63 - video;

[islandshore]

[It's that time of year again, network. The time when two island doofuses set the stage for the ultimate bet of all time. A matter of life and death, of... okay, so maybe nothing that extreme. Still, here we have Riku, dressed in a black jacket and a scarf, looking slightly. So, right. He should probably get the ball rolling, but first, he turns to look at Sora and Kairi.]

You guys ready for this?

[ third year. it's officially a tradition. Sora? he's bouncy. two year victor here. he's pretty confident this streak is going to last. ]

I dunno... Are you ready to lose again, Riku?

[See that? That would be Riku slapping his face with his palm.]

Don't get ahead of yourself. A lot can change in a year.

[Not that he particularly feels invested by now, but it is tradition, and he can't ever turn down a challenge.

The camera pans down to Kairi, the lovely host for this little wager. She grips a pair of clip-on antlers in her hand, disappointed that she couldn't convince Riku to wear them. She will, however, make sure he at least ends the night with the glowing red nose.]

Hey everyone! It's time for us to see which one of these two is the bigger dork.

[Wait that's not it.]

We're looking to see who believes in Santa! If you don't know Santa, he's the big guy who flies around the world with his magic reindeer delivering presents to all the good boys and girls.

[And the fluffy red hat atop her head should make it easy to see what team she's on.]

Old Man Riku is such a stick-in-the-mud that he doesn't believe in magic presents anymore, so Sora wants to prove him wrong. Whoever loses gets to show off their "Christmas Spirit" for everyone to see, so make sure you all vote!

[Riku rolls his eyes, flicking Sora's shoulder.]

Hey, if I'm old, so's he. But anyway, consider this our Christmas tradition. So... place your bets. We'll see who ends up singing their heart out this time...

Pfft. Coming from the guy with white hair? I'm not so sure that you're not old... Foofyku.

[ Sora snickers, escaping to stand by Kairi and throws a friendly arm around her shoulders. ]

Just remember this, guys... Voting on Riku's side means you have to hear me and Kairi sing and do you really wanna have to put people through that?

[Riku smirks.]

Hey, we gotta shake it up somehow. Besides, Sora's gonna need a decent backup singer, otherwise it'd just be painful.

[The feed ends with Sora pouting and sticking out his tongue.]

Comments

[paopuprincess]

[Sob Ilya you're supposed to be on her side.]

I'm pretty sure my voice makes cats cry.

[dressofheaven]

[There's a bit of a pause there as she considers something which she may have misunderstood...]

Kairi, what exactly were you saying you never agreed to?

[paopuprincess]

I was supposed to be the one to make sure those two losers stick to their bet. I never said I wanted to be in it!

[dressofheaven]

I see.

[Well, that changes things. That changes them significantly.]

I do believe I may have to have a few words with our friends here.

[paopuprincess]

I really don't think anyone wants to hear me sing anyway.

[Not that she thinks she'll lose, or anything...]

[dressofheaven]

I do. But alone. Not over the network.

[Here Kairi, have one of her more genuine smiles.]

[paopuprincess]

...Really? You might go deaf.

[Half-joking. She's concerned.]

[dressofheaven]

None of us started out perfect, Kairi. Besides, I like to listen to you talk. Singing won't be... that different.

[Yes it will but she's trying to soothe Kairi.]

[paopuprincess]

[Aaaa Ilya what are these compliments.]

Promise you won't laugh?

[dressofheaven]

[Just the facts! This happens when people like you Kairi you'd think you'd be used to that.]

I swear on my mother.

[Oh she shouldn't have used that particular oath, now her eyes are feeling treacherously moist.]

[paopuprincess]

[Woah, Ilya. That's serious.]

Okay. Maybe one lesson.

Alone.

With the door locked.

[dressofheaven]

Done. And if anyone tries to listen at the door, I'll post a guard.

I can just imagine their faces right now...

[paopuprincess]

They will try to listen.

[dressofheaven]

Then they'll regret it.

[paopuprincess]

Well... maybe it would be fun?

[She sounds like she's trying to reassure herself.]

[dressofheaven]

Look, just don't worry about the boys, okay? Focus on me.

[paopuprincess]

Okay. Not a problem. I can totally do that.

[Just keep talking yourself up, Kairi.]

[dressofheaven]

[This is actually rather sad. Ilya's expression turns thoughtful for a moment before she decides to try a different tactic.]

Look, it doesn't have to be today or anything. Just come to me when you think you're ready.