#morethanaprincess

"As always, Taiami-sensei, I regret the inconvenience," Shinobu murmured. "I'm sure you would have preferred to spend your morning sleeping in, rather than coming into school." There was no other way to do it, though. Now that she'd made up her mind, she wouldn't be able to stop agonizing over what she had to do with Sonia, such that devoting focus to any kind of school project wouldn't be possible. At least now she could get that part out of the way.

Her teacher shook her head. "It's fine, Yaguchi-san. I was up early for my morning run anyway." She pumped her fist. Taiami-sensei wasn't much for teaching, Shinobu thought, but she took physical fitness seriously. Well, that was fine enough. They'd been through a half-dozen temporary teachers during their first year due to the understaffing issue, and now that Taiami-sensei had stuck around not only for the entirety of their second, but the start of the third as well, it seemed they'd have no further replacements. There were worse teachers, she supposed.

"Besides," she added, "you might be the only person turning your project in, but there are a few others working on them today. I might as well drop by and see how progress is going! Or, offer a jog or some weight training as a break!" She patted Shinobu's shoulder and offered a smile. "You're welcome to join. Aoyama-san and the boys all hate losing to you, so having you around is good motivation for them!" She really wasn't a tactful woman, was she?

"I'll have to decline," Shinobu murmured, failing to suppress a rolling of her eyes. "I have plans with a friend this afternoon." Taiami-sensei was undaunted, as usual, but at least it looked likes she understood. "Then I won't keep you any longer. Good work today, Yaguchi-san, and I'll see you on Monday." She put her notebook inside her desk, along with Shinobu's report, before departing the classroom and leaving Shinobu to clean up her things.

Her teacher's lack of tact wasn't always a bad thing. A more thoughtful or attentive person might have offered to help Shinobu tear down her presentation supplies, which was the exact opposite of what the archer wanted. She preferred the solitude, packing what she'd keep into her back, and gathering up the rest to be taken to the recycling, or the incinerator. That kind of mindless organizational task gave her time to think.

In the days that had followed her nightmare, Shinobu hadn't been able to shake it. She wasn't someone who believed in any transformative or prophetic power of dreams - far from it. As far as she was concerned, dreams weren't of any importance at all, and yet, there seemed to be nothing she could do to stop thinking about it. Maybe there really was nothing that she could do to stop this runaway train. If she hadn't allowed Sonia to approach her the previous autumn, or if she hadn't continued to speak with her, things might have been different. If she hadn't taken Sonia to her home, if she hadn't accepted those Valentine's chocolates.

But she did, and she had, and this was how everything had ended up. Herself hopelessly in love, and saved only by Sonia's obliviousness, which itself was likely only because she lacked the knowledge of what a pathetic, lovesick lesbian looked like - which was just as well. If she knew the truth of how loathsome they were, she'd hate them. Over enough time, she'd figure out that truth, while Shinobu would continue to drown in her feelings with no air in reach. Sonia would hate her for her feelings, and Shinobu would resent her in her heartbreak. At least, if their wretched personality and natural talent at ruining relationships didn't destroy things first.

So, ending the friendship while she still could was the only viable option. It just... didn't have to be today. At first, Shinobu had tried to rationalize it as some gift to Sonia - one last good day with a friend before everything came tumbling down. That kind of false magnanimity didn't suit her. In the end, even the good memories would turn rotten, and all Shinobu could hope for is that they'd fade - that Sonia would forget them, and in the future she could look back and laugh at poorly-remembered days where she'd tried to befriend a monster.

Rather, today was about her own feelings. It was Shinobu who wanted one more good day. Perhaps she'd failed to appreciate the moments as they'd come, but she wouldn't repeat such a mistake now. Today, she'd carve each instant of their time together on her insides so they couldn't be forgotten. It would be her penance, and her salvation. Something she could remember fondly even as her humanity drained away and left only a husk standing, and a knife she could stab herself with whenever she falsely believed it were possible for the entity known as Shinobu Yaguchi to be a person, or to achieve sustained happiness.

Experiences or not shouldn’t be rooted towards rejecting an entire gender as ironic as it sounded coming from his condition. It might be simple to reject reality, but the Cow isn’t a complete idiot to accept that lie. He tried his hand towards all kinds of individuals though some proved to be a little troublesome and brought out his black side. Hearing further about this classmate was no doubt a little…disturbing, the most pleasant he could summarize it. Out of most disturbing cases, Hatsuharu understood that Chabashira would become a tough nut to crack. The idol could count his blessings for interacting with someone who was kind-hearted and helpful like her. It’s a shame they couldn’t be within the same class, based on their first interaction. He thought softly how strange it sounded and should hold back from muttering those kinds of words on the first day. Overthinking it wouldn’t do well in between their walk around the aisles, spotting a few more snacks he could grasp between ringed fingers. Most snacks were a shocking collection as his agents insisted the male should retain his figure — it didn’t matter since his body was still growing. The Ultimate Idol can concern himself when being older, not breathing word about a martial arts training he did in secret. Such an outlook would promote a muscular physique and destroy a “pretty” and “elegant” appearance for his fans. Being scouted must have been the worst thing possible, all because of a single song he played in his spare time. “Well, let’s hope she can be open to a little chat sometime if I ever cross paths with her in the academy’s hallways. Hmm Oogami-san, you say? I’d like to meet someone else who takes their martial arts seriously. She sounds pretty admirable to spar with someday.”

It’s rare to hear of female martial artists since Hatsuharu only met one who used it as a means for unleashing her boar-ish tendencies. Not much helped since she charged directly to walls, especially someone like Kyo but the Ultimate Idol could chuckle faintly by the image. “Oh, sorry…I wasn’t laughing about what you mentioned of Oogami-san. I just thought about something funny.” The male was quick in demonstrating apology as if not wanting to demonstrate rudeness to someone like her. It’s simply the Cow’s nature, a complete contrast to the black Haru who came out in stressful moments. A hand suddenly scanned through some magazines that featured some attire that suited his punk appearance. Seeing how the shops weren’t too far off, it’d be nice to venture there after getting settled around here. An after-thought surfaced from looking through these magazines before placing it back in its place. One glance shifted over to the royal’s direction in an intense stare, picturing how these cousins would behave somewhat familiar to his own chaotic roots. The Curse wasn’t a pleasant subject to dwell upon — not to mention he can’t reveal it to an outsider like the princess here. “Boys tend to tease the girl they like but it sounds like they have a bit of growing up to do. I’m glad they aren’t giving you too much trouble, despite their misunderstanding of girls.” The phase is more appropriate to understand their behavior as the idol contemplated on the kind of drinks he wanted to buy. Certain chips were selected, each one with weird flavoring, but he found them pleasant to feast on a couple of times. The talk of royalty did manage to raise some concerns for her own position despite it being a world that he isn’t familiar with.

“They probably are used to a traditional sense of monarchy where men were suitable for the crown. Although…I don’t think it matters too much if the next ruler was a woman or man. So long as the monarchy cares about its people and heeds their word of changing things, it shouldn’t matter if it is a girl or boy. It might not be in my right to say any of that, but it’s something I imagine being true. You do care about your country in Novoselic, right? I think that should be enough for the royal council, Sonia-san.” Issues involving family matters weren’t his favorite things to do, not when it reminds him of the Sohma family Curse. Their issues couldn’t be addressed to anyone as much as the Cow wished for it someday. All the male could hope for is just to await the end of this Curse, perhaps becoming normal in spite of being recruited to join this academy. It’s simply a nice reminder to be associated with someone who treated him quite…normally even with her royal lineage. Hatsuharu had believed royal heads were putting themselves in a higher standing, someone who looked down on the commoners. At least she was easy to converse with and didn’t like the extra attention. Maybe it was enough to prompt a faint smile to the idol’s face, not really caring if others decided to view him as difficult to handle. He truly showed that soft side whenever around people who made him at ease — it seems like she was going to be one of those people. “We’ll see how they see me but I’m glad you see me as fun to talk with. I also find myself enjoying this time with you, Sonia-san.”

Wylan watches her leave through closed doors. And for a moment, outside the longing for moments prior, he feels… what does he feel? It’s a cocktail all its own for the startlingly sober American. Apprehension, awareness, reality, anxiety. This was real, he needed to remind himself, looking from the passage towards the two individuals that had minutes prior been ready to try and beat him an inch within his life. But how real was it? Paranoia tells him Sonia could be calling security. Insanity queries the possibility of her doing something to her cousins for finding him.

Yandere tendencies for Sonia? For some odd reason, he couldn’t put that possibility completely out of his mind. Ah well. It wasn’t lingered on for long before attention was needed elsewhere. Liam and Sam were quick to restart the conversation. Whether it was an aggressive need to show their colors in the presence of another male rival or something else, it was a welcome distraction. He could wait until later.

What was great for Wylan, is that for all the illegal stories he had to share, the brothers had similarly illicit affairs they too could reference or draw comparison to. A perk of being politically empowered, not to mention royal- you could get away with far more than most common people could. Even criminals. Most country’s politicians wished they could get away with as much as the lads. Of course, neither were killers for hire, and breaking and entering into restricted areas.

The assassin had them squarely beat at every turn on that front. Even if the resulting stories weren’t to be so grand or dramatic. There was only so much he could compete with on his scale. But, well, that could change now as he was moving into the throng, wasn’t it? He’d be inside of the aforementioned ‘machine’. Fucking hell. Him.

Sonia re-enters the room, and immediately recaptures Wylan’s attention. If not for her cleaned appearance and new attire, then from her voice which was back to having a full magic effect on the newly infatuated man. Right, but it’s not as though the miniskirt and socks weren’t at fault for some of that blame either. Shit. Fuck. If there was ever a woman he met with an extensive wardrobe it was very likely that Sonia took the cake. Compared to him, dressed in a tight fitting leather coat over a high-necked undershirt in black leather gloves and pants more suited to outdoor survival than they were walking the streets of France- …nah, actually? Maybe? This was perfectly fitting.

“I scaled a building earlier, but a walk never hurt anyone. Sounds like just what I need.” It wasn’t. And then there’s a small, tiny, unnoticeable wince both internally and externally. They were going to stick around? Really? Goes to show the guy wasn’t used to growing up with cousins or male siblings. When it came to his sister she was rarely present and let him do as he liked, for better or worse. She was also younger. Wylan had some things to learn about family dynamics, later, given Liam’s interjection. Yeah, Wylan is liking this guy more and more. Which is dangerous.

“Ah, alas, all too soon we must be parted. I know you’ve already been taken with me just about as much as your cousin, it’s a curse to be this charismatic, believe me.” Said as though he wasn’t swaying the conversation back to blows and physicality with his smirk and behavior. He stands from the couch, all too happy to make his way back over to Sonia, standing with arms folded and a brow lifted. . . because admittedly he’s not sure what to do first given company. Kiss her? Snatch her into his arms? It’d be amusing to take her out the way he came in, of course, but an exit out the door would be necessary.

“Not going to be too cold in that, are you? Maybe we can find something warm to snack on. As far as Europe goes, I have sampled the least food from France compared to many other cultures. And if there’s anyone who can find me a good French take on a burger, it’s y—I’m kidding!” A waved hand to all those gathered, and he smirks again. “We got plenty to talk about anyway. If this is really going to happen. Some of this is still not even settled right in my head and what it means for what I will have to do.”

A snort.

What is the most cursed ship you can think of for my muse?

( accepting )

@more-than-a-princess said: I'm here for the most cursed of cursed ships: Akira/Chocolate.

Oh, to be a princess at a ball, to dance with handsome princes & dukes...

“Oh darling, you have no idea how stressful that life actually is.”

"That certainly sounds...uh..."

What was a word he could use here without sounding insensitive to another's culture? Honestly, it all sounded completely ridiculous. Did getting married truly have to be such a pain in the ass? And just what was supposed to happen if the couple failed to catch their respective Makango? Were they simply not allowed, or...Dammit! Here he was, overthinking something so pointless.

"-Interesting, I suppose. Getting married must be a lot of work in Novoselic. Hopefully, those Makangos aren't too difficult to catch..."

There was a small moment of pause from the detective as he heard the woman's apology. What reason did she have to apologize to him? Sonia had done Jin no wrong. The fault laid squarely on the Kisaragi's shoulders. Perhaps his own as well, if you were to ask him more directly. Despite that, her words were actually...comforting...Although he would be quick to point out that it was only slightly. Rather than get sentimental, Jin merely turns his head behind him, flashing the Princess a smirk.

"You shouldn't be. Regardless of how they've treated me or anyone else, I've used their power, influence, and money to achieve my goals. That alone is more than enough."

His statement is confident as he turns his head forward, giving her a light tug to turn left and towards a fairly quiet street, scattered about with various shops and food kiosks. Her question, however, was somewhat odd and partially difficult to answer, if only because Jin preferred to not wear his heart on his sleeve.

"Let's save that first question for another time. As for the second...I'm still well on my way to becoming the head of this family. My 'parents' view this detective job as nothing more than a temporary distraction. A hobby that I'll cast aside once my 'father' dies and I take over his responsibilities. So long as he's alive, I can do as I damn-well please. And I intend to even after."

The longer this conversation went on, the more Jin's pace began to pick up. Talking about himself was exhausting enough as is but when answering so many questions one after another, he needed a break. The detective slows down, eventually coming to a halt to ensure that his companion was keeping pace.

"That's enough about me for the moment. Why don't you tell me a bit more about yourself, Princess? Surely, you have some interesting stories to tell."

    Honestly, judging from Ami’s reactions thus far, he could already tell this was shaping out to be a lively three person party... but as long as Sonia seemed happy, then Akira would be content; after all, this day was more so about her than it was about him.

    Why, upon bearing that in mind, it doesn’t take long for him to manage a nonchalant nod as the stew within her bowl continues lightly bubbling alongside braised chicken, mushrooms, parsley, sauteed pearl onions, and crisp pancetta.

    “...Yeah, after you treated me to all that good meat that one time, I wanted to cook you something special,” he admits while neglecting to add Seiji basically helped him look up the recipe for coq au vin while Aunt Natsumi kindly lent him a bottle of red wine from the Black Rabbit Bar, which presently sat on the counter next to all the sauces he used primarily for his cooking. “And save your thanks for after you’ve actually tried it.“

    As soon as Ami pointed out he always cooked chicken, however, he’ll proceed to scoff. “Did you already forget the times you had hamburg steak or stir-fry over at my place?” came his retort, prompting her to eye him rather judgmentally. “Yeah, but more than half the time I’m over, onii-chan, you’re always making something with chicken in it,” she argues, which has him click his tongue in mild annoyance.

     “Tch... I swear, you’re becoming more and more of a smart-ass by the day,” Akira pretends to complain before proceeding to amble his way back over to the pot to scoop up both their portions of coq au vin into two separate bowls. “Luckily for you, I’m nowhere near petty enough to not give you some after hearing that.”

     Sure enough, he’ll fall silent, letting Ami and Sonia talk amongst themselves... then shortly later, he’ll saunter back towards the table and carefully set down the bowls.