// HOLIDAY PARTY

[eluviomods]

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!

Comments

[genice]

( Makkachin obligingly shoves his face into Nekomaru's, licking at his chin, his nose, his cheeks, his forehead, his ears — anything in range. Victor looks on in good natured amusement. )

Makkachin has been appreciating the chance to play in the snow. He'll probably be feeling it later, but it's nice to be young again for a while, isn't it?

( Yes, he's talking to his dog. Right here, right now. )

It's a little like being back home.

[nodyinteam]

Ahahahaha! [Nekomaru unleashes pure laughter as the dog makes his moves on him.] Incredible! He's simply incredible!! THIS IS TOO CUTE TO BELIIIEEEEVE!

[He takes a moment to settle back his energy while continuing to affectionately pet at the dog while being relentlessly licked.]

It is a lot like home... It's odd how close it is. You'd almost forget that we're actually hurtling through outer space right now!

[genice]

( Makkachin appears to have no particular feelings over the sudden shifts in volume, continue to be his content, happy self, eating up the attention given to him. It's Victor that pauses, finding himself half smiling and laughing lightly before he shakes his head. )

If it weren't for how compact everything is, it'd be even harder to believe. As for being like home... I won't say it feels anything like that to me.

( No sea, no gulls, no skies. He's not someone who lives his life confined by his surroundings; just his profession. )

Have you actually seen outside the ship yet?

[nodyinteam]

[Nekomaru listens to his analysis and certainly sees what he means. It just doesn't match up well enough. But with at least the illusion of more outdoors and more room for physical activity, it almost felt close enough for Nekomaru.]

You mean through one of those window things? That would be correct! The void of space sure is something else... it's more awesome and more unsettling than I ever could have imagined! [Like the largest toilet bowl, which can never be filled.]

[genice]

It's so large... I can't wrap my mind around it. I always knew space was supposed to be close to infinite, but seeing what that might mean?

( He shakes his head, at a loss for words. Nekomaru had it right. More awesome and unsettling than anything Victor could have imagined. Talk about a surprise. Spiraling down this toilet bowl... but counter or clockwise, Nekomaru?! )

It makes me feel like I'm at sea without a life vest and no idea how to swim. It's not a feeling I'm enjoying.

( He admits, planning to do something about it. Learn how to "swim" in the sea of space. (He's still ironing out the details of what that means...) )

1/2

[nodyinteam]

[That's a question no man can an answer.

Nekomaru stands to face him and folds his arms as he considers that metaphor thoughtfully, giving Makkachin a break for the moment.]

I understand what you mean. And... I have only one answer...

[nodyinteam]

[Then, the shouting begins.]

SHOW SOME SPIRIT!! WHY DO YOU SOUND LIKE YOU'VE GIVEN UP ALREADY?! WHEN YOU HAVEN'T EVEN TRIED? AREN'T YOU A PROUD COACH AND DOG OWNER???!!!

[It's like there's electricity surging from his eyes.]

HRRRRRNGAAAAHHHH!! IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOU FEEL! YOU HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO SWIM, AND THAT'S THE BOTTOM LIIIIINE!!

[genice]

( He's taken by surprise when the shouting begins, though less so at the volume than the fact it's been a while since anyone's been shouting at him. Like, a whole period of time since Yakov last talked at the top of his lungs, and longer still since he pushed Yuri too far and dealt with the backlash.

Nekomaru's rewarded by a startled blink and wide eyes before Victor recovers himself, holding up his hands and offering a short lived laugh. )

Wow, what amazing enthusiasm...! We all need to learn to "swim" here. I agree! Trust that I'm working on it, for both my sake and Makkachin's.

( Theoretically for everyone else, too, and his student a universe or twelve away, and everything and everyone who matters to him back home. His hands lower, still held palms out to Nekomaru. )

You're a very intense person, aren't you? It must be motivating for the athletes who worked with you.

[nodyinteam]

[Never underestimate Nekomaru's potential volume...

Once Victor clarifies his intentions, Nekomaru's intensity dies down, and he idly picks at his ear.]

Good! I'm glad that you see reason. I knew that you were better than that!

[And then he grins.]

Heh... Sometimes, I can get pretty intense. A good team manager can read the mood and adjust his intensity to fit any situation! I'll do whatever I can to motivate my athletes to do their very best! [And with his shouting bout over with, he leans over to pet at Makkachin some more.]

[genice]

( Makkachin is right back to leaning into Nekomaru, licking at him if he can manage it. Victor is the one left considering him with a somewhat amused look. Eventually, he simply allows himself to look as considering as he feels. )

Is that what a manager does? I'm less familiar. Coaches in figure skating can be a much more one on one relationship. ( He quirks his lips into a grin and laughs. ) Not that there isn't yelling! At least with my coach. He's a very passionate man.

( With lots of good advice that Victor as often ignored as he followed. It's difficult, he finds. Difficult in a way he hadn't expected, even when he'd been trying to lend his years of experience to Yuri P. when they were both still skating under Yakov last season. No one can be made to listen.

But inspired into working harder? Ah, they could be made to do that with the right motivations. Even he could find his own motivations in others. )

A caring one too. I can only wonder what he'd make of all this.

( Shifting his weight to his heels, Victor tips his head back and glances around the atrium. This odd version of a winter wonderland in a place with no true sky. )

[nodyinteam]

[Of course Nekomaru will accept all the licks! And he giggles a little because it tickles, but he still faces Victor to answer his question.]

It depends, but in most of my assignments I've essentially acted out the duties that would be done by a coach. I work directly with athletes and do whatever I can to inspire their spirits, and to help them to do their very best!

[Now he looks on with a more fond smile.]

Passion and caring, huh? Sounds like he's got what it takes! He must be a respectable man... [Nekomaru glances around then the atrium for a bit himself as he wonders his last point.]

I can't speak directly for that man, since I do not know him. But something tells me that he'd concern himself more for the wellbeing of the others than his own situation.

[genice]

( He tips his head forward in acknowledgement. All of what Nekomaru says he's done makes as much sense as anything else to Victor. It's not coaching on a beginning level, as far as he understands from hearing what's said, but the kind of support people need once they've already built on their skills to competitive enough levels.

He's not strictly correct. )

Yakov? ( He glances upward, tapping his chin with his index finger. ) Yes, he would. But he's a good coach. He's always more concerned the for the well being of his skaters than he says.

( Enough of that. He gets nostalgic thinking about that reality, and all the other truths of their present situation that it ties into. He claps his gloved hands together, prompting Makkachin into lifting his head and perking his ears forward, interested in what might be coming. )

So! How about we check out the lights they've put up? I hear they're all being taken down again tomorrow. What an interesting custom!

( Blitzlighting affairs? Who knows, usually decorations and displays stay up for weeks, not less than twentyfour hours, right? Either way he plans to enjoy his time here. Learning everything he can along the way. )

[nodyinteam]

[It's a ridiculous Dangan Ronpa talent, that's what it is.

Nekomaru gives a solemn nod at that analysis of Yakov, and then he listens curiously to the talk about the lights while rubbing Makkachin.]

What?! They're going down so soon?! Then there's no question about it, we've gotta check them out right away!!

[genice]

( He nods firm agreement, taking a step in the direction of the more extensive light displays he recalls seeing in passing earlier. He taps on his wrist comm, bringing up the photograph interface with a smile. )

Couldn't agree more! Besides, I want to take a selfie with Makkachin in front of them all.

( There is no Instagram... BUT HE WILL STILL LIVE LIKE THERE IS! #YOLO )

[nodyinteam]

[Nekomaru is quick to get moving, but he still does glance towards Victor as he uses his wrist comm, and then he looks down at his own.]

Good thinking! What better way to commemorate these lights before they're gone than with a photograph? I may not be a Super High School Level Photographer, but now I'm all hyped to take one too!

[genice]

( He really grins then, feeling like he might have found at least one soul here onboard who would appreciate the art of the selfie and the need to snapshot the things that he sees. )

Good! I'll help take yours if you help take mine? Oh! We can take one together!

( With Makkachin of course, but it's the kind of nice shift over into something unimportant in the larger scheme of things, but easy, fun, and nostalgic in the present moment. He picks up his pace, Makkachin springing along behind him. Having things to look forward to, even small ones light pretty lights on holidays over snow that won't last to see "morning," are invaluable.

He'll record his life here, because if he ever gets home, he's going to want to share everything he can when he goes down on both knees to apologise to everyone he's unintentionally left behind. )

[nodyinteam]

[He can appreciate the hell out of selfies, even if he doesn't think to take them by himself.]

Of course! What better way to commemorate this friendship?! I'll take as many pictures as needed!!

[Nekomaru laughs and starts moving more quickly as well, practically jogging now. He... doesn't really have any deeper reason that just thinking that the selfies will look cool.]

[genice]

( His lack of deep reason is perhaps the absolutely best reason anyway. Victor would agree, regardless of his own other motivations! He has to laugh, a quick, huff of a sound, jogging along through this strange, artificial snow, with the biggest highschooler he's ever met and his dog on a spaceship filled with strangers and filled, more importantly, with life. )

Great! We'll see how many we need. How did people get by before the digital age?

( It's a joke, really, and as they hit the display of lights down Candy Cane Lane, he comes to a stop and throws his arms out, as if to embrace the world. )

Wonderful! Almost as good as Barcelona!

( That's a lie, and his heart knows it, but it's only a lie for personal feelings. The artistry of the lighting here really is beautiful, and quite romantic, which a part of him notes with an ache of his heart. )

We should take one down near those trees! Oh, and maybe on the path. ( He taps his chin, tilting his head to the side as he evaluates the possibilities. ) Definitely on the path. Would you mind taking one of me and Makkachin, too?

[nodyinteam]

[It's probably not the most ordinary circumstances, that's for sure. But Nekomaru moves with Victor and snorts at his little joke about the digital age, and then he grins at the mention of Barcelona.]

Barcelona? It'd need a lot more sports clubs to try to compete with that! [But he says that mostly jokingly as he looks around. It really is an impressive and beautiful sight. He only wishes his classmates were here to see this!]

You've got a lot of ideas, Victor... I LIKE IT!! No matter how many photo you wanna take, I'm ready to rise to the occasion! [And he grins again.] And of course I'll take a picture of you two... We can get that one out of the way right off the bat!

[genice]

( He laughs, again startled by the volume, but starting to find he appreciates the enthusiasm embodied by it. If there's something he can enjoy, it's people's passion. Is there anything so inspiring?

(Okay, not passion for murder, but he lives a sheltered life compared to some...) )

Good, great! The path is best first... here, we can all stand here, and to this side. Then we can see the road behind us!

( He's already striding off to the side, holding his camera in selfie mode and flashing his companion a smile. He crouches down, Makkachin rising up obediently to be caught in his arms and lifted higher. Victor switches which arm holds his comm, waiting for Nekomaru to join him. )

Smile!

[nodyinteam]

[Nekomaru's pretty glad to find no signs of murder games so far, thankfully. And he watches with a grin as Victor gets into position. He sure knows how to take his selfies.]

Good thinking. Alright, I'm ready!! [And so Nekomaru joins them and... is he taking a picture of them or with them? Either way, he grins enthusiastically as the picture is snapped!]

neomaru is so cute

[genice]

( Victor clearly doesn't care, since he grins just as enthusiastically, looking at the resulting snapshot and nodding his firm approval, letting Makkachin back down on four paws. )

Great! Fantastic! Let me text this one to you too —

( He pauses. )

What was your username again? No, no, that can wait. Let's take one by the trees!

( He claps his hand against his thigh to catch Makkachin's attention, the poodle shooting ahead of them toward the copse of lit and decorated trees. )

he is a giant bearded bal of purity

[nodyinteam]

Ahahaha! It's not that hard to remember! [But it can definitely wait. As Victor speaks, Nekomaru heads straight for the trees.]

Alright! LET'S DO THIS!

[He then poses awkwardly by a tree that's not much taller than him and grips one branch with a hand as he awaits the photo.]

CHEEEEEEESE!

rolls him up in happier things

[genice]

Muenster!

( He says, following along with whatever type of cheese that comes to mind as he leans in and smiles, snapping a photo of just the two of them and the lights and the tree. )

Okay, let's crouch down to get one with Makkachin too —

( He's already crouching, greeting his dog with a ruffle of fur on his head and a laugh as Makkachin wiggles around, glad for the better apparent mood all around. )

[nodyinteam]

[Nekomaru guffaws at Victor's specific cheese mentioning. He's probably going to end up with his eyes closed in most of these pictures, but he doesn't care about that.

Then he quickly crouches besides Makkachin as well.]

Of course! We can't forget the true star of the show! [Victor already has the dog's head covered, so Nekomaru pets a spot on his back as he smiles for the camera.