let's hope it's a good one ; (nunchii)

[New Years among the Grim were usually spent among fellow Grim, if for no other reason than their extended life. Keeping friends became difficult after the first century of service, after all. However, Jiwoo had finally convinced his parents to allow a supernatural friend to attend with him. Sure, they didn't know that this friend was a demon nor did they know that he and this friend were on the verge of becoming intimate, but they didn't need to know, right? They would spurn any excess on Jiwoo's part and Rook was the definition of excess.

Dress modestly were his primary instructions to Rook over text, sent several times in the days leading up to the event. No bright colors. Nothing revealing. Nothing shiny.

Jiwoo himself had selected his usual all-black tuxedo with similarly colored and matte finished cuff links and collar pins. Even the chain linking said collar pins was the same matte black. No bright colors. Nothing shiny. No excess.

Black is the Grim's favorite color he'd told Rook as well, trying to provide further guidance as his nerves ate away at his usual patience and calm. Gray is too bright.

That, also, was true. Despite the festive nature of a new year, the Grim dressed in all black. For them, it meant little more than another tick in the clock. They also all seemed to wear turtlenecks, somehow. Even the women wore high collars that covered their throats and that part of the affair puzzled Jiwoo, but he didn't question it.

Right now, as he straightened his black bow tie in the frosted window, he needed Rook to show up in something sensible so as to not be thrown out at first glance. The Grim Manor was enormous and any errant visitor might be allowed to wander until they starved. Standing by the front door meant banal small talk with the guards, but also improved Rook's chances of being accepted if he did do something outlandish.

Please. Please be sensible. He quietly prayed to no one in particular.]