MISTLETOE MEME REDUX

[siberia]

the mistletoe meme

you know what to do. whether it's magic compulsion (feat. magical attraction or not), that you're trapped until you kiss, or just tradition and social pressure, you've been caught under the mistletoe and that means you have to kiss.

 

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Arsène Lupin / Code: Realize

[heartsteals]

kermit gun........

[unghost]

[ Christmas decorations are definitely not something they're well versed in, and that applies to all aspects of the holiday. Why humans would ever cut down a tree and put it in their own home, and hang fragile things from it no less makes no sense to them. Initially they thought these sort of holiday crafts were a waste of time (and to a gem, they still are), but after months and months of seeing how much effort humans put into celebrating life, they think they're starting to understand why this is all so important. That aids in them putting in some slightly above average effort to participate in the holiday cheer, even if it's just spending time together and learning something new about the abundant traditions that seem to revolve around this time of year (quite the opposite of gem culture, frankly).

This, though. This little plant hanging in a doorway, unlike anything they've seen before, is strange. And sort of ugly. They've since learned that not every plant kept around is for eating, but they can't help but wonder what this is for while standing under it, reaching up like they're about to take it down to look at it closer. ]

What is this supposed to be...

[ That's a rhetorical question, mused aloud but not necessarily meant for him, who is by their side as he frequently is these days. They're here to be near him, after all. ]

beegun........

[heartsteals]

[ Lupin does have a bit of a soft spot for Christmas. When he was younger, it was like a fantastic dream that was always just slightly out of reach - he might have been shivering and huddled in a dirty alleyway trying to escape the snow, but he could look in the windows and see the lights and imagine that maybe he'd be in there one day instead of out here. Now, old and capable enough to realize that dream, he can't help but want to decorate like his younger self would want.

Cairngorm's willingness to help is a pleasant surprise - he can tell they're actually trying, which is both cute and unprecedented. So, naturally, he meets their enthusiasm (muted as it may be) with even more of his own. And maybe a slight change of plans. When they point out the mistletoe, he grins, leaning one elbow against the wall next to it. ]

This! This is mistletoe. Holiday decoration. [ he answers cheerfully, gesturing to the plant, as if he's not explaining a devious trap he definitely set expressly for Cairngorm to walk into. ] There's a funny tradition with it if you get caught standing under it. I'll bet you can't guess what it is.

how dare you make me sad about baby lupin one tag in

[unghost]

[ For now, they have no reason to think this was a trap at all - just more weird stuff that they don't quite understand. Still, their expression falls a bit flat at that, quitting reaching up for it since it's clearly supposed to stay hung given his explanation. ]

What? Of course I'm not gonna be able to guess it. [ An astute observation on his part, really. As usual, even if they're being a bit more pliant than they usually might, it seems like they have no intention of playing along or into his hand (intentionally). ] How could I when none of these traditions make sense to begin with...

[ Not that that inherently makes them bad. Just silly. They're purpose-oriented as always. Even though they're not putting forth an answer themself, they do meet his eyes a bit expectantly, wanting an answer if it's supposedly so funny. They highly doubt that it really is that interesting, and will definitely let him know if it isn't. ]

I Gotta

[heartsteals]

[ that grin turns a touch more mischievous; he punctuates his sentence with a light tap to Cairngorm's nose with his index finger. ] I'll give you a hint: you'll need me to do it.

[ could he just tell them? Yes. But he knows they're shy, so he may as well ease them into it -- although, mostly, he's doing it because he thinks they're cute when they're grumpy and embarrassed. His habit of teasing them has only gotten worse since he made his affections known. ]

[unghost]

[ Their nose wrinkles and they turn their face slightly, but it's quite the mild reaction in comparison to eight or nine months ago when they might have violently swatted away at his hand, uncaring if they struck him. It's in the small things, with Cairngorm. ]

I told you, I don't know...

[ Something they need him to do, that's some tradition triggered by this plant. Hmm. Very vague. Even his little mischievous smile doesn't lead them to think anything intimate of this; they just lean their shoulder against the wall with arms crossed, looking to the side in thought. What's Lupin good for, that they wouldn't be able to do on their own? ]

Steal something from someone?

[ Like... being forced to play a prank?? ]

2B / nier: automata

[undeserved]

[decryptic]

[ It's probably 9S's fault that they're in this predicament.

Scratch that -- it's definitely his fault.

When he glimpsed a strange little Stubby in the distance wearing a floppy red hat and a faux white beard, he couldn't not find out what that was about. He called out a customary "2B, look!" and pointed out the anomalous Machine before starting off after it, trusting that she would follow.

The Machine disappeared into what looked like a small factory. As they neared, it became clear that the factory was being put to use: vague shapes moved back and forth mechanically in the high, dusty glass windows. Strangely, a few placid moose were tethered nearby. After circling the building, 2B and 9S determined that the only way in was through the front door. If there was a trap, they'd have to deal with it.

And thus: they had to deal with it. The entrance door locked shut behind them, and the Bearded Stubby stood in the other doorway straight ahead.

Christmas! Christmas! Tradition! Tradition!

It cried enthusiastically and threw its arms up before turning and hopping out of the room. The second door slid shut and locked with ominous finality behind it.

And so here they are in the present. The only thing in the room besides the androids and their Pods is a little sprig of some mysterious plant hanging from the ceiling directly over them. ]

backflips in... SORRY THIS IS LATE BOBINO

[undeserved]

[ technically, 2B was supposed to be the one in charge of their terrible twosome - 9S was just "support," after all - but in reality, she rarely opposed his suggestions if something caught his eye or someone's story piqued his interest, even if Command might not approve of letting him run free. She has a certain amount of trust in him and his abilities, his intelligence, and on top of that, a strong dislike of standing in the way of his curiosity, provided it's harmless; despite how she treats him (or tries to treat him), she still feels an obligation to let him pursue what little happiness he can glean from this planet while he still can.

So, yes, she follows after him without even really questioning it when he chases after the weirdly-dressed machine. These ones tended to display behavior that either warranted attention or destruction; his judgement wasn't wrong, she thinks. But maybe they should have thought this out more. When the doors slam shut, 2B sighs, sounding a little annoyed. ]

A trap. I knew it. [ the windows are too high for them to reach, so that method of leaving is out... ] ... What's "Christmas?"

[ sometimes he knows these things. or the Pods know these things. she sure doesn't. ]

KICKFLIPS EXCITEDLY I'M HERE FOR YOU SIBSAN

[decryptic]

[ When nothing immediately assaults them, 9S takes his time scanning the room. A trap it may be, but if the Machine intentionally used costuming to lure them in, then that's new behavior right there. It's worth looking deeper into... if you're 9S. ]

I've never heard of it. Pod?

[ Pod 153 offers:

Analysis: Christmas was a prominent religious and cultural holiday marking the birth of the figure Jesus Christ. Major elements included gift-giving, cold weather, and tree ornamentation. ]

Huh. Why would a Machine be interested in all that?

[ A question really for himself, because it's 2B he's talking to. ]

[undeserved]

[ yeah, that explanation does literally almost nothing. They don't appear to be in any kind of danger at the moment, at least, which she's thankful for. She crosses her arms, looking somewhere between pensive and frustrated, as much as her half-covered expression ever belies anything. ]

I doubt there's any meaning behind what they're doing.

[ squashing discussion immediately, as usual... yet she doesn't move to immediately cut the plant down or start circling the room looking for an exit. She's found herself more and more pliable to the Machines' weird requests lately. If they do... whatever they want them to do, maybe they can get some kind of reward, even if it's only information. It's better than fighting, at least. ]

Is this supposed to be the tree?

[ what are they supposed to put on it, then...... it's so small. And upside-down. ]

[decryptic]

[ Her response is about par the course, so he gently... ignores it. Not that he doesn't value her opinion; she's just rarely interested in these things, and he doesn't expect her to be. Her comment on the tree is sufficiently distracting though, and he joins her in staring up at it. ]

It looks... kind of pathetic. There's nothing for us to decorate it with, either.

[ And why is it on the ceiling if they're supposed to do something with it? Either the Machine's got a few cogs knocked loose or they're missing something here. ]

Pod, what's the deal?

[ Again, Pod 153 chimes in evenly.

Analysis: That is an obligate hemiparasitic plant commonly referred to as mistletoe. Christmas tradition dictates that any two people standing underneath mistletoe must kiss, or else bad luck will befall them.

9S's pulse rate immediately skyrockets. He sputters. ]

WHAT?! What's that got to do with some religious fart's birthday?!

[ He wouldn't be half as bothered if he and 2B weren't standing directly under the thing... ]

Mizuki Ioti / CharadeManiacs

[digestif]

Hikage / Psychedelica of the Black Butterfly

[psychedelica]

Fiora / Xenoblade

[bisouled]

[bisouled]

-- Shulk! What are you doing, up at this hour?

[ her voice is playfully scolding, though considerably heavier on the scolding than the playful. It's a question that could probably be asked of Fiora, too, but her answer is fairly obvious at this point: she just doesn't need to sleep that much anymore. The cold doesn't feel half as sharp as it used to, either, which is why she's not bothered going out for a little nighttime stroll while they're camping on Valak Mountain. It's beautiful at night - perfect for clearing her head a bit. It has a bad tendency to get cramped up with nasty thoughts when she's alone at night.

Maybe it's the same for him. She hopes not. Her footsteps are heavy in the snow. ]

You'll catch cold.

hey

[engage_the_enemy]

[Shulk, by all rights, has an absolutely horrid sleep schedule. Even worse with the thoughts that traipse through his mind unbidden. A poor way to be when he's often stuck in his head enough as is, though of late his musings are less about the weapon designs he's always dreamed of and more...the future, and how uncertain it had become in an instant the moment Colony 9 was invaded.

Basically, he's caught in his own internal back and forth when Fiora's voice silences both sides in an instant, Shulk making a very intelligent noise as he startles and looks over his shoulder at Fiora, blue eyes wide at first and immediately framed by a small smile that crinkles his eyelids just a bit.]

Fiora!

[Ah, but he's being scolded, so he turns to her more, sitting a little straighter on the jut of rock he;s parked himself on and donning an almost teasingly serious expression.]

I'm alright. Just needed to clear my head a little bit. I made sure to dress warmly too, promise.

[He tugs at the fabric of his sweater as proof. Very convincing, considering he wears this sweater near constantly enough that it's honestly probably starting to wear thin.

But maybe Fiora will forgive him if he pats the spot next to him after. Come on, then. He knows she enjoys the company.]

REVS THE ENGINE ON THIS THREAD

[bisouled]

[ It hadn't been her intention to sneak up on him, really - as much fun as that is, she'd been just as surprised to find him here - and she almost apologizes, but feels righteous enough in calling him out for still being awake that she decides "sorry" isn't necessary. Nonetheless, all scolding aside, she can't help but giggle a little when he makes that ungainly sound, and that indicates as much as anything that she's just nagging. Just like old times.

Sort of. ]

That poor thing's going to be down to a thread by the time you're through with it, [ she replies with dry humor. ] But... I suppose it'll do. For now.

[ the faint sound of compressing hydraulics accompanies her as she sits down beside him, accepting the invitation without missing a beat. And she can't really feel it, but she knows her external temperature is frigid, so she's careful to keep metallic fingers and elbows from bumping into him as she does. There are a lot of little things she's aware of - in the back of her mind, always. Fiora smiles back regardless. ]

I'm not one to talk, anyway. I was up doing the same thing. [ a wistful sigh. ] It's just so beautiful here at night - it feels like a waste to sleep through it all.

coughs to life like a person choking on cheeto dust

[engage_the_enemy]

[Shulk would never expect Fiora to apologize for being right....otherwise she'd never stop apologizing!!

That comment about his sweater does have him frowning at a loose thread on his chest, but that's a lost cause, isn't it? He smooths it down as Fiora settles beside him, a typically polite distance left between them.

Shulk hums in agreement too, looking away from Fiora for the moment to gaze up at beams of light decorating the peak's star-dappled sky, the glowing ether crystals (the very source of the beams) dotting the landscape almost like stars themselves.]

It certainly would be a waste...even more of one not to share it.

[He smiles at that thought, even if another part of him is suddenly galled at the memory of how...of how often he thought of all the things he would never get to share with Fiora. When she wasn't here. When there was nothing to fill the empty space she left behind.

But she's here, right next to him, sharing this sight with him...]

If anything, I should scold you for not joining me sooner.

[Cheeky, isn't he?]

gives you a baja blast to wash the dust down

[bisouled]

[ oh, shulk... is that supposed to be a line? Probably not. She knows better than anyone that he just doesn't have a filter when it comes to these things - whatever comes through his head, he'll say to her, as far as she can tell. Fiora shakes her head with a rueful smile. ]

Or... you could have invited me? Just a thought.

[ her teasing has a little edge, as usual, but it's not serious - she's not really upset with him. Honestly, it's hard for her to get annoyed with him now; she owes him so much that everything else feels trivial, and that's not even mentioning the invisible time limit ticking down over each moment with him. She pulls her knees in towards her chest, resting her arms there as she turns towards the sky, too. The silhouette of the Mechonis is faint behind the rays of ether shooting off into the stars. The bottom of the mountain seems even fainter. They're awfully high up. ]

Well... I'm here now, so no scolding. [ a pause. ] You know, I never would've imagined you'd be able to climb a mountain like this. I would have been so worried about you.

[ she was, anyway, at the time, even if she had no way of expressing it or knowing exactly what he was up to... but the Fiora left behind at Colony 9 would have been more worried he'd collapse a quarter of the way up than get attacked by Mechon. ]

WHAT MONTH IS IT who cares

[sokagyo]

[ Christmas this year is, blessedly, much more relaxed than the year previous - not much of an achievement, considering that set the bar on the floor, but something to be happy about nonetheless, especially when your oath brother is a magnet for trouble. It's the eve of the big day, and Reina'd opened Serena for an evening party; naturally, Nishikiyama attended, and, naturally, he'd dragged Kiryu with him. It was a good night, full of eating, drinking, good cheer, and a lot of really terrible karaoke (the best kind), and by the time the two of them are stumbling out the back door, the crisp, snowy night air still isn't quite enough to snap Nishiki out of his more-than-tipsy state. ]

Kiryu! Kiryu, you gotta hold up, man, look.

[ and in his inebriated state, it seems like a funny idea to stop him in the threshold, grabbing his elbow, and point up to the little sprig of mistletoe hanging from the floor of the next staircase up. Or, well, probably mistletoe? Maybe it's just a holly decoration. At the moment, it looks like mistletoe to him, and haha, wouldn't it be funny if Kiryu got stuck under it? With him? Funny, that's all - that's good enough. ]

You can't leave now!

[nani]

[ kiryu is always kind of slow on the uptake, but being drunk really doesn't do him any favors in that department. it'd been such a fun night, so of course they enjoyed it to the fullest—especially after the shitshow that was their lives last year! but of course, fun nights means a lot of drinks, and though kiryu's sheer bulk gives him a higher tolerance than most... well, it should be evident from how red his face is how that's going.

case in point: when nishiki grabs him, he doesn't even bother looking up. he merely narrows his eyes, and when he speaks, there's a slight slurring to his words. ]

I don't know what you're talking about. I can go wherever I want.

[sokagyo]

Idiot, I said look. Up there.

[ this time, he jerks Kiryu towards him a little more aggressively, throwing a loose arm around his shoulders while he jabs a finger up at the innocuous plant hanging a little bit above them. ]

You know what that is?

[ a glance over his way. It's a bit rare to see Kiryu actually noticeably drunk, but it's obvious on his face this time. Well, that's a good thing; means he actually cut loose a little bit. It's got to be better than the two of them drinking cheap champagne alone in his apartment while the radio plays corny holiday music again. Even if, admittedly, Nishikiyama's sort of glad to have him to himself again for a little while. ]

[nani]

[ it's the additional force behind nishiki's actions that cause kiryu to actually take heed of his words, and his eyes follow his brother's finger. he stares at the small sprig above the doorframe for an extended period of time before lowering his gaze back to meet nishiki's eyes. ]

A plant?

[ christ. they are really going to need a christmas miracle tonight. ]

[sokagyo]

[ cue the long-suffering sigh from Nishiki... if he wasn't several bottles in, he'd probably just drop this and go home around this point, but for some godforsaken reason, he decides to keep running with it. ]

Not just a plant, stupid, it's mistletoe! Don't tell me you haven't heard of it? I know it's kind of a western thing, but you gotta keep up with the times, bro.

[ he gives Kiryu a little shake for emphasis. ]

I wonder if Reina put this here? Nah, this kind of prank doesn't seem like her style...

[ reina may very well have put it up but this probably isn't who she was hoping nishiki would run into it with ]