T Par Tay (Open Log!)

[curious_copycat]

Who: Aphrodite (cyprian_swan), Polly (curious_copycat), and everyone and anyone else!
What: It's been a year since Polly set foot on the Thor, and she wants to celebrate! Mix, mingle and have fun!
When: Oct 5th! (but late tags are welcome)
Where: One of the Thor's gardens.
Warnings: Beware of flying armadillos, and don't step on the mome raths.

Comments

Garden Entrance

[dr_kiriko]

[The Doctor wasn't fond of parties in the slightest. Not being a social person, he tended to avoid public events at all costs, especially if he knew a friend would be there. It was almost always limited to the sort of social circle he wasn't a part of; the playful, friendly kinds.
But since it was for Polly, things were a bit different today

Re: Garden Entrance

[dr_kiriko]

[His eye flicks downwards, his expression falling. He hadn't known that...]

Is that true...?

[If that was the case, yes, Kiriko couldn't help but feel a touch of jealousy for the people who had been wormholed. But at the same time, would he really want to go back...?
This man must have meant a lot to her. And if Break felt the same way, then...

Kiriko stops petting Alice, smiles sadly, and stands up again, looking at a random point in the horizon.]

...You don't know that. That he's happier, I mean. I'm sure he misses you terribly, Polly.

[He didn't mean to upset her, but rationalizing wasn't going to help her recover. He knew from experience. She should know the truth.]

Re: Garden Entrance

[curious_copycat]

[Casting him a curious glance, Polly rises as well. She moves a fraction closer, seeking out his gaze.]

None of us know. Whether the captains are telling the truth, I mean. Some of it doesn't add up. So far as Break...

[She gives a small, rueful smile and shakes her head.]

Nothing with him was ever that simple. Either way... I like life, here, even if he didn't.

[Sensing the faint tension in the air, Alice moves over to lean against the Polly's leg, and the girl smiles down at her.]

We do alright, don't we Alice?

Re: Garden Entrance

[dr_kiriko]

[Now the doctor's interest was piqued. He wanted much to know more about this Break gentleman, but decided it would be best not to force the issue. He had a feeling Break had meant a lot to her... And he had seen firsthand what losing someone on this ship could do to a person.]

As long as you're happy... that's all you can ask for, right?

[Not knowing what to do to console her, he thought he should change the subject a bit.]

Ah, before I forget. Polly? I have something for you.

Re: Garden Entrance

[curious_copycat]

[She glances up, at that. Asking had never really occurred to her. She's on the verge of opening her mouth to ask if it works. Then he speaks again, and the curiosity so central to her being comes to the fore.]

You do?

[It is quite clear that she hadn't expected gifts. Even without knowing what it is, she's touched.]

Re: Garden Entrance

[dr_kiriko]

[He had been dreading this part all day, but knew that if he didn't give it to her now, he would surely lose heart and return it. Or just keep it until it collected dust.]

Yes... I wasn't certain if you had one for yourself, and my apologies if you do, but... I wanted to get you something.

[Something important, not just a common gift like flowers or a necklace. He just hoped he had made the right choice.
He turned back to the tables and knelt to open the large suitcase he had brought with him. Inside it was, oddly enough, another case. A violin case; a smaller one, for a 7/8 size acoustic custom-made violin.
He takes the case out and gently passes it to her.]

This is for you.

I knew that... you were learning how to play, and I thought you should get one that suited you properly.

If you have another one, well... perhaps you'll find this smaller one a touch easier to practice on, at least. Or I could take it back.

Re: Garden Entrance

[curious_copycat]

[Polly is speechless. Gingerly, she lays the case on the table and opens it, running her fingers over the instrument inside.]

It's beautiful...!

[She looks up at him, eyes wide, as if she half expects there's been some mistake--it was too marvelous for a gift--she hadn't earned it!]

Oh, doctor, thank you! Thank you so much!

[And the next moment her arms are around him in a fierce hug.]

Re: Garden Entrance

[dr_kiriko]

I-!

[Kiriko was about to turn away before he felt Polly cling to him. Afraid, he almost pushes her away, not expecting it at all. Instead he stands there for a few seconds, red-faced and completely shocked, not sure how to react...

But, as long as Polly was comfortable like this, he decided he was okay.
Against his better judgment, he gently returns her hug after discreetly looking around to make sure no one was staring...]

You're welcome. I'm glad you like it. Happy one year anniversary.

Re: Garden Entrance

[curious_copycat]

[She had felt his tension, in the first moment, and was almost afraid she'd done something wrong. The affection had been impulsive, and it didn't occur to her that it would or particularly should matter if others saw. Then, when he let himself relax, she did as well.]

[After a long moment, she pulls back, beaming up at him.]

I love it! I promise, I'll learn the best music to play on it!

[She turns back to the case, carefully closing it, and then picking it up in her arms--its going to be hard for her to set it down for the rest of the evening.]

What music is your favorite?

[Perhaps she could learn something to play just for him. It would be the very least she could do!]

Re: Garden Entrance

[dr_kiriko]

I'm very glad you like it.

[He's completely relieved - he had worried it would end up being a useless gift. As long as she liked it.

He openes his mouth to give a recommendation, but stops himself midway. Playing an instrument wasn't the same if it was an "assignment".]

Don't worry about my favourite. I want you to play something from the heart, Polly. Whatever you like best.

[Seeing her so happy really touches the Doctor. He couldn't remember the last time he'd seen someone smile like that.]

Re: Garden Entrance

[curious_copycat]

What I like best..?

[She muses a moment.]

Quatre's taught me about Chopin. And Mozart... I like both of them!

[Her eyes shone as she held the violin case a little closer.]

I'll find something beautiful to play for you!

Re: Garden Entrance

[dr_kiriko]

Both excellent composers. I'd like that very much.

[He smiles warmly, enjoying her company. She was so spirited and enthusiastic about music - it reminded him of he and Kuroh years ago, a comforting nostalgic memory. And it was uplifting to find they had something in common.]

Well, Polly, I have a feeling I'm holding you from your other guests. I'm not the only one here, after all.

[He doesn't seem rushed. The Doctor is not quite ready to leave yet... Maybe he'll stick around in hopes of catching her again later.]

Re: Garden Entrance

[curious_copycat]

[Polly blinks, then looks over at the entrance, realizing a few people have slipped in, since his arrival. She turns back to the Doctor with a rather sheepish smile.]

I... guess I should go and greet people...

[She does hope he sticks around. Aside from wanting to talk to him more, she likes it when her friends can be friends. The good Doctor might make a friend or two, here.]

There's tea if you'd like. And I made lots of food. Please, help yourself to anything you like!