starlogs | // HOLIDAY PARTY

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// HOLIDAY PARTY

WHO: EVERYONE!
WHERE: The Atrium
WHEN: December 24th
WHAT: Holiday party!
WARNINGS: None (but please mark if there is questionable content!)

// Jingle Mingle_

➣ Sparkles and Spirits
Late the night before, visitors will be asked to leave as the atrium is going to be closed for a few hours. It's completely blocked off from sight. In the morning, it will be open once again and the entire space is covered in a soft padding of snow. With more still falling! It's not entirely clear just where it's coming from or how they rigged it up to not even melt, but it's here. Throughout the day, the snow will keep falling though won't get any higher than one foot. Except for a designated area on the western side of the atrium. There characters will find copious amounts of snow to build forts or snowmen or wage an all out guerilla warfare snowball fight.

Stationed throughout the atrium in various places out of the way are buffets and bars to provide everyone with delicious delectables and delightful drinks. These stations are constantly manned and refreshed so that nothing is ever empty or anyone is left wanting. Don't see a food you're dying to have? Ask and one of the workers will be happy to seek it out for you!

Late morning to mid afternoon, there will be a gingerbread house contest. Everyone is encouraged to participate and show off their creative skill! All items needed will be provided to create your masterpiece. Various awards will be given out, including Best Use of Gumdrops.

Once the magic hour begins, all the lights in the atrium will begin to flicker on. Twinkling lights in the trees and candied garden lights will mark the path appropriately called Candy Cane Lane, which is little more than a means to encourage a more romantic atmosphere with a walk around the atrium itself.

➣ Flannel and Frost
Once night falls, the party is still going strong. More food is brought out and the drinks just don't stop flowing. Because what's a party without booze?

On the east side of the atrium a large canopy is stationed with a dance floor beneath it just waiting for everyone to cut loose. A DJ will be playing all night with pulsing, hypnotic beats that not one booty can say no to. Invite someone to cut that rug or dance by yourself like no one's watching. It's time to cut loose!

While walking through the atrium, be careful! There's enchanted mistletoe that will spring up anywhere at anytime and will trap anyone without restraint. (Did you think we wouldn't have this?) It hovers in the air with a soft green glow, encasing two passersby within an arm's length radius. Get those lips to puckering to get yourselves free! (A kiss anywhere counts, so don't fret!)

Tucked away on the north side of the atrium is a large maze. It boasts to be the best activity for the holiday party, but those in charge could be a little biased. It's a mystery as to what goes on beyond the entrance and the only way anyone can find out is to just march right in. The rules of the maze are: 1.) No one goes in alone (max. 2 at a time) and 2.) If you feel too trapped or lost, take off the visor and the experience will be over. Upon entering, everyone will be given a visor and set loose inside. Each group will experience something different should they choose to go into the maze, so please go HERE for a customized maze trip!

Everyone is free to stay as long as they wish, but around 3:00 in the morning, workers will begin dismantling things and ushering people out so they can clean. Once everyone is nestled all snug in their beds, they'll be visited by someone to get their holiday gifts! Happy Holidays!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Fascinating... I hadn't thought to ask before. It's not celebrated at all where I'm from.

( He wonders if Yuri had wanted to deal with Christmas, or if it was a moot point, considering Victor's own plans. New Years swas more important all around. As for his present company? Victor flicks his eyes over him, looking for any sign that things might be not so okay in an obvious way. Extra layers seems so natural, he simply nods and accepts that blanket layers are functional enough in the short term. )

Ah, it'd definitely be a shame... they might have travel masks if you wanted that extra protection.

( Against germs. Even though cold didn't really transmit much back on Earth, closer proximity when people were escaping the temporary cold might. )

Still, if you're out here to enjoy the festivities, why not head back toward the food stalls and the activities that way? Fun as people watching is, it's not great if you're trying to keep warm out in the snow. Cafes are much more fun for that!

( Please, apparently sickly uy, why not move and keep blood pumping? )

A travel mask isn't necessary. I'm not contagious, it's just that my heart might fail.

[He's misunderstanding the point of Victor suggesting that, here... But it's fine. He drops that casually and smiles over towards where Victor means, tapping his chin with a finger.]

Hmm, I was hoping to take a look at that maze, but I suppose I could always wait and do that a bit later. [He'll drag Reim into it with him, he's already decided.] A cafe it is, then. Would you like to accompany me at least that far? Even if we can't share tea together, I'd like to be sure that I make it back without getting too distracted.

( He quirks up his eyebrows, pressing his lips into a thin line for a moment. )

I see. Were they able to adapt your medications to what they have available on ship?

( He assumes that this young man has some sort of regulatory medication(s) if he knows he has a weak heart. Presumably he's not on a pacemaker, but Victor doesn't know. Regardless, it's something to keep in mind. Unfortunate, but not insurmountable.

Also only his problem if it absolutely has to be. (SORRY...) Past noting this fact, he simply moves on like nothing had been mentioned. There's no point treating him like an invalid, not in Victor's mind. )

Ah, the maze. It sounds intriguing. ( He's never thought about actually using VR before, but he's also had no time or inclination to play much of any game that wasn't on his phone, so... he flashes his ~~frail~~ fine young acquaintance a small smile, curling his lips up at the corners without showing his teeth. ) Why not? Makkachin and I don't have a schedule to keep. Tea sounds ( familiar ) nice.

( He gestures for Eichi to proceed him, though both he and his dog will fall into step rather than opt for the lead or actually following. He's too relaxed to care about doing much else beyond keeping himself distracted and engaged tonight. )

Edited 2016-12-29 04:47 (UTC)

Yes. I have everything I need, so there's no need to worry.

[And in fact, Victor treating this so casually actually makes Eichi perk up a little bit. He absolutely hates when people treat him differently or worry, even if he mentions things about it way too often, and so to have someone who can blatantly ignore it is wonderful. Eichi likes him already.]

What's your favorite type of tea? I've found many different kinds here. I was surprised, but among the plebeian brands, there was some high class tea, as well. I enjoy them both in their own ways. ♪

( Victor takes him at his word, letting the subject of his health settle back into the silence of the snow as they walk. Turning his mind toward the subject of tea prompts a smaller, warmer smile; memories of Hasetsu filtering through to a bittersweet taste on the back of his tongue. His heart aches, and he knows why. Almost treasures the heartache for the fact he has a reason to ache in the first place.

... a bit of an inappropriate thought after blithely discussing someone else's health condition, but hearts aren't always physical affairs. )

Hm, that's hard to say... There are a few exotic loose leaf teas I've sampled. Nothing's been quite like back home, or at least what I remember from Earth. I've yet to find anywhere that has something acceptably close to matcha, either.

( Nor could he manage to make a halfway decent cup on his own; he's never learned how, nor really felt a pressing need. He's still absolutely That Guy who likes anything that doesn't come prepackaged at the market. He glances at Eichi, lifting his eyebrows. )

It sounds like you've found much more interesting tea reserves here than I have. What about your favourites?

Fufu... It's true that I haven't found anything like matcha here yet, but I could suggest a few teas that capture the flavor of certain Japanese green teas just fine, if you'd like.

[He'll be glad to help. Tea is exciting, after all, and he's not worried about his incredibly pale face or his slow movement as they walk through the snow he shouldn't be out in. It will be better in the cafe, after all.]

Though I don't have the expertise to really call myself one officially, I think of myself as a tea connoisseur. I enjoy all types for their unique flavors, so I've been trying them one by one. Are you familiar with sencha?

I'd appreciate that, thank you.

( He even offers a charming smile as demonstration of his thanks; hell, he means it, too, making it genuine instead of just his public interface. He matches Eichi's pace, keeping track of him in peripheral vision. If he does end up going down, Victor's not opposed to whisking him away if needed; he's just banking on it not being necessary. People have a right to push their own boundaries and live their own lives.

Makkachin wanders around behind them, finding their pace easy to maintain. He bounces up toward Eichi's side, carrying a mouth full of snow. That he then eats. ??? )

I think I would have been a poor tourist if I wasn't.

( He'd been trying to learn more about Japanese culture along the way, but he's realistic in that he was definitely acting like a tourist soaking up the culture of another country for a decent amount of his time in Japan. )

Have you found something comparable to sencha here too?

There's nothing quite like gyokuro that I've found, but there is one type that makes for a lovely kabuse sencha. If that's too subtle for your liking, I've also found something resembling bancha...

[The tea fan: this guy. He rambles for a few more minutes on their walk about the differences in each flavor, just in case Victor isn't aware as a "tourist." Kabuse is much more mellow, with subtle flavors, whereas while the bancha is lower grade, it has a very strong flavor that many people love... and so on.

He smiles at Makkachin off and on through their little walk, too. But finally, they can arrive at a nice cafe Eichi has picked out...!]

( Victor moves to hold the door open, ostensibly for his dog as much as Eichi. He's been an attentive listener, nodding as appropriate, making all the requisite noises to indicate that he's listening. The warmth inside the cafe is noticeable as soon as the rush of chill air that follows them in dissipates, an older woman flashing them a smile and ushering them to a seat further inside. All the tables are small and clean, creating a festive sort of environment in its remarkably functional clustering. Left with menus on a holographic display set in their table, Victor feels compelled to do what any sane person dealing with a holographic menu for the fifth time ever would do:

Reach out and tap his finger through the hologram to gently mess with the display. Makkachin crowds in under the table, bumping into both their knees as he takes a seat out of the way of wandering feet. )

Ah, warmer already!

( Note his alcohol cup is now just sitting on the table, still not empty. Whoops. Leaning back from the menu, he flashes Eichi another smile. Given who was talking about teas the whole way here... )

Any recommendations?

This one, here.

[This is a fine cafe. It's warmer, so Eichi's shivering can lessen a little as they settle into their seats, and there's something comforting about company. Even the dog bumping at their legs beneath the table is sweet, and Eichi watches with pure amusement as Victor plays with the menu.

Because he's doing it, he doesn't have to ruin his own image doing it himself. But the tea he's pointed out is probably similar to that kabusecha he was talking about before. It's sweet and nice, so.]

It seems like it would suit someone like you.

( Leave all the image ruining to Victor. He swings as easily between playful and serious depending on the mood, and he's choosing to be more genuine where he is now when there is no image of Victor Nikiforov, Living Figure Skating Legend, to move past. He's simply himself, some guy in great athletic shape who can do amazing things on a playing field that doesn't even exist here.

So useful, that. Amusing to realise just how out of his element he is here. )

Ah, then that's what I'll order. What will you have?

( He's already tapping in his order, letting his finger hover expectantly while quirking up his eyebrow. Makkachin huffs out a sigh of contentment from under the table. Old dogs, no matter how spry, also love coming in from the cold. More so these days than when he was younger. )

There's a black tea here that I'm fond of. It's rich in flavor, well balanced and goes perfectly with some cream and sugar.

[He points that out on the menu.] I'm not hungry, so that's all for me. [Bringing his hands together, he holds them close to his mouth to blow a little hot air on them. Even inside the cafe, he's still cold from the atrium. It was a good thing they came inside, after all.]

Having tea at a nice place like this, it really does just feel like some sort of vacation, if you forget about everything else.

( Victor adds the black tea to his order, sending it in with a flick of his fingers. It's a fascinating process, truly; he wonders when something similar will crop up back home. Paying via phone is similar, but not exactly the same.

He leans back, settling his hands on the table. His mostly empty cup sits to the side of the table, within reach of his fingers. )

Would you say so? I admit that none of the moments closest to what I would call a vacation were quite like this. ( Tea, however, is a nod to his time in Japan. In ways, that had been a "vacation" from his competitive career, coaching Yuuri instead. ) Then again most of those were in the days between competitions.

[Immediately and clearly, the word "competitions" lights something up in Eichi's eyes. His own hands stay folded together but lower back to the table so he can speak properly.]

Well, most of my time "off" has been spent in the hospital, watching my comrades carry on without me. Anything where I can do something more naturally like this is a little more freeing, even if I do miss the stage. I hope I can return to it soon.

[So... He leans in a little more.] Competitions, did you say? What do you compete in?

( He always enjoys seeing what makes people light up, and it's difficult to miss how Eichi seems to come alive at the idea. Paired with what he's saying, it's understandable; at least to Victor, who so enjoys competing as he does. Twenty years of passion poured into one field may have stretched him thin or to the point of lacking in some areas, but the challenges, the surprises, the competition with both good natured and less good natured competitors...

He nods his head, dismissing the menu fully as he leans forward just enough to make this a conversation where he's meeting Eichi's interest on some level. )

Men's singles in figure skating. On the international level.

( Olympic, too, though he doubts he'd have been seeing the next Olympics... but perhaps he would have. Either way, he would have been sure to see Yuuri there. There's little more rewarding than knowing there's so much beautiful skating he would have had to look forward to — and how heart-achingly bitter to know that no, that's not within reach anymore. )

For you it's the stage? In what capacity?

My, that's huge. I'm surprised I haven't heard of you... But then, all of my attention has been entirely on my own work, and my health, as well.

[So, he's been closed to the outside world a lot. He's not really surprised he hasn't heard of someone at all, different worlds aside. That excitement stays in his eyes as he gestures towards his own chest with one hand.]

I'm nowhere near as talented as you are, to be at such a level. I'm an idol at Yumenosaki Academy. It's a private academy for idols just like myself to grow and step into the world of performance. My unit, Fine, is the top at the academy, but I owe that entirely to my companions who have carried us so far while I was holding them back.

[He drops his hand back to the table.] By singing and dancing on stage, I'm constantly challenging my own health, my past self, and those around me, as well as working to bring entertainment and joy to my lovely fans who mean everything to me. I can only imagine how you must feel to compete at an international level.

( He chuckles, less concerned about being unknown. Figure skating is its own unique, insular world in so many ways. For all they compete in the Olympics, and for all he's medaled there, for all that he competes internationally, it's not being a rockstar. (Thank goodness.) In his own country it would be stranger, he supposes, but it's such a far removed reality anymore he simply sets that to the side.

Eichi has his attention and imagination with what he describes. What an out there concept! Schools teaching for entertainment; well, more focused on something like that. )

Considering my inspiration usually has to do with surprising the audience... ( He lets himself trail off with a small shrug and a smile. What it feels like competing at the international level? Amazing. Enthralling. Once upon a time, nerve wracking. He grew out of that. ) Every time you manage to pull off a successful performance, no matter how exhausting, it's worth it. Your fans and the rest of the audience always lets you know. Though your performances likely go on for longer than anything I do on the ice.

( Said with a quick smile; glancing up as their server brings them their teas. He happily strips off his gloves (... probably he had them on), wrapping his hands around the warm mug with a soft, pleased sigh. )

Is it anything you think you'll pursue while here? Health complications aside.

Of course.

[Eichi finds himself amazed by all of Victor's words, thrilled at this shared sense of competitions and just pursuing something like this that they both enjoy, while entertaining others. He loves it. Victor is a sort of "idol" himself, Eichi decides.

His hands also move to wrap around his tea, after he's put in the sugar and creamer he wants, letting the warmth soak in.]

Every moment I spend not pursuing my dream is a moment I'd regret. So I'm pursuing it, even now, even here. I'll practice, I'll perform if I can, and I'll see what I can organize or practice if not. I don't know how long I have to live, so I intend to use every bit of my energy towards this.

I do hope I'll return home before my end, though. There are a number of people I can't wait to battle on the stage. They would be as disappointed as I would be if I were to no show. And after that... I'll take my first real step into the entertainment industry, once I've graduated.

( part of him thinks yes, it's sad for someone Eichi's age to be so aware of his own mortality. most of him accepts it. Victor's all too aware that none of them know how long they really have; some can hope for longer than others, based on statistics, but where health might not fail, accidents or luck might happen instead. Knowing you had a more finite future could not be an easy thing.

It still was. Denial doesn't change reality. Perspective helps people reach for and achieve what it is they dream, as long as they have that confidence (and support) to make the attempt. )

All indications are that it's unlikely we'll ever see our homes again. ( said lightly, because it is indeed what he's heard and gleaned and been told with as many people as he's been wheedling conversation out of over the last two weeks. ) Still, if such a thing is discovered, then I also hope you're able to perform for the people who you've been made to leave behind.

( his hands leave the mug behind, thumb of his left hand coming up to rub the ring on his right ring finger. he has his own associations and wishes that he knows, for better and worse, are ones he should learn how to tuck away in his heart and carry on with and without. still, he smiles. )

In the meantime, if there's any role I can assist with, even as just an audience for your performances, let me know. It's been some time since I've had that pleasure for anything off the ice.

( because of how much of his world is on the ice; and because, in the end, he hasn't minded it. he just also hasn't stepped too far away. )

That's such a sad thing to hear that I don't even want to acknowledge it.

[He's spent his whole life battling against this illness, struggling to survive to accomplish his dream, and now it's just been stolen from him? He refuses. He won't settle at this. There's a few moments of pause as he thinks about this, and then he offers his smile again, even if his eyes are a little sad.]

I would love to be able to perform and have someone watch. I don't have my unit here, but since I'll be graduating soon and stepping into the world of entertainment, I'll be performing on my own more often. It would be great practice.

[Yes... he's determined to get back. So.]

( he wonders if idols have glass hearts, just as figure skaters do. but he doesn't feel that driving need to shatter Eichi's; has learned, in his fumbling way, it isn't always the way to motivate another. that what had worked for him; that what had torn him down and allowed him to rebuild himself with every program, isolated and beautifully self contained, will not be what allows everyone else to do the same.

for the man who isn't here, but for the part of him that remains in Victor's memories and the ring on his finger, it had been staying by him and believing in him when he couldn't believe in himself. for Eichi, he wonders.

ah, but the answer is right there. Eichi's glass heart, encased in his wish to graduate and perform in front of, for, and with his friends. Victor tucks that away, a kernel of knowledge to settle in its own drawer in his mind. to be forgotten, perhaps, or remembered sometime later. even Victor is never sure when it comes to his own capricious recollections. )

I'm a big fan of practice! I look forward to being able to see the fruits of your own. In the meantime...

( he lifts his tea, tipping his head forward as he gives this quiet little cheers. )

... To the dreams our futures bring.

[A toast. How nice. Eichi lifts his own teacup to mimic Victor, a soft laugh slipping out of a more genuine smile.]

To our futures, which will hopefully have us standing grand and proud, like lions. [what]

... Or elephants!

( Victor adds in. Partly to be contrary. Partly because lions put him in mind of Yuri Plisetsky, and he's not sure how to feel about that unanticipated farewell either. Less heartbreaking than Yuuri. A different kind of importance, but not a lesser one.

He takes a good swig of tea to wash down that thought alongside all the other unpalatable ones. )

[Eichi waits until after he's had a slow, relaxing drink of his tea to chuckle at that.]

Elephants, is it? I suppose they're also grand, in size and ability. They were used in wars, after all. An elephant could make all the difference. ♪ How powerful.

They also have trouble wit forgetting. Not to mention, interesting family groups. Did you know they bury and mourn their dead?

( sure, say this to the guy talking about his own mortality. it's still a salient point of curiosity! or so he thinks, sipping at his own tea with a look of gratified pleasure after that first inhalation, followed by that first swallow. aah. )

// HOLIDAY PARTY

goodbye sweet question mark...

gone to the void...

isn't that where we're all heading...

I am already there......

oh.......... we'll be joining you soon

( ꒪Д꒪)ノ

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