ximilialog | OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

CHARACTERS: the doctor (12), the doctor (11), clara oswald, river song, and all of you
LOCATION: the mess hall, the kitchens, the simulation room
DATE: december 24th, 25th
CONTENT: team tardis throws a big christmas party for the station
WARNINGS: none for now, will warn as needed (no fires!!!)

PART I
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS ...

1.0 Inside the kitchen and mess hall, Orbers will find the entire place decked out to the nines (Or elevens! Hohoho). No one knows how this all came together, but you will find almost everything Christmas related decorated along the walls and tables.

Hanging all around the walls are blue Christmas stockings! Each stocking will have the name of Orber etched in gold knitting. Inside each stocking is an array of personalized treats (if your character is a smoker, for example, then they will find a pack of cigarettes, a lighter, etc.)

On the tables at each place setting there are various coloured paper crowns for Orbers to decorate on their head – courtesy of Clara Oswald and her assistant, the Doctor (the chinny one) – and Christmas crackers to share with friends. Go on, then! Pull that cracker, see the assortment of sweets and surprises you’ve received. As far as refreshments go, there is plenty to share amongst everyone! There is eggnog, "naughty" eggnog, cookies, cakes, candy canes and sugar gumdrops. It is a downright delightful spread of treats to indulge and tide you over for before you feast with your teammates.

2.0 Before the main feast is prepared, there are plenty of activities to keep you (or a friend or two) occupied. Do you see those Christmas trees on almost every corner of the station? Yeah, the Doctor(s) got awfully distracted (something about if a hot dog is a sandwich) and these bare trees could use some decorative love. Or perhaps you can express your creative talents in the kitchen, where you may want to test out a new recipe to share with the rest of the class. Whether it be a savoury or a sweet dish, there is sure to be at least one person who might like it.

There is also a magician’s kit lying around if you want to take a crack at learning a few new tricks to show off to others! Or if you wish to partake in any group activity, there is a stack of board games and a deck of cards to play a friendly game of Go Fish! Who knows? The game-world’s your oyster.

3.0 By evening, the mess hall will be set up with napkins and plates and cutlery of varying Christmas-y colours. It isn’t perfect, but nothing ever really is, is it? Especially after the Doctor (the cross Scots one) might have very nearly burned the kitchens down a little earlier – something about improving the heat for the roast. Still, it’s finally time for the Christmas feast! And oh, what a smell there is wafting through the large space. There’s plenty of delicious food to go around – especially using much of the ingredients that had come in through the last supply drop. There are varying plates of savoury and sweet dishes, some recognizable, some a little more ... eclectic (you use what space ingredients you’re given, after all), but all of what the hosts have prepared look ... surprisingly edible, some of it even delicious. Roast veg, gravy, stuffing, biscuits, gingerbread, hot cocoa, marshmallows, something mulled, and sweets!

Of course, the more food, the merrier! If you’ve taken part in the cooking and baking from earlier, arriving with your own special Signature Dish, the Doctors (yes, both of them!) will be so pleased to see it join the rest of the feast.

And for those who might have run across the Doctor’s enthusiastic ramblings on Jammie Dodgers at one point will finally get a chance to try them. They’ll be stacked up to resemble a tree on a plate, sprinkled with (edible) glitter in blue and silver.

PART II
SIMPLY HAVING A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TIME

4.0 Christmas Morning finds everyone with an open invitation to the simulation room to attend a very merry Christmas morning. Step inside and be taken away to a warm and cozy living room that is elaborately decorated for the holiday. You’ve been decorated for the occasion too, decked out in pajamas and a robe. With slippers to match, everyone that’s a part of Christmas morning will look like they’re ready to play their part in the festivities. There’s a fire crackling in the fireplace, the smell of cinnamon and clove in the air, and the distant sound of traditional Christmas songs playing on an antique radio over in the corner of the room. There’s also a tree, of course, one that almost seems too large to be in such a quaint place. It’s fully decorated, absolutely covered with a variety of kitschy ornaments like Santa Claus on a T-Rex or bears in tutus. There also happen to be ornaments of every single orber present on the station, presented in the form of ridiculous looking little elves.

Around the tree and scattered around the floor are opened gift boxes, wrapping paper strewn about. Toys from the boxes are discarded on the floor and around the room, plastic dinosaurs and robots that come to life when you wind them up. There are ridiculous looking squeaky alien toys, marshmallow launchers, and even a giant stuffed giraffe. Who could all of these toys belong to?

There also happen to be gifts beneath the tree for everyone. There aren’t any labels on the gifts so feel free to choose whichever one you like (but only one, there won’t be any greedy Scrooges here on Christmas!). No matter what size package that is chosen, big or small, there’s a sweater inside: an ugly Christmas sweater for everyone. One that can be put on over your pajamas to take part in an ugly sweater contest once everyone has unwrapped their gifts.

And of course no Christmas morning is complete without some sort of breakfast. Set up in the corner of the room is a small table with pastries and cocoa, with a big bowl of mini marshmallows. There’s coffee present too, for those that prefer their breakfast with a little less sugar. There’s plenty of seating around the living room to grab a leather chair or a spot on the fluffy couch. Or maybe sit in one of the red velvet chairs over by the windows to watch the slow and steady snowfall over a picturesque view of the British countryside.

5.0 As the events of the morning slowly come to an end, the simulation shifts to a quiet little town. There’s snow on rooftops and colorful lights lining buildings that manage to glisten and glow even in the daylight. The entire street is completely over the top with decoration; fresh garlands that smell of pleasant pine, miniature christmas trees decorated from top to bottom, and vibrant red bows are just about everywhere. There’s no hustle and bustle here, just a relaxed afternoon in the most Christmasy town ever.

The smell of cider and gingerbread baking are in the air, brought on by a bakery that’s open for a visit. Want to make a gingerbread house? There are materials set out to do that. There are things for gingerbread people too, if that’s more your bag.

There’s a bookstore filled with all kinds of books. If you’re not from Earth and are curious about Christmas, there’s plenty of children’s books on the matter waiting for you to enjoy. They’re set up on an elaborate display up front, though anyone is free to browse around and look through what else they have to offer.

A toy store, magician’s shop, and a boisterous pub round off the shops found on the street. There’s street vendors selling chestnuts that have been roasted over an open fire, wassail, and marshmallows for roasting. There’s also a band playing live music, Christmas carols of course. Join in and sing along or don’t. No one’s going to judge you either way. Take your time to enjoy everything or rush through because it’s too much Christmas, all in your face at once. Either way, the marketplace is present for hours in the afternoon and leading into the evening hours.

6.0 As night falls everyone is guided out of town and down a candle lit path that leads to a frozen over pond. It’s been set up for ice skating, with skates set aside for anyone that wants a pair. There’s baubles of lights set out all around the area, and the moon hangs high overhead. No seriously, the moon looks incredibly huge tonight. It’s blue glow reflects on the ice along with the warm yellow glow of all the lights. It’s a welcoming atmosphere, inviting anyone that’s brave enough to put on skates and take part.

The band from the Christmas market earlier are back to play throughout the night, playing quieter songs mixed in with lively pieces that are meant to get people speed skating around the ice.

Set a short distance away from the ice is a long table, with plenty of mismatched seats. Fairy lights twinkle overhead, and are also glowing from inside glass canisters that make up the centerpieces on the table. There’s dark blue galaxy dinnerware at every place, and a small feast spread out so no matter where someone sits there’s plenty within reach. It always manages to stay warm, and nothing ever seems to run out. It’s a perfect place to take a break and grab a quick meal, or just sit and chat with someone while you both enjoy a drink.

The area around the pond can be explored, so go crazy playing in the snow or whatever it is you want to do there. Just don’t wander too far off from the group. There may or may not be razor-toothed snowmen keeping you from going too far. They may hiss or blow snow in your face, but they probably won’t try to bite anyone.

🎄 After all of that is said and done, Orbers may find themselves drawn towards a small bonfire billowing from the center of this quaint little town. But it isn’t just the scent of warm Maplewood dancing underneath your nose. There sitting on top of a milk-crate is The Doctor (12) playing a jaunty little tune from his electric guitar. Orbers are more than welcome to sit around the bonfire and reflect on these past few months and where they might find themselves in the future.

If you find yourselves by your lonesome fear not! The Doctor (11) will be there offer you a hug (or smooch if you’re feeling saucy).

No matter what strife you have been through this year, just remember ...

Each and every one of your lives is a story. So best make it a good one.

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Oh there you are! [ When Peter walks over to Megatron in the common living area, he's holding a large box, wrapped in a blue paper that has silver constellations drawn on it, and a matching silver bow on top. It seems a bit heavy, by humans standards, but Megatron should have no problem lifting it with one hand. ]

I made you something. [ Peter lifts the box, waiting for the Cybertronian to take it. ] Merry Christmas, Megatron.

[ Once he decides to open the present, he will find inside a metal orrery. It's not about any nearby galaxy, or even earth. It's a reproduction of the planet Cybertron, with two orbiting moons, a light representing the nearest sun, golden metal arches around, and a base depicting the movement of each element. There are a few imperfections in the welded joints, not being as smooth as other parts of the machine, showing that the orrery is very obviously handmade. ]

I know you don't celebrate the holiday, and that this is probably not all that accurate since it's how I remembered it from my childhood but...[ He tried. ]

Is it a bad omen? In your universe.

[Blue has caught glimpse of Yzak being Disgusted at yet another dangling mistletoe plant nearby, himself seated on the sill of one of the windows in the corridor.]

[ well, it's not like it's been much of a secret anymore, especially since clara pretty much gave it away on the network when she'd publicly insisted on his attendance in a way that daisy had eventually caught on. he's not sure if the girls ever did end up talking about it when clara told him she'd be meeting daisy that night, but he's not going to scramble to hide it.

not that he's going to be direct either. ]

After I got kicked out of my room on Halloween, I just figured I needed a backup.

[ he brings out his lighter, flicking at the wheel to draw out the flame, holding it out to her. ]

[ there's plenty of faces that kovacs hasn't yet met, particularly because he likes to avoid being the persistent conversationalist (since this station has plenty of those already, with how loud those like newt and the doctor tend to be). tonight might be an exception, especially if he gets more of this eggnog in him, whether he's all too thrilled for the taste or not. ]

How does getting wasted on Christmas not fit the theme?

[ he raises a brow, taking another sip of the nog, nose doing another instinctive scrunch at the heavy milky taste. ]

Sounds like you're someone with better taste for what makes a good party.

[ Yzak's easily pulled away from his focus when he hears a familiar voice, turning around to look at Blue. ]

Huh? No, it's not a bad omen. [ A beat, as he considers. ] It's— the opposite, I guess? There's a tradition for these things and hanging them up, during this holiday most people here are celebrating.

[ He glances back up at the one that was just getting his stink eye. ]

But whoever hung all of these up - it's excessive! They're everywhere!

[ Do we have some kind of voyeur here? Is that it? ]

[ She dips her head with a laugh. ]

I think it skips out on some of the cheer and socialising.

[ But then she gives him a nod and an eyebrow raise, lifting her own cup of eggnog slightly in his direction. ]

Careful saying that around my husband. He tends to take offence.

[ She doesn't bother to specify which husband. It doesn't much matter, and besides, it's rather obvious she thinks. But then, she married him. ]

[he tilts his head.]

If...kissing and embracing are forms of comfort...then wouldn't that just mean others...are hoping to offer people the chance for it? When they otherwise wouldn't...seek it out.

[ his eyes widen a bit with intrigue as her comment sheds light on a lingering mystery, lips quirking up a bit with a bit of satisfaction in it coming to light. ]

Ah — so you're the wife.

[ the one that clara mentioned, and that neither doctor had actually ever brought up before, something that still carried its own questions as to to why. even if he's learned by now that everything with the doctor is an ongoing question. ]

I was beginning to wonder if you were real. Or just the Doctor's best kept secret. [ he holds out his free hand out to her. ] Takeshi Kovacs.

[ She laughs again, though the Doctor(s)'s lack of acknowledgement still hurts, and takes the offered hand briefly but firmly. ]

One of them, yes. River Song.

[ And in case he isn't already confused. ]

I do have the distinction of being married to him regardless which one he is.

Magic, huh? I can't say that I fully understand this place or the people in it yet, but considering the extent of what they can do, it would make sense.

[ to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanics, they would have to ask the ones in control of it, but there is little guarantee in how forthcoming they would be. ]

Do you think they'll hold up their end after all's said and done?

That or they're just desperate. [ He crosses his arms. An observation based on what he knows to happen in his world, but not here in particular, so nothing about the note sounds specific, just an empty complainy excuse. ]

But not everyone wants that! Or wants to be reminded of it everywhere they go! I certainly don't!

[ Why, though? This is where different conflicting emotions start to weave together messily in his mind. He's grouching (but really, who would be shocked about this) but there's no hatred, or even disdain for the idea. It's closer to an envy, like it's something he'd actually want, but even that has pieces connecting it to a whole other ball of a feelings, between I'd like this and a strict sense of I can't have it the way I want it that's only been unraveled the smallest bit, during the last mission. ]

[ He happens to catch Yzak at the start of things, when he's just arrived with his cookies and is putting them out. He looks quite pleased with himself, too, with the end result.

(there's totally one of Blue's cute lil face among them) ]

Making sure everyone gets a good look at my hard work, before they enjoy themselves!

[ Gloat gloat. But in his defense, he is good at this, and they do look well-made. ]

[Blue frowns, watching him.]

Does it...upset you so much? Should we address those on the station...doing the decorating?

[ Yzak approaches, noting the strange look Megatron's giving the tree.

He casts his own glance at it, as if expecting to see something strange or off about it to answer his sudden, blooming curiosity. But ... nothing.

So he asks. ]

What is it? Have you never seen one of these before, or something?

Christmas Eve

Mingle (OTA) -- [ It isn't that River doesn't enjoy Christmas, but it doesn't excite her the way it does the Doctor. It helps, though, having people to spend it with, and she lets their joy fill her hearts. She's given into Clara's paper crowns as she lingers near the drinks table, "naughty" eggnog in hand. Those approaching might be greeted with suggestions (welcome or not) as to which of the sweets on offer they should try first.

Eventually, she'll wander towards a more social setting. Perhaps you're looking for an extra player at Candy Land. Or maybe you'd like to start a friendly poker tournament. ]

Christmas Day

Christmas Morning (OTA) -- [ They really have created an ideal Christmas. Quaint, traditional, and homey. It reminds her of too few Christmases spent with Amy and Rory and much quieter celebrations in the dark of Darillium. She stands near a window, cup of cocoa in hand, letting the odd sense of melancholy settle over her as she takes in the view, but she'll greet anyone who approaches with a smile. ]

This is nice, isn't it?

Afternoon Stroll (Closed to 12th Doctor) -- [ It's hardly taken any effort to talk the Doctor into a mid-morning walk, and she realizes how grateful she is he hasn't argued for once. She knows she's been harder on him than she should have, blaming him for choices he doesn't even fully remember making yet. Blame she hasn't placed on his younger self. It's unfair of her.

Quietly, she takes his hand in hers as they walk, holding a breath. He's always been a little averse to touch in this body, even if she gets away with more than most. When she speaks, her voice is soft. ]

I know it isn't real, but it's beautiful.

Evening Tour (Closed to 11th Doctor) -- [ As it moves on toward evening, River finds the younger of her husbands (in both age and appearance) to spend a few hours with before the nights ends. She hardly remembers the last Christmas they spent together. She wonders if he does.

Offering her hand to him, she smiles. ]

Come along, Doctor. I think your friends can spare you for an hour or two.

[ There's no romantic strolling here. No, this Doctor, she leads straight to the toy store. ]

Wildcard

(Toss up your own prompt or hit me up on plurk or discord with an idea!)

[once he's noticed, Blue draws nearer, drifting to peer over Yzak's shoulder at the spread.

cute... do all of the space-faring humans on this vessel seem apt to charming little crafts and confections?]

These look very well done, Yzak. You made them yourself, alone?

（ he makes a gesture with his right hand — visible in shikamaru's line of sight — in the unspoken ninja code for no, while he responds verbally at the same time: ）

I think it will be curious to see what comes of our arrangement.

（ he is disinclined to trust by nature — but he thinks this is too much power at stake not to tempt someone to betray them over it. whether the betrayal comes from degar, from viveca, from the other crewmates, he is anticipating something that will be at odds with their goals. ）

[Even though she's been busy playing hostess, moving around the room from thing to thing, he's stayed the entire time. Whether it's because she asked him to be here or because he's actually enjoyed himself, she isn't sure. In the end, it doesn't really matter. He's here, and that's what counts.

She's had one too many drinks and is pleasantly tipsy when he comes to find her. It's his hand in hers that she feels before she actually sees him though, and she knows it's him just from touch alone. There's a warm smile on her face as he pulls her along after him, and she readily follows wherever he may go.

And of course it's the mistletoe he leads her to. She's been waiting all night for a chance to sneak away to exactly this spot. The rest of the room and her job as hostess are forgotten as she kisses him in return. Her hands are in his and they're perfectly content to stay there, and she lets the moment draw out. It's absolutely perfect, how the slow and tender press of his lips against hers deepens.

Whenever one of them does break away, there's a pink flush to her cheeks. It likely has more to do with how much egg nog she's drank than anything. If he mentions anything about it, that's the exact excuse she's going to have.]

How're you enjoying your first Christmas?

What are you doing, then?

[She's amused as she says it, and crosses her arms over her chest. He's so polite and withdrawn that she almost worries he might put up a fight. But she wants to see him at the party with the others, enjoying himself. Or trying to enjoy himself, anyway.

She peeks inside his room and takes quick notice of the books he's collected. That makes her face light up with interest.]

Wait, don't answer that. [A hand goes up, and she looks over to him.] Were you reading?

What— no! No! It's fine!

[ He quickly waves a hand at that suggestion. He doesn't want to go that far. ]

They can do what they want! It's not my station. And I don't need anybody making comments about my personal life, anyway! [ He's been teased and nudged and poked at enough, both recently and during the last mission. He's a little extra raw on top of the sensitivity he's developed and is currently exuding that reaches directly back toward memories of his homeworld. ]

[Of course he knows. She hadn't expected anything else of him but to pick up on it. He reads everyone well, but her moreso. With as close as they've gotten the past couple of months, he'd recognize the weight of her emotions in an instant.

He knows it's time, knows what this talk has to be about. And he must know that it's killing her, each and every word she says carefully chosen so they'll do as little damage to him as possible. She cares for him greatly. You don't give yourself completely to someone, body and mind, let them carry your emotions, without there being love. And she will always love him. That's the part that hurts the most. Even when she loves someone, she can't stop herself.

She has to do this to protect him. She cares for him too much to let him be another casualty of her life with the Doctor. This is her choice, and she feels the tears building before she can even get out a word in response. A shaky exhale later, she's trying.]

I can't do this to you, Takeshi.

[Her voice is thick with the tears she refuses to let fall just yet. And before he has time to speak she keeps going, to clarify what she means.]

If we keep going down this path we're on, there's only one way it will end. And I can't let you get closer and closer, till I can't tell where you end and I begin. Because if I do, it's going to end so much worse than this.

[Shame creeps into her eyes as she looks up at him. Because of course she's ashamed. She's guilty for the person she is, for the choices she knows she'll always make in the end. She desperately wishes that she could be what he needs, be the person that deserves him. But she doesn't. She can't be trusted with his heart, and the realization of that earlier in the day was a devastating blow. She can't be trusted with her own heart, her choices constantly selfish and reckless.

And now they stand here at the end, her eyes meeting his in the glow of the fire burning bright nearby. A tear finally slips free, and she lets it fall. This isn't something done lightly. It's painful and it's heartbreaking. But it has to be done before she will make choices that hurt him worse than this. If you love someone, you have to recognize when it's best to let them go.]

Of course I did. I wanted everyone to feel special tonight.

[She finds the crown she specifically made for River. Yellow with gold glitter starbursts. Something about River always makes her seem like she's made of light itself. She's as special as the stars the Doctor loves so much.

So she minds River's hair and places the crown atop her head with a warm smile on her face.]

They're ridiculous, I know. But...it feels like home, seeing everyone in them.

Yes.

（ the book of poems with its soft silk bookmark is in japanese, her ear-piece may helpfully romanize the title as omokage.

itachi steps back to allow her entrance if she so wishes, and holds a hand palm-up towards the book. ）

You may look, if you wish.

[Blue's expression grows a bit more concerned as Yzak's exasperation flares.]

Then...how can I help...ease your agitation?

[ there is neither indication nor acknowledgment that he has seen the hand signal except for a slightly amused curvature of his lips. it seems that this is one thing they both agree on. he has little trust to offer anyone aboard the ximilian right now either.

he hasn't eliminated the possibility that their hosts may simply be exploiting all of them to achieve some kind of unscrupulous aim. if they are to believe that these orbs are powerful enough to change the past, then what is their purpose for collecting them?

taking a steady drag of his cig, shikamaru lowers his gaze to the mug in itachi's hand. he makes no further comment on the given topic. instead, he shoves his hands into the pockets of his pants as he jerks his head towards the pond. ]

Want to take a walk with me? [ he doesn't expect him to accept the invitation, but he extends it all the same. ]

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OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

Wilcard | Morning of the 25th

1.b because targeted bullying

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bullied even on christmas!!!!!

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it was on your wishlist

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top of the list tbh

12/24 - 18:00-22:00 (for!! now!!!!!)

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River Song || Doctor Who

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