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

[ 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. ]

[ Even if a part of him wished to deny, acknowledging the mistakes made as well as his own nervousness, he figured it was neither time nor place for such comments. If she'd meant to lift his spirits with that compliment, all he could do was let her know with a timid smirk that the attempt had been successful.

And then... truth be told, he would have never noticed such subtle imperfections if it hadn't been for that sudden intervention - but he did trust her judgment. If anything, it was the reaction that took him aback, so oddly unsure it made him blink before he settled for a quick nod of gratitude. ]

Yes, let's -- ah!

[ Tear was clearly capable of taking point in every situation. The boy broke into a soft laughter, offering no resistance whatsoever as she led him around, out of the once dreaded ballroom floor onto the more peaceful venues in order to reach the viewing deck, which already seemed to shimmer from afar.

Having learnt his lesson from before, however, he motioned the girl to stop before passing through the doors, giving her hand a light squeeze. ]

Even in the light of what's just been said, are you sure you won't be cold, like this?

Edited (the edit has been had! ) 2016-01-15 04:52 (UTC)

[ Though Ace might not be able to see it with Tear walking ahead, the sound of his laughter was enough to ensure the smile on her lips would last that much longer and further soothing her heart as they approached the deck.

And in a way she's prepared when he stops her at the doors, turning back around to face him but not letting go just yet. ]

I should be fine. [ Which was true enough, having already experienced extreme cold throughout her travels in Auldrant. The night they'd spent together earlier in the month hadn't been too terrible either, but she also remembers debating whether to bring the cape he'd gifted her before boarding the ship.

There was nopoint in lamenting the oversight now that they were here, so the melodist nods reassuringly, meeting his eyes to communicate her point. ]

If it starts to become too much, I'll let you know. Would that be okay?

[ Unspoken was her unfortunate perception of just how much was 'too much.' ]

[ She had another pair of eyes watching her now, ready to catch what she herself wasn't capable of doing, a precautionary measure that wasn't as much a choice as it had grown to occur naturally, to him. That she could perform under any circumstances the boy knew, it was just that his concerns were of slightly different nature. ]

Of course. [ Still, there was no reason to argue with what she'd said. Completing his response with a nod, Ace reached forward to push the door open, and from the look of things, it seemed that what awaited them was worth taking those little risks.

As they'd reached the edge of the terrace, the boy let out a soft sigh at the familiar sights beneath their feet. It hadn't been long since the takeoff, so it only made sense that the still found themselves in that particular area, except there seemed to be something special about the way the Aqures Ixen presented itself that night. Oddly enough, it wasn't just the fireworks. ]

... We still get to see the kingdom from here.

[ Tear, meanwhile, takes her place just against the railing, looking out at the land below with a soft sense of wonder. No matter how many times she saw it, seeing the world from the sky was something else. ]

We can... [ For a brief moment the word "home" comes to her in the back of her mind, sending her into a moment of quiet surprise with herself. Even if it was a passing through, the fact that it had occurred to her to begin with was worth noting.

Sighing softly to better focus herself, she looks away from the view to address the cadet, a little hesitation in her voice. ]

It's different seeing it at night, isn't it? I've only seen the world from so high like this a few times.

It is. This would also be the only opportunity to see this much life in a city that would otherwise be covered in darkness.

[ But it was no longer the kingdom where he'd cast his eyes towards, quickly finding himself reciprocating the gaze without thinking. Only now he realized the importance of this short pause, feeling his shoulders relax and tone stabilize with each intake of fresh air. ]

There's a reason why most airships stick to their daily schedules.

[ ... And yet, his reply is edged with unusual emptiness, as if he wasn't really there as he spoke, or lacked conviction. Truth be told, there was something overwhelming about the silence that would linger unless one of them decided to raise their voice, standing in such stark contrast to mere moments before. He would have wanted to escape that void, but for a longer while, it rendered him unable to continue on that train of thought, any semblance of focus suddenly stolen by the person in front him.

Another exhale.

There was something he'd meant to say, something that had never come up, forever in search for the right moment. To voice it out loud could be a cure to his own concerns... and quite possibly, an inconvenience for the one he wished to address. Now it had all returned with the silence, just like for that one moment during the evening of the Starlight, except this time, the boy felt like he wouldn't be able to escape the urge so easily.

Shaking his head lightly, he turned to lean back against the railing. ]

... But this isn't what I would like to speak about. I apologize in advance if what I'm about to say might sound somewhat sudden.

[ The girl nodded in agreement, though there was only so much she could say about it when there was so much left for her to learn. The changes in the silence between don't escape her notice, however, and the whole while she stares at him with a mild curiosity and patience as she waited for him to say what was on his mind.

Except his words in themselves are sudden, catching Tear off-guard just a little even if it doesn't show aside from her brow furrowing slightly, quietly folding her hands together in front of her as a sign of patience. Whatever it was she had every intention of following through with her promise to listen, so now it was a matter of him being ready to voice it out loud. ]

We'll have to see about that, but what is it you want to say?

[ She genuinely had little idea of what it could be either, as the possibilities seemed endless with so few clues and in turn leaving her with a vague sense of uncertainty she was determined to keep hidden for the moment. Or perhaps, that was just her subconsciously picking up on the nature of what it could be. ]

Let's consider this my last opportunity to remain honest with you before this year comes to pass.

[ Even though his back was turned to the entire spectacle, he could still see the lights' reflection just by looking at her face, he noted to himself with a timid smile before letting it slowly fade. Once again, he would take his time answering, shifting in place to lightly grasp the railing behind him with his fingers.

The cadet watches her with an expectant, and just as apologetic expression. ]

... Mystearica Aura Fende, correct?

[ The name is spoken very quietly, lest it could be accidentally overheard. ]

[ To hear that name pass through the lips of another person, to hear it at all was enough to make the girl inhale sharply before she could stop herself, the shock sending an odd sense of cold settling over her that had little to do with the temperature around them.

It was an unspoken secret between herself and that person, guarding what little of their family and their heritage they had left as well as each other, from the world who might look to them with a more selfish eye if they knew their true origins. That was something Tear had vaguely understood growing up, even though there was so much she didn't know about their past. While it meant she wasn't affected as much as her brother was, there was still the beginnings of vulnerability lacing around her upon hearing her true name spoken by someone who wasn't him.

Reprimanding, lovingly, condescendingly. She had heard it in so many tones, a reminder of the little girl who couldn't reach through to her brother. She hadn't expected to hear it now of all times. ]

Who told— [ ... No, even the people of her world wouldn't know its entirety, except for one person who had the means to find out. However, she had many reasons to doubt he had been the source. ]

How did you find out...? [ Her voice was softer this time, almost small, and for that reason she looks down to her hands now loosely folded together in an effort to wash away her initial reaction. After all, he would surely have more to say. ]

[ 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?

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hi I just had a terrible misfire....

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