jikan_rpg | December | Event: With A Bang

December | Event: With A Bang

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In the weeks following that rather heavy announcement, anxiety and unease become familiar emotions among the refugees. Eventually, rumors begin circulating throughout the city, as the "first" anniversary of the time loop's end draws ever closer. Even without concrete evidence, it seems some among the native population have started to believe that time will simply loop again as well.

But the refugees have more than a few powerful allies on their side, and with a little bit of work and a little bit of love, they'll find a way to move forward into next year.

For The Big Night

As the day of the potential loop draws near, all refugees will find themselves receiving a special invitation to a Winter Gala being held at the Imperial Palace in Nihonbashi on the night of the 24th. The refugees themselves are the guests of honor, with the Emperor of the East scheduled to be making an appearance. Surely this can't be a coincidence, right?

But unlike the casual atmosphere of the Western Emperor, here in the East, this is likely to be a far more formal affair. Thankfully, they'll have a few opportunities to prepare themselves before the Gala itself.

Dance Dance Perpetuation Yoshiwara, Tokyo
For a fancy Winter Gala being held in the Imperial Palace, it goes without saying that there's going to be dancing. And for those who don't know how, they'll find a certain dance troupe in Yoshiwara is offering free lessons for all refugees attending the Gala.

The dances range from a formal Waltz to traditional dances native to Nippon, with the instructors patiently teaching the steps and correcting dancers as they practice in their studio. They even offer to let the Refugees borrow some of their costumes to practice dancing in more restrictive wear.

But their patience has a limit, and their offer, an ulterior motive. Because the costumes they offer are no ordinary costumes. Built into the fabric is a special magic-conducive material that connects to a small magi-tech device hidden under the collar of each outfit. And when activated, this magi-tech will cause the wearer to move against their will, following the dance routines programmed into the device. Supposedly, these are used for training beginners, as well as ensuring that dancers who need to sync up with one another can do so seamlessly.

Of course, the reality is they're mostly just used for hazing newbies, because the sensation of having your body dance dance dance the night away against your will is unpleasant. But hey, at least you'll remember the steps!

Binary Blowout Shibuya, Tokyo
Over in Shibuya, the Central Station Department Store is holding a special winter sale for couples purchasing matching outfits for ringing in the new year. Thankfully, couples won't have to do anything embarrassing to prove they're together in order to get the sale, and merely need to buy one half of a matching set at the same time.

For the most part, these outfits will consist of traditional kimono and hakama sets. However, it seems gender equality was not taken into consideration for this sale, and with few exceptions, couples looking for up to 75% off luxury clothing may find themselves forced to pick who gets the masculine hakama set in muted colors and who gets the bright and colorful floral kimono set (complete with matching hair accessories). Unfortunately, this seems to extend into their more Western styles as well, perhaps to a more extreme degree. Flapper dresses and fancy suits? Well, at least the sizes are inclusive?

Thankfully, given the cost reduction, it's still worth it to buy the full set versus buying only one half. But seeing as the sets do need to be purchased at the same time by the couple, and the ever so helpful employees will insist on giving each person a proper fitting and even offer professional photos, this may just end up being a more embarrassing experience than they expected.

Winter Wonderland

At last, the day of the party arrives! The palace is tucked away in a large garden in Nihonbashi, set atop a man-made island with a moat surrounding it. No doubt a common sight when traveling through the city, this will be the first time any refugees have been allowed to enter the castle grounds.

Inside the castle proper, the entire main hall has been fitted with a wintry theme, complete with magi-tech powered snowflakes that aren't cold, but fall gently from the ceiling and disappear before touching the floor. As the guests of honor settle in, the Emperor himself makes an appearance, dressed in extravagant blue robes and speaking in a soft, gentle voice.

"Greetings, my dear time refugees. Although previous circumstances prevented me from extending you all a proper introduction sooner, tonight I shall hope to make up for it.

I am Karu, Emperor of the East, and the one responsible for initiating the Time Refugee Project. Although it is customary in Nippon to address me by my title, Tennō, I do not wish to impose such formalities on all of you. Call me as you will.

I am well aware of the many difficulties our world has imposed on you. Hence forth, I hope to become a more reliable ally for all of you in this world. It is my hope that together, we can move forward towards a brighter future, both here in Nippon and in all of your home worlds."

After delivering his speech, he can be found mostly surrounded by his attendants and just quietly enjoying the atmosphere. While guests are welcome to speak with him, they may be quick to notice that he's not quite as eloquent when his words aren't pre-written.

Sus Snax Imperial Palace, Nihonbashi
Beautiful decor aside, the Gala has a live orchestra supplying the music, which seems to be of a more classical affair, with a Nippon-like twist. Dances will shift from playfully energetic to slower and more romantic as the night draws on. Enjoy a slow dance with a sweetie? It might just be your last chance before time resets at the end of the night.

And of course, no party would be complete without plenty of food and drink. Drinks are unlimited, with no shortage of beer, locally-brewed sake, and very expensive wines imported from before the time surges made international travel too dangerous. Should the Emperor really be giving this out for free? If asked, the attendants managing the party will simply explain that the Emperor is not very fond of alcohol, and wishes to share the collection he's acquired over the years with those who will enjoy it.

But at some point after the party has begun, some rather mysterious snacks make an appearance. Although looking like perfectly innocent manju, just one sniff will reveal the unmistakable scent of Uki weed laced within the sugary treat. How did someone smuggle these into the Imperial Palace of all places?? Well, as long as no one's a killjoy, the attendants won't recognize the scent, and the snacks will remain until they've all been eaten!

But what of those looking for a little... privacy? There's far more to the palace than just the main hall, and with just a little sneaking around, they'll find a door that leads to the upper floors. Despite being closed off, it looks like some of them have been decorated for the season as well, although it only takes a glance to see that most of the rooms are clearly unused. Wasn't this the Emperor's home? Well, regardless, there's still plenty of futons to be found in the closet of each tatami-lined room, so there's no reason that guests can't have a little fun in secret.

Mistleno Imperial Palace, Nihonbashi
It seems there's some other sort of trickery afoot at this Gala. All around the main hall, and even in some of the private hallways and outdoor areas, colorful paper cranes can be found hanging from doorways and ceilings. There's only ever one, and they seem to following some kind of colorful theme. Naturally, it should come as no surprise that these little fellas are enchanted, with different effects triggering depending on the color of the crane itself.

The red cranes will cause whoever walks under it to kiss the first person they see. A second variety, with a glittery sheen, will instead make them seek out someone they've never kissed before for a smooch.

The orange cranes will cause whoever walks under them to spontaneously teleport to the side of the last person they were thinking about, whether they want to be there or not. It seems someone thought it was funny to stick one of these above the bathrooms...

The green cranes will only cause an effect if two people walk under one at the same time. This crane will cause their minds to switch places, putting them in the other person's body. Passing under additional green cranes while the effect is still present will cause another swap, until no one knows who anyone is anymore.

The blue cranes will cause whoever passes under it to suddenly confess something out loud to the first person they see. Thankfully, it doesn't have to be a major secret, and may even just cause them to offer a spontaneous compliment, or admit they've have a little bit of the Uki snacks from earlier.

The purple cranes will manifest a random Kizuna effect that may linger for the rest of the night. This can be anything, from a mild physical change like growing flowers in their hair, to a severe mental change like intense levels of possessiveness.

And the pink cranes are of the most predictable sort, causing whoever passes under one to become almost insatiably horny. Thankfully, these ones are the rarest.

But how long will the effects last? Good question! Although none will last past midnight, the range seems to be anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. If pointed out to the Emperor's attendants, they'll immediately begin trying to remove them, but the cranes will simply take flight and flutter to another hidden location. So they weren't intentional, after all... so who put them there?

Party Crashers

As the evening progresses, the source of the mysterious Uki and magical paper cranes is revealed, when a number of Yokai abruptly crash the party. But this is no ordinary group of party crashers, as they're all dressed in imperial regalia, and are joined by the Emperor of the West himself, Katsuragi no Mikoto.

"Salutations, my dear guests from another world! Please, do not let me and my entourage disturb you! You see, I simply have very important business with a certain Karu-chan who stood me up last summer... no regrets, right?"

After a brief kerfuffle, the two emperors quickly take their leave to the very private balcony that absolutely no one can sneak into or blatantly peek at from the windows, not at all. Those hoping for a steamy scene may leave a little disappointed, but the lingering glances and shy smiles shared between the two say plenty on their own.

Boom Boom Boom Nihonbashi, Tokyo
Although the party may have been winding down before, once the Yokai join the group, things grow very lively very quickly. The classical music playing on the dance floor is replaced with some swinging jazz tunes, and dancers may find themselves literally dancing on air, as the Yokai use their magic to allow for weightlessness on the dance floor. They're being very careful that no one falls, and those affected will find their dance steps unaffected by the chance in altitude, but it's sure to be a little disorienting for some.

In addition to the Uki-laced snacks from before, drinks bearing magical effects are also brought out, with each effect carefully labelled to prevent accidental ingestion. The blue soda bottles cause drinkers to grow or shrink in height or size, in varying degrees of strength. Some may simply grow to a respectable six-feet tall, while others may find themselves shrunk down to no more than six-inches tall! The red berry-flavored drink causes those who drink it to become overtly flirty and confident, earning it the nickname "suave soda". And the mysterious sparkling sake causes those who drink it to become imbued with powerful Kizuna magic, causing severe Kizuna side effects to manifest. Strangely, it seems this one effects Yokai very differently, as the intended effect is simply a magical amplifier. Oops?

But aside from escorting their amorous emperor to his long-awaited date with the other emperor, the Yokai accompanying him have one last present to offer the refugees to make the evening even more magical. As the night grows late, a special spell is cast upon the ceiling, making it entirely transparent. And following a brief countdown, a spectacular show of fireworks is played overhead, visible from all over Tokyo. Magical in nature, the colorful bursts often take the shape of creatures, bounding across the sky before bursting into a brilliant show of light and magic.

By the time the show comes to end, few will have noticed that the clock has long since passed midnight.

Your Best Friend Everywhere, Nippon
It's not until the sun begins to rise that the last of the party goers begin filtering out of the castle and into the streets. Although none of the people sleeping in their homes are aware, it seems yet another time loop has been successfully stopped thanks to the refugees!

...sure, they did cause this one, but it still counts for something!! Though it seems they'll be left with no definitive answer for exactly how the time loop was prevented in the end. Maybe someone just needed to let loose a little for once?

Over the next few days, things really do seem to be progressing as normal. And more importantly, the people seem to be in even higher spirits than before. As another year safely passes by without any word of another loop, the native population begins to feel a true sense of relief, as if this year was proof that the time loop was truly over. Perhaps this is why scienz_rulz_1899 was so insistent that no one else find out the truth: because she knew just how important this peace of mind would be for the people of Nippon.

As thanks for their efforts, all refugees will find a gift addressed them to delivered to wherever it is they're staying -- and regardless of where. How did it find their way to them? It seems she still has her secrets! Each gift will include either a box of fancy pastries, a bottle of wine, or a small amount of money for those who can't enjoy either. And alongside that, an item from their home world that they would be happy to see again.

And at the bottom of each box is a small card, printed in their native tongue: from your best friend, Tomoko.

OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's December event! Please direct any questions to the Question Thread in the OOC Plotting post.

• While there is no official dress code, characters will ICly be encouraged to dress up for the occasion! For outfit ideas, consider searching 1920s fashion trends and Taisho era fashion!

• Feel free to make the effects of the paper cranes and drinks as mild or as strong as you'd like! Only the sparkling sake is alcoholic.

• Attempting to destroy the cranes will cause them to fly away. With effort, they can be torn up, but the effects they cause will linger unless burned to ashes. They are not living creatures, so don't feel bad about it.

• Characters who are in one of the upper floors when the fireworks begin will also experience an invisible ceiling. However, thanks to the way the magic works, the floor will not be invisible, and those on the floors below will not see them fuckin'. Unless you want them to, in which case, exactly one room will have this effect for all you exhibitionists out there.

• The item received in their gift from Tomoko/scienz_rulz_1899 can be normal or magical in nature, but it must be something they would want to see again, and something that would realistically fit in a large box. They do not need to attend the Gala to receive this item.

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Interesting is a good word for it.

[Aether's had quite a bit more than Childe, his words ever so slightly slurred, which might be why he's just nursing a cup of water by now. Though he won't say anything about it, the slight puffiness to his eyes seems to imply more than just the usual insomnia he's been dealing with since Lumine left Nippon.]

[While he didn't bother dressing for the occasion -- if anything, dressing down more than usual in a plain dark coloured kimono -- his hair has fallen from the messy ponytail he'd thrown it in earlier, leaving the silky stands to rest over his shoulders. And as he turns to offer Childe a brief smile, the ends of those strands tint to match Childe's hair, the color lingering even as he tilts his gaze back up at the sky from where he's taken a seat.]

But I think next year will be better. Especially with this one ending on a high note.

[ After everything that's happened, it's nice to see a familiar face and one of the ones that he holds most dear. The hakama he himself is wearing is slightly brighter and lighter in color that Aether's own, sweeping strokes of blue and silver and white coalescing into patterns of the ocean on the thin fabric. The obi is actually tied properly, meaning he's actually had some practice with it, found someone to do it for him or else thought the occasion too special to do anything less than what was expected of him.

His gaze looks appreciatively over Aether's own kimono and he reaches out, gently touching the ends of his hair before he moves to take a seat beside him. There were no concerns about forgetting Aether or their relationship; they'd been through one time loop already and even before coming to this place, he'd been fond of the Traveler.

Folding his legs up under him, he sets down his own drink and glances up at the ceiling proper, taking in the placement of the stars overhead and wondering over how things were going back home. ]

We'd have to start all over, you know. That doesn't bother you at all?

Do you think we will?

[Aether's own concerns about time looping differed from many others. In truth, this year had been one of the hardest of his life, considering time spent in Teyvat, as well. A second chance to make things right, to try and avoid the mistakes of the past year -- if this year was anything like the first year they forgot, then it's no wonder he wished for something like that.]

[But time spent reflecting has changed his stance. Despite his inebriation, his mind feels clearer than it has in a while. And with Childe sitting down beside him, he doesn't hesitate to lean against him.]

Because I think we'll see tomorrow. And then, after we make it back to Kyoto-- I think I'll climb into bed and sleep until the new year.

Even if we do, it wouldn't really matter. We already know each other.

[ he's not at all thinking about the implications that they might have their time reset to before they'd ever known each other. having met someone here who should, by all rights, be long-since dead and buried, a chapter in Mondstadt's history books, the possibility that they might revert back to a time before he and the Traveler hadn't even met was a very real thing. ]

No matter how things end, I'm sure it'll all be fine. So long as we're both hale and hearty, and should the stars wish it, I have no doubt we'll cross each other's paths sooner rather than later.

[ his hand covers Aether's own, reassuring, before he adjusts and gently laces their fingers reassuringly. ]

Don't you think so, Traveler?

[He looks down at their intertwined fingers, giving Childe's hand a reassuring squeeze of his own. Aether didn't really need the reassurance right now -- but it sounded like Childe did.]

[After all, if time resets, then Aether will once more arrive in this world with only part of his memories of Teyvat. Sure, he and Childe are all but guaranteed to cross paths again. But would things play out the same way again? Would they meet, then part ways, only to reunite again and grow even closer than before? Would they still be cuddled up like this under the stars as the year draws to an end? And what of Childe and Zhongli?]

...should the stars wish it, huh.

[The firework show overhead is briefly forgotten as he reaches up with his other hand to rest it against Childe's cheek, pulling gently to turn his face towards him.]

Well, you've got a bona fide shooting star sitting right next to you. So why not just make a wish on me for what you really want?

[Will he realize just how literal that statement is, or just assume he's drunk and trying to be suave? Maybe whether he does or not doesn't really matter.]

[ The remark gets at first a blink of his deep blue eyes, and then a gentle snort and a chuckle. Childe is quick to close the distance between them and gently bunt his head against Aether's own, taking the moment to steal a quick kiss that tastes like whatever it is the Traveler has had in his mouth this night. ]

It sounds like someone's been enjoying the party a little too much.

[ He teases, but there's no love lost in his gaze, no lacking warmth in his voice. The hand covering Aether's squeezes, again, and uses it to pull the Traveler closer against him. If the blond takes this as an invitation to climb in his lap, he certainly won't complain. ]

What makes you think I haven't already?

[Aether sees no reason to insist he was being serious, instead melting against Childe as he steals his lips for a kiss. The flavor of wine is what he'll taste the most, no doubt -- he may have split an entire bottle with someone earlier. But not because he was enjoying the party. If anything, it was the opposite...]

[But right now, he'd say he's enjoying it plenty, taking the unspoken invitation to sit up in Childe's lap and lean against his chest. Between the sound of the fireworks crackling overhead and the feeling of Childe's warm body against his own, he can actually feel his eyelids growing a bit heavy.]

Hm? Then what'd you wish for? I can't grant it if you don't tell me.

Oh no, that's not how it works.

[ The playful tone seems a constant in his voice, as is the arm wrapped firmly around the Traveler's middle. Childe wastes no time in tightening his hold on the blond, tugging him in close and wrapping him in a snug embrace so that Aether would have to fight hard to get out of it.

Overhead, the fireworks burst into myriad displays of color, lighting up the area and illuminating all the other people gathered to watch. He lets his gaze roam over each and every one of them, picking out familiar and unfamiliar faces alike, the variety of expressions each of them hold, suspended in time as they gaze up at the bursts of color and light.

His gaze turns back to the blond, and his arm tightens a little more. ]

You won't trick me that easy. It won't come true if you tell anyone, didn't you know?

Hmm... I guess that's how it works in some worlds.

[As Childe hugs Aether closer, he tilts his head back further -- eyes no longer pointed at the sky overhead, but instead looking up at Childe himself, and the way the fireworks seem to twinkle in his eyes. He has half a mind to turn in his lap so he can kiss him right now, but the way Childe's grip seems to tighten instead has him resting his arm on top of Childe's, holding the top of his hand comfortingly.]

But as long as one of our wishes comes true, it'll all be fine, right? So does that mean I can tell you mine?

You don't even know what I wished for, Aether. Maybe I wished that we could be locked in combat for the rest of eternity, constantly honing our skills and our strengths against one another.

[ this is delivered with such a bright, enthusiastic tone that it would be impossible to think it had been anything but that. perhaps he really did.

but Childe breaks into laughter a few moments later with another shake of his head, and the sound is little more than a low thrum of amusement. ]

If you're willing to risk it by sharing it, Comrade, please. I'm all ears.

[Turns and gives him a look like]

[But he's quick to settle back in his lap, nuzzling the side of his face against Childe's chest as he holds his arm around him. The desire to be close and cuddle is strong right now. Is that the wine, or does he just enjoy this intimacy he's grown so accustomed to with Childe? Probably a little of both.]

I'm not really a fan of eternity. Especially after fighting the Raiden Shogun twice.

[Did he mention this before at all?? Nope. Is he gonna gloss over it? Absolutely. He has more important things to talk about!]

But my wish... is for me to stay in bed aaall day tomorrow. And then nap until New Year's Day.

[...naps are important when you're sleep deprived, okay.]

[ listen he's a simple man with simple needs

besides even if he wished it, since he said it it's not like it's going to come true. ]

So that's what you traipsed off to Inazuma to do? Color me impressed. I'd love to see how you fare against Her Majesty someday, Traveler.

[ at the mention of his "actual" wish Childe snorts out a laugh, his fingers drumming playfully along Aether's hip. ]

That's so simple, I like it. Even if you technically broke the rules, I still hope it comes true.

[He's either gonna befriend or punch every archon at this rate, so Childe just needs to wait a few years, probably.]

I hope so, too. Who'd have thought the biggest challenge I'd have to overcome would be insomnia?

[Drawing his knees in, he curls up and shifts on Childe's lap, as if making himself more comfortable. But despite his light tone, as he takes in a breath and releases it with a sigh, there's a certain harshness to it, almost as if biting back the urge to cry. And yet nothing in his countenance seems to suggest it.]

[Still, for all that he hasn't talked at length about it, the fact that he hasn't been sleeping much at all isn't exactly something he can hide when staying with other people. Especially when the people he's staying with only have one bed.]

But actually... rather than a bed, I think I'd rather sleep right here. You're pretty comfortable.

[ that's with the assumption that he's going to live a few years because YOLO

the insomnia thing he can sort of relate with, but it's not something that he's had to endure for a long, long time. even now with everything he's witnessed, everything he's done he still sleeps as soundly as if he wasn't a Harbinger, as if he wasn't a Fatui that collected debt with the edge of his blade. he's long since come to terms with who he is and his place in the grand scheme of things, and there's little if anything that weighs heavy on his soul.

insomnia? don't know her, sorry. ]

Is it because of what's to come? [ it's less a personal observation and more the result of countless interactions with other people suffering from the same fears. ] Or is it something more than that? Apologies, Comrade, if I'm prying. [ if this can even be called prying, really. ] You don't have to say anything if you don't want to.

[He's quiet for a long moment, eyes flickering up at the fireworks still glittering overhead, and the smile on his face waning. And slowly, he shakes his head.]

I guess I should count myself lucky that I don't talk in my sleep. I've... always had them, actually. They've just gotten worse since Lumine disappeared.

[Well: since Lumine disappeared, his friendship with Kaeya self-destructed, his soul broke and got wabi-sabi'd whole again, and he remembered a new batch of Inazuma-adjacent trauma that he's still not sure how to process. But he's not going to get into all of that right now. Because ultimately, the content of the nightmares doesn't matter--]

And... after being sealed away in a nightmare for so many years, I can't force myself to sleep through them anymore. So I just haven't slept.

[When Aether mentioned back in November that the god who took Lumine had "sealed him away", he never said how long, nor what it was like. He's not sure he has it in him to talk about it at length right now, but he's already decided not to hold back when talking about himself anymore. Or at least, not with Childe.]

[ he doesn't really have anything to say to that, at first, and it's perhaps lucky that the fireworks are a good enough distraction from everything going on in the moment. he doesn't stare overlong, using the smothering booms to think back over the nights they'd spent together and how he hadn't really noticed anything was amiss.

being here has changed people, he thinks. sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. it's not as if he hasn't found himself reconsidering the life he lives here, whether or not the fraternizing he's doing is looked upon favorably in the eyes of his god. that Scaramouche is here, too, and probably engaging in the same sorts of things is a small comfort.

it doesn't change the fact that thinking on what they'll return to when they inevitably leave this place is both a comfort and a fear. ]

I can't offer any advice for your bad dreams since... I don't really have them. [ them being nightmares? or them being dreams? it's not so unusual. ]

But not sleeping isn't really good for you, Comrade. Perhaps there might be a healer or something in the city to help?

[Aether's always been good at hiding his own pain and struggles, but it wasn't really an intentional thing. He never had to tell Lumine how he was feeling, because she just always knew. Two shooting stars, perfectly in sync with one another... and even despite all the time they spent apart, during the brief time she was here, things were no different.]

[He's gotten better about talking about things now, and asking for help when he needed it. But even still, he had some blind spots.]

I've asked my usual healer, and she suggested Yumenu Blossom tea. But I guess it's really hard to find this time of year, and since it only grows in Chubu, it's expensive...

[Gently sets a flag for a future world quest--]

But actually, I think I feel better right now than I have in a while.

[Between spilling his heart out to Dohalim, and his talk with Zhongli, it does feel like he's ending the evening feeling higher than he did when he first arrived. And of course-- his present company is helping his mood quite a bit, as he leans his head against Childe's shoulder and smiles up at him.]

If time does reset tonight... well, I can't think of anyone else I'd rather spend my last few minutes of this loop with.

Yumenu Blossom tea... [ he murmurs, half to himself, half to Aether. Chubu he knows well enough; it was one of the places that he was warned against going to by the Hunter's Guild he occasionally did bounties for, and therefore had piqued his interest enough for him to put a pin on it and consider later. his travels hadn't quite taken him out that far yet - save for the occasional odd happenstance that tended to occur at either the beginning or the end of the month - but nothing that had really given him reason to explore the vast, deep forests and the wilderness beyond.

Aether's weight against his shoulder is a welcome one, and he readjusts himself to be a better support for the blond. the party thrums around them, emotions running high with anxiety and relief and carelessness, and it's hard not to get swept away in it all. with Aether by his side working as a good grounding point it's easy to anchor himself to him, in a sense, focusing in on the Traveler's presence until he's the only thing he sees in the room. perhaps it's always been that way.

at his comment he hums, gently dipping his head down to knock their foreheads together. that same light in his eyes has returned, and it would be easy to write it off as a reflection of the moon and the stars overhead if not for how human it made him look. his eyes were never a point of contention for him, having been something he'd long since accepted as proof of his struggles in the Abyss, but from time to time he did find himself worried that one of his siblings might notice and say something. ]

You know what would be even better, Comrade? One last fight to end this year on. [ he's teasing, of course; the lightheartedness in his tone and the coy amusement in his gaze says as much. but if Aether wouldn't mind... ]

You'd better hope Zhongli doesn't hear you say that, though. He's already sentimental enough. [ and for good measure, he tips his head up to gently press a kiss to the crown of Aether's head. ]

A fight, huh? You'd still need a bigger handicap than me being a little sleep deprived to pull a win over me, you know.

[Spoken with a light, airy laugh as he teases right back. Naturally, there would be no fighting tonight.]

[The light visible in Childe's eyes seemed almost brighter than the fireworks overhead, and it's not long before his gaze turns completely on to Childe -- even as he feels his eyelids starting to grow heavier. By the time Childe's pressed a kiss to his head, they've already slid closed.]

Mm. He is... but that's why I think he'd understand. Even if the moment would be even better with him here, too. We'll just have to... make it up to him in the morning.

[Ahh. He's starting to drift off. It wouldn't be the first time tonight that he's nearly fallen asleep on someone. He'll just wake up in a few moments anyway once the nightmares start, right? So he doesn't bother fighting it.]

[Of course, with Childe at his side and his mind clearer than ever -- as the last few seconds of the night tick by, Aether falls into a much needed peaceful sleep.]

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December | Event: With A Bang

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