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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（ a curious reaction. he has the unselfconscious desire to pick at it like a scab. ）

Only you can know if it matters. However, there is little benefit to concerning yourself with futures that may or may not come to pass.

（ which is hypocritical. he is aware. the trajectory of his life was mapped out for him from cradle to grave — he could only ever follow it. but he is aware that it needn't be the same for others, that his is a singular case. ）

It is natural to lose bonds — death and separation are not avoidable. If you cut yourself off from the possibility of the changes they make wake in you, it is only ever a disservice.

（ he is thinking of shisui when he speaks. there is no universe in which he would ever refuse the possibility of their bond despite the agony of loss at its heels. he would, in fact, endure it a thousand times to have only ever been his brother once. ）

[Shinjiro is an awkward person; he frequently looks less than confident in social interactions, even relatively casual ones. But this is perhaps the first time in this interaction or the last that he has looked genuinely uncomfortable, like they've stumbled upon a topic that strikes too close to home.

He had cut himself off, yes, but not because he had feared the pain of loss. He simply felt it would be easier for others if he quietly disappeared, faded out of their lives like so much nothing when the Persona suppressants eventually took their course. Even here, he does not know what it will mean to undo his regret. His natural life has already expired--he might simply fade out of existence once the contract is fulfilled, or the orb might send him to craft the outcome he desires with his own hands, and face the notion of living. If he is honest with himself, he would prefer the former.

It seems unwise to allow himself to form bonds with others when his desire to continue existing is entirely rooted in guilt and obligation.]

Eventually we gotta go back to take care of what we came for, right? People die or leave all the time, sure, but seems kinda shitty to go into crap knowin' it ain't meant to last.

Edited (oh my god so many typos i'm sorry) 2022-01-01 00:18 (UTC)

（ he busies himself finding a place to set those marbles down. he has no use for them, after all. perhaps someone else will enjoy them. ）

My point is that nothing is meant to last. Returning to our own worlds is functionally no different than death to those remaining. We will have no way of knowing each other's ultimate fate or if we have succeeded in what we wished to do.

（ itachi is already well aware that having an ease of familiarity with his allies here will improve his chances of changing his regret. he will use any and all of them ruthlessly to get what he wants, and kill them if necessary. it is not the first time he has stepped over corpses to achieve a goal. he may not have a natural inclination towards cruelty but he has stitched it to his shadow just the same.

changing tack slightly — ）

Given the kindness you have shown, I do not think your concern is for yourself. Yet, you would ask others to endure this place bereft of connection because they may miss you when you leave?

（ it is not said judgmentally — more curiously, and blunt. ）

[It is somewhat comical what occurs the moment Itachi calls him out; he flusters, eyes distinctly widening for a moment before he ducks his head to hide them, shoulders unconsciously drawing inward.]

I ain’t done anything much.

[Which is perhaps half a lie; to his perspective, he really hasn’t done anything significant. He is not a scientist, not one of the medics or healers, nor has he been responsible for coordinating info gathering attempts or the retrieval of any of the first three orbs. He’s just a high-school dropout with a monster in his head and a chip on his shoulder.

But it is a sort of willful ignorance, a denial borne of self-loathing. He does not want to be seen as kind, reliable, or anything worthwhile. It is only that he is unable to follow through on the traits he’d prefer others to assume. When being unapproachable on a surface level fails, either due to his own actions or another’s earnestness, there is nothing left to serve the facade save stubbornness. He shakes his head.]

Nobody’s hurtin’ for connection without me. This is like the third party in as many months. Don’t got much to offer, anyway.

I wonder about that.

（ that's said without any follow-up or elaboration. what he means by it is open to interpretation — itachi is accustomed to being an enigma. ）

Have you sampled the 'eggnog'?

[Shinjiro blinks the moment the subject is changed; he had not expected the reprieve. The relief is his expression is somewhat palpable; he does not go chasing the meaning behind Itachi’s cryptic comment.]

Not yet. Figured I would when I got hungry.

[In other words he hasn't been here long and mostly just wallfowered around the edges so far. The food table will be braved when it is less crowded]

This your first time doin’ Christmas shit?

[His tone implies unfamiliarity with trappings of the holiday. Christmas has grown more popular in Japan as of late, but it’s by no means ubiquitous.]

Edited 2022-01-01 02:19 (UTC)

Yes.

（ once he's at the table, he selects a sweet biscuit off a plate and brings a second back for shinjiro, that they may continue their conversation. ）

Where I am from, we have the Rinne festival. When I was a boy, it was a time to honour the dead. Now, it has become customary to exchange gifts on the eve of the night. It is the closest analogy we have to this 'Christmas', but our gifts are not meant to be brought by a large red man with a sack who comes down chimneys.

[There's a beat of surprise when Itachi picks up on his hesitation and ends up picking one up for him, but he doesn't verbalize it, quietly munching on the biscuit as the other man speaks.]

Huh...ain't ever heard of the Rinne festival, but that sounds kinda like Obon, actually.

[Ironically, albeit, without the gifts. Which...makes him curious, if they're close to the same thing, moreso than Christmas.]

Does Rinne have the huge bonfires and paper lanterns and dancing?

Edited 2022-01-10 12:01 (UTC)

（ he nods, attention briefly focused on something else in the middle distance. ）

And shouryoma, additionally.

（ little animals made of eggplant and cucumber, cows and horses for ancestral spirits to ride to and from the afterlife. ）

Right, those too.

[He'd almost forgotten that particular custom, considering, well--]

Never really did much with that one. Seemed kinda pointless when I don't even know who my ancestors are, y'know?

[He lost his own parents so young he doesn't even remember their names.]

（ orphans are so commonplace in konoha that it stirs him more to understanding than pity. he simply nods, accepting it. the truth is, customs of that nature exist for the living. if you take nothing from it, there is little point in adhering to it. ）

It would make sense, then. If we have linguistic overlap, similarities in customs are to be expected. It's possible our worlds have divergent points or are alternate planes to one anotehr.

Yeah, probably. Like how most people around here are from some version of Earth or another.

[He takes another bite out of his biscuit, chewing thoughtfully.]

Who knew all those sci-fi movies had it right all along?

（ itachi's expression is generally rather devoid of any sort of emotive response, but there's a very, very faint difference between his customary blankness and what follows that statement.

helpfully, he clarifies — ）

I do not understand your reference.

[There's a distinct pause.]

You mean, you don't know what sci-fi means? Or a movie?

Sci-fi means 'science-fiction'. I have become aware of the term since arriving here. We have movies in my world. However, I imagine the narrative tropes to be quite different.

（ he's never actually... watched a movie. if he were to entertain himself in that way he would much prefer live theatre, but he is peripherally aware of them. it is a popular civilian pastime. ）

[Huh. Interesting.]

...Basically, a lotta sci-fi is about alternate universes and parallel dimensions and shit. Sometimes people meet other versions of themselves, or they go through some wormhole or whatever and wind up in their home but it's all different somehow, like in another time period or with some event changed, things like that.

[He shrugs a shoulder. Literally what they're being offered as a reward for this orb hunt falls under the realm of sci-fi tropes, honestly.]

But far as anyone knew on my Earth, we were the only ones out there. Nobody's ever even found proof aliens exist, let alone like, a few dozen different Earths. Somethin' like the Ximilia would've only ever been fiction back there.

Hm.

（ yes, that is his thoughtful, preliminary noise as he considers that. he is not, all things considered, an imaginative man. thinking about fiction is not something he ever truly had time for. he did not read non-fiction — he preferred even from childhood to immerse himself in strategy, in shinobi knowledge. even the precious little theatre he has troubled himself to attend has been based on real world events, even though he recognizes the dramatic exaggerations and the tendency to alter history to suit a narrative. the idea of storytelling for entertainment's sake was very much shisui's province — he used to spin wild yarns into the night about dragons and heroes and all the childish whimsy he could muster.

he nods, accepting that. ）

I see. Thank you for explaining it.

（ living the sci-fi trope dream??? ）

No problem.

[He feels weird about being thanked for answering a question but he tends to hate being thanked in general, honestly. At least this is the sort of thing that's not a big deal to him at all, rather than when Itachi was calling him out on being kind earlier.

There's a minute or two where silence hangs between them. Shinjiro is not typically one that feels a need to fill it with meaningless chatter, so once he's done with his biscuit he brushes his hands off on his coat, nodding to the other man as he starts to head off.]

...See you around. Later.

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OPEN ● ● ● Every Christmas is Last Christmas

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cw suicidal feelings, drug-related self-harm

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