Still Searching

Well, she hadn’t really made any acquaintances yet– least of all girl ones. So, she figured she might as well try and liven her own mood and gather up some guy friends. Everyone always needed wing-men, after all. So, grabbing herself a glass of punch she took a seat and awaited a guy, much like herself, to think it is his chance to shine. 

“Pardon me, milady.” A certain blond approached with one of his classic, charming smiles. Did someone call for a guy who takes every chance to flirt with a girl? Well, here you go. “It seems a shame to see a beautiful woman like yourself sitting all on your own. Would you care to join me for a dance?”

As quietly as she could, she snuck into Ringabel’s room to carefully slide into bed next to him during the small hours of the morning. Without much hesitation, knowing the kind man wouldn’t be upset, she pressed her face against his body and pulled the covers over her head. Just for a little while…

In his sleepy state, Ringabel didn’t think much of it. To be here like this, she no doubt had a reason, and considering how she pressed her face against him, he assumed she needed comfort. Without moving the blankets from where she’d put them, he shifted to put his arm over her, curling up just slightly. If she wanted to talk, she was always welcome to, but there would be no pressure here.

“Sorry… it’ll be ready soon, I didn’t expect you to arrive so early, but… Thank you, really” Naoto cleared her throat, she’s said those two little words a good five times already and isn’t sure when to stop. “It’s just stew and rice too, but I often felt quite happy if senpai shared his lunch with me, so I figure it’s the same for everyone else…”

“There’s no need to apologize, my dear. I’m the one who arrived early, after all.” Ringabel waved his hand dismissively, giving a reassuring smile. It was quite adorable how she worried about something so silly, not to mention that comment about lunch with her senpai. “You’ve figured correctly. Thank you for inviting me. I’m very happy to be here.”

Thankfully she already had a tissue cause that’s one loud sneeze. “Ugh…” that one actually hurt. “…. ….” Naoto just let out a long sigh, debating on what to do.

The knight leaned forward on the table with his hands, giving Naoto a smile. You can see in his expression that he’s not going anywhere until she agrees. Two can play this game.

“I’ve been thinking too hard about one of my colleagues stealing everyone’s attention.  It’s really easy to get lonely when everyone is focused on someone else.  There is no reason to worry about me, we’re all here to celebrate and thank Santa.”  She gave a small giggle–holding back how overjoyed she was right now.  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ringabel.  Everyone calls me Lorelei.”

“That’s what I was hoping for! A beautiful smile that could put the sun to shame. With such a treasure, it’s hard to imagine why anyone place their attention elsewhere.” Ringabel responded, his own smile brightening at the sight of hers. Having let go of her hand a moment prior, he glanced towards the dance hall and gave a hum in thought before offering his hand back to her. “That said, it would be a great privilege if you’d allow me a dance.”

Also, she was a goat until a few months ago.  She only knows how to dance from books.  The Earth Goat didn’t even think to practice such a thing.  She was too lazy to practice such a thing.  They had had these events for ages but she never had to directly participate.  She’s staying far away from the dancing area.

“I’m called Ringabel, but you may call what ever you wish. It’s a pleasure, milady.” Giving a bow, he gently took the woman’s hand into his own and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. As gentlemanly as it may be considered where he’s from, perhaps it wasn’t for this girl in particular. Hopefully, she wouldn’t imitate others on the island and deck him in the face for it. “If you’ll allow it, I would love the chance to turn your frown into an even more charming smile.”

That was unexpected. She hadn’t actually thought someone would answer her, let along someone who was flirting with her. She felt a bit better when he seemed to have been joking. “It’s nothing, I just feel like, maybe there’s suppose to be more right now. Like I’m missing something or someone, and I can’t remember who or what.”

“Ah, I see. That’s a sentiment I can relate to.” Ringabel offered a small, sympathetic smile. Akane was quite the beautiful woman, and she’d get her fair share of genuine flirting later, but for now it seemed she needed cheering up rather than that. “It’ll come to you with time, my dear. Once you do, one can only hope it’s easily remedied. If there’s any way that I can assist, please do not hesitate to let me know.”

“I’m happy it’s so close to Christmas, but…” Akane let out a sigh. “Something feels like it’s missing.”

“If company’s what you’re missing, I’d be more than happy to fill the space.” Ringabel put on his most charming tone, stepping forward with a smile. “In all seriousness, what’s troubling you, my dear? I’ll help in any way that I can.”

“The rest of you kids STAY HERE. If ANY of you even THINK about leaving this fence, I won’t let you play with ANYTHING.” And with that, he is hopping out of the fence in his lovely apron that says #1 baaaaaa’d dad, and he is wandering after Alternis.

Of course, if Kano didn’t work fast, he’d have a hard time ever collecting the little boy. The blond had set his sights on the exit and was heading there with full intent to never return.

“… I just moved into the sixth floor yesterday. Pretty crazy how much of the building is gone, isn’t it?”

“Perhaps you’d like to stay in my apartment? Not to be taken the wrong way, of course. You would have shelter and the option to join us for meals, if you’d like.”