Holiday Bash!!

[floatsaway]

🧙 WHO: Ochako Uraraka (floatsaway) + CR (and their +1s)
⚔️️ WHAT: HOLIDAY/BIRTHDAY PARTY YEAAHHH
🕒 WHEN: Now, I guess. :U
🗺️ WHERE: At her CASTLE.
⚠️ WARNINGS: Venti stop trying to get Ochako TURNT None, probably...other than Bakugou's potty mouth. :(

[It's been a hell of a year, or close enough to it, for Ochako and her many friends here. From the varying trials and tribulations of general quests, to the more perilous missions between kingdoms, to new beginnings and changing tides...it's all a path forward on the long road of life. Despite the difficulties, Ochako's been able to reflect on this past year and finally find herself a bit - a new title and a new, but still somewhat the same, purpose in this world. Something given, something earned (even if she doesn't really see it that way, yet), but still very much hers.

Lady Uraraka (hrrgh...it'll never feel normal, yikes) is throwing a bit of a holiday celebration at her small castle to celebrate the coming and going of a full year. Not only that, but also Christmas prior, and even her birthday as well! All friends she knows, and anyone those friends care to invite, are welcome!! They'll be guided to a decently sized ballroom where several tables have been set up for people to relax and eat, and a separate table for gift giving and gift receiving as well!



What, you thought you'd come to this celebration and leave empty-handed? Pshaw.]

Comments

MOCHITSUKI

[floatsaway]

[Also know as...mochi pounding!

Because this is New Years tradition, and one of Ochako absolute favorite activities ever, she used a bit of magic (and also a bit of help as well) to create a small station for guests to try their hand at pounding mochi! An usu and kine have been crafted for use by all daring enough to try - Ochako will reiterate that this is relatively dangerous!! True synchronization is key to keeping the one turning the mochi safe hand without any bonked hands/fingies, so don't be reckless!

She is an old hand at this, though, and will gladly instruct others on how to do it. And, of course, they mochi they make is theirs to keep and consume.]

ochako;

[prontissimo]

[ So Alberto has been particularly excited about this part, Ochako — even if she put the kibosh on the idea of "magic mocchizucchi" using her kinetic magic to help in the process... which he's still pretty disappointed about, but eh, così è la vita. He's still no less eager to figure out what exactly this mochi stuff is... aaand to hit things with a giant hammer.

Ochako, you better be a great instructor if you like having fingers, because Alberto's enthusiasm is unmatched. And that's usually pretty dangerous as it is, even when he doesn't have a giant hammer in his hands. ]

All right, andiamo, let's do this! I'm ready!

[ Too ready... You see that determination in his smile, that spark in his eyes? It's mildly foreboding. Just slightly. ]

[floatsaway]

[Oh, don't you worry, kouhai...Ochako's been doing this since she could easily lift that mallet, but she's also been on the other side of turning the mochi as well, for the inexperienced and just as overzealous youngsters wanting their shot at making mochi just the same. Only perhaps once or twice has she gotten her hand stuck, and she's merely laughed it off and gotten bandaged up. Honestly, what sort of Hero would she be if she let just a small injury like that get her down? Ochako has gone through much worse.

So!! Matching Alberto's eagerness with a wide grin of her own, and showing him how best to hold and swing the kine, she crouches by the usu and wets her hands with some water, to keep the sticky rice paste from glooping up her fingers too much.]

Ready!! You're going to be the one starting off the rhythm, so make sure to swing right down into the batter - but not too hard, were just trying to build up the gluten, not make soup, ehehe.

[prontissimo]

Hehe, okay, got it, boss.

[ And with that, he goes ahead with his first strike, starting off slow and gentle as instructed. He's a strong kid, so even trying to rein himself in, it's a bit surprising how much more force he can manage than one might expect by just looking at him. He's glad to have Ochako here to guide him, she's been so patient all night, even ever since first meeting him, and it's not gone unnoticed since, uh, Alberto is not used to people being patient with him, to say the least... So he's smiling as he goes in for his second and then third strike, trying to keep a rhythm like she said. ]

[floatsaway]

[Honestly, if Ochako can tolerate, and even enjoy, the company of someone like Bakugou Katsuki, then Alberto is nothing in comparison. Besides, he's young and seems a, bit...hm. A bit high-strung. He tries too hard, it's easy to see, and doesn't really have that great a scope of the world as a whole. If someone can gently steer him on the right path while also educating him on what to expect, and how to best prepare for it, then that's going to benefit everyone, right? Isn't that what it means to be someone's senpai?

Regardless, Ochako swiftly goes in and turns the mochi with her hand, immediately wetting and whipping out the other to turn the dough again on the next strike.]

Good!! Keep going!

holy carp is not a typeo, yw

[prontissimo]

[ Alberto is delighted with this whole process. It's fun to hit stuff. He likes this. He finds a good rhythm after a few beats (literally) and starts into a nice routine together for a few silent moments, a grin stuck on his face noting the change in the goop's consistency slowly but surely. They're doing it! They're really doing it!

...Until they're not, and in his excitement, he slightly misjudges his cue, and...

...smacks Ochako's hands full-force with a giant wooden hammer. Ouch.

He drops it to the floor immediately in a panic as soon as it registers what he's done, a look of horror and guilt washing over his face. ]

Ho-Holy carp, Signora, I—! I-I'm so sorry!

[ Hard pressed for anyone to get a "sorry" out of Alberto barring, well, smashing their hands with a fucking hammer. Big Yikes. ]

ahdhvhd i love him so much

[floatsaway]

[They are doing pretty good, and Ochako is working diligently, already feeling the gluten beginning to build up in the mochi as she keeps turning it. Not long now until it's finished, maybe just a few more rounds and--

Oh...o-oh, ow. She sucks in a harsh breath through her teeth, wincing at the sharp, stinging pain when her hand is struck. The reflex kicks in and she recoils her hand quickly, bringing it close to her chest as tiny pinpricks of tears prickle in the corners of her eyes. Alberto's got a good, strong swing, she'll give him that!! Unfortunately, it's at her expense, but it's really just an accident. Not the first time she's been hit, either, or...injured in general.]

Ow, ow, ow... [But instead of getting mad or anything, Ochako just smiles sheepishly and laughs a bit, waving her uninjured hand and shaking her head.] It's fine, it's fine!! I'm okay, it was just an accident! Eh...heheh, couldn't move away fast enough, a-and you've got a good arm, Alberto-kun!!

[Biting her lip, Ochako flexes her fingers to make sure nothing broke, and feels them move easily, but it hurts like crazy. Ouch...probably going to bruise something fierce in another hour or two.]

[pricklybloom]

[ Amy is a least a little familiar with this tradition, though admittedly has never participated in it herself. Still, she's at least willing to learn, as she picks up the kine and gives it an experimental toss in the air, trying to get a better idea of its weight. ]

It's a little lighter than I'm used to, but I'll manage. I'd probably be better at this than doing the other part.

[floatsaway]

[Beaming, Ochako rolls up her sleeves when she sees Amy approach and test the weight of that large, wooden mallet. She laughs a little, remembering that her pink friend here normally uses a hammer to fight, so this is probably going to be a breeze for her just the same as it is for Ochako.]

Right, right! I almost forgot about your hammer before!! Ehehe, my friend actually made that one with his alchemy magic, though. You'll probably see him here, actually - he has curly hair and freckles. [Izuku, she means.] he did a good job though, ne? Just, ah...d-don't put as much power behind it as usual.

[They're just trying to process the gluten more, not make it into soup.]

[pricklybloom]

Oh yeah? That's cool. [ She flips the hammer into the air again, catching it by the handle. ] If I don't see him, tell him he did a good job.

[ Ochako's last comment gets a little laugh from her. ] I know. That's why I needed to test its weight, to make sure I don't put too much behind it.

[floatsaway]

I will, definitely!!

[Ochako is sure that Izuku would appreciate the praise. He's already really good with his alchemy magic as is, but would probably like to know his efforts are being seen. Getting some validation here and there is never a bad thing.]

Mm, but if something does happen, I'm sure he could also fix it, too, since he's here and all. [She rolls up her sleeves, dipping her hands into a bowl of water set to the side and getting her hands properly wet to avoid the mochi sticking to her fingers.] Let me know when you're ready to start.

[pricklybloom]

[ With a grin, she twirls the kine before holding the handle in both hands. ]

All set.

[floatsaway]

Okay and...go!!

[Because the moment Ochako is reaching into the usu to turn that sticky mochi and darting her hand back, she fully expects Amy to swing down with the mallet to meet her sync. They need to be totally in tune with the other's movements, otherwise Ochako here might have some ouchies real fast.]

Closed to Bakugou

[floatsaway]

[Wouldn't you know it, but Ochako actually did wear the sweater Bakugou gifted her for tonight's festivities. It may be supposed "ugly", but she thinks it's quite cute, and it's actually rather comfortable and soft. It's even large on her small frame, making it the perfect thing to just cuddle into on a cold night.

She moment she sees Bakugou, Ochako lights up, bouncing over to him with a huge smile. Yeah, Izuku is undoubtedly the one that dragged him along, but she's always happy to see him come regardless. He's always welcome and invited in her home, wherever it may be.]

Bakugou, hey! I'm so glad you came!! Oh, and thanks so much for the gifts, too, I loved them all so much...and this sweater is so cute!! Ne, ne, do you want to make some mochi together? I bet we could make some really, really tasty ones! I can swing and you turn, or your swing and I turn?

[:'D]

[apshot]

[ He can't fucking believe that both Deku and Ochako have taken to wearing those sweaters. They had been a joke? Not actually meant to be worn? So there's some mortification in there laced with some pride because of course they should treasure the shit that he gives them - even if it's god awful.

Though he's still going to slip out when he can. Bakugou doesn't care for parties or anything of the sort. The only reason that he doesn't just yet is because Cheeks herself is bounding on over. ]

Hah? It makes your shitty pink cheeks look even pinker. Like a chewed up piece of gum.

[ Katsuki snorts, rolling his eyes. ]

You really think I would trust you not to, like, smash my fingers?

[floatsaway]

[If he had wanted then to be a joke, he should have gotten less cute and comfortable sweaters then!! But she will most definitely treasure hers, and is actually taking great pains not to get it dirty while working with others to teach them how to make mochi the traditional way.

As for slipping out, well...he can, but he has to make that known! Otherwise he's going to get roped into activities just like this. Pouting at the insult, and puffing up her cheeks, AFFRONTED, Ochako crosses her arms over her chest and lifts her chin up mockingly.]

Then that means you're stuck with me in your hair forever. [She giggles after, but then looks over her shoulder as she picks up the kine and holds it effortlessly.] Bakugou, if I really wanted to hit you, I'd just aim for that big mouth of yours - it's an easier target.

[apshot]

[ Okay there's something to be said for shitty designs... But that doesn't mean that the fabric has to be shitty too. There's no way that this would have been okay by Katsuki's standards. And he does have standards!

Though it doesn't really look like she's overly offended by his statement. Something that rubs him the wrong way but at the same time brings him a level of satisfaction. ]

Until I cut you out. [ And he just sticks his chin out even further at the insult. ] My face ain't got nothing on yours. Those puffy cheeks practically have targets painted on them.

[floatsaway]

[He's a good boy, if a little prickly and rude sometimes. It's why Ochako likes him so much - Bakugou may have that edge to him sometimes, but he's still her friend, and still has a good side to him. Besides, there are times where even his bad attitude just makes her laugh more than anything. A bit like now, where she just snickers loudly.]

Eeeh? Are you looking at my face that often to notice my features, Bakugou-kun? I'm flattered you like them so much. [She grins, then waves him toward the usu. Enough teasing.] Come ooon, let's make mochi together!! You don't even have to eat it, if you don't want to.

[Because she will.]

But if you're actually scared of me hitting you, then you can pound it and I'll turn.

[apshot]

[ Yeah okay. Now he's leaning away even further from her. Making a face that's like "excuse you no" while looking at her like she is crazy. ]

Don't be gross. Ain't like anyone can miss those mochi cheeks with their stupid roundness.

[ Yeah no. Move on from teasing already and get to the point. Which is apparently that he doesn't really have to eat anything that is made here. Looks like it's more for the sake of tradition than anything else.

Which is stupid, but whatever. ]

Also not sure that you could actually hit the shit hard enough.

[itsmypower]

[It isn't the fun part he's focused on. He sees the booth and thinks challenge, and then he's losing himself in effort, folding strawberry mochi-mix under hammered down kine. He's seen street vendors work before... and this is who he's miming; his drop from formal, losing his jacket, sleeves gathered above his elbows and chopping down rhythmically. His magic's momentum: wrists and arms strengthened with unseen enhancements. With all the force he seems capable of, softening the mix with seamless water spells.

He's echoing metalwork—to forge something special. The steeled endurance drilled into him shining in practice. Only vaguely aware of others... that he's meant to share effort. With shaky timing, an aura of focus and beginner's attempt at coordination, his thoughts consumed silence, his aim's for best technique, the best texture, number one in this also: Shoto's Plus Ultra Mochi.

At this point, he's training. He's doing his best!

It's not unlike fighting. He's terribly determined. He... is stuck on step one.]

1/2

[floatsaway]

[DEAR GOD, HE'S SO SERIOUS, PFFFFFFT--]

2/2

[floatsaway]

[Ahaha..haha. Okay, okay...whoo! After sort of snorting into her sweater and pretending it was a sneeze, Ochako shakes her head to shake off the mirth still trying desperately to cling to her. Todoroki just looks so tense and focused that she can't help but laugh about it. It's so funny seeing him like this over an activity she's used to being just for fun. Sure there's focus involved in making mochi, and it requires hairpin accuracy and synchronization between both parties, but Todoroki well and truly did go Plus Ultra with it.

Still, that sort of determination is infectious, and after a few rounds of pounding and turning, even Ochako sort of gets into in, her wide grin slowly simmering down into firm look of concentration. Fold, hit, fold, hit, fold...this continues for a few minutes with both herself and Todoroki in perfect sync, Ochako's face starting to get a bit flushed from the effort. She's been making mochi and teaching others how for a while now...but it's worth it. Besides, she skipped her workout today, and this is kind of the same, right? Right!! Gotta burn off all the food she's going to eat this month.

Once they're finished, Ochako sighs, wiping her brow and looking at the 'dough' they formed, looking tired but proud.]

Wow, this looks great!! Well done, Todoroki-kun, you're a natural! I can't wait to try it!!

[itsmypower]

[MOCHI'S serious, Uraraka.

He won't hold back!]

It's— [Swallowing air here,] your birthday, isn't it?

[Her voice slips through, and then he's syncing up, properly, sharing his rhythm. He hardly minds. He wants the practice! It isn't unlike him to seek the challenge, attempt a new skill here and there. His quiet determination blotting out inexperience. Their force an ingredient. One more battle to meet head-on, as if everything's a fight to him. Their efforts combining, the boy mirroring movements, minding her hands between sharp, brief pauses. Though he can't stop his frowning, the serious air he adopts again. But it's coming together smoothly, now; a little better with teamwork. So, he's happy enough despite the pout, a look of thorough concentration where his eyes flicker up.]

I wasn't sure, so...

[He's watching the mix fold. Her own technique there. Fringe falling across his eyes again, hiding the rust-color.]

I thought I should try. You said [ugh...] you liked sweets before.

[But he could barely cut chives!]

[floatsaway]

Eh?

[There's a moment where she falters, just for a second, and the synchronization os broken when Ochako looks up. She comes dangerously close to getting her hand actually hit by that mallet, but is quick to pull them back just in time. Ah...a-a rookie mistake, being caught off guard like that. Clearing her throat, she resumes again after that little fumble, building the rhythm once more.]

Mm, yeah...to both, I guess.

[She's looking a little sheepish. No one really asked about her birthday, and Ochako's mostly been keeping it on the downlow, not wanting to draw attention to herself and take away from the festivities. It's most a holiday party, meant to celebrate Christmas and especially the New Year, her birthday just happened to be smack dab in the middle of those two dates.]

Mochi's my favorite, and we'd always do mochitsuki for the new year when I was growing up, when I still lived with my mama and papa in Kansai. [She pauses when they're done, leaning back and wiping her brow a bit.] Just doesn't feel the same without it, y'know? But you did really, really well, Todoroki-kun!! You're practically a natural! I mean it!!

Ne, do you want any? This one's just plain mochi, so we can make ozoni with it before we start the main food courses, if you want. Kansai ozoni is the best kind.

[itsmypower]

[He'd remembered it right?

He wouldn't mention. He's learned a lot through stretched silence, from keeping ears opened often. But this was different now. Special. He can't remember sometimes. Birthdays. Forgets his own, lately. There'd been no invitations before. He wasn't permitted to share his joys with other children his age, but here he is, full of choices, making sweets now, memories. He feels a hundred years removed from that, and still he's grasped at most anything, all of it. A whirl of night-rides and festivals. He's hardly expressive, but happy occasions come too rarely not to engage in things fully. His glowing warmth first experienced last with UA. Still brand new. A group like this. Sweetcakes and faerie-lights. Steeping in everything, now.

He tucks his head. Says, shyly,]

I'll remember for next time.

[He won't forget then.]

So it's tradition... [Thoughtfully, as if it's meant to stay secret.] This is my first joining in something like this. I didn't have this sort of thing before, so it's not I've practiced much. [He's shrinking from praises. Dodging. It's not too late for him, maybe. His fluster's hidden still, happy. He stalls on questions.]

You're sharing it?

[Slowing a little. His eyes are bright, though.]

If you really don't mind. [This isn't what his thoughts say. Only "homemade ozoni!" Then curiously,] I don't think I've tried Kansai's.

[No, he... definitely hasn't.]

It's alright if I help?