[Just as evening starts to fall, one of the parks in Sector 4 has been festooned with streamers, bright lights in a variety of colors, a big upraised dais, tables of refreshments, and music. It looks like a perfectly normal party from the outside. Optional masks are provided in little bins beside the dais, but you're responsible for your own costumes...!



...And if you're dressed as a character, the moment you step onto the dais, you will believe yourself to have led that character's life for your whole life. This effect will last until "midnight", in this case Sunday, even if you leave the party.]

Looks like the training hall's busy today. Does anyone know of a good place for meditation? [ because home is not quiet enough ] And Minako, I'm not going to the ball, so don't even think about finding me something to wear.

[ sooner or later she'll come across that beautiful waterfall in sector four, but for now she's wandering and making idle conversation. ]

[Hiling stands before a table in the pizza parlor while a robot delivers an assortment of pizzas, breadsticks, and appetizers. She looks it over with approval before turning to the screen.]

Who's hungry? I've got plenty to go around. I hope some of you can take a break from costume shopping long enough to come celebrate with us. [She pulls Revive into the shot.] You see, Revive and I are very excited to announce our acceptance into the Defense Force! Members that want to meet the new recruits or anyone who wants to stop by are all welcome!

[Ammy's wandering the park, lost in thought. After hearing that someone would use an innocent creature against another...

It isn't right.

She doesn't like thinking like this, so any distraction would really be welcome. Eevee is padding along after her, worried about mama. Why is she so sad...? :<]

[Cheryl is sitting on a bench in the park, looking vaguely uncomfortable and tense but she isn't trying to hide anymore like she had been doing for the last couple of days. The pamphlet from the greeting basket is on her lap but considering that she had pretty much memorized it over the last couple of days, she isn't reading it at the moment and is instead looking around for signs of life. She didn't want to admit it, but she was getting kind of lonely out there.]

[Voice]

Alright...all of you [kinda awkwardly, she definitely isn't used to the idea of talking to a whole bunch of strangers through the communicator yet] I have a question. Just how dangerous is it out here? I mean, vampires? Really? And I'm pretty sure I saw someone flying around earlier. What kind of people [things?] are around here?

[ Video | Open ]
I want to thank everyone who showed up today's Sign Language class. I know we've lost a few students in the past few weeks, but I appreciate everyone's adjustments to their partners. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to say this in the class, but... thank you all! [ She smiles, turning to look toward her handiwork. The scene behind her is that of the public bathing area, but things are... different. Candles are strewn about, incense has been set up, and tables piled high with wigs, make-up, and other beauty products are all lined against open spaces that are unoccupied by the baths themselves, or low stools.

Doesn't it just make you curious?

Here is where switches the privacy settings~ ]

( [ Filtered from: Diva, men ] )

( [ Private | Diva ] )

(ooc: Same as previous times~ Event-style tagging, threadjacking and mingling highly encouraged! || Party-crashers are welcome this time, thanks to Jeanne's lack of stealth -- but please try not to outnumber the actual guests? Thank you! ♥)

(ETA: I wanted to emphasize that action is encouraged, and you don't have to tell me (or Jeanne) before tagging in. Have fun!)

Hey. [ a chuckle, tired-sounding and wry, like a man indulging in his own private joke. ]

So who remembers their dreams?

[In the shelter, a certain sailor soldier is heading back to where she ought to be after talking down Venom. She's rather exaggeratedly tiptoeing through the halls like that will actually help her go unnoticed, dressed in pajamas and bunny slippers. With any luck, she'll be able to just get in the door to her room and sneak right back into bed without anyone noticing whatsoever and pretending she never left at all.]

[Yeah, because there are absolutely no flaws in the plan at all.]

[OOC: Anyone is welcome to bump into her on her way through the shelter, and Team BSSM plz to be bursting her bubble~♥ :3]

[ their cramped place at the shelter is doing wonders for Rei's mood. Today she feels...anxious. Tense. She's been pacing in the morning, cleaning in the early afternoon, only stopping to listen to what was going on the network. She's vaguely aware of what went down with Kanda, but she doesn't know him well -- so she stays silent. besides, she has had other thoughts to occupy her time. Taking care of Chibi-Usa...thinking about their situation...which is why she walks into Minako's room, head bowed, face frowning -- ]

We need to talk.

((ooc: open to Artemis and Minako and Chibi-Usa too. I'm assuming that they're all in the same room since they're still staying at the shelter!))

Prison! Just the place I wanted to end up in, really.

Before we have the little heart-to-heart's, the "ooh, what are you in for"s, I just have this one little question. You see, I have a brother back home. Younger brother. He's going through a really rough phase - identity issues, addiction to a dangerous and toxic substance, a compulsive need to lie to everyone around him - the whole schtick. What I want to know is whether or not I can make a phone call to see how he's doing. Like, right now. It's my duty as the older brother to take care of him. Anything less would be a dick move. Just one phone call, and I promise, I will be the best-behaved prisoner you have ever seen in this...place. Ever.

And if the answer's no, well. I just might have to pull the pout.

[Prowling around. He's everywheeeere.]

[Artemis is paw-mashing his communicator.]

HELP!

THERE ARE ROBOTS WEARING PILES OF DEAD CATS.

[MASHMASHMASHMASHMASHMASH... But he didn't read the pamphlet. He wants out! B|]

[Shiki's in bed, lying on her stomach facing the screen. Judging from the mussed hair and blankets pulled up to and bunched around her shoulders, she's been curled up asleep in it until recently]

The chances of a doll maker being here are pretty much slim to none. [Statement. Even her voice is dull and sleepy] Any mages lying around?

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!]

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

[As soon as Kaien turns the video on, he smiles brightly at the dome. Voice? There is no need for voice. Things should be face to face anyway...picturesss...]

How would you all feel if we had a biiig party~? ♥ Like a tea party, except bigger! [Excited Kaien is insanely excited.] Maybe after Christmas though...Ah!

That reminds me...what do you all usually do on Christmas? [He's just curious...and really, really loves Christmas. A lot. ♥]

[OOC: Ahaha...I'll make an IC thread instead of an OOC one for this massively pointless tea-related plot.]

Whoever let it snow in here is a piece of crap. We're in an enclosed space for god's sake! And please, if you're going to make it snow, at least plow the damn roads!

[Someone's a little grumpy with all the waiting he's been doing and then that damn, idiotic flyer he got in the mail wasn't exactly a highlight of his day either. Christmas, snow, bah humbug! It was more trouble then it was worth. But it's not exactly stopping Dean from doing one last 'trip' to the store either.]

[ The room above the arcade is decorated today -- nothing too much, just streamers and balloons and a dorky handmade banner with "HAPPY BIRTHDAY LELOUCH" written on it in large colorful letters. It's a dinner party, albeit the least formal dinner party ever, with plates and silverware spread over multiple tables of random shapes and sizes, and a buffet-style table of foods.

Help yourself to as much of the food as you want; some of it was made by ORIHIME so it will look very weird but taste great and some of it was made by CECILE (Suzaku is so sorry in advance, he didn't know) so it will look great but taste very weird. There's also some actually-normal food, made other, less scary people, and some by bots at the last minute. There are also several completely different strawberry shortcakes, all of which have candles in them.

And don't forget to leave a gift! There's a pile of them on one table near the door. ♥ ]



((ooc: Event-style posting! Tag once to arrive at the party and then reply to other people's tags to interact. :D EVERYONE WHO IS a.) a friend of Suzaku's or b.) a friend of Nunnally's or c.) a friend of Lelouch's or d.) on the DF or e.) generally seems nice is totally invited. If you just saw the lights from the street and got curious, you can also wander up.

ALSO, CHAR: if Milly wants to interfere with the decorating or add anything else to the party, IM! ♥))

[Anyone who takes a trip into Sector 5 and wanders a few blocks from the main shopping district might just turn a corner and find yourself overshadowed by a large red tent that takes up half of the street. It's tall structure billows only gently from the wind, not affected by the heavy snowfall.

Should you enter the tent, you'll find a large black rug has been placed just beyond the entrance--wipe your feet please?--and beyond that tables have been set up for refreshments and small talk during the show. The light is bright, the music low, but pulsing, and it's not as cold as one would think it would be--the joy of electric space heaters, what a marvelous invention. Jutting out from between the tables in the front of the tent is a catwalk, where models walk up and down, displaying the fashions as the announcers talk over the loudspeaker. The stage is not so large as to span from one side of the tent to the other, but it's big enough. There's a black curtains in the back and the design of it all is both elegant and showy.

Three sides of the tent are tied down, blocking out the cold, but the fourth wall has been tied up connecting to the blue awning of the white-stone building beside it. Painted on the glass windows in blue green is the name of the boutique: Trés Magnifique. Are you interested in a tour?]

{OOC: To make this easier for everyone, respond in your header with one of the following: Pre-Show, Mingle, Fashion Show, Boutique Tour, Backstage, and After Party. Threadjack to your hearts' delights! I won't be able to micro-manage everything, but if your character is modeling and needs an announcer, do make note of that, because Josak will be there!}

[ Rei blows on her cold hands, vainly pressing them together for warmth. What she wouldn't do for a good fire soul right now...or a coat. At least she had the scarf from the basket? She pauses mid-stride and sneezes, glaring at the bot prodding her from behind. ]

I'm going. Don't touch me.

[ And noooow she feels dumb for talking to it. Lovely. She couldn't wait to be released. At least ChibiUsa and Minako were here, and now Rei had some kind of -- foundation to go off on. She wasn't entirely helpless...to her relief. Rei opens the brochure back up idly and re-reads it for like the twentieth time. ]

[voice]

This place really has everything, doesn't it? [ small pause ] Actually, is there a Shinto shrine - or any kind of temple anywhere around here?

Hi~

I hope everyone's having a good day today despite the snow and really it's because of the snow that I just can't let this idea go--Ribbons suggested it!--but wouldn't it be nice to have a winter ball?

We'd have punch! And a fireplace! And of course we'd decorate with garland and ribbons and mistletoe and lots of other cheery, wintry things... It's a little late notice but, maybe if we all pitched in we could get something set-up in a few days? I'd hate to let all this snow go to waste!

[and considering how fast the seasons change... ajdkl;fad She wasn't going to miss her opportunity!]