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

[winscenario]

[ They can manage the food. What's important is that he gets Finn scooted close to him, and he smiles happily once Finn manages to settle himself against him, kissing his forehead. He takes his plate with a thanks, setting it on his own lap over the blanket, lifting his mug to take slow sips while looking out quietly to watch the snow. It's a pretty and peaceful view, made all the better for the current company, a smile spreading across his lips whenever he thinks about how he gets to share this with Finn, in what's probably the unlikely set of circumstances to bring them here. ]

I'm glad I've met you, Finn, [ He blurts out, apparently apropos of nothing. He tilts his head and rests his cheek against Finn's head, sighing quietly. ] Here. Where all universes meet.

[hatejakku]

[ The comment comes seemingly out of nowhere and completely draws Finn to a halt for a moment. His chest fills to the brim with every warm emotion in his body, though, all of his love coming to the forefront. It's enough to make him start crying, honestly, and maybe a happy tear does come to his eye. Jim can't see it from this position, anyway.

Food totally forgotten, he reaches out to hold Jim's wrist and shuts his eyes tight. ]

Me, too. I'm so glad I met you.

[ For a beat, his happiness is nearly drowned away in the grim reality that none of this will last. But he beats the notion away and tries to focus on the good, overwhelming feelings right now. ]

[winscenario]

[ It's fine to feel those sad feelings, because Jim has been feeling them too, trying to ignore them to the best of his abilities. They mingle with the joy he feels right now, though, and it's in good part because of that dim future that he's felt the need to say that out loud, to tell Finn just how happy he is that they got to have this, even if it doesn't last.

He rests a free hand on Finn's leg, giving it a squeeze, then letting his fingers curl into his thigh, a warm, lingering touch. For a while he pays no mind to his breakfast, letting it sit ignored, until eventually those strong feelings subside and he manages to lift one of the sweets to take a bite. Despite everything, this is a good moment and he's determined to keep it so. ]

[hatejakku]

[ Finn feels much the same way, that there's a voice in the back of his head telling him that it's even more important to tell James what he means to him because of the time limit. But he can't, even though he knows that not saying it doesn't change how either of them feel.

It's not until James begins to eat that he comes out of his thoughts a little. Finn starts nibbling on his own food, too, snacking more than eating a meal while he leans against Jim's side, watches the snow, and thinks. His mind has a hard time leaving well enough alone.

When he eventually speaks after a long silence, his voice is soft, almost quiet. ]

You said that you had this holiday back home, but you didn't really celebrate it. Did you never do things like this?

[ Like just sitting with someone, taking the moment in, and being. Having time with the people he cares about without anything looming over their heads. ]

[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.

[hatejakku]

[ Jim's wavering is palpable enough for Finn to feel deep in his chest and brings a small frown to his face. He wonders, were they thinking the same thing? Was James also far too aware of how little time they have? Too little time for whatever this is?

He tries to erase the frown when James looks to him, but the answer doesn't inspire a lot of happiness either. Their morning was so cheerful up until a moment ago. He'd like for James to have this without seeing darkness on the horizon.

Food forgotten, he wraps his arms around Jim's one, hand covering his where it rests on his leg, his head resting on Jim's shoulder. Finn can eat later, can eat anytime. This is, ultimately, rarer. His intense feelings on the matter may be influencing that idea, though. ]

At least, we're on the same level, then. It's all new to me, too... I love it, though. You've made this wonderful.

[ He didn't intend for a double meaning to be in there but he doesn't take it back when he realizes what it sounds a bit like. ]

[winscenario]

[ It's fine, it can still be a good day, filled with good memories. But Jim also realizes that the closer they get to each other, and the more their feelings for each other grow, the harder this will be. This ever present realization that their time is finite, that whatever they have, however special, is limited to their time in this place. They won't even be able to remain friends, as they'll never even see each other when they both go back home.

Maybe it would be easier to just cut their losses and end things, but it's a possibility that Jim doesn't even consider. Making both himself and Finn miserable for the length of their stay here just because he's afraid of the ache of parting? He would rather suffer through that hurt, yet collect as many wonderful memories as he can until then.

He smiles a little with Finn's answer, setting his half-empty mug aside so he can turn a little to face Finn. Cupping his cheek, he presses their lips together in a sweet kiss, not deepening the contact but not breaking away either, just letting it be a lingering contact of lips against lips, into which he pours his every feeling about this, about them. ]

[hatejakku]

[ Finn has also thought of this possibility, that it would probably be easier on both of them to just end it now, let things ease away before they're forced to separate. But even if they knew for sure that they would never see each other again at the end of this, Finn still wouldn't choose that option. He knows now that James cares very deeply for him, and the last thing Finn ever wants to do is hurt him, even if it's to avoid hurting him worse later.

Maybe there's another way, something to make the parting easier or something to ensure they never really part at all, but Finn doesn't know what that is. He doesn't even like thinking that far ahead when it comes to this.

All of those thoughts manage to disperse when James tilts his head and presses their lips together. It's chaste, sweet, and Finn can feel a lot of emotions just beneath its surface. That's something else about them they haven't voiced, whatever his abilities have done to draw this connection out. So long as James is content to enjoy it, then so is he, for now.

He presses back briefly into the kiss, his fingers grazing over Jim's jaw, and pushing forward all of his own feelings about them. All of his sadness and affection and love and... protectiveness. Even when the kiss is done, he doesn't care about parting and lingers. ]

[winscenario]

[ He's trying very hard not to think about any of that, but it's difficult right now, for whatever reason. Maybe it's this connection between them, whatever doorway Finn's opened up through the Force, creating a loop of feeling that goes back and forth when they're both thinking of the same thing. Either way, Jim finds it hard to think of anything else, even while they kiss, and he tries to use that as some way to distract them both, only with a small degree of success.

His plan was to linger until his emotions weren't getting the best of him, but the kiss breaks with a hitched breath from him, shuddering as he grips Finn's shirt tightly, eyes closed and forehead pressed firmly to Finn's. He can feel all those emotions, clearer than ever he knows how Finn feels, even if Finn himself won't say them out loud. It feels... almost wrong of him to not acknowledge them, like he's ignoring them just because he's scared, terrified of what that might mean in the long run.

But he doesn't want Finn to feel like it's a one-way road either. He also doesn't want to wake up one day and Finn's gone, and he'll regret all the things he never told him. ]

I love you, Finn. You know that, right?

[ Well... maybe he didn't, but now he does. ]

[hatejakku]

[ No, he... didn't know that. Not really. It's one thing to feel those deep emotions in another, to know the depth of them, but it's another thing to put them into words, to acknowledge them. That and because James said it at all despite their situation (or because of it, maybe) is why Finn's so shocked for a moment.

His eyes widen, body frozen, but he doesn't pull away to get a look at James as if to confirm this. It's incredibly surprising to hear, but... he can feel it. He's been feeling it. And suddenly this whole thing went from scary to horrifying. The weight of this, crushing into his chest, what's going to happen, it's not fair--

After a little too long of just silence, Finn reaches up to cup Jim's face. A tear comes to his eye that he hopes can't be seen, and his voice is barely audible and a little brittle. He's been in a lot of horrible situations and he's never felt more vulnerable in his life. ]

I love you.

[winscenario]

[ Any other situation, he might've asked Finn why he was crying, but he knows why he's crying, and it seems pointless to tell him not to. Even more pointless when, in response to Finn's shaky, broken confession, Jim's own eyes well up with tears, and before he realizes it a quiet sob spills from his lips.

He moves closer, wraps his arms around Finn's neck, as tight an embrace as he can manage while curled into Finn's lap. He buries his face into Finn's neck and shoulder and lets tears fall from his eyes, at least managing to quiet down any sobs that might've otherwise come out. ]

I know...

[ He knows, yes, he's always known, as much as he's tried to not pay much mind to it. It's been harder and harder to ignore lately. It really is not fair, none of this is, and part of him can't help but feel selfish and guilty for turning their relationship into something even deeper and more serious when they both know how it'll inevitably end.

But God, he wants to make Finn happy, even if it's just for the short while they're here. Which yes, he realizes seems a little silly when they're both crying on each other, but anyway. ]

[hatejakku]

[ Finn holds him in a tight embrace right back, though his own tears are largely in part to feeling Jim's against his skin. He knows and dreads how much pain he'll feel when they separate, but now his pain isn't just his own. James would have been hurt anyway, but this adds so much more to it. He doesn't want this for him, doesn't want them to turn into something that's just grim and sad to think about.

No, it's not fair. But he is glad that James knew...

He has to make this better. He has to fix this. If only there was a way to fix it. ]

We have now. We have here. [ It's not enough but it's more than what they could have had otherwise. He pulls away a little, enough to look at him, to wipe some hair and tears from his face, and try for a fragile smile. ] We found each other. Right?

[winscenario]

[ He feels a little bad for having ruined such a lovely morning. Crying on Finn's shoulder wasn't exactly part of his plans when he first came out here, but then neither was it to confess to him, yet here they are. He's a bit of a mess, but Finn is so good to him, holding him close, comforting him, giving back as much as Jim offers him.

It makes him both sadder and happier at once, which is... a confusing thing, he realizes, but he smiles more so than anything, still letting out a soft little sob when Finn pulls away. He blinks a couple of times, staying still as Finn wipes away the tears, and nods slowly at what Finn says. ]

Yeah. we found each other. [ Here, now, that just doesn't feel like enough. It's too little, too uncertain. Tomorrow they might not be here, one of them might vanish without warning. Jim's always been terrified of losing important people that way. ]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ruin today.

[hatejakku]

[ It is enough. It has to be enough. If it's not, then it'll never be. Finn decides they have to focus on what they have instead of mourning what they don't. Easier said than done and it won't really happen that way, but at least they have something. ]

No, no. You didn't. [ Finn shakes his head, a watery smile still on his face and tears still in his eyes. It's bittersweet, yes, but it's something. He wipes a few more tears away. ]

This is- It's wonderful. It's-... Whatever's going to happen, it'll happen. We have now and we can make the most of it. Don't be sorry for that.

[ Besides, no one's ever told him that they love him before. Finn presses a kiss to his lips and wraps him in a hug again, holding him tight and willing him to see the good in this. ] I love you.

[winscenario]

[ To Jim, it is enough, of course it is enough. He loves Finn, loves that he's part of his life, even if that may only be for now, or for however long it ends up being. Even if this ends up being short-lived, it won't change how Jim feels now, or how he will feel once they part.

It's funny, though. Jim tends to be the more optimistic one. But he genuinely appreciates how Finn tries so hard to cheer him up.

And he is right, of course. There's no point in wallowing in a dim future. The present is bright and wonderful, and Jim couldn't ask for more than that from Finn.

He pulls from the embrace again after a while, smiling this time as his eyes meet Finn's, a hand moving up to cradle Finn's cheek. ]

I'm happy right now. With you.

[hatejakku]

[ In all honesty, Finn isn't very optimistic. His heart is broken as much as it is floating on air. He's the happiest he's ever been and the saddest all at once.

But he doesn't want James to cry. It's true, James is usually the optimistic one. He can't stand to see him so hurt over this, over something that's supposed to be perfect and beautiful.

When Jim pulls away, the reassurance lifts some of the weight from his chest. His own smile tugs on his lips in response, soft and genuine, while his hand rests beneath Jim's ear. ]

So am I.

[ And that will be enough. He leans forward again, this time to rest their foreheads together. All this emotion is going to be a lot to process. ]