Home and Hell.

Congratulations! You have survived. Now live with the trauma. (@Redo64)

[experimental-passion]

A blog for Ichi Michiya, the Adaptive Experiment. Eldest sister of 4, bookworm, human weapon, disaster lesbian. Fandomless OC.

Private, Semi-Selective.

Para Responses.

Crossover / Multiship /OC Friendly.

>Caard<

[experimental-passion]

Sleepover.

"...and you can sleep on the floor, miss Vanrosa~. I'm sure a hardened military vet like you wouldn't mind in the slightest, yes?"

With a smirk, Alice turned over on the bed, her back facing Vanrosa while she cuddled the only other girl left on the queen sized bed. Leaving just enough room for the rabbit in between them to breath comfortably.

"That was the plan... but hearing it come from you makes me wanna just grab my pillow and tell you to move over."

"Aww... but then were wouldn't be enough space for this adorable little rabbit!"

Alice ran her hands through the head of the white-haired rabbit, who moved it's head up along her touch. Bright blue eyes softening as the bunny squinted it's eyes, getting more comfortable.

"Excuse you, this is my bed. And Fujio has his own bed, he's just here with us because it's not his bedtime yet."

"You're just gonna let your best friend sleep on the floor??"

"There's enough room for all of us, just put my rabbit down so he can get to bed."

With a disappointed sign, Alice scooped up the bunny and placed it on the floor beside the bed. Sure enough, it started to hop off to it's own bed in the corner of the room.

"Emily, you can-"

"Yep, I've found my spot."

The redhead plopped down on the other side of the bed, laying down on Ichi's right side. She didn't bother to get beneath the blankets like Ichi, being quite comfortable even without them.

"So what are we watching now?

"Have you guys heard of Madoka Magica?"

"That's a kid's show, c'mon, let's put on something more interesting."

"Please, please, please! I promise you guys are gonna like it. Just give me like 3 episodes..."

"Okay, well don't blame me if i end up sleeping through it."

[experimental-passion]

"Totally!"

The fruits and bars were passed onto Nezumi, who held onto them since one of Lily's arms were already busy holding them. Lily dug into the very full fridge once more, and pulled out a 6 pack of juice boxes with one hand. With a swift kick, the fridge was shut closed once more.

The juice boxes were placed on the table first, then she lifted Nezumi onto one of the chairs. The little mouse spread the apples, peaches, and pears across the table, and then put some of the granola bars down as well. She glanced over to Lily as they took a seat right next to them. They both took their share of the snacks, leaving 3 juice boxes, fruits, and 2 granola bars.

Rocket sat in the living room nearby, comfortably atop one of the couches. Although he normally would've bolted at the chance to receive something in-between meals, he couldn't help but glare at the elf with skepticism.

"Are you going to sit with us?"

Soft orange eyes looked back at Pan, and from behind them, another voice blurted out.

"We have peaches!"

[asterism-codex]

"Yeah.. I can."

As much as she wanted to correct her wrong, she didn't want to force Ichi into the conversation while she was already a little emotionally raw. So she'd reserve herself to just waiting for when she'd come back down.

Pan would slide into one of the chairs across from the two sisters. She'd take her cut of the treats: an apple, a pear, a juice box and a granola. Bold pickings for someone that didn't want anything just a second ago.

"So... Your upgrades for Nezumi." The elf glanced to the little engineer with a somewhat of a dramatic pause, mostly to take a bite of the granola bar.

"Have you thought about adding lasers yet?"

[experimental-passion]

"Lasers?!"

Lily looked a little surprised by the suggestion, since she didn't expect such a thing to come from an adult. Immediately she grinned, slapping her palms against the table as she stood up straight.

"It's a great idea, but I don't really have the tools for it..! Even if I did, I don't know how I'd be able to produce and fire large amounts of energy. The metal would have to be super duper heat resistant, and I'd have to figure out how to make a battery capable of holding all that energy without draining and turning off Nezumi suddenly. I don't know where I'd put it either. I could make it come from her eyes like superman, but the repeated heat could damage everything up there. Her fingers are also a decent option, but there's not enough space for all the machinery. We had a laser pointer, but it was mostly to mess with Rocket for a while. Eventually, he just got lazy and stopped chasing the red dot. Mochi didn't even bother looking at the dot! I swear, it's more roomba than cat. Anyways, we swapped it out to let her shoot metal balls instead. It's just in case of emergency though, and like... getting apples from really tall trees. She can hold 3 per pointing finger, and it fires fast enough to crack wood from about 15 feet away. It was the first BIG project I did with Nezumi, and it took me a few days to figure out how to get it to launch. Eventually, I just settled for using an air compressor. The first time we tested it out, we left a hole in the wall of our treehouse, so we had to tone it down a bit to not seriously hurt somebody with it. Uh, don't tell Ichi that. About the wall. We covered it with a painting. But like, it worked! It's not a laser or anything, but it shoots at stuff so it's good enough! Maybe one day if I ever get the materials that I need... but I'd also have to make Nezumi a new hand to compensate for all the heat and I don't know if I could do that, especially with a really durable metal. It's a lot easier making little modification and putting electronics in her than it is making an entirely new body part. Even if it's just replacing an old one."

Did you catch all that?

Nezumi's ear twitched, the one that faced across the hallway and up the staircase. They didn't seem to be paying much attention to what Lily was saying, her attention was elsewhere. Not that Lily noticed, far too busy running her mouth about one of her projects.

[asterism-codex]

She couldn’t say that she caught all of it, dare she admit that she lost her way half way into her rambling. It wasn’t as if she wasn’t trying to show interest, because the idea of the little mouse girl beaming an unsuspecting target with a laser was amusing, but Pan didn’t nearly have the knowledge to keep up. Charlie, however, was a different story.

“Mm… It might be a project for when you’re older, maybe.. That way you can actually find a good metal to withstand that sort of pressure without getting in trouble with Ichi.” Or the authorities.

She’d take fleeting glances over at Nezumi, the twitching in her big round ears becoming increasingly harder to ignore as time went on. There was no doubt that she was listening for their sister.

“Speaking of… Is she..?”

[experimental-passion]

Nezumi, rather uncharacteristically, decided to not be very helpful and just shrugged her shoulders. Weren't they going to check up on Ichi? She just went back to picking at the Pear in her hands, ignoring the other two as she kept her attention elsewhere.

"Hm, maybe when I'm in High School I'll join a robotics team. Maybe they'll have the things I need, or at least know other people where I can find heat resistant metal. There are plenty of other things I can try in the meanwhile, though. She's pretty small, so sometimes I need to help her maneuver around the forest. And, like, I dont mind, but it'd be nice if she could more easily move around the forest on her own in case she needs to. I was thinking maybe something that let's her swing around like a grappling hook. Not her arm though, it'd mess up too many things trying to make that stretchy. Maybe if I make her tale stronger it'll allow her to spring around more. Like Tigger."

She quite liked that funny little Tiger. The thought of Nezumi being able to bounce on her tail like a spring also amused her quite a bit.

[experimental-passion]

🌼 Flowers - If you had to associate your muse with a flower, what would it be?

🍼 Drink Me - Does your muse tend to feel small, like they're insignificant or foolish?

🌼 Flowers - If you had to associate your muse with a flower, what would it be?

The Frangipani Flower symbolizes strength to withstand tough challenges, welcoming guests, and intense love. I also love how to colors are prominently white, with a bit of gold in there. They're both colors I strongly associate with Ichi.

I think these would look great sitting in Ichi's hair. Tiny flowers giving her small splashes of warm colors.

🍼 Drink Me - Does your muse tend to feel small, like they're insignificant or foolish?

It's not often, but when she feels uncertain of herself or unsure of what to do, it reminds her of when she was a "child." It reminds her of that time in her life, when the world was still big and scary, and she didn't know nearly as much as she pretended she did. Simply marching forward and stumbling almost every step of the way.

The first time Lily grew sick, or the first time Lily began dealing with the growing pains of her wings. When Nezumi first badly damage her arm, or when Rocket grew so sickly he couldn't even eat. There was even a time Lily was constantly tired and unmotivated and Ichi couldn't figure out why, until she realized she really needed to make sure that the growing child was eating more than just snacks and the occasional meal.

It all makes her feel the same way, like a lost child, struggling to figure things out again with consequences if she didn't.

[experimental-passion]

"I would like to formally apologize."

"My unannounced hiatus has left some fans wondering and worried, especially since some fans have noticed how burnt out I've been. I desperately needed a break, and I've returned to make it up to you all."

The entertainer stood up from his seat, and took a bow to the audience. The host watched carefully as he held that position for a few seconds, then standing back up straight to take a seat.

2 years. It had been 2 years since Jay's sudden disappearance, and yet the fans were still eating up his return. It was as if he had never left. Hell, if anything he had gained momentum with his sudden return.

The announcement of his return came with announcements of streams, merch, and even appearances in shows that couldn't wait to get their hands on him. It was scary how obsessed some people still were with him... but then again, that was almost to be expected from a prodigy like him.

Nothing about his appearance particularly stood out, but he seemed to still be able to charm people with charisma and attitude. That easy-going smile rested on his face like it was his default.

"I understand you were feeling burnt out, but you went completely radio silent in the past 2 years. Many people were worried. To not even leave a message is a little irresponsible, don't you think?"

"Yes, my actions were irresponsible. I did worry a lot of people, and I really should've at least made a statement clarifying my disappearance. I regret not doing so. I lived very selfishly for the past 2 years, and I wish to move forward and repair the goodwill I have lost with my community, who have remained very loyal even when I haven't deserved it."

The prodigy spoke with a calm sincerity, occasionally looking down into his lap as he spoke. Huh, he really did think he could just vanish and come back like nothing happened.

"What did you do within those 2 years?"

"Well, I focused on myself. I learned a bit of robotics, focused on taking care of myself, and took a step back to focus on why I initially chose to become an entertainer."

"Because your mother forced you?"

At the mention of his mother, his expression tightened. As if the host had struck a nerve. Jay took a breath, before continuing.

"Because I wanted to make people smile. My mother has nothing to do with it."

From behind spectacles, the host looked at Jay with sharp eyes. The eyes that Jay returned, were void of any real joy.

[experimental-passion]

Mad Hatter, Ichi

🎩 Mad Hatter - What's your muse's favorite way to mess with someone?

"Mess with someone? I don't mess with anyone."

Partially true. Ichi wasn't nearly as obnoxious as Jay, or annoying as Lily when they decided to seek whatever attention they could get.

But, Ichi still enjoyed occasionally using her hair to mess with other people. If they were washing dishes together, Ichi would use it to poke at Lily's side while keeping her own hands perfectly busy. Watching as her sister jolted, only to look around in confusion. Or tap on Nezumi's shoulder as they sat reading a book, not even looking up as the little mouse turned and even peeked behind the couch for answers. Occasionally, she'd reach down to pet Rocket... only to stand back up and walk off. Chuckling to herself as the raccoon scrambled to follow her, desperate for her award-winning ear scratches. Of course, she'd relent after watching him beg a little.

[experimental-passion]

It's all in the past now tho!! So Ichi is pretty much in her retirement era

"It really makes me feel stupid that I bitched about my life to her."

Poor Ichi, she had to hear all about Alexis's pretty boring family life. She wondered what Ichi thought about that.

The girl washed her face with the water running from the faucet, getting rid of all the stickers that were stuck on. Phew, it was a relief getting them all off.

Did Ichi find it stupid? No, probably not. The analyst didn't seem like she would look down on her just because their life was harder. Still, it must've seemed like Alexis was whining about a papercut when Ichi was used to getting stabbed.

[mad-hatter-memes]

Alice in Wonderland Ask Game

👗 Alice - How good is your muse at giving advice? Regardless if they are or not, do they even follow said advice?

📖 Alice's Sister - What books does your muse like to read?

🐇 White Rabbit - How punctual do you consider your muse? Do they have a habit of arriving at places early or late? And if so, why?

🍼 Drink Me - Does your muse tend to feel small, like they're insignificant or foolish?

🍰 Eat Me - How important does your muse think they are? Is it true? Or are they too big for their britches?

👨🏻‍🤝‍👨🏻 Tweedledee Tweedledum - How quick does your muse agree to a fight? Do they accept without hesitation or do they prefer to plan beforehand?

🌼 Flowers - If you had to associate your muse with a flower, what would it be?

🐛 Caterpillar - Does your muse ever get existential? Do they tend to question who (or what) they are?

😼 Cheshire Cat - What's something that can get your muse to smile?

🎩 Mad Hatter - What's your muse's favorite way to mess with someone?

☕ March Hare - What's your muse's favorite month of the year?

🐭 Dormouse - How is your muse's sleep schedule?

🌹 Painted Roses - When your muse makes a mistake, do they prefer to cover it up or just tell the truth and reap the consequences?

❤ Queen of Hearts - What's the pettiest thing your muse has gotten angry over?

[experimental-passion]

"I feel like I'm gonna throw up..."

Hugging her white bunny a little tighter, Ichi focused on trying to take deep breaths. Trying desperately not to begin hyperventilating. The poor rabbit was now damp in her arms, which was no surprise given how quickly she had rushed to her room.

Unfortunately, her long white hair was still dripping water. Droplets falling onto the wooden flooring beneath, with some dropping on the head of the poor bunny. It didn't make any attempts to get away, simply tolerating the impromptu shower in favor of providing emotional support.

It didn't help that the house had been kept a little colder since most of the residents preferred it. It was tolerable to Ichi when she was dry. Right now, she had begun shivering a little in response to the cool air circulating around her.

She couldn't help but feel regret.

....why?

Why did it have to be her?

She was a mess.

Ichi's head was a mess, she shouldn't be responsible for the Lily and Nezumi. Not when people like Robin could make them happier than she ever could. Robin would know how to handle Lily's insatiable wanderlust, and Nezumi's desire to grow beyond the purpose Ichi had selfishly given them. She'd know how to guide Alexis, and love Imani.

Robin would make every person feel loved. She'd make them feel at home. She could nurture them into reaching their full potential. She'd ensure that they never felt anything but love.

She was just a failing facsimile.

Every smile, every warm hug, every bit of advice was given with shaky uncertainty. Who was she to give love, when she was so broken inside? Every time her little sisters ran into her arms crying, she asked herself what the caretaker would do. And then, she would embrace them with the same warmth she remembered Robin giving her.

All she could offer them was a echo of the love she had recieved.

They deserved so much more. They deserved more than an echo of love. They deserved to be embraced with more than a memory.

That night, she should've been embraced with the blazing inferno of death. Death had mistakenly reaped the wrong soul.

The little rabbit nuzzled her arm, and then stood up on her arms to get a little closer to her face. It's sniffing nose searched for something, so Ichi bent down a little more, staring at it with teary eyes.

As soon as it got close enough, it touched it's pink nose with her own. Gently pressing them together. It pulled away very briefly, before doing it again.

So she reached a hand to it, carefully scratching at the top of it's head. Taking a moment to reward it's attempts to comfort her.

The bunny squinted as her nails grazed the top of it's head, and then closed them entirely, leaning into the hand.

[experimental-passion]

Ichi has a loooooooong history :sweats:

"A girl raised as an assassin, given a proper name by her first lover... it sounds like something a teenager would come up with."

That was to say, it sounded completely absurd. And that was just the start of it. Being told Ichi had killed people, that she had even gotten her friend killed. Being told she had been hunted down by her old handlers. The fact that she had caused the disaster at the orphanage. And so much more.

It was so tragically absurd, she wouldn't have believed any of it had Ichi not looked so gloomy. Recounting every event with a look of regret, or a look of sorrow. Ichi could be secretive, but the analyst wasn't a liar.

The scariest part was that she knew Ichi was still withholding details. But Alexis wasn't upset, especially when she was already having a hard time digesting the information she was told.

Ugh.

Maybe she shouldn't have asked, now she wasn't sure what to think.

[experimental-passion]

"What was your life like before all of this?"

"Like, before you moved into this house and met us?"

Alexis looked right into the glass mirror in front of her, watching as the analyst carefully brushed her hair from behind. She looked... ridiculous. Colorful stickers were littered around the bottom of her eyes, thanks to the insistence of her three younger sisters. Not to mention the headband she'd never be caught dead wearing outside.

While Alexis looked at herself with disdain, Ichi looked at her with warmth. So, like... it wasn't all that bad. She just focused on the sensation of Ichi brushing through her tangled mess of hair.

"I told you, me and Lily grew up in an orphanage together. A terrible fire occurred, and I've looked after her ever since."

When people lied, they tended to add too many details. When they were hiding something, they didn't add enough.

It wasn't as if Alexis was trying to force Ichi to answer. Although, it was weird how she never looked uncomfortable talking about it, despite trying to omit details. Ichi considered them family, but it felt like she always kept them at arms reach.

"There's a lot of details missing from your story."

As Ichi's hands froze, so did Alexis. Her eyes darted up to read the analyst's expression... they looked deep in thought. Debating something.

"Do you really want to know? It's a miserable story. You'll probably leave feeling sad about it."

"I don't think so, since I know it has a happy ending."

That seemed to satisfy the analyst. It was a long story, and no doubt she'd have to make a few things up to not sound like a lunatic. But, maybe Alexis could handle most of the truth. The brush was placed down, and Ichi took a seat.

"Okay."

"I was raised to kill people..."

[experimental-passion]

"Totally!"

The fruits and bars were passed onto Nezumi, who held onto them since one of Lily's arms were already busy holding them. Lily dug into the very full fridge once more, and pulled out a 6 pack of juice boxes with one hand. With a swift kick, the fridge was shut closed once more.

The juice boxes were placed on the table first, then she lifted Nezumi onto one of the chairs. The little mouse spread the apples, peaches, and pears across the table, and then put some of the granola bars down as well. She glanced over to Lily as they took a seat right next to them. They both took their share of the snacks, leaving 3 juice boxes, fruits, and 2 granola bars.

Rocket sat in the living room nearby, comfortably atop one of the couches. Although he normally would've bolted at the chance to receive something in-between meals, he couldn't help but glare at the elf with skepticism.

"Are you going to sit with us?"

Soft orange eyes looked back at Pan, and from behind them, another voice blurted out.

"We have peaches!"

[asterism-codex]

"Yeah.. I can."

As much as she wanted to correct her wrong, she didn't want to force Ichi into the conversation while she was already a little emotionally raw. So she'd reserve herself to just waiting for when she'd come back down.

Pan would slide into one of the chairs across from the two sisters. She'd take her cut of the treats: an apple, a pear, a juice box and a granola. Bold pickings for someone that didn't want anything just a second ago.

"So... Your upgrades for Nezumi." The elf glanced to the little engineer with a somewhat of a dramatic pause, mostly to take a bite of the granola bar.

"Have you thought about adding lasers yet?"

[experimental-passion]

"Lasers?!"

Lily looked a little surprised by the suggestion, since she didn't expect such a thing to come from an adult. Immediately she grinned, slapping her palms against the table as she stood up straight.

"It's a great idea, but I don't really have the tools for it..! Even if I did, I don't know how I'd be able to produce and fire large amounts of energy. The metal would have to be super duper heat resistant, and I'd have to figure out how to make a battery capable of holding all that energy without draining and turning off Nezumi suddenly. I don't know where I'd put it either. I could make it come from her eyes like superman, but the repeated heat could damage everything up there. Her fingers are also a decent option, but there's not enough space for all the machinery. We had a laser pointer, but it was mostly to mess with Rocket for a while. Eventually, he just got lazy and stopped chasing the red dot. Mochi didn't even bother looking at the dot! I swear, it's more roomba than cat. Anyways, we swapped it out to let her shoot metal balls instead. It's just in case of emergency though, and like... getting apples from really tall trees. She can hold 3 per pointing finger, and it fires fast enough to crack wood from about 15 feet away. It was the first BIG project I did with Nezumi, and it took me a few days to figure out how to get it to launch. Eventually, I just settled for using an air compressor. The first time we tested it out, we left a hole in the wall of our treehouse, so we had to tone it down a bit to not seriously hurt somebody with it. Uh, don't tell Ichi that. About the wall. We covered it with a painting. But like, it worked! It's not a laser or anything, but it shoots at stuff so it's good enough! Maybe one day if I ever get the materials that I need... but I'd also have to make Nezumi a new hand to compensate for all the heat and I don't know if I could do that, especially with a really durable metal. It's a lot easier making little modification and putting electronics in her than it is making an entirely new body part. Even if it's just replacing an old one."

Did you catch all that?

Nezumi's ear twitched, the one that faced across the hallway and up the staircase. They didn't seem to be paying much attention to what Lily was saying, her attention was elsewhere. Not that Lily noticed, far too busy running her mouth about one of her projects.

[experimental-passion]

"I'm not satisfied with my purpose."

"Please don't be mad at me."

That... came out of nowhere. Ichi's mouth was left hanging for a moment while she processed what they said. For one, she never heard Nezumi be so direct with her. Usually, the little mouse was as agreeable as can be. It was rare for them to assert their opinion. Second, their 'purpose' was just to help look after Lily. Did they grow tired of their sister, or did they simply feel burdened by the expectation?

She lowered the fork in her hand, placing it right next to the salad she had been eating. Despite Nezumi's nervous expression, her little sunset eyes remained focused on the analyst.

"Why would I be mad? I mean, I'm a little confused by what you mean. Did you and Lily have a fight or something..?"

Light green hair began to swish around as Nezumi shook her head, vehemently denying the assumption. Of course not! Their disagreements were always settled with either Nezumi allowing her sister to do as they pleased, or giving them puppy eyes to dissuade Lily from doing something harmful to herself.

"You asked me to look after Lily almost 3 years ago, and I was more than happy to. I liked seeing her happy, I liked seeing her laugh. It was nice to have somebody to focus on while I learned how to be their friend. I'm great at taking care of Lily, I do a good job looking after her."

"How come I can't do the same for you?"

Ah, she was starting to understand a little. It was a complicated question, and she wasn't sure how to give them a good answer. Ichi gave herself a few seconds to pick at the salad before trying.

"I'm your older sister, and it's my responsibility to take care of my younger siblings. I can't expect either of you to take care of me, you're both far too young for that. Besides, you help me enough by looking after Lily. It's not easy keeping somebody as hyperactive as her socially satiated."

They gave the little mouse a soft smile, which was received with furrowed eyebrows.

"You matter too... I want to be able to take care of you too."

All Ichi could do was sigh, reaching at their head to scratch their soft green mouse ears.

"You shouldn't have to."

[experimental-passion]

"She has a GIRLFRIEND??"

"How? Why??"

What the fuck? She'd only been gone for a little while now! How come in those few short years, her girlfriend was living with another girl? They really couldn't wait for her? She thought they had something special!

A mansion, far away in a beautiful snowy wonderland. Luxuries and love, no responsibilities! What could beat that??

Seriously.

What the fuck.

The girl she had been replaced with, was gross and sweaty. Struggling to wrangle a few children, failing miserably while Ichi had to get her hands dirty in the kitchen. They weren't nearly as pretty as Ichi either! What a downgrade.

She ducked below the window, biting her thumb as she sat in between some bushes. Heaven was so close! So close! Alas, there were so many people right now... whatever, even if Ichi was alone, she couldn't take her right now. She just got out of prison, she needed to set up another gilded cage for her darling.

Perhaps do some observing from the distance. Ensure there was no outsiders to intervene. No schoolmates, no rich bitch with a personal army. Ichi certainly had some... fucking annoying friends. This time, she'd be much more careful not to alert any of them...

But as soon as she could, she'd do something about that girl Ichi was cheating on her with.

[experimental-passion]

"Where did this come from?"

"I didn't see you as a romantic, Ichi."

"I'm not..!"

Okay, given the questions she had been asking, Ichi could see why Robin thought that. That wasn't the point though, the point was to see if Akira actually had a chance to get together with Robin. Surely he did since they gave glances across the coffee shop, but it didn't hurt to make sure.

"I was just wondering... if you ever thought of dating anybody? Most people have already gone on dates in high school, I even know a few people in my class who are in relationships right now. I'm sure if you really wanted, you could easily find a boyfriend."

"Hmm, maybe. I'll answer that question with another question. Are you looking for an s/o?"

"That's not an answer."

"It is."

Ichi sighed and laid down on the grass, gazing up at the blue sky to scan the clouds. That was entirely different, although she wasn't sure how she could explain that to Robin without pouring her heart out. It was too early in the afternoon for that.

"No... but, that's because my last relationship was a little rough. I'm not exactly in a rush to get my heart broken again."

That was pretty much the truth. Her last relationship was, in hindsight, doomed from the start. A clingy lover, and one who simply didn't have the time.

"You had a boyfriend?"

"A girlfriend, but why is that a surprise?"

"I thought the only reason you left your house was to pick up more coffee."

"It was during high school-!"

"I'm kidding!"

Even now as Robin smiled at her, it was painful. There was friendliness, but not warmth.

Kindness, but not fondness.

There had been so many conversations between them that Robin would never remember. Memories that only Ichi could recall. She was thankful she could talk to Robin again, truly. It was just- so different.

They weren't a family anymore.

That hurt.

"I answered your question, now you have to answer mine. A clear answer."

"Okay, fine. I just don't wanna get with some guy who isn't serious, I want somebody with the intention of becoming long-term. You'd be surprised how difficult that is to find."

A blade of grass was twirled between her slender fingers, pondering that caregiver's words. Well, it seemed like Akira had a shot after all.

"What would it take for you to get back into a relationship?"

"Huh?"

Suddenly she froze, that green slip pinched between her fingers. That... she hadn't thought about that. Admittedly, she kinda just gave up on that level on intimacy. Why go through the trouble?

"I don't know. I guess I kinda agree? I just want somebody committed to making things work out in the long run, no matter how difficult things get. Somebody I can depend on always being there. That's enough."

"Hmmm..."

A warm hand was placed on Ichi's cool forehead. It felt... nice. Feeling the touch of her friend, as they both looked at each other with equally mismatched eyes.

"Anybody would be lucky to have you."

[experimental-passion]

14. How do they show affection?

15. How do they want to be shown affection?

20. Song that fits their love life.

30. How would they break up with someone?

14. How do they show affection?

○ It's in the little ways with Ichi.

○ Of course, she enjoys cuddling her partner or giving them a kiss on the cheek, and she'll tell them how much they mean to her in a thousand different ways.

○ But the other ways she shows affection is in the little ways they wouldn't notice. Adjusting meals to ensure they receive proper nutrition, silently stocking the pantry with their snacks in mind, or coaxing them to bed with affection so they get enough sleep.

○ Baking is also a love language, she'd learn to make their favorite sweet treat so they could enjoy it ever now and again.

○ She's always there for her partner. Yeah, sometimes it comes across as clingy, but she just wants them to feel like she's always there (physically and metaphorically) for them.

15. How do they want to be shown affection?

○ To everybody else, Ichi gives black cat energy. To her partner, she's like a golden retriever without the excess energy.

○ Reciporcate her craving for physical affection, tolerate her clinging to your arm because being so close to you means so much her.

○ Make her feel special, take her to a movie date or to a restaurant she likes to eat at. She absolutely loves the special attention, getting to be the one being spoiled for a change.

○ Take some responsibilities off her plate. Look after her sister's for a little while, make dinner, grab her some groceries, anything to surprise her with one less thing to worry about. It's a little thing, but Ichi is subconsciously allowing herself to grow more dependent on you, trusting you to become a part of all aspects of her life rather than doing everything herself.

20. Song that fits their love life.

○ thuy - girls like me don't cry

○ "I'm hiding out so they don't see this part of me."

○ "Girls like me don't cry, girls like me pretend they don't cry (crybaby.)"

○ "They say girl don't cry, try to keep my head up high."

○ "Smile like it's alright, but all I wanna do is hide."

30. How would they break up with someone.

○ It depends on the cause.

○ If it was on neutral or positive terms (things just aren't working out): At the start of the relationship, she'd be okay letting them down softly. Deeper into the relationship, she'd have a hard time doing so, but would eventually sit them down and really let them know that while it's not their fault, this relationship just isn't right for her.

○ If it's on negative terms (cheating or, did something else to hurt her): Ichi would just ghost them, erase them from her life. She wouldn't answer their calls, or respond to a text. Do everything in her power to avoid them. It isn't out of anger, it's out of hurt. The betrayal of her trust is so agonizing, she just wants to run away from them and never see them again.

[the-rp-atelier]

|| ⋆｡‧˚ʚ🍓ɞ˚‧｡⋆ “𝚃𝚈𝙿𝙴 & 𝚂𝙷𝙸𝙿” 𝙰𝚂𝙺 𝙶𝙰𝙼𝙴

Send me a number & I’ll answer about my muse!

1. Describe their “ideal type” in 5 words. 2. Biggest dealbreaker in a relationship? 3. Are they drawn to opposites or similarities? 4. Their first impression vs. the reality. 5. Which trope fits them best? (e.g., grumpy/sunshine, rivals to lovers, etc.) 6. Do they believe in love at first sight? 7. Would they confess first or wait? 8. Who’s more likely to make the first move: them or their partner? 9. Do they like PDA or keep it private? 10. Something that would make them instantly smitten. 11. Something that would instantly turn them off. 12. Are they more of a romantic or a realist? 13. Do they fall fast or slow? 14. How do they show affection? 15. How do they want to be shown affection? 16. Biggest green flag for them. 17. Biggest red flag for them. 18. Their love language (giving). 19. Their love language (receiving). 20. Song that fits their love life. 21. Which fictional ship would they compare themselves to? 22. Would they be a dramatic lover or a chill one? 23. Do they like traditional romance or unconventional relationships? 24. What would make them jealous? 25. Do they like rivals-to-lovers tension? 26. What’s their “most dateable” trait? 27. What’s their “most difficult” trait? 28. Ideal first date. 29. Ideal long-term partner dynamic. 30. How they’d break up with someone (if they had to).