Gift Giving
Soon Ai found herself in possession of an ornate dagger, 3200 lien, lingerie that wasn't her size (thanks, Rufus), Alexia's silver friendship necklace (which she wore alongside the bracelet) and a swanky brand new Scroll that made her old one look like last year's model.
"Wow, this is like, more money than I have ever held in my hands in my entire life," said Ai, fidgeting with the money in her hands.
Most of that money would probably get sent home the very next day. She made a mental note to deposit it later. Ai unsheathed Glen's dagger from its scabbard, examining the craftsmanship, then twirled it in her hand once and sheathed it again.
After a moment, Ai approached Lucas somewhat awkwardly and waved at him.
"Hey, Lucas. I hope I'm not interrupting anything. Did you read my card
?" she said.
Discussions
"...well, if he doesn't give me any reason to do that." Hope grumbled in response, watching Snickersnax trail off. "But yeah, you're right. We're not done til we investigate all the options."
...however limited they might be.
"...also, did something happen? You seem oddly tense all of a sudden." She quirked an eyebrow at her boyfriend before noticing where he was looking and spotting Beth looking at them in kind. Hope's eyebrow quirked even further.
Hope frowned when she'd heard of Yun's explanation. "Since you're looking where Mrs. Jade and Beth are, I assume it's the former?" She spoke slowly, tapping the frame of her wheelchair. "But why would she? It's not like you're trying to include Beth in your" A light, playful nudge with an elbow and a snicker. "magnificent Lei harem, are you?"
Gift Giving, Alexia
"Eh... Right, thank you." He sighed in relief and put the neckless in his pocket before inspecting the paycheck again, looking at the amount of zeroes seen in it.
Alexia Has A Rival Now (Gift Giving: Cyanea)
Cyanea would probably see the weirdest reaction to anything her team's leader has ever done as the socks self-heated. It was incredibly similair to moans of pleasure during sex (quiet ones anyway).
"HGNNNNNNNN HGNN this feels like heaven thank you hnggg." Self warming socks SWEET FUCK
He seemed to be activating it on his own. He was quite obviously addicted to the self-heating socks by now, it seemed like how Ieria was addicted to being warm without it having a biological reason.
edited 14th Feb '15 12:32:08 AM by LiorVal
Ballroom: Gifts
"She likes you, you dense fuck." The sudden voice came from behind Yun and Hope.
That was Carol, her arms crossed and with the biggest damn grin ever plastered on her face.
There was a soft laugh from behind Alfred. Alexia was laughing, her eyes twinkling in amusement at her boyfriend.
"Oh, Alfred. Now I'm jealous. You're going to break up with me and date Cyanea, aren't you! Alas, beaten by socks."
edited 14th Feb '15 12:55:49 AM by GrimHelm
Ballroom, Gift Giving Cyanea and Alexia
Alfred was pulled out of his "Heaven" by Alexia it seemed, though he was still obviously feeling the warm socks very well judging by his expression.
"Don't be ridiculous Lexi, if Cyanea wants me to date her she'll need to make a whole set of clothes like this hgnnn."
"Although you are gonna have to step up your game or you might lose to the socks." He chuckled a small bit, seemed he had little thought about what he said right now and little watch over anything he's doing or saying. His social inhibitions are starting to drop.
edited 14th Feb '15 1:31:49 AM by LiorVal
The Making Of Master Of Romance
Hope couldn't help but grin at Carol's own smile. "Well, looks like you really do, of your own will or otherwise." She snickered, clearly amused. Was she jealous? Perhaps a little, but then again, considering her own entrance into Yun and Sophie's relationship she shouldn't be complaining. "Thanks for the chat, Yun." Small squeeze of his hand. "I'll head back to Soph. Once again, Happy Midwinter."
True to form, Hope wheeled back to Sophie, currently examinating her present from Ieria. "Hey again." She smiled at her girlfriend, slipping out of her wheelchair and sitting by the other girl. "What did you get?"
Ballroom: She's drunk. Again.
"Oh, really? I'll take that as a challenge." Alexia said teasingly.
Was something wrong? Bet your ass there was. Alexia had inhaled so much of the alcohol in Noa's room earlier that...well...yeah. Thank Dust she didn't actually drink any.
The intoxicated princess glomped Alfred, draping her body onto him almost scandalously. He could feel her sweet body heat, her breath against his skin.
She snuggled even closer, laying soft kisses across the skin of his neck.
"How about this?"
Alice saw that and her jaw dropped. "Holy shit!"
Francesca
"You are my baby, even so." She said with a smile as she leaned down to hug her. "And I worry for you, more than I do for any other, because I know you, you like to rush. But this isn't something you can rush, alright?" She asked, trying to be as motherly as possible for her.
Intoxicated Alexia
"Oh...oh dear." Ieria said aloud as she made her way over to Alexia. "Alexia you cannot do this right now, this is not the time or place..." She told the girl, trying to pull her away from Alfred.
edited 14th Feb '15 1:43:44 AM by RomanianInquisitor
"I am nature's weapon. You are unfit to carry on your species, and I shall ensure that you do not do so!" - Charles Darwin, XCOM SniperIntoxicated Princess
Alfred looked at Alexia with a risen eyebrow as he put the socks in his pocket, finally managing to get fully back into reality. He inspected her and a look of fear could be seen on his face.
"Lexi how did you get drunk again?" Ah crap
As he was pulled down Al couldn't hold the blushing, especially at the whole body warmth thing.
"Okay yeah I choose you over the socks in warmness. " He said trying to sound calm.
"Though Eh Lexi we probably shouldn't be doing this here or now. We still have the whole night before us." He said as he tried to use his hands and feet or whatever was free under her body to escape her grasp as Ieria pulled.
edited 14th Feb '15 2:00:44 AM by LiorVal
Ballroom
Alice was this close to walking over abd choking a bitch. Abitch named Alfred. Fortunately for Spidey, Ieria managed to get Lexi off with no hitch.
Alexia moaned in protest. Then, she stopped. Blinked. Blushed furiously.
"W-what was I doing?! I am so sorry!"
She shook her head. Stay sober, idiot!
Beth hugged her mother back. "....I love you, Mama. I promise aI won't rush anything. You're right."
Chelsea sighed. "It's just...the incident with Seth. It really took a lot out of me..."
Ballroom: Intoxicated Princess 2: Begging Alice For Mercy.
Al's blush dissipated and he looked at his saviour. "Thank you Ieria. Man, how did you even get drunk Lexi?" Alfred sighed and turned his head towards Alexia with a neutral expression.
"And it's fine just don't... Eh do that in public like that, especially in front of your sister I think she wants to kill me now." He looked at older member of the royal family as he tried to get up from the ground.
He started to sweat again slightly as he saw her expression.
"Alice I swear I had nothing to do with this."
edited 14th Feb '15 2:34:37 AM by LiorVal
Drunk Lexi, Yay!
Hope for a moment was silent, then let out a tired sigh. "Well, we found Noa and..." She started, shaking her head. "the very air itself was liquored up. It's probably best if you, Cyan and Storm don't go anywhere near her bedroom, Alf."
"...also, sheesh. I knew Alex is a lightweight, but to beat me at this is an achievement all in itself. Royal sister, deep breaths." She deadpanned to Alice, trying her hardest to keep a straight face.
edited 14th Feb '15 2:55:20 AM by FergardStratoavis
Sobering Up
"Sober! I'm sober! Calm down, Alice! Alice, what are you doing?! Ieria, Hope, help me!" Alexia was basically panicking now.
"I. Am. Calm." snarled Alice. She didn't look calm. She was making a table float. Aiming it at Alfred.
"Daughter. Let your sister's lover be." an amused voice called out. Queen Lucretia approached, a smirk on her lips.
"But-!"
"Alice."
"Fine."
She let the table drop with a thud. She continued glaring at Alfred. If looks could kill...
"Mother-! Umm, ummm..." Alexia was utterly mortified.
Midwinter Ball Finale: The Royal Palace, Great Balcony
It was five minutes to midnight. The students stood in the Palace's great balcony. The balcony was about the size of the ballroom. It overlooked the city of Vale, a majestic sight to see. The stars twinkled above, and the cold winter air was felt by everyone.
Three minutes.
Alexia smiled at Alfred, who stood beside her. The fresh air was doing wonders in keeping her sober.
A minute.
The band began playing, a soft, romantic song.
There was an old superstition in Vale. If a couple kissed exactly at the midnight of midwinter, they would last forever, bonded by the gods.
....Of course there was another superstition involving making love immediately afterwards, but let's not get into that.
Thirty seconds.
Alexia gathered her courage. Am I going to kiss him?!
The clock struck twelve. Imca, you may set off fireworks...now!
Alexia gulped.
Carol did not hesitate. She pounced at Lucas immediately as the clock hit midnight.
Chelsea did not hesitate either, surprisingly enough.
Beth kept glancing at Yun.
Alexia took a deep breath...and kissed her knight, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Hey, being a little drunk helped this time.
Then, when they broke apart, she smiled radiantly. "Shall we dance, my knight?"
Midwinter Midnight
Pius stood at the edge of the balcony, leaning on the railing in his comfortable loneliness. He could hear the chatter dying down as Midwinter drew close, and he smiled to himself as he listened to his entire class at Beacon count down to Midwinter.
When the cry rang out and Imuka's fireworks went off into the sky, the Nobel clapped quietly at the spectacle and the wonderful night that he figured they'd been blessed to have.
Turning around, Pius saw all of the couples embracing, knowing the superstition behind their actions. While he himself didn't prescribe to such things, he understood the sentiment enough to appreciate what it meant for the couples to kiss on this night. He silently congratulated Remus, wished the best for Lucas, and felt a little more like Innocent when he saw Yun's trio trading kisses for the whole minute.
But when his eyes fell on the princess and her knight, illuminated by the fireworks in the background, Pius felt something resembling a kind of contentment at the sight. While he didn't fully trust Alfred with Alexia's heart—
She's probably better off with his than with mine, he figured with a hint of resignation. Giving a nod at the two that may or may not have been seen by either lover, Pius turned around and looked out at Vale, contemplating a few new things along with his usual troubles this Midwinter midnight.
edited 14th Feb '15 12:09:54 PM by Insano
Allurand and surrounding world loading, 28%...Midwinter Finale
Rufus was silent right up until he wasn't, a single heavy step bringing him right next to Pius. He looked down at the couple as well, "Well, it's a good think I brought that big box of contraceptives with me. Looks like we'll be needing it.
"Well, be needing it again, but this time actually have it."
Gifts for Chiharu
"Something tells me you're the one I should give this to.", he said to Chiharu.
Then, the finale began.
"Um...you want to...dance with me, Miss Chiharu?"
"Never let anyone tell you that something is impossible." - Monty Oum, 1981-2015Flashback: Blind and Blinder
"We probably should," Lucas said, walking off with Jack before Ai asked if he liked the card she gave him.
"It was a nice gift," Lucas responded. "Thanks."
Unfortunately, until we find an anomaly completely the opposite of who they were in the old universe, I'm not sure if I believe it...
Now: Don't Just Stand There, Kiss Her!
Well, Lucas was startled about Carol glomping him and kissing him, but he didn't push her away, just kissed her right back.
edited 14th Feb '15 6:29:22 AM by Aquatica1000
Ballroom Before the Finale
Man how the hell will I even survive as her boyfriend if she'll kill me for these things? I better keep Lexi away from alcohol as much as I can.
Ball Finale
"You gained some courage huh?" Al finally gained a semblance of ability to keep his cool during a kiss. Although he was still very slightly visibly blushing.
"I don't like... Eh never mind, sure. Why not?" He said with a thin smile on his face.
"I have to warn you though, I'm probably a terrible dancer. Considering I've never really done it before with an actual partner." He chuckled and grinned.
"I have seen a few dances in Mnara'e before though. I do technically know some dance moves of ours, but it'd be better if you'll take the lead here."
Midwinter Gift Time
"Look, um — if you decide to tell the others, I'll support your decision no matter what. I don't know how the others will react, but I'll do my best to help them see reason," said Ai.
She gave Lucas a sheepish smile.
"I've also kind of got a dumb theory about anomalies, but ... well, I don't know if it's worth mentioning yet. Happy Midwinter, Lucas. Oh, and you too, Jack!"
Midwinter Midnight
Norman sat back and Arkadios set his drum sticks aside — this song had no percussion, bass, or keyboard. The spotlight was on Tsukiko and Fang in the center of the stage; a duo of vocals and acoustic guitar. Romantic music on a level that made them look like there was unresolved sexual tension between them.
Meanwhile, Ai stood on the palace balcony, leaning on the guard rail and looking down at the city of Vale below. She wore Charisse's sweater and Cyanea's scarf, and felt rather cozy.
She checked her watch. A mere five seconds until midnight. Ai turned to Charisse, stood on her tip-toes and wrapped her arms around Charisse's neck.
edited 14th Feb '15 6:50:05 AM by opnerf
Ball Finale
Alexia did see Pius, as she walked with Alfred. She shot him a smile of her own, feeling both grsteful and apologetic.
She laughed at her knight's comment. "Yes, well, you can thank the alcohol for that."
"And luckily, I've taken dance lessons."
She lead him in a slow, romantic dance, hands on his shoulders.
"You know...Alfred. I never thought we'd end up like..well, like this."
Carol laughed. "So. Bonded by the gods, huh? These superstitions. I like the sound of this, though."

HEART TO HEART
Jack paused, frowning. "We should probably go somewhere a bit quieter." He turned, and walked into the hallway,
Good to be back