betterthanaplan | The Cape Rouge, Port of Fandom, Christmas Eve

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The Cape Rouge, Port of Fandom, Christmas Eve

As a rule, he didn't tend to do much for the winter holidays -- unless you counted "go somewhere it's not winter" -- but some combination of Fandom's festivities and the cold weather had actually put him into something of a Christmas-y mood this year, so the Rouge's deck was -- well. Decked. There were string lights and garlands all over the open deck area, especially around the table holding the big thermos of hot, buttered rum. He'd set up a little fire pit on the metal cargo-bay doors, and the door to the galley and lounge below-decks was propped open with a now-dormant loaf of yesterday's fruitcake, in case people preferred to go in where it was warmer.

As discussed, Duke had only mentioned the party to a few people since planning it with Rey. It was Christmas, though, so if people decided to wander up and say hi, he wouldn't turn them away.

[up early and ready for all the slowplay. A few people in the know expected, but as it says in the narrative, it's open for wandering in if you want, too!]

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"It's a pretty simple one," Duke pointed out. He strummed the opening chords. "I'll have a bluuuuue Christmas without yoooou. . . ."

Even feeling a little self-conscious, Rey sang it back at him, and she really did have a good voice. Maybe a little quiet because she wasn't used to it.

Duke gave her a broad, approving smile. She was doomed now, he'd have her singing all the time.

"I'll be so bluuuue just thinking about yooooou. . . ."

"I'll be so bluuuue just thinking about yoooou..."

So this was not a happy Christmas song, she was realizing.

None of the best Christmas songs were happy, let’s be real.

Duke led her through the rest of the first verse. “Ready to try singing it with me this time?”

"Probably not but I'll try it," she said lightly.

"That's the spirit," Duke said, strumming the opening chords again. "And really, who's going to judge?"

"I'm judging plenty," Rey said, but she was smiling, and she actually didn't mind this.

"That doesn't count. We're all our own worst critic."

"Didn't say I was judging badly."

She could come around on things.

Duke nodded, impressed. “True! We may make a singer if you yet. Ready?” And he launched into the song again without waiting for her answer.

This song was going to be stuck in his head for a week.

~~Same.~~

She didn't remember all the lyrics this way, but the song wasn't that complicated, and she was getting very used to keeping up with people on things she wasn't prepared for in general lately.

A few words may have been mumbled.

“Beautiful,” Duke declared, giving the ukulele one last strum before setting it aside again. “I think that’s maybe enough Elvis for now.”

"Is that who sings that?"

Poor girl.

“It is. His stuff tends to translate well to the ukulele.” It had that whole Hawaiian vibe.

And now she knew what a ukulele was.

"Well, congratulations, it took a few weeks, but you got me to sing," she said, and really that was a major accomplishment.

“I did! Wonder what I’ll manage to talk you into next.”

Rey frowned. "This doesn't have to be a trend..."

“Too late. I’ve already gotten you to dance and drink occasionally. I can’t stop expanding those horizons now.”

"How much else is there?" Which may have been proof of why she needed stuff like this.

"Oh honey." Duke shook his head. "There's everything else."

"Should I have a bad feeling about this?" Rey teased, fully knowing he hadn't actually steered her wrong yet.

"Maybe," Duke said cheekily. "Trying new things should always be a little scary."

"I wouldn't say any of it has been scary..." Aside from getting over herself.

“Right. Because you always dither and second guess yourself when you’re totally comfortable.”

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