Sunflower's Guardian

Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies Hugh O'Conner RP blog. . Hover over the title 'Links' to access 'Relationships' and more. Set after DD's 'end' and has passed the defense exam - but not a lawyer yet, any spoilery stuff tagged with 'DD spoilers' ! Headcanon - Hugh's Birthday is on the 17th of January, making him a Capricorn. Currently: CRYING. EMOTIONAL. W-WE FINALLY GRADUATED SNIFFLE... M!A: None.

[msjuniperwoods]

Last year…Last year had been jam packed full of heavy stress and far too many life or death situations.  From Professor Courte’s murder to Juniper thinking she had actually killed someone…The public confession to getting slowly possessed..  Last Christmas, Juniper hadn’t even been home.  She had blacked out essentially, her body being inhabited by Dahlia Hawthorne and controlled in bursts.  When she’d woken up, she was sprawled under a bridge in the next city over.  Her feet hurt just remembering how much walking she’d done to get home.  After all that…The incident with Maria Fey…Followed shortly by what was essentially an exorcism.  Juniper shivered to herself.  At least that year was over.  Over, over, over…  There were new things to think about.  Happy things.

She, Hugh and Robin had graduated.  Robin and Hugh were happy and free.  Mr. Blackquill was out of prison.  Athena had stuck around.  Juniper’s time working under the Judge was going to begin soon after her vacation with Hugh and Robin was set to wrap up too~  There were many things to be grateful for.  Justice…Living..Family and friends.  And love~  Speaking of which.  Juniper stepped up to Hugh’s boss and asked for permission to wait around until it was lunch time.  Once her boyfriend was free to eat she waved him over.

“I’m excited, you know?  We can think of this as our first proper Christmas together~”  She handed him a lunchbox as she spoke.

[hugh0c0nner]

Ah - he’d been busy with assisting with building work, for usually this part-time work was VERY active this time of year, due to helping build the Christmas tree displays that sat in the middle of town - if he was being honest, using the crane to help put decorations on a very large tree display was rather amusing - but he’d still noted Junie around. How cute, she came here to wait for him? A smile played across his face, though he sill focused on the work at hand.

It would be dangerous to take his focus off it, after all, but he’d still eagerly wait for lunch time to meet up with Junie. He had kind of...an early Christmas present to give. As such, he grew more and more animated the close lunch time became, and when it finally came along, he moved to Junie without many waves having to be done.

“Yes, this is rather exciting, isn’t it? I-i’m really looking forward to it: and speaking of looking forward to things. I’ve been looking forward to giving you this early present all day.” Hands slightly shaky from shy nerves, he pulled a small box from his pockets, handing it to Junie.

“I...r-really wanted you to have a wonderful one this year, especially as it’s kind of the first year since I admitted my feelings to you....s-so go ahead, and open it.”

While she did that, he’d happily accept the lunchbox.

[hugh0c0nner]

Mysteries of the ocean blue

[msjuniperwoods]

Right away, Juniper was curious as to what Hugh’s daily task could be.  She was saddened to hear that his father had passed away (that was the most logical assumption to make considering his body language) and regarded him sympathetically.  

“I’m so sorry for your loss.”  She said softly.  Hugh went on to explain that he was the prince of his clan and was currently in training.  "There are many humans that might fear you, or want to exploit you.  Your friend’s fears are not unfounded, but I also know that their are lots of humans that would treat you kindly~“  Juniper shook her head in response to his last question.  ”You aren’t boring me at all.  Since we’re here, why don’t you ask me something?  I’ll try my best to answer your curiosities.“

[hugh0c0nner]

The human was expressing...sympathy for losing his parents? That was so nice, and he couldn’t help but give a thankful smile - though his teeth were rather sharp and pointy-looking, they...were crooked as well. It seemed he might be self-conscious of that, for realizing he smiled and showed his teeth, he bobbed down a little so his mouth was covered by the waves.

Shy merman.

Oh, it sounded like...she was advising him that as much as he didn’t think the other merpeople were fair in judging humans so quickly, they did have a point: some humans were bad. Yet, he was right too, apparently - there was also good ones. “You’re a really nice human, though.”

Though this was hard to hear given he was hiding slightly underwater!

He popped his head back out at the promise of questions, though. 

“Oh, oh! I have lots of questions! Can you humans breath underwater, like we can? I mean, I’ve seen humans swim before, but not as long as we do...”

[msjuniperwoods]

“I don’t doubt it~  Aside from the three of us, we have many new friends and allies as well.  Thena, Apollo, Trucy, Mr. Wright, Klavier…”  She took a moment to consider mentioning Myriam or not.  Mmm…  "And perhaps Myriam too.  With that said, I do hope any future surprises are positive in nature~“  She gave Hugh a small hug as the wheel finished up it’s final rotation.  

—

Now that they had relaxed on this much more gentle ride, Juniper decided to walk around for a bit.  There was a stage set up away from the games that had a magician launching into her act.  !  Juniper led Hugh over to it and the couple took their seats.  Truth be told, the magician reminded Juniper of Trucy, which endeared her to the woman right away.  Her set had plenty of variety in it, which was great.  She also called on plenty of children to be her volunteers.  When she started a set of rope tricks, however, she called on Hugh to come up to the stage.

[hugh0c0nner]

“Yeah...speaking of Klavier, I actually have a bit of a story regarding him. Before I met you and Robin, there were two people who were friends in my class, despite being prosecutors...but I’ve always been shy to tell this story, because it was so long ago and they’ve probably forgotten about me. Klavier was one of them...but I guess it wasn’t like that for ‘other’ Klavier’s, because none of them have recognized me yet, heh. The other was Sebastian Debeste. He and I were very alike, so we got along pretty well...”

Ah, well - it certainly is an interesting story, but given the two people lost contact with Hugh when he stayed on at Themis, one could see why he’d be hesitant to tell the story: it was so long ago, and nobody but him seemed to recall. That aside, he nodded, smiling.

“I h-have hope that even though I get nervous in crowds, our circle of friends growing will help me grow as a person - and help me be a more loyal friend to Robin, and boyfriend to you. And that with their  and your and Robin’s help, any surprise can be positive.” He returned the hug, and was bold enough to try dipping his head down and leaving a gentle kiss on her cheek, if she seemed okay with that. 

_____

With the more gentle ride relaxing and mellowing him out a great deal, it seemed a interesting show had attracted Junie’s attention: when she tugged him towards it, he could see it was a magic show? Heh...it reminded him of Trucy a lot, really. Seemed like it had a lot of different tricks, too.

H-huh, wait....was she calling him to the stage? Hugh froze in his seat...he didn’t cope well with big crowds, but...but the people might get angry if he kept the show waiting, so he shakily made his way to the stage.

All those eyes on him.....he didn’t know what to do. He felt so shaky? Juniper probably knew he was bad with really really big crowds, but...he was trying his best to be brave for her sake.

[hugh0c0nner]

A favor for a friend?

[snowthefirst]

“Well, that’s why I put it off until tomorrow,” Robin explained. “This is a big decision I’m going to make, and as always I need to give it my all!” 

 Maybe Robin would find herself changing her mind the next day, maybe not. But after the kind of day today had been, Robin found she needed to sleep on the events. 

“Hey, Hugh?” Robin said as they approached Hugh’s place. “Thank you so much for being with me today. You really are my best friend!” 

[hugh0c0nner]

Nodding in evident gladness that Robin was waiting for tomorrow to do this - Hugh felt satisfied and content to trust Robin, to know she was thinking this over before acting: though she loved being hasty and rushing about the place, it seemed she understood now was no time for that this time. This kind of serious choice had to be deliberated, and made without hesitation.

Come to think of it....t-that was probably part of the reason why confessing his true feelings to Juniper had taken so long. O-oops. Flustered thoughts aside, as they neared his house, the sincere thanks from Robin made the archer of blue pause...before giving a genuine smile.

“Of course. We’re all best friends, and best friends look out for one-another...t-though, Junie is my girlfriend AND a best friend? Uhhh....I dunno how that works name-wise, whether you’d just say ‘girlfriend’ anyways, but I dunno...”

Dorky Hugh. Yet, it was clear he was sincere, and truthful about his loyalty to his pals.

[hugh0c0nner]

A favor for a friend?

[snowthefirst]

Hugh’s completely silent introduction almost placed the antsy Shannon on edge again, but Robin could recognize it as his own way of leaving her to face the conversation that needed to happen. 

“I can just feel all the passion you poured into this letter,” Robin said. “Its almost too bright to look at!”

Shannon giggled at Robin’s antics but was hanging onto every word all the same. Robin leaned close to Shannon and whispered something…..

*

Shannon left the cafe in very high spirits. Not long after Robin called for the bill, and she and Hugh left. 

On the way back to Hugh’s house Robin spoke up. 

“I told her to meet me by herself after Art Club,” Robin said in her usual tone. “I’m going to let her down. But I’m going to make sure to tell her we can be friends.”  Perhaps it would seem awful of Robin to set up a meeting for the explicit purpose of rejecting Shannon. But to give false hope would be so much crueler, as Robin had gotten over her desire for a date. 

Even so, she couldn’t help but grip her proof of friendship at the thought of the brief but sharp pain she would have to cause.

[hugh0c0nner]

Hugh’s coffee arrived then, giving him something to do while Robin talked to Shannon - the conversation seemed to be going well, so he didn’t need to speak up. Truth be told, though, he was still nervous of the crowd here, so that was really why he kept quiet and to himself. Though, seeing Robin happy in conversation made him happy, too. Even if this was stressful, he knew he’d done the right thing coming here, if it meant Robin was happy.

He wondered what had been whispered, but did not ask, as it seemed private. It was only after he and Robin left, he managing to calm down finally as they did - she spoke up, explaining that she had asked Shannon to meet her alone after Art Club - to let her down. Oh...did Shannon have feelings for her that were beyond a simple crush, and it was a bit much to accept for Robin at the time?

“Yeah, I understand...you don’t want to rush into anything, but, are you sure about this? A serious situation like this...it shouldn’t be rushed into either."

Yes, this was true...rushing into decisions wouldn’t end well. Hugh was trying to be good best bud and give sensible advice.

[hugh0c0nner]

A favor for a friend?

[snowthefirst]

While Hugh and the aloof girl had a brief confrontation, Robin faced the nervous dark-haired girl. It was then that Robin recognized the young student as a member of the art club that had joined this year, by the name of Shannon. If Robin wasn’t mistaken, that made the aloof girl her best friend Heather. 

“Hello, Shannon!” Robin said cheerfully. “Its nice to see you outside school! What have you got there?”  Robin’s bright attitude had it’s intended effect- Shannon relaxed considerably and was able to hand over the letter to Robin. Reading it revealed it was a love letter from Shannon- filled with a starry-eyed admiration for Robin and her art.

Robin smiled widely, feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. While she couldn’t reciprocate the sentiment, Robin appreciated it all the same. If nothing else, she could help Shannon learn to stand on her own feet- just like Robin’s friends always helped her do the same. 

Robin patted the seat next to her and said, “Shannon, sit and hang with me and Hugh for a while! You can join us too, Heather.” 

Heather, while clearly wanting to stay, excused herself and left the cafe, but not before patting her best friend on the back in an encouraging manner. It seemed like Heather had the same idea that Robin did regarding Shannon. In fact, that was probably why the two were in this cafe in the first place.

“Oh, before I forget,” Robin said, deciding to be the first break the ice. “Shannon, this is my best friend Hugh O’Conner!”

[hugh0c0nner]

Hugh was quietly observing the situation, watching Robin more than anything else - he didn’t want to start arguments or anything here, his statement to the aloof person had just been a logical question on his part and not intended to be bad in any way. Seemed like Robin realized who the aloof one’s friend was, and her cheery and encouraging tone moved her enough to deliver the letter to Robin.

He turned so he wasn’t looking at the letter when it was opened - it wasn’t his letter to read, it was Robin’s and he would respect that: and it seemed this respectful act calmed the aloof girl’s clear wariness of him a bit. Well, a positive there. (As for why the alood girl was so wary of him, this was likely still tied to her protectiveness of her friend,and the rumors still going around about him.)

Though he did not look at the letter, Robin’s large grin was enough of an indication it must have said something nice. 

Ah, was Shannon the shy one’s name? Her friend was Heather. Okay. Shannon shyly came to sit with Robin, and Heather left, seemingly mollified that he meant no ill will.

He nodded to the other when she left - hey, he was protective of his best friend too, so it was a notion to show he held no anger over the other protecting their friend, too.

That simple motion done, his attention was shifted back on Robin introducing him. He gave a polite nod, but didn’t say anything else.

 This was Robin’s conversation, not his...he’d encourage Robin with another small nod, though.

[hugh0c0nner]

“...Christmas is getting closer.”

The archer finds a hand grasping at his pottery necklace - last Christmas, with the....necklace incident, which he doesn’t like remembering all too much due to feeling so....helpless, like he could do NOTHING to help...it wasn’t all that fun.

He’s determined to make this one happier, for Juniper’s sake. Yet, though last year brought worry and helpless feelings - some good came from it as well. It was the time when he’d first confessed his feelings to Junie, as well....life is strange like that.

He supposes that proves there is both good and bad in the world....it’s just up to you which one you focus on. He’d like to focus on the feeling confession of that time, himself.

[hugh0c0nner]

A favor for a friend?

[snowthefirst]

“Ahhhh, thank you so much, Hugh!” Robin said, feeling immensely relieved that Hugh had decided to stay with her after all. “You’re the best!” 

In the over three years of Hugh and Robin being best friends with each other, Hugh had always been willing to lend a hand to Robin in the bleakest situations, times where she couldn’t go to anyone else. This time was no different.

Robin looked back over the crowd at Themis students and began to question why she was even here. Well, she had begun to desire a date out of loneliness, but did she truly need one? Her conversation with Hugh was fast revealing that  maybe she should just focus on the precious people already in her life. 

“Actually, we could always just talk with each other some more,” Robin said pleasantly, ready to give up on the date idea. 

“Excuse me?” 

Hugh and Robin both turned towards the sound of the voice, to reveal to female Themis students. The one that had spoken up was tall, aloof, and had dark-brown hair. To the right of the first girl was a smaller, mousy girl with short-black hair. The black-haired girl was holding a letter and clearly very flustered.

“Are you Robin Newman?” The brown-haired girl asked.

“Speaking!” Robin answered, curious about what they wanted.

[hugh0c0nner]

“It’s alright, don’t worry about it - if I needed help, you’d stick by me even if you were scared too, right? That’s just what friends do.” Waving off Robin’s repeated thanks in his usual modest manner, the question now remained: what would Robin decide to do now? Did she still want to stick around here, or treat it as a lost cause? Whatever she decided, he planned on keeping to what he’d promised nonetheless.

Seemed like with knowing most of the girls here were apparently mainly interested in boys, Robin had decided to treat it as a lost cause and just have a nice time out with him. “I always like to spend time with my best friend, so sure - why not?” At least then they could say they’d still had a fun time out, but it seemed fate had other ideas - two girls approaching them? Hmm, what exactly was in the letter? What did they want?

On hearing from Robin they were indeed talking to the Robin Newman, the taller, more aloof girl nudged her friend with a hand. Shaking like a leaf, she put the letter in front of her without a word.

“Hey...if you wanted to talk to Robin, you can just say what you want, you know?” 

Hugh mused, but the aloof girl was quick to speak.

“My friend’s too nervous to say this aloud or whatever, what, do you expect me to make my best friend uncomfortable? No, letter delivering sounds easier.”

Hmmm.,..seemed like Robin would have to open the letter herself, as this girl seemed as protective towards her best friend as he admittedly was towards Robin now and again..

[hugh0c0nner]

A favor for a friend?

[snowthefirst]

Robin took one look at Hugh, clearly uncomfortable but still determined to help, and decided it was time to come clean. Her best friend at least deserved that much.

“I know I could have come here alone,” Robin said slowly. “But I didn’t have the courage to come alone. So I picked you to come with me, Hugh. Because..”

“Remember last October?” Robin  continued, thinking this was the best place to start. “When we had to deal with the rumors that you and I were fighting over Juniper? If I brought Juniper to a place like this, those rumors could start again. And since everyone knows I’m a girl now that would cause horrible problems for Junie.”

What Robin didn’t mention is that she didn’t bring Myriam or Athena for similar reasons- she didn’t want to risk nasty talk being spread about them. But Hugh could probably catch the subtext. 

“But with you, Hugh, if anyone asked questions or came to a misunderstanding, we could clear them up like just now,” Robin finished. “So if you still want to help me I’d be super grateful! But if you want to leave because you don’t want to be here I understand.” 

[hugh0c0nner]

Hugh blinked, slowly, at Robin suddenly musing something slowly herself - given she said things hurriedly, as fast-paced as she liked to be, this was an adrupt change: and something that indicated she wanted to say something serious that needed close attention, so he fell silent. So, she could have come alone - but didn’t feel brave enough?

Also, given the rumors of Themis could have started up again had she brought Junie: she felt she had good reason other than him being her best friend to choose him. “Oh, I see....even if most people have given up on those rumors and won’t spread them further, you still wish to protect Junie IF they do spread - I can understand that.” He nodded, catching the subtext that she couldn’t have brought Athena or Myriam either for the same reasons.

“Y-yeah...I suppose I’m good at clearing up wrong thoughts, huh? If you don’t mind someone as shaky in big groups as me helping...of course I’ll still stay and help out. You’re my best friend, you know? I’m not about to up and ditch you in a scary situation for you.”

Even if he was a nerd, at least he was a loyal one.

[hugh0c0nner]

A favor for a friend?

[snowthefirst]

The Themis student looked at Hugh and Robin, looking genuinely confused. Robin had a feeling that she knew what had gone wrong and explained to the blonde girl that Hugh was taken. 

“Oh! So you’re who the Student Council President is seeing,” the girl said. “I don’t usually pay attention to gossip. Sorry for bothering you. But then why are you two here?” 

Robin looked at Hugh, who nodded silently. 

“I’m the one looking for a girl to date,” Robin explained. 

“I can’t help you there. But keep looking, I’m sure you’ll find someone!” the Themis student said sincerely. 

After the girl left Robin realized that this entire plan of hers had a massive hole in it. 

“Um, Hugh?” Robin said. “I’m thankful that you’re here to help me find a date. But how am I supposed to find a girl that’s interested in the first place?” 

After all, the girls here were likely here to look for boys. It was a wall of uncertainty that they had just crashed into right now. 

[hugh0c0nner]

It seemed like, despite his assumption everyone had heard of Juniper’s ‘announcement’ that he and her were dating - she’d announced it in front of the whole school due to...awful events that meant she had to do so - there were still some Themis folk that hadn’t heard of it. Well, if they hadn’t been there at school that day, that actually did make sense.

Nodding in confirmation that he was seeing the Student Council President, he was glad this person seemed to be taking the info a lot better than some people had taken it on the day, at least. When asked why he was here, he looked to Robin, giving her a silent look of support and nodded to encourage her to speak up.

Ah, well...it seemed this girl wasn’t interested in that way, but at least she was supportive. Though, as she left, this did present a problem. If one person had made the assumption HE was the one looking for a date, others might, too: and no doubt this cafe might have mostly people interested in that thing.

“Maybe you might have gone better bringing Junie instead, but, it’s okay. I’m sure there must be some people interested - the only way we’ll find out is by asking, right? I m-mean, as long as I make it clear I’m not the one looking first, it should go okay.”

It was clear he was jittery at the thought of BIG GROUP interaction, but...for Robin’s sake, he’d try.

[hugh0c0nner]

A favor for a friend?

[snowthefirst]

Hugh was turning out to be a grand help as the situation continued to deteriorate. He managed to defuse the initial awkwardness with a few words, then he and Robin managed to seat themselves at a table without further incident. 

The cafe, of course, wouldn’t allow the two to stay without ordering something, so Hugh and Robin ordered some small cakes and some coffee. While waiting for the food to arrive Robin took a quick look around. 

It seemed that the dating scene was starting to pick up, as several of the students from Themis were starting to approach each other. 

Robin was considering her options when a girl with light-blonde hair made her way to their table, smiling quite cutely. 

“Hi there,” the girl said once she reached the table. 

“Um, h-e-l-l-o,” Robin said, deciding to just be herself. 

The girl leaned in and asked Robin, “Could you introduce me to your friend?” 

Robin found she had no words. It almost felt like a joke was being played on her. 

[hugh0c0nner]

Finding a wave of inner relief wash through him at his mask being strong enough to defuse the awkwardness of the situation, he sat quietly with Robin at a table, glad that the room of staring, creepy grouped eyes had gone off them for now. Ah...? Seemed like the cafe wanted some business in them being here, so he ordered his favorite coffee.

He wasn’t really hungry, and his nerves were highly-strung enough that eating would have been a poor idea: he didn’t cope well in crowds at all. On the bright side, people were going about approaching one-another for dates now, so the awkwardness had now left the room enough for people to go about their buisness. Hey, a girl was approaching their table now. Watching to see what Robin did: any faint smile of encouragement he had towards Robin was wiped clean off his face at hearing what the girl said.

“What? Oh....haha- I get it. This is a joke, right? You’re joking as a way of introducing yourself to my friend here. It’s not in very good taste, though.”

This HAD to be a joke: because he was honestly shocked that with his disinterest IN coming to cafes like this, anyone would WANT to talk to him. That, and...surely the folk of this cafe knew he loved Juniper Woods and was not interested, didn’t they? 

Didn’t they?

[hugh0c0nner]

A favor for a friend?

[snowthefirst]

“Sure, let’s go!” Robin said. As Hugh prepared himself to get going Robin looked over herself. She had dressed herself up in preparation for the day’s events, by dressing herself up in a frilly, bright, light-red blouse and skirt. If Hugh had said no to Robin’s proposition she would have just looked silly. 

Robin still wasn’t entirely sure she didn’t look silly, but as Hugh said he was going to be there to support her. She would continue to feel confident as long Hugh was with her. 

*

Or…..maybe not so much. 

The cafe was a rather small one, in dark muted colors and with seats and tables made of wood. Milling around the cafe were several crowds of people, including a group of students from Themis Legal Academy. 

As Hugh and Robin stood at the entrance of the cafe Robin could feel herself start to become nervous. She could make friends easily enough, but dating was something that was completely abstract to her. Just how could she begin to approach someone? One always started with a greeting, right? “HELLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOO, EVERYONE!!! I’M ROBIN NEWMAN!!!” All eyes turned to face Robin and Hugh, and Robin could see Hugh flinch next to her. That wasn’t quite how that was supposed to go.   

[hugh0c0nner]

Nodding at Robin’s eager readiness, Hugh went off to at least try and get a little organized - he couldn’t just walk out and help Robin get a date like this, after all - soon, after getting some money to pay for drinks if Robin wanted any in the cafe, and a bit of spare cash for food and what-not, he was ready - his ‘casual’ wear was quite dignified and respectable, so he actually didn’t need to worry about changing.

Had to dress appropriately for a fancy place, right? That aside, he adjusted his glasses and gave Robin a supportive smile. What could go wrong?

....The fact that neither of them really did well with crowds of people, evidently, for despite the cafe being small...there...was an awful lot of people there. Oh......he...really didn’t know how to act with a lot of people, given he only had a small circle of friends he could probably count on one hand. N-no. He had to stay strong for Robin! She was totally chill about this, right?

.....Apparently, she was just as nervous as him, judging from that loud greeting, and he flinched a bit at all those eyes being on them at once.

..........N-n-no. He couldn’t run away. For Robin. Taking control of his old mask to look serious when he actually felt nervous, he huffed quietly. “Isn’t it only polite to give greetings when you meet someone? C’mon, quit staring, everyone. Robin, where do you want to sit?”

He....just hoped this situation didn’t get any more awkward, for her sake.

[hugh0c0nner]

So, apparently, I got tagged in a meme thing by snowthefirst ? Sure, I’ll do it - but as with usual, I won’t tag anyone, because if I tag some people and not others they might get sad and I don’t want them to feel left out!

Apparently, in the words of this - 

“So the purpose of this meme is to give a little info on your muses without having to rely on others to fill your ask with meme questions. I know how disappointing it can be to come back to an empty ask so I wanted to create a meme that anyone and everyone can do (mun and muse).”

Let’s go??

1. What is your favorite word?

“Well, if I were to think of the word that has helped myself and my friends more than any else these days.,..it would be Truth. Pretty obvious, I know, but oh well.”

2. What is your least favorite word?

“.....Cheat.” (Hugh is rubbing at his neck area a little when he says that - evidently, the reason why this word is disliked by him is not something he’s willing to explain why on.)

3. What turns you on?

“…This really isn’t any of your business to ask, you know.” Hugh says this in a even, quiet tone, yet the fact he’s not maintaining proper eye contact about this subject likely speaks volumes more than he wants it to.

4. What turns you off?

“O-OBJECTION! I just said, questions like this and the other aren’t any of your buisness!” He actually slammed the desk he was sitting at there, and his face looks a little flushed. Maybe it might be wise to back off the subject, to give Hugh a break...he’s evidently getting flustered!

5. What sound do you love?

Hugh’s tense posture becomes less stiff. “...Well, other than the sounds of my friends’s voices, I do like the sound of pages turning, being someone who likes reading even if they’re not studying. It’s soothing.” 

6. What sound do you hate?

“Though the sound of ripping pages - to reflect my like of hearing pages simply turn - is a sound that alarms me, I...I hate the sound of my friends crying and upset more than that. I want to help them be happy, you know?” That’s quite a sweet answer, in it’s own way.

7. What is your favorite curse word?

Hugh actually stares in silence to the question answer, eyebrows raised for a moment, before talking here. “Do I LOOK like the kind of person who’d want to prattle on with such foul language?”

8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

“Well, if fate had gone differently and I didn’t want to be a Defense Attorney - I would have wanted to be a teacher instead. Helping people learn things, be geniuses in their own right, if they so wish...it sounds really nice, yeah? Hey, maybe when I become a defense attorney and have been in several cases, I could teach new attorneys? That way I could try both teaching and defending the truth...” He taps his chin at that thought, eyes widened and a small half-smile on his face.

9. What profession would you not like to do?

“Well...I probably wouldn’t be a good doctor. I hate seeing people in pain and stuff, as much as I still play the stoic sometimes...I mean, yeah, a defense attorney has to investigate crime scenes and read reports of how people died, true, but...if it means finding their killer, I could do it. Not otherwise, though.” Fair enough, Hugh.

10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God(s) say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

.....Hugh looks down at his feet for a long time. Then, in a voice so quiet you can barely hear it, he mumbles: “...That Juniper and Robin are there happy, too.”

Bonus Questions:

1. Something most people don’t know about you?

“Well, I actually used to be a actor in the Themis school-production plays, but I always said to erase my name on the actors list so nobody would find out...I was really worried everyone would make fun of me if they found out. I eventually stopped doing it, when my real age was revealed to everyone, because only folk of a certain age can act in the plays. I have a feeling Junie and Robin already knew that I acted in those plays, though...and I’ve got nothing left to hide anymore, so I don’t mind telling folk and thus making them find out now.”

2. If you were one of the seven sins which would you be?

“.....With how I used to outright call most folk mouth-breathers, and think I was better than others, it would be Pride. It makes me shameful of myself to admit it now, and I can only hope I can make up for it.” Ouch, sudden serious topic there.

3. Sexual Preference?

“....If you really MUST pester me with such innapropriate questions, I love Junie, so I believe that would indicate I like girls more, obviously..”

4. What position do you sleep in?

“Well, I’m used to laying on my back, because I don’t like to move around too much and not be able to put my glasses on easy in the morning - but lately, I’ve been sleeping on my side a bit.” S-so he can hug Junie if she sleeps nearby...it’s nice to hug her.

5. What if someone told you…you HAD to lose, just this one time?

“I would want to know the reason why, of course. A defense attorney strives for pursuit of truth, to defend the innocent above all else - so it had better be a good reason, if someone’s telling me I have no choice but to lose.”

6. If you were a mythical creature which one would you be?

“...Uh....I’m not really sure? I guess maybe an elf? They’re good at archery too, and can tell when people are lying easy...wouldn’t that be good for testimonies?” Hugh, you nerd.

7. If you could live in any sort of environment (with your choice of inhabitants, climate, etc.), what would it be? Describe it.

“Eh, well...I’m okay with pretty much any location. As long as my friends are there: besides that, seeing new places unlike here, where I grew up, would be fun with them. Lawyers go from place to place a lot.” 

8. If you could gain one super power (that you don’t already have), what would you want it to be?

“...I guess I’d really like to have some kind of power that could help with court cases.” Irony is, he would actually unlock a power like that sometime in the far-off future...

9. If you had the choice between dying to save someone you love, or live on knowing you didn’t save them, which would you choose?

“I would sacrifice myself. I wouldn’t just stand there and do nothing if Junie or Robin were in danger...even if it would make me sad knowing they’d miss me, at least I could go out with a smile, knowing I was able to protect those most important to me.” Said without a moment’s hesitation, there...

10. If you had the money or confidence to wear whatever you wanted, what would you wear?

"....I d-don’t really know much about fashion? Can’t I just stick with suits?” He seems a little flustered on the topic being one he clearly doesn’t know much of.

11. Who do you look up to as a role model?

“...Courte.” His voice goes very quiet, there, and he says nothing more on the subject. Clearly, there is a lot of guilt over following Means - of not following the right teacher and understanding she had his best interests at heart until now, when she’s already...

12. What is one thing you regret the most?

“....Causing Juniper and Robin suffering due to trying to say I was the murderer at the Themis Trial, and pushing them away because...because I thought it’d be best for them - because I thought they didn’t care about me, who better to take the blame for the death...?” His hands seem to be shaking as he says this...the very serious questions to do with the Trial would clearly be very upsetting.

13. Biggest fear?

“...That all of this happiness here and now is just a dream, and one day I’ll wake up....and I’ll be stuck back before the Themis Trial ever happened...and I’ll never be allowed to...to...b-be....friends with Robin, and tell Junie how I feel....” He actually has to pause a moment there, as his very voice shakes...might be best to leave off such subjects for a while so he can recover. Pat the nerd.

14. Do you often play the hero in times of need?

“I guess I try to. I seem to be a l-lot...better at it these days.” Taking a slow breath to calm himself there.

15. One secret you wish you could tell?

“Heh....I don’t keep any secrets from anyone any more. I hope I never do.”

[hugh0c0nner]

A favor for a friend?

[snowthefirst]

“…where would you feel comfortable trying to find ‘your type’ of girl?”

That was a very good question. Robin carefully thought through where she could go. 

“Well, its the weekend,” Robin said. “I think there’s a cafe nearby where some cuties from Themis hang out.” 

Robin blushed a bit when she realized what she sounded like. “I mean, even if I don’t get a date we could make new friends there. Its the safest option, r-i-g-h-t?” 

Hopefully this would guarantee a fun afternoon, with her best friend if all else failed.

[hugh0c0nner]

“Huh, okay - so a lot of people from Themis like to check out the cafes on days like these, huh?” He couldn’t be blamed for not previously knowing: he was a very hard studier and Junie and Robin both had to tell him off for not relaxing ENOUGH sometimes - but given he was trying to make up for all those years his test scores had been fabricated without knowing, he had a good reason to do so, that was true.

That aside, he nodded in agreement with Robin’s musing about making a friend there, at least, if the date for Robin didn’t go as planned. “Yeah, not to mention - you know this cafe already, apparently - and you’ll feel more at ease and less nervous finding a date in a location you know.” Very sensible view, there. “Do you want to get going now? Don’t worry - I’m there to support you if you DO feel nervous, Robin.”

Loyal archer best friend is loyal.

[hugh0c0nner]

A favor for a friend?

[snowthefirst]

“Yes, please tell me!” Robin said, knowing she seemed like she was begging but not caring. Hugh’s words had actually reminded her what had set her on this path- seeing Hugh and Juniper’s friendship evolve into a deep, loving relationship had caused Robin to feel lonely. 

Robin carefully considered Hugh’s question: did she have anyone particular in mind?  “I don’t really know!” Robin explained, flailing around. “It’s why I want your help. Because I’ve never dated I don’t really know what my type is.” 

Robin’s flailing intensified as she continued, “And, well, we have today off anyway. So maybe we could go out and search for what my type might be!” 

For all Robin usually loved to face challenges, she found herself falling just short of being able to face this one alone. She hoped Hugh wouldn’t ask the obvious question- out of everyone she could have gone to, why him? 

Explaining that was something she wasn’t sure she wanted to do.

[hugh0c0nner]

Honestly, Hugh understood his best friend enough to not see her asking to be told as ‘begging’, but that aside, Robin honestly didn’t know who her type might be - she’d never dated before, so that made sense. “Huh, okay...well, I’m happy to back you up, Robin! We’ll try and find the perfect type for you - I’m sure the dating scene isn’t THAT scary with a friend by your side, right? ...Right?” Oh, poor, innocent, Hugh.

“Anyways - before we start, I do have one thing I want to ask - where would you feel comfortable trying to find ‘your type’ of girl?”

He didn’t want to pry and ask Robin why she’d come to him with this, because his best friend probably had her own private reasons for it...also, he was flattered Robin trusted him enough to ask him for help!

[hugh0c0nner]

A favor for a friend?

[snowthefirst]

Okay, this was it. Time to tell the truth. And yet, Robin found she still couldn’t quite get the words out, instead found herself explaining what had led her to this point. 

“Well, now that I can be a girl there’s so much I can do,” Robin began. “Like buy cute clothes, put on makeup, and hang out with my best friends in the whole world without anymore lies!” 

Robin unconsciously gripped her proof of friendship as she continued, “I can be whoever I want to be too! Instead of being forced to choose whether to be a Prosecutor or an artist, I can be both! in fact, I WANT TO BE BOTH!” 

“Most of all I don’t have to hide what I l-i-k-e. But even still, I can’t do it! I don’t dare reach out to what I want because I don’t know where to start!” In a loud rush Robin finally spilled why she had called Hugh over. “I want a girlfriend! Please teach me everything you know about dating, HHHUUUGGHH!!!”  

[hugh0c0nner]

Sitting on his favoured blue couch, he listened carefully to what Robin said - yes, with the Themis trial revealing as many things as it had, though at the time during the trial it had been a surprise: in the end, having all those secrets put out in the open was the best thing for him and Robin - he hoped so for Junie, too. With her gender no longer needing to be kept quiet, Robin now had the freedom to do all thing thjings she’d wanted to do but been held back from before due to not wanting the truth to be slipped out so her parents didn’t yell.

She had the freedom to be both an artist and a prosecutor, and he mused at this point: “Yeah, I bet you could make some pretty awesome prosecutor’s uniforms and badges for yourself, with that - but please, go on.”

 She didn’t have to hide her preference, either - yet - yet - the daunting nature of acting on it was evidently still nerve-wracking. Either that, or all the things her parents said to her still held somewhat of a grip, even now...he could understand that. What Robin’s parents had done would take time to heal, just as what his own parents had done.

Robin, therefore, wanted to know about dating. “Uh....I-i’ll tell you what I can, but do keep in mind...I never got really into that sort of scene myself, what with pretending to be a genius before the trial - and these days, being busy with study and the girl I actually do genuinely love, Junie, after all...” Robin knew about him and Junie, she’d been told a while back - but despite not really being into the social dating scene, he would do his best to help his bff. Of course!

“Now....is there anyone in particular y-you like? Or are you wanting to enter the scene to find a special person, first? I mean, you might have already found someone neato...”

That was true - Robin was a very outgoing and brave person, so naturally some people may have already been drawn to her for this.

[hugh0c0nner]

A favor for a friend?

[snowthefirst]

The text that Robin received back from Hugh was quite reassuring, so she was a lot more relaxed by the time she showed up at Hugh’s house. He answered the door in short order and welcomed Robin inside. 

Robin made herself comfortable in her best friend’s single story residence, but soon enough Hugh asked her what was so urgent. 

“So, uh, you know quite a lot, Hugh,” Robin said, already breaking out into a nervous sweat. “You are a very experienced person about many things, r-i-g-h-t?” 

Internally Robin was starting to doubt that her worries were really such a big deal. After all, everyone went through this at one point, right?

[hugh0c0nner]

With knowing Robin would take very little time to arrive with something this dire, Hugh packed up and neatened up any homework or books laying about - he wanted to have everything neat so he could focus more on whatever serious thing Robin had to say to him. Just as he finished packing up, there was a hurried knock at the door - that was just as quick as he expected.

Opening the door, he nodded to Robin, saying: “Come on in and sit down...you can tell me what the situation is as quickly or as slowly as you want.” Knowing Robin, it was likely to be quickly. She sat down, making herself comfortable, and Hugh sat on a chair nearby. “Now, what’s so urgent?” Robin then looked very nervous, musing that he knew a lot about many things.

“Well, I am well-learned, yeah, Robin...I’m not a ‘genius’ like I claimed to be in past, but I still know a fair bit. So, what exactly did you need my experience on...?”