The World Has Got a Smile Today, the World Has Got a Glow (Voltron Holiday Party Log)

[heartofalioness]

Who: The Attack on Voltron House and YOU! Seriously, if you have Voltron CR, you're invited!
Where: Attack on Voltron House, Four Island
When: Around December 11
Summary: The Voltrons have a human/Altean holiday party at their house, come on by!
Rating: PG to PG-13, will warn as necessary


When Shiro proposed celebrating Grogory Day back at the harvest festival, Allura had honestly been touched by the suggestion, even more so when the rest of the household agreed. (Especially coming from Keith and Pidge, who liked their peace and quiet.) So after sitting down with a calendar and making a graphing calculator earn its keep, Allura determined that Grogory Day would be about December 8th. Of course, that was a weekday, so the invitations she sends out a few weeks beforehand (to give people time for travel) say it’s that Saturday evening instead. (And given the number of high-level trainers in the house, guests are more than welcome to request a ride.) And since it seems to be the main Earth holiday, why not make it an early Christmas party, too?

When people arrive, the spacious beach house is decked out with lights, mostly in shades of blue, and the interior beckons people to come out of the brisk and damp sub-tropic air, warm and bright and spacious (which it needs to be with the possible crowds), soft and cheery Poké-holiday music winding through the rooms, with interludes from Jaskier and his Wigglytuff throughout the evening.

As for refreshments, while Hunk might not be here, the non-Shiro members of the household are able to set out a decent spread from all their cultures. Lance contributes a host of Cuban recipes from golden brown tostones and empanadas, to roasted pernil with juicy meat draped in crispy skin, served with rice and black beans. A wintery gratin filled with mushrooms and kabocha squash, baked Brie topped with a rosehip jam in lieu of juniberries and wrapped in puff pastry, an assortment of Christmas cookies (including but certainly not limited to gingerbread and peanut butter blossoms), and an island of drinks featuring mugs of warm coffee, glasses of sweet coquito, slow cookers of mulled berry wine and apple juice, and a bowl with an extremely blue punch. And treats for the Pokémon as well, naturally. Of course, if guests want to contribute to the feast, they’re more than welcome!

(Also, at some point in the evening, Lance might have stolen Shiro's Gallade to help plant mistletoe here and there. Do with this information what you will.)

So come, eat, drink, mingle with old friends and make some new ones! And enjoy the night, no matter which holiday you’ve come to celebrate!


[[OOC: This is a mingle log, so feel free to make your own top-levels and such, and have fun!]]

Comments

OTA

[pidge_out]

[Parties are not typically Pidge's kind of scene, but for her friends - for Allura - she'll suck it up and do her best to be present. She was happy to help out with decorations and planning and sending out invites; not in small part because it meant she got to spend lots of time with her friends in the process. She even somehow gets excited about getting to dress up a little, braiding her hair back and donning a blue suit for the occasion. Of course once the actual party gets going, Pidge's own social anxiety has her tending to stay pretty close to people she already knows.

When she isn't glued to the sides of any one of her friends and teammates, she's usually either perusing the spread of food or taking a round to check on the various Pokémon that have all been let loose around the house. Her Rowlet Rover often comes over to check on her, perching on her head and hooting inquisitively, only to take off again once he's confirmed that Pidge is okay. Sometimes she excuses herself from the crowd entirely to step out onto the porch for some fresh air.

It might not be so bad to meet someone new, though.]

[tempredmental]

[This particular time that Pidge wandered outside, she'd come across Keith already standing on the porch. He was leaning on the rail, looking out towards the beach and the water, a Litten balanced on the rail between his arms.

He glanced over when he heard the door.]

Hey, Pidge.

[He gave her a small smile.]

[heartofalioness]

[Even though Allura's social stamina might've been built up by a lifetime of training, even she needs a break once in a while, so it's a couple minutes into one of Pidge's retreats onto the deck that she'll hear the door open and close behind her.]

Ah, hello, Pidge. How have you been tonight?

OTA

[shiro2hero]

[It's cool for the Islands. Which doesn't say much, considering they're in the literal tropics, but - oh well. It does mean it's time to bust out some more seasonally appropriate outfits, though. Hair all touched up, and he's finally home for a good chunk of time, rather than spending literally all day at the observatory. He promised he'd be here, and promised he'd help out however he could.]

[... of course that means he's only allowed to refill the coffee carafe as need be. Or make more cocoa. Or tea. Okay, so he's making the hot drinks. But somehow, despite his legendary kitchen failures, Shiro can make a really good hot drink. So don't hesitate to come over and get a refill. It's his one kitchen skill, please let him show it off.]

[He can also be found liberally piling a plate of the vegetarian options. Absolutely nothing with meat in it. Why? Feel free to ask him. You'll get a thousand-yard stare and a heck of a story.]

[Pay no mind to the occasional sprig of mistletoe overhead. Shiro sure isn't. Why would there be mistletoe? Surely his Gallade and Lance wouldn't have done that...]

[Lastly, Shiro ends up in the living room, cross-legged in a chair with more coffee... and... a small pile of Pokemon in his lap. Meowth, Umbreon, Litleo... and a Toracat draped over the back of the chair, letting him lean his head against it. Don't worry, he's awake, just sitting very... very still. For the sake of all the cats.]



((ooc: Shiro's gonna be just about anywhere, so if you have your own idea throw it my way!!))

Cat Pile~

[heartofalioness]

[What's that, Shiro? You want MORE Pokémon to snuggle you? Well, have a snow Vulpix, Togepi, and teeny Azumarill hop on your lap too. Allura sees this plight and is totally sympathetic. Totally. Never mind the very proper giggling.]

The Pokémon certainly seem to find you comfortable. And yourself?

wherever/whenever, it's a mystery

[woofdad]

[Grant does not intend to be here long; this is a chance to get in, say hi to Shiro, meet people he hasn't yet, and get out before running into anyone he doesn't want to see. He's pretty relieved Claude agreed to come with him for moral support, but the less he ends up needing that support, the better.

SO: Time to accomplish one of those goals!! Grant makes a beeline for Shiro when he spots him, raising a hand in a small wave.] Hey, there you are. How're you doing?

hot drinks

[questioneverything]

[Romelle watched for a moment, having noted over the course of the evening that Shiro was only making hot drinks. Of course, by now, the notes about his kitchen skills (or, rather, lack thereof) had gotten back to her. But, that was okay, because she did know he could survive making a hot drink as well, and she headed over with her now empty mug.]

Care to refill my hot chocolate?

» ota

[spacebaloney]

[When a mention of being social comes up, no one ever needs to worry about Lance saying no. The answer is yes, always yes, because while he never needs an excuse to be fashionably extra, it's always nice to actually have a valid one. With lending Pidge one of his suits (which looks adorably oversized on her, bless her rolled up pants' legs), Lance decides to take her lead and drop his usual blue for an outfit with a hue more akin to his wife's. His slacks are a mint green, paired with a pale colored shirt that has a good three buttons undone for Reasons, brown Oxford shoes, and to top it all off, a cream-colored blazer hanging along his shoulders. No socks because the beach is still right outside their front door and his hair is slicked back with a touch too much gel to be healthy. He looks like an absolute twat, but who expects anything less from Lance?

The pernil is nowhere near like his abuela's recipe, but Lance thinks he did an okay enough job, what with no one knowing exactly what makes up for pork in this place and he's not digging into that question. Ignorance, bliss, etc. Everything else he's contributed is swell by him and he starts putting together two plates--one for him and one for Pidge--piling a bit too much food on them. It's clear he's trying to make to-go plates for a party held in his own house because if there's anything Lance knows from living with a football team of people back home, it's that partygoers will clean them out and then there'll be nothing left to nibble on during late night video gaming sessions.

Afterwards, he and Blue, Shiro's Gallade and Lance's protege, make their way over to that extremely blue punch, Jean-Clawed Van Damme the Aloan Meowth tucked under Lance's arm with Blue holding a large thermos that shows no hints of what's inside but still looks damn suspicious. A trainer with a cat and someone else's Pokemon standing like a bunch of hooligans at the punch bowl? Clearly they're up to no good and it's best that somebody with more sense in their pinky than all the trio put together stops them.

In any case, tonight is a night for this social butterfly to flutter around the room chatting up strangers, peacocking with his fellow peacock bros Shadowmaru and Jaskier, checking in with Pidge to make sure she isn't having a mental breakdown from being too social, and occasionally narrowing his eyes at a certain full-blooded Galra and his boyfriend because trust? Lance don't know her. ]

[pidge_out]

[Pidge catches Lance in one of those narrowed eye moments, and it prompts her to walk up and not-so-subtly hip check him once she's close enough. Her expression remains carefully blank as she sips at her hot cocoa, as if she's done nothing wrong.]

Play nice.

[tempredmental]

What do you think you're doing?

[Keith had spotted that suspicious thermos. Keith had also remembered the Garrison parties and plenty of spiked drinks and things being snuck into said parties. He might have been a loner, but he wasn't ignorant.]

[heartofalioness]

[Allura catches him in a moment probably between glares. (Does she notice? Likely. Very likely. But it seems that Pidge is keeping a close rein on that front at the moment. If Lance says something though...)]

It seems the Cuban dishes have been quite the hit tonight.

» ota

[lordofthefries]

[While it was very kind of Allura to invite Sasha to the party, she wonders if it's because she just lives here and not because she's friends with Allura or any of the other Voltrons. Except Shiro. Shiro is Space Dad, not a friend. Way different thing. We don't use the term "friend" in Sasha's mind. That's a cursed word.

In any case, Sasha once again feels underdressed. Everybody else looks pleasantly put together, some fancier than others, while she just has on a plain ankle-length dress and simple black flats. No jewelry or accessories other than the gold studs she has had in her lobes since piercing them back during the summer. Sasha still hasn't figured out fashion and what makes things look good on her, what's considered fancy when all your clothes were sewn from repurposed bedsheets, tablecloths, and curtains, but at least her dress has pockets? Apparently that's a good thing. More room to stash snacks.

And speaking of snacks, Sasha sets herself up at the buffet table, peering down at the dishes laid out in front of her. Some, like the roasted meat and cookies are familiar to her, but other things like tostones and the gratin are strange and new, but that doesn't stop her from putting them on her plate. Er, plates, that is. She has one in her hand and one perched precariously on her forearm, both loaded to the brim with huge servings of each dish. Is she eating for two? No, just for one Sasha, but surely this is enough of a disaster to receive commentary from someone.

For the rest of the night, she hangs back in the shadows, tucked in a corner with her Togepi at one point, maybe one of the many house cats at another, before wandering back over to the food for another full plate, not really knowing how to socialize with so many strangers. Sasha is really out of her element and it shows in every part of body language she has, from head to toe. Someone should come and tell her how proud they are of her for not running and hiding in her bedroom for the entirety of the party.]

[heartofalioness]

[Hey, Omelette~ Allura's own Togepi Ayrol waddles up and offers a wave from the floor... with his princess close behind.]

Hello, Sasha. I don't think I've had the chance to compliment your dress this evening. You look very nice.

[And she really means it, that's a nice color on the slightly older girl.]

[questioneverything]

[Romelle was certainly surprised by the amount of food Sasha seemed to be taking. Did she think the buffet wouldn't last the whole night? She was certain that they had made enough food, right?]

Hi, Sasha.

[Romelle had seen her around the house, after all, though hadn't spoken with her individually too much. She decided it was time to remedy that.]

Are you enjoying the food?

[That was probably a dumb question...]

OTA

[questioneverything]

Romelle had been so excited about setting this up and getting to help in creating a Grogery Day party, and with Princess Allura! It was a lot to take in, really. They hadn't gotten the chance to do this back home because of everything going on around them with Voltron and the Garrison and the Empire. This opportunity for her was huge.

It was also happening during one of the weird weekends. What a terrible time to suddenly be regranted the Altean strength she'd been living for so long now without...

"Oops! I'm sorry!" She was misjudging everything and felt like she was suddenly a walking disaster area. Hefting things around and accidentally causing them to get tossed in the air because they were so much lighter than expected. It was a wreck. Thankfully, she didn't damage anything badly enough to ruin the party!

By the time the actual party rolls around, though, she's gotten back in sync with herself, and she's having quite a good time. The atmosphere is relaxed (mostly) and people are enjoying the food, drink, and company (mostly). Romelle did her best to make everyone feel welcome, though. Most definitely. Using what she could remember from home during Coran having trained her as an Altean emissary, she was quick to answer any questions people might have about Grogery Day and it's meaning to Alteans.

[heartofalioness]

As nice as the rest of the celebrations have been so far... honestly, being able to share it all with another Altean made it even better, especially after thinking for so long that she and Coran were the only ones left to celebrate it. And she was especially heartened to hear that Coran had given her some education back home; honestly, Allura hadn't had to refresh Romelle on much at all.

"You've been excellent at helping me host tonight, by the way."

After all, compliments are fair play tonight.

OTA

[shiningkindness]

[ To be honest, Fluttershy had been a bit surprised to have received the party invitation. She had really only spoken to Allura before, and really only once when she had first arrived in this world. And while she did like Allura and had thought she was really nice, she hadn't realized that that was enough of an interaction to be included in things like this. Still, she was rather touched to be invited, and she had even found a nice dress to wear in one of the towns.

Actually attending, however, had been a bit of an internal debate, but in the end Fluttershy had decided to come. Not only because Allura had gone through the trouble of asking one of her friends to come pick her up just so she could attend, but Fluttershy knew that it would be a good opportunity to meet new people - a feat that was usually pretty difficult for her, but she really did want to be better about expanding her social circle. Besides, it wouldn't hurt to make a few new friends that weren't just Pokémon.

Despite her convictions, however, once she's actually at the party, it's all too easy for her to fall back into her usual habits. Large social gatherings made her rather uneasy on a good day, and not knowing many other people here besides Allura meant that Fluttershy ended up mostly standing off to the side or by the refreshment tables, feeling just a bit out of place. Her Audino Allegra, wearing a bow around each ear, remained ever present, helping her training try to relax a little.

For all her nervousness, though, she tried her best to at least seem approachable. In case someone did want to strike up a conversation. ]

[heartofalioness]

[Sure enough, shortly after Fluttershy arrives, Allura will slowly make her way over, Coressa the white Vulpix at her side, along with a toddling Togepi, a shiny golden Floatzel, and a tiny Azurill riding on Coressa's back.]

Greetings, Fluttershy! Thank you so much for coming. How have you been?

OTA

[heartofalioness]

[Of course Allura would be here, it's her party after all. If she doesn't immediately greet you at the door, she's likely making the rounds with the other guests, taking a cue from Shiro and sporting a soft blue cardigan for Grogory Day, but pairing it with a brick red scarf for Christmas, making sure everyone who arrives receives at least one compliment before they leave. Still, it might not be noticeable except to those who've known her from home, but Allura is a smidge more relaxed than whenever she had to host an official function for the Coalition; her words are a bit more casual, her laugh a bit stronger. And... really, it's nice to be able to feel happy, watch the others be happy, really enjoy themselves without fear of something awful shattering the moment.

And that, of course, means actually taking breaks to not be "on" all evening. Allura tries to restrain herself from eating too much from the Brie bakes, tries even harder to make sure her small but growing brood don't swipe treats from the table or other people's plates, and even takes a few minutes out on the deck to take in the cool but humid night air and clear skies with unfamiliar stars. She honestly can't remember the last time she felt this genuinely relaxed... Altea, maybe? This... she could get used to this.]

[woofdad]

[Meeting Shiro's newly arrived friends (and desperately hoping that didn't end up being a disaster) was one of Grant's main reasons for stopping by the party to begin with. So, when he's approached by a girl he doesn't really recognize (though he thinks he's glimpsed her on the network?), he's quick to answer with a smile.]

Hey - I'm Grant, a friend of Shiro's. Nice to meet you.

[rollstoseduce]

[Jaskier and his family haven't been here for long, but he's still seen enough to get some teasing going tonight. Also by some sort of miracle, the jacket of his outfit (pretend that's a tuning fork and not a medallion) is still on. It truly speaks of the chill if Jaskier hasn't started to shed layers yet.

He finds Allura under the mistletoe, and really, he couldn't have asked for a better opening.]

Princess! It seems you've been captured by the leaves of tradition! Allow me! [The glass of wine he's holding passes to his left hand so he can free his right to gently grab Allura's and, after bowing with all the years of court he has on him, kiss it quickly.] As I am a taken man this is all I can offer - sorry for not being as thorough as your paladin.

[Wink~]

OTA

[insidegalra]

Thace has an air of caution and vigilance about him throughout the evening. And every once in a while he'll suddenly move without skipping a beat of whatever he's doing. Why? Because he's trying to keep at least a room-width between him and Lance at all times. Lance hadn't said no, but he hadn't said yes either, and Thace would like to avoid a fight if he can. The success remains to be seen.

That aside, he's in his specially tailored outfit from prom. Being able to wear something at least based as closely as he remembers on ancient Galra formalwear feels very good. At his side for the evening are several of his team. Acxa the Alolan Ninetales insisted on coming to meet young Coressa, of course. Vruli the tiniest Exploud is also happily wandering about, and probably making sad eyes at anyone who has a sweet on their plates. Resting in a place of honor on his back is his Aegislash, Vrig, and his shiny Meowstic, Athvrix is frequently perched on his shoulder. On his other shoulder is Friya, a "teacup" Espeon, and often leaning against his ankles is a scarred Flareon, Vonir.

When she isn't by Thace's ankles, Vonir is... Well. She knows how to open doors and pick locks. Thace even made her special paw-friendly tools! For the first one. She's probably not getting into (much) trouble, but she's curious, and eventually Thace will come looking for her with a long-suffering sigh or two.

In general, Thace will spend a few moments talking to everyone (but Lance, hopefully), and sample all the new foods, while trying to avoid the alcohol like his life depends on it.

[heartofalioness]

Well, look at that. Coressa happens to catch the glorious older Ninetales out of the corner of her eye and gives a very happy bark and wiggles her fan of tails. She barely, barely restrains from just trotting off without her trainer, but follows quite eagerly at Allura's heels when the princess makes her own way over the next second.

"Greetings, Thace, Acxa. And pleased to meet the rest of you. Thank you all very much for coming."

Does she know about the business with the auction? By now, a little. But she is firmly going to ignore it and treat all parties involved normally unless someone starts something.

OTA

[tempredmental]

So, Keith had arrived. He hadn't spent much time at the house, yet, but that was more because he actually kind of interested in this whole PokeWorld place and wanted to explore. He also didn't like the idea of settling too much, and staying on the road was keeping some of his restlessness at bay. But Allura had set up this party and he couldn't turn down the invite.

And, well... he didn't mind spending time with his team. Usually. He'd gotten used to them over time, and, yeah, he'd admit it... he actually kind of liked them, too. Even Lance.

He'd found a semi-decent outfit of a plain dark red flannel over a black tee with a pair of khaki pants to wear. He wasn't super dressed up, but it was the best he could do in a new world with relatively short notice and none of his stuff from home. He was definitely not a fashion expert.

He also wasn't really a mingler, so he spent a lot of time near the punch bowl and snack tables, or kind of off to the side of the room. He wasn't paying attention to decorations, so it would probably be easy to catch him a few times under mistletoe, but he'd eventually get wise to that. He could also be found on the porch at times, getting air and being away from the crowd and noise.

You know what I'm here for~

[heartofalioness]

Fortunately(???), not only is Allura currently unaware of the pesky little plant, no one has informed her of its significance yet. So when she walks over with a cup of mulled wine in hand, it's merely to walk over and chat with him for a bit. Totally. It's not like she's felt a slight extra spark of happiness of knowing he'd be coming back, or if she did it's only because they've missed him back in their home reality. That's tooootally all. (This oblivious princess...)

"Keith! It's good to see you, I'm so glad you could make it."

OTA

[lovelybottom]

[Geralt's mostly here because Jaskier asked him to be, since he's not particularly well-acquainted with the Voltron crowd beyond what he's been told about them. He's been dressed by the bard, of course, because Jaskier doesn't trust him to wear anything other than his usual black-on-black unless prompted, so now his wardrobe has been updated to include... gray. Look, it's a start, okay. He's wearing a sweater. Everyone should be impressed at Jaskier's ability to wrap a mutated monster hunter around his little finger.]

[So his job mostly is going to be to hold up a wall somewhere with a drink and keep an eye on Jaskier while he does his social rounds, at least until Felix shows up and they can spar. Geralt was promised both a surly Faerghan and a spar, and by god he's going to get it.]

[And he's avoiding mistletoe like the plague. It's a parasitic weed that only exists to sow chaos and strife in this world, no thank you. He had enough of it last year.]

[rollstoseduce]

[As soon as Geralt takes one second off the wall, he'll find a chin on his shoulder and a pair of arms hugging him around his waist - arms dressed in white, because of course by now, after many social rounds, Jaskier has lost the jacket of his outfit (pretend that's his tuning fork necklace). There's an empty wine glass in his hands as well, but right now, he wants to put his mouth on something better.]

Don't have so much fun, my dear, or your old heart won't survive the evening. [He's obviously teasing, but still - as a way to reward his witcher for such good behavior, he kisses his cheek.] Have you noticed the very particular decorations Lance has put up? [The mistletoe, he means.] Don't they bring back memories~?

[Jaskier, you aren't being smooth.]

OTA; will match format

[un_oiseau_rebelle]

[Shinobu is here mainly because he's friends with Romelle, and is trying very hard not to think about how very out of place he otherwise is here. Most of his knowledge of the Voltron crew is largely second-hand and, if he's honest, from highly biased sources (not that he blames Steven, really). Still, he's polite and friendly to anyone, and doing his best to fit in... though he's a bit cautious around the drinks. Look, he's been to Changeling parties. He's seen some things.

Also, he's made a mental map of the mistletoe locations and is doing his level best to avoid them. Sorry. At least he's sampling the food?]

Re: OTA; will match format

[questioneverything]

[Romelle was vaguely aware that there had been issues between some people at the date auction. She wasn't privy to all the details, but she really just wanted all her friends to actually like each other. So, she was trying. Plus, with Allura and Keith having been reset, they needed to meet more people here in PokeWorld as well. What better way, right?

Well, Allura was handling it, at least. Romelle had honestly forgotten Keith wasn't good with parties.

Either way, she spots Shinobu by the food, and, oh good! He came! She went over.]

I'm so glad you're here!