snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be ☆

[heaaarts]

[ Things are a little different this Christmas Eve. It's the first holiday season in years that many residents will be able to spend outdoors, and whatever drives the place has gone all out to make things festive. There are white lights and ruby garland strung up around lamp posts, red bows and wreathes adorning buildings. Even the trams are decorated, lit up on the outside and warm and cozy inside. There's a chill in the air, but for the most part it isn't too uncomfortable. Trees stripped bare of leaves by the change in seasons have had their leaves replaced by lights, and the occasional tree in the park bears large, shining baubles.

The ball this year is held in a new building, something that's popped up on the outskirts of the residential area overnight. (Of course, no one will be able to get inside until much later in the evening.) The park's a little smaller and crowded as a result, but not by much. It, like much of the outdoors, is covered in white. A light snow has been falling since early afternoon, resulting in a glistening bed of frost over the ground, the trees, and every rooftop. Much of it stretches out past the area, giving a wintery cover to most worlds. The fountains in Radiant Garden have frozen over into chaotic ice sculptures, and enough snow for a snowman (or snowmouse) can be found in Traverse Town, while the sound of carols comes from nowhere in particular in Disney Town. Hopefully no one tries to take the tram to Halloween Town for purposes of sneaking into Christmas Town. That world is barred off from entry no matter how hard anyone tries.

Somewhere around six in the evening, the doors to the ballroom open and remain so. Large wreathes decorated with red ribbon and crystal clear baubles hang on the doors. The building itself is decorated simply and tastefully, with red ribbons and streamers, dimmed lights and soft, instrumental music, perfect for the pristine dance floor. The ceiling, a true highlight of the room, is made of framed glass and gives a perfect, pristine view of the stars and snowfall outside. The tree this year is decorated with red, pale green, white, and more clear glass ornaments. Strangely enough, each is marked with a small tag. Just a simple old strip of paper, blank until someone gets close enough to see their name appear on one special ornament, in swirling red script. There are birds, hearts, stars... all kinds of simple, precious ornaments there to take. Maybe they mean something.

Like any good party in the DR, there's plenty of food. In the back room, separated from the ballroom by frosted glass walls, there are tables with glass tops and sheer white tablecloths, the largest of which is rectangular and has a placement of ham, roast birds, casseroles and vegetables, with nuts, popcorn, pretzels and cheeses further down. There are two smaller, round tables, one with drinks (non-alcoholic eggnog, ciders, and hot cocoa), and one with sweets like pudding, cookies, fudge, and sugared fruits. A group of much smaller, more cozy and personal tables are scattered in the corner near the food, with delicate placements decorated with classic red poinsettias. ]

{ ooc: LiveJournal mirror here. Happy Holidays, everyone! }

Comments

[dawnrise]

I didn't say that.

[She taps a big, clear glass ornament that looks like a bubble so it sways.]

[before]

Not much point in complaining.

[If nothing else, at least it's not totally over the top like THAT ONE HOUSE AND LAWN IN THE RESIDENTIAL AREA COUGH COUGH.]

[dawnrise]

Fair enough.

[Wait until the people in that house realize they have to take down the decorations themselves. Riku takes a moment to look a little awkward. She has a long sash that matches her dress draped down her arms starting at her elbows, and she reaches up to adjust one side. It's almost fidgety.]

So I spent all my gift-giving energy on the cake for your birthday, and I figured you wouldn't want something for Christmas, anyway.

[before]

That's fine. I can't give you your present here anyway.

[Yes, Riku, he actually got you something!]

[dawnrise]

--what?

[He didn't even get her a gift last year, and Christmas was a part of his being last year! What the hell is going on with everyone?]

[before]

Technically it's not even really a present that would require Christmas to give. I just thought it would be appropriate.

[dawnrise]

Is that so.

[Well, now she looks curious, and a little like she's worried Red is ill or something, but.]

[before]

It is.

[Oh, he's not ill. Just evil! Big difference.]

[dawnrise]

[She frowns at him, because now she's really curious.]

Right. When do I get this present?

[before]

Either tomorrow or the next day, depending on your schedule.

[dawnrise]

I should be free tomorrow afternoon.

[Afternoon because she'd like to at least see Kai (and a couple other people) on Christmas. She's curious now, though, since it sounds like it's going to take some time.]

You do have something to open tonight, though.

[before]

That so?

[Well come on then. He hadn't been expecting a present from her.]

[dawnrise]

Not from me.

[She just said her reasons for not having one for him! At this time, anyway. She pulls her sash back and pulls her hand up, revealing a plain box tied with ribbon.]

[before]

Then who's it from?

[He will take the box, looking curious.]

[dawnrise]

[She looks... more like she doesn't want to say, than it's a secret.]

Open it.

[before]

Pushy.

[He will do so! He removes a rather wordy letter, and his expression rather quickly goes from curious to displeased, then outright scowling. In fact, he doesn't even finish the letter, instead shoving it roughly back in the box and holding it out for Riku to take back.]

Tell him I don't want or need it. Or don't. I can go find a trash can.

[dawnrise]

Wh-- No. Wait.

[She takes the box and removes the letter to read it herself, and if Red even thinks about walking away from her she'll follow him.]

[before]

Forget it.

[No he's definitely walking away. In fact, he almost looks like he's getting ready to leave the party altogether!]

[dawnrise]

[She's pulled away from the letter to stare at him, mouth dropped open, and she's definitely following.]

Hey. You don't have to take it out on me.

[before]

I'm not. That would be why I'm leaving instead of bitching about it.

[She can follow all she likes, he's not stopping. His eyes are on the front doors.]

[dawnrise]

[She'll follow him right outside.]

Fine. But at least tell me why it pissed you off that much. You're not being forced to take it.

[before]

Because I don't want a single goddamn thing to do with him.

[Once outside he might be looking at some nearby decorations like he'd like to bust them, even though he hasn't done that since his first Christmas.]

[dawnrise]

I understand that, and I don't blame you. I didn't, either. What's got you so worked up?

[Because he really seems like he's worked up, if he's ready to break things and stomp out of the ball!]

[before]

Do I really need a reason aside from the fact that he thought this was a good idea at all? What the fuck was he expecting? What were you? Why did you agree to give me this shit?

[dawnrise]

[She looks taken aback by that, and a little defensive.]

I wasn't expecting anything. I didn't know if you'd take it or not. You're not that easy to predict. I agreed because he gave me one, too, and I like the idea of the few people I can depend on in this place cooperating when it comes to a danger to their lives, if no other time. The fact that he cares enough that he's willing to help you if you were in danger meant something to me.