[ zane recognizes most of the holiday decorations, they're reminiscent of the ones from his own world -- a sentiment that he's yet to wrap his head around. different worlds. different universes all converging in one place, and he just so happened to be one of the chosen few plucked from one.

(thankfully so had his other half. it would have otherwise been a strange sensation to feel someone's presence even when they weren't there, but such a thing had always been prevalent in zane's life. not feeling crimson’s presence would have been strange to him.)

and as odd of a sensation it is to recognize things in a completely unfamiliar place, it doesn't deter him from partaking in them; browsing the cakes and other treats carefully trying each one in an attempt to find his favorite of the bunch, allowing both of his hands to be intricately decorated with henna ink, having one of the various artists draw a caricature of him, and even indulging in a glass of the classic holiday treat -- eggnog.

(spiked with copious amounts of liquor, of course. how else does one get through holiday events like these?)

where ever you happen to stumble upon zane, though, it's likely that he'll be quick to strike up a conversation -- whether it be about the repeating playlist of holiday tunes, or whatever odd thought has just passed through his brain.

It's always a surprise with this guy. ]



[ zane doesn’t remember signing up for any kind of winter olympics torch-bearing ceremony, but somehow he still finds his name being called out, paired together with someone he’s yet to have the pleasure of meeting — which, honestly, covers a good amount of people at the festival itself, he’s yet to make his rounds mingling with the friendly folks of Xistentia. — and thrust into the cold weather outside.

(not at all properly dressed for such a task either, a baggy and loosely knit sweater hanging off one shoulder and a pair of skinny leather pants did very little to combat the elements.)

the whole thing doesn’t make sense, but he’s found that most ritual traditions usually don’t. trudging around the building in the snow with a complete stranger trying to keep a flame from burning out. zane is sure there’s some age-old tale that goes hand-in-hand with all of this, but no one has seemed to inform him of it yet.

or perhaps he hadn't been listening when they did.

and so, with that thought still in mind (really, he’ll take any thought at this point, it’s better than focusing on the cold weather.), he turns his head to look at his partner as they trudge through the snow. ]

I don’t yet understand what making laps in the snow has to do with successful wish-granting. Did I miss the story time where that was explained?



[ the first thing that zane notices (aside from just how Extra Christmas this place happens to be.) is that something inside of him is >off, like there are connections inside of his brain that should be linking up, but something is stopping them, as though they are just out of his reach.

it doesn’t take very long for zane to realize that his typical abilities are now gone and it takes even less time for a quick panic to settle in.

the people of whoville are quick to help, though! leading him to the whotel and a room that they tell is specifically just for him, filling him with all the treats and food that his heart could desire, and encouraging him to simply ask if he needed anything more.

it isn’t long before zane is out and about, mingling with the friendly Who, lending a hand with decorations whenever someone stops to ask him for help, catching one of the many holiday films at the cinema, or simply just walking around enjoying the winter weather. (maybe even building a snowman.)

it’s a welcomed change from the warm and sunny weather of california that he’s used to. ]



[ he’d taken some of her clothes for this event — something that shouldn’t even surprise crimson anymore, for as far back as zane could remember himself, he’d been rifling through his twin’s dresser looking for pieces to complete his various outfits.

(share and share alike was just a common theme in their lives, it almost seemed more so than with just a pair of normal siblings.)

but now that the twins had found themselves no longer at the extravagant ballroom, but in some entirely new world of curvy architecture, bright colors, and extremely friendly townsfolk, the knit sweater that hangs off his shoulders and faux leather pants aren’t doing very much to keep him warm. ]

I didn’t bring a jacket. [ he points out the obvious, hands rubbing over his forearms in an attempt to warm himself up. ] I suppose that wasn’t meant to happen, don’t you?

[ he means the whole hairy green fella and the sudden transport to this winter wonderland. ]




got something else up your sleeve? throw it my way, or give me a ping at unnideul if you want to discuss something. will match styles, or provide starts.