[Nakama meant to head straight to the clothing store to replace her uniform, which feels rather out of place and overly visible here, but somewhere along the way she got distracted by all the areas to explore in the prison and wound up in the park.

Enjoying the freedom of walking without her ball and chain, she wanders through the park with a small grey bird circling through the air around her, and finds herself at the memorial gardens. She doesn't quite know why, but something about them draws her in - she reads the plaques, each one devoted to a place outside of the prison where some kind of tragedy must have happened, and an idea begins to form in her head. It would only be a gesture, maybe a hollow one, but it would be something...]

( Voice - Private to Ushiro )

...Anyone up for a game?

[ooc: last letter word game /o/]

I've never even been away from them this long before.

So tell me, just what the hell am I supposed to do now? [She's supposed to be with her brothers, so they could do what they'd been created for, together. The idea of doing anything else, even after they'd succeeded, had never even occurred to her. Now she's in this dump with nothing to focus on, and she's starting to panic]

I mean, god, what's the fucking point of this place? It should just kill us and get it done with, or not bother at all. This is so pointless and annoying and I hate it. It's so unfair! [Screams out the last part in frustration, then calms down a little. Deep breaths]

Oh yeah. Lacus or Suzaku, right? [or whoever; she doesn't care] I want to join the Defence Force. [they have guns, right? she's sure she'd feel better if she got to shoot a few things]

((ooc: Loitering around Sector 3. Also, juuust a little note: she is this close to snapping, so if [action], there's a fairly good chance of getting a punch in the face if someone says the wrong thing... ♥?))

[Video]

[Aaand Kaien appears on your screen with an almost euphoric expression on his face.]

New Years! That means Spring is just around the corner! Aren't you excited, Marina? ♥

[Voice]

Hello? Lelouch-san? You're in charge of the academy, am I right...? I had been helping the previous leader...so I was wondering if there was anything I could do to help you as well? I was a headmaster of my own academy back at home. So I know a lot about it. [Babblebabblebabble. You can almost hear the smile on his face and flailing of his arms in his excitement.]

--I was wondering something.

Since people seem to be brought here arbitrarily...

Has anyone had this kind of experience? Being brought here, and then meeting someone from your world who was well-known, but who didn't know you; and just by being here at the same time, the two of you became friends?

I wonder if I'll meet the prime minister... I don't think I want to?

Is it January?

[It's suddenly very important for him to know this. An impromptu food run has turned into him faceplanting for an elongated period of time at the ramen shop, a bit too weak to walk back, but that's not nearly as important as, "is it January?".]

[ An amethyst-haired woman, who is not at all intimidated by the technology spoken of, is staring at the screen with a determined expression. Even though she's dressed quite professionally in her white-and-blue uniform, she feels quite under-prepared to be making this broadcast.  Her restraints prevent her from wearing her Barrier Jacket, and her weapons, and it makes her feel alone.

Even so, Subaru looks into the camera, directly addressing you.

Yes, YOU. ]

I am Sergeant Subaru Nakajima, of the Time-Space Administration Bureau. I am requesting to speak to my-- our captor right away, if they are available on this network. They have-- [ Her voice falters for the briefest moment, the realization of when and where she last was creeping to the forefront of her thoughts. ] --pulled me from a very important mission, and I must return to Special Duty Section 6 right away!

[ There's an air of amusement in her tone. ] I'm sure my friends will overlook the incident this once, if my release can be negotiated quickly. [ Or, you know, Nanoha will blow the entire place to smithereens. Their choice. ]

Thank you for in advance for your cooperation. [ With a polite bow of her head, she signs off. ]

[Kitty was out shopping for later that morning, getting the food together first so they could start on the cooking. She had Minato with her to help, and would be meeting up with Ed and Minako later as well so the group could get the decorations and set things up in time for people to come over.

Would they be stalked by kissing bots? Would someone lure a kissing bot to them? Oh the hazards of the season!]

======

[Kitty contacted Ed to let him know the results of speaking with Acumen that morning.]

Hey, Ed. Acumen said we'll have the decorations and stuff ready by noon in the Convenience store. Do you want to meet me there to pick it up?

Acumen's systems tick over to midnight, and somewhere in the depths of the holding facility, dozens of little silver spheres shiver and come to life. They rise up into the air, dangling little bouquets of mistletoe, and hover in waiting for the door to open again. And when it does, they swoop out and work their way into the dome proper, making it out just in time for daybreak.

Now they're scattered all over the dome, Anissina's gifts and Eggman's souvenirs. They're seeking out people to bring together in the holiday spirit...

Whether they like it or not!


[Comment here and other people will comment to you. Details and index here. Please specify your time of day and location in your tag!]

Hey, all... [Kitty was still dressed in her red sparkly dress from the ball.]

I have a quick question. I was thinking of doing a short version of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah tomorrow for anyone who celebrates that instead of Christmas... or for anyone interested in learning about it. It would start at sundown... or, well, lights out for Marina. [small chuckle]

If anyone wants to come, I'm going to have it at [and the address for the house she's now staying in is here]. Just let me know beforehand, okay? Sorry for the late notice. [Another chuckle. You got it, older!Kitty... she would be going through with your idea!]

So, I have a question--

[Roxas has been into the yule ball, felt uncomfortable for a little bit, and then went back outside again where there are fewer people and the air is crisp and cold. He has his ATs on and is skating around on walls or shooting down the street at vehicular speeds around Sector 6 outside. He pauses, skating lazily in a circle while he thinks out his question.]

--Why are people giving each other gifts? Isn't that Santa Claus's job?

Night was falling, the smell of spices were in the air and Jennifer was busy putting the last finishing touches on all the hard work everyone had done to get the athletic complex decked out and festive.

Walking through the front door, you'll see a table where you can put all your presents on for now with a tree sitting behind it. Don't worry, the bots will make sure no one but Jennifer takes any gifts off the table! There's also a series of volunteers ready and willing to help you out of your coats if you need it, but otherwise, please don't hesitate to shed off a few layers.

It might be a little warm if you don't.

Inside the main entrance, Jennifer's taken care to section off the room into the main dancing area and a stage salvaged from the Valentine's Day auction off to the side for the performances later on. Surrounding the outer edges, are tables and settees salvaged from the Shelter so that those who wish to watch can do so in comfort. Do be careful though. Scented candles are lit on each table to provide a soft light to balance out the harshness of the lights over the dance floor.

And of course there's food. Punch and egg-nog and shrimp and cheese and a myriad of other finger foods. There are cookies decorated with frosting and lemon bars and cranberries and a giant bowl of sugared dates. Marzipan is scattered across the table and a small gingerbread house sits as a centerpiece, but the cake is the main attraction.

But the cake comes with a price. Anyone who wants a piece, must do what it says on the toothpick first. Have fun! And no cheating. Someone might be watching to make sure no one does.

Music is already playing and Jennifer's leaving things up to the host club to make sure people start dancing, because what's sadder then a ball with no dancing? Do make sure to enjoy yourselves. It's why we're all here!

((ooc: The first thread is for the cake game and will list various things you must do. The second is for performers to do their act so we can group reactions together in one spot. And last, mingle, threadjack, and have merry with whatever your characters want to do in the rest of the post!

As an ooc gift meme was suggested instead of actually threading out every gift exchange, we will be doing that instead, but we highly encourage you to still seek out your gift recipients and build CR in the post as you will.

Also, mistletoe can be found neatly tucked inside wreaths at the main entrance to the Athletic complex and also from the cloak room leading into the dance hall. Be nice! Ask permission first.))

ETA: Directory (Edited 12/28 10:30pm/22:30 EST/-05:00 GMT, new marked with ***)

Cake Game: Reply to Cake: Midori - Mistletoe Cake: Road - Dancing Cake: Ryu - Dancing Cake: Otoha - Singing Cake: Wisely - Compliment Cake: Alucard - Dancing Cake: Orihime - Ornament Cake: Hikaru - Mistletoe Cake: Yuuki - Song Cake: Kaworu - Mistletoe Cake: Milly - Dancing Cake: Tyki - Mistletoe Cake: Hiling - Mistletoe/Dancing Performances: Reply to Performance: Naoya Performance: Lacus Performance: Choir Individual: Saki Individual: Ryoji Individual: Peregrine Mendicant Individual: Wolfram Individual: Zelda Group: Kaworu, Hiling or both Individual: Himawari Individual: Feferi Individual: Cain Individual: Jeanne Individual: Ashton Individual: Midori Individual: Cosmo Individual: Fou Individual: Greed Individual: Minako Individual: Eridan Individual: Orihime

Individual: Fran Individual: Allen Individual: Tyki Individual: Chibiusa Individual: Hikaru Individual: Dean Individual: Harry Potter Individual: Wisely Individual: Axel Individual: Kamrui Fuuma Individual: Ushiro Individual: Maleficent Individual: Kaoru Individual: Zelman Individual: Yuuki Individual: Kyouya Individual: Joshua Individual: Yuuri Individual: Sam Individual: Zero Individual: Kitty (aoa) Individual: Juri Individual: Alma Individual: Lavi Individual: Milly Individual: Rinoa Rain of Flowers: Sakura Individual: C.C. Individual: Takashi Jun Individual: Suzaku Individual: Kanda Individual: Jade Individual: Duo Individual: MOMO Individual: Kitty (evo) ***Individual: Ciel

[Oh goodness, the Angel has found the Pet Cafe on one of his morning strolls.

He's also decided that he may as well fully out himself, since he hasn't been putting - well, any effort into hiding it. Why not live as an Angel here, since there's no SEELE or NERV to know or care about it? With that thought in mind, he turns on video.]

I learned a lot about you Lilim yesterday. It seems your emotions are even more complicated and confusing than I thought.

There's still one thing I don't understand, though - your desire for animal companions. [He picks up a small orange kitten, regarding it curiously.] Pets, you call them, right? What's a pet's purpose? Why do you care so much for something that can't even communicate with you? What do you get from the relationship?

[He's holding the kitten in a rather unusual way, thumbs lightly pressed to its throat. They're so fragile, these little creatures. He still remembers how easily he ended one of their lives, without even breaking a sweat...

... no, he's not considering doing it again. There's no need this time, since someone will eventually adopt the thing, and the robots will care for it if not. But if you're particularly sensitive, you might not like the intense way he's staring at kitty, particularly with his hands at its throat.]

[After assisting PM with her morning mail duties, Ryoji's cooking! It's just a test drive of the omurice dish Jennifer had taught him but if the smell coming from the shelter kitchen is any indication, he got a little creative with the ingredients...]

[Who wants to taste test!]

[Either there was no sound or Duo had lost his ability to speak. Considering the situation, the latter was the most likely of the two. He flailed at the video a bit, looking very distressed. For a talker, losing speech was probably the worst thing ever.]

[His restraint is offffff, so instead of eating in the kitchen, Kaworu's off to explore the other food options in the prison. He's gotten so used to walking with that weight dragging against one leg that he appears to have a limp at first, but gradually he regains his balance and begins to walk a little more normally. As for his black eye, it looks slightly healed - his eye is open now, and rather than turning purple or yellow as a human bruise would whilst healing, the black portion has simply shrunk down a little.

Eventually, he stops at the ramen shop and orders a bowl for himself, sitting near the door and awaiting his food. He's heard some nonsense over the network, a lot of angry voices, but this morning he's been too distracted with his exploring to pay the close attention he did while restrained. Thus, he has no idea how lucky he is when his ramen comes and he takes a big bite, then pulls a face:]

This is terrible. It doesn't taste like anything at all.

[Minato carefully looks around the beach. There's no sunlight peeping from that overcast sky and the sand was a bit cold to touch. He rubbed his fingers together, looking to the side where Sentinels were slowly patrolling.]

[He wasn't sure of this idea anymore to be honest. It had sounded great in his head, but now that he was actually outside in the cold he was starting to have second thoughts.]

[......]

[But his courage is badass, so Minato reaches down and pulls off his shoes and socks, shrugs off the scarf and jacket and shirt, slips his pants off over his knees, and tries vainly not to shiver too much in his swimming trunks.]

[Because it's never too cold for swimming. Right?]

[private to Kitty]

Still coming by for the microwave? I still have that something from before to tell you about, too.

[/private to Kitty]


... It can't be this close to Christmas already. [ Could be worse, dancing at those annual affairs back home, but still. So soon. ]

[The video clicks on with Alma grinning brightly.]

Q, I found a rabbit! [he holds up his hands and what he's holding looks...kind of what Alma remembers the rabbit Q showed him looking like.] They have them in the pet cafe! There's so many animals here, it's amazing! Are there really this many animals in the world?

[And just then Alma gets knocked over by a short, but hefty orange and black that rolls into him. The wind is knocked out of him, but Alma is too busy laughing because animals are awesome! The large puppy--he thinks it's a puppy--licks him on the face when he sits up. The "rabbit" managed to get itself to safety by jumping onto the puppy's back where it's trying to keep itself seated.]

Wow. I didn't know dogs could be orange!

[He's at the club, drinking. This is not an unfamiliar sight lately. Seems like everyone he knows has been disappearing. Or maybe everyone he likes and knows anyway. Angel popped up. Just makes it worse really.]

This place is too quiet. Is everyone too busy studying or some such nonsense to have a drink?


...Is that a bunny?