[ Open ] Life is like a blanket of snow

[darkcharge]

Who: Vanitas + Open
When: All December
Where: Various
What: Open Quest Prompts + Closed Prompts | Hit me up at [plurk.com profile] jardaan if you'd like!
Warnings: TBD


( Wool You Lend A Hand )

[ Hadn't they sheered the sheep all the way back months ago? Why is the wool just now being used? Vanitas wonders this, of course, as the word gets around that the person who keeps the sheep needs an extra had. Given the fact that he had been an unwilling participant in the sheering of these sheep in the first place, Van is curious about what the wool is going to be used for this time around.

Really the job itself is easy. Put the wool in the dye. Swirl it around for a while. Take it out. Squeeze. Move it on to dry. Simple! ]

Don't know why he had such a hard time getting people to take on this job.

[ At least... Until Van starts to snicker. At nothing. ]


( An Eggstra Bad Mistake: A )

[ Van is holding a list as he stands before a house, scowling at it. There are several scribbles on the piece of paper. Though he doesn't really look too happy about being here. ]

The idiot pushing his mistakes off on other people to fix. Maybe we should just feed him to this creature he stole the eggs from. Then maybe he'd learn his lesson.

[ Not that he had much of a chance to refuse. The crazed person shoved a list in his hand, rambling, and took off. Now Vanitas is in front of one of the houses, about ready to knock. Someone should probably help him because this isn't going to go well. Vanitas has the mindset of just breaking in and taking what he needs to. ]


( An Eggstra Bad Mistake: B )

[ By now Vanitas has recovered quite a few eggs. They are all being kept into a rather big basket that he's found. Oh he's noticed that he's not the only one carrying eggs back to the Wilde. Just how many people did this moron enlist? How much did he steal!? ]

Anyone else thinking that maybe we should have left the guy to deal with this instead?

[ The problem now is that the eggs in Van's basket are starting to move. He hasn't quite noticed it yet! ]


( Save the Snowbirds )

[ Chances are that Vanitas has grabbed someone to go with him. He's made a promise not to go out into the Wilde on his own if he can avoid it. It doesn't matter who he drags with him - if they look competent enough then that'll have to do. Vanitas is confident that he can make up the difference in skill and strength. He's also grown into a rather adept healer in his time here.

Or, perhaps, you have snatched up Vanitas to come along with you. Either way, with some complaining about worrying about some dumb birds, they will all find their way to the nest. Seeing the state of the area immediately puts Vanitas on edge. ]

Of course it would be like this. At least now we know what happened to the dumb birds.

[ He pulls his Keyblade out, not wanting to risk using magic. That's when little growls and yips can be heard in the background. ]

Looks like it won't be such an easy job after all.


( Other Locations )

[ Vanitas can always be found here and there near the Wilde settlements, either clearing out the areas of wildlife or infected creatures. Or he'll be at the healing tents, offering some services to keep his "skills" sharp. Additionally, he can be found meandering the city this month, perusing through shops looking for gifts and trying not to be obvious about it! ]


( Gift Giving: Closed to CR )

[ Towards the end of the month, Vanitas is going from house to house of all of the people that he knows. At least those that he knows where they live. It seems silly and his ears are burning like mad because of the embarrassment over this, but he hadn't been able to do something of this nature last year. Vanitas had only just started to open up and trust people around this time the year previous, when Mira had brought him in. Since then he's learned a lot and has grown as a person quite a bit.

So he kind of wants to repay that. Don't get him wrong, it's not out of kindness. It has nothing to do with making other people happy or showing them that he appreciates them. Van isn't that soft of a person and he isn't about to say that this is what this is about! No, Vanitas is merely giving back out of some strange obligation to do so.

That's it. No other reason.

So several people are going to be finding Vanitas on their doorsteps - or in some cases just tracking them down and finding them at random times - and trying to shove something into their hands before making a hasty exit. ]


( Wildcard )

[ If nothing above tickles your fancy, by all means just throw something at me and I will roll with it! Or, additionally, hit me up on plurk and we can plot something out. ]

Comments

[darkcharge]

[ He releases Sora as soon as the Puca bounces away, shaking his head. Vanitas walks over, taking his time. Reaching up, he grabs his coat and starts to slip it on. Yeah, it's chilly and now he knows how to wear clothing appropriately. ]

Yeah, yeah. Are you sure you'll be fine with just a sweater?

[ Then again. Sora has rabbit fur. ]

[oathkeeper]

[Sora indeed has rabbit fur and he thinks it might be getting a little thicker and fluffier as the temperature drops. He pats his sweater and tugs at it firmly.]

I think this should be okay for now, it's not super cold outside yet.

[Although he could probably do with a scarf and some mittens soon...]

Plus we're getting hot chocolate to sip!

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas just doesn't like cold. He grabs his scarf as well. Just because. Maybe he won't need it, but it's better to have it than to not have it and need it. Or if Sora needs it later... ]

Okay okay. Calm your little bounce self down, Bunny Boy.

[ He opens the door with a bit of a flourish, bows, and motions for Sora to continue. ]

[oathkeeper]

Heh-

[Sora bounces just like the bunny boy he is and follows after Vanitas. Once they're out in the crisp air Sora links arms with Vanitas to walk close with him.]

So...! Do you think you've got all your gifts picked out?

[Time to poke.]

[darkcharge]

[ He makes sure that their arms are connected. His hand stays in his pockets though. Sora is going to have to lead the way, considering the Puca is the one that wants to find these markets. Therefore Sora should have an idea of where they are. Right? ]

Yeah, I do. Just putting the finishing touches on some of it.

[ Not that Sora is going to get his until the holiday proper. ]

[oathkeeper]

[He leads the way down the road, of course. Although he keeps his arm looped close with Vanitas and stays close to keep warm too. There is gentle white snow falling from the sky which is starting to blanket everything in the magical city. Sora's ears twitch occasionally when a snowflake or two tickles them.]

Are you happy with what you got? I bet your friends are gonna be really happy to get something from you.

[Sora smiles warmly.]

It's good to see you embracing the Christmas cheer!

[darkcharge]

[ Sora's ears are always distracting. Right now it is taking all of Vanitas' willpower not to tease them a little. ]

I don't think the point is if I will be happy with it. It's if they will be satisfied.

[ Because what if he gets the wrong thing? Hnnng. Panic. ]

Hey. I'm not embracing anything.

[oathkeeper]

[Sora shakes his head gently, making those rabbit ears sway just so.]

I think they'll be happy no matter what they get, the sentiment that you thought of them is the most important part.

[He grins.]

So that means you are being a good Christmas elf.

[darkcharge]

[ Christmas elf? Vanitas shoots Sora a dirty look for that before burying half of his face into that scarf. ]

Hnn. I still say you have the wrong idea about this. It has nothing to do with "holiday cheer."

[oathkeeper]

[He grins and leans his cheek on Vanitas' shoulder as if cooing for him to look back at him.]

Okay, so how did it feel to pick gifts for your friends then?

[darkcharge]

[ Looking back at Sora just isn't going to happen! It's not. Nope. Vanitas is just going to keep on looking straight ahead please and thank you. ]

Nerve-wracking. How does anyone ever do it? What you like and the likes of the people you're getting for don't always match. So you don't really know...

[oathkeeper]

[Look at him, Vanitas! Look at those big loving eyes looking up at Vanitas! Sora squeezes close and coos once more!]

Uh-huh. But the fact that you're nervous about it in the first place shows how much it means to you and that you're really thinking about that other person, right?

[Isn't that sweet???? And very sappy.]

Giving the gift is the best part, you get to see how much they smile.

[darkcharge]

[ NO WAY. He absolutely refuses to look at Sora. Vanitas knows what that face is going to look like and there's no way he is going to risk it. Now the Witch would like to think that he is more resistant than some, but augh! ]

I still think that's a stretch, Bunny Boy. It's just paying people back for this last year. Nothing else.

[ They are getting closer to some of the open air markets! ]

[oathkeeper]

[The open-air markets might save Vanitas for now. Sora's still got his big puppy-dog eyes on Vanitas as they stroll in. The smell of cooking meals hits Sora's sensitive nose alongside the smells of festive cakes and cookies from the nearby bakery. But Sora is looking for just the right place to go...]

Sure it is. I think you were excited to get people gifts this year. Everyone's gonna smile a lot.

[He could feel it.]

Hm, I wonder which stall has the best hot chocolate...!

[darkcharge]

And I still think that you are overexaggerating things.

[ Sora can smell it before Vanitas, but when he does? Van actually has to stop because it's a bit overwhelming even for him. He hadn't really ventured out too much last year. At least not to these things. So it's pretty much a whole new experience for him this time as well. ]

Why don't you just ask a local?

[oathkeeper]

[He shoots Vanitas a grin. He doesn't think he's overexaggerating at all. He's just a Christmas fiend and he's having a great time with this.]

Nope, let's do some exploring. I'm gonna follow my nose.

[All he has to do is sniff the air and find the scent of some chocolate and peppermint. Sora isn't a dog-type at all but he can still smell fairly well.]

Let's see...

[And along the way they do get to see all the beautiful stalls and and busy merchants. Selling charms, decorations and treats for the coming festivities.]

[darkcharge]

Follow your nose... What a very dog-like response. Are we sure we don't have our animal species mixed around?

[ Vanitas snickers but allows Sora to do as he pleases in this case. A Puca's nose is rather sensitive. So if Sora doesn't mind being a bloodhound then why should the Witch stop him.

Though his eyes do trail along the different trinkets that are people sold. Van feels like there's always something every month that catches his eye... ]

[oathkeeper]

You'll be thanking me in a second, not calling me a dog.

[Sora gives Vanitas a playful look and then goes back to sniffing at the cool wintery air. Soon enough he catches the scent of something sweet on the air.]

Just this way, I think!

[There's a collection of seasonal vendors all along the pathway. And one of them does seem like some sort of street-food cafe. Sora draws them closer.]

[darkcharge]

[ It is so weird to see Sora sniffing about. Literally sniffing. Van stays quiet, sneezing when a flake falls on his nose. ]

You think? So you’re not sure?

[ Can Sora pinpoint the smell of hot chocolate? Well it really wouldn’t surprise Vanitas any. With a sigh, he allows for himself to be tugged along towards the stalls. He can’t smell anything until he’s right on top of the food for sale. ]

Sure you’re not hungry?

[oathkeeper]

[Sora gives a little snicker and nods. It's close to the little festive stall they go (he can smell the sweet hot chocolate!) where they seem to have an assortment of holiday made baked goods too.]

I'm a little bit hungry, wanna share something sweet with our hot chocolate?

[He points curiously at the brownies, cookies, cakes and puddings.]

[darkcharge]

[ Of course Sora had been drawn to all of these sweet things. Naturally. Vanitas just gives a somewhat amused yet exasperated huff.

...The only reason he doesn't make a sarcastic comment is because his eyes are on those cakes and puddings. ]

Sure. You're kind of a bottomless pit as is.

[oathkeeper]

Hey-!

[He sees you eyeing up those treats, Vanitas! He might be drawn to sweets but he knows his bondmate is too! He nudges Vanitas for the comment too. Come on!]

One cherry cheesecake and a chocolate pudding please!

[Sorry, they don't have strawberry...!]

And two mugs of salted caramel hot chocolate!

[darkcharge]

[ Cherry is just as good if strawberry is not available. Vanitas buries his face in his scarf again, hiding his embarrassment. ]

Salted caramel hot chocolate?

[ Not regular hot chocolate? Why the change? ]

[oathkeeper]

Yup.

[Sora doesn't pick to elaborate why. This is a special sort of day and he wants to surprise Vanitas with something special and new.

It's not too long to wait for their order. A pristine piece of cake, pudding and two perfectly steamy mugs of hot chocolate. The gentle fragrant of chocolate and salty savoury caramel wafting from both. Sora takes the tray carefully and brings them over to a table so they can share. It's still outside but that's what the hot chocolate is for.]

We're sharing the cake and pudding, okay?

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas follows along, a little grumpy because he has to relinquish any and all holds on the Puca. He's gotten used to practically holding hands no matter where they go. Though they'll need hands to sit down and eat and be "merry" anyway.

However how is this a special sort of day? ]

You think we're going to be sharing.

[ Implying that Vanitas could well eat both items before Sora knows it! ]