maplebrook_box | (no subject)

❄ HOLIDAY BASH ❄

Welcome to the totally rad holiday-themed party happening in a pretty sweet castle in the middle of nowhere! You were invited here by someone who was invited by someone else and--actually you have no idea who's hosting. You know how these things work. You think you saw Leonardo DiCaprio on a balcony when you were walking up the driveway, but it was probably just your imagination. Or a ghost. Spooky.

Whether you end up running into familiar faces or not, there seems to be plenty going on!

There's a food table covered with all sorts of sweet and savoury delights alike next to an open bar for all your rum and eggnog needs.

There's a piano trio playing jazzy holiday music in the corner who are also willing to provide karaoke instrumentals if you're feeling up to it.

Near the windows is a big Christmas tree with countless gifts beneath--you'll probably find at least a few with your name on them!

Need a break, or looking for some privacy? There are several small rooms branching off from the main room with comfy couches available for a quick nap. (Or other things, but keep in mind that a place as nice as this probably has security cameras everywhere.) Fresh air can be found easily out on one of the various balconies! What a romantic view.

Oh, and don't forget about the mistletoe! If you're found under one with someone else, you might find your wrist tied to theirs with a length of pretty red ribbon that'll stay there until you smooch. (What kind of castle is this?)

Anyway, the party seems to be carrying on 'til at least New Year's, so remember to sleep, eat, and stay hydrated, and most of all, have fun!

[ Threads have been set up for general areas of interest, but please feel free to post a new top comment if you have other ideas! Also, the mistletoe is literally everywhere so you have total freedom with when and where you happen to get tied up.

Lovingly yoinked from

altarianite! ]

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[That gets anger out of Atsuya, though it's not directed at anyone present.

"It's not him! It's that woman! She's only using him!"

Morphine can land on him, if she still wants to after that outburst.]

[Well, initially, she darts away to hide behind Lyserg. After a moment or so, though, she'll fly back over and land on Atsuya's shoulder. Shhh, little one, shhhh.

Lyserg frowns at Atsuya's comment. And there's no easy way of...

... 'Getting rid of her' just sounds bad, no matter how you try to phrase it.]

[He can't do anything. He's so frustrated. There's so much at stake for everyone involved, and the only way forward hurts his brother. ...Maybe....the reason he can't protect him is that Shirou was always the defender.

"Not without probably sacrificing the only friends he has." Because while Atsuya would protect Shirou, he couldn't protect the whole team. He doesn't want Shirou to be alone again. Look what that did to him. Getting rid of Hitomiko...would probably let the aliens slaughter everyone.]

[So it's that kind of no-win situation...

Lyserg makes a face at that. I'm sorry. I wish there was something I could do.]

[...Well.

"Can you fight aliens?"]

[... Give him a moment to make sure he parsed that sentence correctly.

... I'm sorry, what?]

["Can you fight aliens? If someone else could get rid of the aliens, then Shirou-nii and the others wouldn't have to fight! They could all go back to playing normal soccer!"

You know. For a given definition of normal.]

[What the hell is this Lyserg can't even

Well, he did want to help, so...

... You know what, I'll definitely see what I can do.

Do you mind if he ruffles your hair a little, Atsuya?]

[Welcome to Inazuma Eleven.

...Hair ruffles feel nice, and he leans into them like a dog. He's been so starved for contact since he died.

"Thank you."]

[Dammit, he stepped into the wrong shounen series

Lyserg smiles and closes his eyes, content to keep ruffling Atsuya's hair.

He'll figure out how to go about this later.]