The Culture Festival~!

((This is just to start things off; the first few posts can just be planning everything, and after a few days when the other topics start to reach an end, we can start this one! Sound good~?))

May was grinning, finding it hard to calm it down with all the excitement that was building up. The culture festival that her school was hosting was slowly approaching close, and she couldn't wait to share all the events that were going on--there really was something for every one and every couple. She'd announced yesterday at dinner that everyone meet up in the living room at this time so she could explain it all and figure out a plan that would enable them to attend. On a nearby wall, she stuck a large chart, using bold markers to write down the events that could come into her mind.

"Class 2-A's Maid Cafe--For both men and women
Class 1-D's Boyfriend Dunk-A-Thon
Class 3-B's Dance Contest--separate categories for couples and singles!
Class 1-A's Make-Your Own Treat Stand
Class 2-C's Haunted House Themed Cafe
Final event of the day: Class 3-A's Play, 'Air, the Lost Warrior'"

She placed down her marker and leaned against the nearby wall, knowing they'd all be down in a few minutes. She couldn't help but giggle; some of these events seemed to be perfect for the couples in this household. It was an amusing thought, really.

((okay~
You want Aika's parents here too or what??))

Near was the first one to walk in... perfectly on time as usual.
"You are taking this festival very serious, aren't you." He said as he sat down. "How are the rehearsals going?"

Aika walked in the living room carrying a tray with drinks for everyone and some cake... just like Fey requested.
"Where is everybody?" She questioned when she noticed how empty the room still was.

Sarah came in next.
"M-Mello and Matt are t-too busy trying to kill people in a-a game. I... I asked them to come down but... I... I don't think they heard me."

((Yep, Aika's parents can be there too, but perhaps they'll explain that they'll be gone before the festival~? Unless they're willing to stay~?))

Fey grinned and nodded. "Hehe, it's my final one in high school, after all. And you all are willing to attend, so I've gotta make sure the family's happy." She winked. At the mention of rehearsal, she pressed her lips and lightly hummed. "They're going fine, the lines are all memorized and everything, but the last minute additions are just a little hard to cope with. But don't worry; you'll get to see one heck of a show." Her eyes lifted up to Aika and she waved. "Aika-chan, you're so amazing." She placed a hand on her hip. "Probably on their way down right now, hopefully. Is L-san on his way?"

Fey couldn't help but let out a light giggle at Sarah's adorable shyness, glad she was slowly opening up to them. Fey walked over to the girl and patted her shoulder. "Aw, don't worry~ Let me try; I think I may know how to make them get their lazy butts off. Well, Mello's at least; I'm sure Rayne's the only expert when it comes to Matt." She walked over to the bottom of the stairs and cupped her hands to her chest, knowing this would be a perfect opportunity to test her drama skills.

"WHAT, SARAH? YOU NEED HELP OPENING UP THIS PICKLE JAR? OH DEAR, I'M NOT TOO STRONG THOUGH~ OH MY, ARE YOUR LITTLE HANDS GETTING TIRED FROM ALL THAT EFFORT~? I WONDER WHO'LL BE NICE ENOUGH TO--"

Fey knew she didn't have to continue any longer when some thumping was heard, and a very rushed blonde began to descend down the stairs, keeping in rebellious character as he stopped in the living room. "Hey Sarah, where's the fucking pickle jar? I'll open it up for you, don't you worry--"

"Too late. She decided she didn't want them anymore." Fey grinned. "But now you can finally join us~"

"No reason, really." Near explained. "Just that I wouldn't mind growing old like that."

"Ah there you are, Rayne." Aika said. "So busy you forgot the time? Could you do all of us a favor and drag Matt downstairs... he's glued to his game-controler once again."

((Fey, the flame of youth?? Thanks to you I am now picturing Aika's dad as some sort of modern version of Guy-sensei xD))

((I'M SORRY, I DON'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON IN MY MIND. xD))

Mello could only glare at the brunette for a brief moment before she disappeared off to drag her boyfriend down here. Mello mumbled something about a "plan", but he quickly brushed the thought off and placed one leg over the other, extended his arms upon the back of the sofa. It was somewhat close to wrapping his arm around Sarah, so this would have to do, or else there would be some serious explaining to do.

Fey let out a little laugh and playfully pat his head. "Thinking that ahead in the future already makes you sound old~" Fey joked, sticking her tongue out to emphasize on it before she leaned against the back wall a and slid down, hugging her knees and tilting her head towards Near with a gentle smile. "I agree with you though; growing old in such an innocent way, choosing to accept the hardships throughout life, and to be able to smile like that." She lowered her eyes a bit as she began to visualize what it could possibly be like. "And to remain with the one you chose to be with for the rest of your life. I picture it as something like... When I grow old, I'll probably be out in the balcony sitting right next to my husband each and every day. And the presense'll just be more than enough, even if there are no words." She quickly snapped her head up and lightly blushed in embarassment. "Geez, sorry... I got all dramatic again."

Aika's mother was eyeing the contrast between Sarah and L, how proper she sat while he had his feet upon the chair. She barely ate anything, while he consumed more sweets than anyone thought possible. She put on a small smile and leaned in. "So Sarah, do you take on more towards your mother's side or your father's side? It looks to me like one of them had a major sweet tooth."

Aika's mother raised an eyebrow. The contrast between the two was very interesting. "Well, it's usually normal for siblings to be somewhat alike, but the difference between you two is very interesting..." She smiled nonetheless. "It doesn't make either of you any less likeable; don't think of it that way Curiosity just loves to come into play."

"You're too nice." Fey stuck her tongue out and giggled, walking back to the very large chart once she realized everyone was there. "Good morning everyone~ I'm sorry for asking you to take time off your busy schedules to hear me out for a little while." She quickly glanced at Mello who glared back. "But I really wanted to share this with you. My school's hosting the culture festival, and well, since it'd kinda be the last one, I won hoping...everyone could come." She frowned over at Aika's parents. "I really would've pushed it much earlier for you guys... But pictures will do~!" He grabbed a long ruler and began to run it through the list. "Some of the classes actually have things that are perfect for us... Y-You know, since we're such good friends and all! Same interests, what not, ahehehe..."

((HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEAR, YOU SWEETHEART YOU~ <3 *tacklehug* I'm leaving in a bit to get ready for the con. 8D))

((Aaarrghhh... I'm having a writer's block for this topic D8 ))

((LOL, ME TOO. Wanna just start it to the day of the festival then~?))

((yes please ^^"))

((Alright then, major time skip away~!))

One Week Later

The school was brimming with colorful decorations and big welcome signs near the entrance, helpful volunteer students assisting others to find where they needed to go. Fey held her costume in a bag she clutched against her chest, letting out a deep sigh in relaxation. All of the hard-work had finally paid off at school. She turned her head towards the group with a little self-made schedule. "Here you go~ Everything's pretty simple to find around, since the school isn't that big." She smiled. "It'll be nice, huh? Getting to hang out after such a long--"

"There you are, Fey!" The familiar voice of Lance called out, hand grabbing to clutch her wrist as he tugged her along. "Rehearsal starts in five minutes; we were waiting."

"A-Ah, sorry~" The girl waved her hand at them. "Bye guys! I'll see you later!"

Mello shoved his hands in his pockets and glared at the girls who whispered over in his direction, giggling that irritating giggle of theirs. He softly grabbed Sarah's hand and tugged her along. "Let's sign up for the competition; apparently, it fills up fast." He couldn't believe he was actually willing to dance in public.

The thought sounded amazing, since Sarah was involved.

Mello smiled and squeezed the girl's hand in reassurance as he took his place in the fairly short line, glad they were there earlier. "Don't worry about it; Fey already asked if requests were alright, and they gave her the okay." He held up the CD. "I was going to surprise you with it, but I guess I couldn't hold it in. Those guys at the park seem to always be there; they said this music would be perfect for a 'couple'." He figured that their translation meant it was romantic. He smiled. "We'll show these guys what we're made of, right?"

From a distance, Mello grinned evilly at the look on Matt's face. "HAH. It's what you get for before."


Meanwhile, at the stage...

Fey adjusted the various pieces to her outfit as they practiced various major scenes, a little half-hearted for the one they were about to do. Lance noticed the frown upon her face. He sighed. "It's not like it'll be considered a real first kiss; besides, we're just friends. And you want the play to be more realistic, right?"

Fey let out a sigh and put on a smile. "I-I'm not worried, really! After all, I've already had my first kiss; actually, two kisses on the same day." She was completely oblivious to what a true kiss was and thought the contact of Near's lips on her forehead and hand were considered one. She grinned. "I'll be fine~ Heck, we should really be worrying about our lines at this point." She pointed to the script.

((What the costume kinda looks like: http://browse.deviantart.com/?order=9&q=Anime+girl+warrior&offset=72#/d3ce6ku ))

Sarah let out a sigh of relief. She could dance to Romanian music just fine... she could dream the steps of about all the dances. However the standard ballroom dances like the waltz or the foxtrot were unfamiliar to her.
"There's just one problem... I'm not wearing the correct outfit for dancing... I forgot." She said as she pointed to her clothing. She wasn't even wearing a long skirt and that was essential for Romanian dancing otherwise the effect would be gone.

Matt attempted to make a run for it but it was a typical scene you could see in one of the many Japanese anime. Before he could get away Paige had grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and dragged him through the hallway of the school... to the dunk-a-thon they went.

Near wandered through the hallway aimlessly.
Taking a look here and there.
The only thing he was actually interested in was Fey's play.
Before he knew it he found himself in front of the closed doors where the play would be held.
Just a peek would be okay, right?
And so he opened one door just slightly and peeked through.

((pfft I don't think there is such a thing as a romantic gypsy song :S ...I looked forever but even the slower songs are often group dances and there's always little to none physical contact. Probably cause these dances never changed and are probably a hundred years old.
Anyway, I think I found something that could sorta be used (and it doesn't require a lot of crazy dance moves for Mello... I just don't see him kick his leg up extremely high like the Russians do or slapping himself like the Austrians do) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjbWub5B5Ug&feature=related ))