Holiday Party, The Second Year

[ambitious_woman]

They were almost done decorating the TARDIS for the holidays. Indeed, since the Doctor's restoration, the ship himself had proven more than inclined to assist, and now the walls glowed with the warm glow of winter firelight, even where no flames existed. Reinette did not have a care if it was as simple as a 'screensaver' as her husband muttered to

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[rude_not_ginger]

Reinette insisted on formal dress. Which, really, the Doctor couldn't complain too loudly about despite how much he hated dressing up. After all, there weren't balls every few months to go to, no intense conversation-training prior to a simple holiday get-together.

He pulled on one of the nicer suits over a clean, white ruffle shirt and topped it with a green ascot. He didn't look half bad, he decided. He snatched up his cane and a small red package (hiding said package behind his back), and then headed towards the console room.

"I think that you've convinced the TARDIS to be excited over Christmas this year," the Doctor grinned at his wife as he entered. Indeed, he could feel the ship bubbling over the new screensaver, the possibility of people. He wondered what Catherine would think of her beloved TARDIS suddenly all happy.

[ambitious_woman]

Hearing the Doctor's voice over her shoulder Reinette turned towards the sound, momentarily forgetting that she was keeping her attention focused on the arrival of her guests. She sensed her own distraction and new it was a rare man that was capable of such results.

"I am the first to claim credit where credit is do," Reinette smoothed at the line of her skirts, old habits returning with more formal dress. "But I rather think his newfound happiness has very little to do with me."

Reinette studied her husband's dress and nodded in approval.

"He missed you."

[rude_not_ginger]

"Weaeaeaell..." He knew that was true. He thought about making a sassy remark in return, but gave up and just nodded. "And you, too."

He stepped forward, placing his hands on the newly smoothed sides of her dress.

"No corset. I'm impressed." He grinned widely. "You look lovely." See? He could use the correct compliment!

[ambitious_woman]

Reinette could only laugh, and shake her head. Snile, and then realize after a moment that she had laughed. She could still hear the lingering sound.

That was enough to not only keep her from pulling away from his hand on her hip, but to take a single step closer.

"Perhaps it occurred to me just how busy this evening will be, and I decided this dress was the only way I would not have to listen to you lecturing me all evening," she teased.

[unearthlysusan]

A Christmas party, how exciting! Susan had never experienced a proper Christmas - her time on Earth sadly hadn't corresponded with one - but she certainly looking forward to what it would be like. She'd even bought Christmas presents for her friends, though deciding which version of her Grandfather she should purchase them for had been difficult. There were so many of his incarnations wandering around.

Since it was formal dress, Susan had abandoned her usual cap and loose jumpers, and was wearing a green silk jacket and trousers, like she'd worn during their adventures in Peking. That seemed such a long time ago now, but it was nice to recapture it, no matter how vaguely.

Stepping through the door of what she hoped was the right TARDIS, Susan looked around for a familiar face, or even a new acquaintance. She didn't mind which.

[ambitious_woman]

This? Was someone Reinette did not know. Which was bothersome somewhat, that they were fighting for the same things, yet still strangers. But this was also a time for righting such wrongs. Reinette extended a single hand with a smile.

"Hello," she offered. "I am Reinette."

[unearthlysusan]

Susan smiled at Reinette broadly. The name was vaguely familiar, but she wasn't sure why, and she certainly didn't connect the woman greeting her with any famous historical figures she'd heard of.

"I'm Susan Foreman," she said politely, shaking her hand, "The TARDIS looks beautiful."

[ambitious_woman]

Reinette smiled, pleased to know that her efforts were being enjoyed.

"I will admit I had to read a great deal on other traditions, as there seems to be a great deal more that is celebrated beyond what we did in France."

Her smile grew.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Susan."

[eleventh_doctor]

The Doctor hadn't actually planned to wear anything dressy. Maybe a change of shirt, but fancy dress was not her thing.

So the TARDIS took matters into her own hands, completely hiding the wardrobe from the Doctor, leaving her stranded without clothing except for one dress draped over the console. Mysteriously, of course, because she hadn't even been aware she had one like it in the TARDIS.

Thus, she finally showed at the doorway of the TARDIS, wearing a TARDIS-blue evening gown, not one hundred percent comfortable in it, but then, she didn't have much of a choice, did she?

[ambitious_woman]

It was something Reinette sensed -- uncertainty. In her previous incarnation, when she was master of all things court and courtly in France she would have exploited that knowledge to her full benefit.

But now she appreciated both newness, and being on edge. And after all, this was an old friend, was it not?

"You look lovely," she offered in greeting.

[eleventh_doctor]

"And you," she replied, tugging at the skirt of her dress somewhat awkwardly. (At least there was a shoulder strap. If there hadn't been a shoulder strap, she would've given the party a miss altogether.)

"The TARDIS looks nice," she offered, glancing at the decorations with a certain amount of appreciation.

[rude_not_ginger]

"Merry Christmas, Self," the Doctor said, limping over to the woman and offering her his hand. She looked lovely, which was surprising, he'd always imagined her as a bloke with long hair---not that he wasn't aware of her femininity, he just preferred to see it that way rather than think he became a woman in a future life.

[fluffnfreckles]

As if this Doctor could possibly refuse an invitation from Reinette for holiday gatherings and festival feasts and parties. He fiddled with the tie of his tuxedo for some time, decided to wear something more festive, decided to wear something more formal, then went back to the tux and tie-fiddling. Another Christmas. Another Christmas, the second one, and he hadn't any presents for anyone (and really, how could he top his other self's gift of the compass anyway, tucked neatly away as usual in a breast pocket), and they really all ought not to be there anyway, not after more than a year, but he supposed in the long run it didn't or at least wouldn't really matter.

What mattered, at the moment, was having a good time. He grinned nice and wide at Reinette in the doorway when he finally made his way over. "You're looking lovely as ever, m'dear. Like what you've done with the place."

He seemed to have arrived particularly early. ...Which was strange for someone who so often crashed into the middle of parties.

[ambitious_woman]

"As do you as well," Reinette smiled brightly at the arrival of the Doctor, not even hesitating as she reached out to straighten his tie and brush a bit of snow from his lapel.

"The weather has been frigid as of late. Hopefully you will find it a good deal warmer in here. There is even a special blend of Christmas tea. I put out the honey, just for you."

[fluffnfreckles]

He thought he fixed that tie. It would probably come off during the party anyway. "Ooo, special tea for Christmas? Is that what I smell?"

The interrior of the TARDIS was indeed much warmer, though most anyplace was better than outside. It smelled of pine and food and felt just like a true home for the holidays. "Dare I ask if you planted any mistletoe up on any unsuspecting doorways?"

[ambitious_woman]

"I imagine that it is what you smell," Reinette laughed. "It is a black tea that is rather traditional to the holidays. I imagined there was a great many here that would enjoy it."

She stepped somewhat close.

"And I will tell you a secret. There is mistletoe about, but only if you seek it out. It is in the doorways to some of the side rooms. Certainly nothing you would stumble into unknowingly. It is not a French tradition, but it seems to be a popular one?"

[goldented]

Ted arrived, Ace on his arm, dressed in the finest finery that he could fine. It was plaid. He loved it.

There was no question in his mind that they would go. Even if Ted hadn't wanted the excuse to dress up, the invitation was from his second best friend in the universe, and there was no way he'd ignore that. Plus he'd missed last year's, and there was no way he'd miss two annual parties in a row.

He grinned as he saw Reinette at the door, and waved excitedly. "Madame!

[timesvigilante]

Ace too was dressed to the nines, hair in a rather elaborate...and...just downright weird style that rather suited her in a way and she knew Ted loved it.

She was rather glad to come to the party this year. Last year she spent most of the time by the punchbowl...or outside. Big crowds still weren't her thing but she'd come to know most of these people as her family over the past year.

[goldented]

Ted did love Ace's hair, and had watched, fascinated, as she'd spent over an hour putting it into that style, before he messed it up and had to redo it himself. It wasn't his fault that she was so irresistible.

He leaned over and kissed her on the neck as the walked towards the TARDIS. "I 'elped decorate."

[timesvigilante]

That small gesture of Ted's always brought a large smile to Ace's face. Sometimes she still wondered what had made her so special to have an Eternal fall in love with her. It never lasted long, after all it wasn't like she was complaining.

"You did a wonderful job Teddy. It looks beautiful."