OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

[lateness]

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.

Comments

[bossily]

It's only a piece of paper.

[She dismisses the idea of it being a big deal, smiling innocently and shrugging her shoulders.]

Besides, the crown suits you.

[And he can't argue with that, can he?]

[bossily]

[Of course she knows the song. Or knows it enough to act like she knows it well. It's all in faking it until she makes it. She's grinning and laughing as she stomps and dances her way across the bar, keeping in time with him. The more and more energy she puts into it, the less she thinks about anything else. Soon she's hollering out the words to the song louder than he is.

And as they finish up the song she slides in close, reaching up to take his glass from him so she can finish off what's inside. Don't worry though. She'll cast him a momentarily apologetic glance before bursting out laughing and tossing the glass to the bartender behind them.]

[winscenario]

[ Funions. Not the first person here to mention them, but Jim has no idea what they are. Fun onions??? He'll figure that out one day.

What Dean says next is more effective in capturing his attention. ]

Something just for me? Well, I'll have to take you up on that now. [ His lips curl upwards. ] You can flex all your other muscles too, I'm fine with that.

[winscenario]

[ Jim's expression shifts minutely, mostly looking immensely pleased but also a little surprised. Talk about hitting that kink buzzer on the nose. Jim opens his mouth to tell Bones that yes, they should absolutely consider that, when Bones speaks again first and—

He looks down at the bowl. Ah, right. The eggs. They're cooking. Anyway, gonna get back to whisking for now. ]

Don't worry, I got it. [ He just got distracted for a couple of seconds there. ]

the doctor (12) | doctor who

[attackbrows]

Part I–'Twas The Night Before Christmas

➤ 3.0A–The Roof, The Roof, The Roof is on Fire🔥

[Rumour has it that one particular Scottish time lord nearly set the entire kitchen on fire. This prompt is here is to clear the air from all the hot, vile air of lies, fibs and alls sorts of falsehoods.

Anyway, here’s how the Doctor nearly set the entire station on fire.

One Hour Earlier

It starts with a mushroom and black pepper lasagne. A very simple most people on board can eat.

The Doctor doesn’t do much cooking for himself, but when he does, it’s shared among others. There is little you can do to alternate a basic lasagne; a few swaps of meats, veggies, cheeses and sauces, but it is all the same. You are assembling a small building of foodstuffs. A recipe so simple, not even your neighbour’s cat can mess up. All evident in how the measuring bowls on top of the counters still holding several morsels of perfectly cut up veggies. To the side of the measuring tools is a clear glass bowl of homemade tomato sauce, all of its herbs and spices mixed well with a blending tool.

A simple recipe requires a simple bake in the oven. That is all that there is to it.

…Not for the Doctor.

Despite this station being advanced in the technology department, the oven’s roasting temperatures are not up to his standards. The ratios are all off. He needs to address this problem or else he won’t stop talking about it for the next 48 hours.

He slips on his sonic sunglasses, taps the side of the rim and—

Present Time

If you poke your head inside the kitchen or already are in the kitchen, you’ll probably notice the billowing smoke coming from the oven. The Doctor turns his head, looking at the person in front of him with blue owlish eyes.]

➤ 3.0B–Winner, Winner. Chicken Dinner.

[A gorgeous feast sits in front of the crew and the Doctor. He doesn’t bother changing out of his grungy tattered clothes. If you are sitting next to him, he will probably smell like chicken grease and chemicals not fit for the kitchen.

He sits there with a bowl of mashed potatoes, gravy and green… peas?

Oh no. Not the peas. Anything but the peas.

Not that the Doctor has an aversion to all things vegetables. But he finds that there is a certain, sinister aura to a bundle of green peas sitting at your plate, existing in a state of being mushy and non-mushy. Unlike lettuce, a flavourless leaf but adds depth to an entrée’s texture. Peas contribute nothing to the flavour profile of your dish. Next to the turnip, it is one of the oddest culinary choices in human history.

Not sure if you struck a conversation with the Doctor yet but, if you have and are looking the other way for over two seconds, he will dump his peas onto your plate (and maybe steal whatever morsel is there as well. Is that a quesadilla? Oh yeah. He’s going for that).]

Part II—Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time

➤ 4.0—The Doctor’s New Clothes {Closed to Kovacs} ; cw – nudity

[Both Doctors had worked diligently behind the Christmas simulation program, taking turns behind their workstations to make sure that they don’t miss a single detail in their coding.

Well, most details…

When Orbers enter the living room, it decked them out in their own pyjamas to wear around the cabin. The Doctor didn’t take into consideration that he should, perhaps, program pyjamas for himself. This… definitely explains why it feels drafty by his nether regions.

He doesn’t look perturbed by this revelation. He’s more annoyed that he forgot to program a simple nightgown and slippers. Now he has to search the cabin for an emergency pair of clothes to keep himself decent among the others, exposing his pale skinny arse and pooch of a belly to any onlookers.

He does so by bending over these dressing drawers for a pair of knickers.]

➤ 5.0–A Rabbit Out of a Hat

[This is probably the ideal time for the Doctor to play host to the rest of the crew, but he manages to distract himself more than ever with what he and his younger regeneration put out together. Sort of like when you order McDonald’s for your friends but sneak in a few extra loose chips in the bag.

He finds himself in the magician’s shop, looking at various odds and ends one might need to kick-start their career as an illusionist. The finger trap, however, catches his eye this time around. He plucks a dark-blue pattern one from the shelves and sticks it inside his ring finger. It is a perfect snug fit for a silly little trick.

Little does he realize, however, is perhaps the person standing next to them. Call a clumsy, unfortunate chain of circumstances, but when the Doctor takes a step backwards he may have accidentally conjoined his finger trapped finger with yours.

Uh oh. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ]

➤ 6.0–Blue Sheeted Ice

[The Doctor can ice skate. Of course he can. He’s got about well over a century’s worth of experience.

But if you are one crewmate who needs some help trying to push out of the ice, he can help you that in the most productive the Doctor knows:]

Come on! Off we tot! While I'm still 2000 years old.

➤🎄– Ave Maria

[Another Christmas soon to be coated over by the sands of time. Every moment of joy, anger and bittersweet memory will soon be laminated within their hearts. For some, this may be their last Christmas. Their last time spent among their crewmates before time decides their next destination. The Doctor (this version at least) doesn’t wear his sentimentalities on his sleeve. Everything begins and everything ends.

Best make the most of what happens in between.

The Doctor sits on top of the milk crate, small dustings of snow coat his hair like powdered sugar. There is plenty to contemplate throughout the months. When it all comes down to it, there are too many unanswered questions. It’s enough to keep any functional person sleepless for countless nights. The more the Doctor ponders, the more concentrated his playing becomes until the next song becomes a swell of emotion from his two hearts to the guitar strings.

Is this a sad song? A joyful song? He doesn’t quite know yet.]

★★ - Crystalline Dreams ; {Closed to Clara}

[He received a gift that Christmas Eve. Such a simple, crass little thing, yet he found himself pressing Clara’s birthstone close to his lips. A gesture so full of kindness and love the Doctor yearns for every single waking day in his existence.

It was perfect.

A mere thank you won’t do it justice. Those are just words.

And so, he will take Clara’s hand that Christmas evening and whisk her to one secret path in the road he programmed specifically for her.]

[winscenario]

I hope so. It's what I'm aiming for.

[ His hands rest lightly on Erik's sides, letting him unroll his drawing of the Wakanda sunset. It might not be perfect, since Jim only say it twice and his mastery of color isn't the best, but he's tried to capture the feeling of it to the best of his abilities. ]

[aurable]

I think you're setting yourself up for a failure that isn't possible. [ Drift assured him with a friendly nudge against McCoy's shoulder. ] Unless you got me a fruit cake which would be a terrible gift on several levels.

[ Canting his head, Drift added: ] You didn't, right?

[scarcastically]

Well, having a role's overrated anyway. Never liked that kind of shit.

[bossily]

[Always eager to spend time with him, she readily walks at his side down that path. Her smaller legs have to hustle to keep up with his longer stride, but it makes it all worth it once she sees the glow of bright light up ahead.

There's a small twist left in the path, one that takes them deeper away from the crowd. She still can't see the tree that's waiting for them at the end, but she's already excited. With a glance up in his direction and a smile, her hand pulls free from his so she can hurry along.

It's always a reckless race toward something new and exciting with Clara, and not even recent events back on Trap Street have taught her to slow down. She doesn't stop until she's come to a stop before the tree, eyes wide with awe as she stares up to the highest branches.]

It's beautiful, Doctor.

[She senses when he approaches, and holds her hand back out for him to take. This sort of thing is best admired hand in hand.]

I don't think I've ever seen anything like it.

[Which is a feat, considering how many places he's brought her to see.]

[homeostatic]

( He laughs lightly at the guess, and slid his hand over Drift's shoulder in turn, giving it a brief squeeze. )

It's not a fruit cake. Cross my heart.

[naloxone]

[ it honestly sounds like a maddening experience, but marta opts to keep that particular piece of observation to herself. instead she offers the woman a gentle smile, nodding in agreement. ]

I'm glad you are. And that you're still able to enjoy it.

[spoilers]

[ Interesting choice of words, she thinks. ]

Thank you, sweetie.

[ She gestures to the space around them with a smile of her own. ]

This is all my husbands' doing, you know. I think they'd be very upset if I didn't appreciate their efforts.

[bossily]

[Hearing River say that makes Clara feel an overwhelming sense of warmth. She's leaning in to wrap her arms around River in a tight hug before she has time to think better of it. She wants so much for River to not feel alone in the world, and to know she has people who care about her.

To hear that she thinks people here are like family is absolutely wonderful.]

And we always will be. Don't forget that, River.

[aurable]

[ On impulse, Drift reached up and gave the hand on his shoulder a squeeze before his hand slipped back into his lap. Before he could think too deeply on that, confusion wrinkled across his brow. ]

I never understood that phrase, crossing your heart.

[bossily]

[She isn't expecting that answer, but she's glad that he feels like he can tell her. She takes another drink before holding the bottle out for him to take. Maybe he's needing to add more to his cup right about now.]

Tell me about him.

[There's a pause as she looks from the fire over to him, smiling sadly.]

4.0;

[attackbrows]

[Mornings, afternoons, evenings… They were all the same for the Doctor. For some unknown reason, someone in the universe decided when it is “appropriate” time to have eggs.

He pads into the living area barefoot. Unlike the rest of the crew, all decked out in matching cozy pyjamas, the Doctor comes in only a ratty white t-shirt and a pair of navy boxers with colourful question mark print caped over by a purple blanket resting on top of his shoulders.

The woman’s voice is familiar. There was some sort of conversation they had at some point. He can’t quite recall what it was (something about fumbling, perhaps). But he takes a seat on one of the comfortable chairs as he cocoons himself with the rest of the blanket.]

The universe would be more at peace if we all settled for a pastry.

[And pulls out a surprise biscuit from underneath his blanket cocoon. Where’d he get that from? 👻]

[homeostatic]

( For Bones, Drift's gesture is simply warmth added to their cozy existence side by side. He shrugs. )

It's just one of those ancient human things. Fancy way of swearing.

[attackbrows]

[There is a slight lump of worry in the back of his throat. The two have travelled so much, he sometimes forgets if they have circled here in the past. As he watches Clara run up ahead, he can’t help but grin, seeing her enthusiasm as her eyes full of wanderlust soaks it all in.

It’s become second nature for the Doctor to reach out his hand so that the two can latch on to each other. He holds on to her hand firmly, caressing a thumb against her palm.]

Anura. A planet completely covered in water. Not a single landmass in sight and yet—

[He takes the lead on their stroll as the ground before their feet soon turns into crystal clear water, with flecks of starlight reflecting off it. Oddly enough, however, they don’t seem to submerge into the water. Their footsteps seem to walk over the water, making tiny ripples underneath their feet.]

This is the only landmass on its surface. A tree born out of impossible circumstances. [He shrugs.] At least that’s how I remember seeing it long ago.

[bossily]

[A tree born out of impossible circumstances, huh? It's hard for Clara to take her eyes off of something so radiantly beautiful, but she'll always give him her undivided attention in the moments where it counts.]

I seem to remember you having a fascination with impossible things.

[A knowing smile is on her face as she says it, rising up on her tiptoes to lean in and press a kiss to his cheek.

They may not be able to just hop into the Tardis and go wherever they want, whenever they want. But they can still have their adventures in moments like this. He's made this for her himself, so the odds of there being any danger or distractions here are slim to none. It's just the two of them, in this magical place, and any weight that she's been carrying on her shoulders before he led her down this path is gone now.

Her hand squeezes his, and she gives him a tug as she urges him to move along in closer to the tree.]

Tell me why you decided to bring me here tonight.

[Yes, it's Christmas. But he could've easily just arranged for her to meet Santa Claus again. Or given her a silly gift and sent her on her way. This is special in away she almost feels she doesn't deserve.]

[attackbrows]

[A flush of red paints across his face when her lips meet his cheek. Suddenly, everything about this chilly night felt warm within his two hearts. He can’t offer her the TARDIS to run far, far away. But they’re here. Together. Another Christmas spent happily with his companion.

He walks with her further towards the tree. The simulated night sky and crystalline tree illuminated the two.]

The same reason I always take you out, Clara. [His eyes look on to her.] Because I want you to be here.

[homeostatic]

( Oh he saw that shift in Jim's expression, and it goes returned by a sort of curious, thoughtful smirk. Lordy, Jim. Really?

The rest of the kitchen is a hive of activity and noise as others work on their own creations for dinner, leaving space at something of a premium. Clearly that's the reason why Bones is sticking so close to Jim once he drags the pot and a spatula over, intently watching him work until it's just the right time to start scooping the deep orange mash into the mix. )

You're doing a great job, picking all this up so far, ( He murmurs lightly, giving the pot another stir before proceeding, with a certain idle nonchalance, ) Hard to punish you when you're such a good boy.

[winscenario]

[ Excuse you, but there will be no kink-shaming in this house. Kitchen, whatever. (It'd be a problem given how many kinks Jim's into.)

Anyway! At least the whole cooking thing gives him something to focus on other than letting this (totally casual) conversation get to a point where all he wants to do is drag Bones out of here.

And then he has to go and say that, and Jim lets out a soft laugh. At least he doesn't splatter eggs all over the place. He then shoots Bones a look. ] I'll make you pay for that, you know.

[homeostatic]

Yes!

( He...he loves them so much, Daisy, you have no idea.

Bones watches her unpack each gift, taking them in turn with care. The coupon gets the biggest snort out of him, the whiskey earns a hum of approval. His smile turns fond for the book, but he sets it down quickly in lieu of the box set, grabbing it up to look over and read any packaging or insets. )

This looks terrible. ( In a good way, he clearly means, and gives her a wide smirk. ) When can we start?

[homeostatic]

You're not slick at all, you know.

( S'cuse him while he fusses with the settings on that tribble, right before he comes over to gently stick it on Billy's shoulder. Or at least try, anyway. )

Merry Christmas.

[winscenario]

[ Jim can't really say whether it would help or not to say those things out loud. Would it make parting worse, after having heard how much Finn cares? Or would it serve as comfort, having that with him wherever he goes, even after he loses him?

The thought still weighs on his chest, a heavy feeling that makes it a little hard to eat, but he pushes past it. When Finn speaks up, his own voice comes out as a little shaky and heavy at first when he answers. ]

Ah... no, not— like this. [ His hand resting on Finn's leg gives a squeeze, and he manages a smile just so he can glance at Finn. ] I've never really dated anyone before. So I guess everything we've done together as a couple, especially outside of sex, is all pretty new to me.