2022-12-24: Ave Maria

• Log: 2022-12-24 Ave Maria
• Cast: Kaworu Nagisa, Shinji Ikari, Asuka Shikinami Langley, Mari Makinami Illustrious, Rei Ayanami, Nunnally Lamperouge, Yuta Hibiki (Gridman), Gai Kurenai, Rikka Takarada, Zan, Liam 7-020, Alouette Pommier, Alloy Kaas, Guy Shishioh, Ennil El, Sonia Sophia-Grace
• Where: Tsutsujidai High School
• OOC - IC Date: Dec 24, 0096 (IC) / Jan 5, 2023 (OOC)
• Summary: At Mari and Kaworu's organization, the Evangelion Children put on a recital on Christmas Eve to relieve the emotional burden on everyone's hearts. Christmas gifts included!

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<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        Flyers have gone out among the city in the days before Christmas: a holiday recital will be performed in Tsutsujidai High School's auditorium, Christmas Eve evening! There will be a Christmas tree, and presents, and music, and opportunities to mingle and relax, and even refreshments! They won't be more than water that was painstakingly collected and sterilized from the rain--some set-up by the Evangelion Children along with their music practice--but given the overall water shortage, that's a lot better than nothing.
        
        Those who arrive at the high school will find the way in well-illuminated with strings of both tasteful white lights and cheerful colored lights. They guide guests in through the front, down halls, to the auditorium where there's plenty of seating and water for all. The water is dispensed from several large coolers set up on a pair of tables, which also feature stacks of plastic cups. Several more cardboard boxes jutting out from under the tables are marked with signs asking people politely to drop off their cups there so they can be cleaned and recycled.
        
        In one corner near the stage, there's a respectably sized Christmas tree, and there the decorations proliferate. In factits not just decorated beautifully with an array of unique, luminescent ornaments. Each ornament has a paper tag attached to it with twine--and each tag bears a name. One of them might be your name. And next to the tree, on the wall, there is a sign that reads: "Please accept your ornament. --K. Nagisa"
        
        Yes, it seems these are all presents from Kaworu, not just for those attending the recital but for his various friends and associates also trapped in Tsutsujidai. The ornaments are all light and seemingly fragile, but they actually won't break easily; if they're dropped or even thrown, they won't get scratched, though a concentrated effort to smash one will result in it being smashed. The insides light up at the press of a tiny button at the base, so each one can also serve as an emergency light in a pinch.
        
        One can search for theirs no problemindeed, each ornament is hung at precisely eye level for the person for whom it was preparedbut before then, there is the rest of the auditorium. It's nothing speciallarge room, high ceiling, rows of seats, and a stage in frontbut the curtains are drawn for the moment as people enter and find seats for themselves. (They can pick wherever they like; they aren't assigned.) Behind the curtains, people will be able to hear instruments being tuned and prepared. Perhaps a piano; perhaps a violin; perhaps a viola; perhaps a cello.
        
        The concert will be soon.
        
        -----
        
        Meanwhile, behind the curtains are of course the Children themselves, minus one who declined to participate. Kaworu and Mari organized this, making sure that the recital they'd all worked so hard on could take place even though they're no longer at home. Because of the circumstances, few of them have anything fancier to wear than their school uniforms, but on top of recovering water for everyone to drink, Kaworu has also recovered enough for the Children to bathe and do laundry so they can all be clean for the performance.
        
        (It seems like Kaworu's put in a LOT of effort into this recital, which given that his other activities haven't decreased might lead one to wonder where he's found the time. But then, from a certain perspective, they've all had nothing but time.)
        
        After warming up at the piano to his satisfaction, he walks over to the others on stage to check in on them too. Yes, even Asuka.
        
        To Shinji with his cello, Kaworu murmurs with tender eyes and a fond smile, "All our practice will come to fruition in just a short while longer. It's thrilling, isn't it?"
        
        To Asuka with her violin, Kaworu states with cool politeness, "I can hear the effort you've put in. Let's each do our best to make this recital a success."
        
        To Alloy up in the rafters where shell be directing the lights, Kaworu raises his gaze and smiles. "I trust everything is ready on your end, too. We're counting on you to make us all shine."
        
        And at last to Mari and Rei at the front with their respective microphones, Kaworu smiles broadly enough to squint his eyes shut. Rei will have her cello later, but for now, for the first number, she stands with Mari before the microphones. "I'm excited to hear all our sounds intertwine for the first time. This will be a night to remember."
        
        He doesn't peek out the curtains at the crowd, but he doesn't feel he needs to. Kaworu is completely relaxed and confident for the performance ahead. Once he's spoken with everyone, he'll return to his piano.
        
        ===
        
        The Christmas ornament gifts are as follows:
        
For S. Ikari: an egg-shaped bulb, ocean blue up top and sandy beige on bottom to form a beach; a painted silver anchor rests there at a comfortable angle.
For R. Ayanami: a white teardrop-shaped bulb patterned with clear stars inside interlocking circles (or perhaps zeroes?); the internal light is Ayanami blue.
For A. S. Langley: a glittery red bulb shaped like an inverted teardrop, textured such that it looks like it's covered with countless miniscule spikes.
For A. Kaas: a wavy, onion-shaped orange bulb with dark blue tentacles painted on that drape top-down, accented in medium blue with silver suckers.
For M. M. Illustrious: a gaudy, hot pink cat-shaped bulb, painted an additional bright red and snow white to make it a sort of calico, with both paws raised.
        
For Gridman, also known as Y. Hibiki (as is stated on his present's tag): an extra-thick and thus extra-sturdy red bulb with five smaller bulbs inside; they chime prettily against each other when shaken.
For Anti: rather than a glass bulb, its an edible ornament made of four strips of BBQ-glazed jerky curled around each other to form a globe, sprinkled with stripes of ground nuts for the white and dotted with freeze-dried strawberries and peas for that red and green.
For R. Takarada: a dark blue bulb frosted in silver to give the impression of a snowy night, with a large, intricate white snowflake in the center.
For S. Utsumi: a banded dark green bulb with two smaller bulbs on each side; white lace banded with light green and gold hold all of them together.
For the Neon Genesis Junior High Students: a set of four connecting gilded puzzle-piece ornaments, flat with a different-colored LED light embedded; together, they frame Gridman's bulb. Calibur's is red; Borr's is yellow; Max's is green; Vit's is blue.
        
For A. Pommier: a round cyan bulb painted at the center with a skylark perched on a twig, eyes bright and beak open as if about to break into song.
For G. Shishioh: a long filament, set with little LED lights in red, blue, green, and yellow, woven into a globe; a golden rampant lion pendant hangs within.
For Liam: a Claddagh ornament: a golden cord ties together two white hands that clutch a crowned red heart, from which light-up spires emanate.
For G. Kurenai: a bright crimson round bulb with an effervescent ramune marble dangling inside; the internal light appears to come from within the orb.
For J. Cektru: a textured spheroid ornament designed to look like the planet Earth, the continents curving outwards in green in literal seas of blue.
For Zan: the tree itself, it seems, is Zan's gift: once all the other ornaments are claimed, the pine in its stand is for him, nobly shimmering with tinsel and a string of white lights.
        
        ...save, that is, for the star topper: a luminescent pinkish-silver star whose tips gradually darken into madder red. After the ornaments have all been claimed--and there are many more besides those listed above--it's removed and set aside for... no one who is named, it seems.

<Pose Tracker> Shinji Ikari has posed.

Keep their spirits up. Take care of themselves. Rei's quest to add beauty to the world. Kaworu's efforts to be selfish. Asuka's struggles, so much like his own, to figure out what happiness is. These are the reasons they fight to survive, right? So they have the opportunity for moments like these. To not be inside a giant weapon, his hands sweating and trembling on the controls, but instead gripped around a musical instrument.

Without Shinji's SDAT, he hasn't been able to escape into music. There's only one recourse: create it himself. With his friends. Shinji gazes over the others. No one's in battle now. They all have their own instruments or their own voices. They're going to create something instead of risking their lives.

Yet Shinji can't keep from the slightest tremble as he nods to Kaworu, his head in the right direction, but his eyes constantly wandering as his foot threatens to bounce before he physically stops it. His uniform may be clean now, but isn't entirely wrinkle free...! And performing in front of a live audience -- and with so much less practice than they'd hoped! (than Shinji hoped) -- may be almost as terrifying as fighting an Angel. But only almost.

Deep breath. "I hope everyone has a good time..."

Unconfident as his tone may be, he means it. Audience and performers, all.

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.

Asuka's been in a foul mood lately, that's unsurprising, she's often in a foul mood. It's like something has exacerbated it such that she's spent even more time in her Eva - at times even skipping rations handouts.

It hasn't seemed to slow her down at all, like her stamina is inhuman.

Regardless, she's showed up tonight in her school uniform, clean and pristine. Her hairclips are in, and there's not even a touch of seasonal festivity accessorized for it.

Holidays aren't for her, just like birthdays.

Still as she watches people collect their ornaments she eventually does too, looking at the spiky inverted teardrop. Her expression grave, as if she were looking for some kind of insult.

She takes it though, and it's come to rest inside of her now empty violin case. As Kaworu moves around to greet each of them, and her cooly, she looks up from last minute tuning to ask, "Are you worried that I won't?" Two blue eyes level upward towards him, but don't end up on him, "Noone will be disappointed tonight with the music I make."

No, where her blue eyes end up in that moment is on someone else in particular, remembering the rhythm of the seashore. She won't be disappointed.

She waits for Kaworu to walk on, then glances sidelong at Shinji after his comment, with the Cello, noting to him, "... Being up here really does suit you, I think." She remembers the time when he didn't have it. And the trip they made to retrieve it.

While it's hard to tell, she'd swear he's subtly more content to have it.

Maybe he's unconfident, but for Asuka, if one has a skill, they shouldn't hesitate to show it to the world, thus him finally being a part of something like this is something she can at least call a positive.

<Pose Tracker> Mari Makinami Illustrious has posed.

This is all Mari and Kaworu's fault.

Maybe that's why the bespectacled woman is practically glowing, her smile bright and confident as she ascends the stage, a hop in her step and a sparkle to her eye. She comes to a stop front and center with a jaunty little spin, hands clasped behind her back as she waits to watch whoever may come gather.

No, look at that sweet, broad smile. Despite circumstances, despite all logic, Mari Makinami Illustrious looks -- genuinely pleased.

She doesn't have much to say, for right now. Instead, she offers Kaworu the flash of a grin as he approaches, lifting a hand to wiggle fingers at him in greeting. A night to remember, Kaworu says. Mari considers. She sniffs the air, eyes shut.

"Mm. It's got a promising smell," she agrees (??) warmly.

"You're right. I solemnly swear I shall not forget this night, as long as I may live!"

It's sugary sweet and teasing and yet somehow it has the sound like she absolutely means every word she says.

Even if she follows it up with,

"And I shall make it my mission to make it unforgettable for everyone else~."

and half-turning towards the rest of the stage.

To blow Asuka and Shinji a kiss.

Is it for Shinji? Is it for Asuka?!

The answer is yes. And it, too, is terrifyingly sincere.

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.

Rei collects a simple ornament. Or is it simple? There are depths to it there is light within. She gazes at it for a moment, the object resting like an impossible moment of snow in her pale palm. She seems, obscurely, pleased. The ornament is wrapped with great care, and placed into the pocket of a coat worn to the event, in lieu of plugsuit.

She hung up the coat, and tuned her viola, and did a few soft scales to herself backstage, to warm up her throat. Such things can be important.

But now:

As she stands near the microphone, Rei's regard turns to Kaworu. Softly. It doesn't quite reach her lips, but it could be discerned in her voice. "Yes," she says.

Then her eyes turn upwards for a moment. "Though, I wish..."

"... perhaps I don't," Rei says; and even if it has its own implications, the suggestion of a wish discarded, she seems pleased at it, in an unfeigned way.

After this, and a glance towards her partner-in-musical-debut, Rei turns her attention towards the curtain.

Destiny awaits.

<Pose Tracker> Nunnally Lamperouge has posed.

        Nunnally Lamperouge has been staying at a shelter. A blind girl in a wheelchair, she's been little help ensuring the survival of the people here, but she has done her best to help keep spirits up and encourage people from home base. Perhaps she's even managed to attend some lessons, at a time like this!

        She's heard about the recital, though -- and she wanted to come. Why, she specifically asked her big brother if she could! And so, Nunnally's part of the crowd filtering into the hall; she needs extra instructions, but luckily, her chair lets her know when she's about to run into something. (Not with an audible alert, but she still knows.)

        "Thank you very much," she smiles, in the direction of the person who guides the cup of water to her hands. She drinks. She will need someone to tell her about the boxes where the cups go, but surely the people here are kind.

        She directs her wheelchair to tuck into the end of one row of chairs, in a way she hopes isn't terribly obtrusive.

        Meanwhile, in the crowd, a middle-school girl with hoodie up takes a seat towards the back of the proceedings. The kaiju, Nidaime, does not interrupt this showing which would make her mother so happy.

        A shade older -- but still firmly in the middle-school range -- is a white-haired boy who lurks by one of the more inconspicuous exits, arms folded. His cheeks are suspiciously full, and he has been chewing for some time. He will probably keep chewing for a long time further, because jerky is surprisingly chewy. The boy who was a kaiju called Anti also doesn't interrupt, but one might question whether he can, with how full his mouth is.

<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.

Gridman's been anxiously waiting for this day. A chance to listen to his friends' music. A chance to show how much he appreciates them. It's going to be great.

It feels like another lifetime -- and in some ways, it was -- when he suggested to Shinji that he and Kaworu should perform together. Perhaps that was the beginning of this idea, or perhaps not. Either way, Gridman's thrilled to be in the audience. He's dressed today in the single suit that Yuta Hibiki's apartment holds -- it's nothing special, really, especially compared to the suits of the Neon Genesis Junior High Students. A red tie is a startling pop of color in the midst the simplicity of Gridman's outfit.

Still in his wheelchair, Max pushes Gridman along, while Vit moves ahead to open doors as necessary. Calibur and Borr walk behind him. Borr smiles, and Calibur... looks a little more cheerful than usual. They stop first at the Christmas Tree. Their reaction is certainly going to be worth waiting for.

Vit, approaching first, reads the sign and begins to search the tree. As he finds his own ornament, he laughs in appreciation, quickly pulling his phone out to snap a picture of the display. Once he's retrieved it, a selfie is taken with it, one where the handsome man seems to be genuinely smiling.

Calibur comes up next. His bulb is taken, held, and observed thoughtfully. Long moments pass as he stares at it. By the time Borr starts to complain, Calibur has a little smile on his face. The bulb is attached to the hilt of one of his swords (which, of course, have joined him for this performance.)

"You idiot, you'll break it like that!" Borr chides the samurai, even as he hands them their bulb. "This is the kind of thing you've got to treasure!" Borr grins and holds their ornament up to the light, making appreciative noises as they admire the skill that went into making it. Holding it close, Borr makes room for Max.

A large hand reaches out for the final puzzle piece, taking it with surprising care. Max chuckles behind his mask, clearly pleased to be remembered. As his companions play with their bulbs in their own ways, Max simply holds his in his palm, happily taking a moment to bask in the joy of the gift.

"Could one of you hand me my own ornament?" Gridman asks, eagerly. He doesn't want to interrupt their enjoyment, but he really wants to see his bulb! Max obliges him, and Gridman gasps softly in delight. That brilliant red, the presence of the smaller bulbs... A soft smile crosses his face, there-and-gone in a matter of moments. Max begins to move Gridman's wheelchair to their seats, but Gridman doesn't look up from his ornament, shaking it gently.

"Looks like they went all out for you!" Borr says, with a grin.

Gridman finally looks up, a soft blush on his face. "Yeah. Kaworu... He remembered all of us. And a lot of other people too, it seems."

"Well, seems like our efforts are going to pay off too. Imagine if we'd come empty handed." Vit sits in a chair, stretching his arms above his head. "It'd be a bad look."

Calibur has a moment of difficulty settling in his chair. The swords are not coming off. Eventually, he perches on the very edge of his seat -- though his swords take up a good portion of the aisle next to him, hopefully people can still go around...

"Would you like us to deliver the flowers before, or after the performance, Gridman?" Max asks, referring to the bag hanging from the back of Yuta's wheelchair. The large man has been careful not to crush them as he settles Gridman into the very front row, with the Neon Genesis Junior High Students surrounding him. Borr and Vit take spots just behind Gridman, Calibur on the left, and Max on the right.

"After, I think." Gridman says, quietly. "I don't mind looking like a flower shop a bit longer. And I don't want to distract them."

Rumbling an assent, Max settles into his own chair. Vit, sitting behind him, leans to one side to be able to view the stage. For the first time since the disaster that begun Tsutsujidai's isolation, all the Neon Genesis Junior High Students are together. Ennil El is the only one missing from their gathering, but Vit's sure to take plenty of photos and videos for her.

Gridman, holding his ornament carefully in his lap, looks up to the stage. Already, this is a wonderful night.

<Pose Tracker> Gai Kurenai has posed.

A gathering, on Christmas Eve. A celebration of coming together even in a crisis and resolving to carry on together, with music to lift the soul and strengthen those who labour to keep this broken-heart-city upright.

Even a wandering Crusader of Light can hardly ignore such a thing. A certain Father would be proud of it.

Gai Kurenai filters in with the group of assembled guests, moving like he belongs despite wearing a long duster coat (his hat is currently... somewhere. Resting on the arm of the sofa in Junk Shop Aya, maybe?) - it's not so outlandish, compared to the garb of others present at this affair.

He looks up at the decorated tree, watching the others move to collect their gifts, until his gaze lands on the one addressed to him. Removing it from the tree, he considers its design, then looks around for the person who must have placed it as the perfect sphere vanishes into the pockets of his coat - one of the few people here who would be both able and willing to so artistically communicate such symbolism. Does he look for another individual's decoration on the tree? Perhaps, but a gentleman would never tell.

Alas, Kaworu is backstage, so Gai is robbed of the chance to give him a knowing nod until the brief moments between the curtain rising and the performance commencing. Instead, he settles for taking in the rest of the decorations and their recipients, carefully deciphering the symbolism laden on the tree. Eventually, his gaze winds upwards to the very apex of the tree. "The one we're all here for," he murmurs, before casting his gaze back to the audience. Immediately he spots the red hornlike tufts of hair belonging to the boy named Yuta Hibiki, and nods to himself. "Good. He's awake." Something feels... different about the boy, even apart from him being wheelchair-bound, but there will be time enough to check on him. The Sunset Wanderer moves his gaze to the stage, awaiting curtain-up as he takes a seat in the right-hand side of the row second-from-the-back.

<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.

Despite Rikka's busy schedule, she's made a point - and her mother has made a point of making her make that point - of giving herself plenty of time to rest and relax. And besides - she wouldn't miss this recital for the world. She wants to be there to support Kaworu and everyone, and hear what it is they're working on.

Rikka arrives, and she isn't alone - Orie is here as well, electing to also take a much needed respite from everything that's been happening lately alongside her daughter.

She is also wearing a festive Santa hat. One was offered to Rikka too, but she staunchly refused.

It's nice to see the high school decorated so festively again like this. It feels like just an added bit of normalcy returned to the world. Only temporarily, but... it's heart-warming.

Heartwarming, too, is the tree on display, decorated with an assortment of personalized ornaments - each one shining wonderfully and beautifully in their own way. Rikka's eyes track to the sign, and then, soon enough, settles on her own.

"Oh, wow." She remarks. She finds herself at a loss for words, reaching up carefully and taking it into her hands as if afraid it would break at the slightest touch. She stares into it - the lovely snow-themed ornament, something so emblematic of her...

There's something wonderful about receiving something made so personally for you.

...And then, her eyes track up, settling for a moment at the star at the top of the tree, a somber expression crossing over her face. She stands there for a moment longer until Orie rests a hand on her shoulder.

"C'mon. We don't want to let all the good seats get taken, right?" Orie urges with a small smile. With a quiet nod Rikka starts moving forward, the two of them filtering into the auditorium along with the others and finding themselves a seat.

<Pose Tracker> Zan has posed.

Zan has never been to a real live concert. Let alone ones given by his friends.

That being said, when he arrives it's a bit odd. He knows there is power problems and infrastructure problems. Thuse he carefully guides the Iron Railer to where it is settled safely nearby. And knowing that they have to open a window, and thus let in some of the abyssal rain for him? Zan is not about to have his friends deal with that kind of environment. A plastic tarp is erected over where the window will be open for him pretty easily, temporarily welded in place.

Then to help with the rain, some heaters are placed near the entrance and he hooks in the Iron Railer and has a welded together funnel directing heat to help dissipate the rain and make it where said open window might just be the warmest place in the auditorium by accident.

Scanning from the window as his optics shift this way and that, he stares a bit at the tree. And some sort of card?

That has his optics looking around for someone who he can ask questions of before the curtain call. Especially as it's well... odd that someone stuck a card on a tree with his name on it.

And he's not sure what he's going to do with a tree. Yet. Wasn't there a few traditions about trees and other stuff?

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.

        This is Liam's first Christmas Eve since his family was killed. He's not sure how to feel. This is a different sort of prison than the one he spent almost half his life in, but it's still a prison. He's scared, and angry, and heartsick. He's noticed a creeping thinness in his face, and he's been trying to do less heavy work to conserve calories. Why does he, of all people, deserve more food than anyone else, even though he needs it?

        Despite all of the above, Liam hasn't forgotten about the concert. He hitched a ride here, got a cup of water, and presently stands near the door, drinking it. Liam hasn't been well, but it's easy to overlook it when he's lifting hundred-pound containers or working for hours in the rain. Now, at rest, he looks... haggard. Weary. He's still shaved, and his clothes--Lucine's hoodie, tank top, jeans, boots--are clean--but there is no disguising the exhaustion in his eyes.

        He watches as the others approach the tree, and take ornaments. Are they supposed to do that? Liam finishes his drink and sets his cup down for collection. He walks over, inspects the sign. His brow furrows as he looks through the remaining ornaments, because they're pretty, and when did Kaworu find the time to make them, even if there probably isn't...

        One for him. Liam stares at the crowned heart for a moment, remembering the necklace his mother wore. He reaches out, and with the gentlest touch he can manage, he plucks it off the tree. He cradles it as if it would shatter if he showed it anything less than tenderness.

        He feels the weight of the little marble pendant Lucine got him. It's small, but it now carries a great, symbolic meaning, just like the ornament.

        Liam is lost in his own little world right now, but he does find a space in the audience next to someone, the guy who took one of the back rows. (Gai.) He'd feel bad if he blocked someone's view.

<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.

Back in October or so, when Alouette was part of Tsutsujidai's music club, Kaworu told her about the a recital he and his fellow Tokyo-3 students were planning to put on. And more recently, Asuka said that the show would still be going on thanks to the efforts of Catty Four Eyes!

Eager to watch a such a recital with her own eyes and ears, she positively brings Guy to come see it with her. Which she wouldn't have done when she was first invited.

Even if it's a makeshift venue, Kaworu and his friends did a lovely job setting up Tsutsujidai's auditorium hall to match the atmosphere of a Christmas recital. Normally, Alouette would wear something more fitting, maybe a nice dress, or even a suit! But she's still wearing her ridiculously-layered uniform, because it's what she had when the city collapsed.

Even more lovely than the atmosphere is the ornaments, which seem to be all hand-made by Kaworu himself, symbolizing the connections he made with each and every person present. Alouette gently holds the cyan-blue ornament featuring the singing skylark and smiles... it perfectly encapsulates her bond made with Kaworu through music, she thinks.

And then she takes a look over to see what Guy got - the lion part of it can easily represent the Shishioh in his name, but... "It's almost like a gift for Galeon too, don't you think?" After all, he too, although a visitor from another time, is one of those currently trapped in Tsutsujidai. She goes quiet for a brief moment as she sees the madder red ornament which tops the tree... it's nameless. "Kaworu certainly put a lot of thought into these..." But maybe it isn't so much a surprise - Kaworu always seemed the thoughtful type.

When they inevitably find a seat, Alouette can spot a few groups in the crowd - Rikka and her mama, as well as Gridman and the Neon Genesis Junior Students. She spares a quick wave towards both groups, before it's showtime.

<Pose Tracker> Alloy Kaas has posed.

        While her timidity had her decline to perform in the Recital, Alouette Kass, Alloy, had been spending her time in Tsutsujidai learning the finer aspects of amatuer stage production. Through much trial and error, and a good bit of anxiety and long nights, improving this skill. With all the passion her friends have shown (and not shown), Alloy was keen to deliver a mic-squeal free sound and light experience, for the audience and preformers. She may not be ready to put on a Drone Air Show, but she has set-up and programmed the lights in a program she feels, and hopes, will indeed make her friends, Shine.

        Trying to match the festivities, Alloy had garbed herself like a "Santa's Helper" or what she learned may be called, elves. Little bells on pointy shoes, jingle as she moves around the balcony, running her final tests. She set a cycling track of holiday music, using none of the songs that will be performed (of course!)

        <"Final mic check, one! One, Two! One, two, three!">

        Alloy smiles at the balanced levels on the displays infront of her. A deep inhale, not as steady as she would have liked, and a slow exhale. Alouette Kass, smiling, grins as she touches the gift, an ornament, that had been left for her among others. The Ornament wobbles hanging from one of the monitors.

        <"You are all amazing, for doing this. Thanks for letting me, be your backup! Bonne chance everyone!">

        Alloy cracks her knuckles, this way and that, as she plants herself as comfortably as possible at the standing desk. She looks down at the stage, and audience, smiling again.

<Pose Tracker> Guy Shishioh has posed.

At a similar time, in a separate meeting with Kaworu - and a different other one with Alouette - Guy Shishioh agreed to go as well. At the time it was to support Alouette Pommier's own musical ambitions, but even with her in the audience now rather than the stage, he's here with a grin.

Like Alouette, he's still in uniform; he certainly didn't bring his suit with him to an emergency deployment, no matter how telegraphed. Fortunately, that gold-trimmed black vest-coat he's taken to wearing as Acting Chief marks him was based on Taiga's multi-purpose dress back in the Geoid Guard days, so perhaps it doesn't look all too out of place. His gaze cranes around the space, taking it in. "They really pulled out all the stops, huh?" he asides for his companion.

And, indeed, he's pulled visually toward the tree and ornamentation. "Trust Kaworu," he muses, softly. He grabs the woven filament softly, in the tips of his fingers, watching it shine. The colors of the three divisions, plus one more. Red, like Gridman, maybe. Or Akane. who has somewhat forced herself to the top of Guy's to-do list even in a year with the Ruin Apostles rampant. Maybe both. Maybe they can talk about it later. Most importantly, the dangling lion charm gets a grin. "Yeah, I do," he agrees to Alouette. "I'll probably put it in his bay, later. He's never that talkative," which is to say that Galeon has literally never expressed anything but one of a few high-level priorities, "but...he appreciates the gestures, I think."

He regards Alouette's too. He might not know the precise meanings, but he retains that pleased, warm smile. "Ah, a lark, of course," he chuckles. "He really did," he agrees. "He's always been a thoughtful guy. It's what lets him achieve moments like this, to see the people even in a crowd like this."

Onward to the seats, and Guy settles in. He's throwing waves around mostly to the same places as Alouette, people they both know well, before settling in to turn his attention on the stars of the evening.

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        It's not surprising--in fact, it's charmingly familiar--when Shinji has the jitters, even after Kaworu reassures him. His smile at him only deepens. "I know they will," he says with all the confidence Shinji currently lacks.
        
        He knows that will change once he's actually begun to play, after all.
        
        Asuka... well, Asuka and Kaworu aren't the other's favorite people. While his coolly polite demeanor doesn't shift for her, his faint smile does turn a bit more crooked at her rejoinder. "No, you have too much pride to put in anything less than your best," he acknowledges. He follows her gaze as it turns towards Shinji, and his smile turns only a faint bit rueful. "Be as you are, then."
        
        When he moves on to Mari and Rei, as usual, Mari's Mariness brings a laugh out of him. "Wonderful. Then these are memories we shall share forever," he replies just as warmly.
        
        Somehow wholly unbothered by Mari turning to blow a kiss at Shinji and Asuka, he looks instead to Rei. He considers her unborn wish in silence; then he reaches out to take her hand and simply hold it for a few heartbeats, his gaze on her.
        
        He returns to the piano after that. When he's seated, he looks up again at Alloy, smiling up at her excitement and enthusiasm. Perhaps one day, she'll have the chance to stand on stage with them. For now, he's glad that she has the chance at least to join them as their support. "Thank you for being our back-up, Alouette. Shall we?"
        
        One more ornament present for the audience, specifically for one S. S. Grace: a simple blue orb cradled by loose, knitted white cords, patterned in diamonds around the center; a tassel hangs from the bottom.

<Pose Tracker> Mari Makinami Illustrious has posed.

From behind the stage, thanks to the hard work of one Alouette Kaas, the lights dim, the curtains open, and the spotlight shines. Not on Kaworu on his piano, Shinji on his cello, or even Asuka on her violin, but on a spot in front of them at the fore of the stage on a pair of microphone stands, ready for someone to claim it. And who else should that someone be but the Madame President of the Tokyo-3 Municipal School System? But we get ahead of ourselves, just a bit.

School uniforms are a far cry from the fabulous fashion statements of uniforms (costumes) Mari Makinami Illustrious had decreed on the day they embarked on this recital. Many things are a far cry from the way things were to be the day they embarked on this recital. The locale, for one. But in many ways, this is perfect, isn't it? What better time is there for festivity than when people need their spirits lifted the most?

And what's more spirited than proudly representing your school colors for the sake of others?

It's a fine question -- especially considering Mari Makinami Illustrious isn't actually WEARING Tokyo-3 Municipal's school uniform, but rather some odd school uniform that certainly doesn't belong to any school with students stranded here, but that's neither here nor there, really! Let's focus, instead, on how she turns to face the stage with an all-but pirouette of motion, skirts a-flutter as she clasps her microphone between both hands.

"Hiii~," is the Tokyo-3 Municipal's madame president's initial greeting, delivered with bubbly warmth despite the situation; she even wiggles a pinky finger, in lieu of a free whole hand for waving. "We have a very lovely show prepared for you this evening, full of some very promising people. We don't have all the costumes and fanfare I was craving, but I think you'll all agree our Tokyo-3 friends still look unbearably cute when they're playing their hearts out~."

Mari takes a detour here, to bend back just enough to peer upside down at her fellow (fellow??) classmates (??) and offer them an inverted grin and a whimsical wink to match. But it's a momentary thing before she straightens again and looks back to their audience, her expression becoming one of more subdued warmth as she continues. "... But before we start, I'd like to confess my love for the unexpected and the unplanned. I planned for a recital for Tokyo-3 Municipal. It was a devious scheme to torture my precious teammates with embarrassing amounts of bonding and harrowing public spectacle~!" should she really just admit that "We had a stage decided, a time. I even had some great ideas for costumes in the works, and a superior officer under my thumb! Aaah~," she sighs, longingly.

(In the background, Asuka listens to Mari introduce herself, her eyebrows shooting up, and there being some soft grumbling from her as a devious scheme to torture them all, "As if her demands to the student council weren't enough." A beat, "Pink." It's soft enough that the audience won't hear it, but the others on stage might. She's referring to Mari's demand that all meeting minutes be in pink.)

(Shinji sighs heavily, posture weighed down by the thoughts of the tyranny of Mari. Is it a good or bad thing they escaped it, in the end...?)

"... But, in the blink of an eye, we all found ourselves caught here," Mari continues. "Was it random cruelty? Maybe. Merciless chance? Could be! It wasn't expected, that's for sure. It wasn't planned. But to me... I'm grateful that it brought us here. Because it gave us an opportunity to bring a bit of festivity to people who deserve it most, in a time they need it most. And what could be better than that~?"

And with this, Mari beams her brightest, offering a flourish of a bow before everything begins.

"So -- here's a slice of the holidays, from us to you." <3 <3

Rei Ayanami walks onto stage, joining Mari at the other microphone. She has changed out of the plugsuit, and has even had her hair trimmed and combed into something sleeker, and a bit flatter. She wears a simple white dress without sleeves, and when she stands on the stage, she gazes out at the audience for several seconds before the music begins.

She has no greeting, or preamble, other than a few moments of looking around at the audience. There is a glance towards Mari, but Mari is speaking more eloquently, perhaps, than she could. So Rei lets her eyes turn down to the stage. Which means that Mari manages to end up looking at her directly from a contorted direction. This makes Rei blink with slow firmness several times, enough that people in the front can see it happen.

As Rei walks on stage, Asuka brings her violin into position, the bow hovering.

Rei does not say anything, but when the introduction is finished, she closes her eyes, takes a breath, and:

"Ave Maria
"gratia plena"

sings.

The singing is a little amateurish. (Asuka tries not to let that distract her from her playing.) And a little soft. (Kaworu's piano chimes in with her voice, and were it much louder, it would surely drown her out. However, he maintains the precise volume to complete her rather than compete with her.)

"Maria, gratia plena
"Maria, gratia plena"

For all the softness of her voice, though, there is heart beneath it; a plaintive reaching.

"Ave, Ave, Dominus
"Dominus tecum
"Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus
"Et benedictus fructus ventris
"Ventris tui, Iesus
"Ave Maria..."

And Mari... Mari does not, in fact, join in immediately. Those few tentative first steps of Rei's are all her own as the bespectacled student council president looks sidelong at the pale-haired girl. Mari's smile grows at those amateurish but earnest first few notes...

... and then she joins in, lips parting and voice uniting perfectly with the First Child.

Shinji's own nervous flinching under the stage lights and waiting audience quiet under the thrall of Rei's sincerity. His gaze turns to one of wonder. Rei wanted to sing. Eyes closed and arm steadying, the gentle crooning of Shinji's cello joins in with Mari's voice to support Rei's wish.

Mari has a tendency towards whimsy and bombast in a way that makes one perhaps expect her to naturally gravitate towards stealing the stage. Yet here, as the pair sing, Mari's voice never even comes close to dominating the spotlight.

"Ave Maria,
"Mater Dei~
"Ora pro nobis peccatoribus
"Ora, ora pro nobis
"Ora, ora pro nobis peccatoribus~"

She doesn't drown out Rei's voice, she never pitches hers any higher or lower or louder or softer. She harmonizes, in a way that makes Rei's plaintive singing stand out that much more.

"Nunc et in hora mortis~
"In hora mortis nostrae
"In hora mortis nostrae
"In hora mortis nostrae~"

Eyes shut, smile genuinely pleased, Mari serves as a warm, supportive undercurrent.

To make Rei shine that much the more.

"Ave Maria~!"

When Mari joins in shortly after, some of the tension Asuka didn't realize was there smooths out of her and her bow begins playing the instrumental accompaniment, soft and sweet, letting the harmonization of their notes be her sheet music.

It's hard, given how soft Rei's singing is, to not accidentally overpower it, but somehow she manages to match it. There's a sort of reverence in the notes, for the song itself perhaps.

The Latin might as well be an occult spell. A spiritual experience for her rather than a religious one - brought about by an encounter on a seashore.

Somehow Mari trying to make Rei shine doesn't bring out that reaction of her trying to pump the brakes to stop it as in the past, it seems to just let her accept it. Eventually the singers come to the end, and Asuka's accompaniment becomes softer, and softer.

Despite her usual inclinations, she lets the two shine together.

As Shinji's own sound fades off, he smiles toward Asuka. It seems almost reflexive. But whether it's a smile proud of himself and wanting to share the moment, or a smile in praise of Asuka's playing is unclear under the bright lights.

Kaworu's piano notes delicately rise and fall, higher and lower, higher and lower, his eyes shut as he simply enjoys the thrall of all their music. When it's over, he'll have a smile for his compatriots, but for now, the sound is everything he is.

It isn't the longest song, even with the long, meditative notes. Rei's voice reprises the first verse, but now with a deeper, rich interweaving; the harmony and the melody shining out. Sometimes the synch fades, for a line or a word, but if that should make it more ethereal, is that not suited for such a plea?

And at the end, Rei bows at the waist, Mari joining with her own luxurious dip soon after.

<Pose Tracker> Zan has posed.

If Zan could cry over the beauty of the song, he would. Just no one ever gave him the ability to do tears. That said it's hard to see his expression due to the windows, too.

Enjoying the performance, he settles in the nice, cozy, and for once mostly dry area as he seems to consider and look for those close enough for him to interact with over this. His main friends are off on the stage, after all!

Then he realizes that he can't exactly clap because he could bust windows from the sound or disturb people. So he does the next best thing!

Transmits the sound of applause and clapping hands through said window after the performance is done.

Then he just settles in to mostly watch, talk a bit, and see what this is all about. Maybe he can even ask why someone gifted him a tree. He starts to wonder if there's a New Years tree thing he can use it for now.

<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.

Gridman and his comrades are quiet and attentive during the introduction, Calibur looking particularly baffled at Mari's antics. Vit snaps a picture of the young lady, managing to get the brightest-beam smile.

When Rei joins Mari at the microphone, Gridman leans forward in his seat, dull yellow eyes shimmering with emotion ever so slightly. She looks beautiful in her white dress. It's the first time Gridman's seen her in anything but the plug suit or her school uniform. Heart racing, he clasps his hands together.

Gridman blinks. Once, twice. This song is familiar, somehow, but he's sure he's never heard Rei sing. What could it be?

Calibur leans forward, voice lowered. "S--she sang to you. In the hospital. T--this same song."

With a glance back to the samurai, Gridman whispers, "Thank you." Yellow eyes immediately turn back to the performance, a new gentleness to his expression. Though his face doesn't move, there's a sense of gratitude and affection that wasn't there before.

"A remarkable young lady." Max rumbles.

Borr nods, hands folded behind their head. Vit's phone captures every moment of the song, focusing in on each performer in turn. Ennil's going to love this.

The performance draws to a close. Once Rei and Mari finish their bows, Gridman begins to clap. Is this proper? Hopefully, because he's clapping with every bit of enthusiasm he can manage. The Neon Genesis Junior High Students join him, Borr even cheering quietly -- before Max gives them a Look, and they quiet down.

"Everyone is so incredible." Gridman whispers, awe in his eyes. "I'm so thankful we can be here."

<Pose Tracker> Nunnally Lamperouge has posed.

        It's been frightening. This isn't Nunnally's first experience with refuges, damaged cities, lack of fresh water. She has a wheelchair this time, but disaster zones aren't particularly accessible. That's why no one's seen her, much, out there.

        It's been frightening, and Nunnally hasn't stopped smiling. She's smiled for everyone, all this time.

        She smiles, still, as Mari describes her ambitious plans. She imagines what those costumes might have been like, and thinks of the feeling of masks under fingers and the sound of bells, because her memories of how fancy cloth can look are more distant still.

        She is so glad to hear Mari's kindness, in a place like this. Her warmth is an open, generous thing, all carried through her smile and the empathic aura she keeps about herself.

        She listens, head tilting just so, as the Children synchronise with each other. Her fingers tap, at the armrest of her wheelchair, as she remembers the motions of a piano from her youth. She reflects on the character of each instrument -- and the way each of them cleave to the others, to create a harmonious whole.

        "It's beautiful," Nunnally murmurs, to no one in particular, as she claps in the wake of their finished performance.

<Pose Tracker> Rei Ayanami has posed.

Before she sings, Rei sees people she knows; past and present. Perhaps future as well. Something about them all seems obscurely familiar in a way Rei cannot place, not with so many things happening and about to happen. Gridman, Yuta; Zan; the others on their instruments (though they are, of course, not unexpected).

Others who she doesn't yet know.

They are caught in here, perhaps, but for a few moments...

It isn't quite 'a place where they are trapped.'

Afterwards, as she rises from the bow, she catches the strange eyes of Gridman for a moment. After a second's pause (tha-thump!) she turns, in a swirl, moving to her seat. The viola, a little large for her frame but entirely managable, gets raised into position.

<Pose Tracker> Gai Kurenai has posed.

Deep brown eyes, wellsprings of kindness, watch as Liam drops into the seat next to Gai. "Hang in there," the stranger says quietly. "We'll get through this."

Before he has a chance to engage the young man in conversation, Mari takes the stage and captures everyone's attention with ease, leading them all into the performance.

Gai lets the song wash over him, relishing in each performer's soul shining as they grow more confident in their art, smiling as the different expressions of their personalities manage to come together, harmonising in a way distinct to their natures. It may be amateurish and in some ways imperfect, but that transience makes it all the more beautiful.

His memory casts back an age away. A quiet forest glade. A harmonica melody, harmonised by a woman's gentle voice - and then another in turn.

As the audience begin to applaud, Gai blinks out of his own reverie, touching a fingertip to the corner of his eye. "Even after so long," he murmurs in fond awe, before blinking away those tears, smiling, and joining the applause.

<Pose Tracker> Ennil El has posed.

It was tempting to stay behind. Ennil is still getting used to people in a lot of ways - and a big event like this is the sort of thing she'd said she wanted to avoid, to not cause trouble for anyone else.

But Gridman had been so enthusiastic. The most energy she'd seen from him since getting home, really. She wanted to support him at times like this. So even though she'd found an excuse and told the others not to wait up...

The last strains of first performance greet her as she peers at the tree. The gifts hung around it have already mostly been taken, including those for Gridman and Ennil's companions, but the tree itself is something beautiful to have found here, in Tsutsujidai. She shakes her hands slightly, flexing her fingers in dark gloves, takes a deep breath, and slips into the theater proper as soon as things go quiet.

Fortunately, it's not too hard to pick out the NGJHS. Calibur's practically brought a flagpole for her. Gridman breaks into applause, and while the others are all celebrating, she slips quietly down the aisle, eventually coming to the empty place next to Vit and smiling. A phone screen blinks to life, then dims as she flicks her thumb across. She holds it out sidelong.

<Found an excuse to finish early. He looks happy. You were really hoping I'd show up, huh?>

There's a thin little grin on Ennil's face as she leans in just enough to give Vit a quick hug before sinking into her seat, waving past him at Gridman and Max. She looks up to the stage thoughtfully - she'd never been particularly serious about the holidays. They were days off, if you wanted them to be. But there does seem to be something special about it, when people put in the effort.

"Hey. I'm here."

Maybe that's all there was to it.

<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.

There are friends here. Rikka waves, at Alouette, Guy, and Gridman especially, and to anyone else who sends one her way. Orie doesn't wave, but she does seem pleased to see how many friends Rikka has made.

But soon enough, the curtains rise and the spotlight shines and the both of them go quiet, their attention turning to the stage - and to Mari, who stands at the front of it. She gives her speech and then, the recital begins.

Rikka stares, awestruck by the beauty of the performance before her. She knew Kaworu was talented, but everyone else... Their vocals and their instruments join in beautiful harmony, reaching the heart and soul.

Rikka is tearing up a little - Orie supplies a handkerchief in sort order, which Rikka accepts with a grateful nod.

When the music fades and the Children bow, the two of them are among those joining in the applause.

"Those kids are pretty talented, huh?" Orie asides, and Rikka nods.

"Yeah... they really are." She agrees. It takes a lot of courage to step up onto a stage like that and bare one's heart to the world through song like that...

<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.

In her admittedly short time spent with Galeon, Alouette was never quite able to get anything of a reaction out of him. Still, she can't help but sympathise with him, so she nods when Guy grins and says he'll probably appreciate the gesture. "Well, he'll at least like the change of scenery I'm certain." It's not the sunniest place they've been even if Galeon has spent most if not all his time in the bay and probably doesn't tell the difference.

"About to break into song, too," she adds, at Guy's mention of the lark. "Not that I've been, ah, practicing lately." She smiles awkwardly. "But being here makes me feel even more inspired." Her eyes gleam, as the performers prepare the stage.

Kaworu, a thoughtful guy... he even prepared an ornament for Akane, even though she certainly wouldn't be attending the recital. "Mm.. he's never tried to draw much attention to himself. But he always spares a thought for small details." Even ones you swore you never told him! "So I suppose that's why people are drawn to him, anyways." Her eyes wander to some of the other ornaments, some belonging to those she knows and can understand the symbolism behind, some she's not so familiar with. Regardless, each one has its own story.

The performance begins in earnest with the long-awaited Ave Maria. Even with each child's clashing personalities, it does not make the song feel jarring in any way. Although Alouette's attention flutters most strongly upon Kaworu and Asuka, she appreciates it's a joint effort. Shinji's subdued cello, Kaworu's graceful piano, Asuka's intense violin, Rei and Mari's beautiful voices - even Alloy's lighting work, all make the piece.

When the song comes to an end, Alouette is so focused on studying the performance that she almost forgets to applause with everyone else. "So that's what it takes to perform a beautiful song." She notes to herself. "Collaboration. As with anything." She smiles.

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.

        Liam wouldn't normally sit next to a stranger, but it's either that or stay alone with his own thoughts. He's not sure he won't start crying if he sits with Guy and Alouette, or with Gridman and his comrades. Liam clings desperately to the last shreds of his composure up until Gai turns to him, and speaks. His eyes mist up with tears, and he looks down at the man next to him. "I don't know," he manages, and he feels guilty for saying it.

        Liam falls silent. Mari's cheer is ominous, but it's also infectious; Liam manages to smile a little, despite everything, at the sight of his comrades on stage and doing normal school things, despite the horror around them. They deserve that chance. Still, he's not sure how this will go, and a bit of secondhand nervousness creeps in as Rei starts performing. Liam wipes his eyes, and tries to somehow will things into going right, but there's no need. As the others join in, he slumps back in his seat, suddenly overcome. His father sang, and played the guitar. He taught Liam a little. He thinks back to lessons in the living room, and trying to balance the guitar on his lap, and a pair of big hands clasping his, showing him the chords.

        He still manages to applaud, when it's time.

<Pose Tracker> Guy Shishioh has posed.

"Ohh," Guy says back, taking another look at the Lark. So it is. He does tender Alouette a favorable smile. "Well, I'll be there with bells on if you're ever up there," he says with a wink.

As the performanc begins, he watches. Here, now, as the man and creature he's become, he feels he can take it in richly, music resonating within the G-Stone that is every bit of him. His eyes close and he lets it come across him.

"Everything fitting together," he nods to Alouette. "Every part essential."

<Pose Tracker> Sonia Sophia-Grace has posed.

Even someone that isn't a musician should know the rule: Don't enter an auditorium when the performance is on-going. Instead, Sonia holes herself up outside the doors where she can hear the song, her eyes closing as she listens to the becoming-familiar tune of Ave Maria. It is when it winds down and the clapping starts that she slips in through the door, taking a seat in the back where her late arrival won't be really a disturbance.

If someone notices her, she will wave, but then gently shoo them off. She can move over between goes. It's like a puzzle. Move in the very tiny portions of downtime.

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        The curtains close in the wake of Mari and Reis duet. Behind them, equipment moves; footsteps shuffle. A brief moment later, the curtains part and the spotlight shines again on two: this time, Kaworu and Shinji, now at center stage.
        
        Kaworu, seated at the piano, smiles over at Shinji, seated in a simple folding chair with his cello, rests his fingers over the keyboards and begins a slow, smooth rising progression familiar to just about anyone who knows classical music: Pachelbel's Canon in D.
        
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ptk_1Dc2iPY (Pachelbel's Canon in D, piano and cello ver.)
        
        Shinji smiles back at Kaworu with a rare brightness. He watches Kaworu play for only a few moments solo before he sets his bow to the strings. It glides with graceful precision as Shinji's fingers dance across the fingerboard, the cello's low hum resonating in accompaniment.
        
        As the song progresses, it's clear that the two have either practiced a tremendous amount together or else simply naturally flow into each other. At first, though Kaworu began the song, his piano defers to Shinji's cello, providing the harmony to accent the deep richness of the strings and support to give it strength.
        
        In time, as their melody and harmony dance as if at a ball together, the lead transitions from cello to piano. Subtly, subtly, Kaworu takes on the main melody, and Shinji becomes the harmonizing support.
        
        Ultimately, their music matches each other--completes each other. Together, they end in perfect sync, neither drawing out the final note a single moment longer than the other. And together, they'll stand to take their bows to the audience.
        
        Then again, hand in hand, with Kaworu smiling out at the audience (at Gridman in particular, lips parting gently), and Shinji still caught up in the giddiness of a completed performance.
        
        -----
        
        When the appointed time comes, Asuka sheds her violin back into the case, carefully pointing the ornament atop it. Then steps over towards an amplifier, to pick up another red violin with an asymmetrical shape, plugged in - and its bow.
        
        Rei rises as well, carrying the viola and bow cradled in her arms. She stands to the left, away from the central position, although even in the relative gloom of being out of the spotlight, the white of skin and dress catches some of the backscatter, inevitably.
        
        When the two take center stage, they say nothing to introduce the next piece.
        
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8IhHxXjA6w (Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24, violin ver.)
        
        The introduction comes in slightly quavering long notes. Back and forth. Something repetitive and anxious. The deeper alto-clef tones of the viola all but groan.
        
        Asuka waits for Rei's opening before she sounds off the familiar chords of 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' on the Electric Violin.
        
        There's then the slow repetition of chords, in the back and forth, the slow build - as if something grand were coming, in the distance, over the horizon. Some monumental celestial event.
        
        It is a full minute of anticipation, until... it arrives.
        
        Then abruptly, the tempo picks up along with the start of a melodic chorus of bells, rung behind the two by Mari, the song progresses into dynamic medley, signaling the triumph of the moment as she plays with verve and with a certain aplomb as she rocks out on the electric violin.
        
        The viola doesn't stop, but its role is nearer to percussion or rhythm guitar; a little more complex, but ultimately simple, cyclical. Rei, facing the audience, has closed her eyes.
        
        And in the background... Wait. Who's working the bells? -- Oh my god! Mari is working the bells! How can this be?!
        
        Specifically, the essential bell accompaniment comes courtesy of some fine-looking orchestral bells Mari is playing like a pro. She's even so confident she does some little spins and twirls the bell mallets from hand to hand as she plays that lively, festive chime in the background. She had expressed, during early recitals, that she's never played the bells before.
        
        'Guess I must just be a natural musician~' was her airy insistence, which was probably a lie (?).
        
        Surprisingly, Asuka does not try to overpower the accompaniment Rei provides on her Viola, or Mari on the bells, but she seems to accept the complement as a necessary part of the song to bring it all together.
        
        There's an increasing audacity in how she strings the chords of each measure together, making it seem effortless, the result of talent rather than months of hard work away from the sight of anyone... save one person.
        
        To Rei, it had never been quite the same song each time they had rehearsed - and they had rehearsed perhaps less than they should. But this isn't completely a matter of providing a repeating cycle to underlay Asuka's virtuosity. The bow is raised and pizzicato stands for long bars; then back down without hesitation. Rei's eyes stay shut.
        
        In the song is a story, about the boldness of someone who was willing to show the spirit of humanity was alive even deep in a warzone.
        
        While it's unclear if Asuka believes in that spirit, or if she does whether she's a part of that spirit, the message is still alive and well here in the music made in this hostile place - cut off from the rest of the world.
        
        When it's over, Asuka lowers the violin, and takes a stiff bow, like it's something she rarely does, despite having lived in Japan for a year. Rei does likewise.
        
        There's no bow from Mari, this time. Instead, she presses both hands to her lips and uses them to blow an audience-wide kiss. She can be seen whispering something to Asuka, before she disappears into the darkness at the back of the stage:
        
        'You did beautifully.' <3
        
        -----
        
        When the curtains part and the spotlights shine again, the piano is gone. However, Kaworu remains, along with Asuka, Rei, and Shinji. The four of them are seated in a semi-circle that faces the audience, and where Kaworu had played the piano before, he is now too on the violin.
        
        Shinji looks at the others, smiling again. He's smiled more tonight than he has in a long time. Deep breath in. Out. All bows rise and meet their instruments in a synchronous moment, gliding back and forth to weave together four distinct sounds into a single, uplifting melody.
        
        Asuka doesn't smile; nor does Rei. The stone-faced redhead however loses the tension on her visage as she joins synchronizing with them all, harmonizing as she too gets lost in the song.
        
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ0UyU5m0Fk (J.S. Bach's Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, string quartet)
        
        Perhaps in another lifetime, Kaworu reflects, this would have been a slower, more melancholy song; perhaps then it could have been on the piano. Perhaps in another lifetime, this string quartet would have played a different song entirely. But that was then and this is now.
        
        The four of them together create a beautiful harmony, slow enough to be regal, fast enough to be lively. With this song, one might well feel as though tonight truly is a time to celebrate.

<Pose Tracker> Zan has posed.

Such an interesting performance. Zan is watching carefully, noting the sounds and the expressions it seems.

That he sees Sonia is inevitable. One of his shoulder guards open into a third or fourth arm to reach down and turn a heater her way while she is out there. Then he turns his attention back to the recital. Thinking a bit, he notices someone near the back where his window is. And almost considers if he can reach that far without having to go well... through the wall. Decides against it.

Instead he just patiently waits. Yes, waits. And waits. Maybe he should've asked Volfogg to come along? Nah.

<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.

Ennil's appearance earns a bright smile from Vit, who immediately lowers his phone to tap out a response.

<You should've seen him picking out the flowers. He's loving this. And of course I was! You're one of us. Besides, these kids aren't half-bad.>

Vit hugs Ennil in return, as Borr offers a fist bump. Calibur gives her a look of approval, and Max nods. Gridman himself looks pleased to see Ennil, raising a hand to give her a thumbs-up. The "young man" lifts his ornament, displaying it for Ennil to see for a moment. He looks enamored with the object -- pleased to show it off.

It seems Ennil has achieved universal appeal!

Gridman takes the chance to wave at his friends while he's turned around -- Rikka, Alouette, Guy, Liam, and even a little hesitant wave at Gai. They haven't met yet, but Max told Gridman that Gai came to visit. That constitutes friendship, doesn't it? Max joins in, nodding to Sonia and Gai himself. Their kindness has not been forgotten.

Everyone but Vit settles back in to watch the next song, Vit wraps an arm around Ennil's shoulders, pulling her close. They make a sweet pair, two suit-clad supporters of Gridman. Ennil fits in perfectly.

"So glad you came, baby girl." Vit says, quietly, a handsome grin on his face. "Wasn't the same without you."

The next performance begins. Gridman sits up a little straighter when he sees the spotlight land on Kaworu and Shinji. Exactly what he was hoping for! With rapt attention, Gridman's yellow eyes move from Kaworu to Shinji and back, captivated by the harmony of the two musicians.

Meeting Kaworu's gaze, Gridman smiles in return. He manages to hold it a few moments longer than he has so far -- a sure sign of how much this song meant to him. Gazing into Kaworu's eyes, it takes Gridman a moment to remember to clap, but once he does, he's just as enthusiastic as he was previously.

Kaworu and Shinji... They're meant to be together. The thought doesn't inspire jealousy or grief in Gridman, merely a sort of sweet resignation. However long he has with Kaworu by his side, every moment will be treasured.

Next up is Asuka and Rei! Gridman's eyes fix on Rei, this time. Asuka made her feelings on him quite clear, and he doesn't want to distress his fellow redhead by looking at her with his unfamiliar gaze. The anticipatory music puts Gridman and his companions on edge, though it seems Borr particularly enjoys it. Tapping their foot along with the song, they grin up at the two girls.

Mari's accompaniment of bells gets a surprised blink from the entirety of the Grid-crew, an oddly in-sync moment. They both blink once, then twice, then settle back into enjoying the song.

"Amazing!" Gridman whispers, as the song draws to a close. Applause comes from the small group once again, and just as Borr raises their fingers to their lips, ready to let out a sharp whistle -- Calibur smacks their hands away. "N--not the time."

"Nobody's any fun." Borr faux-pouts.

Calibur ignores this, focusing back on the stage as the curtains open and the lights gleam. Though his face stays almost as neutral as Gridman's, the amount of sustained attention he's paying is proof of his interest.

Gridman breathes out a little noise of awe as the four Children begin to play together. Hope springs up in his chest. It's enough to make him emotional, his face stilll, but his eyes filling with tears. Max watches with a pleased demeanor. Much like Orie, he came prepared with a handkerchief of his own.

Wiping at his eyes, Gridman sniffles. As the celebratory song comes to an end, he claps loudly. The others join him, with the exception of Vit, who has one arm around Ennil and the other occupied with filming the concert.

Contentment practically radiates from Gridman and his comrades. This is a welcome, much-needed reprieve from the fear and anxiety over the state of the city. Those worries will return soon enough, but for now, nothing could be further from their minds.

<Pose Tracker> Nunnally Lamperouge has posed.

        Nunnally listens to Shinji and Kaworu's duet, and feels their concord together; her head tilts, as the girls take the stage instead. Bells..!

        The passion of the music isn't lost on her. Softly, unobtrusively, she congratulates each piece.

        ... she wonders who the pianist is, that he can play the violin as sweetly.

        She does not converse in the lulls between the music; she is existing, intently, in the sea of all these emotions, and without taking their hands none of them are too intense. It's wonderful, how they can come together.

<Pose Tracker> Gai Kurenai has posed.

With the unexpected surge of nostalgia under control, Gai is free to focus on the now again, enjoying each new performance as a chance to learn more about the people his old friend has surrounded himself with through their usage of their instruments, impressed by Mari's obvious skill with the bells as much as he is by Rei and Shinji's slowly building confidence and Kaworu's easy command of his instruments, and carrying a deep respect for Asuka managing to corral her obvious intensity in order to synchronize with the group.

When he has a moment, he looks back over to Liam. "If you don't know that we'll make it, look for someone you can believe will make it happen," he advises gently.

<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.

The performance continues. Three songs are played, and the Takaradas listen to each in turn - each one powerful and beautiful in their own right, each one displaying the depth of their talent in the variety of skills put on display.

Rikka knew they were capable, surely, from all the times they'd fought together... but this display certainly gives her a newfound appreciation for all of them.

And Orie, she enjoys the music fondly - and appreciates it, too, for the way it seems to have taken Rikka's mind off of everything, even if only for the moment.

<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.

"There's very few people I'd rather have watching..." Alouette begins, as Guy expresses that he'll be right there if she ever performs herself. "Well, in this case I'd be facing you, instead. If I ever get the chance, I hope I'll make you proud." Her expression turns soft, and warm.

For now though, she turns her attention back to tonight's performers - that sharp look of analysis on her face. Where in the previous song the strengths of everyone was put in the forefront, the following duets showcase each one-on-one dynamic between the musicians.

First is Canon in D, performed by Shinji and Kaworu. The way Kaworu goes in solo, before becoming Shinji's strength, before ending in perfect harmony - is incredibly inspiring.

On the other hand, Asuka and Rei playing Sarajevo together has a very different feel to it - it's clear they're not as close personally as Shinji and Kaworu are, but nonetheless, they work together to provide a bold and powerful performance of an equally powerful song. Alouette appreciates the long buildup in particular, feeling that it makes hearing the chorus all the more earned.

Finally, Kaworu forgoes his piano for a violin, and Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring is played in perfect synchronization. It's as Guy said - every part coming together, every part essential.

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.

        Liam cradles the ornament as the recital continues. He's not at all surprised that Kaworu can harmonize with Shinji so well--the Administrator feels for him, deeply--but Shinji harmonizing with Kaworu is less expected. His mind starts to drift, and he wonders what Lucine's doing, but the music keeps him grounded. Mari and Asuka step up next, and part of Liam braces for imminent disaster, but as before, it never happens. Asuka lends the piece intensity without being overpowering. Mari plays her heart out without drowning out Asuka. Is this what it's like, Liam thinks, to be part of something?

        As the quartet wraps up their number--no less poignant than any of the others--Gai speaks. Liam is already mid-applause, and turns to him. "I... don't know for certain." He looks at the back of Guy's head, and at Alouette, sitting next to him. Maybe they have an answer. "--Guy might. But me, I feel--"

        As he shifts, his legs move, ever-so-slightly, and the ornament tips out of his lap. It rolls down his thigh, and Liam has a scant second of horror before it hits the floor--

        And does not, in fact, shatter into a thousand pieces. It makes a soft 'tink', and starts to slide forward along the incline. Liam blurs forward, planting his fingers down around it like a cage. He picks it up, and starts inspecting it, expecting damage: something broken, a chip, some scratches. There's nothing.

        Maybe there's a lesson in that.

<Pose Tracker> Ennil El has posed.

Ennil grins, and does in fact return that fist-bump - she's all too happy to settle in against Vit, genuinely beaming at Gridman when he shows off his present.

The music starts again, drawing her eyes back up to the stage. It's easy enough to pick out the Children with what she knows now - Kaworu, at least, she's learned of by name, and eventually Rei as well, thanks to Gridman - and it's all too easy to catch Gridman's attention on each of them. From how they were described to her, each is fairly singular - they certainly stand out against each other. Seeing Kaworu here today is an interesting feeling - torn between troubled memories and the sincere smile of a friend.

But the uncomfortable contrast vanishes in the duet, and then again when the three girls cooperate - both Asuka's boldness and Mari's energetic accompaniment do get cheerful little gasps from Ennil. She slips an arm around Vit in turn, allowing herself to slip a little deeper into her own pleasant harmony, even if it costs her her chance to clap after that one.

And then, of course, there's the quartet. As gorgeous as the other pieces, it strikes her more seeing all of them working in, well, harmony. It's not as simple as compatibility, or even friendship. It's something deliberate, something so much effort and heart have gone into. Something they all wanted to build together.

She can't help but let her eyes wander over her own companions, and as the applause begins, she presses her face into Vit's shoulders. All the light is focused on the stage, but it still wouldn't do for anyone to see how red her cheeks are.

"'m... glad I came, too."

<Pose Tracker> Guy Shishioh has posed.

Guy has no doubt Alouette will do just that.

The performance itself is a clever construction. The Evangelion team - hard as it may be for them to see, from time to time - is about building strengths, relationships, between each other. Even more than GGG's hard-won camaraderie, in Guy's judgment, those connections will be their strengths, if they can bring themselves to hold them.

An Evoluder's ears are sharp; he hears that pindrop of something falling, and half-turns. But it seems nobody needs to be saved, for today.

He can focus on the grand gathering on display.

<Pose Tracker> Sonia Sophia-Grace has posed.

Zan does get silent thanks for the heater.

Sonia is just vibing - in all senses. She finds herself in an occupied row, glances down, and blinks when she recognizes Liam at the minimum, and shifts down further. Not too far - she's not really been acquainted directly with everyone, and she doesn't want to necessarily disrupt anything, but when she can, she gives him a friendly little 'sup' gesture. Hello FRIENDS.

There is more music, though - and her gaze is irrevocably stage drawn. The two sets of duos is what gets her, sliding down comfortably in her chair as her hands clasp in front of her stomach. When she opens them again, she lifts an eyebrow. Another time, though - another place, as her eyes close and she drifts to the music.

<Pose Tracker> Mari Makinami Illustrious has posed.

Lights cut off in the wake of the final string quartet. It leaves the stage drenched in darkness, only the vaguest silhouette of a form coming forward toward the front of the stage in a slow, calm stride. Other shadows part and reassemble; wheels roll as the silhouette of a piano reemerges.

But when the stage lights reignite, they illuminate not the silhouette at the front, but the instrumentalists at the back: Kaworu, Shinji, Rei and Asuka. Even if process of elimination can give a fine hint as to who's standing at the front now, backlighting only enhances her silhouette as the music begins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5sx1b3KWN4 (Yoko Kanno feat. Maaya Sakamoto - Kissing the Christmas Killer)

The way Kaworu plays is always ethereal, but right now, the slow high notes sound as though they might be made of crystal, while the low notes are like a bed of cool silk. Together, they're fresh snowflakes drifting down onto a pristine winter field.

Soon, Mari Makinami Illustrious' voice joins in. The song is tranquil, and Mari's normally cheery voice takes on a bewitchingly ephemeral quality, only strengthened by how the backlights work to render her in silhouette as two shadowy hands clasp over an unseen microphone helping fill the auditorium with that hauntingly soft melody.

o/` "I was heaven sent
     "Traded for the words I swore that
     "Every piece of me would still belong
     "Forever and a day
     "To someone who cared
     "Whatever there may be
     "Ever there may be~"

     "You came along
     "Now I'm going all against the
     "Promises that I made, and here I am
     "Falling for your love
     "Or am I lost in heaven?
     "I don't know any more
     "Don't know any more~" o/`

And as Mari reaches the refrain, her voice rises. Not triumphantly, exactly, but in a way that climbs towards a vanishing crescendo defined by its implacable serenity. The lyrics pour from her...

... as spotlights ignite, not on her, but across the auditorium itself, slowly turning and gliding from auditorium to stage, briefly lighting up parts of Mari - half of her smiling face here, the turn of an arm flowing with the melody of the music there - in illuminating white glows just as much as they do segments of the audience itself.

o/` "Judgment will be made
     "On a Christmas day
     "Hiding in the snow, he's prying me"

     '"Toys if you've been good
     "Knives if you have not'
     "Better steal a kiss 'fore I'll be gone
     "I'll be gone~" o/`

Always providing a brief glimpse of what lays beneath the silhouette Mari provides, but never quite the whole thing until her voice finally quiets, the spotlights avoiding her entirely as she allows her fellow musicians, her friends, to take over.

When Mari's voice fades to rest, the sound of the piano continues. And then strings join in, Shinji on cello in a subtle, steady rhythm that sinks into the song like a quiet snowdrift: an ambience that is new, but blends in with the illusion its presence had been here from the start.

The viola is, too. Rei stays where she is, of course. Her eyes are closed now. Long strokes of the bow, extended whole notes becoming streaks of texture. Soft, small arpeggios. Echoing the melody of the piano, hanging in the spaces it does not. Something richer, denser.

Mari's choice of song is still one that might catch her a glower from Asuka every now and then at her back, as she listens to the piano's intro, followed by that hauntingly soft melody.

The vocals win her over as always in short order. And in the end she plucks an even softer ethereal whisper of strings in service of the vocals

... vocals that are no more than soft, wordless harmonizing to the music for those precious moments where the others and their instruments are allowed to truly shine. Mari remains basked in the darkness of the backlight, head bowed and body still. And when it comes time for her to sing again, as they reach that final refrain...

... Mari is lit up in three point lighting...

... as from the audience ceiling above, the sound of something - some things - popping open can be heard faintly just below the din of the music.

This one -- this is a little secret Mari kept to herself. A little surprise for everyone, including her beloved little quartet of NERV. Little packages, all set to pop at just the right time...

o/` "Judgment will be made
     "On a Christmas day
     "Hiding in the snow, he's prying me~" o/`

... to let fake snow fall, all across the auditorium.

In this situation, Mari's resources were rather limited. And yet, as that fake snow falls, -whatever- it is made of catches the light of the still-moving spotlights, making them twinkle in the dark like a thousand thousand stars floating in the sea of space.

     "'Toys if you've been good
     "Knives if you have not'
     "Better steal a kiss 'fore I'll be gone
     "I'll be gone~" o/`

Mari's resources were rather limited. But never underestimate what an industrious spirit, a vaguely vast skillset and access to a science lab can do when it comes to supplying a little something extra to provide the warmth of holiday spirit to people who need it most.

As her angelic voice lilts, carrying that final note long and true, piano entwines with cello entwines with violin entwines with viola. Kaworu lifts his gaze in silent wonder at the sudden indoor flurry, and his smile broadens accordingly. Even so, his playing remains on tune and on beat, and it helps ground the rest in the face of Mari Makinami's mischief.

As rehearsed, one by one, the violin, the viola, and the cello fade out of the melody, leaving only the crystalline repetition of the piano. Those countless tiny lights reflect and refract as it too slowly fades into silence, like the last flakes of a dying blizzard drifting into the dark of night.

The curtain closes to the cheers and applause of the audience. When it opens again, the five Children of the Evangelions stand together in a row--Kaworu, Shinji, Mari, Asuka, and Rei--and take their bows together to the crowd.

The concert is over, but like hope, perhaps it will linger in everyone's hearts.

<Pose Tracker> Gai Kurenai has posed.

Gai half-moves out of his seat as Liam's gift tumbles to the floor, but - it doesn't break, and he lets out a soft sigh as he gets comfortable again. "If disaster does come," he says, perhaps guessing as to the tension in Liam's shoulders, "so too will people to hold it back. I'm certain of it."

After all, he doesn't say, he'd be one of them. "Constantly keeping yourself on alert is going to burn you out before any problem does emerge. Trust in the people around you."

Sounds from the ceiling during Mari's final performance, which is... even more idiosyncratic than the gift Kaworu picked for her indicated... catch Gai's attention and he glances up - oh. Artificial snowflakes. The idea, if not the actuality, of a White Christmas.

"See?" He nods upwards for Liam's benefit. "Even in a city like this, we can make beauty with toil and our own hands."

As they're joined by another, he turns and nods to Sophia.

<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.

And thus begins the finale - Alouette isn't sure what to expect, each and every performance tonight being finale-worthy in its own right.

The lights dim, before placing the total spotlight on each instrument player, and the singer, Mari in stunning fashion. Even if she's not on stage right now, Alouette has much respect for her name-twin's work here.

Kaworu's piano playing, as always, is elegant and graceful, combined with the illustrious Mari Makinami's bewitching vocals. The remaining instruments support the melody, before fading out and allowing Kaworu and Mari to take the spotlight.

And although it's a rainy Christmas, as it is every day in Tsutsujidai, Mari's devious scheme allows for the illusion of a snowy atmosphere. It was easy to forget that tonight was Christmas Eve.

The Evangelion children, or on a night like this, the students of Tokyo-3 municipal take their final bow.

The artificial snowflakes still falling, Alouette turns next to her. "Joyeux Noel, Guy." This, at least, is better than the last Christmas season they experienced together, five years ago.

<Pose Tracker> Rikka Takarada has posed.

And finally, the grand finale! The last song has a different vibe than the last ones, but it's great in its own right. The combination of the instrumentation and Mari's singing is a strong one. That on its own would be memorable, but then, there's a 'popping' sound -

And at that, snow begins to fall. Artificial snow - but if the heart believes, that makes it as good as the real thing, right? The spotlights play off of the artificial snow in a wondrous display, and Rikka looks on with silent awe.

She's seen snow before, of course, in her forays outside of Tsutsujidai... but this might be the first time anything close has fallen here.

Orie watches her with a smile, silently thanking the performers for the look on Rikka's face.

"...Those kids really are something else." Orie murmurs, chuckling to herself.

As the Children take a bow, the two of them applaud together. They really have shone a bright light on these dark times.

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.

        "I hope so," Liam says. He considers tucking the ornament into a hoodie pocket, but having something to cradle is also grounding. "I'm sorry. This place reminds me of bad memories. Feel like I can't do anything."

        Liam focuses on his breath as Mari takes the stage. Her choice of songs is... eccentric, but that's wholly within normal Mari tolerances, and she's a good singer, and the snow--

        The snow reflects in Liam's eyes, sparkling. It's a stark contrast to the dreary eternal summer, and the perpetual rain. "...What's your name?" Liam asks Gai. Then--

        "Captain?" Liam startles a bit; he wasn't sure if someone was approaching, or if his own nerves were messing with him. "It's good to see you."

<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.

Gridman startles as the lights cut off again, lost in the wonder of the previous few songs. Vit beams down at Ennil, taking the chance to press a kiss to his girlfriend's cheek in the darkness.

Spellbound, Gridman holds his ornament close to his chest. Mouth slightly open, the redhead can't look away. It seems the Neon Genesis Junior High Students feel much the same way, all four personages appear captivated. Kaworu's crystalline talents, Mari's incredible voice... The two flow together perfectly. It's not what Gridman would've expected, but he's thrilled to be able to witness it.

Shinji's performance feels so right for him, as though his soul can be heard. Rei's melody is resonant, making Gridman wish he had the vocabulary to express his feelings. He doesn't know nearly enough about music.

Finally, Asuka joins her comrades. Gridman risks a look up at her, his yellow eyes hopefully hidden by the spotlights. And when Mari's surprise begins sparkling down in the auditorium...

Gridman reaches a hand up, gathering a few specks of light into his hand. Looking down at them, his expression so terribly soft. Max slowly puts an arm around Gridman's shoulders, a familial gesture. Gridman leans into it, smiling up at the larger man. Borr and Calibur share a smile, and Vit shakes his hair out, clearing the sparkles. Despite the action, he's beaming, unable to disguise his delight.

As the song comes to an end, Gridman and his comrades again clap with gusto. Borr loudly cheers, and Max rolls his eyes, but lets it go. Calibur picks his ornament up from the end of his sword and holds it up to the falling snow, covering it with sparkles.

"I could get used to this look on you." Vit says, squeezing Ennil's shoulder. "You look good in sparkle."

"Gridman, are you ready to present your gifts?" Max asks, quietly. He's loathe to end this moment, but duty comes first.

"Oh." Gridman blinks back to awareness, smiling a there-and-gone smile up at the large man. "Yes. Would you please help me?"

Max stands, pushing Gridman toward the stage. As they go, Borr comes with them. Calibur wanders to the back of the room, finding Anti. A nod is given to his student.

"M--merry Christmas." Calibur offers. "I'm pleased to see you well."

Vit, of course, stays with Ennil. Holding his phone out, he snaps a quick picture of the two of them, covered in glitter. A few taps sets the photo to his home screen.

Gridman comes as close as he can to the stage -- probably not onto it, considering his wheelchair. That's alright, Borr's got this. Max reaches into the bag hanging from the wheelchair and pulls forth seven roses, each one with a small tag attached.

"This one's for Kaworu." Gridman says to Borr, who vaults up onto the stage and presents it to the young man.

Kaworu's rose is white. The attached note reads: Dear Kaworu, I just know you were as wonderful as always. This wouldn't have come together without you. You give us all so much just by being here. I hope this gift is to your liking, the NGJHS helped me make three copies. Love, Gridman.

Said gift is a silver chain, reaching down to a crystalline snowflake. It's a tiny little charm, clearly made by hand. A few mistakes are clear -- some of the arms of the little snowflake are chipped, but it's been sealed and shaped to perfection. Someone did their very best while making it.

Borr returns after this gift, opening their arms for the next.

"Shinji." Gridman says, holding out a yellow rose. Again, the small Hyper Agent hops up onto the stage, coming to the designated Child.

Shinji's note: Dear Shinji, I don't know if you remember, but months ago I said how much I'd like to see you and Kaworu perform together. I'm so happy it finally came to be. I'm proud to have you as one of my best friends. I hope to see you perform many more times. -Gridman

Again, Borr returns and leaves, according to Gridman's instruction. A red rose, designated for Asuka, is delivered before the young lady can protest.

Dear Asuka, reads her note. Merry Christmas. I hope not to disappoint you. -Gridman

"This one's for Alouette." Gridman instructs, and Borr vanishes in a blur of movement. Re-appearing next to the lighting-master's side, an orange rose is held out.

Alouette's note, like Asuka's is fairly small. Gridman hasn't had the pleasure of meeting her. Dear Alouette, Merry Christmas. Thank you for your talents tonight. -Gridman

Mari is up next, and what color could her rose be but pink? Borr flips it to her with a wink and a thumbs up -- Mari was their clear favorite during the concert.

Her note: Dear Mari, you always put on an incredible show. I'm sure tonight will be no different. Thank you, and Merry Christmas. -Gridman.

Gridman holds the next rose close to his chest before offering it to Borr. Like Kaworu's, it's pure white, and a little chain hangs from the stem, along with a note.

Dear Rei, I can't wait to watch you perform tonight. Your heart shines through in everything you do. This necklace is for you, I made it along with the Neon Genesis Junior High Students' aid. Kaworu and I also have one. If you'd like, we can wear them together. Love, Gridman.

Finally, only one rose remains. Gridman holds it gently, glancing around the room. It's bright green, nearly unnaturally so. Max frowns at it, and Borr shrugs.

"Don't think he showed up tonight." Borr offers. "I'll give it to Kaworu, we can trust him to get it to the doc."

"Hmm." Max rumbles, but doesn't protest. Gridman hands Borr the rose, and they return to Kaworu's side, offering a quick explanation for this second rose.

Dear Dr. Daiwel, Merry Christmas. I'm wishing you the best. -Gridman.

This last note was written with a nervous hand, letters shaky, and a few letters scribbled out entirely.

"That's all of them. Thank you, Borr, for allowing me to use your precious flowers." Gridman says, as Borr returns.

"Hey, no problem. That's what they're meant for." Borr grins, giving Gridman a fist-bump.

Not wishing to monopolize the time of the performers, Gridman and his companions return to their seats, chatting among themselves until it's time to return home.

<Pose Tracker> Guy Shishioh has posed.

Guy didn't know Mari could sing like that. Didn't know any of them had skills like this, really. He's simply letting it come across him, listening. Well, it's a heck of a Christmas song, but they're making it resonate, aren't they?

Even with fears like he knows they have, histories he knows have burned them, they're...

By the time the lights are up, he's in a full grin, and he turns when he sees Alouette doing the same. It splits his face the whole way. "Merry Christmas, Alouette." It is better. Surrounded by hope and people striving for their future.

Still, some small part of him pines to wish for just one more person...

Settles back in his seat, as the simulated snow falls down, and raises his hands in applause. Next year, he promises himself.
BBSYS: Post 583, 'Christmas Gifts at Tsutsu HS' succesfully published to Walled Garden.
BBSYS: Post 583, 'Christmas Gifts at Tsutsu HS' has been published to Walled Garden by Kaworu Nagisa.

<Pose Tracker> Sonia Sophia-Grace has posed.

The last music choice ... Sonia is amused. She radiates amusement, but also appreciation of the slightly (... slightly?) less classic option that Mari picks. She doesn't laugh or anything, but it does lift her heart a bit more as things wrap up.

Gai gets a nod back. Silent acceptance.

"Liam. Please, please, it's Sonia outside of title-required events." Sonia says, long-suffering. "I know we're supposed to be like, a nice military organization but I'm -off-."

"I'm sorry I missed the start. They're a wonderful group." Her gaze drifts around the Children, sighing softly.

<Pose Tracker> Ennil El has posed.

Mari is... Very powerful. Ennil knows that from experience, actually. (Briefly, she considers that of all of them, it might be Mari she needs to worry about most - certainly she paid the most direct attention to Ennil in their previous meeting.) But all that energy is devoted to a super charming performance, and Ennil relaxes and enjoys the show.

She does startle a little at Mari's surprise - her first instinct is to reach up and try to free some of the glittering fake snow from her hair. This, of course, fails, and mostly achieves the same soft sparkles clinging to her hand.

She sighs a little, but Vit says she looks good and - she does pout a little, but she doesn't reach back up to her hair, and she smiles for Vit's little selfie. "Don't get used to it." Her tone is playful, though, and she does briefly glance away, thoughtfully. It's interesting to hear Vit talk about what he likes, even when he's just having fun. She looks back just in time to spot Vit making the shot his home screen, though, and ends up blushing again.

Then she reaches up and grabs his cheek, giving him a soft kiss and leaving a little glitter trail across his face in the process. "You'll just have to hold onto the memory."

<Pose Tracker> Kaworu Nagisa has posed.

        Once he and the others have finished taking their bows, Kaworu takes a moment to bask in the applause of the audience. Shinji had hoped that everyone would have a good time, and it's quite apparent his hope became a reality. He's about to leave when he sees Gridman approach the stage in his wheelchair, as assisted by Borr; at his request, she jumps up and down to present not just him but all his compatriots with roses, notes, and one or two gifts.
        
        He accepts his with grace, unbothered by the fact that he's still facing the crowd to take the time to read the note, then admire the silver necklace and its snowflake charm. It sparkles in the light, where he holds it up from the same hand that holds that white rose. Then he hops down to join Gridman in the pit, light and easy.
        
        "It's a wonderful gift. Thank you, Gridman," he tells him, resting a hand on his shoulder as he smiles at him. Should Rei join them, he'll hold them both, then take the time to slip on the chain. As accessories go, this is definitely one of the better ones he's worn around his neck.
        
        After that, though, he listens to the explanation about the green rose and accompanying note, and agrees to pass it on to Eisen, though he silently doesn't guarantee he'll accept it. He then lets Gridman and his companions return to their seats. Kaworu will take the time to walk around and chat with the concert-goers--including one little hoodie-wearing kaiju girl, who has an ornament gift of her own: a turtle-shaped wooden bulb, rounded on top and flat on the bottom, with a cheery smile on the turtle's face and the musical notation for a sharp note painted on its back; its tail is a crank, and when spun, an internal music box plays Silent Night.