[open] jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock.

[babbylon]

Who: Gilgamesh and everyone! A group holiday party for the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" job.
When: Forward dated to December 7th or so.
Where: Heaven's Feel, Caissa
What: Gilgamesh and friends are getting into the holiday spirit, and you're invited! Join for gifts, grog, mistletoe and more.
Rating: There will probably be drunken shenanigans going on, thus PG-13 to be safe.

Happy Holidays!



[The holidays are in full swing at Heaven's Feel! Brightly lit trees and ornaments litter the store, with warm fires blazing, gentle music playing and mistletoe strung from every available spot on the ceiling. The ostentatious host stands at the ready to attend every need and ensure everyone has a match of their very own this holiday season—including you!

Generous portions of hot chocolate, gingerbread cookies, and wine are being offered free of charge to all guests. These delights are enchanted to fill you with an extra dose of courage, so be bold! Go after your crush, engage a complete stranger, or just do something really crazy to celebrate the joyous occasion. 'tis the season to be jolly, after all.

The sprigs of mistletoe have been charmed by Gilgamesh to encourage smooching. The urge to pucker up beneath them will be strong, so watch where you stand! If you look beneath the big tree in the center of the store, you'll find a gift addressed to you. It could be an article of clothing, a ticket for free services, or even something more personal!

Naturally, Heaven's Feel matchmaking services are always available, so feel free to fill out a card while you're here or just get cozy by the fireplace. Merry Cherima, everyone!]

Comments

Archer | OTA

[anti_altruisms]

[ He promised he would come back.

Though Archer really isn't one for crowds or boisterous parties, there's a certain someone he's supposed to find, and he can't think of anywhere better to look than here. It's Gilgamesh's territory, no doubt, but Vietnam is his wife. He can't imagine there would be celebrations hosted by her husband of which she was not a part.

Steering clear of the mistletoe to the best of his ability, Archer drifts through the party without actually mingling all that much. He tastes the treats and even samples some of the wine, but still, he seems to keep his distance. Dancing and schmoozing with other guests doesn't seem to send him, but he does find a nice, cozy spot to lounge.

Eventually, Archer makes his way to the tree itself, and he seems...more than a little surprised to see a package addressed to him. Frowning a bit, he finally picks it up, examining it like there's trap embedded in it somewhere.

Truly, he really is bad at this sort of thing. ]

[hoasen]

[She didn't know if Archer will be coming. She did tell Gilgamesh that Archer seems to be troubled right now because of what happened, his body having reverted, and that he was seeking time alone to sort things out. Hopefully he'll look out for him too if he ever encounters him before her. But really, another reason why she didn't think he would come without an invite was because Archer is such a private person.

There were whispers around that Archer had arrived, and so she kept her eye out, looking for him. Sometimes duty stole her away for a moment, and so it was when he picked up the gift was when she was able to catch him. She moved quicker than she was thinking, and later she'll be relieved to know that no one else was really around at that time when they were busy partying.

Because before she knew it, she had wrapped her arms around him from the back.]

You came back. [He promised.]

[anti_altruisms]

[ Archer jerks a little in surprise at the sudden hug from behind. He wasn't prepared for it so, of course, he stiffens before he realizes who's behind him.

Some of the tension draining away when he realizes it's Vietnam, Archer lets out a soft, exasperated huff. ]

I told you I would.

[ He's not a liar, okay. ]

[hoasen]

[Now she's just embarrassed, so she keeps latched on, if only to hide her face?!

She was moving faster than she was thinking, after all.]

I knew you would. I just didn't expect you to be here.

[It's a party, after all?]

[anti_altruisms]

[ omg, Vietnam, he needs to breathe!!

Archer shifts awkwardly. ]

I was invited.

[ By a certain someone, of course.

Finally, after a moment- ]

I can't see you...?

[ He would like to talk to you face-to-face, ok. ]

[hoasen]

It was Gilgamesh, no?

[He got Archer's back, she knows this.

And after letting go (NOW HE CAN BREATHE), she awkwardly walks around him, trying to look like she's still cool (nope).]

[anti_altruisms]

Yes.

[ Really, it was more of a demand than an invitation, but he was planning on coming back to Caissa around this time anyway, so it all worked out, regardless.

Letting out a breath, he looks at her finally. ]

He contacted me a few days ago.

[babbylon]

[A familiar chuckle sounds from just around the corner.]

No tricks, Archer. It's for you.

[Out slithers Gilgamesh, dressed in a handsome Santa suit. Of course, Archer has likely seen him out and about already, as he's been the literal life of the party since it began. But now they're in a more personal moment and so Gilgamesh lowers his voice accordingly, as if intimating something important.

And in a way, he just might be.]

Have you ever received a present before? In your present form, I mean.

[He doesn't mention Shirou by name. He figures it best.]

[anti_altruisms]

[ Of course, Archer noticed the host. It would have been quite difficult not to see Gilgamesh prancing about in a Santa suit even if he hadn't been on the look-out for him. Truthfully, he expected to see the man earlier, but naturally, Gilgamesh would choose a more awkward moment.

Archer doesn't grimace, exactly, but he does meet the other with a bit of a blank stare. That outfit, really... ]

Nothing wrapped like this, no.

[ Servants aren't usually the recipients of presents, and aside from that one, bizarre outfit he got some time ago, he hasn't received anything of the sort. ]

[babbylon]

Are you that perplexed at the notion someone might spare you a second thought?

[Never mind, he already knows the answer to that. Gilgamesh just sighs and plops down by the fire, gesturing vaguely at Archer. He'd selected this particular item with care, knowing his tastes were likely very specific and pragmatic, but still... would this wind up being a waste? What would even please a man who inherently wanted for nothing?

Guess they're about to find out.]

Go on, then. You can even burn it in front of me if you dislike it so.

[Note to Archer: not advised.]

[anti_altruisms]

[ Of course, he's perplexed. It's a ridiculous question so Archer doesn't bother to answer it. Logically, he knows certain people may care about him, but he doesn't expect kindness or gifts and hasn't for a long time.

Archer frowns a little -- not so much out of annoyance or displeasure, but rather the fact that he's still mystified by the gesture. He isn't completely devoid of social graces, however, so he settles down to open it.

What could possibly be inside...? ]

[babbylon]

[It's very soft.

Soft and sturdy and very red. It tumbles out of the box and onto Archer's lap, and perhaps there might be a moment of nostalgia here; in some slight way, it resembles a piece of clothing he once wore, his signature coat he sported wherever he went. But it isn't possible to match the genuine article, although Gilgamesh has come close.

It's very soft, very sturdy, and very red, a coat just his size meant to keep him warm. Made from durable yet light material, it is meant for exactly what he's always claimed to be: a swift Archer that must always keep on the move. Its sleeves are laced with faint gold and silver thread lines the seams, but otherwise it is plain and practical, as he prefers.

Gilgamesh tries to feign disinterest, but in reality he's glancing over his shoulder at Archer, awaiting his judgment.]

[anti_altruisms]

[ He is surprised.

Though he has been required as a matter of rank to wear green, truly, red is Archer's favored color. It suits him as nothing else does, and a measure of softness touches his features as he examines the gift with gentle hands. He might not have considered gold or silver lining, but other than that, it is everything he might have asked a tailor for.

It's a long moment before he says anything, but he is clearly moved, even if the words are slow in coming. ]

...this is from you?

[gwenhwyfar]

[ Winter festivities are usually more quiet where she comes from, being that winter is a time where most folks wait it out and hope that food, livestock, and each other survive. The winter in Wales can be harsh--especially if anyone lives the lifestyle of that of a hermit. During her youth, she and her teacher would hardly venture out, unless for ceremony reasons or for resources.

Winter is a darker time, literally and metaphorically. To see Blanc decorated so beautifully. In the future, she will have to deal with large gatherings and strangers. It's a combination of anxiety and general distaste for interacting with others that usually leave her from interacting with others.

But there are a few exceptions...

Regina does approach him very quickly, surprised at the sight of him. The idea of finding a child wasn't really that surprising to her since she was raised with the idea that all would be reborn once again. Still-- ]

Noswaith dda, Archer.

[anti_altruisms]

[ Archer hasn't actively participated in winter festivities in years. In fact, he's been separated from all of it for such a long time that it's difficult for him to even remember what it was like when he was young.

Big gatherings and parties aren't really his thing, but he was invited so he came. He doesn't mingle very much, but he does sip on some hot chocolate and muse quietly by the fire -- which is where she will find him, actually.

He looks up when she greets him. ]

Regina.

[gwenhwyfar]

So you're yourself once again.

[ She could have a bit more tact, considering. Considering that "Archer" clearly wasn't his name--Shirou. But out of similar circumstances when it came to alternate names and given the fact Archer wasn't fortunate to make it out of battle, she refrains. Still, she has some concern for his well-being. Being killed can't be pleasant -- being dragged to the Otherworld and having an eye taken isn't pleasant, either. ]

Are you well?

[anti_altruisms]

[ It's good enough. Had she called him by name, his reaction would have been less than pleasant. As it is, he accepts the comment at face value. She did see him die, and she did see him as a child (which he thankfully isn't any longer). Nothing else needs to be read into it. ]

Well enough.

[ He had some time to come to grips with the experience, so to speak. There's no need to discuss it further, in his view. ]

I wouldn't have expected you here.

[gwenhwyfar]

I was wondering what the commotion would be.

[ For once, she can say she's glad for someone's wellbeing, beyond her usual circle. Either it didn't seem to phase him at all or he hid it well enough.

It didn't matter, she wouldn't pry. ]

Winter is usually not a happy time, not like this in Briton.

[anti_altruisms]

[ Well, there is a Santa-style Gilgamesh roaming around so there's quite a bit of fuss going on this evening. Archer suppresses a sigh. ]

A little too much, I think.

[ Parties really aren't his thing. ]

Survival is more important there, I take it.

AFTER MANY LONG YEARS

[sewawesome]

[ Kanji mostly wandered his way into the party on accident, and after snagging a few cookies from the refreshment table, has taken to wandering around. Not intentionally does he end up making his way towards the tree, only to find someone standing near it, looking at a present as if he's expecting it to explode in his hands or something. ]

Is it gonna bite you, or something?

[ All the tact, clearly. It's a genuine question, though, and the openness of Kanji's expression only cements the truth of his words. He was planning to go and look at some oft he presents himself, just to see if there are any cute designs on the wrapping paper or something, but he's already seen weird monster-golem things.

For all he knows, it's entirely possible that the presents are like those shadow-chest things from the TV World. No thanks. ]

YOOOOOOOOOOO

[anti_altruisms]

[ It would absolutely be his luck if it blew up in his hands. Thankfully, of course, it hasn't (yet), but it does warrant scrutiny.

To the newcomer, Archer can only arch an eyebrow. ]

Stranger things have been known to happen.

[ Just sayin'. ]

HOLLA

[sewawesome]

[ Kanji's gonna stare at the guy intensely for a few seconds...

...aight, he's serious. ]

Goddamnit!

[ He takes a decently-sized step back away from the tree. ] Next you'll be tellin' me that the tree is gonna eat people. [ To Kanji's benefit, he doesn't sound distrusting so much as he does exasperated. And here he was hoping for a nice break with food and cute decorations and Christmas-y stuff, and no weirdass Shadow shenanigans. ] Can I guy ever catch a break?

Shadow's lookin' like treasure chests were bad enough. [ That last bit is mumbled, and Kanji eyes the presents under the tree with growing suspicion. Which sucks, honestly, because he just found one with the cutest wrapping paper and he'd love to get a closer look. ]

/o/

[anti_altruisms]

[ He's being a mixture of serious and sarcastic, actually. You have to learn how to parse "Jackass" better, Kanji.

Archer suppresses a sigh. ]

The likelihood of this tree doing so is very low.

[ They did have an issue with trees attacking people several weeks back, but the whole forest was diseased so there is that to consider. ]

The presents are fine.

1/2

[sewawesome]

[ Well, Excuse you. Kanji... absolutely needs to learn how to parse jackass better. ]

Look, either it's gonna explode, or it's fine. [ Kanji's starting to get worked up ] You can't have it both ways!

And if it's fine, acting like it's gonna explode makes you a grade-A asshole, and you need to get bent.

[ Kanji feels strongly about that kinda thing... though, maybe... ]

2/2 - might as well use my pretty icons while i have them

[sewawesome]

[....for senpai's sake, Kanji will make an effort to give the guy the benefit of a doubt. ]

Unless you just think yours is gonna explode, which.... yeah

Someone must really hate you, huh.

[ Wow, Kanji that was actually rather thoughtful for you. Not judging a jackass for being obsessively paranoid ]