Midnight Manor Boarding House, Friday late afternoon through evening

[hasaknightjob]

The holiday had come at such a strange time of year this year. Right on top of Christmas and straight through New Year's. To say nothing of how Christmas and New Year's were in the middle of the week, making it difficult for people to know how to plan where they would be and when.

Steven and Llewellyn did still want to do something for the residents. They didn't know for certain how many might be about, but then again if some had no other options for where to go that was all the more reason to offer something, wasn't it?

So handwavy notice was sent out that there'd be something for anyone who lived in the boarding house who was around and wanted to attend. No pressure, full understanding if they couldn't, that sort of thing.

It was still Steven though so there was an abundance of food. There were latkes with traditional toppings of sour cream and apple sauce, but also options like wasabi, honey, and marmalade. There were also tostones, and malanga fritters. Brisket sliders were again on offer and this year Marc might even admit he'd been responsible for making sure of that.

Llewellyn's baking provided soft pretzels and challah. There weren't as many who might drink wine this year as last, but they were still on offer with hand written notes suggesting pairings. There were also moddable soft drinks available.

For desserts there were sufganiyot with jelly and other fillings. There were also Cuban style buñuelos.

All the food was set up in the boarding house dining room buffet style, along with moddable party food like chips and vegetables and dips. Notes indicated what options were vegan and any other ingredients or things to be mindful of for dietary restrictions or needs. And of course the napkins had an adorable happy sufganiyah on them.

With everything in place, the only thing that remained was for any residents who happened to stop by.

And for Steven to fuss over everything. Couldn't have a gathering without Steven fussing over everything.

[for the residents]

Comments

[moreofaponchoguy]

Cal couldn't say no to a party, especially when he didn't have to go far. He was still learning about all the different holidays that took place at this time of year, so he hoped putting a festive gift bow on BD-1 would be fancy enough for the afternoon.

[pocketpretzels]

"Mr. Kestis," Watts greeted with a nod. "And don't you look festive," he added, addressing BD-1.

[moreofaponchoguy]

BD-1 beeped happily and wiggled his head to make the bow shake.

"And that's why I didn't put any of the jingly bells on you," Cal said, laughing before giving Watts a nod in return. "It's good to see you. Thank you for putting all this together."

[pocketpretzels]

"You're very welcome," Watts said. "It was- well, I won't say no trouble, because it took work to put together. But the pleasant sort."

[hasaknightjob]

"Cal! BD!" Steven said with a friendly wave. "Welcome. Plenty of food, help yourself."

[moreofaponchoguy]

"Thank you. Definitely no fear of starving tonight," Cal said. "How have you been? Did you enjoy all the island's festivities?"

[hasaknightjob]

"Well, thank you," Steven said. "They were nice on the whole. Little events and then the skating in the park. Were you able to try it?"

[moreofaponchoguy]

"The rain of chocolate coins was interesting, and the bears were certainly friendlier than I expected," Cal said with a laugh. "Next year, I'll remember to check the faucets to make sure there's water and not chocolate before going out for a run."

[hasaknightjob]

"The bears are friendly," Steven agreed. "Llewellyn and I are well sorted for soda for our movie nights, tell you what. Things coming out of the taps always seems hit or miss? Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't. At least in here that is, Midnight."

Almost as though that worked on whatever individuals who weren't on the island per se determined they wanted to happen. Weird, that.

"Arden tells me you're both spending time together for New Year's?" Steven said. "In space?"