OC Blog of Loveliness

Aiden quietly ate his food and continued staring outside the window, blissfully ignorant of the inner turmoil and then jubilation that Ann was experiencing. His mind was beginning to wander and he knew that if he allowed it do so, he'd end up thinking about things better kept buried. That was one of the reasons he came here. To forget about everything going on outside. But when the two worlds started to blend together. . .

It became a problem.

#owo

“Uhm… Do you need help, Ann?”

She glanced up at her companion. If she was the type of person to cry at something like this she would be…fuck it she was.

She got up from her seat and slide into his side of the table. It was a good thing it was a booth or this would have been awkward. She didn’t even know how she got the menu to follow her but she did. She would have celebrated if she wasn’t so distressed.

She looked up at Aiden, eyes semi-glistening from the hunger and inability to choose food to eat. “I don’t know what to get!”

Before her companion could interject and help, cut him off with her rambling. “I mean like, I would like to try their pies or cakes. AND LOOK! They have a pie INSIDE of a cake. Who does that??? It sounds so magical. But I also want meat. Like, like, like, likeham or sausage or bacon. LAKSDFJLAKSDHGASFH;ASDF. And do you think they have rice? Cause that would be banging too. AND I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DRINK!!!”

It was then she proceeded to place her head on the table as her stomach grumbled louder. “I feel you stomach,” she whispered to herself patting her tumtum.

Aiden’s eyes widened when Ann suddenly moved to sit beside him, tears pooling in her eyes. He listened as she talked about the various kinds of food that she wanted and blinked a few times when she dropped her head onto the table. He leaned over a bit and scrolled through the menu, picking all the various kinds of food she wanted. He decided that water was a safe choice for a drink and the menu disappeared, their food suddenly appearing in front of them.

He smiled a bit and hoped Ann would no longer have to be in turmoil. “Why not just have them all?” He asked quietly, turning to start eating his own food.

Ann smiled to herself as Aiden led her out as clasped her hand. Hmmm~. It was always nice to hold someone’s hand and her company’s hands were so smooth. But wait, he had just asked her a question. She should answer it.

…

Umm…

What was the question?

…

RECALL THAT SHIT!!!

What did it have to do with? I think it had to do with food. Umm…foooood. Oh! Oh! Oh! It had to do with where she wanted to eat! Right? I think. Umm…FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF. Why was it so hard to remember?! Aiden had just asked a few seconds ago! It wasn’t like months had passed. FFFFFFFF, just wing it.

She turned her attention back to Aiden and smiled nervously, “Um, it doesn’t really matter. We can eat anywhere. Or like anything. I like food…ummm, any type of food…yeahhhh.”

Aiden waited patiently for Ann to answer, not noticing her inner turmoil. His violet eyes shifted from person to person before settling on the scenery in the distance. Everything had been made with careful detail, down the the individual blades of grass. The creators of the game had put quite a bit of effort and love into the game and Aiden appreciated every detail. This was as close to the outside as he was ever going to get. His gaze returned to her when she answered and he tilted his head a bit, noticing that she seemed nervous now. Normally he was anxious about things…it was almost as if they had switched roles. Concern filled his bright eyes but he decided it was best not to ask. He didn’t want to pass any boundaries. “I guess we can head to the breakfast nook then.” Aiden suggested quietly, starting to carefully lead her through the sea of people. Once they had reached the building they picked a table to sit and a menu appeared in the air listing different foods and combinations. Aiden already knew what he wanted and tapped the names, the menu disappearing once he had made a selection. He glanced at Ann who seemed to be having a bit of difficulty deciding.

They picked a table near the window. As they took a seat, Ann glanced outside. It looked so pretty outside. It really felt like it was a sunny, summerish day. Unlike how it was when she actually woke up. It was raining. It always seemed to rain now. At least it was better than snow.

When she situated herself to face the table a light blitzed in front of her face. Asdfghjkl;?????!!! Oh wait it was the menu. Oh, okay. Her mini-heart attack settled.

Aiden tapped what he wanted quite quickly and Ann felt a twinge of embarrassment as she continued to gaze upon the floating apparition that was her menu.

It seemed like it had standard breakfast stuff: eggs, bacon, cereal, etc. They even had a language option which was pretty cool. It didn’t have to do with food but it seemed worth nodding her head in approval and…What?

She squinted her eyes to make sure that what she was reading was correct. AND IT WAS!!! Scribbled on the virtual menu was an assortments of pies and cakes. Fwaaaaaaaaaa??? What type of magical place was this? Pies and cakes for breakfast? That’s just brilliant.

So she had made her decision…Buuuuuut

Ann also wanted meat. Because…MEAT. You don’t question meat!

Awww, the struggle between something sweet and meat. FFFFFFFFFF

And to top it off, she didn’t pick her drink yet.

Aiden silently watched various emotions glide over Ann's expression as she examined the menu. His patience was as endless as ever and he made sure to avert his eyes every few seconds, keeping a watch for danger and wanting to avoid being impolite. It wasn't often that bad things happened but the battle earlier had made him nervous. He normally didn't stay around people for very long.

He blinked a few times when his eyes stopped their journey and landed on his companion again, noticing the excitement and indecision in her gaze. She was probably stuck between two options. "Uhm. . . Do you need help, Ann?" He didn't want to break her concentration. Once she picked their food would appear immediately.

Ann smiled to herself as Aiden led her out as clasped her hand. Hmmm~. It was always nice to hold someone’s hand and her company’s hands were so smooth. But wait, he had just asked her a question. She should answer it.

…

Umm…

What was the question?

…

RECALL THAT SHIT!!!

What did it have to do with? I think it had to do with food. Umm…foooood. Oh! Oh! Oh! It had to do with where she wanted to eat! Right? I think. Umm…FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF. Why was it so hard to remember?! Aiden had just asked a few seconds ago! It wasn’t like months had passed. FFFFFFFF, just wing it.

She turned her attention back to Aiden and smiled nervously, “Um, it doesn’t really matter. We can eat anywhere. Or like anything. I like food…ummm, any type of food…yeahhhh.”

#YEAH~#MONTHS LATER XD PFT

Aiden waited patiently for Ann to answer, not noticing her inner turmoil. His violet eyes shifted from person to person before settling on the scenery in the distance. Everything had been made with careful detail, down the the individual blades of grass. The creators of the game had put quite a bit of effort and love into the game and Aiden appreciated every detail. This was as close to the outside as he was ever going to get. His gaze returned to her when she answered and he tilted his head a bit, noticing that she seemed nervous now. Normally he was anxious about things. . .it was almost as if they had switched roles. Concern filled his bright eyes but he decided it was best not to ask. He didn't want to pass any boundaries. "I guess we can head to the breakfast nook then." Aiden suggested quietly, starting to carefully lead her through the sea of people. Once they had reached the building they picked a table to sit and a menu appeared in the air listing different foods and combinations. Aiden already knew what he wanted and tapped the names, the menu disappearing once he had made a selection. He glanced at Ann who seemed to be having a bit of difficulty deciding.

justatestfornow:

Aiden noticed the brief way Ann’s smile dimmed but it returned just as quickly when her eyes settled in him again. He wasn’t quite sure what she preferred but…well… “I think the second option would be better.” He replied, smiling. “It sounds a bit safer…and we won’t damage anything that may be inside.”

It was a reasonable choice, right? At least…it was the way he had always opened things. He was surprised to find out that Ann had a sister as well but he was sure her situation was very different from his. Especially if they opened presents together. This time it was his turn for his smile to disappear and he gently took one end. “Ready?” He asked, a bit of sadness laced through his voice.

“Yeah…” she replied as she noticed Aiden’s voice drop. She was about to ask what was wrong, but she stopped herself. Perhaps it was best if they opened the box. Who knows, maybe the contents of the box would prove to cheer him up?

Ann hoped it wasn’t potions or stuff like that. That would have been a cop-out gift. For all that is holy, bless make it something cool.

“On the count of three?” she asked. Aiden smiled and nodded. “One,” Ann started as she began to tug lightly on the wrapping. “Two…THREE!!!”

Ann’s hands began to haphazardly rip apart the paper attached to her side of the box. Aiden on the other hand, gracefully pulled the paper, causing it to come apart all by itself. In the end all that was left was a brown box. Ann motioned Aiden to take on flap and she the other and they opened it at the same time.

And inside the box was…surprise potions and such. Ann pouted for a moment but quickly changed her face. There was something else in the box. Two things to be exact. And on top of those two things was a note. Aiden took the note and place the box on the table. Ann went on her toes and attempted to read what was written on it:

Dear Aiden,

As usually, I have left you some gifts. However, I have taken liberty to give you and your new friend some of the newest equipment.

I believe there purpose is the equivalent to pets…but also something else. If you would like to learn more about them, I would advise you to go to one of the markets.

I hope they help on your journey.

Thank you again for staying in the inn.

Sincerely,

Naren

Ann blinked and looked back into the box. Whatever these new “equipment” was, they were really cute.

Aiden’s gaze followed Ann’s to the box and he tilted his head just a bit, never having seen anything like them before. He hadn’t even known the game was going to adopt this kind of feature. Maybe it was something that wasn’t going to be announced? Either way, he supposed they could take a trip out to the markets and see what was new. “He’s always so kind…” Aiden muttered softly, smiling just a bit.

“After we get something to eat we can visit the market.” He picked one up, examining it. For now he’d put it in his inventory, along with a few of the other items Naren had packed for them. “If you’d like…” He added quietly, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. He wasn’t sure what Ann wanted to do.

Ann nodded as she picked up the equipment. It was big enough to be cupped in her petite hands. She tried to boggle in her mind what the point of these things were. Sure, in Naren’s letter said it was supposed to be like a “pet”, but what exactly did that mean? Like, did she have to feed it? Or summon it? Or other pet related MMO stuff? Whatever the case, they would find out at the market.

Grugurgrpgurrghghghg~

Ann’s face reddened as she glanced from the equipment to her stomach. She sheepishly looked up at Aiden, giving him a weary smile. “We should probably start heading to breakfast then.”

Aiden returned her smile, sure that if they didn't get something to eat soon his stomach would be making the same noises hers was. He could wait a little longer but since Ann was new to the game her character hadn't eaten a single thing yet. As always, reality was something that wanted to be stuck to as close as possible. That included the need to eat.

Aiden added the item to his inventory and waited for Ann to do the same, the item appearing as:

???

Aiden led Ann out of the inn and his hand unconsciously found hers again, not wanting what happened yesterday to happen again today. "Is there anything you want in particular?" He asked, his voice still as soft as always.

✘ Old wounds don't heal ✘ ll Jule and Yuki

Once in a few moments, Yuki glanced at her. She seemed slightly surprised by what he said, as if ‘fun’ was an unusual word. Yuki could read people easily. Though it was pretty difficult to understand her, he managed to figure a few things about her. He saw her more than one time in the class, he was interested in her, but he noticed that she preferred to be distant. Therefore, he didn’t want to force her to be her company.

However, Yuki could assume that since she kept people away from her, no one would want to be near her when a day as today would come; when pupils would be asked to work together. He asked to be her partner right away because of an honest willingness: To know her and be friends with her. Was it bad to do? Yuki didn’t consider it as using someone for your own interests because he didn’t mean to do so. She was interesting for him, she was different; it made her special. Her voice pulled him back to reality. She sat next to him, and replied his saying, yet the tone of her voice was unsure. He wondered if she regretted. He tossed away this negative thought, and returned to the paper when she asked him for his name.

"My name?" Yuki repeated quietly. Then, Yuki wrote his name on the paper which he drew on. He turned it to her so she could see. He also wrote to her; It’s better if we don’t speak out loud. He was right, because the teacher might have noticed their conversation and punish them. If they had any conversation, Yuki would like to continue it. He glanced at her once again, and smiled at her warmly, waiting for her respond.

Yuki. The name had a beautiful sound and an equally beautiful meaning. Like the snow? She wrote in her own notebook, her handwriting careful and precise. Snow was pure when it first fell, carefully blanketing anything and everything in a soft calming white. It was a name that fit him well. He seemed kind and calm, although his smile was anything but cold. In fact it was the exact opposite and nearly made Jule smile back. Although her emotions were still far too restricted for that just yet.

He’s going to hurt you too. They all do. Jule frowned slightly at the warning, the voice very familiar to her. It always kept her out of trouble, urged her to avoid speaking to anyone, it wanted her to be safe. It doubted and questioned, cautious of everyone.

Would Yuki hurt her?

Her blue eyes moved from the paper to his face, watching him steadily. She was scared. Not of him, but of the possibility of what could happen. What if they got closer and once he learned what happened he would no longer wish to speak to her? She wouldn’t be able to bear that. But if she didn’t talk to him, if she didn’t let him in, if she didn’t give him the chance she’d continue to be alone. She’d never have anyone to talk to.

Jule didn’t want to be alone for the rest of her life. She didn’t want to be suspicious of everyone. Could someone with such a warm smile truly hurt her? She didn’t know. But it would be better to try than to do nothing at all.

You have a lovely name. It suits you well.

Her eyes slid to the teacher to make sure he wasn’t watching. Unfortunately he had decided to use too big of a movement while speaking and caused a textbook to fall to the ground, sending a loud sound echoing throughout the room. Jule had flinched in her seat and began to shake, her eyes widening in terror.

Glass shattering. Voices yelling back and forth at each other. Her bedroom door opening…

She didn’t want to remember. She didn’t want to get hurt. But it was difficult to remember what was reality when her mind kept flashing back and forth from a classroom to her own bedroom.

Yuki kept looking at her. She was extremely silence until it led to an irritation. Jule looked at the paper, then back at him. The irritation vanished from his heart right away. Her eyes seemed as if she studied him, he could recognize, but he didn’t mind. To be honest, Yuki liked it, it meant that she was trying to figure him out, to know him by his appearance and behavior near her. It also indicated she wasn’t innocent. It would take time to get closer to her, yet he didn’t have intentions to give up on her. Jule was near him, a small distant separated between them, he was able to reach his hand and touch her’s. He would wait for this moment to come -

The sound of the falling textbook awoke him from his thoughts, only then he figured that he was staring at her. However, his heart skipped a beat when Yuki noticed her widened eyes. Jule was terrified, her chair was creaked by her sudden wince backward. Yuki immediately held on her.

"Jule! What’s wrong?!"

Yuki pulled her against his body, wrapped his arms around her shaking body and hugged her tight. He cared nothing but Jule at the moment. He tried to calm her down, even if it was in the class, even if all the students and the teacher saw his reckless act - Yuki didn’t care. She seemed as if she was in a nightmare, and he wanted to wake her up, no matter what it was.

"Jule, I don’t know what frightened you," Yuki whispered so Jule would be the only one who heard his voice. “But I’m here. I won’t let it hurt you, I promise… Don’t be afraid." He tightened his hug. “I’m here. You’re safe…"

#fuyunoame #asdfghjkl;;;#Babies ;A;#He helped her <3 #but. . .she's still hurting #v.v

It was awful.

Jule had managed to keep all of the awful images away, all of the memories had been buried, forced to the back of her mind. But that didn't mean they still didn't haunt her. They were taken into consideration when making decisions, they had made her cautious and distrustful of people. They kept her quiet, seemingly emotionless.

It was a very rare thing for them to come back all at once. She often caught glimpses at night when she was most vulnerable but it had never been anything like this. It was almost as if she had gone back in time, only to be placed back in situations she never thought she'd have to see again.

Help me.

A pair of arms wrapped around her and at first she thought that it was them. The ones that could do nothing but hurt. But after a little while she realized that these were different. They carried that familiar warmth, they meant only to ease and not to harm. She knew who they belonged to. But her memories kept interrupting her thoughts.

Another situation. A different way of being hurt. There were so many and they just kept coming. But her hands could feel something soft. Like fabric. There wasn't anything like that in her memories. She liked the feel of it, her hands clutched Yuki's shirt, hoping it would help her. She hoped it would bring her back to reality. But not yet.

Then she was dragged into the darkest memory. The one that she had gotten hurt the most. The one where she feared she wouldn't be living anymore. Her shakes got worse, she whimpered softly at what she knew was to come. But then a voice reached her ears, it lit up the dark room she was in.

Jule. . .

She knew who it belonged to. She just had to think.

. . .I’m here. I won’t let it hurt you, I promise…

The gentle arms that had wrapped around her grew tighter. The memories were starting to fade.

"I’m here. You’re safe…"

The memories finally shattered and Jule realized she had her face buried in Yuki's shirt, her hands desperately hanging onto the lifeline placed in front of her. It was over. She wasn't there anymore. But tears still formed in her eyes, both scared and a bit embarrassed at what had happened.

"Yuki. . ." She muttered softly, her voice wavering. "Please. Can you. . .Take me to the nurse's office?" She wouldn't be able to leave. But at least she could get out of class for a while. She didn't want to be here with the teacher who moved too quickly and spoke too loud. Nor did she want to be around the people but she didn't want to go alone.

✘ Old wounds don't heal ✘ ll Jule and Yuki

Once in a few moments, Yuki glanced at her. She seemed slightly surprised by what he said, as if ‘fun’ was an unusual word. Yuki could read people easily. Though it was pretty difficult to understand her, he managed to figure a few things about her. He saw her more than one time in the class, he was interested in her, but he noticed that she preferred to be distant. Therefore, he didn’t want to force her to be her company.

However, Yuki could assume that since she kept people away from her, no one would want to be near her when a day as today would come; when pupils would be asked to work together. He asked to be her partner right away because of an honest willingness: To know her and be friends with her. Was it bad to do? Yuki didn’t consider it as using someone for your own interests because he didn’t mean to do so. She was interesting for him, she was different; it made her special. Her voice pulled him back to reality. She sat next to him, and replied his saying, yet the tone of her voice was unsure. He wondered if she regretted. He tossed away this negative thought, and returned to the paper when she asked him for his name.

"My name?" Yuki repeated quietly. Then, Yuki wrote his name on the paper which he drew on. He turned it to her so she could see. He also wrote to her; It’s better if we don’t speak out loud. He was right, because the teacher might have noticed their conversation and punish them. If they had any conversation, Yuki would like to continue it. He glanced at her once again, and smiled at her warmly, waiting for her respond.

#fuyunoame #oldwounds #what are you apologizing for? owo #edgfrsegrg Yuki is so adorable ;A; I can't #annnddd Jule is having flashbacks #not good

Yuki. The name had a beautiful sound and an equally beautiful meaning. Like the snow? She wrote in her own notebook, her handwriting careful and precise. Snow was pure when it first fell, carefully blanketing anything and everything in a soft calming white. It was a name that fit him well. He seemed kind and calm, although his smile was anything but cold. In fact it was the exact opposite and nearly made Jule smile back. Although her emotions were still far too restricted for that just yet.

He's going to hurt you too. They all do. Jule frowned slightly at the warning, the voice very familiar to her. It always kept her out of trouble, urged her to avoid speaking to anyone, it wanted her to be safe. It doubted and questioned, cautious of everyone.

Would Yuki hurt her?

Her blue eyes moved from the paper to his face, watching him steadily. She was scared. Not of him, but of the possibility of what could happen. What if they got closer and once he learned what happened he would no longer wish to speak to her? She wouldn't be able to bear that. But if she didn't talk to him, if she didn't let him in, if she didn't give him the chance she'd continue to be alone. She'd never have anyone to talk to.

Jule didn't want to be alone for the rest of her life. She didn't want to be suspicious of everyone. Could someone with such a warm smile truly hurt her? She didn't know. But it would be better to try than to do nothing at all.

You have a lovely name. It suits you well.

Her eyes slid to the teacher to make sure he wasn't watching. Unfortunately he had decided to use too big of a movement while speaking and caused a textbook to fall to the ground, sending a loud sound echoing throughout the room. Jule had flinched in her seat and began to shake, her eyes widening in terror.

Glass shattering. Voices yelling back and forth at each other. Her bedroom door opening. . .

She didn't want to remember. She didn't want to get hurt. But it was difficult to remember what was reality when her mind kept flashing back and forth from a classroom to her own bedroom.

✘ Old wounds don't heal ✘ ll Jule and Yuki

She had gorgeous eyes, deep blue which captured him instantly. He could barely turn his own eyes away, therefore he felt a bit embarrassed. As opposed of other teens from the class, he wasn’t ashamed of revealing his emotions. She was different from other girls whom he came across, and he wanted to know what made her unique. Yes, she was unique, and he would accept any reason for her being this way.

Yuki could notice her discomfort near him. He didn’t want her to feel it near him. She thanked him when the teacher went off. He smiled, and nodded kindly.

“Sure. I’m sure it will be fun working with you.”

He was honest. He never lied about his feelings, he wasn’t that kind of a person. Though, he wasn’t naive as he seemed to be; he just gave what he never got. Consideration and compassion. Yuki wanted to give it to her too. The boy turned his eyes from her, took a pencil to his hand and started to draw something in his notebook while the teacher kept talking. He wouldn’t force her, he would let her the time she needed. Maybe she would open up in front of him one day.

#fuyunoame #I know! ;A; they just-#YOUR REPLY IS NOT LAME #I love yours tooo #oldwounds

Fun. The word bounced around and through Jule's thoughts as she glanced at him, trying to determine his motive. He didn't have to be her partner, nor did he have to compliment her. And yet here he was, having done both of them in a short time. She had heard the word before, she knew what it meant but she couldn't ever remember a time it was used to describe her.

But there was no malice behind it at all. The boy was being entirely honest and for the first time in a while someone's smile had set her at ease. It was a strange feeling. His movements were almost as gentle as he was and she didn't flinch. Nor did she fear that he'd hurt her.

"I think. . .it'll be fun working with you too." She replied, her tone a bit unsure. She was entirely positive of her words but she had no idea how he'd react to them.

When his eyes left hers she felt a strange emptiness and wasn't sure what to do about it. He didn't seem to pay very much attention to the teacher either. She found that she was watching his hand as it slid smoothly across the paper, the lines all evenly left behind. She wasn't sure what kind of work they'd have to do but she was sure the teacher would explain again soon.

"I'm sorry but. . . could you tell me your name?" She had heard it before but she couldn't recall it. She felt terrible for having to ask. He probably knew hers but she had no idea what his could be.

✘ Old wounds don't heal ✘ ll Jule and Yuki

Yuki was in the same class. He didn’t bother to listen to the teacher, However he was a very good actor when it came to pretending. He was sharp, and noticed that the girl’s head was in somewhere else. Her eyes stared at the window. She seemed bothered. He was sitting right behind her, therefore he could watch her deeds. The pair of dark brown eyes wandered to the teacher whom stood next to her desk, and called her name. Jule.

Partners?

“I can be her partner for today.”

Yuki glanced at the teacher. If she refused, it was okay, he wouldn’t be insulted. But maybe if she agreed, they could have a conversation and then he would know what bothered her peace. Was it wrong to do? It was like him to act by the emotion before the rational. He looked at Jule this time.

“Only if she wants, of course.”

#rblogged this on the wrong blog XD #Whoops #but no your reply was wonderful! :D #fuyunoame #oldwounds

Someone coming to her aid was the last thing Jule expected. It had never happened before. She always had to deal with things herself, she was the only person she could rely on. Nobody else. But when the gentle voice rose from behind her she found herself turning in it s direction, surprised by the offer.

She had seen the boy before. Both in classes, and in the hallway. But she had seen many others as well. She remembered faces but she never took the time to learn names. She kept away from people, forced to wonder if they’d hurt her to.

Not physically. But emotional pain kept Jule from giving her trust to anyone as well. Still, there was something different about the boy who sat behind her and when her cold blue eyes met his pair of warm brown ones she knew she wouldn’t refuse.

She nodded, cautiously moving around the teacher to take a seat next to the boy who had spoken. She made sure there was space between them but not too much, extremely sensitive to even his smallest movements. “Thank you.” Jule stated quietly once the teacher had gone away, not used to saying those words.

✘ Old wounds don't heal ✘ ll Jule and Yuki

Jule stared out the window, watching as the sunlight shifted through the leaves on the trees making shadows dance on the roots below. She knew that she should be listening to the teacher, she knew that what he was saying was important. But she couldn't just bring herself to focus on him. He spoke with his hands, he used movements to keep the class engaged. And each time he moved too quickly Jule would flinch. It was hardly noticeable anymore and anyone who wasn't watching her too closely wouldn't see. But she could feel herself cringe and retreat inward, terrified of blows that were bound to come.

No. She reminded herself. That's not right.

She wasn't a child anymore. That awful person was in jail. But even so. . . She couldn't shake the fear that always seemed to settle at the pit of her stomach. Pain was the one and only thing she feared and there was no telling when it would come.

"Jule. . .Jule. . .Jule." Jule jumped slightly, fear racing through her at the teacher's tone. Her face was always an expressionless mask but underneath emotions tumbled and rolled, always in a fight with each other. Peace and anxiety were the two that were constantly at war, she was never sure which to feel.

'Yes, Mr. Takama?" She asked, her voice lacking any lilt or tone. It was the same as her expression. It never revealed anything.

"We're working in partners today." The rest of the class giggled, as if in on a joke she knew nothing about. "So I suggest you find one."

#fuyunoame #@.@ I hope this is okay #I'll go into describing her looks in the next post #but she has red/orangish hair and pair of eyes that linger between purple and blue

justatestfornow:

#Mrrrffff e.e Short #I'm sorry ;A;

Aiden noticed the brief way Ann’s smile dimmed but it returned just as quickly when her eyes settled in him again. He wasn’t quite sure what she preferred but…well… “I think the second option would be better.” He replied, smiling. “It sounds a bit safer…and we won’t damage anything that may be inside.”

It was a reasonable choice, right? At least…it was the way he had always opened things. He was surprised to find out that Ann had a sister as well but he was sure her situation was very different from his. Especially if they opened presents together. This time it was his turn for his smile to disappear and he gently took one end. “Ready?” He asked, a bit of sadness laced through his voice.

“Yeah…” she replied as she noticed Aiden’s voice drop. She was about to ask what was wrong, but she stopped herself. Perhaps it was best if they opened the box. Who knows, maybe the contents of the box would prove to cheer him up?

Ann hoped it wasn’t potions or stuff like that. That would have been a cop-out gift. For all that is holy, bless make it something cool.

“On the count of three?” she asked. Aiden smiled and nodded. “One,” Ann started as she began to tug lightly on the wrapping. “Two…THREE!!!”

Ann’s hands began to haphazardly rip apart the paper attached to her side of the box. Aiden on the other hand, gracefully pulled the paper, causing it to come apart all by itself. In the end all that was left was a brown box. Ann motioned Aiden to take on flap and she the other and they opened it at the same time.

And inside the box was…surprise potions and such. Ann pouted for a moment but quickly changed her face. There was something else in the box. Two things to be exact. And on top of those two things was a note. Aiden took the note and place the box on the table. Ann went on her toes and attempted to read what was written on it:

Dear Aiden,

As usually, I have left you some gifts. However, I have taken liberty to give you and your new friend some of the newest equipment.

I believe there purpose is the equivalent to pets…but also something else. If you would like to learn more about them, I would advise you to go to one of the markets.

I hope they help on your journey.

Thank you again for staying in the inn.

Sincerely,

Naren

Ann blinked and looked back into the box. Whatever these new “equipment” was, they were really cute.

Aiden's gaze followed Ann's to the box and he tilted his head just a bit, never having seen anything like them before. He hadn't even known the game was going to adopt this kind of feature. Maybe it was something that wasn't going to be announced? Either way, he supposed they could take a trip out to the markets and see what was new. "He's always so kind. . ." Aiden muttered softly, smiling just a bit.

"After we get something to eat we can visit the market." He picked one up, examining it. For now he'd put it in his inventory, along with a few of the other items Naren had packed for them. "If you'd like. . ." He added quietly, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. He wasn't sure what Ann wanted to do.

Ann blinked. Did he just… She then smiled. “Good morning to you too, Aiden,” she giggled.

She continued to giggle to herself. “Did you sleep well? And how did you like the note I left you?” she asked as she releasing one of his hands and gestured to her forehead. “Was it weird finding it on your forehead?” She smiled childishly.

Had he slept well…

Well…he was sure his avatar had. But he had a bit of trouble falling asleep last night. “I-I suppose so…” He answered, a bit flustered by her bright smile.

He paused when she mentioned the note -he had almost forgotten it- and he smiled a bit again, remembering how odd it had been to wake up with a note sticking to him. “It was a bit strange…but a good place to put it.” He had found it after all. “I’m sorry I was a bit late.” He had to finish his homework and it had been a bit difficult focusing on it.

“No problem~” she replied, patting him on his shoulder. “Come on,” she gestured to her back, “Let’s get some food. Beating up someone must have given you an appetite.”

With one of his hands still in her small hand, she lead him to where she was seated before the whole fight started. “You didn’t really miss much before the fight,” she admitted as she struggled to get on-top of the towering bar stool again.

She pouted at him as he sat down with ease. “You just missed a lot of sparkle effect and frolicing,” she glanced up to a confused Aiden. “On my part,” she added. “You also missed some quality bonding time with Naren, who,” she paused as she noticed the NPC was not at this post behind the bar, “Is not here…”

Aiden winced at her last sentence, knowing that was not something to be proud of. Granted, he could have done much worse but fighting with others was no something he was fond of. He followed her to the bar and sat down, tilting his head a bit when she pouted at him.

Her next words only caused his expression to change to one of confusion not sure what exactly a sparkle effect was. Still, it was Ann and he could only smile as she continued on. His bright eyes shifted to the side and found that Ann was right. Naren was nowhere to be found. He was probably off trying to get the inn back in order. But to hear that she had spent a bit of time with him gave Aiden a bit more hope.

“We could always go somewhere else to eat.” He stated quietly, turning his gaze to her. “Naren might be a bit busy after what just happened…” Of course it hadn’t been his fault but Aiden was still involved…He’d have to find some way to make it up to Naren…

“Go somewhere else to eat?” Ann repeated as she continued to stare at the empty space that once was Naren. “Yeah, sure,” she agreed before dismounting from the seat.

Naren was probably busy from what happened. It would make more sense not to bother him as he checked if everything was in place. Such a nice NPC~.

“But before we go, we should probably get back to the room and open that box,” Ann said as she hopped toward the stairs.

She turned back and smiled at Aiden. “What? I waited for you to wake up before opening it. And now that you’re awake, we can do it together.” She huffed like a five year old with a twinkle in her eyes. “I’m not leaving til we do.”

“The box?” Aiden asked, a bit confused again as he followed her. What on earth was she- Oh. That one. The one that was probably filled with potions and other various things they might need. Aiden wasn’t sure if Naren gave them out to all of his guests but knew that he had always received on whenever he stayed here. He was just about to ask why she hadn’t opened it when she answered his unasked question.

“You could have opened it without me.” Aiden stated softly, watching as she practically bounced up the stairs in excitement. He was sure that anybody else would have but Ann had waited for him. She hadn’t wanted to open it without him…

He smiled and wasn’t sure why he felt a bit sad as well, as if something had tugged small strings that connected to his heart. It was a good thing, wasn’t it? He hardly had time to think it over because they had already reached their room and Ann was already inside, glancing eagerly at the box. Aiden made sure not to keep her waiting and moved to stand at her side, motioning towards it.

They could both take a flap and pull it open.

“

Ann pranced into the room and scurried to the box. She paused for a moment and took the large-ish box into her hands her hands and looked up at Aiden. “So how should we open this?” she asked holding the box like a child held a present on Christmas, unsure were to start.

“I mean, we could always do what my sister and I used to do and just rip apart the wrapping like rapid animals…” her voice trailed off as the image of her and Clare opening presents during Christmas. Her smile wavered for a moment to one of nostalgia. She shook her head and looked back at Aiden. “Or,” she continued, “You could take on side and I could take the other.” She smiled at him sheepishly.

Aiden noticed the brief way Ann's smile dimmed but it returned just as quickly when her eyes settled in him again. He wasn't quite sure what she preferred but. . .well. . . "I think the second option would be better." He replied, smiling. "It sounds a bit safer. . .and we won't damage anything that may be inside."

It was a reasonable choice, right? At least. . .it was the way he had always opened things. He was surprised to find out that Ann had a sister as well but he was sure her situation was very different from his. Especially if they opened presents together. This time it was his turn for his smile to disappear and he gently took one end. "Ready?" He asked, a bit of sadness laced through his voice.

Ann blinked. Did he just… She then smiled. “Good morning to you too, Aiden,” she giggled.

She continued to giggle to herself. “Did you sleep well? And how did you like the note I left you?” she asked as she releasing one of his hands and gestured to her forehead. “Was it weird finding it on your forehead?” She smiled childishly.

Had he slept well…

Well…he was sure his avatar had. But he had a bit of trouble falling asleep last night. “I-I suppose so…” He answered, a bit flustered by her bright smile.

He paused when she mentioned the note -he had almost forgotten it- and he smiled a bit again, remembering how odd it had been to wake up with a note sticking to him. “It was a bit strange…but a good place to put it.” He had found it after all. “I’m sorry I was a bit late.” He had to finish his homework and it had been a bit difficult focusing on it.

“No problem~” she replied, patting him on his shoulder. “Come on,” she gestured to her back, “Let’s get some food. Beating up someone must have given you an appetite.”

With one of his hands still in her small hand, she lead him to where she was seated before the whole fight started. “You didn’t really miss much before the fight,” she admitted as she struggled to get on-top of the towering bar stool again.

She pouted at him as he sat down with ease. “You just missed a lot of sparkle effect and frolicing,” she glanced up to a confused Aiden. “On my part,” she added. “You also missed some quality bonding time with Naren, who,” she paused as she noticed the NPC was not at this post behind the bar, “Is not here…”

Aiden winced at her last sentence, knowing that was not something to be proud of. Granted, he could have done much worse but fighting with others was no something he was fond of. He followed her to the bar and sat down, tilting his head a bit when she pouted at him.

Her next words only caused his expression to change to one of confusion not sure what exactly a sparkle effect was. Still, it was Ann and he could only smile as she continued on. His bright eyes shifted to the side and found that Ann was right. Naren was nowhere to be found. He was probably off trying to get the inn back in order. But to hear that she had spent a bit of time with him gave Aiden a bit more hope.

“We could always go somewhere else to eat.” He stated quietly, turning his gaze to her. “Naren might be a bit busy after what just happened…” Of course it hadn’t been his fault but Aiden was still involved…He’d have to find some way to make it up to Naren…

“Go somewhere else to eat?” Ann repeated as she continued to stare at the empty space that once was Naren. “Yeah, sure,” she agreed before dismounting from the seat.

Naren was probably busy from what happened. It would make more sense not to bother him as he checked if everything was in place. Such a nice NPC~.

“But before we go, we should probably get back to the room and open that box,” Ann said as she hopped toward the stairs.

She turned back and smiled at Aiden. “What? I waited for you to wake up before opening it. And now that you’re awake, we can do it together.” She huffed like a five year old with a twinkle in her eyes. “I’m not leaving til we do.”

"The box?" Aiden asked, a bit confused again as he followed her. What on earth was she- Oh. That one. The one that was probably filled with potions and other various things they might need. Aiden wasn't sure if Naren gave them out to all of his guests but knew that he had always received one whenever he stayed here. He was just about to ask why she hadn't opened it when she answered his unasked question.

"You could have opened it without me." Aiden stated softly, watching as she practically bounced up the stairs in excitement. He was sure that anybody else would have but Ann had waited for him. She hadn't wanted to open it without him. . .

He smiled and wasn't sure why he felt a bit sad as well, as if something had tugged small strings that connected to his heart. It was a good thing, wasn't it? He hardly had time to think it over because they had already reached their room and Ann was already inside, glancing eagerly at the box. Aiden made sure not to keep her waiting and moved to stand at her side, motioning towards it.

They could both take a flap and pull it open.

Okay, Ann had seen a lot of fights in her day…okay, so most of them were brawls between girls, but that still kinda counts. But this, this was different. This was the kind of “The fucks I give fight Imma step on your face” kind of fight.

She could feel her face pale and turn shades of blue. Even though Aiden was a far better fighter than the drunken old fart, there was no telling what could happen. She noticed Aiden look up at the crowd and sigh slightly before looking back down at his assailant.

Ann glanced over at Naren who had a look on his face. She would probably have to apologize to him later. She looked back at the fight and saw it had somewhat escalated.

Welp. This was a lovely thing to do first thing in the morning~

Aiden had thought that the fight was over and the drunken man used that to his advantage. As soon as Aiden had lowered his guard the man shoved his wrist up, momentarily setting Aiden off balance. In the few seconds he spent to regain his footing the man took up his sword. He had clearly intended to keep Aiden at bay but he was faster and sliced a thin line down the man’s face, setting his staff at his chin again.

He watched as a small drip of virtual blood slid down the attacker’s face and he frowned. He would never hurt someone on purpose but this was something else entirely. The man wasn’t going to stop and if he kept on like his he was going to hurt innocent people. “Leave.” Aiden muttered, his soft voice adopting a harsh tone. “This is not a fight you’re going to win.”

Very slowly Aiden lowered his staff, watching the drunken man’s movements carefully. For a moment they all just stood there, nobody daring to move. Then with a few muttered curses the man sheathed his sword, stepping out of the inn.

Ann’s chest began to brim with pride as she watched Aiden stand up to that bully of a man. It was weird feeling. It probably paralleled the feeling of watching you’re baby brother stand up for himself, or you.

She scurried over to Aiden’s side after the attacker left the inn. “You were brilliant!” she exclaimed as she grasped his hands into hers. She was practically bubbling with joy.

Aiden just looked down with his lavender eyes, clearly embarrassed by her praise. “I-It was nothing…” his voice trailed off.

Ann pouted. “Don’t lie. You were great!” She continued to praise him.

Ann practically glowed as she praised him and he could only look down, not used to receiving such praise. “He would have gone after you…” Aiden stated softly, the worry finally seeping through him. There had been no place for it earlier. He had to move and had to make quick judgement.

Now that the fight was over though, all the emotions he should have felt were rushing through him. He had been scared that the man would hurt everyone. That he wouldn’t have stopped until the alcohol wore off. He was also a bit guilty. He had hurt another player. Not very much but…still…

As embarrassed and upset as he was he didn’t want to worry so he finally managed a small smile and glanced up at her. “Good morning.”

Ann blinked. Did he just… She then smiled. “Good morning to you too, Aiden,” she giggled.

She continued to giggle to herself. “Did you sleep well? And how did you like the note I left you?” she asked as she releasing one of his hands and gestured to her forehead. “Was it weird finding it on your forehead?” She smiled childishly.

Had he slept well…

Well…he was sure his avatar had. But he had a bit of trouble falling asleep last night. “I-I suppose so…” He answered, a bit flustered by her bright smile.

He paused when she mentioned the note -he had almost forgotten it- and he smiled a bit again, remembering how odd it had been to wake up with a note sticking to him. “It was a bit strange…but a good place to put it.” He had found it after all. “I’m sorry I was a bit late.” He had to finish his homework and it had been a bit difficult focusing on it.

“No problem~” she replied, patting him on his shoulder. “Come on,” she gestured to her back, “Let’s get some food. Beating up someone must have given you an appetite.”

With one of his hands still in her small hand, she lead him to where she was seated before the whole fight started. “You didn’t really miss much before the fight,” she admitted as she struggled to get on-top of the towering bar stool again.

She pouted at him as he sat down with ease. “You just missed a lot of sparkle effect and frolicing,” she glanced up to a confused Aiden. “On my part,” she added. “You also missed some quality bonding time with Naren, who,” she paused as she noticed the NPC was not at this post behind the bar, “Is not here…”

Aiden winced at her last sentence, knowing that was not something to be proud of. Granted, he could have done much worse but fighting with others was no something he was fond of. He followed her to the bar and sat down, tilting his head a bit when she pouted at him.

Her next words only caused his expression to change to one of confusion not sure what exactly a sparkle effect was. Still, it was Ann and he could only smile as she continued on. His bright eyes shifted to the side and found that Ann was right. Naren was nowhere to be found. He was probably off trying to get the inn back in order. But to hear that she had spent a bit of time with him gave Aiden a bit more hope.

"We could always go somewhere else to eat." He stated quietly, turning his gaze to her. "Naren might be a bit busy after what just happened. . ." Of course it hadn't been his fault but Aiden was still involved. . .He'd have to find some way to make it up to Naren. . .

Okay, Ann had seen a lot of fights in her day…okay, so most of them were brawls between girls, but that still kinda counts. But this, this was different. This was the kind of “The fucks I give fight Imma step on your face” kind of fight.

She could feel her face pale and turn shades of blue. Even though Aiden was a far better fighter than the drunken old fart, there was no telling what could happen. She noticed Aiden look up at the crowd and sigh slightly before looking back down at his assailant.

Ann glanced over at Naren who had a look on his face. She would probably have to apologize to him later. She looked back at the fight and saw it had somewhat escalated.

Welp. This was a lovely thing to do first thing in the morning~

Aiden had thought that the fight was over and the drunken man used that to his advantage. As soon as Aiden had lowered his guard the man shoved his wrist up, momentarily setting Aiden off balance. In the few seconds he spent to regain his footing the man took up his sword. He had clearly intended to keep Aiden at bay but he was faster and sliced a thin line down the man’s face, setting his staff at his chin again.

He watched as a small drip of virtual blood slid down the attacker’s face and he frowned. He would never hurt someone on purpose but this was something else entirely. The man wasn’t going to stop and if he kept on like his he was going to hurt innocent people. “Leave.” Aiden muttered, his soft voice adopting a harsh tone. “This is not a fight you’re going to win.”

Very slowly Aiden lowered his staff, watching the drunken man’s movements carefully. For a moment they all just stood there, nobody daring to move. Then with a few muttered curses the man sheathed his sword, stepping out of the inn.

Ann’s chest began to brim with pride as she watched Aiden stand up to that bully of a man. It was weird feeling. It probably paralleled the feeling of watching you’re baby brother stand up for himself, or you.

She scurried over to Aiden’s side after the attacker left the inn. “You were brilliant!” she exclaimed as she grasped his hands into hers. She was practically bubbling with joy.

Aiden just looked down with his lavender eyes, clearly embarrassed by her praise. “I-It was nothing…” his voice trailed off.

Ann pouted. “Don’t lie. You were great!” She continued to praise him.

Ann practically glowed as she praised him and he could only look down, not used to receiving such praise. “He would have gone after you…” Aiden stated softly, the worry finally seeping through him. There had been no place for it earlier. He had to move and had to make quick judgement.

Now that the fight was over though, all the emotions he should have felt were rushing through him. He had been scared that the man would hurt everyone. That he wouldn’t have stopped until the alcohol wore off. He was also a bit guilty. He had hurt another player. Not very much but…still…

As embarrassed and upset as he was he didn’t want to worry so he finally managed a small smile and glanced up at her. “Good morning.”

Ann blinked. Did he just… She then smiled. “Good morning to you too, Aiden,” she giggled.

She continued to giggle to herself. “Did you sleep well? And how did you like the note I left you?” she asked as she releasing one of his hands and gestured to her forehead. “Was it weird finding it on your forehead?” She smiled childishly.

Had he slept well. . .

Well. . .he was sure his avatar had. But he had a bit of trouble falling asleep last night. "I-I suppose so. . ." He answered, a bit flustered by her bright smile.

He paused when she mentioned the note -he had almost forgotten it- and he smiled a bit again, remembering how odd it had been to wake up with a note sticking to him. "It was a bit strange. . .but a good place to put it." He had found it after all. "I'm sorry I was a bit late." He had to finish his homework and it had been a bit difficult focusing on it.

Okay, Ann had seen a lot of fights in her day…okay, so most of them were brawls between girls, but that still kinda counts. But this, this was different. This was the kind of “The fucks I give fight Imma step on your face” kind of fight.

She could feel her face pale and turn shades of blue. Even though Aiden was a far better fighter than the drunken old fart, there was no telling what could happen. She noticed Aiden look up at the crowd and sigh slightly before looking back down at his assailant.

Ann glanced over at Naren who had a look on his face. She would probably have to apologize to him later. She looked back at the fight and saw it had somewhat escalated.

Welp. This was a lovely thing to do first thing in the morning~

Aiden had thought that the fight was over and the drunken man used that to his advantage. As soon as Aiden had lowered his guard the man shoved his wrist up, momentarily setting Aiden off balance. In the few seconds he spent to regain his footing the man took up his sword. He had clearly intended to keep Aiden at bay but he was faster and sliced a thin line down the man’s face, setting his staff at his chin again.

He watched as a small drip of virtual blood slid down the attacker’s face and he frowned. He would never hurt someone on purpose but this was something else entirely. The man wasn’t going to stop and if he kept on like his he was going to hurt innocent people. “Leave.” Aiden muttered, his soft voice adopting a harsh tone. “This is not a fight you’re going to win.”

Very slowly Aiden lowered his staff, watching the drunken man’s movements carefully. For a moment they all just stood there, nobody daring to move. Then with a few muttered curses the man sheathed his sword, stepping out of the inn.

Ann’s chest began to brim with pride as she watched Aiden stand up to that bully of a man. It was weird feeling. It probably paralleled the feeling of watching you’re baby brother stand up for himself, or you.

She scurried over to Aiden’s side after the attacker left the inn. “You were brilliant!” she exclaimed as she grasped his hands into hers. She was practically bubbling with joy.

Aiden just looked down with his lavender eyes, clearly embarrassed by her praise. “I-It was nothing…” his voice trailed off.

Ann pouted. “Don’t lie. You were great!” She continued to praise him.

Ann practically glowed as she praised him and he could only look down, not used to receiving such praise. "He would have gone after you. . ." Aiden stated softly, the worry finally seeping through him. There had been no place for it earlier. He had to move and had to make quick judgement.

Now that the fight was over though, all the emotions he should have felt were rushing through him. He had been scared that the man would hurt everyone. That he wouldn't have stopped until the alcohol wore off. He was also a bit guilty. He had hurt another player. Not very much but. . .still. . .

As embarrassed and upset as he was he didn't want to worry so he finally managed a small smile and glanced up at her. "Good morning."

Okay, Ann had seen a lot of fights in her day…okay, so most of them were brawls between girls, but that still kinda counts. But this, this was different. This was the kind of “The fucks I give fight Imma step on your face” kind of fight.

She could feel her face pale and turn shades of blue. Even though Aiden was a far better fighter than the drunken old fart, there was no telling what could happen. She noticed Aiden look up at the crowd and sigh slightly before looking back down at his assailant.

Ann glanced over at Naren who had a look on his face. She would probably have to apologize to him later. She looked back at the fight and saw it had somewhat escalated.

Welp. This was a lovely thing to do first thing in the morning~