55 - video;

[islandshore]

[Riku would not be the friend that he is if he let Sora off the hook for embarrassing attempts to get him a girlfriend. No, if Sora's gonna play that game, then it's only natural for Riku to follow suit, which is why he's addressing the network today.]

Hey, Johto. Kanto. Have I got some news for you.

[Riku grins wildly as he reaches behind his back and holds up a photo for all to see:]



See this guy? Dorky grin, messy hair, looks kind of like a goofball? Well, that's because he is, but that's not the point. No, the point is, he's feeling kind of down in the dumps. A bit lonely. Guy spends all his time glued to my hip, but deep down, he wants nothing more than to serenade someone special into the night, and--

[He has to stop himself because... man is he having trouble taking this seriously, but darn it. Sora needs a taste of his own medicine.

Right, after catching his breath, Riku continues.]

The point is, he's looking for a date. Or maybe a handful. Maybe even something longterm. Sora's a complete sap, making friends with everyone he meets, always wearing the same stupid smile, and, to be fair, he's probably the best friend a guy could ask for. But there is one little road bump: he actually believes in Santa Claus.

Which brings me to point two. See, I noticed a ton of people vouching for him, but I know there's gotta be at least some of you smart enough to admit Santa's made up. Even if you're not into bets, here's some incentive: speak up, and there's a chance you might get to see Sora belt out cheesy Christmas songs. Trust me, you'll get a good laugh.

[Well, Twilight suggested bringing it up. Whether or not it works remains to be seen.]

Comments

[Video]

[dressofheaven]

Riku, I have a question about all this.

Are either of you actually any good at singing?

[This is clearly the important thing here.]

Re: [Video]

[heartdive]

Riku is MUCH better than me!

[dressofheaven]

[That gets you a grumpy frown, Sora.]

One is much better than zero, but they're still both pretty low out of ten. If neither of you is at least a six you should just stop this whole thing right now.

[heartdive]

Nope. You can't stop it. It's now officially tradition.

[dressofheaven]

Tradition to hurt our ears and insult music?

[heartdive]

It's kinda mean to tell people not to sing just because they don't have the voice for it you know.

[dressofheaven]

It's mean to make people listen to horrible singing, too! If you're going to do this you should at least have the decency to try to improve yourselves, first.

[heartdive]

Are you willing to give lessons?

[dressofheaven]

[That... makes her stop and think a moment.]

I suppose I could try teaching Xion... If she can pick it up I could try with you two.

[heartdive]

If she can pick it up, I'm sure that I can.

[dressofheaven]

She'll be a lot easier for me to teach than either one of you would, I'm sure. But I've never taught anyone before... aside from myself, that is.

[heartdive]

We're all from the same place...

[dressofheaven]

I don't see how that matters.

[Video]

[islandshore]

I'm not bad, just... I don't like doing it.

[people thought he was okay last year, and Kairi wanted him to...

His expression sobers briefly. Man, what would she even think about all this?]

[dressofheaven]

If you don't like doing it, then you must not practice much, right? If that's true I doubt you're any more than mediocre.

[Not even bothering to be even remotely nice about it. She does like to sing and is actually pretty good at it, so hearing people mangle music gets under her skin something fierce.]

And Sora's worse?

[islandshore]

Man, Sora's terrible at it. At least I don't sing off-key.

[He snickers at the thought, more than looking forward to Sora's possible defeat.]

But I'll give him some credit: at least he's enthusiastic about it.

[dressofheaven]

Well now I really wish I did believe in Santa Claus, at least the one you're talking about. I think I'd much rather hear you sing than him. Nothing's worse to my ears than off-key singing.

[She visibly shudders at the thought.]

[islandshore]

True. I guess I'd be doing a service to you guys, if it wasn't for the stupid outfit I'd have to wear.

[Riku cringes at the mere thought of that Rudolph costume.]

[dressofheaven]

[That brings out her curiosity, at least enough to raise an eyebrow.]

What sort of outfit? A costume?

[islandshore]

A reindeer costume with a flashing red nose...

[He pinches the bridge of his nose as he says this, bracing himself for laughter.]

[dressofheaven]

[She covers her mouth and manages to restrain her laughter to a little giggle-fit. Once she's recovered she lowers it again, still smiling.]

And does he have to wear the same thing if you win, or did you pick something else?

[islandshore]

I'm still deciding, but I'm tempted to make it something worse.

[He places his hands together and snickers...]

Like a snowman suit made out of actual snow.

[dressofheaven]

[Once again she has to hide helpless giggles behind her hand.]

Oh dear! He's going to have his teeth chattering for days after that.

[islandshore]

Exactly. And can you imagine singing while coated in slush?

[It'd probably create some kind of trembling effect of pure dorkiness.]

[dressofheaven]

That sounds like you'd invent an entirely new genre. One that would be difficult to follow up on, but people have suffered for the sake of art before.

[Worst. Art. Ever.]