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

[ 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?

[ Puzzled by the separation, Tear nearly would have stopped if not for their hands still intertwined. The questioning look she wore was already answered with his own encouraging one, and after a brief moment she understood his intention. Breathing in once then releasing it slowly, what started as a timid step transformed into a twirl that caused the light fabric of her dress to flare out as a flower in bloom would, the girl closing her eyes long enough to recall what it was Sein had told her when he had insisted on practicing the movement.

It was the same as when she unleashed a spell, but there was something different to it, an exhilaration that persisted as the steps led her back into his arms, billows of white still gliding in the air. Meeting his gaze again she shakes her head, and if that wasn't enough of an answer for him then hopefully the bright smile that followed would help to clear it up.

Giving herself a moment to find her voice again, she glanced to the side as she tried to imagine the place he described, preferring to dwell on that than the implications that perhaps he hadn't been allowed to explore the world to its fullest extent either. ]

I think I would have, that place sounds beautiful. [ Though she'd come to appreciate nearly all the environments she had visited, there was a comfort that only the sun could bring with its warmth, its light reflecting off the rolling waves of the ocean brilliantly.

And in the back of her mind, it sounded all the better because he would be there. ]

You... might recognise the name. [ Her expression becomes apologetic for the reminder, but it lasted only a second before she continued. ] Where I grew up there was very little life that could survive, the only flower that could was one called selenia.

I had a garden of them in the area behind my bedroom, and because they only bloom nocturnally I spent many nights taking care of them.

[ They both knew the truth behind their strictly theoretical discussion; Crystallis was the only world they would ever share and have the opportunities to discover. And yet, there was something soothing about her admittance that instinctively caused him to gently brush his fingers against hers in a wordless gesture of gratitude.

While Tear was right in her assumptions, a name could only gain any significance if one knew the story behind it, and it wasn't at all difficult to re-learn it all if such was her way of cluing him in, with a light smile on her lips and a voice filled with wonder. Save for the practical snippets of information he'd naturally gotten through his visits to the Chocobo ranch, there was very little Ace knew about tending to flowers, and perhaps he wouldn't be able to appreciate them the same way she did.

But if she held that particular memory so close to her heart, it made it all the more important for him to know. ]

Now I see how you adjusted to our schedule so quickly. [ He doesn't particularly mean to sound playful in his remark, simply feeling like pointing it out. ] ... You could always try growing them here. Even if they cannot be found by normal means, placing a request should work.

[ It caught him a bit off-guard how the melody suddenly drew to a close, granting them a moment of silence before another one would begin. Without a tune to follow, but with little intention to walk away, Ace found himself frozen where he stood, with Tear still in his embrace. ]

After all, you've said it, yourself... it could be worth the wait.

[ The playful lilt in his words almost makes her want to respond with her own, but she holds her tongue and instead raises an eyebrow quizzically, smile still lingering on her lips. ]

I think I'd make a poor soldier if I couldn't do at least that. [ And a poor friend, but she keeps quiet about that particular reasoning as he presented the option.

Having never requested anything from home before, the idea of doing so did come with a little uncertainty. Yet others had been asking and receiving their things for much longer, and a few seeds would be doable, wouldn't it? ]

Maybe, it's something to consider for the future. [ Then she could show him herself.

But with the last notes of the melody fading, she found herself at a loss for what to do. Not wanting to part ways either, she stays exactly where she is in his hold, heat slowly rising in her cheeks as she continued looking into his face. Throat going dry, she swallowed once to try and calm the anticipation gathering in her chest, not quite sure what she was expecting of him. ]

[ That's what Ace was trying to establish himself, momentarily pushing his own thoughts aside, for whatever he hoped or wished to achieve was no longer his call to make. The one thing Tear had made clear was that she needed more time to put her thoughts in order, and it was within her rights to request that much. It had also drawn a certain line as far as discussing one another's feelings was concerned, a line that the young cadet had almost managed to cross so many times over the course of this single evening.

Some of those had been conscious decisions, others, not so much. It was especially the latter that he feared, slowly realising the direction in which all of it was heading might have as well been the result of his own machinations rather than what should have been something purely theirs. After all, it wasn't her sincerity that he put into question, but his own perception of the reality changed by the melodist's presence.

Kind, understanding, loving, Tear was all that to him and he could only hope he'd been able to reciprocate, except how would he ever know how to ask? It would have been so liberating to be granted that knowledge, maybe then he would be able to step forward and make things... clear.

And then, there's what he actually ends up doing, that is stare back, his lips slightly parted in a promise of words of explanation that, nonetheless, never come. Music once again begins filling the hall, except it seems to have significantly slowed down as if in line with the boy's own distorted sense of time. ]

[ With both of them hesitating to take the next step, the silence seems to stretch on and threaten to push a wedge between the pair—and that was the last thing she wanted. Even though she had a vague idea of what might be going through his mind, given similar thoughts were beginning to descend upon her as well, to have come this far together only to end on such a note just wasn't right.

And then, as if to answer an unspoken plea, the music's return brings with it a soothing calm. Noticing the other people in the hall begin to move with the much slower tempo, the girl reaches up to lightly place a finger against those parted lips. Words wouldn't be enough to express her what she wanted to or help her sort out those feelings more quickly tonight, but there was still the small hope that she would be able to communicate her own gratitude toward him.

For him, for his understanding and patience that went beyond that night at the party. He was still respecting her request, and right now a part of her was regretting having placed down that line when it was clear they both had things to say. But it would be for the better, because when the time came to resolve what it was she felt and give him an answer, she wanted it to be sincere and unclouded.

So following the example of others around them, she gently squeezed the hand in hers and began to lead them in swaying to the melody slowly, eyes full of encouragement despite the anxiety of their situation. If he worried over whether whether the actions of tonight had been theirs, then it was up to her to reassure him that they were. ]

[ Ace's thoughts were simply running their own track when they were suddenly interrupted by the quiet gesture, which he initially managed to misinterpret as something entirely else than it was meant to be. Eyes widening in surprise, alarmed by the idea of stopping altogether, searched for a justification of his concerns in the stare of her own, if only to....

No, actually, there was nothing to be found that could possibly made them valid. It was fine to focus on what there was rather than what there could possibly exist in the future. Releasing a breath he didn't even know he'd been holding, the young cadet's eyelids fall shut for a brief moment, allowing them to shine with newfound clarity when they would once again open.

Ace wouldn't bring himself to make such admittance, but there was comfort to be found in submitting himself to her leadership for these couple of steps, placed softly and confidently as if she had, in fact, practiced dancing for many years. While it almost seemed like a waste to put an end to her graceful regime, that subtle drop in the overall quality if he were to take over wasn't the only thing to consider at that very moment. ]

... A-allow me to take it from here.

[ Not without some slightly awkward fumbling on his part involved, he quickly readjusted their position so that one hand was now set more surely, if still lightly against her back, while the other responded to the squeeze with one of his own, as he focused on properly executing the given cues. ]

You know, I wouldn't really mind doing this more often.

[ In a way, there seemed to exist many parallels between dancing and singing, even if he would always remain partial to the latter. And both... would now remind him of her. ]

[ Tear allowed him to take the lead wordlessly, matching him the best she could and hardly deterred by the brief awkwardness that resulted from it. By now she had accepted it as something that happened during their exchanges, that in a way it was a part of who Ace was. Why would she be put off by this small piece of what made him the person she held dear to her heart, that would sometimes encourage whispers of happiness to lift the corners of her lips as he had so frequently tonight?

Even his simple confession had ushered in faint amusement, which she expressed with a quiet exhale. ]

Are you saying you would want to start practicing this together, too? [ Her voice was soft, but still had a touch of playfulness to it as she tilted her head to the side. ]

If you want to, we'll probably both be learning from Sein, first. He... insisted on teaching me a little before tonight. [ At first he had simply tossed a book her way, but when it became clear she wasn't picking it up from just reading about it he had taken it upon himself to show her how. ]

... But I think we'll be fine on our own, too. We've come this far.

[ His idea was rather that of embracing the opportunities instead of abandoning them out of unfounded fear, the little things that had often had both of them instinctively shaking their heads before they even knew what they were. At the same time, rather than rushing to correct the melodist, he let the offer sink in for a bit.

They were still close, close enough for her to lightly tickle his cheek with a strand of her hair with that single head-tilt, which in turn made him stifle a chuckle. ]

And he did well.

[ Words of praise flew to his lips with such weird ease, but credit was certainly due. Even so, the thought of having the Moogle as their teacher causes some doubt to creep into his features, despite his own not so small experience as far as following orders of those fluffy creatures was concerned. ]

But you're right, that wouldn't exactly help our image as independent individuals, and besides, it doesn't necessarily have to be classes. Maybe it's the rare occasions that make it feel so special to begin with.

[ A soft hum. ]

Though I wouldn't mind being able to see you more often again, either.

[ If anything, the small sound of his attempt catches her attention and prompts a curious look from her, though she wasn't necessarily expecting an answer. Still, it made her wonder a little as she reflected on his words. ]

Since this is still my first time dancing I can't say for sure, but... [ Breathing in, she closes her eyes and rests her forehead on his shoulder lightly, leaving only the warmth of his hold and his words accompanying the sound of music to focus on. ] I think you're right.

[ And what a first experience it was turning out to be, even with their discussion about her file earlier. If it were to happen only once in a while she would be okay with it, if each time was just as meaningful as this one. ]

You could always come by in the evenings for a walk again, I honestly didn't mind last time.

Event || The New Year

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