Sonia Nevermind

Outwardly, I was everything a well-brought up girl should be. Inside, I was screaming.

[more-than-a-princess]

Welcome to more-than-a-princess, an independent, private, and selective blog for Sonia Nevermind from the Danganronpa franchise! This blog is run by Rae (30+, she/her) and is primarily a multi-para and novella blog. One liners and single paragraph posts are used for crack interactions only with established character relationships. Liking this post means you’re comfortable with me sending you memes, writing plotted starters, and reaching out to interact and plot OOC.

Currently I'm aiming for a leaner dash, so please if you are an RP blog only follow if you intend to write with me. If you’d prefer to simply read my threads, that’s fine, but please follow me on a personal account so I do not accidentally follow you back.

All of my rules and interaction information can be found here:

- Rules

- Bio

- Verses

- Headcanons

- Bonds (TBA)

- Promo

- Interest Checker

I interact best through memes and plotted starters. On occasion, I will post starter calls. I do not participate in greeter posts. I also do not participate in group storylines or RP with anons or using the Tumblr IM system. I write IC content with mutuals only. Please give me up to a week/7 full days for starters or replies unless I am on hiatus.

I’m available to plot and chat OOC on both tumblr and discord, though I prefer the latter (especially when tumblr isn’t working properly). Message me directly if you’d like my discord username!

This post will be updated with my threading availability. Sometimes I am temporarily unavailable to accept new threads due to the volume of replies in my drafts that need to be written. When these are complete, I will be available to plot, start new threads, and accept IC asks. Please check this pinned post to see if I’m available to plot and add threads.

Available for new threads and unprompted IC asks from mutuals: Yes! I prefer pre-plotted threads to asks but will accept either. I will let you know if I cannot answer your ask. Please note that I prefer contemporary and/or historical verses: I do not write fantasy or sci-fi content at this time.

[daily-sonia]

[more-than-a-princess]

"I confess that I cannot sing the lyrics to Part of Your World. Frankly, I became disinterested in Ariel's story when she felt compelled to live on the surface rather than the sea."

"However, I do know the lyrics to This Is Halloween! I do wish Halloweentown was real. I would never wish to leave!"

Don't ask her to sing, though. She can't hold a tune to save her life.

[rpmemes-galore]

random misc dialogue … sentence starters

“No, you’re hurt.”

“Don’t touch me.”

“You stole my heart.”

“Oh, yeah? Make me.”

“Don’t talk back to me.”

“Oh, sure, you bet’cha.”

“You’re so broken inside.”

“You can’t go in there alone.”

“Stop looking at me like that.”

“You can’t tell me what to do.”

“Don’t you have things to do?”

“If you fall, I’m going to laugh.”

“You’re such a dork. I love you.”

“Have you ever gone stargazing?”

“Like you would ever understand…”

“I just want to know what happened.”

“No, there’s nothing wrong with you.”

“You have the worst sense of humor.”

“Do you want to go on an adventure?”

“Did you ever find out why they did it?”

“I don’t need a hug. I need vengeance.”

“You have the best smile I’ve ever seen.”

“How long are you going to stand there?”

“You’re so painfully oblivious some days.”

“Do you need me to back you up on this?”

“You’re not royalty, stop acting like you are.”

“Did you lose your glasses/cane/mobility aid?”

“I just need to rant for a second, is that okay?”

“If you’re gonna be such a chicken, just leave.”

“You’re the most beautiful soul I’ve ever seen.”

“Yup, I heard it as soon as I said it, just let it go.”

“I don’t have proof, but I need you to believe me.”

“When was the last time you actually felt happy?”

“Yeah, I’m weak. What’s wrong with being weak?”

“How have you survived on your own for so long?”

“I really think you’re blowing this out of proportion.”

“I just want you to know I’m here… if you need me.”

“Look me in the eyes and say that again, I dare you.”

“I feel like I’d find more lively company in a cemetery.”

“Are you really sorry? Or just sorry you were caught?”

“You’re really not worth all this of this. You’re just not.”

“I know its dangerous… that’s why I brought you along.”

“How have you stayed so gentle through everything…?”

“Being a jerk isn’t the same as being strong, you know.”

“You’re a better person than you give yourself credit for.”

“Thanks for sticking with me. I know it hasn’t been easy.”

“I keep having the same nightmare. And it just won’t stop.”

“Are you actually living, or are you just fighting to survive?”

“Nothing wrong with admitting you need a hand sometimes.”

“Hey, if you need to bare your chest, I’m right here. I’ll listen.”

“I just want to eat pizza and pass out, is that too much to ask?”

“I needed you to know… you’re the most important part of my life.”

“Don’t tell me you’re being honest, because you’ve done nothing but lie.”

“Okay, maybe we all just need to step back and calm down for a minute.”

“I know its been a long time, and I’m sorry to show up out of the blue, but — “

“I just need to be wrapped up in a hug and squeezed back into my body, please.”

“I’m going to be here for you, no matter what. Come hell or high water, I’ve got your back.”

“I’m tired of being strong all the time. When is it my turn to break down and be told, ‘its okay, you did your best”?

[spittyfishy]

Tyrants

I firmly believe these three were the most politically powerful remnants and controlled most of the Tragedy between the three of them

[phantasmalnightmare]

Mikey was still fuming a bit, and it didn't help that the old lady had muttered something about being raised with no manners. His Grandpa and Shinichiro had raised him quite well, he wanted to shout, but he didn't want to cause even more of a scene. It wasn't his failed upbringing that caused his fiery rage, but the fact that his brother was taken from him much too soon. He wanted to cause a huge speculation right then and there, but he didn't want to ruin the memory of this moment for Sonia, so instead he managed a deep breath as they plopped down into the spot.

"Nah, that's not what bothers me." He didn't elaborate further. The Toman leader wasn't quite sure what did bother him so much, aside from the height difference. Maybe it was simply that he didn't want her to think of him as a kid. He wanted to be treated as an equal. Besides, even though she was older, it was by only two, maybe three years, tops. He fiddled with his jacket, still brooding a bit. The sight of the ugly, rented thing didn't help his sour mood.

Thankfully, Sonia was there to pull him out of it, even though her words suddenly made his face flush. He couldn't explain why, even though at the end of the day, he had wanted that acknowledgement in the first place, hadn't he? Yet, the words she spoke were suddenly much too embarrassing, which only worsened when she placed her hand where his heart should be. The heart, that he could feel slowly vanishing within the darkness.

"Tch, what kinda corny shit is that?" Mikey looked away, hoping she didn't notice the shade of red his face had now turned. He'd never been touched by a girl in the first place, aside from his sister. "Yeah, I s'pose my men do look up to me and listen to me." He mumbled. "Thanks." He did hear the rumors of him being a charismatic and strong leader, but it was hard to think of himself that way sometimes.

Luckily, the trip to the snack stand was a welcome distraction, so he could slow his breathing down for an all too different reason now. Anger was so much easier then this... whatever feeling it was. Was he feeling... bashful? It was certainly not something that Mikey was used to, but by the time he arrived with the food, he'd managed to rail it in, and he was back to the laid back and cocky Toman leader.

At least that's what he told himself as he took a bite of funnel cake himself. "Yeah it's called Funnel Cake. You can really only find it at amusement parks and it's so freaking good!" His eyes lit up as the sweet flavor melted in his mouth, and he wiggled in excitement a bit, unable to stop his childlike demeanor from making its presence known.

Hopefully Sonia was too distracted to notice as the show started. Although, he didn't do himself any favors in appearing mature, making appreciative oohs every once and awhile, his eyes glimmering with unspoken joy. The message was good, but the irony wasn't lost on him. The heiress wasn't quite an adult yet, and but she was never allowed to dream. And all he had was dreams, but there was a good chance he wouldn't be able to fulfill them if he lost his battle to his dark side.

He was more than happy to be back in his Toman uniform once they got back to the rental shop after the show, though he was certainly getting a lot of gawks and wide eyed stares from the families milling about now. He tucked the ears in the inside pocket of his jacket as they headed to where he'd parked his motorcycle. He wouldn't be caught dead with them on outside of the park.

"Well my big bro, Shinichiro, taught me. He took me on rides since I was a baby, and I got my first bike when I was four. Of course, he didn't let me do anything too crazy until I was older. But I've just been riding as long as I can walk I guess. All thanks to him. He taught me to love bikes." He grinned easily as they made it back to his pristine bike. "I guess our day is over Princess." His grin fell quickly, as he handed her the helmet.

"Guess I should take you back. Though... I'm guessing I can't just drop you off at your fancy pants mansion. Your Mom will probably try and shoot me for kidnapping you and all that." He held out his hand in order to help her onto the seat, and turned on the bike. The roar of the engine filled the now mostly empty parking lot. "Where to? The sky is the limit. I can get you anywhere you want."

[more-than-a-princess]

At Disneyland, they could blend in with the rest of the visitors: school uniforms and mouse ears, they could look as innocent as any other teenagers sampling the rides and snacks and everything in-between. But once the costumes came off, the stares, the apprehension, returned. For Mikey, Sonia presumed, it was the fact that between his dyed hair, dark stare, and the designs on his jacket, there was no mistaking that he was a delinquent. But for her, the gawking gazes lingered on her long legs, the expensive clothing, the high-heeled shoes and the fact her blue eyes and blonde hair were nothing short of natural. Mikey was terrifying, she was exotic. A novelty, even amongst foreigners.

She sighed gently, walking with purpose, the thin heels clicking against the asphalt. Her wardrobe, like his, was armor against the world: she could be judged for it, but at least she'd be what was expected of her. "I did remind you earlier not to call me Princess," She chided him. She didn't own a tiara or live in a castle: instead, she owned Hermes and Chanel and lived in a penthouse in the Aoyama area of Tokyo. When she wasn't living in one of the many Borghese family homes throughout Europe. "But more to the point: have you ever considered racing professionally, once you're out of school?" She doubted he planned for anything beyond Japan's mandatory education requirements, but he could surprise her. He did don animal ears, after all. Something Sonia doubted the rest of the Tokyo Manji Gang, much less adolescent gangs across the country, would believe without photographic evidence.

"I admit I'm not a racing expert, but what you did today, managing to lose my security team...there was nothing amateur about it, Sano-san. I'm sure your brother would be very proud." Families were a sensitive topic, at least for her. Sonia knew better than to ask of the whereabouts of the sibling Mikey looked up to so fondly.

She accepted his hand followed by the offered helmet, fastening it securely beneath her chin before carefully climbing aboard the back of the bike. It was an art, to gracefully settle behind him with modesty intact. "Not a mansion, where would you fit one in Tokyo anyway unless you're a member of the royal family?" She corrected him, her hands coming to rest at his waist to hold on. "I live in an apartment in the Aoyama district, but I doubt my mother will care if you bring me home. Unless she manages to show her fury from another continent entirely." Which she had before, but as long as Sonia kept the business going and her grades high, she doubted her mother would care. Her anger was reserved for things like losing large amounts of money, pregnancy scares, or getting in trouble with the law that the family hadn't managed to bribe yet. "My mother mostly stays at home in Europe while I carry out business here in Japan. Truth be told, it is the most suitable arrangement for us both to live alone."

"And besides," She continued, once she was sure he was preoccupied with the bike instead of her. "Kidnapping me presumes we went here against my will. I think the only thing we did against either of our wills was my taking you on the ride with the singing dolls!" It was supposed to be charming but for Sonia, it was suitably creepy and therefore terribly enjoyable. "But if you're asking what I'd normally do on a night like this, I imagine my answer would either be something old and steeped in professional responsibilities or terribly boring. You don't get to university one day without studying, anyway."

That didn't include her tendencies to lose herself in a novel or manga, or watch a gripping romantic drama or a marathon of gory horror movies. It also didn't include the intricacies of looking after her family's various business endeavors: Mikey had seen one of the hostess clubs already, Sonia figured he didn't need to be exposed to something more sinister than that.

She paused, leaning forward just a bit to look at him, or at least the side of his face. "What would you do at this hour? Besides organizing a big fight between another gang: if it's not too much to ask, I'd rather not be kicked in the face by you as means of something to do after Disneyland. I'd like to think at this point that we aren't enemies."

[fallesto]

She exhaled slowly, a measured breath that did more than release air; it carried the weighty realization that the board was stacked against them. The atmosphere in the bedroom suddenly felt stifling, saturated with the scent of aged wax and the metallic hint of the concealed dagger now pressed against Sonia’s thigh. It wasn't merely the presence of the cultists, the Sword Saint had faced countless foes, but the insidious nature of their infiltration. The breach of the winter estate's sanctuary, so stealthy, was a perceptual failure she couldn't overlook. The situation was not just dire; it was a fragile mechanism of peril, and the gears had already begun to turn. She understood the cadence of these confrontations. There was always a deceptive calm, a fleeting moment filled with warmth, pancakes, and laughter, before the blade emerged from the shadow of a familiar face.

The tempest outside was no mere coincidence; the Witch Cult not only anticipated the weather but thrived in the chaos it unleashed. The compromise of the estate's security meant that the perimeter had transformed from a solid wall into a porous sieve. The harsh truth was undeniable: things would spiral further into chaos before any defensive strike could be made.

"They don’t use phrases, Princess. They are a clandestine order, nearly impossible to extract information from; no one has ever captured a cultist alive to glean even a fragment of insight." She responded, her voice hardening into the resolute tone of the Sword Saint, despite the gentle femininity of her current form.

"The Cult doesn’t rely on passwords or secret handshakes. They thrive on obsession and the meticulous obliteration of identity. To them, the staff are not individuals, they are mere costumes. If you inquire about a servant's childhood memory or a detail only a true friend would know, they will deceive you with a smile that appears perfectly human, yet the eyes... the eyes never quite reflect the warmth of their words."

As her thoughts wandered back to the years of this unending, relentless war, she recalled her battles against the Cult, fought in the muck of nameless trenches and the opulent halls of fallen empires. She had witnessed their patterns unfold like a merciless cycle: the infiltration, the gradual erosion of trust, the abrupt, visceral violence, and the eerie silence that ensued. For years, she had been the shield that shattered their assaults, the blade that cut their reach, and the silent observer in the dark. She had come to understand that the most perilous foe wasn't the one howling in a frenzy of bloodlust, but rather the one who served your tea with a calm demeanor and an empty heart.

"If necessary, I can whisk us away in less than a second, but I cannot abandon the staff here while two agents of the sin of lust remain. They are quite furious with me, considering I have slain sins before and dismantled their cult to its current state."

The specters of the fallen Sins still lingered at the periphery of her sight. She recalled the exact, trembling moment when the Sin of Sloth finally drew his last breath, his lethargy giving way to a sudden, frantic terror as he realized his inertia was no longer a safeguard against her blade. Then there was Greed, who had attempted to hoard every scrap of protection he could pilfer, only to discover that his avarice had rendered him blind to the strike that severed his lifeline. Gluttony had been the simplest, a void of hunger that ultimately devoured itself when she lured him into a trap of his own insatiable desire. Three pillars of the Cult had been dismantled by her hand, their legacies reduced to mere bloodstains on forgotten battlefields. However, the void left by those deaths did not usher in tranquility; instead, it forged a throne.

The Sin of Lust filled the emptiness, not with the reckless craving of her forerunners, but with a meticulous, obsessive finesse. Lust did not desire the world to burn; she aimed to transform it into a warped reflection of her own cravings, a spectacle of flawlessness where everyone had a role in her grand, twisted performance. In this performance, the Princess was the prized focal point. To the current leader of the Cult, Sonia was not just a political target, but a trophy to be seized, shattered, and rewritten.

"The weather is indeed a hindrance. Yet, I can engage in it if necessary; the method to lure them out is quite straightforward. They desire you, of course, but if we perhaps speak ill of their leader, they will reveal themselves to thwart us. They are enamored with the sin of lust, whether given or coerced, it hardly matters now. An affront to their leader would disrupt their routine and plans, forcing them to expose themselves."

The atmosphere in the room had thickened, the kind of tension that foreshadows an avalanche. She didn’t need to see the assassins to sense their circling presence; she could feel the dissonant vibration of their existence, like a smear of grease on a spotless mirror. They weren’t merely in the building; they were embedded in the walls, the floorboards, the very air of the house. The realization settled in her stomach with a chilling, metallic certainty: the perimeter had vanished.

The estate was no longer a sanctuary, but a hunting ground, and the predators had already caught the scent of their prey. There was no space left for diplomacy, no time for a tactical withdrawal through the snow-laden pines. The hunt had to conclude here, in the serene opulence of the bedroom, before the cult could tighten their grip. She would have to eliminate them all, and she must do so without staining the immaculate carpets with a single drop of blood.

"Regardless of what unfolds, place your trust in me, and I will safeguard you."

She was confident in her ability to protect her, not due to the celestial gifts coursing through her veins or the deadly accuracy of her weapon, but because she had transformed into the very shadow that instilled fear in the darkness. True protection was not merely a barrier; it was the skill to anticipate the strike before the assailant even imagined it. To the outside world, she appeared as a delicate lady draped in silk, a fragile ornament amidst a lavish setting of gold and velvet.

Yet to the lurking monsters in the corridors, she was a specter, a hunter who had perfected the skill of remaining unseen while being right in front of them. She gazed at Sonia, whose stance remained unwavering despite the encroaching peril, and felt a powerful bond of guardianship. The threat was a tempest, but she stood firm like a mountain.

"I am uncertain of their true forms as well; they could be witch beasts or something even more sinister. Therefore, we should venture outside and draw them into the storm, where I will eliminate them."

[more-than-a-princess]

Sonia opened her mouth to remind Adelheid to call her 'Sonia,' not 'Princess,' particularly when they weren't in the company of other members of staff or her family, but then she closed it. Nitpicking preferred informalities was hardly important at the moment, and if it helped Adelheid do her job better to see Sonia as just the princess she was, who was she to complain?

"If it wasn't a situation of life or death right now, it would be a little unnerving that you can simply pick me up and take me away wherever you wish," She mentioned. Sonia didn't bother asking Adelheid that if she had a choice, if the world wasn't at war and falling apart and she could use that blessing, where would she take her, what would they do, and why. Questions that didn't matter if a future wouldn't come to pass, and it wasn't as if the rest of her own staff, much less the country, was better off for considering the 'what ifs' of a brighter, happier world. "But I agree: we cannot abandon the staff. Even if they weren't devoted to my family's welfare, they are still citizens of Novoselic and they deserve our help, especially if they cannot help themselves by no fault of their own. We're the only nation without magic: it hardly seems fair."

Sonia paused, glancing towards Adelheid with an apologetic look. Probably out of place considering the circumstances, but she wasn't keen on living her life with regrets. "I'm not sure it matters, but you've endeared yourself to me a little more. Thinking of my staff, and not just me. Sometimes I'm not sure if anyone else does."

The air felt simultaneously colder and more stifling. The fires that should have constantly been kept lit in her bedroom's fireplace had gone out, indicating the housemaids on staff had fallen behind in their tasks or were preoccupied with breakfast-

But the housemaids never let such things lapse. Sonia's eyes widened at the realization: at least one of the housemaids was likely a member of the Witch Cult. Or at least, she'd been murdered by the Witch Cult to take on her appearance in order to blend in.

"Well, it seems counterproductive to stare into every staff member's eyes when asking them personal questions in order to riddle out the imposters," She decided, peering past one of the heavy velvet curtains at the window and into the snowstorm. It was coming down hard, making it difficult to see even a few meters in front of their faces. Well, unless one was a van Astrea of course: Sonia was merely a princess, not a god, or at least blessed with godlike powers.

And she was susceptible to the elements. Opening her wardrobe, Sonia eyed the various articles inside before reaching for the heaviest fur cloak of the lot. But even with mittens and a scarf over her nose and mouth, the cold winds would still reach her. Royalty was never expected to brave such hardships, and she didn't have the attire nor the fortitude for it. But she had to try, for everyone's sake.

"All right, so we go into the storm and use me as bait," She nodded to Adelheid's plan, slipping on her mittens. "Based on the state of this room, I think one of the cultists is posing as a housemaid: someone on the lowest level of seniority but with the ability to move throughout the estate, particularly my living quarters. But how exactly do we offend their leader? I, um, do not understand how to offend the Sin Archbishop of Lust. Save for perhaps staying alive in all of this."

"But," She continued, picking up her scarf on the way towards her door. "I trust you. So lead the way and use your skills as you see fit, as long as you are not devoting too much of them to my comfort. I should be all right in the storm for a little while."

She hoped she at least sounded confident about that, enough for Adelheid to believe her. But the more of her blessings she extended to Sonia, keeping her warm and protected, the less she had to face the Witch Cult and protect all of the souls at both the estate and Novoselic as a whole.

[do-re-memes]

— nighttime ; prompts & sentence starters.

a mixture of scenarios and dialogue for nighttime shenanigans. tw for mentions of alcohol, substance usage, and suggestive themes.

( SCENARIOS )

[ BUZZ ] - our muses are drinking and / or getting high on a rooftop.

[ CAMP ] - our muses are camping in the woods, telling ghost stories by the fire, when they suddenly hear something scary.

[ CONCERT ] - our muses attend a major pop star's concert and fan out.

[ DANCE ] - our muses go out clubbing and start dancing up on each other.

[ DIM ] - our muses make cocktails and slow dance in a dimly lit kitchen at 11pm.

[ DINER ] - our muses decide to hit up a diner at midnight and order breakfast.

[ DRINK ] - our muses meet up for drinks at a lowkey bar.

[ DRIVE ] - our muses are on a late night road trip and have to make a pit stop somewhere questionable.

[ EMPTY ] - our muses explore an abandoned building and almost get caught by [pick: security / squatters / other explorers / something else].

[ FRESH ] - our muses decide to sit outside one of their homes for fresh air and a meaningful conversation at 1am.

[ GAME ] - our muses stay up until 4am playing video games in the living room.

[ GRAVE ] - our muses explore a cemetery / graveyard and find something spooky.

[ HAUNT ] - our muses explore a location that is notoriously haunted and have a paranormal encounter.

[ HIDE ] - our muses are hiding out together in [pick: the attic / the bathroom / a closet / the garage / somewhere else] at a party they didn't want to attend.

[ HIKE ] - our muses are hiking along a new trail and find something interesting / odd after getting lost.

[ MASK ] - our muses attend a masquerade (or some other masked event) and unknowingly become dance partners.

[ PLAY ] - our muses have fun at a playground at 1am.

[ RITUAL ] - our muses conduct a [pick: cult-like / pagan / satanic / spell] ritual deep in the middle of a forest.

[ ROOM ] - our muses are deliriously sprawled out in one of their bedrooms at 5am after talking all night.

[ SHINE ] - our muses are laying on a blanket in the grass and stargazing.

[ SHORE ] - our muses attend a bonfire party on the beach and wind up talking and walking along the shore until sunrise.

[ SNACK ] - our muses make a 1am snack run to the nearest corner store / gas station.

[ SNEAK ] - our muses are caught sneaking in or out somewhere (alternate: sender may catch receiver, or vice versa).

[ STUDY ] - our muses spend the evening [pick: studying / training] and accidentally get locked in the [pick: grounds / gym / library / school].

[ SUMMON ] - our muses play with a ouija board (or similar tool) at 3am and get scared by themselves or something worse.

[ SWEAT ] - our muses are laying in bed together post-coitus.

[ SWIM ] - our muses sneak into the community pool for a late night swim.

[ VENUE ] - our muses drink and get rowdy at a rock show in a small venue.

[ WALK ] - our muses take a late night stroll around the neighborhood / town / city.

[ WET ] - our muses skinny dip in a lake / pond once the sun starts to go down.

( DIALOGUE )

❛ it's hard to see the stars in the city. ❜

❛ can you spot any constellations? ❜

❛ can i get you a drink? ❜

❛ i'm so tired, but i can't sleep… ❜

❛ it's too late for that. ❜

❛ this is gonna require an all-nighter. ❜

❛ how is it already two in the morning? ❜

❛ gonna grab a midnight snack. you want something? ❜

❛ can i take you home? ❜

❛ did you hear that? ❜

❛ i can't see shit. ❜

❛ why do hauntings never seem to happen during the day? ❜

❛ first one to fall asleep has to buy breakfast in the morning. ❜

❛ are you still awake? ❜

❛ are you okay? it sounded like you were having a bad dream. ❜

❛ well, you seemed like you were having a good dream… was it about me? ❜

❛ hey! no falling asleep on me! you better wake up! ❜

❛ what do you think about when you're falling asleep? ❜

❛ shh! keep your voice down! ❜

❛ please tell me you see that too… ❜

❛ i think we're being followed… ❜

❛ who the fuck are you?! why are you following me?! ❜

❛ why the hell are you up so late? ❜

❛ getting into some late night mischief? … yeah, me neither. ❜

❛ can you stay up with me, please? i just need some company… ❜

❛ don't turn on the light! ❜

❛ could you at least turn on a light or something? ❜

❛ who cares? it's not like anyone can see us. ❜

❛ this place is freakier at night… ❜

❛ it's locked… what are we supposed to do now? ❜

[more-than-a-princess]

All of this silence and patience, pining in anticipation My hands are shaking from holding back from you (ah, ah, ah) All of this silence and patience, pining and desperately waiting My hands are shaking from all this (ah, ha, ha, ha) Say my name and everything just stops I don't want you like a best friend Only bought this dress so you could take it off Take it off

@phantasmalnightmare

(Honestly I probably could have put the entirety of this song's lyrics here for Gundham/Sonia but this was probably the most relatable of it all)

[phantasmalnightmare]

Even... then? Oh Gods, had she truly loved him for as long as he had her? From the school days of innocence and fond memories? From the moment they'd shared mochi under the cherry blossoms? Or, perhaps, from the moment they'd met, just as he had fallen so hopelessly in love with her right then and there. Of course he hadn't noticed. He'd lacked the confidence that she could ever love someone like him.

Gundham felt awestruck as she mused, wiping his tear away with a kindness he didn't deserve. It was hard to believe that she'd ever been a remnant in that moment, even as she assured him that he'd never have hurt her. He wasn't so sure. That Gundham had known nothing but cruelty and malice. The other remnants had steered clear of him for the most part, because it was well known he liked to work alone besides his animal army, and he had a particularly nasty temper when it came to humans.

He felt like he couldn't breathe as he listened to her confession, his eyes wide, lips parted. Part of him believed this had to be a dream, because this was a fantasy he'd kept to himself for so many years: One where Sonia returned his feelings as intensely as he felt for her. When others had bullied him relentlessly and had mocked his Dark Lord persona, she'd always accepted him for who he was. Every time he fantasized that perhaps she felt more for him then friendship, he'd squashed those feelings down instantly. After all, this wasn't a fairy tale, and there was no way a princess could love a beast.

This can't be happening.

And yet it was. The breeder was still speechless, and so he simply decided to let his lips do the talking, putting his years of longing and desperation into his kiss, deepening it more and more frantically, as if she would change her mind and throw him out. The only way he knew he wasn't dreaming was the feel of her lips on his own, kissing him back just as fervently. Her lips were even softer then he'd imagined, and kissing her was bliss beyond his wildest fantasies.

As he wrestled her tongue with his own, and nipped at her lower lip playfully, she finally made him pull back for a moment. He gazed into her eyes, his own fulled with lust, but also adoration and love. "Is that not my line? I have yearned for nothing more in my life than this moment... To become one with you. However, if you wish, we can take things slower as well. The Dark Lord is nothing but patient." He flipped back to his Dark Lord personality, suddenly nervous and not sure how to continue. It felt like he'd already waited a life time for this moment, but they'd only just now confessed to each other. Maybe she'd like to be properly courted instead.

He was unable to hide the hunger in his gaze though, as it wandered to her blouse. The feral urge to rip the buttons off was almost impossible to hold back, yet it was sobering. He didn't want to be forceful with her because, that was the only way he knew how to be intimate. The thought made him struggle to hold back bile that had suddenly made its way up his throat.

He knew he had to come clean, even if it ruined the moment.

"Before we go further... There is a confession I must make." Gundham found himself unable to look at her all of a sudden. "As a remnant.. a few women killed some of my beasts and I wanted to make them suffer as much as possible. Well... there is no easy way to speak of this so I shall just say it. I took them against their will." A pit of shame welled up within him, and it took everything in him to stand in place and not run back out of the door.

The only time it had been consensual was when it was with Junko herself. She was the one who had whispered how to make those that had really angered him suffer the most in the throes of despair, but it was no excuse for what he'd done. Junko had enjoyed watching him in those moments, where he'd forced himself on the women. If that hadn't broken his victims, they usually didn't make it far after he started peeling their fingernails and skin off afterwards.

"I have not been intimate with someone I love before, and I do not wish to think about those situations, but that is my only experience. If you do not desire to be with someone as filthy as me I understand. I do not believe it will cause issues if you want to continue but I am not entirely certain either. I do not want to hurt you, no matter what." He was worried that the revulsion in himself would take over and make him unable to continue, but the woman he loved was right in front of him. And Gods, he wanted to take her, as selfish as it was.

[more-than-a-princess]

Patience. Yes, she knew something about that. Whether it had been watching him teach a bear how to dance and carry schoolbooks while the rest of their classmates cowered in a corner, or watching him sleep in his glass coffin on Jabberwock Island after the final five survivors had been awakened from their simulation, Sonia Nevermind knew about patience when it came to Gundham Tanaka. Alongside with admiration, yearning, love, and a deep-rooted belief that he would never look fondly upon her, whether she'd become a remnant of despair or if they were simply classmates with their supposedly entire futures ahead of them, before they'd been stolen away.

And frankly, besides pushing herself on him as something, someone, he didn't want, Sonia Nevermind was fucking done with patience. A world away from the devastation in Novoselic, no one needed her to be a queen right now. They'd seen hell and caused a near-armageddon: they were long past any sort of innocent courtship and first kisses.

They were also past feeling any sort of surprise regarding sexual assault. Not that it was something Sonia condoned, but it was something she understood as she listened to his confession. A club of which she wished she wasn't a member, but if he expected her to be disgusted by him, he was sorely mistaken.

"You could never hurt me," She replied honestly. He could cut her, he could break her, he could bite her and rip her to shreds, limb from limb or simply take her entire heart in his fist and crush it into a fine pulp and it wouldn't hurt. Because it was him. Because Sonia had decided a long time ago that, where it truly mattered, she was his. She was always his.

"But Gundham..." She whispered against his lips in-between kisses. It was a battle she didn't want to fight, pulling away from the intoxicating taste and feel of his lips in order to drive her point home with words. Actions, as it was said, spoke louder than words but her conscience couldn't let her proceed without him truly understanding what he meant to her. "Much of my reign of terror involved acts of assault and rape. I've had sex with men, women, non-binary individuals, several of our classmates, and Junko Enoshima. And Gundham..." She trailed off, her fingers tracing over his cheek, the strong angle of his jawline, her thumb brushing his lips before trailing down towards his neck. Towards the buttons of his shirt that she so longed to tear away.

"Each and every time, I wished they were you."

She couldn't bring up the courage to add on If you think I'm disgusting, I understand. If you want to leave, I understand. If she did, the rest of her bravery would be shot as she took a half-step from him. In order to bring her hands to the fabric belt of her dress, undoing the bow and letting the ties fall to the side. With shaking hands, then, she reached up to the top button of her dress.

Pop!

An exposed collarbone, less jagged than it had been once he'd woken up and she'd decided to properly eat instead of drinking her calories.

Pop!

The soft, pale skin over her fluttering heartbeat, and the top line of her cleavage. The amount of skin her family had once called decent, with anything more making her appear cheap and easy.

Pop!

The tops of her breasts, full and highlighted by the scalloped edge of her black lacy bra.

Pop!

Where black lace covered silk, accented by a small rosette, holding the delicate, near-transparent cups together. Maybe if she'd been sixteen and innocent instead of twenty-two and, in the eyes of the world, an irredeemable monster, she'd be nervous about him seeing her in her underwear.

But that wasn't why she gulped. Why her hands shook, nearly tearing the button from the thread as she reached the fastening just below her bra. She kept her gaze on him, but instead of just love and desire, her eyes spoke the apology that her words couldn't manage to form.

Pop!

She was sorry. So sorry, that she gave herself to him like this. She wouldn't cry: no matter what, in her haze of lust and want and need and too much wine at dinner, she wouldn't cry when the first bit of scarred, marled skin began to show. She hadn't turned on the cabin's lights: the moonlight was more than sufficient to cast its glow upon her ugly secret.

Grafted skin, not out of medical need but obsession and vanity. Even now, she could hear Junko's voice in her ear reminding her of what her mother had assured her for her entire life: it wasn't her mind, or her wealth that really mattered in securing the royal lineage. It was her beauty, and if she lost it, Sonia Nevermind, Queen of Novoselic, would be nothing.

So when Junko died, at Junko's own urging, she'd taken Junko's beauty, her flawless skin and attached it to her own. Or rather, the scientists she'd tortured and blackmailed in Novoselic to do it for her, despite the complications. The jagged scars, the oozing infections, the red and purpled and at times, yellowed skin that covered her abdomen. It had been a goddamn feeding frenzy for the Remnants of Despair to take what they wanted from their leader: Fuyuhiko took an eye, Mikan...well, the less spoken of what Mikan took the better. But Sonia had taken Junko's very beauty for her own, and when her mind had been returned to a state of sanity and she'd woken up, realizing what she'd done, she'd screamed and thrashed and sobbed so hard that it had taken three members of the Future Foundation to hold her down, just so she wouldn't hurt herself with a bit of broken mirror she'd reached for, desperately trying to slice her own throat with it.

Pop!

The next button had been enough to loosen the waistline of her dress, the weight of fabric enough to slide down her shoulders and fall from her shaking, trembling hands, pooling into a heap at her feet. It revealed the matching pair of black lace panties she wore but, more importantly, the extent of her devotion as a Remnant of Despair. Any intimacy she shared with anyone now...there was no hiding who she'd been and what she was.

"I-" She choked out as she stepped out of her sandals and the mess of fabric on the floor. She still couldn't manage to voice an apology, but she could at least keep her gaze on him. And wish, if not beg, for his approval. Or at least an affirmation that he'd seen her now, all of her, and wouldn't leave her alone.

[more-than-a-princess]

A few thoughts/headcanons as I work on replies today (in an attempt to overcome my usual medicine side effects!):

There's something inherently youthful, innocent, if not romantic about a summer visit to the ice cream parlor. Tasting flavors, picking toppings, eating it outside at dusk when it's pleasantly warm and not oppressive heat. Just a charming thread addition somewhere, perhaps. Sonia likes all of the chocolate flavors, tea flavors, and wants to try anything inherently unique to Japan no matter how vile it happens to taste.

Don't get her coffee-flavored ice cream, unless there's chocolate bits in it. And of course, no plum-flavored ice cream.

2. Novoselic has qualified for the FIFA World Cup in the past and in the RP world in 2026! They made it to the final 16. While Novoselic has never won, they've advanced as far as third place at a past World Cup but the country's citizens treat it like a win. Hopefully they'll put together a team that wins the whole thing one day. And yes, after each winning game there's a bank holiday so the country can rest and recover (especially after they've stayed up all night to watch!).

3. If I'm writing a romantic relationship with Sonia and your muse, you can safely assume there's at least one or two songs I'm attributing to them. At least one is by Tay.lor Sw.ift (as much as I dislike her as a person, I like quite a lot of her music). They will probably be shared on the dash at various points of threading. I'm sorry in advance: it helps me get into a writing mood for ships.

And now, back to threads as I hope to get one replied to today before the meds really kick in! I'm thankful that due to the World Cup, I'm only in the office for two days this week (but I do have to work unpaid overtime on Sunday, unfortunately). I was eaten alive by mosquitoes at work over the weekend and it's taking everything in me not to scratch the bites right now.

[fallesto]

The conversation had provided her with much to ponder; she couldn't remember the last time she had a heartfelt discussion with someone. Taking the time to talk about emotions, the past, and the mistakes made, as well as the efforts to amend those failures, was a rarity for her. The unfortunate reality was that no one had ever engaged her in such a manner, except for Sonia. This was a new experience for her, and she almost forgot how to react, as she was used to people yelling at her, hurling insults, and issuing commands rather than having a genuine conversation. It was something she desperately needed during these dark and challenging times.

She genuinely liked Sonia, but could she truly consider her a friend? Would it be appropriate to label their relationship as such, given the titles and roles they held? Sonia was a princess, while she was the sword saint, donning a different identity due to her blessings. Yet, Sonia treated her with kindness, honesty, nobility, and integrity, qualities that were hard to find in these grim times. The world was on the verge of collapse, with the witch cult advancing, kingdoms crumbling, lands ablaze, and lives being lost. In this chaos, she felt a sense of duty; protecting Sonia was what the world required of her. She was a crucial element in the fight to preserve humanity and all other races from falling under the dominion of a witch cult seeking total control over the remnants of the world.

In a world that was battered and broken, a desperate cry for action echoed, and Sonia was doing her best to respond. Her kingdom stood as the last true bastion of hope, a place where dreams could flourish, untouched by the horrors that had plagued others. Here, the witch cult had not sunk its fangs and claws, nor had monstrous terrors begun their slaughter. Sonia had tirelessly fought against world-ending threats; she had vanquished the three great terrors, defeated the mighty spirits, and slain the last dragons. She had dismantled much of the witch cult's leadership, yet it never felt sufficient. Each time she saved the world, another danger emerged. For every kingdom she rescued, two would burn in her absence; for every village she protected, two towns would fall into darkness. For every princess she safeguarded, innocents would perish. She understood the injustice of it all, but being omnipresent was beyond her reach. Despite her strength, she remained human, forced to choose her battles wisely.

Being by Sonia's side was essential; the witch cult sought her, and this was where she needed to be to confront the threat once and for all. The first attempt on Sonia's life had failed, but she now realized the second was imminent, arriving sooner than anticipated. The cult was already among them. Despite her blessings and skills, the witch cult remained an enigma, and the power of sins was something that even her blessings could not foresee or defend against. She faced the strongest remnants of the witch cult, now unified under a single sin, a singular vision, and a common purpose: to seize everything and distort the world into a twisted reflection of lust, a fate she would never allow to unfold.

"Pardon me."

She inclined her head before Sonia, not intending to intrude and frighten her, but her presence was crucial. She had uncovered evidence: two staff members were not human, but rather monsters, beings manipulated by the sin of lust. They could easily pass for human, behaving and speaking like them, so convincingly that one would never suspect. Yet, they were not human; even her keen eyes and abilities would struggle to reveal their true nature. They were also concealing their scent, showcasing their skill and power, and they were here for Sonia. As she approached Sonia, concern flickered across her face for a brief moment before vanishing.

"I appreciate your concern, but there are more urgent issues at hand," She replied softly, her exquisite earring ensuring that no one was eavesdropping as she exhaled. "Two of your staff members have been replaced by agents of the witch cult." She did not wish to present the bloodied, torn clothing to Sonia, hoping her words would suffice to convince her of the compromised safety of this place and the imminent danger to Sonia's life. They were unaware of her identity, which could lead them to act recklessly and attempt to harm Sonia, even with her nearby.

"Have you observed anything unusual about your staff? You know them well. Has anyone been behaving strangely? Speaking differently, or just not acting like themselves?"

[more-than-a-princess]

Something more important than a hearty breakfast after a morning's exercise, which itself was a result of the first real exercise after nearly ten days in a carriage? As far as Sonia was concerned, she was still becoming acquainted to using her legs and being able to recline fully in a bed to sleep. The lack of explosions at random intervals, hushed conversations about towns and villages at Novoselic's borders being demolished by the Witch Cult, and pressing conversations about when she was to choose a Prince Consort and reassure the nation that Novoselic's legacy would continue despite the many attempts to tear the country apart were things she simply couldn't get enough of.

Not that she wanted to run away from her responsibilities, per se, but it was nice to take a respite and not feel like the world and her future were closing in around her. In times of peace, there was less urgency, less pressure, where more mundane worries like easing tax rates and building schools were at the forefront of her family's problems. Now, it was simply keeping Novoselic Castle standing and the Royal Family going.

She wondered if she could tempt Adelheid into at least a little of the fruit off her plate, and a bit of the egg and toast. Sure, she was the Sword Saint but that didn't mean she shouldn't look after herself. But hearing her explanation, that was going to be a fool's errand: that's what she was there for, right? To keep Sonia alive when the Witch Cult came calling. Or rather, when they demanded both her country and her head. Sonia had decided awhile back not to point out that it was peculiar that they went after her specifically when her father, the king and monarch, still lived: surely his life was more valuable than hers, but there was no dissuading Adelheid on the matter.

"Of course," She sighed deeply, pushing her chair back away from the table. It seemed criminal, with the frigid weather outside, to let even half a pot of tea grow cold but there was no choice in the matter. "If only I could have one day without an attempt, or at least a looming threat, on my life. Very well."

Maybe Adelheid expected her to be more alarmed, panicked, but instead Sonia strode to a large portrait of her great-grandfather and pulled it forward, exposing a hidden stairwell behind it. "I haven't noticed anything unusual, though to be honest my family isn't as close to the staff in our summer and winter estates as we are in the main castle. Probably using that knowledge to their advantage," Sonia explained, leading the way up the curved stone staircase. Unlike the rest of the lavish winter retreat, it wasn't heated by large fires or lit with gas lamps. Instead, Sonia carried a single candle that she'd lit with a matchbox kept in the pocket of her wool gown. "Or, the Witch Cult has been pursuing me for so long that they're learning to adapt better to my family's staff and nation's customs. If you can share what identifying traits you believe to implicate my staff, we may be able to start ruling out those who can't be suspects."

Stopping several floors up, she pushed open another portrait, this one leading directly into her bedroom. Probably not the most ideal of hiding places, but she wasn't intending to hide. Instead, Sonia went through the rehearsed steps of whenever her life was in imminent danger: opening up the jewelry box, she reached for a dazzling sapphire brooch set in delicate gold filigree, pushing it down the front of her dress for it to rest between her skin and the fabric of her chemise and corset. She also fastened the pearl-encrusted gold heart locket around her neck and braided gold bracelet around her wrist. With the most important jewelry seen to, she then perched her right leg on her vanity's stool and began tugging up the hem of her gown and petticoats, until she reached the bare skin of her thigh where her wool stockings ended. She didn't have time to fret about the indecency of it all: maybe because it was Adelheid right now and not Reinhard, she wouldn't have any interest in her like that. Instead, she swiftly attached a leather thigh holster containing a dagger and vials of poison and antidote to her leg before lowering her hem and smoothing the various skirts back into place.

"If only there were a discreet way to carry a library's worth of books," She remarked, reaching for a small velvet bag which she then filled with coins and cash from an iron chest, enough to survive on frugally for months if needed. "And food and water, of course. Maybe a small bag, like this one, with infinite space unseen to our eyes. Now that might prove more useful than a dagger and jewels."

"Still..." She murmured, looking from Adelheid to the window. They'd been fortunate to go skating in the early morning: now, a fresh blanket of snow had begun to fall more heavily, making visibility, much less walking or skating, nearly impossible. "If the Witch Cult picked now to attack, I'd wonder if they were predicting the weather. We can't leave in this storm, which means we have to be smart about how we'll stay here and stay alive. I hope the rest of the staff are unharmed with this threat at hand: are there any sort of phrases, or items, that might trigger the Witch Cult? Anything that might garner a reaction from them that would out them as imposters?"

[cryptinspo]

– 𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗢𝗠 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗧𝗦 !

"Don’t look back."

"I missed you."

"It’s too late."

"Please don’t go."

"You promised me."

"Who did this?"

"I forgive you."

"We were gods."

"Leave me alone."

"They found us."

"Trust me, please."

"I need help."

"Run. Don’t stop."

"It wasn’t me."

"I remember everything."

"Burn it all."

"Tell me why."

"You never called."

"It’s just rain."

"You owe me."

"She’s not breathing."

"Is that blood?"

"You were right."

"It ends now."

"We start over."

"Stay with me."

"Nothing feels real."

"I hate this."

"Do it now."

"They're watching us."

"Make it stop."

"It's not yours."

"I was waiting."

"He’s behind you."

"They’re all gone."

"Time is up."

"Bring them back."

"It’s our turn."

"This is wrong."

"Don’t let go."

"We are cursed."

"No one knows."

"You're not real."

"Don’t say it."

"I saw everything."

"Nothing ever changes."

"Call it off."

"What are you?"

"I found it."

"Let me in."

[quickdeaths]

It was hardly cruel, and Shinobu shook her head in dismissal. "No, you aren't wrong," she admitted, "but you'll have to take my word for it that I have." That the bulk of her rejections were directed towards girls she'd already decided were boring, they kept to themselves. "As for a walk, no, I wouldn't mind." The aquarium was a bit crowded anyway, and they'd take the opportunity to stretch their legs. "Please, Miss Nevermind, lead the way."

Being a frequent visitor to the aquarium as she was, Shinobu knew the surrounding area better than most, and the restaurant that Sonia brought her to was a place she recognized, though hadn't ever entered. Authenticity came at a price, after all, and if she were going to spend such amounts, she'd awkwardly admit that she preferred the trendier, more global feeling of a cafe that served brewed specialty coffee. Not that she'd say that to Sonia, of course. It was nice to be invited, and if nothing else, the experience of drinking an authentic Italian caffè wasn't one any self-respecting aficionado should pass up.

"Mm..." Right... Ji-yeon. It was natural that Sonia would remember Ji-yeon's outburst most strongly. In the moment, though, Shinobu recalled the conversation they'd had on the phone afterwards. She'd said quite a few embarrassing things, hadn't she? Most importantly, her affirmation that she wanted to be in Sonia's life for a long while. She wouldn't be able to keep her word, with that. Something else she could add to her list of sins, if one day it was required of her.

Thankfully, Sonia seemed busy greeting the cafe and directing the pair of them, meaning that Shinobu could get by only offering her own 'buongiorno' in imitation of Sonia's. Naturally, they didn't follow the conversation that came afterwards, so instead considered what Sonia had said about tiramisu. They'd mentioned before that it was their favorite dessert, hadn't they? Was Sonia saying that for her benefit? Surely she didn't remember something so insignificant, did she?

"Yes, I enjoy all coffee," she answered when the conversation had returned to Japanese. Were Ji-yeon there, Shinobu imagined she'd have pointed out the cultural chauvinism that came with so many European countries claiming to have such a rich history with the drink, considering they had never grown the beans themselves and relied on imports from Asia, Africa, and South America. Well, she wouldn't have been entirely wrong, Shinobu thought.

"I haven't ever been to an Italian-style cafe," they admitted, "but I frequent a number of coffeehouses in the city when circumstances and funds allow. Mm.. un caffè doppio, per favore." Though she wouldn't claim to speak anything other than Japanese and English with any proficiency, Italian was intertwined with coffee culture enough that she at least knew how to order. Perhaps that, too, was a sign of Italy's position of cultural dominance in the coffee realm.

The thought of calling Sonia Sonia-hime was enough to amuse Shinobu. She'd never say so herself, knowing as she did that the other girl preferred to forgo such titles among friends. Still, it sounded a bit cute, didn't it? Then again, perhaps most things would sound cute next to Sonia's name. Among their many regrets was one of how they wished they'd used her name more often. Unfortunately, their strict speaking style got in the way, and it'd be too much to change now.

Shinobu nodded, her eyes flicking first to Sonia, then the man. "I've witnessed her unique palate regarding this sort of thing in the past, yes." And steeled herself accordingly. Well, truthfully, it wasn't any of her business what sort of things Sonia liked. "In my own case, I do prefer to simply let the beans speak for themselves." Once the man had returned to the back, Shinobu shook her head. "No, it's no issue. This might be a livelier attitude than I'm used to, but, it's hardly unwelcome. Besides, I'm looking forward to the drink."

[more-than-a-princess]

After Niccolo had disappeared back into the kitchen (though not without congratulating Shinobu on their excellent pronunciation of their order), Sonia turned back to them with her cheeks slightly puffed in both annoyance and embarrassment. "You do not need to emphasize the ways I must take my coffee," She insisted, more as a suggestion than a command. Despite the Italian man using her title when addressing her, Sonia felt less like a princess and more like a shy little girl. "I just do not handle bitter flavors very well. Or sour ones for that matter, but bitter flavors are difficult to stomach. And besides: all foods and beverages should be delicious, right? It's just a bit embarrassing, you know. Most people our ages can easily drink coffee without sugar or milk and then...there's me."

Her expression relaxed into a content smile once she'd garnered Shinobu's approval, though. Of the cafe, that is: she'd put it out of her mind after the Ji-yeon incident, thinking she'd never have the opportunity to take her there. Sonia was pleased, then, she'd been wrong. "Oh, that's good," She said, relieved. "In my experience, it has been the Japanese way to be helpful but quiet and unobtrusive. But I think it's the people, not just the food, that reminds me of being back in Europe. Or at least Italy, and southern Novoselic. It's still different than what's popular here, though. So I wasn't sure if you'd like it. I'm glad you do."

The aquarium had, despite her misunderstanding of the situation on the roof, given them something to constantly talk about. It was strange: she'd never had difficulty finding something to talk to Shinobu about before, save for the day she'd run away from Ji-yeon's concert in humiliation. But since the pool party and coming across her and Rui in what was clearly supposed to be a private moment, Sonia felt tongue-tied, frozen as to what to say without embarrassing Shinobu and implicating her own situation.

Which wasn't a situation, not really. She'd spoken of it to no one and if she didn't act on it, then her feelings weren't real. There was the side of her that she owed the world, a trust and honesty that the Novosonian people believed in her to possess and eventually lead them one day. But a part of her, her father once said, she'd always have to shut away in favor of being the princess, and eventually queen, she was and would be. Sure, he'd mentioned it in the middle of a Friday the 13th marathon when she couldn't stop giggling at a Jason victim getting his head punched off in New York City, but it probably applied: enjoying horror movies and realizing she, in some capacity, wasn't heterosexual.

Sonia was grateful when the tiramisu arrived first, soon followed by their coffees, hers with a rose drawn in the foam on top. As usual, she noted with a small smile: despite the fact that the family who ran the restaurant was Italian, they were aware that the national flower of Novoselic was the Novosonian rose. Nevertheless, it was quickly dissolved into the rest of the drink with the sugar cubes she added to it, giving Shinobu a quick glance of Don't you dare say a thing.

"I hope you enjoy it, both of them," She told them sincerely, even if she wasn't sure what else she could say without sounding foolish. If she rambled about some horror movie or manga or romantic book, she'd probably sound silly, or at least try Shinobu's patience. And she certainly didn't have Shinobu's extensive knowledge on marine and aquatic life to further discuss what they'd seen earlier today. "I-I remembered, I think, that you said you liked tiramisu once, and I don't think you're often too keen on desserts. Probably because they're too sweet, but this one is much more creamy with the cocoa and espresso-soaked ladyfingers overpowering the sugar and-"

Sonia swallowed her rambling words and then a sip of the latte, nodding to the second fork placed in front of Shinobu. "Oh I'm sorry, I just kept going on and on, didn't I?" She apologized, her cheeks turning pink with how flustered she was. "But please, we can share and I'd love for you to try it. And I'd love to hear what you'll be up to this summer! What will you do with your time?" Probably more exciting than her own university visits and royal appearances and obligations, from interviews and reviewing charities to annual summer parties and balls. Sonia rather imagined Shinobu delving into a book she hadn't had time for during classes, or visiting a museum, or watching a kaiju film. All things, truthfully, Sonia would have loved to do with her. They sounded so much better than any black-tie ball.

[mournfulroses]

Anaïs Nin, from a diary entry featured in Trapeze: The Unexpurgated Diary of Anais Nin, 1947-1955

[more-than-a-princess]

@phantasmalnightmare

[more-than-a-princess]

Rules: List your 10 favorite characters from 10 different fandoms! (Hurray, all women edition! Because female characters always need more love on this site)

Misato Katsuragi (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

Penelope Featherington (Bridgerton)

Kara Thrace (Battlestar Galactica)

Elain Archeron (A Court of Thorns and Roses)

Fujiko Mine (Lupin III)

Eliza Scarlet (Miss Scarlet)

Inara Serra (Firefly)

Oscar Francois de Jarjayes (Rose of Versailles)

Frances Forsyte (The Forsytes)

Elspeth Spindle (One Dark Window/The Shepherd King duology)

Stolen from: @phantasmalnightmare

Tagging: You. Yes, you. I also challenge you not to include any muses you currently write for!

Besides being my favorites, the other thing these 10 characters have in common is that I have either worn their costumes at various conventions or, in Frances' case, am working on debuting their outfit at my next event.

[more-than-a-princess]

So I've had the worst luck with a few things. Just when I was hoping to return a bit more consistently, I had to deal with a horrible pinched nerve in my neck that I'm still having lingering pain from. It got to the point that the pain was so bad, even looking at my computer hurt for about a week and I wasn't able to drive a car due to limited movement. Thankfully I'm doing a lot better, but I still have some radiating pain in my neck and shoulder.

That, combined with a lot of writing deadlines for work all at once (tbh, I'm having to work quite a bit in advance of my usual deadlines due to being out of the office for two weeks in August) and my usual issue with weekly meds zapping my energy for everything outside of work for a few days, have kept me from keeping up with things here. Not that I have a lot of replies to get to, but each one takes a significant amount of time and energy from me.

With that in mind, I'm hoping to get to the replies I owe in the next few days. I'm having to work unpaid overtime over the next two weekends, including a federal holiday, so I'll have less time that I usually like to set aside for RP (I get a good night's sleep, real meals, and less stress and anxiety! All of these things lead to better replies, when I don't have work to worry about).

Maybe some memes today, though. I'd like to put some fun things on the dash.

As always, thank you for your patience!