the only way up is believing

"hello. i'm sorry i didn't greet you before. i'm not usually the sort to...begin conversations. but i'm trying, really i am. would you like to have a cup of coffee with me? and maybe you'd like something to eat." ................................................................................................... rp blog for noémie lenôtre of project lionheart.

[project--lionheart]

Prologue 0.2

Bringing along the small bags you all had carried with you on the bus, it was easy to see that the forest was not as ominous as you once perceived it to be. The lion you had just encountered was…odd. But he wasn’t threatening. The whole design was intended for that, you were sure. He teetered along on the path ahead of you, one foot in front of the other taking some effort. 

The feeling of being out of place in the forest seemed to grow though. Chatter and low murmurs from the group were the only thing that could be heard as you all walked along….until Utsushi-raion began to speak up, stopping momentarily in front of the group. He scratches the back of his head again before letting out a small chuckle.

“O-Oh, forgive a silly old lion, I have forgotten to begin talking about the founding and legends of Hinomachi, oof.” He looks a bit embarrassed, but recovers quickly, beginning their walk again, but at a slower pace.

“The town of Hinomachi first began as a trading post before the beginning of the Edo Period. The mountain just off in the distance,” They point east, but it clear that you wouldn’t be able to see it just now due to all the…trees. “Many used to carve into the mountain-side and smuggle or hide imports that were deemed contraband and/or illegal by the government.”

Utsushi-raion continues to drone on, but you begin to feel the air around you shift. The once hot and muggy atmosphere you experienced around the entrance of the forest turned…chilling. For this time of year it seemed really out of place, and was enough to warrant a question as to why it was getting colder.

The lion gave a small clap and jump. “Oh my, how could I have forgotten! We are all currently walking though the Four Seasons Forest, an attraction that is deemed an anomaly by scientists and weather experts alike. The forest is said to experience all four seasons at random intervals.” Looking around, you could clearly see the different patches of forest looking to be in the middle of autumn. The cold patch you were standing in currently was up for debate, seeing how fog was beginning to roll in. 

“It’s a nice place to walk through if you’re up for such a task. But be mindful of the changing conditions.” The lion laughs, walking once more further into the forest. 

The unsettling feeling grows with the thickening of the fog.

[project--lionheart]

Prologue 0.1

The day had finally arrived. That crisp letter that arrived in the mail had sealed your fate of finally finding someone to share the rest of your life with. A hope shines within you, filling you with the feeling that somewhere out there, someone was meant for you. It was a silly notion of course, but you didn’t want to sit on it too long less getting embarrassed by your own thoughts. 

The sun burns at the back of your neck, it almost seems too hot for this time of year.

It was pretty obvious that the bus that had taken you from the airport and dumped you off in front of a forest was kind of weird. Now that you think about it, the set of circumstances around the bus ride had been a bit weird. You weren’t that drowsy, were you..?

Maybe it was the jet lag…

The opportunity did allow for you and some others to get to know one another. Some were friendlier than others, but that was to be expected, everyone’s guard was up in an unfamiliar situation.

What bothered you the most, however, was the forest looming in front of you. Going in too far felt like a very very bad idea. The air felt cleaner, easier to breathe in. There was a surge of hope that maybe this would be okay. You were going to have fun and get out of your shell a bit!

About 15 minutes into some conversations, the noise from the forest cuts off. The birds and cicadas chirping seem to cease, leaving everyone to look around momentarily.

And that’s when everyone sees it.

Well…It didn’t look like an it….but a what. Bad choice of words for a strange situation to find yourself in. No one noticed the large pink…lion…just standing there by the path. It stared. And stared, until everyone looked to see that it was indeed standing there.

Then out of nowhere, the lion began to move, placing their hands on their stomach and letting out a hearty laugh. Their laugh was warm and didn’t sound at all threatening. That was good–Wait a minute. There are a few shocked glances and looks from a few of the contestants.

“Good afternoooon lovelies. How has your day been? I’m sorry about the bus ride, he doesn’t have much for social skills. I’m sure you all have been getting well acquainted, though!” 

Stepping forward, the lion smiles and scratches the large tuff off hair around their head. “Forgive my late entrance. Being a lion, it’s hard not to be lion-around after a snack.” They laugh once more before patting their tummy. “My name is Utsushi-raion. I will be your humbley-bubbley guide through the forest and around the town of Hinomachi. If you would all kindly follow me, I can begin you on your journey for love!”

And with that.

You all follow..?

[project--lionheart]

Eloquence is Relative | Pre-Game | Fumi + Noémie

[sakurablushwritingservice]

cakehaus‌:

Noémie stares, unseeing, ahead of her, already drained from the minimal social interaction she’d been through. Before today, she’d been somewhat of a recluse. So much so, in fact, that she was famous and very few people had so much as seen her face, let alone spoken to her. Only her closest family had any sort of constant contact with her. She spent her days either resting at their townhouse or secluded in the kitchen at their cafe, quietly hiding from the customers and guests who talked so, so much but said so little. It was alright, wasn’t it? Thierry could handle the people part of the business. She didn’t have to. She didn’t know how to.

It was a little sad to think that there were only two people in the world who even knew her at all. And one of them was two years old.

Isn’t it about time that changed? It’d been years, why couldn’t she move forward? God knows the rest of the world had. So why was she still frozen in place, staring at the people moving around her?

So immersed in her thoughts, she didn’t even notice when Fumi walked up to her and started talking. Startled, she jumped, and instinctively started trying to nervously respond to her in French.

“C-c’est vrai! Qu'est-ce qui se passera?”

Her brain finally seemed to catch up to her mouth a moment later, and she blinked before turning a deep red and burying her face in her hands.

“….My apologies, madam. I was not paying attention, so you frightened me. To a-answer your…your question, yes, I believe that you are correct.”

Her words are muffled, halting, and quiet, but at least they’re in English. 

Fumi knows French! Well, Fumi knows some French. From video games. And the occasional rom com. 

Fumi doesn’t really know French past “la vie en rose” and “c’est la vie.”

Fumi isn’t even positive, thinking back, that she’s 100% sure she knows what those mean, or how to properly pepper them into a sentence. If she needed to know, like for work, she’d just google it.

“Okay,” Fumi says, taking a deep breath. Now both of them are blushing and they haven’t even gotten to the romance part of the game show. 

“Are you okay?” is the next question, said without thinking, in response to the stammer and what seems to be fear on the other girl’s face.

“You’re…um…” she starts, off to a rough beginning once more, but shakes her head and forces herself onward. “You’re one of the participants? Contestants, or…uh, lonely hearts?”

[cakehaus-blog1]

Noémie would have protested the question about her well-being, but considering she’s currently doing an impressive imitation of la vie in rose” herself, and was concentrating all of her energy on not hyperventilating, it was admittedly what she deserved.

“I am alright, thank you. Merely...easily startled, I suppose.”

She winced when she said it, even though the other woman’s kind, sweet voice was making her feel calmer by the minute. Way to make yourself sound like some sort of southern belle who faints at the slightest provocation.How is THAT gonna net you true love?

At least the new person’s next words were able to glean a small smile from her, and she lowered her hands to her sides from where they’d been hovering in a hug around her abdomen. Something about Fumi’s demeanor made her feel better just by virtue of being around her. Hopefully they could be good friends, she thought.

“I...yes, I suppose so. It’s a bit embarrassing, to me, but there are certain times when...risks have to be...taken?”

You don’t sound too sure of that, girlie.

[project--lionheart]

Sugar And Spice And Everything Nice | Pregame | Kikai | Closed for Noémie

16Hearts. The dating show that had become so famous. Sixteen lucky contestants to be chosen from all around the world, hoping to meet their sweet half. Advertised as a lovely paradise of love, it was sure to attract people from any walk of life. For now, though, we focus on one of them. His name is Kikai Raifu, his profession that of Advanced EMT, his hope to make the most of that experience and maybe find someone to share a life with- a wish he formed after signing up, at least consciously, although perhaps he had always held such a desire, but a wish nonetheless, born of an impulsive decision which he would, as was usual for him, follow through. In truth, he felt nervous. He had tried to ignore it, to feign ignorance and indifference, but he had awaited for the results of his signing up to arrive with growing restlessness; and when they turned out to not have failed, something that was much to his surprise, that feeling had been replaced with excitement, and yet even so worry stained it. But he was strong, he could shut worry off, and so he had done.

And the day arrived when he was instructed, like the other fifteen, to reach the place of fate and love, Hinomachi, the city of the sun, the Town of Everlasting Love. And although that day his worry and excitement should have peaked, instead neither showed. Nor did much else. The reason being simple, the easiest way to relax and forget everything- sleep. Due to a combination of an early awakening and tiresome days prior, the boy was dead tired, and slept through the whole voyage, not a thing bothering him as he at least regained his strenght. Bus to the town, train to the airport, and then plane and shuttle- he woke up only when he needed change mean of transport, and before he knew it there he was, before a forest, a path leading to the city before him, surrounded by people, doubtlessly the other fifteen who would take part in that show alongside him. He looked around, exchanged some words too; but something else came soon to distract him from all that.

A sweet smell. Kikai wasn’t one for excessive sugar, but he was hungry (a result, probably, of having eaten a small breakfast so as to be quick and on time), and so the smell was inviting to him. He turned towards its source- a woman offering macaronis to everybody. Kikai smiled, and asked.

“Could I please have one?”

Better safe than sorry, and it never hurts to be kind anyhow. Then, realizing he’d skipped an important step, he scratched the back of his head in embarassment as he added.

“Oh, right, err, I should introduce myself… Name’s Kikai Raifu! What’s yours?”

He added, holding out a hand for a handshake.

[cakehaus-blog1]

Noémie was nervous, exhausted from the energy it took to keep herself upright, and drained from having to experience the most social interaction she’d had in probably 20 years. She was annoyed at being left in the forest. She was sore from carrying her bag. She was about to cry from how much she missed her brother and niece, and she was overwhelmed and intimidating by how much more good-looking and charming everyone else here seemed to be.

But the second someone approached her to ask about her food, none of that mattered. She melted in an instant and smiled right back, and unlike many other times she’d done so here, it was genuine (if tentative).

“Of...of course. There are four...if you have any allergies, please let me know.”

The pastry chef handed him a box, her soft voice just clear enough to understand her easily. Well...easily enough. The accent might be another problem. She’d grown more accustomed to speaking in English here at least.

“My name is Noémie Lenôtre, Monsieur, um, Raifu!”

A true testament to the power of dessert, she’d managed to relax considerably just upon focusing on what she’d brought. She knew it hadn’t been a waste of time. After all, food brings people together. It always will.

[project--lionheart]

(Don't) Watch Me || Eito Iwasaki || Pregame || Closed for Noémie

Eito Iwasaki, Children’s Museum Mail Clerk, spent the bus ride with his hood over his head and his cheek pressed to the window. Worrying over Project Lionheart had kept him up for days. He’d applied on a lark, thinking it’d be a safe and silly thing to do because there was no way the producers would pick him.

And then… they did. They did, and he found himself surrounded by beautiful, fabulous, and interesting people of all stripes and colors. With his clothes and his scruffy hairstyle, Eito knew he had no shot with anybody here. He was going to be a seatwarmer, just some background player that the viewers at home would forget existed. Either that or he’d be the first one eliminated, for sure.

He regretted not rescinding his application. Eito should’ve just been a jerk and done that and been done with everything. But he hated disappointing people more than he hated being in the public eye.

Finally, they were let off onto a dirt road. They’d have to walk their way to the village, he guessed. Somewhere, there had to be hidden cameras capturing their reactions. Eito stuffed his hands into his pockets, suddenly feeling twice as awkward.

C'mon, Eito. You can’t fade now. You have to at least try. Try one time and then you can…you can pretend like you’re too busy retying your boot laces for all the hiking you’ll be doing.

Yes! That’d be his reward. First, he just needed to talk to one person. That’s what all the socializing books said. Everything started with a conversation. He shuffled over to the nearest person, his boots hardly lifting off the ground. Totally casual.

“Heeey. D-do you happen to have the time? I left my watch at home.”

Eito rubbed the back of his neck to look nonchalant, because that’s what cool guys did, right? In all his “cool guy” efforts, he just happened to forget about the Casio around his wrist. Whoops.

[cakehaus-blog1]

You know, Noémie had just about had it up to here with all of the attractive people she was surrounded by. All of the men were far out of her league, and all of the women were so stunningly beautiful that she was starting to believe that it was a prank that she’d been invited here in the first place. What in god’s name were the producers thinking - and what was she thinking? The world was watching her fumble through sentences and pale at the thought of having to ‘put herself out there’, so to speak. Why had she ever thought…

…

The young blonde woman blinked curiously at the man who’d approached her, not having expected anyone else to be interested in giving her the time of day after all. Why would they? With so many other fascinating people around? Her mother must be clutching her pearls, right now, if she could see her only daughter dressed so…so casually for a situation such as this. Noémie bit her lip nervously, trying to figure out what would be best to say in return, before she noticed his wrist. Her lips quirked up in a small smile, and for once, her face actually relaxed into it.

“Is that so…? You needn’t worry then, monsieur. It…it would seem you had the foresight t-to bring along another, in case your memory failed.”

She pointed to the watch he was wearing and tried to hide her quiet laughter behind her hand, hoping she wouldn’t hurt his feelings.

[eitowiththemail-blog]

Eito followed her line of sight straight to his traitorous watch. Of course today of all days would be the day where he wore one. He cleared his throat to buy himself some time to think. Okay, Eito. You can figure something out.

There had to be a way for him to recover from this. A redirection? A joke? Maybe it’d be better if he quit while he was, maybe, one step ahead. No. Scratch that. That’d be giving up and giving in to his strong urge to walk away.

“Oh, um, wow… Ha, ha, ha!”

Eito forced out an especially loud laugh. His ears burned red. Why do I have to be so awkward? Jeez.

“…Sorry. I guess I should’ve checked my wrist first. Sometimes you have to look in the place you least expect to find something. Thanks!”

He wanted to go off and hide in a hole forever. Operation Talk to a Person: fail.

[cakehaus-blog1]

Noémie was familiar with the telltale signs of awkward embarrassment, and so as to save her new acquaintance from having to be upset or discouraged, she extended an olive branch - or, lacking that, her hand.

“Do not be distressed. I-I find this entire thing rather charming, actually.”

It took a ridiculous amount of effort to keep her voice from quivering, and even so, she still managed to stumble a bit over her words. Taking a deep breath, she tried to make her gaze soft with kindness and empathy, the way Thierry had perfected but she’d never managed to get quite right. God give her strength.

“...You don’t h-have to go yet, do you? We may as well, um, introduce ourselves, since...”

She kicked herself, for a great number of reasons. First, why was she intentionally trying to continue a conversation when she was getting more uncomfortable talking to literally anyone by the minute? Why was she asking if he had somewhere else to be if they were stuck together for who knows how long, on a dating show? And why, after all of that, did she not introduce herself? 

[project--lionheart]

Some Folks Are Taken In By Curly Locks and Princely Looks | Pregame | Noémie + Theo

[royalguardscaptain-blog]

project–lionheart‌:

It may not seem like it, but Noémie didn’t actually like being alone. It was just all she knew. For the majority of her life, she’d known not much beyond the confines of her family and her own mind, but even now - with little experience and fumbling hands - she wanted nothing more than to reach out and touch another person, to hold them close and know she could depend on them. Of course, for that to be fair, she would have to be a dependable person herself, which she…just wasn’t. 

It’s not that she isn’t an attractive candidate on paper. Smart, talented, a successful business owner. What did any of that mean, however, in the face of insurmountable terror over the thought of facing conflict and making the effort to cultivate something? It was the cure to her loneliness, sure, but the path to get to it was rocky and went over several mountains.

She sighed, running her hands through her hair as she paced, and promptly walked face first into a very, very tall man. Good lord. Was this guy a redwood tree? 

“U-um, hi,” the blonde stammered, trying her best not to look as alarmed as she felt.

She was really starting to rethink this whole ‘disliking being alone’ thing. 

Contrary to her, Theodore himself had been alone as well, but he found light in the form of the Royal Guards when he was just a very small child and since then, he molded himself into become that dependable someone others could rely on. It’s not that this was a role imposed onto himself but rather a role he willingly took because he wanted to be of use to others! Though he may be a noble, at heart, he was humble and desired nothing more than to see others smile and look up to and trust the Royal Guards. It was practically his mission to ensure they were seen in a positive way!

But ever since being sent away on vacations, during his brief ‘disappearance’ he came to realize another one of his weaknesses… He didn’t know what to actually do by his lonesome. Usually he’d be playing with the kids on the streets or fooling around with his friends within the squad. It was getting kind of lonely but at least he could always speak with the Royal Family via phone! That’s how he got the idea to sign up to the show to find that special someone that would help him not feel lonely at all! It took a few weeks and by the time they had gotten back to him he had forgotten about this whole thing.

But now here he was! In front of the woods with a group of people. He’d been busy looking for a way out that he failed to notice the shorter girl until she bumped against him. Immediately, Theodore looked down and with a worried expression, gently held the girl by the shoulders.

“O-Oh! Hi there! Sorry I didn’t see you! Are you okay? I didn’t hurt you, did I? I’m so– w-wow… You’re beautiful… I-I mean!! A-ah… Dear… Sorry I, heh… M-My name is Theodore Liveradore Alakreuz! Nice to meet you!”

Nicely done Theodore.

[cakehaus-blog1]

Well, if anyone knew what to do with themselves when they were lonely, it was Noémie. Solitude was her middle name. Even so, sewing and playing the piano could only get you so far in life, so she had to say she much preferred the company of others...even if, in complete contrast to this, she was too frightened to actually enjoy it.

For example, this current company, consisting of a group of odd strangers and a man she’d run into as if he were a brick wall. Her face was probably as red as a bunch of strawberries, and what of her expression? She tried to quickly school it into something more acceptable than ‘abject terror’ and (in her opinion) managed to pull off some close facsimile of mere embarrassment. Dazed, both by the stranger’s dashing good looks - seriously, since everyone looked like this, she desperately wanted to find a bathroom and her luggage and apply more makeup or SOMETHING - and by his sudden grip on her shoulders, she tried to answer his questions.

“Y-you’re...it’s okay, monsieur, no harm done...I assure you, I’m quite alright. I am not so fragile in constitution as I-I seem -  um, it was...it w-was my fault, after all, as I wasn’t paying much attention t-to my...”

She takes a breath and starts to try again, only to be left blinking in shock when he calls her beautiful. (She seems to do that a lot.) If it’s possible to turn a darker red, she’s done it. Congratulations. You’ve managed to get an oblivious frenchwoman to recognize a compliment.

“Oh! You’re - you’re too kind...!”

Pausing, she tugs at her hair for a moment before pulling out one of her boxes of macarons and offering it to him.

“Here. A-as an apology. My name is Noémie Lenôtre. Pleasure to...pleasure to meet you.”

[project--lionheart]

Ghosting on Love || Pregame || Alena/Noémie

[eatyourveggies-notyourfriends]

cakehaus‌:

You accepted this. 

Noémie had to keep reminding herself of that. Her brain was starting to sound like a broken record at this point, but what else could she do? Her options were limited - either greet the people around her, drawing herself into their conversations (a daunting task), or remain alone, at the outskirts of the area, by herself and drowning in her own tired thoughts.

You accepted this, she thought, and scowled mentally at the voice in her head. It wasn’t as if this had been her idea. And right as she thought that, she spotted someone nearby who, if possible, looked more petrified of this whole thing than she did. 

Well. At the very least, a pâtissière had some use when it came to calming people’s nerves.

“Hello,” Noé said softly to the pink-haired woman as she approached her. Even though this is the third time she’s struck up a conversation with someone, it’s still frightening to say the least, and she’s still nearly speaking in French out of mere habit. She supposes she’ll get used to it. “You look a bit unsettled. Perhaps if you had something to eat you would feel better, non?”

Cookies make the world go round.

Alena has been called a number of things growing up, and right now she looks like something of a frightened cat. Her eyes widened more, as if they already uncomfortable open, when someone had suddenly spoke to her. She turns to face the voice.

“Uh, hello…”

It was a girl, soft in color and appearance. She seems nice in the very least, not loud or aggressive in any way. While Alena was admiring her, to Noé it probably looked like the gardener was just… staring at her, uncomfortably.

When offered a cookie Alena took it with a nod.

“Thank you. They, um, they look good…”

A woman of few words it seems, or maybe she’s just so frightened that she can’t speak. Alena nibbles at the treat.

Way to carry the conversation, Agyros…

[cakehaus-blog1]

This poor girl, Noémie thought sympathetically, setting her bag down to run her hands through her hair nervously. Honestly, the girl’s resemblance to a frightened rabbit was doing wonders to calm her own self down, as with someone to look after and feed, the French girl had something productive to focus on as opposed to standing stock still in place thinking about how much she’d like to call her brother and beg him to get her the hell out of here.

“What is your name, madame?”

May as well start with something simple, right?

[eatyourveggies-notyourfriends]

Okay, well, it looks like the other girl is here to stay. She wants to talk and talk to Alena she shall, much to Alena’s discomfort.

“Alena Agyros.”

Well, out of everyone here, Alena was glad it was her who is speaking her to her. She seems so nice, and really pretty!

“Um… I’m surprised you’re on this trip… You’re rather pretty to be single.”

Flirting is hard, it honestly comes out as painful and forced. The only person forcing her to flirt is herself. Maybe she should have brought that Flirting For Dummies book Makoto suggested.

[cakehaus-blog1]

Considering the other girl’s clear and obvious discomfort, and the long pause before she spoke again, Noémie was starting to believe it was probably a better idea for her to just take her leave and go. After all, how would she feel if someone forced her to speak with them? Even though it felt rather like someone was forcing her to speak to all of these people anyways, despite her strenuous protests....

“Pleasure to meet you,” she said, doing her best to keep her hands from trembling. “My name is Noémie Lenôtre.

In response to Alena’s flirting, all she can really do is stiffen and stare wide-eyed at her for a moment, before turning very, very red. As oblivious as the French girl is, she has ears.

“Th-thank you! It...dating is difficult, non? I...I assume that is why you’re still single as well, despite your charming appearance.”

Said in a totally, 100% heterosexual way, I swear. You can’t catch her, gay thoughts.

[project--lionheart]

(Don't) Watch Me || Eito Iwasaki || Pregame || Closed for Noémie

Eito Iwasaki, Children’s Museum Mail Clerk, spent the bus ride with his hood over his head and his cheek pressed to the window. Worrying over Project Lionheart had kept him up for days. He’d applied on a lark, thinking it’d be a safe and silly thing to do because there was no way the producers would pick him.

And then… they did. They did, and he found himself surrounded by beautiful, fabulous, and interesting people of all stripes and colors. With his clothes and his scruffy hairstyle, Eito knew he had no shot with anybody here. He was going to be a seatwarmer, just some background player that the viewers at home would forget existed. Either that or he’d be the first one eliminated, for sure.

He regretted not rescinding his application. Eito should’ve just been a jerk and done that and been done with everything. But he hated disappointing people more than he hated being in the public eye.

Finally, they were let off onto a dirt road. They’d have to walk their way to the village, he guessed. Somewhere, there had to be hidden cameras capturing their reactions. Eito stuffed his hands into his pockets, suddenly feeling twice as awkward.

C'mon, Eito. You can’t fade now. You have to at least try. Try one time and then you can…you can pretend like you’re too busy retying your boot laces for all the hiking you’ll be doing.

Yes! That’d be his reward. First, he just needed to talk to one person. That’s what all the socializing books said. Everything started with a conversation. He shuffled over to the nearest person, his boots hardly lifting off the ground. Totally casual.

“Heeey. D-do you happen to have the time? I left my watch at home.”

Eito rubbed the back of his neck to look nonchalant, because that’s what cool guys did, right? In all his “cool guy” efforts, he just happened to forget about the Casio around his wrist. Whoops.

[cakehaus-blog1]

You know, Noémie had just about had it up to here with all of the attractive people she was surrounded by. All of the men were far out of her league, and all of the women were so stunningly beautiful that she was starting to believe that it was a prank that she’d been invited here in the first place. What in god’s name were the producers thinking - and what was she thinking? The world was watching her fumble through sentences and pale at the thought of having to ‘put herself out there’, so to speak. Why had she ever thought...

...

The young blonde woman blinked curiously at the man who’d approached her, not having expected anyone else to be interested in giving her the time of day after all. Why would they? With so many other fascinating people around? Her mother must be clutching her pearls, right now, if she could see her only daughter dressed so...so casually for a situation such as this. Noémie bit her lip nervously, trying to figure out what would be best to say in return, before she noticed his wrist. Her lips quirked up in a small smile, and for once, her face actually relaxed into it.

“Is that so...? You needn’t worry then, monsieur. It...it would seem you had the foresight t-to bring along another, in case your memory failed.”

She pointed to the watch he was wearing and tried to hide her quiet laughter behind her hand, hoping she wouldn’t hurt his feelings.

[project--lionheart]

Well Isn't This Just A Goddamn Mess Of An Unsatisfactory Situation | Noémie + Ryuuta | Prologue

[minyominyo]

cakehaus‌:

Noé smiles, waving her hands in front of her modestly.

“Please, don’t feel inadequate. Being a chef requires very precise control, and exact measurements and knowledge. Not everyone enjoys it, and it does not come easily to many, but with…with diligence anyone c-can…”

Her voice trails off as her anxiety seems to catch up, a couple of sentences apparently being all she can get out before starting to feel that she’s rambling. She does at least start speaking again relatively quickly, though her voice is quieter and less sure than before.

“Ah, no, please don’t feel obligated to return such a kindness. I only thought that perhaps I could help everyone enjoy their time here. And…after all, I was going to make them regardless. However, I suppose if I ever need a favor of some sort…I wouldn’t mind going to you.”

Her timidity, just as before, was overridden when he lit up at her attempt to connect with him. She immediately brightened in response and became more animated, clearly excited to have gotten such a reaction from him. Even her voice when she spoke was less halting and stuttering.

“It’s nice to meet you too! I only know Japanese in particular because of my shop in Tokyo, but it’s a lovely language. I hope to grow more proficient at it given time. And…I think, in a way, we are all foreigners to each other. I am glad we can communicate at all. As for what I prefer…”

Her shyness overtook her again, and she dipped her head in embarrassment at having talked for so long before glancing up at her new friend again.

“French. I can’t imagine many here would speak it.”

Ryuuta nods along with interest, clearly intrigued by Noé’s knowledge. He enjoyed listening to people talk passionately about what they enjoyed- he was a listener through and through. When Noé begins to quiet down, he tilts his head slightly,

“Mmmh? You seem to have quite an extensive knowledge of what it takes to be a chef! It really is nice to listen to… My profession doesn’t involve as much preciseness- not in the same manner, at least… but I can certainly understand where you’re coming from! A true artist…”

He nods, as if agreeing with himself, staring up into the distance thoughtfully. It takes him a moment to return to his senses, 

“Ahhh, It really isn’t any trouble, I assure you! My proverbial doors are always open to any requests~”

Looking down, he suddenly takes sight of the box again, remembering there were pastries being offered. He reaches out and takes one happily- Chocolate chai.

“Oh! You work in Tokyo? How lovely!~ I’ll have to see if I can find your shop next time I stop by- I don’t really visit too often, but maybe on some sort of special occassion….. which district do you work in?”

He nods, letting out an interested hum,

“Ahhh, French! How admirable to be able to speak three languages! It really is quite a feat… Unfortunately I’m not familiar with the French language… Otherwise I’d give it a try!….”

[cakehaus-blog1]

The chef ran her fingers through her hair nervously, trying to unclench her jaw. How did people do this? Just talk so easily with others, day in and day out?

“Extensive knowledge...ah, I - I suppose that’s true...I don’t know whether it’s my degree or experience to thank for that. H-however, knowledge cannot replace passion. Please, do your best, and the result will always be something to take pride in.”

She falls silent again, before bravely asking in a rush-

“W-what is it you do again? I...I’m so very sorry, it’s-it’s merely that I’ve never heard of a minyo s-singer, and I...I...”

Clearly, her courage is finite. Noémie had known that from the start. Anxiety felt to her like a swingset - it was comforting in its familiarity, and it gave you something to fill your time with, but never really got you that far, did it? So, not for the last time, she swallowed what she could of the knots in her stomach and tried to speak again.

“In Tokyo...n-not so often....I will be there more after the show, but the chefs there are those I’ve chosen who live locally. I n...normally don’t stray far from Colmar, except for business, and even then....ah, anyways. My pâtisserie is in th-the Roppongi district. It...seemed like the best choice...that is what my brother and I decided, and he tries to be very informed.”

Her voice was barely above a whisper, but somehow, still clear. Perhaps unsurprising, considering she probably hardly ever talks louder than she is now. Something did seem to catch her attention, though, and she looked shyly up (and up, and up...) at her new friend.

“Three? I...I speak five.”

[project--lionheart]

Eloquence is Relative | Pre-Game | Fumi + Noémie

Fumi Ise is many things. She is a writer. She is a sister. She is a mother. She is not half bad at manning a register at a surf shop, should the situation call for it.

Fumi Ise is many things, but she is not prepared for this situation.

She had expected…oh, she didn’t know. A house, maybe? For all of them to live in together while they got to know each other?

But a forest?

Fumi takes a deep breath, and decides there’s nothing to be done about it at the moment. Since nobody else is heading down that dirt pathway, she figures she’ll stay with the group rather than go off on her own and end up in some horror movie situation.

Still, isn’t it odd that nobody wants to move forward?

Fumi moves to a girl next to her, not terribly taller than herself, and waves briefly to get her attention.

“Excuse me,” she says with a smile. “This is where we were um. This is the dropping off? Spot? The spot where…” Oh no, it’s happening. The word jumbles. She ignores the fierce pink blush coming to her cheeks and pioneers onward, barely knowing what she was trying to say anymore. “Is this the spot? The place? Um. Is this correct?”

Fumi Ise is many things. An eloquent person, however, she is not.

[cakehaus-blog1]

Noémie stares, unseeing, ahead of her, already drained from the minimal social interaction she’d been through. Before today, she’d been somewhat of a recluse. So much so, in fact, that she was famous and very few people had so much as seen her face, let alone spoken to her. Only her closest family had any sort of constant contact with her. She spent her days either resting at their townhouse or secluded in the kitchen at their cafe, quietly hiding from the customers and guests who talked so, so much but said so little. It was alright, wasn’t it? Thierry could handle the people part of the business. She didn’t have to. She didn’t know how to.

It was a little sad to think that there were only two people in the world who even knew her at all. And one of them was two years old.

Isn’t it about time that changed? It’d been years, why couldn’t she move forward? God knows the rest of the world had. So why was she still frozen in place, staring at the people moving around her?

So immersed in her thoughts, she didn’t even notice when Fumi walked up to her and started talking. Startled, she jumped, and instinctively started trying to nervously respond to her in French.

“C-c’est vrai! Qu'est-ce qui se passera?”

Her brain finally seemed to catch up to her mouth a moment later, and she blinked before turning a deep red and burying her face in her hands.

“....My apologies, madam. I was not paying attention, so you frightened me. To a-answer your...your question, yes, I believe that you are correct.”

Her words are muffled, halting, and quiet, but at least they’re in English. 

[project--lionheart]

Ghosting on Love || Pregame || Alena/Noémie

[eatyourveggies-notyourfriends]

cakehaus‌:

You accepted this. 

Noémie had to keep reminding herself of that. Her brain was starting to sound like a broken record at this point, but what else could she do? Her options were limited - either greet the people around her, drawing herself into their conversations (a daunting task), or remain alone, at the outskirts of the area, by herself and drowning in her own tired thoughts.

You accepted this, she thought, and scowled mentally at the voice in her head. It wasn’t as if this had been her idea. And right as she thought that, she spotted someone nearby who, if possible, looked more petrified of this whole thing than she did. 

Well. At the very least, a pâtissière had some use when it came to calming people’s nerves.

“Hello,” Noé said softly to the pink-haired woman as she approached her. Even though this is the third time she’s struck up a conversation with someone, it’s still frightening to say the least, and she’s still nearly speaking in French out of mere habit. She supposes she’ll get used to it. “You look a bit unsettled. Perhaps if you had something to eat you would feel better, non?”

Cookies make the world go round.

Alena has been called a number of things growing up, and right now she looks like something of a frightened cat. Her eyes widened more, as if they already uncomfortable open, when someone had suddenly spoke to her. She turns to face the voice.

“Uh, hello…”

It was a girl, soft in color and appearance. She seems nice in the very least, not loud or aggressive in any way. While Alena was admiring her, to Noé it probably looked like the gardener was just… staring at her, uncomfortably.

When offered a cookie Alena took it with a nod.

“Thank you. They, um, they look good…”

A woman of few words it seems, or maybe she’s just so frightened that she can’t speak. Alena nibbles at the treat.

Way to carry the conversation, Agyros…

[cakehaus-blog1]

This poor girl, Noémie thought sympathetically, setting her bag down to run her hands through her hair nervously. Honestly, the girl’s resemblance to a frightened rabbit was doing wonders to calm her own self down, as with someone to look after and feed, the French girl had something productive to focus on as opposed to standing stock still in place thinking about how much she’d like to call her brother and beg him to get her the hell out of here.

“What is your name, madame?”

May as well start with something simple, right?

[project--lionheart]

Well Isn't This Just A Goddamn Mess Of An Unsatisfactory Situation | Noémie + Ryuuta | Prologue

[minyominyo]

cakehaus‌:

Noémie stared wide-eyed at the handsome stranger in front of her for a long few moments, but rather than looking besotted, she really more resembled a deer in the headlights. Apparently, she hadn’t expected anyone to pay much attention to either her or her offer.

“Oh! Ah, hello.”

…is really all she has to say, seemingly lost, until he smiles and appears to jumpstart her self confidence. Finally she smiles back and shyly holds the small box out to him, reddening at the praise. Jesus, she’d forgotten how nerve-wracking it was to talk to people while outside of her comfort zone.

“It’s only natural…I make it a habit to bring along food whenever I take a long trip. There are many who could do with that sort of boost to their energy, and not everyone is able to prepare food as easily as I can.”

She pauses, looking briefly panicked.

“N-not to sound arrogant, I meant only to say that it’s second nature to me at this point. I’m…I’m glad you like them. I did make them myself, yes. They are, in order, lavender white chocolate, fleur de sel - that’s, um, it means French sea salt, but it’s a salted caramel, really - chocolate chai, and rose.”

Noé blinks when he bows, only belatedly remembering that she should probably introduce herself as well considering everyone learns literally in kindergarten not to take food from strangers. Frozen in place, she didn’t think to bow in return until an unreasonable amount of time had passed and she would look odd to do so. Great. This is going well already.

“Hello, Ryu…Hasegaw…um, Monsieur Hasegawa!”

Nailed it. Here, though, she paused, thinking it through. Between the accented English and the name, it probably isn’t his first language, right?

“I don’t think that you were rude at all, only excited.” The blonde woman continued in slightly stiff, and very cautious, Japanese. “My name is Noémie Lenôtre. Pleasure to meet you!”

Ryuuta stares curiously at the girl, bringing a finger to his lips absentmindedly. His expression remains sort of sleepy and thoughtful, almost inscrutable- it’s hard to tell exactly what he’s thinking. He waits patiently for her to speak, nodding along to her response,

“Mmmmh, and quite a healthy habit, I must add! Lord knows I’m not exactly a whizz in the kitchen, maybe you could give me a few pointers? Hahaha~ It’s about time I started packing snack for myself when I go on trips- this wouldn’t be the first time I’ve arrived somewhere feeling peckish… In any case, it’s clear here that you’ve got some real talent!….”

He peers into the box, gently lifting the lid to get a better look at Noémie‘s spread. His mouth hangs slightly agape as he listens to her list off each flavor, glancing from pastry to pastry with an obvious longing. 

“My…. I hadn’t expected to be trying such luxury desserts upon arriving… I can’t possibly take one with a clear conscious- mark my words, I’ll make this up to you somehow. I would offer to bake you something in return, but I’m afraid I’ve already revealed my skill level in regards to cooking… If there’s any sort of favor you need done, don’t be afraid to ask~…”

His hand drifts back up to his lips, and he seems to have momentarily forgotten about the pastries as he watches her reaction. When she begins to speak in Japanese, he pauses, then lights up. Ryuuta begins to speak in Japanese at a slow and steady pace.

“Ahhh, It’s nice to meet you, Leno-san~ I’m so happy that you know some Japanese! I hadn’t expected many foreigners to be able to speak it- though I suppose in this situation I’m the foreigner, aren’t I?”

He lets out a soft laugh, 

“Which language do you feel most comfortable speaking in?”

[cakehaus-blog1]

Noé smiles, waving her hands in front of her modestly.

“Please, don’t feel inadequate. Being a chef requires very precise control, and exact measurements and knowledge. Not everyone enjoys it, and it does not come easily to many, but with...with diligence anyone c-can...”

Her voice trails off as her anxiety seems to catch up, a couple of sentences apparently being all she can get out before starting to feel that she’s rambling. She does at least start speaking again relatively quickly, though her voice is quieter and less sure than before.

“Ah, no, please don’t feel obligated to return such a kindness. I only thought that perhaps I could help everyone enjoy their time here. And...after all, I was going to make them regardless. However, I suppose if I ever need a favor of some sort...I wouldn’t mind going to you.”

Her timidity, just as before, was overridden when he lit up at her attempt to connect with him. She immediately brightened in response and became more animated, clearly excited to have gotten such a reaction from him. Even her voice when she spoke was less halting and stuttering.

“It’s nice to meet you too! I only know Japanese in particular because of my shop in Tokyo, but it’s a lovely language. I hope to grow more proficient at it given time. And...I think, in a way, we are all foreigners to each other. I am glad we can communicate at all. As for what I prefer...”

Her shyness overtook her again, and she dipped her head in embarrassment at having talked for so long before glancing up at her new friend again.

“French. I can’t imagine many here would speak it.”

[project--lionheart]

Ghosting on Love || Pregame || Alena/Noémie

You accepted this. 

This wasn’t exactly what she thought was going to happen when she had half-heartedly accepted her spot on the show. She didn’t think she’d be dumped in the middle of no where, in front of a forest with only a dirt path to show signs of civilization. Alena thought they would be taken to the location the show would be filmed, they get to meet all the other people, and she probably makes a fool of herself and asks to leave. 

She was standing off to the side, staring off into the forest. No one seemed to make any real to follow the path so Alena just deicide to stick with the pack, a little safer that way. Nervously, she pulled at her gloves, watching everyone with her big, wide eyes, studying them. On the bus she sort of avoided everyone, out of habit. Now they were all stuck in a single location with nothing to do while waiting for someone to come and get them.

Hard to think that someone in this group is her soulmate, or whatever the tag line for this show is. It’s horrifying. Everyone here is looking for love and all Alena wants to do is go home. What is she doing in a group full of social, eye-catching people. She’s so dumb to think accepting this was a good idea. She shouldn’t have accepted this.  

Is it too late to ask for the bus driver to come back and take her home?…

[cakehaus-blog1]

You accepted this. 

Noémie had to keep reminding herself of that. Her brain was starting to sound like a broken record at this point, but what else could she do? Her options were limited - either greet the people around her, drawing herself into their conversations (a daunting task), or remain alone, at the outskirts of the area, by herself and drowning in her own tired thoughts.

You accepted this, she thought, and scowled mentally at the voice in her head. It wasn’t as if this had been her idea. And right as she thought that, she spotted someone nearby who, if possible, looked more petrified of this whole thing than she did. 

Well. At the very least, a pâtissière had some use when it came to calming people’s nerves.

“Hello,” Noé said softly to the pink-haired woman as she approached her. Even though this is the third time she’s struck up a conversation with someone, it’s still frightening to say the least, and she’s still nearly speaking in French out of mere habit. She supposes she’ll get used to it. “You look a bit unsettled. Perhaps if you had something to eat you would feel better, non?”

Cookies make the world go round.

[project--lionheart]

cookie's crumble 🐾 momoko 🐾 pregame 🐾 closed starter for noemie

A forest. That was the best place they could think to stick them. A fucking forest. Not even that, but stick them in a forest where they had no idea where they were supposed to go when they were the producer’s money on legs for the next who-the-fuck-knows how long amount of time! It was enough to make Momoko seethe and, so, he did. Quietly. He simply leaned up against a tree and scowled at the ground after numerous conversations. More than he should ever have to partake in.

Of course, though he didn’t want in on any conversations, he did overhear others. His ears perked up and his cat ears even seemed to move when he heard one of the only English words he understood: Cookies. Someone brought cookies. With a bit of looking around, he found his target and narrowed his eyes. She was talking with someone at the moment….irritating.

Usually, he would have no issue with barging into the conversation, but he really did want to keep things simple for now. So, he waited. He waited until it looked like she was alone and done with talking with the others before walking over to her and holding out his hand.

“Gimme. Not one. All of them. Now.”

Rude….

[cakehaus-blog1]

Noémie was honestly, sort of, a little bit...starting to relax. Sure, they’d been left stranded in the forest for the moment, and she was alone in a crowd of attractive strangers, and Thierry and Nadine were at least ten hours away by plane at the moment, but it wasn’t so bad, was it? It wasn’t like they’d be left here forever, and the one person she’d talked to thus far had actually been very kind to her. So it was with a lighter heart that she sighed when she got a moment to herself, feeling a little more at ease...

And then Momo came over, and the tone of his voice promptly made her heart drop into her stomach. Still, she kept her lip from quivering (somehow) and decided to try to rationalize with this new person first. Before panicking. Or...before panicking too much.

“Hello,” she tried cautiously, swallowing the lump in her throat. “I am sorry, but I don’t want to do that. However, I did bring enough for there to be a few extra. If you would like two boxes rather than one, I would be more than happy to give that to you. A-and, as well, when we reach our destination I will make other dishes, so it isn’t as if there’s a finite supply of...of...”

You know, it’s a miracle she got that far before beginning to falter, but at least she’s still standing her ground for the time being. She looks like she’s about to cry from the stress, and she’s holding her carrying case protectively to her chest like a mother would hold their child, but she’s resolute.

[project--lionheart]

Well Isn't This Just A Goddamn Mess Of An Unsatisfactory Situation | Noémie + Ryuuta | Prologue

If I survive this, Noé thought, I am going to kill Thierry.

Perfectly reasonable, in her opinion. After all, he couldn’t settle for signing her up for (and strong arming her into agreeing to) a simple dating show. No, he had to go and pick a show that was going to dump her in the middle of the woods, and leave. Really? That was her introduction to what was supposed to be paradise? As if this wasn’t nerve-wracking enough, the show was pulling some Camp Crystal Lake nonsense on them.

The tiny Frenchwoman wrapped her arms tighter around the insulated carrying case in her arms and tried to keep her jaw from clenching more than it already was. It was a miracle she hadn’t started to tremble from the nerves already, but she was sure it wasn’t too far away. Why did she think this was a good idea? She could barely look at the others, let alone talk to them.

Just pull it together, alright? Push through it. You’re stuck here whether you like it or not. 

And so, the pastry chef bravely opened her mouth to address the group surrounding her - 

And promptly shut it again as no sound came out. Right. Well. Good start? It’s probably for the best that she hadn’t managed to say anything, since she’d been so nervous she’d forgotten only one other person here (probably) spoke French. The blonde shut her eyes, trying to think. English would probably be the safest bet, right? At least, if someone didn’t speak it, she could probably go from there. It wasn’t as though she didn’t speak several languages. With that encouraging thought, and the less encouraging Then why is speaking at all so hard? that followed it, Noémie decided to try again.

“E-excuse me,” she softly said in accented English to the few people standing closest to her. Before continuing, she reached into the bag she carried and pulled out a small box of…uh, cookies? They’re embossed with a fancy-looking logo. “I am sure that you must be, ah, famished…after a trip such as that, I mean. I have enough for everyone, so please take one as a gift.”

Well, she tried her best.

[minyominyo]

Ryuuta had been wandering about the clearing, trying to put two and two together. Occasionally he would glance down at his hand, study the notes he’d written for himself and think things over. So they really hadn’t been given any information about where they were supposed to go? The dirt path looked promising, but he’d reminded himself multiple times now that he’d only wind up getting lost if he tried. He’s just have to be patient, that was all. 

He hadn’t expected to be approached- he’s almost forgotten there were other people there with him, in fact. Noémie ‘s offer snaps him back to reality, and he blinks in surprise at the girl standing before him. A quite lovely looking girl, he couldn’t help thinking.

“Oh!…. Are you talking to me?…”

He points to his chest, eyeing the box curiously as he does so. An enchanting aroma meets his nose, and Ryuuta can’t help but smile.

“Ahh, how very kind of you! You’ve hit the nail on the head there- I have to admit, I am getting a bit hungry. I would love to try one, they smell absolutely remarkable! It’s very thoughtfully of you to bring us all such a delicious gift. Did you make them yourself?”

His voice is smooth and soft, and he lets out a small gasp before bowing towards the other,

“Ahh- pardon my manners, I haven’t even introduced myself. A bit rude of me to accept a gift so hurriedly. My name is Ryuuta Hasegawa, it’s a pleasure to meet you~”

[cakehaus-blog1]

Noémie stared wide-eyed at the handsome stranger in front of her for a long few moments, but rather than looking besotted, she really more resembled a deer in the headlights. Apparently, she hadn’t expected anyone to pay much attention to either her or her offer.

“Oh! Ah, hello.”

...is really all she has to say, seemingly lost, until he smiles and appears to jumpstart her self confidence. Finally she smiles back and shyly holds the small box out to him, reddening at the praise. Jesus, she’d forgotten how nerve-wracking it was to talk to people while outside of her comfort zone.

“It’s only natural...I make it a habit to bring along food whenever I take a long trip. There are many who could do with that sort of boost to their energy, and not everyone is able to prepare food as easily as I can.”

She pauses, looking briefly panicked.

“N-not to sound arrogant, I meant only to say that it’s second nature to me at this point. I’m...I’m glad you like them. I did make them myself, yes. They are, in order, lavender white chocolate, fleur de sel - that’s, um, it means French sea salt, but it’s a salted caramel, really - chocolate chai, and rose.”

Noé blinks when he bows, only belatedly remembering that she should probably introduce herself as well considering everyone learns literally in kindergarten not to take food from strangers. Frozen in place, she didn’t think to bow in return until an unreasonable amount of time had passed and she would look odd to do so. Great. This is going well already.

“Hello, Ryu...Hasegaw...um, Monsieur Hasegawa!”

Nailed it. Here, though, she paused, thinking it through. Between the accented English and the name, it probably isn’t his first language, right?

“I don’t think that you were rude at all, only excited.” The blonde woman continued in slightly stiff, and very cautious, Japanese. “My name is Noémie Lenôtre. Pleasure to meet you!”

[project--lionheart]

Well Isn't This Just A Goddamn Mess Of An Unsatisfactory Situation | Noémie + Ryuuta | Prologue

If I survive this, Noé thought, I am going to kill Thierry.

Perfectly reasonable, in her opinion. After all, he couldn’t settle for signing her up for (and strong arming her into agreeing to) a simple dating show. No, he had to go and pick a show that was going to dump her in the middle of the woods, and leave. Really? That was her introduction to what was supposed to be paradise? As if this wasn’t nerve-wracking enough, the show was pulling some Camp Crystal Lake nonsense on them.

The tiny Frenchwoman wrapped her arms tighter around the insulated carrying case in her arms and tried to keep her jaw from clenching more than it already was. It was a miracle she hadn’t started to tremble from the nerves already, but she was sure it wasn’t too far away. Why did she think this was a good idea? She could barely look at the others, let alone talk to them.

Just pull it together, alright? Push through it. You’re stuck here whether you like it or not. 

And so, the pastry chef bravely opened her mouth to address the group surrounding her - 

And promptly shut it again as no sound came out. Right. Well. Good start? It’s probably for the best that she hadn’t managed to say anything, since she’d been so nervous she’d forgotten only one other person here (probably) spoke French. The blonde shut her eyes, trying to think. English would probably be the safest bet, right? At least, if someone didn’t speak it, she could probably go from there. It wasn’t as though she didn’t speak several languages. With that encouraging thought, and the less encouraging Then why is speaking at all so hard? that followed it, Noémie decided to try again.

“E-excuse me,” she softly said in accented English to the few people standing closest to her. Before continuing, she reached into the bag she carried and pulled out a small box of…uh, cookies? They’re embossed with a fancy-looking logo. “I am sure that you must be, ah, famished…after a trip such as that, I mean. I have enough for everyone, so please take one as a gift.”

Well, she tried her best.

[la-cerise-sur-le-gateau56]

Le E.A.T du moment … Brown butter chocolate chip cookies . Des cookies épais et généreux, riches en chunck façon levain bakery . . . #food #pastry #patisserie #delicatessenbakery #pastrychef #artisanpatissier #traiteursurmesure #vannes #dessert #cookies #chocolate #gouter #cake #chocolat #instagood #instafood #instabake #chocolatechipcookies #foodporn #foodstyling #foodphoto #vscocam #f52grams #homemade #gateaux #pastries #sweets #cacaobarry — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/2N3HTGL