defenderofdesmoines | MHA #2 | Friday Evening and probably onwards

It was a Christmas miracle: an even tackier, way-too-early ugly sweater party.

With way, way too much alcohol, and a kinda ridiculous number of activities.

There were, of course, the ubiquitous plastic snowmen haunting (almost) every corner of the apartment, and one out on each of the Smokers' Balconies for good measure. There were strings of lights lining the ceiling, as well as tracing the edges of each window. There were cookies to decorate (and eat, because you definitely should eat, and there were moddable snacks aplenty as well.) While there was, of course, Christmas music playing, those with keen eyes (or at least, enough wherewithal to look around an apartment before you started potentially drinking heavily in it) might spot a karaoke machine that would come out later. One particularly tinsel-y corner had an abundance of Santa hats and reindeer antlers and wearable strings of lights to wear while taking photos, and in the guest room -- of course -- there was a much-fabled craft table, where you could make an ornament that didn't have to be in an immature shape, but definitely could be.

There was also, hovering slowly through the party, a drone with mistletoe dangling from it. A Mistle Drone, one might call it, even.

And, because this was the Christmas Rager, there was alcohol. There was so, so, so much alcohol. The kegs of Christmas ale had once been reordered, there was a Make Your Own hot chocolate and coffee bar, and while Annie would never argue that Summer's shot table wasn't the star of every party...this year was a little different. Mostly because of how they'd decided to serve Annie's punch: in a freestanding bathtub, just slightly off-center from the room.

Welcome to the third annual Christmas Rager. Hope you wore a sweater, because the hostesses both have glitter cannons in case you didn't show up festive enough!

[~~please hold for way too many threads~~ and we're off! open to literally every single adult on the island -- students are welcome to attempt to crash, but they'll be busted.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Oh, I see," Steven said. "She took it as a challenge. Suppose that makes more sense. At least there's no strange jellies this time around?"

"She takes a lot of things as a challenge." That was really a large part of Summer's charm.

"I haven't tried all of the jello but they all seemed fine tonight. I think usually for this sort of thing they are. It's Wednesday where you have to worry."

"She's been kind to me there as well," Steven said. "Having a vegan option available even if I'm not always able to make it."

Of course this might mean that at some point Summer would take on the challenge of finding vegan options that were terrifying.

"I don't think she wants you to be left out."

But best not to even hint about the idea of terrifying vegan jello.

"And everyone can have the vegan ones."

"It's very kind of her," Steven said. Then, because they had spoken of it being a concern, "She's been nothing but nice. Maybe I imagined there were problems. I do sometimes have a hard time reading people."

It didn't help when you couldn't necessarily remember every conversation you ever had with them. Summer being one notable example.

"She's always been kind to me. Even times when I probably didn't deserve it."

Steven looked puzzled. "Why wouldn't you deserve it?"

"Because sometimes I don't."

Sometimes Stark had issues with his sense of self-worth.

Well now Steven looked cross. "Who says that about you? It's not true, I can tell you that right now."

"You haven't known me that long," Stark pointed out. "Sometimes I say it. It's fine."

"No it isn't," Steven said. "I won't have anyone say horrible things about my friends, even themselves. You're kind and thoughtful, Stark. Not awful at all."

"I didn't say I was awful. I said sometimes I don't deserve the kindness I'm shown."

"No, still not having it," Steven told him. "You deserve kindness. Why wouldn't you? I know you've not always been given it but you should have. You're a good person, Stark."

"I didn't say I-" Stark sighed and shook his head. "I don't always agree. But thank you."

"Can try disagreeing all you like, you'll not win me to your side on this," Steven said. But he knew he could only push so far before he was doing more harm than good. "Just - remember that, all right? There's people who care for you. Me included."

"I'm not trying to win you over," Stark protested weakly. "I'm just...maybe we should get a drink?" That was a nice way to change the conversation, wasn't it?

"All right," Steven said. "Unless you're in need of a hug?"

Stark shook his head. "No. Not right now."

Possibly due to having upset a friend, even slightly, so he didn't get a hug. Or maybe he was just vaguely out of sorts tonight. Maybe both. Maybe his mood was just very changeable right now.

"But thank you."

"Right, well, offer's open," Steven said. "Tonight or any other day. Just so you're aware. But I won't keep you from refreshing your drink, I promise."

"I didn't think you would," Stark assured him. "And I'll try to remember."

MHA #2 | Friday Evening and probably onwards - the THIRD ANNUAL Christmas Rager!!

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