Clouds are clearing up

[dejerate]

WHO: Yuichiro Hyakuya, Mikaela Hyakuya, Nike Lemercier, Open
WHERE: Heropa Residence #023
WHEN: Backdated to Christmas, December 25th and there abouts not long after
WHAT: Celebrations, exchanging gifts, distracting each other from the reminders of this time of year back home.
WARNINGS: Ear piercings, mentions of attempted violence to a child.



[The date is a conflicting one. Bittersweet, in a way. This day eight years ago that he first met Mika. When his parents had tried to kill him and he'd ended up at the Hyakuya Sect's orphanage thanks to that guy. He can't recall the name, necessarily. But he vaguely remembers the face, him saying Yuu could make new friends, a new family there. Which he had. It was just only Mika that remained of those children.

Still. It is Christmas. So of course everyone is celebrating. Even he and Mika had managed to put up a tree, even if their decorations might not be much in comparison to other people's houses but he doesn't care. Even this much is something. And it was more last minute for them to decide to do it anyway. He yawns as he wakes up, padding his way downstairs as he wipes at his eyes, almost pouting sleepily as he sees the lights from the tree.

And the presents underneath. Which get him all excited, as if he's five years old again. He bounds over, full of curiosity and wonder. What were they? He knows what he got Mika, but not the other way around, obviously.]

Oi, Mika! Can we open them yet?

--

[And later, once he's been made to eat something and has subsequently actually showered and changed from his pyjamas, Yuu tackles some presents and greeting any friends that come to visit. He might even show them some of the presents he's already opened, or excitedly check under the tree for theirs to give to them when they show up.

Or he might be found helping in the kitchen. Or attempting to, helping taste test anything that Mika makes since the older teen can't do so himself. The door will be unlocked for anyone to come in and visit during the day.]

--

[And later still, enjoying the presents themselves. Whether this means heading outside with Mika to enjoy the vampire's present from Nike, or heading to get his ears pierced. And subsequently showing them off, once his ears recover, anyway, and he can swap the plain studs for the actual earrings Nike got for him.]

Comments

[allforyuu]

It's a strange thing to be able to celebrate christmas again. For Mika it has been years since he's had a tree and lights. To have that kind of thing in Sanguiem simply didn't happen. Even the humans there had no chance to celebrate it the old-fashioned way, since they weren't allowed above ground.

He tries to stay calm and relaxed, but in the back of his mind he wonders if something bad will happen. Mika has to be vigilant, if only to protect Yuu. Even if he remembers the bad things first, the fact is that christmas was the day when Yuu entered his life and his family. Mika's terribly grateful for that.

Watching Yuu cheerfully make a beeline for the presents gives him a warm feeling in his chest, his shoulders lowering. With a small smile gracing his face, he sits down on the floor next to him. Pajamas and presents and a christmas tree. It feels like they've gotten a piece of their childhood back.

"You can open one."

[dejerate]

The only reason Yuu isn't more vigilant and on edge himself is that he knows there's no virus here. None of that added to the already present tension here. That they were safe. Safer than the situation back home. And well, it's been years since he actually participated in anything like this. Holidays weren't as huge as this, and there wasn't as much resources towards this sort of thing, with the focus on the military back home.

But all of that is more reason to make the most of this, right here and now. He can't help but to grin and pick up one of the presents, passing it to Mika before giving them a quick glance to pick one with his own name on it.

"Alright! You want to open yours first?"

[allforyuu]

Considering that they don't have that much experience with the holiday, Mika thinks they pulled it off very well. It's a cozy and warm place to live, enough resources to not go hungry (at least in Yuu's case) and a security that comes from not being directly in a warzone anymore. It takes some time to get used to.

It's strange to consider that they're safe, but Mika likes the perks that comes along with it. To be able to rest, warm and content together, just like when they were children (except they weren't as warm back then, considering how thin the covers were and how hard the floor had been). The beds in Heropa were soft as down in comparison.

He had gotten to see Yuu wake up with red marks from the covers imprinted on his cheek. It is silly how such a small thing could lift his spirit, but it nevertheless did. How long has it been since they've had enough calm and quiet to sleep for as long as they wanted?

He grabs the gift when Yuu hands it over. Seeing his friend smile at him is infectious, and before he knows what's happening he's smiling back, pulling at the wrapping paper.

"You know, you didn't have to get me anything," he points out, but the smile doesn't leave his face.

[dejerate]

That smile makes it all worth it. Even if Yuu doesn't realize how much rare that sight is without himself being around. It is still something he sees less often than when they were children. He hasn't even bothered to look in the mirror yet for the red marks at his cheek from the bedding, or the likely chance of his hair still being a mess yet.

"Course I did. Presents are part of Christmas. Besides, that one I didn't even have to buy."

So for that particular present from Yuu, he hadn't spent money on it at least. If that might reassure Mika. Not that the other presents under the tree were likely all the same way of gifting things he already had for one reason or another but still. There's a half pout and half smile at his lips as he watches Mika open it, leaning forward with his own present in his lap.

Once it is opened, he'll probably immediately recognize the familiar white fabric of the vampire uniform. Though the most important part of it is the spare arm band, really. That's the main reason Yuu has given it to him.

"I know you already have one when you got here and all, but. I figured, the arm band especially...."

[allforyuu]

As he opens it and pulls the uniform out, his smile falters just a bit, because his gift is something he never imagined he'd receive.

It looks like a copy of his uniform. It... doesn't make sense. Mika came back while wearing his own uniform, so how could Yuu have his old one? He brushes his hand down the white fabric, looking both confused and pleasantly surprised. It doesn't feel like a cheap copy, either. It's heavy, quality fabric designed to keep him safe from the sun. He'd recognize it anywhere. It's even included the valuable sun-resistant bracelet, the most valuable belonging he could wish for. It makes it possible for him to move around freely in the sun.

"....Thank you."

Mika's voice is hesitant, as if he's still trying to process it. It's a very useful gift to be sure, but he can't guess where Yuu got it. There has been no vampires in town that he could steal it from, as far as Mika knows.

"I need this. Open the one from me, too."

[dejerate]

Yuu might have been more careful on it if he'd more stopped to think about Mika questioning where and how he got the uniform from. But Mika isn't immediately questioning him about it for now, so that's enough. Mostly he figured the arm band would help once it gets warmer. Assuming, of course, that Mika sticks around longer this time.

Maybe in time he would sit down and explain, his own time as a vampire during that weird few days things got a little confusing. But for now, this is enough. And he's distracted anyway when Mika thanks him and returns Yuu's attention to the gift from Mika.

"Okay, let's see...."

His tongue sticks out slightly as he picks up the present a little more, beginning to open the wrapping.

LATER (and open to any and all)

[allforyuu]

Someone has to cook in this place, it might as well be the one that can't eat any of it. That doesn't mean he knows what he's doing, aside from following the instructions in a book. A book that describes how much salt is needed as a pinch, which is annoyingly vague as far as Mika is concerned.

"Taste this, will you?"

[dejerate]

"Sure."

Yuu's happy to help, and since Mika has taken over the actual cooking aspect, this is one way for him to contribute somehow. Seeing how it tastes, that it tastes the way it's supposed to. Which is of course, easier for foods he's more familiar with but he figures as long as something tastes okay, that's the main thing.

He leans in, glancing over to see what Mika's making before taking a spoon to try some, just a little.

"I think it's okay so far. Maybe a little more salt?"

A pinch isn't the most specific measurement, and he doesn't want to overdo it either. But chances are that Mika could be more cautious as a result of his not being sure and being unable to eat it to taste it himself to be sure.

salt for the salt king :P

[allforyuu]

"Alright."

Another pinch it is, then. Although he doesn't remember a lot of how real food tastes like or why the scents used to make his mouth water, Mika knows that the metallic, salty taste of blood wouldn't be the same if it wasn't somewhat savoury. So when Yuu asks for more salt it makes perfect sense to him. A sauce without flavour simply wouldn't do.

It's a big day, so Mika's trying to cook meat and make sauce to go with it. The salads are already cut.

"Are you hungry, Yuu-chan?"

All the salt.

[dejerate]

Yuu's tastes are probably pretty basic for the most part and he's not too picky. But even with the other as a vampire, he's glad they can still spend time in the kitchen like this together. Even as it encourages him to do more on finding out some way to get Mika's humanity back. To share the food made again.

"Just a little bit more."

Because it's easier to add more if they need it rather than refiguring to make up for putting in too much or something.

"Kind of. But I can wait. Once we get this sorted I'll figure something to eat."

He can wait a few more minutes if he has to.

"What about you?"

He isn't sure if the food might make Mika want something himself or not. But Mika shouldn't miss out either, even if he can't have the food they're preparing and cooking together.

[allforyuu]

"Should I pepper it more as well?"

Flavours in general can be hard to get right, so it's nice that Yuu's there to help him since he's the one that needs to eat.

Mika can't help but swallow instinctively at Yuu's question. Now that he finally thinks about it, he can sense the craving. Although it's starting to feel normal to simply ask Yuu for help when he needs it, he can't help but feel guilty about needing blood. Especially since he's trying so hard to make food. If he hadn't needed blood it would have felt just like the old days, which in turn makes him stubborn.

"I can wait until tomorrow."

[dejerate]

"Pepper? Hm. Sure, put a little in with it." Yuu considers before recommending, reaching over to pass the pepper to the blonde. It's something almost soothing and nostalgic, as he recalls their time at Sanguinem when they did their best for meals in keeping the younger children fed.

Here, there's no need to try conserve as much. He's even gotten used to it by now in having so much food, fresh and filling. Hopefully soon enough, Mika will be able to appreciate it more too, more than just that it helps Yuu.

"Tomorrow then. Okay."

He doesn't push it. Mika knows, by now, he just needs to ask if he needs to feed. Yuu would rather it be more often so the other doesn't suffer from the thirst. Doesn't get too desperate. He trusts Mika to tell him if it gets bad.

[drizzle]

It wasn't too difficult to have a random visitor leaning over the counter, watching Mika cook with great interest. Now if he sensed or noticed her there may be difficult, considering Nike did enjoy to mask her energy with her humming. A habit that may be well-known to all those who know her.

Whatever the case, she was very much interested to see just how skillful her once younger brother from different universe could be, so much so that she won't waste this opportunity to be his guinea pig, so to say.

"I though you'd never ask, you know," all said with a light tease as she uses a clean spoon to taste the food with. A soft, proud smile will appear as she realizes it was coming along really well, so she'll tell him, "Wow. This is really good. Yuu wasn't wrong over you knowing how to cook. I think it's perfect!"

She was so very close in wanting to reach for him and give him a light half cuddle for doing very well, but knew better from doing so. Considering the need for it came from her memory of their relationship of close siblings a few weeks ago. It doesn't help when she felt lightly homesick. The holidays concerning family and the like didn't help matters at all.

[allforyuu]

Considering that it's framed as being from Yuu, he will gladly take that compliment. His mouth purses lightly, as if he doesn't quite believe her, but his back straightens proudly nevertheless, chest puffing out. He'd like to believe that Yuu is proud of him. He's proud of Yuu, after all.

She's not the only one who thinks back to that cube generated reality. It was Mika's first encounter with the kind of madness that is available in town, and he doesn't quite know how to deal with the memories. It feels like truth that they were family, yet he knows logically that they aren't. It's very strange. And it makes it a little awkward to talk to her, now that she's seen that vulnerable side of him.

At least Nike hasn't given any indication that she plans to use it against him. Yet.

"I'm learning," he corrects her. Even if he's a little shy around her, Yuu will doubtlessly want to have her around during christmas. Mika can't deny him the chance.

"Yuu-chan expects you to stay for dinner."

[drizzle]

"Just learning? That's not how Yuu made it out to be when we spoke about it. He said you knew how to cook since long ago," responded Nike without a second thought, omitting the little she knew about him from his previous appearance in this world. She had seen him wanting to learn with great interest to cook more meals. Yuu even mention him using a cookbook too. It was clear, from the very same object close by, that it was definitely true.

"Whatever the case, you're doing a good job. 'Adding a pinch of anything' is usually code for adding as much of a particular item as you like. Most novice cooks don't learn this until much later, usually," added Nike as she tries to compliment him without using Yuu as a foil. She was beginning to notice he definitely had great pride over their friend. Enough to invite her to stay for dinner too. She couldn't help smile and offer him a light nod, "Only if you don't mind the idea of doing some baking with me. Have you ever made sugar cookies before?"

[allforyuu]

He gives her a look. It's true that he knew how to cook from the time he was a human child, but it has been years since he tried. It's stranger than he likes to admit to cook without knowing if it smells good, without being able to taste it. But he doesn't want to tell her all of that. Talking about what life was like before he died is too personal. It has nothing to do with Nike.

"No."

He still feels pangs of possessive insecurity when it comes to people and Yuu, but it's clear that Yuu needs his friends. At least Mika has some experience with her. It's obvious Nike's not trying to use Yuu, so he is trying not to bite her head off. Well, not all the time. He pulls the pot off the stove, so the food won't get burned.

"Sugar was a difficult ingredients to get a hold of."

Besides, it wasn't high on his list of priorities when he sold himself. Regular food was so much more important to get a hold of.

open to everyone and anyone

[drizzle]

[It may be of no surprise to those who frequent the household to find Nike entering like she was another one of the residents. A few hours before the boys were up she had made it upon herself to leave their presents under the tree just like the true Santa Claus would, even if she was dressed as his dear wife Mrs. Claus.

Without another word, it won't be until a few hours later, after she was done with her holiday shifts for the day that she'll be relaxing at Heropa #23. She may be found resting on one of the lounge seats wearing a more modest outfit and hairstyle. There may be a couple of random blankets found on her person and all over the couch that it is clear she very much made herself very at home.]

Hey, I have a good idea! Why don't we make a pillow fort or something? It's kinda cold, it'd be nice if we could hide in one until spring returns, don't you think?

[dejerate]

[It takes Yuu a little before he surfaces from the bedroom, mostly due to his need to actually sleep in comparison to Mika, and helping feed the blond before getting up proper and all. But seeing all the presents under the tree and that Nike is there, he can't help but light up. He won't even ask on just how long she might have been waiting for them.]

Nike! Ah, a pillow fort? I can get the pillows from the bedrooms?

[She's around often enough that he doesn't seem to even bat an eyelid at her obviously making herself at home while waiting for him.]

[drizzle]

Okay! I'll get started on finding the perfect spot to set it up.

[Which won't take very long for her to decide as she begins to lay on the couch now, finding its warmth to be inviting.]

You don't mind if we use the couch as our base, right?

[Don't mind her as she slowly makes her way with the blankets gripping onto her to reach for extra table chairs to add as extra pillars to keep the blankets in place.]

[dejerate]

The couch works! I'll get some pillows, like I said...what else do we need?

[While he's up anyway. May as well ask. And of course this isn't something he manages often, this sort of thing, but still, moments like this are important. Spending time with her, with everyone here while things are quieter. When he knows either of them could end up Porter out any moment. That he can't see her back home.]

[drizzle]

[His question will be considered as she begins to hum lighting in thought. Once the chair were in their place, she will begin to observe her surroundings for a moment before making a decision on the way she pictures their own fort to look like.]

Bring a broom stick, maybe extra Christmas lights, if you have any, and a thicker blanket? I think it would be cool to think of names for our base of operations too, right? Just like a real fort!

[As childish it may seem, Nike can't help have fun at the idea of wanting to do this sort of thing with the boys -- something so carefree and warm. Something siblings may even do as much as friends. Just the idea made her very happy. It almost made her forget she had a family waiting for her back in another world.]

Re: open to everyone and anyone

[allforyuu]

Mika waits a full five minutes before he slinks out of the bedroom. That's the problem with vampire hearing. He could hear that someone was out there but not who. It's enough to make anyone paranoid.

He glares as he walks out, as if daring her to say anything about whose bedroom he's been in. Mika plans to snap at her for letting herself in, but his sharp words are forgotten when he sees Nike's santa outfit. To wear that has to be punishment enough.

"....What are you doing?"

[drizzle]

There will be a sudden pause to her current activity of setting the Christmas presents perfectly under the tree as she heard Mika's voice. It figures he would be the only one to notice that someone was around. Yuu was already accustomed to her breaking in and letting herself out antics, and has even given her permission to do so as long as she doesn't break anything.

"Ah, shhh! Not so loud. Yuu will come running here if he overhears us," whispered Nike as she lightly gestures to keep quiet for a bit, although she knew it was simply an excuse to offer her the last seconds to finish her handiwork.

With a sheepish smile given to the other boy, Nike will say, "Oh nothing, I was just doing Santa a favor and acting like your.....decoration fairy for a bit. Gotta make absolute certain he didn't make a mistake in sending his presents and all." There was a light tease in her tone, it was clear she was....trying to hide the fact she was wanting to act like their personal Santa Claus for a bit. Even going so far as to stand in front of said presents too.

[allforyuu]

Mika simply stares, caught too off guard to know how to respond. It's not every day that Yuu gets visitors in the middle of the night, after all. If he had known, he wouldn't be wearing Yuu's stupid tartan pajamas.

"You don't have to worry. He sleeps like a rock tonight," he says tiredly, crawling up into the nearest living room chair. Mika's more interested about what she's doing in their home this time, and he looks at her like a curious cat. He leans forward, as if expecting to be a part of her secret rather than give her the chance to finish.

"Santa?"

He's heard some children talk about someone like that, but if he's honest he can't remember santa from when he was little.

[drizzle]

The minute he begins to lean forward, Nike will lean over the presents in retaliation to his peeking. She was very close in making up a story to keep him from doing so, but instead his next question will catch her attention.

"Oh? You haven't heard of Santa Claus before too, huh?" asked Nike with a small smile forming, she should've guessed that the celebration wasn't the norm in his world neither. Then again, she hasn't asked Yuu much about it.

"Santa Claus is someone who makes and bring toys to all the good children of this universe, and some of the other universes out there. He's a very important figure to all those who believe in him! I know he exists. That's why I was chosen to be his honorary fairy for you guys. You two have been awfully good this year, in my honest opinion!" Before she gives Mika a chance to respond, she'll pick up a colorful gift from the tree and turns towards Mika with a more energetic smile as she holds the gift, crawling over towards him before sitting up on her knees, "Would you like to open it now? Your Christmas present?"