#princelylight

“Please believe me when I say I had no part in this scheme of my father’s.” The moment they were dismissed and out of earshot -- which turned out to be in the palace’s study -- Lenora turned to Io and did her best to explain herself. “And though I do find your company enjoyable, Your Highness, I would much rather be traveling the world to continue my independent business and mission. And not as part of a wedding tour!”

Rias pulled the blanket tighter about her shoulders, ducking her head a bit more. She hadn't meant for him to see her face yet, but it was clearly too late for that now. "O-okay..." There's a tremble in her voice, the pitch higher than normal, and shrinking in to make sure not a single part of herself touches Io she brushed past and into the apartment.

"I... I'm..." Every time she starts to talk she stops herself, swallowing thickly and chewing her lip. How to explain? Where to even start? It's all gotten so entirely out of her hands and the more she thinks about it the more Rias wonders why she's even here. As much as she wants to talk to Io because of how comforting he is, she's also afraid to be anything but cheerful and happy around him, and given what happened she's afraid of letting him in more than he already is.

♚   Another unfamiliar place.

   Arms wrap tightly around himself as he sets out, nothing but a small bag thrown over his shoulder. Once he’s patted most of the dust off of his sweater, his fingers comb lightly through his hair, straightening himself out as he absently walks, looking for nothing in particular. It’s only when his attention is pulled up towards a stranger in front of him.

   He regrets looking up, caught in their gaze and unsure of what to do. He lets his arms wrap around himself once more, offering a soft smile. God, he hopes he can get away from this. He’s a mess- dusty old clothes and still tangled hair- he’s sure anyone who came across him in this state wouldn’t take kindly to how clearly homeless he is.

“Was there anything that you wanted to do for your birthday?” While Kaneko wasn’t big on huge celebrations or whatever extra things people tended to do for their birthdays, she knew that they deserved to be acknowledged. And besides, it was like he said--- Io was away from home. Might as well give him free reign to celebrate.

❝ io !! ❞

the rather TINY girl will practically LAUNCH herself at him, mostly laughing as her arms wrapped around him.  she was ALWAYS rather affectionate with EVERYONE, but especially so today.  perhaps it was her UNUSUALLY good mood.

❝ are you busy at all ??  wanna go into town and look at the puppies with me ?? ❞