isleofavalon | Holiday Bash!!

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Holiday Bash!!

🧙 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.]

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[Gokudera thought learning about something from his home would be fun for them, and doesn’t know why he’s so bothered by the point flying over Zuko’s head. Or… it seems to, with the lack of reaction. There are little food-things Gokudera is interested in sharing, because food isn’t something that makes him happy. He’s the worst Italian.

He just wants to share what he finds joy in, like mixing all the juices during continental breakfasts, finding onomatopoeia names amusing, cracking stupid little jokes and teasing the people around him.

The pout is staying until he sees chopsticks out the corner of his gaze go for the meat he’d prepared, and he looks up, a bit surprised, eyebrow cocked at the vague smile his boyfriend is wearing. He’s been stared at plenty.

Gokudera watches, blinks in honest surprise at the meat now offered to him, and eats it happily, even closing his eyes and giving a content hum at the flavor. Then he’s dipping a new piece, pulling it out, and standing to offer feeding it to Zuko across the hot pot.

Maybe he just wants to take care of his boyfriend a little more. He’s a sap.]

[ Zuko's satisfied just to see Gokudera eat the piece he'd snuck on his plate. But it's becoming like a game when the bomber stands and seems to be offering to feed it to Zuko directly, the way he reaches across the hot pot with it. Zuko can hold his hand and his waist and hug and kiss him and all that crap in public, but not this — Zuko wouldn't even let himself be fed in private, frankly...! He's a curmudgeon! But just the fact that Gokudera even tries for it is kind of hilarious to him, and even Zuko can't keep his smile from cracking wider in outraged amusement, even letting out a little stifled snort of a laugh. Meeting his eye with a sharp, fond stare and a sly, toothy grin, Zuko snatches the meat from Gokudera's chopsticks midair with his own chopsticks, staying seated almost pointedly. He merely holds it between his chopsticks above his plate, stalling to eat because he's too focused on Gokudera's face, stuck on smiling at him, before he gives him a very slight, very sarcastic shake of his head, and eats the thing himself while maintaining eye contact, as if to make a point. Nope. Not gonna happen. He's not gonna be fed like a baby ostrich-horse at some party. Or anywhere else, for that matter. But he's clearly more amused than he's almost ever been that Gokudera even entertained the idea — because it's such a staunch "Nope," nope. Curmudgeon or not, Zuko's obviously still having fun... that's the real point, here. ]

[Gokudera is wholly taken aback at Zuko taking the meat from him and eating it while staring at him. He almost feels pinned in place, with a spotlight the way he’s still standing, frozen and stuck on those eyes. Then he’s blushing, clears his throat and sits down rather hard before looking away with wide eyes.

That was very public, and he’s not sure what to do.

Maybe Zuko would feed him instead?

He looks over at the other, pout coming back before he’s taking some flavorful mushrooms and adding them to the broth, swirling them around. Then he’s gazing at the plate between them where he’d served Zuko.]

You don’t have to be sneaky. I’ll eat whatever you give me.

[ Zuko goes ahead frying more meat, letting his sly little smile fade but linger, not keeping eye contact with Gokudera now. ]

I know. I'm not being sneaky. But we're not gonna feed each other like baby ostrich-horses. Even if we were in private. I'm drawing a line on the "cute" shit there~

[ Good-humored Zuko is a silly and rare thing. His sense of humor is still a bit biting and sardonic, but he means well, and hopes Gokudera knows it's all in jest... ...even if almost all of Zuko's jokes are perpetually also factual statements he just says with a light lilt. He's always earnest, too, even when he's sarcastic. It's a delicate balance Zuko has mastered... ]

[Gokudera keeps pouting, then pops the cap off a mushroom and throws it at Zuko.]

Maybe I just want to put things in your mouth, huh? Ever think of that?

[Boo, Zuko. Gokudera tosses another mushroom cap up, then catches it with a snap of his teeth. Then, he bites his lip a little and sways in his seat.]

[ It doesn't get exactly a smile from Zuko, but the remark does get an odd look that takes him pause. Then, as he breaks eye contact to pluck the meat out from the broth and place it on his plate, he responds with a completely straight face, hardly a hint of embarrassment or glibness, as if it's the most casual, mundane thing he could say...: ]

Later.

[ grihlsjkn

Considering they haven't even done that yet and that this comeback takes him barely a beat, it's pretty suave, for Zuko...! ]

What the fuck do you mean by that, hm?

You shouldn’t say things you don’t mean!

[Gokudera pokes a vegetable at him in an accusatory manner, expression reading aggravation, but inside, he’s so excited by the idea. He didn’t even really mean it, either!]

Who said that?

[ He is inwardly smitten that he's playing it so cool and thinks he's being very funny, idly raising his meat up to take a bite with his chopsticks. Seldom that Zuko's flirting quite lands like he wants it to, but he's in a good mood, and is amused by Gokudera's reaction to this teasing, too.

And really— who said he didn't mean it... ]

[Gokudera opens his mouth wide to give his rebuttal, but then shuts right up and goes scarlet, clapping his free hand to his mouth and turning his head away with a quick ‘swish’ that swings his fringe to cover his face.

That’s not fair!]

[ Zuko watches Gokudera with a careful eye, and when he turns away, a barely contained, wide, fond smile spreads over Zuko's face at the sight of him. It's cute. Hit his mark. Seldom his flirting lands the way he intends it to, so he's pretty smitten with this moment — and smitten with Gokudera. He struggles to swallow that smile by the time Gokudera will look back, so he just busies himself frying more things, which he — indeed maybe sneakily this time — piling onto Gokudera's plate instead of his own until he recovers. ]

[Gokudera is playing out all sorts of scenarios and screaming with glee in his head, face stuck pink even when he realizes that he got lost in thought.

When he looks over at Zuko, though, it’s a whole new distraction from… whatever his train of thought was. Zuko would let him put things in his mouth? Maybe they can share a smoke later.]

What do you think of Shabu-shabu? It’s uh, good, right?

[Gokudera will eat off that plate Zuko has been placing food on, his own plate all but ignored at just the idea of sharing a meal is more appealing, so the plate between them feels more appropriate.]

[ Zuko smiles lightly, feeling satisfied that he kind of... "won..." at flirting. Gokudera changed the subject first. It's a silly feeling, and Zuko's not used to feeling silly feelings. He nods slightly, meeting Gokudera's eye across the table. ]

It's good, yes. Thank you.

[Gokudera isn’t going to push his luck. He’ll accept a ‘later’ for putting things in Zuko’s mouth. Could even get creative with it. He meant it… He meant it?!

He’s got to think about food because uh… that’s what’s appropriate.]

Why’re you thanking me? I didn’t do anything…

[He takes another slice of meat, eats it, but then finds himself staring at Zuko’s mouth. He’s looking forward to later… whenever that is…]

You asked. And you suggested it.

[ Zuko's selectively socially in tune, but Gokudera is also pretty expressive, and they've come to know each other so well, that even Zuko can kinda get the gist of the way Gokudera's either looking away bashfully or staring at his lips... and Zuko's pretty amused and smitten seeing his reaction to his passable flirting, enjoying keeping Gokudera on his toes somewhat. Zuko's in good form tonight, and the only thing keeping him from seeming smug about it is how endeared he is by Gokudera, so this gentle teasing undertone remains in his voice as he continues their impromptu little meal. He's happy for a moment aside from the party like this, too. A moment alone. And happy for meat — good meat. He has a lot to be happy for tonight, really. ]

Well, you were hungry, Zuko.

[He feels like he shouldn’t be thanked for accompanying him to the table and talking about shabu-shabu. It’s no problem to share his company, or to explain what this is. Gokudera just doesn’t know what to do with the gratitude, and he’s flustered, lost in thought about later.]

You’re not making this easy, you know that?

[Gokudera, you started it.]

Edited (Super tiny text XD) 2022-01-14 22:07 (UTC)

I'm aware.

[ girjskndm jerk, zuko... ]

!!!

[He looks mildly insulted, face still very much pink.]

I can’t be around you, go away.

[Gokudera tosses another mushroom at him, then serves himself up some of the broth and settles on drinking it while keeping his eyes away. He’s determined to not look and get distracted, and make himself any more uncomfortable. Holding back in public is difficult, and he can’t decide whether he wants to throttle his boyfriend, or kiss him stupid. He’s just going to be sulking actively in front of him until he decides.]

[ That reaction gets another little snort of a laugh out of him, terribly good at keeping his composure in the face of such amusement... but it is really funny, even if he's not splitting his sides. He smiles at Gokudera with fond, narrowed eyes, expression cool and leveled until his shoulder gets hit with a mushroom, which finally twists the corner of his mouth into a real smile. Dumb. Unnecessary. Pouty. It's cute. He just gives a short breath of a laugh and shrugs, taking another bite of food, clearing whatever's left on his own plate, though here's still some left on the plate between them. But... Zuko's enjoying how cute and reactive Gokudera's being far too much to let the cue pass, and so stands up to leave, a couple beats after being jokingly told to go away.

He knows Gokudera was joking. He probably doesn't actually want Zuko to go away. And even as he does move to "go away," he has every intention of coming back and is just using the opportunity to go get water — but it's also absolutely to get a rise out of Gokudera. Is this why people tease Zuko all the time? Is it just fun and cute and amusing like this? The tables are usually flipped. He knows they're quite alike in many ways, though quite different in many others, but he can't imagine he's this cute when people tease him... He's never thrown mushrooms at anyone. It's silly, and he's not accustomed to silliness so much, but... his good humor comes out easily with Gokudera, easier than with anyone else. They always kinda feed off each other's energy, in general. So it's hard to resist playing along with his grumpy act now, too... ]

[Gokudera sees that smile and just wants to throw more food. Would do so to bother Zuko, change his expression into one of aggravation, competition, or even a bigger smile if he could. He’s not so hungry anymore, and has now just settled on being drunkenly annoying.

But the expression honestly drops in shock when Zuko actually gets up.

He’s flooded with panic and worry and gets up.

The alcohol has made him silly, but also has worn off the usual gruff cover he wears. He’s sensitive, and moves after Zuko to take his hand. Their food can wait.]

I-I didn’t mean it!

[He still looks genuinely worried, beside himself with some momentary regret, because Zuko was looking so happy! Why’d he leave?!]

[ Zuko expected him to object, maybe Gokudera would sass and tease him more, but he didn't expect him to jump out of his seat and grab his hand to stop him, stammering, face awash with worry like this. That draws a genuinely startled and surprised look on Zuko's face, but it quickly softens into an even fonder smile than before, not that smug, mischievous half-smirk. Just an endeared, warm smile, as he wraps his other hand around Gokudera's, pressing the boy's hand between both his own affectionately. ]

It's fine. I was kidding. I'm getting a drink. Would you like one?

[ He thinks this is pretty cute and funny and silly, it really is true, but seeing that look in his eyes makes this teasing a lot less funny. He's done enough playing around with his boyfriend. Joke's over. Zuko's not used to seeing Gokudera so sensitive — not used to being around "sensitive" people in these regards much at all, apart from, who, Aang and Ty Lee? Tamaki? Everyone else he hangs out with is pretty tough, including Gokudera way up at the top of the list in his eyes, so the blip of vulnerability throws him for a loop... a very endearing loop. ]

[Gokudera looks on at his boyfriend, confused, worried, ready to throw himself down and apologize and bow while smashing his head to the floor. That all sort of drifts away as Zuko smiles and takes his hand with both of his own.

He was kidding?

Why?!

Gokudera bristles up and punches Zuko’s arm. Not too hard, but not gently, either.]

I’ve been drinking all night!

[ The punch just spreads a grin over Zuko's face, but he doesn't punch back or meet that energy. Just places a hand gingerly on Gokudera's shoulder. ]

Water. I meant water.

Fine

[He rolls his eyes.]

I’ll get water with you.

[Gokudera actually wants something sweet, though. Maybe he’ll get some juice and share it with Zuko? He’s not staying upset, just looking a bit off balance, flushed pink, and mildly indignant.]

[ Another little huff of a laugh, because, you know, far be it for Zuko to actually laugh. But this is probably the most he's ever smiled and laughed around Gokudera before.

As Gokudera gets up to join him, he wraps his arm around the boy's waist again. Despite having always touched Gokudera more than anyone else in Avalon, barring Aurora who always initiated the contact with Zuko rather than the other way around, the contrast in Zuko's casual physical affection has been almost profound. There's of course moments they're not touching, but, uh... compared to before, it's now few and far between. If Gokudera objects, Zuko will always listen, but it seems so quickly, so easily second nature for Zuko to reach his arm around his waist, to hold his hand, to lean against him, all these sweet, subtle gestures that are becoming the new norm. It's another side of Zuko. The same side who's doing all this smiling and laughing. ]

[Gokudera is happy to see this side of Zuko. He isn’t entirely comfortable being touched because of… trauma. However, the firebender showing his affection and touching him so often is making him handle it easier. It’s starting to feel safe and something he may expect. When that arm is around his waist, he leans into Zuko, not thirsty, not hungry, not cold, or wanting for anything. This is all he wants.

He didn’t know he wanted it, but he’s the happiest he’s ever been right now, until something else happens and either builds upon it, or makes it all crumble away.

Zuko smells nice and he’s warm, and Gokudera feels like a drunk barnacle.]

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Holiday Bash!!

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