4.

[sharpsurprise]

[Open spam]

[Souji's plenty warm in what he has at home, so all of the decorating he's doing is completely voluntary. It just looks nice and festive, if unfamiliar. He can be found hanging up bows, bells and coloured paper chains in the gym and the hallway and common room of level 4.

When he's all out of glitter he heads down to the art room, where he'll be composing a gift list in graceful, if slightly out-of-practice calligraphy. He's used to writing New Year's wishes to the Shinsengumi's associates; it's really not all that different, he figures.]

I'd like Chris to get a very official-looking diploma testifying that he is licensed to teach coolness. Maybe this will give him the confidence to teach geezers like me.

I'd like for Captain Rogers to have a notebook, so he can organize everything he needs to organize.

For Miss Chromie, some food that may be boring to me, but delicious to her. Lamb, maybe? And some furniture that she doesn't have to climb!

Dante seems like he'd be very happy with some alcohol. Beer and sake, please!

I'd like for Bucky to not have to worry about his friend too much, but if that's not possible, something sweet from where he's from.

I think Lydia would enjoy a beautiful winter kimono. Red, maybe, to match her hair.

I'd like for Wichita to have a book of games, for the next time she's bored.

Luna should get more art supplies, including paint that's easy to wash off so she can use the same space more often!

For Cambridge, as a 'thank you', an assortment of sweet treats. I'm not sure if he likes them, but maybe he can teach his machine some new tricks if he's eaten them?

And finally, for Vergil... Oku no Hosomichi, and the first few parts of Nanso Sattomi Hakkenden. We can ask Miss Chromie for the rest, if he likes it. I've seen photographs of his mother in his brother's room, so if it's possible, a photograph of his family, and of his son.

For everyone back home, to not have too many worries. For everyone on the Barge, to have a clear view of their goals for the coming year, and the strength to accomplish them.

[Private to Steve]

Captain Rogers? Would you have some time to talk, soon?

Comments

spam art room

[walkthedarkpath]

[ Vergil was waiting for his laundry to dry, which had him sitting reading A thick book written in a strange language that Chromie had had to enchant so he could read it. Vergil got bored with his reading for the moment and walked until he came across the art room seeing Souji he walked in moving standing silently behind him.

He was dressed sharp and looked better then he had when hung over and less amused then the kiss in the hall. ]

Good afternoon, Souji.

[sharpsurprise]

[When Vergil speaks up he jumps a little in his seat, quickly covering most of his work with his hands. It's no fun spoiling the surprise!

He remembers the kiss with a sinking feeling of awkwardness. What if Vergil brings it up?]

You're very quiet!

[walkthedarkpath]

It comes with my line of work. [ he was so amused, even if he didn't show it. He stepped back to show he didn't care enough to sneak a peak at Soujis work.]

Pray tell what has you so enthralled?

[sharpsurprise]

[He quickly shuffles the papers around, taking care those with drying ink aren't touching any other papers. Vergil's isn't done yet, though; he'd only just started writing his, the first few words on the paper.]

I'm writing wishes for the new year!

[walkthedarkpath]

[ He didn't even look luckily, and seeing how the other was moving them around, he turned so his back was to Souji. He had no fear of his warden. Not yet anyway.]

Is it a tradition or something? I always assumed people made stupid wishes like losing weight.

[sharpsurprise]

[He covers up what he has to, mostly because he likes surprising people and he doesn't want Vergil accidentally telling someone what he'd like the Admiral to get them.]

Well! If you're really fat, then that seems like a good wish. But it's something of a tradition, yes. Though I did it differently this year.

[walkthedarkpath]

[ Once they know each other better he will learn Vergil doesn't speak things he sees. At worst he'd use it for blackmail. And thats if he really wanted something.]

They lack the motivation, without motivation or power all else is pointless.

[sharpsurprise]

[Well, they're his little secrets for now. But it's been nice to write on paper again, instead of the small communicator, so he taps Vergil on the arm and gestures for him to sit down next to him.]

But maybe the wish is just what they need to be extra motivated!

[walkthedarkpath]

[ The book he had been holding behind one back was placed down near Souji, as he sat down, crossing one leg over the other. He always had to be proper if he could, outside of battle.]

If only it were that easy, motivation comes and goes. Even I get uninspired at times.

[sharpsurprise]

[He peers at the book, but as long as Vergil makes sure it doesn't smudge the ink he'll pay it no further attention.]

Really! That's a very frank admission.

[walkthedarkpath]

[ It is written in latin, a book on demons. And nope book is not near the ink. Vergil cares about books more then most people. Books have knowledge, and knowledge is power. and boy does he love power.]

Admission? No, it is a simple fact.

[sharpsurprise]

[He fusses with the ink and brush a little while they speak.]

I thought you'd never be uninspired!

[walkthedarkpath]

Everyone gets uninspired, it is simply human nature. Sometimes we all have to step back. One can not run full time.

[ He looked to Souji.] or are you hoping I have a deeper meaning behind such a phrase.

[Private]

[punched_hitler]

Sure - I have time whenever you're free. Just let me know where and when.

[Private]

[sharpsurprise]

Well, I haven't been very busy lately! I'm free now. If could come to your cabin, if you'd like.

[Private]

[punched_hitler]

Sure, that's fine. Level 7, last door - I've got a wreath up, although maybe that's not so unusual around here, at the moment.

[Private]

[sharpsurprise]

Everything's been very festive lately! It's a little confusing, but it's fun, right? [He'll keep on typing as he makes his way to Steve's door, though it doesn't take long.]

[Private] --> [Spam]

[punched_hitler]

Well, I always liked Christmas, anyway - but we never had decorations this nice.

[And he's got the door cracked since he knows Souji is coming, so when he hears movement getting close, he pulls the door open the rest of the way to greet him.] Hey. Come on in.

[There place is a pretty simple one-bedroom apartment; there's a couch and a desk with a chair, so Souji can sit wherever he likes - or stand if he prefers. There's also a seven-foot Christmas tree in the corner, but it's decorated pretty simply, mostly with just lights.]

[spam]

[sharpsurprise]

[Souji makes for a very unimpressive appearance, with his still-pale skin, narrow shoulders and plain white kimono. He's pretty short, too, especially compared to Steve, and he has to look up at the other man. He looks a little impressed at Steve's height, not bothering to be too polite about that, and then peers through the door into the apartment.

He steps in after taking off his shoes, making him even shorter, and will remain standing for now.]

I'm not even sure I know what Christmas is, exactly! [He unwinds his scarf from around his throat, still looking around] Your cabin is very nice, Captain. Ah-- cozy.

[spam]

[punched_hitler]

[Unimpressive at first glance, maybe - but Steve's not about to underestimate anyone, because he hated it when people looked at him and immediately wrote it off.

Besides, he hated being short and skinny most of the time, but every once in a while, it had its advantages. If Souji stays standing, though, he will, too.]

Oh - thanks. [It's weird, he's still a little self-conscious about living in such a nice place, sometimes, mainly because what he grew up with was absolutely not this. But what else has he got to spend his salary on, he figures.] And Christmas is - well, mainly it's a religious holiday, although it's kind of grown a lot, too. People give gifts to each other to show appreciation and love, but the holiday's really to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ - the son of God, if you believe in Him. [Which he does, but he knows that not everyone does, and Steve's always sort of figured, to each his own.]

[spam]

[sharpsurprise]

[He looks around a bit more, until he thinks it might become impolite, and then walks over to the couch. It's another unfamiliar thing to him, used to bamboo mats and pillows more than anything; but he's taken a liking to a lot of foreign (and, he supposes, modern) things since coming to the Barge.

He sits down, hands folded in his lap, and looks at Steve as he explains.] Oh! So it's a Christian holiday? How interesting! [He'd say 'that's illegal, back home', but he won't-- he's guessing that Steve does believe in what he's explaining, and it would be pretty rude to bring that up.] I suppose a lot of people do, considering the decorations.

[spam]

[punched_hitler]

[Steve definitely doesn't mind if he looks around. Not everyone comes from the same place or time.

He nods at the question, though.] Yeah, that's right. Although some people just celebrate the gift-giving part, by now. [Well, more than he's used to, but maybe it just seems that way. He's not sure.] But I think you might be right - some people around here have really gotten into the spirit. I think it's kind of nice, but I guess I might be biased. [But the Barge looks festive, and he likes it.]

So, what did you want to talk to me about? [And since he doesn't want to be the only one standing, he grabs the desk chair and pulls it over, so they can face each other.]

[spam]

[sharpsurprise]

[Well, he's been doing plenty of decorating himself, looking at other people's example and following it, liberally.

He shifts when Steve gets down to business. He crosses his legs at the ankles and smiles.]

I arrived here when all the lights were out, and I remember you were quite busy with everything. I'd like to be able to help, now.

[spam]

[punched_hitler]

Oh - yeah, well. I guess we were all kinda busy. And you were feeling a little under the weather, huh? [He's not going to focus on it - you do seem better now, and he never liked people focusing on him, when he felt awful. So he just nods and moves on.] Did you still want to help out with patrols? I admit, I'm still thinking they might be a good idea.

But I'm open to any other ideas you have, too. [He's learned that a fresh perspective is good, and Souji is newer than he is. He might catch things Steve's missed or gotten used to.]

[spam]

[sharpsurprise]

A little! [He laughs a little, but there's no real joy there. He'd been so sure he would die from the disease in his lungs, for so long-- and now that it's gone, he's left feeling at once relieved and unsure of what he's still doing on the Barge. He wants to help Vergil, but it seems like such a momentous task. Honestly, it's all a little confusing.]

Well, there's not usually any need for them. But whenever there's an emergency situation, we should at least have people ready and able to patrol. Everyone would know their duty, and we would be much more able to handle the emergency.