#salvention

"Does this look okay? I bought a couple cause I wasn't sure which one'd look the best. And be honest." Rikku was twisting and turning, spinning as the hem of her dress floated in sync with the air surrounding. It was a dark violet hue that radiated off the tone of her skin. Paine shrugged, eyeing the outfit saying, "fine. Don't wear a necklace, though. It'd take too much away from your outfit." The blonde pouted, digging her toes in the carpet rug. "Mmmkay, I won't! Only because y'said so!" Setting aside her belongings, Rikku began stuffing her phone and wallet into her tote, chuckling. "Hey, I'll see ya tomorrow mornin'. I think Ven's gonna drop me home. Happy New Year's!" Before her roomate could respond, the teen was already out the door.

Later, she arrives to meet with her second crew, the KHCC. They've spent New Year's together last year and now, this year for the ongoing tradition. This year for the celebration of 2014, the party was going to be at Sora's home, a bright brunette dweeb that she tried to steal from back in her Radiant Garden days. Besides, it's been a while since she last saw all of them together. As far as her eyes are telling her, only Xion, Vanitas, Aqua, Namine, Axel, Kairi, Riku and Sora were in sight gibber gabbing and all turned heads, waving, smiling and approaching Rikku. "Geez, Rikku! Where've you been hiding. 'M not gonna lie, I missed hearing you nag me get a haircut, you baboon." Her lower lip poked out as she crossed slim arms. "Ay, I wasn't hidin' anywhere! Plus, I think it was you who was hiding from me. Yanno I'd give you a haircut the second y'd appear!" Sora responded with a lighthearted laugh, leaning in for an embrace before Kairi screeched on top of her lungs. "Group hug!" And before she knew it, she was being tackled upon all of her friends. 

As the hour followed, more members appeared, bringing in tasty homemade treats and the love spreading from one to another. "VEN!" A nearby voice exclaimed, most likely Yuffie -- was wrapping an arm around him, attempting to sneak her hands in his pockets. It took a moment for the Al Bhed to realize her boyfriend made his grand entrance. Before she could stand and greet him, Ven already beat her to it, giving a low whistle, plopping himself right down next to her. Inclining his head, he leaned forward saying in a hushed voice, "Aren't I lucky? I'm sitting next to the most beautiful girl in the room." Rikku balked, playfully shoving him away from her 'personal bubble.' "Y-Yeesh Venny! When did ya get so smooth?! Y'need to see a doctor or somethin'?!" In reply he let out a gleeful laugh, shaking his head. "Hmm. Well, I might need a doctor. Y'keep playing with my heart, Rikku. I just don't know if I can handle it." In a joking manner, the apprentice placed his right hand on his chest as it heaved. "Yeah? There's no need to be a goose, y'know I - ... I love you." Groaning, she slouches in her position, lightly punching his shoulder. "Look what've I become, Ven! I blame it all on you! I swear to Yevon, if I become cupid it's all because of you, poopie head." Continuing her childlike pouting, he snorted, rolling cobalt orbs. "That's not fair, Rikku. I didn't do anything!" 

As the night dragged on, Rikku was sipping soda with Xion - chatting among themselves. The ball was going to drop in 20 minutes, her heart slowly starting to pick up speed. "How long have you been dating, Ven? Just curious is all. I'd better ask Ven to get a grip of Vanitas, soon, that jerk." The blonde pondered on the question for a moment, swirling her plastic cup. "Next month should be our second year anniversary. And Vanitas. oh y'know what I think of you two! Vanitas is usually allergic to females, 'm sure ya can cure that for him!" 

"Probably. Does Ven know about the tradition that happens when the ball drops?" Jaded irises flickered as she nervously shifted. "Dunno. I don't think so." Feeling a light push from her back, the ravenette bobbed her head towards Ven, whom was standing behind the sofa intensely watching the screen as the numbers started to go down faster and faster .. 8... 

Weaving her way through the crowd, she occasionally bumped into Sora's other family members or friends (that looked a lot like animals), giving a brief, "sorry" as she continued to search. 7....6...5...

5 seconds?! Already? Left, right, left right. 4....

A glimpse of a blonde spike was prominent to her eye as the figure swiveled, his eyes sparkling at the sight of her. 3...2...Subconsciously, she latched her fingers on the hem of his shirt, pulling him into a kiss. With his eyes bugging from surprise, he returned the kiss, wrapping an arm around her waist, tugging the other closer until she was symmetric to his form. Fireworks boomed from the television and the sound of popping bottles rang in the distance.