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This was the best night of her entire life. God bless Christmas, everyone. Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning into the kiss, parting her lips even as he demanded it from her, the candy changing locations yet again. When she pulled back, she was licking her lips a little, tasting the last of the mint and what was distinctly 'Robert' on her tongue, expression momentarily, completely blank. Blank with love and joy.

And then he said something about a picture. Jesus' birthday, he wanted to take a picture now?

Still, Petra didn't protest, instead giving him a bewildered look before replying with a smile and an 'ok,' before looking around for Julie (who was, like, her BEST FRIEND right now,) swaying a little to the music as she headed towards her, her hand slipping into Robert's to half pull him along.

It was surprising, how a good dose of jolly merriment and girls kissing did wonders for a man's anxiety. He hadn't been nervous this whole time, even as he walked with her over to the photoshoot and settled her beside him. He turned just his eyes to look at the cameraman, and held up a single finger, asking him to wait before taking the shot. Then he put both of his hands on Petra's hips, and turned her away from the camera, to face him instead.

If she was confused, all she got from him was a little smile. He took both of his hands in hers, and waited a moment for the haze to vanish from her eyes. Then, without a single moment of hesitation, he found he had the words waiting all along. Maybe it was the Joy, or maybe it was just the moment. Things just seemed easier, right now.

"Pet, you know I love you. And you made me the happiest man on the face of this earth when you told me you'd marry me. But a lot's happened since then. Things have changed, and I had a promise to keep. I've had a lot of time to think about things, and make sure this is really right. So with that in mind, I think it's only fair I give you another chance to say no to me."

He let out a short laugh, and bent down to one knee. "And another chance to do things right, for once."

His hand slid into his pocket, and he pulled out the little, fuzzy Zales box. With his thumb he flipped it open, and held out her ring nice and proper.

"So." He looked up at her sheepishly. "Uhm.. okay." Just a little of that nervousness from earlier creeped back into his voice. "Petra Walker, I want you every day for the rest of my life. So uh, I was just wondering if you would do me the honor of marrying me."

The flash blinked, and the camera snapped. If the answer was no, this was going to be one pathetic picture.

Robert wasn't sure exactly what he'd been nervous about, anymore. All he could think about was how pretty Petra was when she cried. It was almost a sad thought, because he never wanted someone he loved this much to cry. But her eyes were so shiny, and glittery, and her face flushed that lovely color.. he shook his head and laughed at himself, utterly embarrassed at his line of thought. He caught her when she fell to her knees, and wrapped her up in his arms.

"Good." He stated pointedly, slipping the room onto her finger even as he held her cradled in his arms. "Cause I didn't keep the receipt."

He flattened her hand out on top of his, just so he could see how she looked while she wore his ring, and beamed with pride. His head bent in and pressed a kiss to her cheek, then he stayed there, forehead resting against the side of her head. On his face, the grin looked about ready to break his cheeks. "That's my girl."

Eva--ever the sweet tooth--had wandered off to try some of the desserts once Robert had successfully located Petra. She bit into a cupcake, washing it down with a bit of wine every few bites (even if she was technically still underage...but then again, it seemed that the majority here were underage). She had just finished off the sweet when she turned to watch the couples taking their portraits. And when it came to the proposal...

Oh my goooooooood!

The mixture of Joy and glee at this happy occasion told her that congratulations were an order. However, Eva had enough consideration (surprisingly) to wait a few moments to let them have their personal time, and then she stuck her fingers in her mouth and let out a loud whistle. "Way to go, you guys!"

Had she just ruined the moment?

"Slow is for wimps," said Gale loftily, taking another sip of the champagne. He was starting to feel pleasantly lightheaded, his eyes drifting lazily around the room as he took in -

Er. Candace. Kissing....Petra...okay, well, Gale was confused.

But then everything seemed to work out, since the next moment had Robert down on one knee with a little box in one hand, extending it out towards Petra and then they were hugging and there were flashes going off and lots of whooping and cheering.

And a voice, calling above the rest. Gale's gaze cut sideways, catching Eva's happy expression and her joyful congratulations. His face, which was already lightly pink from the alcohol, turned a slightly darker shade, and he looked away after a moment, back towards the center of the room where Robert and Petra stood. He felt strangely disconnected from the scene, the buzz from the Joy-ridden water and the champagne making him feel slightly dizzy.

Jinhai, for once, was silent.

She was content to just get cuddly with Jerry now. They could get snacks, and drinks--non-alcoholic for Jerrbear--and they could have a picture together! And dance! No more kissing people that weren't her Jerry, she promised. Cheek kisses didn't count, she was bound to give those away like crazy, but all her kisses were reserved for her man. Well..unless H wanted a kiss, then she'd be discreet about it. Yes. That worked. But he cut off her rambling excitedly about the things they could do with a kiss and she squeaked with surprise, her arms moving up to wrap around his neck and hug herself close. Jerry! Goodness! He hadn't given her a kiss like this since...! Merry Christmas indeed!

He spoke and she laughed, bouncing on her toes and nodding. "So do I it's the best. Happy Hanukkah, Jerrbear. And Merry Christmas." She leaned in to give him a sweet kiss and then let him go to just hold his hand. She was still bouncing. "This is a party. We should socialize. Mingle. Meet people. There're faces here I don't knoooow I need to know them all~!" All of them! She had to give well wishes to everyone before someone else did! She had to be the best good girl everrrrrr!

Candace had turned to drag him away to the nearest fellow hunter when she stopped and watched Robert and Petra. That was..beautiful. Her heart clenched at the sight and she squeezed Jerry's hand, smiling back at him. She adored him. Maybe one day. But these were probably Joy-induced thoughts. She was not a marrying woman.

"Let's go say hi to everyone else." Candace chirped, leading Jerry away from the table and the vodka that was sitting on it.

No more booze for you.

Woah. Woaaahhh. There was a hand on her a**. It was easily concluded that there was too much JOY in Cass's system to function properly for a photo-op. Which was probably why their picture had turned out so horribly as it was - what with smooches and nearly toppling over, Cass's arms immediately on Marcus's shoulders to try and hold herself up to keep them from completely falling over.

As hilarious as them making out on the floor would have been.

His mouth tasted distinctly minty - not strongly so, but she could definitely taste the alcohol in his mouth. It was definitely one way to get a drink - even if she'd yet to have gotten a glass of anything to her name. She wanted a drink too! Though right then the kisses were pretty good too... maybe. God, they were just not having their couple 'A' game right then, were they?

She pulled away from him, reaching up with one hand to brush some hair from his face.

"Let's take-two this in a minute." she suggested, laughing a bit before she moved to head back to the dessert table. Always dessert. She might have just been inclined towards cake because she hadn't had it in months it seemed like. She loomed there, watching the scene between Petra and Robert with a half-JOY induced smile. She'd probably tackle Petra with hugs and congratulations for her 'proper' engagement later.

Yes. It seemed like a good idea.