But did you know / that when it snows

[attar_of_roses]

Who: The residents of Awkward House Alpha Delta Pi Auntie Rangiku's Home For Confused Lesbians Rangiku's new house.
What: A chilly housewarming, spiced with mistletoe.
Where: The above domicile.
When: Not long after the three have moved in.

Comments

[attar_of_roses]

[Appears noiselessly in the opposite doorway.]

Welcome home, Vice Captain.

[She comes to take the fern, without asking.] They were a gift.

[attar_of_roses]

There's a space in the dining room.

[Though she does not step directly into the doorway, it appears the mistletoe hung just inside of it is somewhat less discerning in its range than she might hope.

Anthy turns to transport the heavy fern, and manages two small steps before she stops.

Ah.

A remarkably less welcome bind.]

[attar_of_roses]

There isn't any need to apologize.

[Anthy sets the fern down, and smoothly turns. Her face is as blank as a china doll.]

Every gift comes with a price.

[attar_of_roses]

[She blinks once, unable to look anywhere else - and then her eyes narrow. Firmly]

Vice Captain Matsumoto.

You have given us many gifts.

[Time to take the initiative. Tiptoe is involved. This is repayment.

Rangiku tastes odd.]

[attar_of_roses]

[A soft sigh. She does not recede far. Her eyes flicker, and lower.]

We will repay you.

[It's almost defiant.]

[ofnobility]

[As if on cue(in the nick of time?) Utena jogs down the stairs.] Oi, Himemiya, where are you? I heard Rangiku-san, and...

[She stops when she notices the two in the doorway. There's a very long silence as she takes in Rangiku's ridiculous holiday getup.

Her lips twitch, and she shakes with silent giggles before she explodes into full out guffaws.]

W-what are you wearing?!

[attar_of_roses]

Utena.

[For a moment as she turns, her face is dangerously blank. And then a wistful smile blooms like a stunted rose.] I am here.

[And not moving. She sets an open palm against empty air.]

[ofnobility]

[Utena is doubled over with laughter, and puts her hands on her knees to steady herself.] Ne, who told you to wear that stuff? Take the stocking off, at least! You put them over the fireplace for gifts; you don't wear them! [she glances up, notices the bauble hanging from Rangiku's hat, and that only sets her off again.

It's a while before she's calm enough to speak again. She wipes an errant tear from her eye and blinks at Rangiku and Anthy's predicament. Her expression sobers.]

Oh no. You two got caught under that stuff? [She searches for the tell-tale sparkles, and frowns.] Did you...kiss? Where's the glitter?

[attar_of_roses]

[A beat. And then her eyes turn up, and she gives a small, light, plastic giggle. Anthy offers her hand, all courtliness and smiles.]

I suppose it's a small price.