Chapter Text
February 13th couldn’t have come any sooner. It’s late into the night, after the last round of matches have ended for the night. Survivors and Hunters alike have their hands full of gifts of various sizes to put into respective mail slots in the mail room. Since leaving them in front of one door wasn’t such a great idea. Therefore putting them in the mail room that was guarded by Burke.
How did Burke get the part, likely because last year there were far too many ‘pranks’ going on around valentine day and so the Manor owner gave Burke the duty of stopping that from going on.
Watching from the stairs balcony with a faint smile at Kevin singing, his arms were overflowing with gifts that paired with his singing and swaying would fallout of his arms at times. With William right behind him, picking up said gifts as his own arm was filled with gifts for likely his fellow ‘bros’ and who else he had gifts for.
Waiting a little before she went down the stairs and over to the mailing room, giving a small smile to Burke who was far too busy looking at his console to truly pay her *that* much attention. A peak in showed Emma was still in there with her bag, putting a gift in everyone's mail slots as she was now working on the hunter side. It truly was nice with how large the mail room was for this many people. Some used two slots instead of one like Prof Luchino and Dream Witch.
Nobody gonna tell them otherwise not to.
Having decided to hang elsewhere, until the coast was clear of people, then she decided that she should put her wrapped and signed gifts in the slots. Carefully putting hers inside, making her way around to the hunter side did she notice that Wu Chang box seemed to be empty except for one rectangular box. Not one to be noisy, she just slides her in next to it with her note.
When all was said and done, she left, having not glanced at her own box, not wanting to get any hopes up or down about it.
Going back up the stairs to Aesop room to check up on him as she checked on Vera and Kevin earlier. Knocking quietly on the door as she heard brief movement inside before he peaked from the door.
Smiling when she saw the corner of his eyes crinkle from the smile under his mask.
“Nightly check up before bed. Just wanted to make sure you weren’t overwhelmed today since we barely got time to hang out recently.” She said softly, hands clasped behind her as she stood there.
He didn’t open the room door much more but that was okay.
“I’ve successfully evaded several people trying to ask me to help them and I can say that's an accomplishment on my own. Even more so because I don’t know when they would want my help to begin with.”
He responded back with his own soft tone.
“They were trying to include you in the festivities.” They had included her as well, or well Fiona and Emma practically dragged her into cutting out hearts and ribbons to help string around the manor along with other survivors. They even got Bonbon to help thanks to Tracy.
“They wouldn’t have liked my ideas or my help if it was given.”
Simple truth. They wouldn’t have liked his skull hands or his realistic looking heart cut outs instead of more cartoonish ones. It was for the best after all.
“Speaking of help, I’m sure you gotten either the memo from Emma or Fiona, but do you actually plan on wearing three outfits?” Emily asked tilting her head.
“That's far too many times to be changing throughout the day. I barely change outfits on normal days and they expect people to change three times? Ridiculous, I will not be doing such a thing.
”
Just as she expected. Too much changing. “It’s just a suggestion, not a demand, Aesop.” She chuckles. “Besides, it would give us a reason to actually wear that outfit we got from the owner exclusively.”
“You mean the maid and butler outfit I’m more than sure the owner made us wear just to spite us both. I can still recall the cake that got in my hair and the fact it won't come out of suit. Not to mention I couldn’t even wear my own mask.!”
He huffs out, crossing his arms as far as she could tell.
“It was the anniversary of us all being trapped here. There was a feast and everything.” Everyone had dressed to their best and as far as she could tell, they were the only teo given an outfit to wear on that specific day.
“
Doesn’t make it any better.”
He breathes out looking away before looking back at her from the door. “
I suppose I can wear it. I’m not gonna be in any of the matches or wandering around to begin with so I don’t see why not.”
It wasn’t much but it did make her feel happy to at least have someone to match with tomorrow.
“Much appreciated, Aesop. But enough of my talking or else we’ll be standing here for thirty more minutes.” Emily laughed softly. Not that she was excited to go to bed.
“
It can’t be helped that talking to you can make the hours pass by like minutes.”
It made her smile affectionately at his words. “
But atlas, the night is young and we are not so to a temporary slumber we should go. A goodnight to you Emily.”
He nods at her as she doesn’t take the opportunity to say that he was indeed younger than her, but words words.
“A goodnight to you Aesop.” And with that does she turn and walk back to her room, hearing Aesop close his door and lock it for the night. To her room, to the bath and to the bed she goes and for one of her many blessings she doesn’t have a nightmare for the night.
February 14th comes and you can feel the love in the air. It was almost choking how sweet it was. If you tried to cut it with a knife, you might injure yourself from it.
Having gotten the memo the night before when she visited Vera, she spent the better part of her morning contemplating what outfits she should use. You needed one outfit for the matches that you were likely going to be in once today, one for around the manor, or matching outfit for around the manor if you had a partner. Which Vera had crossed out that part with a heart next to it. And one for the party.
Deciding on the Maid one for the matches and her Redemption outfit that didn’t see the light of day that often for her wandering outfit. She still couldn’t make her mind whether she wanted to go to the party or not.
~~~
To her own credit, besides the brunch that was absolutely delicious and the two, two versus eight matches she was in. It was an actual pleasant day. That is, if you could ignore the amount of cheesy, gooey couple stuff that was turned all the way to the max. There were too many to account for like Vera in her Crimson Bride outfit to match Martha Event Host outfit. Or Patrica Reservist with Fiona Divine Light.
Sister Ann and Violette was by far the cutest one there. With Sister Ann White truffle with Violette Light Guardian outfit together. They were a match made in heaven if one was to say. The main location was at the amusement park. It was amazing what the owner would do for a holiday but not for anything else for our benefits. Most of the deserted booths were actually lively. If you can call lively as things of the abyss filling up the space handing you ice cream and cotton candy that was actually editable.
The other carousel that had broken down was actually working and with a little struggling help, the hunters were able to get onto the seats. It was a kinda cute horror into see it? Maybe the way Violette held onto the horse or how Sister Ann swerved her head around to look at Violette with a smile. To each it own she suppose.
Somehow despite all efforts, Aesop was actually in the match as well. It took some time to find him since he was actually decoding ciphers to leave instead of enjoying the amenities around him. Having been given two ice cream cones she had no chance in finishing herself, she offered it to him as he clacked away.
“I was given a forced choice of either taking a single person place in this round or being subjected to a two verus eight with Feaster and The Ripper. You can assume what choice I made.”
He said without looking up.
“Oh stars- a match with them, on Lakeside nonetheless, I can’t see how that would be ideal for anyone *but* those two.” Her and Aesop had an agreed upon opinion on the two hunters that were seen together. But those are thoughts that are not meant to be utter or unspeakable things could happen to them.
With a bang and a whoosh, the cipher was done. A gust of wind, a whisper in the air, with that it could only mean that the dungeon had been revealed and they didn’t have to complete the other three ciphers to leave if they wanted.
Handing over the swirled charcoal ice cream to Aesop as she worked on her vanilla one. You’d think they give out more cuter favors but the abyss must have known who this one was going to. They leisurely took the time to walk around the perimeter to find the location of the dungeon. With the wait in line at the photo booth to get the crowbar first of course.
Retrieving the crowbar that Emily was more than happier to carry than Aesop as they continued their walk, not minding the couples leaning against things and either kissing or showing an alarming amount of PDA. But it was their day so they’ll let them have that.
It was when they paused at the bridge, having seen the red dungeon itself did they pace pick up slightly. Having finished her ice cream first, Emily wiped her hands on the outfit before she begun to pry open the dungeon with the crowbar amidst the soft screams and giggles from the roller coaster above.
“You know, you should come to the party.” She said lightly while panting a little, using more force than necessary to open the dungeon. Jeez, did they make it harder for valentine day?? “You- don’t even have to come inside, I’m sure by being in the garden, you’d be considered there anyway.”
Aesop had silently been eating his ice cream watching her, rolling his shoulders before responding. “
Mmm more than likely everyone will be there, and depending on what room it’s actually going to be in. A crowded space isn’t my forte.”
Stopping as he takes a slow lick of a dying mountain of ice cream from his cone. “
However, I did overhear from Vera herself as she was informing Martha how the party was indeed going to be fun as she was going to try to get you to sing.”
Losing her balance almost at that. Looking up at him flabbergasted. Vera wasn’t serious- she had to be jesting, if even a little bit. Trying to shrug it off as she went back to opening the dungeon. “Nice one Aesop. I didn’t know you had jokes. Vera is just joking, I’m not a good singer in any form or way.”
“I’ll inform you when I tell a joke then if your taking my words as such. Besides, I wouldn’t have a reason to show up to a party anyway. If sweets weren’t involve I wouldn’t even step foot in the general direction of such a loud place.”
A crunch or two is heard from him before he continues. “
But if you are to be there singing. Then I can move some things in my schedule to hear your singing from the Garden.”
And with that and a groan, the dungeon popped open as a gust of wind hit her in the face. Letting her leave the crowbar on the ground. Huffing at him at that statement alone. At least he’d get out and she’d have somewhere to go when the party got too much. “I’ll bring you sweets in return for the nice gesture.”
Emily pointed towards the dungeon as he pointed back. “Ladies First.”
~~~
Between the match, if she can even call it that when no one was hurt in the slightest. But whatever. After going against Sister Ann and Violette, then Mary and Miss Michiko. It was a good time to call it for the day to rest for the party which others seemed to have the same thought. Or so she thought. As she observed from her brief walk from the lobby. She was noticing that more than most were getting their gifts from the mail room *or* going to get ready for the party.
Weighting the pros and cons of actually checking her mail slot for anything, where there was more cons than pros. She waved the thoughts away. Straightening her back with her chin up. Enough was enough.! Stop being a coward and just go collect your presents like a normal person would!
…It was one thing to say it in your head where only you and your thoughts could hear. It was an entirely different thing to act on it. Having been walking to her room, she sighed, turning around and slowly making her way to the mail room. Whatever she got, whether it was two gifts or none, she would still be happy either way. It was just a silly holiday for goodness sake! One shouldn’t get their hair in knots over it!
Checking to see if the mail room was clear before entering. Burke wasn’t sitting in a chair by the mail room so maybe he was just needed until matches or maybe he was watching from elsewhere in case- Emily no, stop getting off topic. Focus. Gifts. Taking a deep breathe, turning to her cubby and… surprised that there was more gifts than she had though.
Surely she believed maybe, one or two, maybe three but not eight.
A smile wormed itself on her face as she could feel her heart melt a little at it as she grabbed each gift to carry. Not wanting to look at the names just yet or try to guess what was inside so she wouldn’t get all giddy and such in such a public place in-case someone else came down to get their own gifts.
Speaking of other gifts. Before leaving for her room, she just casually leaned over to see about the hunters boxes. Noticing Mary and Michiko hadn’t gotten their mountain of gifts yet, Sister Ann and Prof Luchino's were cleaned out. Even more of a notice that Wu Chang hadn’t retrieved his gifts. Maybe he had a match too today.
But… let's not linger on that or whatever thoughts were trying to come up about that. I mean what- he had two maybe three gifts in his box, that including the one from her. Perhaps he wasn’t that much of a friendly hunter- or maybe he just didn’t want friends like some other hunters. Did he even think of them as friends or more so co-workers you have no choice but to interact with-
What did we just say about thinking those thoughts. Shaking her head as walked back to her room.Unlocking her door with the skeleton key as she entered, closing the door with her foot as she unloaded the gifts onto the desk. As tempting as it was to just open them now… she should just wait till after the party. She’d likely be back early if anything.
Letting the magical cards do its thing, she was back in her nurse outfit. Taking the small deck of cards to her bed, sitting down as she shuffled through them.
Flaming Angel? No, it was a little too on par for Valentine day. Same with Holy Angel. The only thing she would be ask is where is her bow and arrows if she wore that. Maybe Elegant White? No too plain. Just her normal outfit just in teal. Shaman and Rebirth wouldn’t be fitting for such an event. Yesterday is too much of a school outfit. Antidote has no place. She’d stick out like a sore thumb likely, or maybe not because of the red? But still no. Rhizotomist while nice and very pretty wasn’t really calling out. Maybe on Earth day she’d wear it.
Thinking back to what Aesop said. Vera trying to get her to sing as a joke… Looking down at the cards, only one would really stand out for the party and for whatever Vera likely had up her sleeve. The sparkly, shiny enameled gold card.
Firefly.
Twirling the S card in her hand as it glittered and sparkled in the setting sunlight of the day. Emily was seriously contemplating if she should go. It was going to be boring, everyone was going to be paired off. If anything she was going to be sitting at a bar trying to get tipsy to forgot the event… Speaking of events. The First Anniversary of this cursed place did bring a smile to her face. Her and Vera had gotten pretty outfits from it. Vera with her Tonight or Never while she got Firefly. It was one of the few events here she can recall laughing so much from it. Vera did teach her the waltz and Emma got a stunning detective outfit from it.
A small sigh. Vera no doubt was going to be wearing Tonight or Never. Why wouldn’t she? Its a beautiful outfit and… it just wouldn’t be right to not wear Firefly if that was the case. Would Martha wear her new Nidhogg outfit or her Black Swan one was a better question.
Inconsistent knocking from her door and a chuckle far too light, informed her that yes, that was Vera coming to make sure she didn’t try to skip out. Laying the remaining cards on the desk when she got off the bed. Letting the magical cards take over, opening the door to seeing Vera with one hand tangled with Martha, (she was indeed wearing Nidhogg. It looked very fitting with Vera all white.) while her other was covering her lips. Martha seemed to be holding Vera drink for her, or maybe that was her own. Who’s to know.
“Emi dear~ Why I just knew you would be coming! And look~! Were matching in a sense~ Great mind think alike don’t they!”
A kiss to both cheeks from Vera was warrant. Emily hand being grabbed as she closed the door as Vera was far too happy to drag her and Martha down to the dining hall where the source of music was coming from. Red and Pink streamers handing from the open doorway with hearts and other cute things.
Entering the dining hall that by the look of it, had been turned into a ballroom. The music was charmingly loud, almost everyone was in the dining room. Thankfully it was the survivor dining hall and not the hunters. Did they even eat like they did? Not questions for now. It was lively, bright with the amount of ribbons and decorations, how Emma and Fiona managed to do this all today when it wasn’t this way during brunch, well- hats off to them.
‘Well, Sir, here's just how it stands.’
Demi had taken up her place at the window seats near the open windows leading out to the garden. Her area was already packed with Jose, as always nearby, with his Captain Hook apparel and Demi with her True Proof. What looked like Burke, Lucky guy and Prof Luchino were at the bar as well. She could have sworn she saw Kevin nearby somewhere. Losing track of time, it would seem that they were in the term, ‘fashionably late’.
‘You've got romance on your hands’
The tables that were normally pushed together for dining were all split up in the room for seating for those who weren’t taking up the dance floor or on stage. They had even borrowed the phonograph from the dance studio for music. Being dragged more into the crowd, Vera was talking Martha ear off as she kept looking around.
‘Because the lady's in love with you!’
Smiles and laughter could be heard from the dance floor. What looked like Miss Michiko and Mary were somewhat matching if they were both wearing white could be called matching. Helena and William were acting very cute, aaand it looks like Margie was trying to catch Demi's attention with that Animal Tamer outfit Aesop did say she’d be wearing.
‘Call me irresponsible, call me unreliable’
It was inevitable for her not to start smiling and laughing at the event around her. Infectious really. In the process of enjoying the ‘vibes’ around her, thinking of perhaps getting a drink to likely settle in some nerves, well, she didn’t get not steps away from Vera and Martha towards the bar before Emma and Kevin were in her face with a smile.
‘Throw in undependable too’
“Emily! You made it!” Emma exclaimed, holding onto one of her hands, dressed in her Spring Demon outfit it would seem. She thought maybe Ghost Girl she’d wear. “Vera said she was going to try to get you to come! I’m so glad! The party is for everyone after all!” Emma smiled at her as Emily naturally smiled back.
‘Do my foolish alibis bore you?’
So Vera of course was telling Emma and Fiona so they likely could count. After all, there were over fifty people in this manor.
‘Well, I'm not too clever, I just adore you’
“Yes, Kitten. Couldn’t be anymore happier for you~!” Kevin beamed right along. Misfit? It was a nice touch then the Tailor one she would have thought he would wear. “And I see you got a mic in your hand!”
‘Call me unpredictable, tell me I'm impractical’
As if forgetting herself, looking down as wow- she did have her mic with her. It’s a healing accessory, it’s not really supposed to be out of matches. “Yes- It’s strange, I don’t recall having it earlier-” Her sentence was swiftly cut off by Emma.
‘Rainbows, I'm inclined to pursue’
“You know it was just fate for you to wear such a pretty dress and have a mic! That means you can go up and sing can’t you?”
‘Call me irresponsible, yes, I'm unreliable’
Oh no no no. She can’t sing! Or at least she doesn’t sing in public! It was one thing to sing in matches to heal her fellow survivors it was another thing to sing for entertainment! Kevin and Emma however weren’t having any of that. Turning her around and away from the bar and towards the dance floor and stage with glee.
‘But it's undeniably true’
Looking over to Vera for help proved to be not helpful. The woman was already on Martha's lap as she was eating from her hands. Literally!
‘I'm irresponsibly mad for you’
On the stage was, Eli? Emily didn’t know the Seer could dance, let alone sing. Gently pushed towards the remainder of the stage, Eli held out his hand mid singing towards her.
“Call me irresponsible, yes, I'm unreliable”
Looking down at his hand and back at the two that were giving her a thumbs up, she gave the quietest sigh as she took his hand.
“But it's undeniably true”
Being led onto the stage as he brought her under the shining lights, his outfit, Lunar Phase was as sparkly as hers if not more, giving her a spin as he continued.
“I'm irresponsibly mad for you~” She felt like he winked at her despite the fact that he’s blindfolded with an owl on his shoulder stealing the spotlight. Emily's lips twisted up into a smile at that. Really it was cute, adorably cute.
With that was Victor changing the Vinyl to another song just as quick. They started to sway as Eli started the next song, she even added herself in, well more so as the background singer. He was a better singer than she was and she was more than happy to let him take the spotlight.
“You're just too good to be true~ Can't take my eyes off of you~ You'd be like Heaven to touch~ I wanna hold you so much~” A spin and a shuffle, “At long last, love has arrived~ And I thank God I'm alive~ You're just too good to be true~ Can't take my eyes off of you”
Kevin has seemed to make it back to the bar, looking like he’s taking the offered drink from her and sitting what seems to be Jose.
“At long last, love has arrived~ And I thank God I'm alive~”
Burke has the bottle from what it looks like. He’s sharing it with Professor Luchino. That's nice of him. Keeping her singing low as she smiles, going from looking at Eli to looking over the room. She wonders if Aesop is at the garden- oh no. There he was.
“You're just too good to be true~”
He was behind Demi as she was passing him cake and a drink through the window, a giggle left her mouth at that. At least he could hear her background singing which was far more comfortable than actually being the one singing.
“Can't take my eyes off of you~”
Just glance over as a glimpse of white caught her eyes. She hadn’t been expecting- well- she didn’t know what she was expecting-
“Pardon the way that I stare~”
Frozen still on stage, managing to lock eye contact with White Guard- She- She hadn’t even thought he be here-
“There's nothin' else to compare~”
Why was he here- not that he couldn’t be here- but she hadn’t even thought she run into him- all this focus on the party and he didn’t even cross her mind for a second-
“The sight of you leaves me weak~”
Briefly- only briefly she turned her head away to look at Eli as he was pulling her in for another twirl- she wanted to point- to speak- to even sing- but nothing-
“There are no words left to speak~”
Looking back at the spot White Guard was- There- he was gone- But- He was just there! A Second ago!
“But if you feel like I feel~ Please let me know that it's real~”
No- She couldn’t have been the only one that saw that- he was just there- in an imperial white and gold outfit! He was tall- you can't, you can’t miss him! Where did he go?!
“You're just too good to be true~ Can't take my eyes off of you~”