'tis the season

[beathach]

Who: Hank, Raven, Charles, and Erik
Broadcast: none
Action: Corona
When: Forward-dated to after Christmas

[docking at the hotel had been something of a godsend. Originally he was going to attempt to cook himself, but with all of the restaurants at the hotel available, he opted to choose one of them instead. Likely for the best, because he wasn't the greatest cook.

He'd done his research, however, and the dinner - while nothing overly fancy - still had some traditional Christmas and Hanukkah foods - or at least, as close as they could get to them, all things considered. He tried, okay.

But it was a holiday dinner for the four of them, and that was the most important part. It was a first for their family, after all]

Comments

[axiomed]

What were you expecting?

[athru]

Something like the picnic. Nothing quite so... Formal.

[ Formality was a far gone thing when it came to the four of them. ]

[axiomed]

Some special occasions deserve to be celebrated.

[athru]

Like Christmas?

[axiomed]

Like all of us being together for Christmas. I think that's what makes it monumental.

[athru]

It's been a very long time. I don't even remember when I last celebrated Christmas.

[axiomed]

[ Charles does. But that's not what's important and he knows it. ]

Do you miss it?

[athru]

What, Christmas? [ She hums, leaning back in her chair. ] I miss the quiet of it, I suppose. The... Happy parts.

[axiomed]

It was always a quiet affair.

[ Who else would be involved? Charles is glad to hear about the happy parts though, as his finger traces the rim of his wine glass. ]

I haven't celebrated in a while either. Though, of course, I let the kids have their fun. The school is usually empty around that time anyway.

[athru]

Just like birthdays.

[ It had always just been her and Charles. His mother was around, sometimes, of course, but it wasn't as if she was around. She was just there, as far as Raven can remember. ]

How big is the tree?

[axiomed]

[ His face takes on a comical look. ]

Ah . . . about that . . .

[athru]

[ She narrows her eyes. ]

Charles.

[axiomed]

I asked Scott to use his powers outdoors. As such . . . the tree didn't last the onslaught.

[athru]

Scott killed the tree?

[axiomed]

It wasn't his fault. I hadn't anticipated how strong his powers were.

[ He clears his throat, clearly prevaricating. ]

But - yes. He killed the tree.

[athru]

The poor tree didn't know what hit it.

[ Raven sighs, shaking her head. ]

We'll have to pick another favourite.

[axiomed]

[ He can't help smiling, a light in his eyes. ]

I'm sure there are plenty of trees left.

[athru]

[ His smile is charming, and it makes Raven's face break into one in response. ]

I'll make sure he doesn't kill the next one. We can get Jean to hang the lights.

[axiomed]

I'm sure she'd like that. Those who have to stay - I try and make it as easy-going as I can.

[ It's hard, watching most of the students leave for the holidays, while plenty of others have no home to go back to. ]

[athru]

I'll throw a party.

[ And all Raven does is smile, settling into her chair. She's going to be around, after all. ]

[axiomed]

They'd like that. New Year's is usually when I let them stay up late though.

[athru]

Then we'll have a late but not too late curfew on Christmas.

[axiomed]

Perfect. Just right for us responsible adults.

[athru]

Then we can have our own party.

[axiomed]

That sounds devious.

[ Charles takes a polite sip of his wine. ]

What did you have in mind?