the laboratory during the looping incident. [ He finishes with a pause sufficiently long to allow the melodist to put things together, in case she already hasn't. ] Not all of the files were locked, and I had heard of Heroes leaving their information in the open for the sake of the clarity.

[ He sighed. ] Once I'd realized it was you, I didn't want to look any further. It's just that....

[ Somehow, it was easier to commit most of what he'd seen to memory knowing who it belonged to. ]

It doesn't feel right.

So Sein wasn't the only one who read it. [ She'd had a lengthy discussion about it with the moogle when they came back from the Starlight party, a talk that left the two at a strange reconciliation. Nevertheless it had left her feeling wary, and now she was presented with another justification for that feeling. ]

I suppose it's my own fault for not having locked it from the beginning. [ Without meaning to her lips curve into a tiny smile, but it's self-deprecating. ] I thought maybe if no one recognised the name, they would leave it alone or wouldn't be interested. I guess I was wrong.

[ And that made it all the more difficult to know just what to feel about it. For whatever reason, it seemed all the more disappointing that it had been Ace to come across it. She would have been willing to share nearly everything on there with him...

Except for one thing that she held onto tightly, causing her to gasp— ]

How much did you read...?! [ She hadn't meant to raise her voice, but the brief moment of panic that seized her had made the words come out more sharply than she'd intended. If he'd read about that... ]

Edited (hi I'm sneaking tags at work) 2016-01-16 22:29 (UTC)

[ And he would have rather be told or figured things out, the way it should have been in the first place. This accidental discovery had done nothing to satisfy his curiosity, for it was merely a string of information written by a foreign hand, and ever since, he'd been avoiding that section of the laboratory with caution.

The thought of offering the lecture of his own file briefly passed through his mind, only to be disregarded as one of the ways to completely miss the point of the issue. It suddenly seemed like such a childish argument to throw back and forth if they were to treat one another as companions rather than test subjects Palitutu wanted them to act like.

He would strive to achieve that in his own way, ready to answer any questions she might have had about him. After all, each of their backgrounds played a major role in how they'd come to see each other. Even if one chose to live in the present, there was still so much relevance to be found within the past records.

Without a doubt, the melodist must have arrived at a similar conclusion if her reaction was anything to go by. What was exactly that she feared he'd come to know on his own...? ]

I assure you that any events Palitutu might have described in her project are safe with you. [ He's rarely ever behaved so solemnly around her, and for once, he has a solid reason for that. ] While it's too late for me to pretend I'm not familiar with the collection of data on the first page, I've never gone beyond that.

[ I wouldn't consciously choose to hurt you. Resting at the tip of his tongue were these words, never to be spoken. She would have known that, he hoped, so there was little reason to focus the attention on himself. ]

[ With the reassurance that he had only seen what ultimately amounted to a small portion of the file, the girl is almost surprised at just how much relief she feels as her stance is freed of tension, even though it left her feeling tired. However, it didn't do anything to ease the weight of the hurt she was feeling, the dryness of her throat as she searched for what to say so she wouldn't raise her voice again.

But if there was one thing she was good at, it was setting aside the hurt to hide behind the shield of the soldier she was. Yet was it really the path she wanted to take, continuing to talk about this? Their relationship had been up until this point based on honesty, and the fact he had come forth to tell her was proof enough that it was something he continued to want to have.

Still, that tiredness lingered. Lifting her gaze to better look at him, she couldn't hold back all the traces of sadness. ] Why didn't you tell me sooner...?

[ That was the least he could have done, wasn't it? While opening the file had been a mistake, he single-handedly let it evolve into something far worse by keeping away the truth. Several factors had contributed to that unintentional passiveness, and the duration of the chaos might have been one of the most deciding ones. With the issue resolved, he'd found himself looking forward to having his previous life back rather than revisiting his accidental discovery. ]

I really don't know.

[ Or he'd just pushed that thought aside up until now, which was the more feasible option of the two, and he knew it. ]

... Perhaps you were the last person I wanted to disappoint.

[ Rather than answer with words, Tear simply continues looking and allows the silence to continue, at least until she turns back to the view of the land below. As true as it was that she was disappointed, hearing him say it out loud also had the effect of granting her a sense of guilt. It was a sentiment she understood, but... ]

That doesn't make it right... [ An exhale. ] But you still told me of your own volition, and that counts for something.

[ It was what she'd asked him to do, and she couldn't necessarily stay angry about it for that reason. Whatever hints of the emotion there had been had dissipated quickly, leaving behind only a hollow sense of loneliness that made her shiver. ]

If anything like this ever happens again... Please, just tell me? I'd... I'd rather tell you myself, about all of that in the file, about anything that happens. I want to be the one to talk to you.

I know. [ The boy turned around after her, his voice a mixture of remorse and acknowledgment. Though he hadn't expected her to lash out in anger, in a way, her composure felt like punishment in its own right. ]

And I wouldn't want to have this any other way, either.

[ On one hand, there was his wish to give her some more space for her thoughts, and on the other, the inability to draw his gaze away, as he noted the subtle changes in her expression. ]

The past makes us who we are, but no amount of scientific data could possibly be capable of expressing that as our own words can. [ A pause. ] Besides, these are all strings of information placed in order, nothing more. There is no reason for you to feel the need to explain yourself, if I learn most simply from the moments we get to spend together.

[ He was unsure where his words might lead, but it somehow made sense that he let them be known.

A corner of his mouth twitches lightly, and interrupting the solemnity of his expression is the tiniest of smiles. ]

And you won't get rid of me that easily, but just to make things clear....

[ Just as quickly as it came to be, the amusement fades. ]

... I promise. It makes me glad to be able to say that openly.

Heh. That might be a problem if you ever do anything to make me change my mind... [ It was a completely inappropriate joke given her reaction to his confession, but it only happened because there had been something inexplicably grounding in the cadet's declaration to stay with her. Even with the lingering hurt and the desire to seek a few moments of solitude at the fringes of her mind, it ultimately did nothing to weaken her desire to share more moments with him.

And now she had his promise to hold on to as well, which is enough to push her to try and smile again, however wistful it may still be. ] I'm not very experienced in expressing myself with words, but would you allow me to do that, Ace? Or was just reading it enough?

[ By no means was she going to tell him the full contents of the file right then and there, but if it was just what he'd read then it was fine by her. ]

[ It might have been phrased like a joke, but in the light of things, Ace couldn't exactly disregard it as a possibility, distant as it was. There was no questioning her good intents, of course, but if anything were to cause him to steer clear from repeating similar mistakes in the future, it would be that exact, frightening thought. ]

Well... I can only resist up until a certain point.

[ Though his words had lightness to them, still, his grip on the railing momentarily tightened, but that was as far as he would let on when it came to his feelings on the matter. If she was willing to give him a second chance without even knowing the details, it counted as a reassurance that these weren't the kind of thoughts he should be having right now.

After all, the evening was still young. ]

You could always sing about it instead. [ As ridiculous as it might initially sound, he quickly decides to push it even further. ] Imagine that it's the only way to let your thoughts be known, and maybe that's where you would find your confidence.

[ Finally, he allows himself a smile in return. ]

But talking is fine, too.

[ Tear could see his grip tightening out of the corner of her eye, and for a split second she had the urge to reach out and put her own hand over his to try and reassure him that she wasn't going anywhere, and more importantly she didn't want to. However upset she was about the invasion of privacy, it was hardly worth losing him over it.

But the opportunity was gone as quickly as it had come, leaving her to just listen to what else he had to say about her request. And we he said did indeed sound ridiculous, prompting a puzzled expression from the melodist that eventually broke into a smile despite herself. ]

You want me to sing about food? [ Of all things! ] I think that would be better left to talking.

[ If he just wanted to hear her sing, however... ]

[ The blond let out a snicker, leaning forward with folded arms against the railing. Frankly, it could be about anything, and he would be equally content with simply being able to hear that voice again. ]

Tear, you're being awfully literal about this. [ And yet, it's unlikely for the look in his eyes to be taken for anything else than fondness he no longer even attempts to hide. ] ... Then again, I bet you would still be great at it.

[ Now, before she could potentially take on the challenge (you never know), there was one more thing he wished to add. ]

... I mostly prefer salads and spicy dishes, and there's also this one soup Mother used to make -- [ The smile on his face brightens. ] -- pumpkin with Mandragora roots. My file happened to be fairly accurate about that part.

[ She wouldn't have to be the only one to share the information, after all! ]

Oh, and... sweets, because extra sugar keeps you awake, doesn't it?

[ On a second thought, it's a good thing they didn't go down the singing route, it's awkward enough as it is. ]

[ She was about to protest against the comment about taking things too literally, that she would have given it her best anyway, but he moved on too quickly for her to even get a word in. More than that the look in his eyes when she glanced back at him quieted the words in her throat, inciting a faint blush that she tried to hide instead. ]

Pumpkin soup... I don't think I've had it before. [ Not when most everyone among her companions had a fondness for seafood instead, much to the dismay of some. But listening to him talk about it did give her a vague idea... ]

As for extra sugar, it does give you energy but you can't overdo it either. [ Especially if Hana had any hand in preparing his meals, she could still vividly recall the cookies. ] More importantly, are you sure it's not just that you like them that much?

[ Ideally, this would be a chance to offer up his skills, except such matters had always been pushed to the furthest part of his mind. Unlike some of his housemates, he'd so far managed to get by without accidentally setting the house on fire with his cooking, but these were all simple things, never on par with the delicacies he'd once had.

Especially that particular one had something of a holy status about it. The boy's response is accompanied by a small head-tilt. ] Well, it's... more like an old memory, as it's been years since I had it last.

[ Okay, maybe he'd gotten far too comfortable leaning against that railing, but her question was enough to snap him out of it, and straighten his back as his right hand also reached up to clear the stray strands of hair off his face. Uh. ]

... I am more than certain it isn't.

[ This time, he wasn't so quick to fill the silence with another remark, or a story, simply reveling in that moment of peace. It had been a harsh decision to make, but he was glad he'd finally been able to follow it through, continue with his conscience devoid of hurtful secrets. ]

Hmm... [ Luckily for her she'd been able to hold back the desire to laugh at his reaction, though there was still a hint of amusement to her expression as she at last turned to watch him properly, reaching up to help him push away some of those strands.

Except there was another reason for trying to get his focus entirely on her rather than the view or the festivities going on inside. Crossing her arms and tilting her head enough so she could fix both eyes on him, the girl goes as far as raising an eyebrow in scrutiny. ]

So offering apples and milk wasn't just an observation in noticing the foods I like? [ It was thoughtful nevertheless, but in terms of their relationship one could almost call it cheating and would warrant at least a scolding.

Hopefully putting him in the spotlight would suffice. ]

[ The gentle stroke of her fingertips caused his eyelids to fall instinctively for the brief moment that she allowed him to have before striking a point that he'd almost managed to forget about. ]

Ah....

[ Belatedly, he'd realized the purpose of her gesture just now, for she gave him no opportunity to look away - not that he would have, either way. The cadet breathes out, responding with an apologetic look that should be enough of an answer on its own. ]

No, I confess. [ He does try to pull himself together, though, placing his hands on his sides in a more official manner, and shaking his head. ] I can't really present you with any excuse for that kind of behaviour, either.

[ A pause. ] Forgive me.

Ace... [ A sigh escapes her lips as her arms fall back to her sides, thinking about his answer. In light of what he could have done with the information from the file, or what someone else could have done, it was honestly rather harmless. But the point still stood, small as it was. ]

I appreciate it, but you don't need to depend on something like that to make me happy. [ And only after she says the statement out loud does she realise how it could possibly sound, prompting a soft blush. ]

What I mean is... Just be yourself, you've done just fine without anything in there.

[ That didn't make it sound much better, did it? Trying to find a way to phrase it was more stressful than it had any right to be. ]

[ It wasn't often that he would find himself with such regret for his past choices, normally too adamant about silently following through with the consequences to dwell on what had or hadn't happened.

This one time, it was different, maybe because it struck him on a way more personal level than ever before. He almost caught himself wondering what it was exactly that she expected to hear, but these thoughts fade as if in line with her request.

It's just that his mind draws a blank when there's only his own response to consider, and biting his lower lip, all the boy replies with is a weak nod. Whatever implication there might have been, it had been completely lost on him. ]

[ Though she'd meant every word of their conversation, there was still a sense of sadness at seeing him in such a dejected state. Again sighing softly to herself, she looks back down until one important detail crosses her mind.

This entire time he had been apologetic and trying to fulfilling the agreement they made during Starlight, but there was something important she had yet to give him, the words perhaps necessary.

Reaching over she took his hands in hers, loosely enough for him to pull away if he wished or if it was too much for him as she searched for his eyes again. ]

And I, Mystearica Aura Fende, forgive you. [ And the smile returns, small as it was. ] So let's just keep moving forward, please?

[ It was purely out of politeness, wasn't it? How oblivious the melodist would have needed to be in order to suspect his wish being anything but to hold onto the warmth of her grasp for as long as he was allowed.

Although that alone would have been enough of a reassurance, hearing her take that extra step brought some colour to his skin, accompanied by an immense feeling of gratitude, and relief. ]

... After all, we're partners. [ His tone is that of a quiet realisation before it gains confidence. ] We must both stay strong if we are to support one another, don't we?

[ Maybe it was the exact moment to bid their goodbyes to what was about to pass, but with how she'd already decided to move on, any verbal mention of that would simply remain unspoken.

Except these particular two words, could not. Returning the smile, he moves slightly closer. ]

Thank you. [ He gives a little bow with his head. ] For your words and... keeping me company tonight.

[ Even if she hadn't mentioned anything yet, the winter temperatures had slowly but surely begun to take their toll, the cold air filling the cadet's lungs and nipping at his nose. The unique sights, however, made it a rather tough call to make, which is why he'd settle for Tear's opinion. ]

Would you wish to return now, or stay here a bit longer?

That's right... [ Partners. The girl gives a firm nod in agreement, holding on to that single word that was linking them together in a way similar to their hands being intertwined, but somehow stronger. If that was the strength he needed, she would gladly abide.

His thanks were a little confusing though, even if her expression reflected it for only a split second before returning to a smile that was beginning to come more naturally. ]

But you were the one who asked me when I hadn't made up my, I should probably be the one thanking you. [ She wasn't about to argue it however, or at least seriously. Besides, there was a more important issue to address. ]

As much as I'd like to stay out here, it's probably better that we go back inside for a while, isn't it? [ With most of the stress from his confession gone, all the awareness of the frigid air had come crashing down with a series of shivers, though she resisted the urge to hug herself to try and keep warm since it would mean letting go of him a little sooner than she would have liked. ]

Starting the year with colds doesn't sound like it would be very pleasant.

[ Not to turn it into an endless debate with the subtle tremble of her shoulders becoming more and more noticeable (much to his own discomfort as well), he would have to let the discussion end on that note, and it wasn't without a certain dose of satisfaction that he acknowledged how... genuinely content Tear appeared to be. There was a certain sense of responsibility lingering over his actions, even stronger now that he had ended up inflicting so much pain with the reveal, as necessary as it had been to close that chapter of their... partnership. It simply made sense that it now fell to him to prove himself as a worthy companion once more.

The boy turned his attention towards the kingdom for one last time, his gaze hovering over the distant silhouette of the castle before addressing the melodist. ]

Yeah. We may always come back when we'll be passing over the Lost Continent, so let's not overdo it.

[ Stubborn as she was about it, all Tear had ended up doing was delay the inevitable, but the one hand that the blond freed from her grasp immediately rose to gently adjust the floral adornment in her hair that he just now realized had wandered off a bit to the side, or such was the explanation at the end of his tongue if she raised a question at the sudden gesture. ]

Do you have any idea what does?

[ Except he would listen to her answer already on their way back, not risking any more shuddering if he could help it. ]

[ Her own gaze had followed his to admire the view before the went back indoors, so she's caught a little off-guard when he reaches out to adjust the piece, heat once more touching her cheeks as she allowed him. Tempting though it was to ask him why, she keeps those words to herself—compared to the way they'd been holding hands, it didn't seem unreasonable to grant him a moment to look after her.

Or more than a few moments, since they were already heading back inside before she could even think of protesting. Besides, she did have something of an answer for him. ]

Not being sick to start with, being healthy and rested. [ There she goes, creeping toward the literal route again. ] Other than that, I think... being with people you care about, like it's supposed to be, doing whatever it is that makes you happy. Some things might have to wait until it's warmer, unless you're willing to travel.

[ Except that would probably make no sense without her elaborating further, which she might be willing to do if he were to ask. There was also another idea she had in mind, one that could be more easily achieved between the two of them this very evening. ]

Though... [ The girl ducks her head, perhaps a little embarrassed to be admitting it out loud. ]

I wouldn't mind dancing again to start it off, if you wanted to.

[ No answer could be considered wrong or overly literal in a question he'd left open to interpretation. Especially if expressed was her genuine wish that gave him a vague idea of how her world functioned, even if the explanation itself didn't happen to go into too many details. The last part in particular had his attention, but it seemed that the melodist wasn't yet done speaking, the girl's voice unexpectedly slipping into a less confident one as he angled his head so as not to miss any word that fell from her lips.

... Oh. ]

I... wouldn't mind, either.

[ There was something overwhelming about the vicinity of the dancefloor that thwarted his attempts at coming up with a less shaky response; and to think he'd naively expected it to be easier, this time around.

At least it did seem to proceed more smoothly from the technical side of things, and it came more naturally to assume the desired stance now, as all it took him was to recall what he'd already done before. He would constantly search for the confirmation in her stare regardless, smiling lightly as it occurred to him there was still one question left unanswered. ]

So, what kind of things did you have on mind? [ Truth be told, the cadet wasn't sure for how long he'd be able to maintain the right balance between talking and dancing, not being particularly skilled in either. At that time it simply looked like an idea worth exploring if it could help both of them act more at ease. ] Tell me about them.

[ Fortunately for both of them, Tear was able to fall in step with the routine again more quickly than she had anticipated. Though the nervousness from the first round had returned, it was only a small feeling compared to the first time and more easily cast aside in favour of enjoying the moment they were sharing. He had been quick to indulge her request, so it was better to focus on that than any insecurities as she carefully followed his lead, taking the time to figure out her words. ]

I'd like to go to the ocean. [ Satisified with that answer, she continues with a nod ]

There were a lot of places in my world that I had only read about in books until almost a year ago, things I had seen only through words or in a picture here and there. Yet when I finally visited properly, I found myself really liking it.

[ But if the cold air outside was too much after a while, being anywhere near the sea would be almost unbearable. ]

There's something else, and that one would take time. In my experience, I've found it worth the wait.

[ This time around, Ace seemed to be less wary about taking risks that came with being the one in control of their movements. Needless to say, his attempts at introducing new elements hadn't yet reached the level of elaborate pirouettes some other couples so proudly presented, but finding it easier to base his responses off the tune itself, he paid them no mind, for there was only one person he meant to impress. ]

I see.

[ The cadet makes a small, thoughtful sound as he pulls back, so that the melodist would find herself free from his embrace, save for his leading hand still loosely linked with hers. Unwilling to force any further movements, he sends her an encouraging glance to allow her to move as she wished.

Regardless of the course of action she might take, he makes sure she's back in his hold, just as it should be, by the end of it, as he gently pulls her close. ]

I hope you didn't mind.

[ Breathing a nervous chuckle, he doesn't even appear to be fighting the blush that begins creeping up his cheeks. After a brief moment, he continues speaking through another sequence of movements. ]

It wasn't necessary for our training, so we weren't allowed outside for a long time, either. [ The way he speaks is soft, as calm as his heartbeat allows, and very matter-of-fact. ] Venturing into the field opens your eyes to many things, it's true.

Akademeia was, in fact, located on a small island, and the sun shone brightly all year long. I have a feeling you... would have liked it there.

[ The look in his eyes grows slightly wistful, but no less intrigued. Something else, still? ]

... Hm?

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hi I just had a terrible misfire....

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