Pomuzzies

Was Light really going to bring that matter with Sayu into this? Especially in such a way? Light should've known that at this point, L isn't above using any petty tactics to win. Even if it meant endangering an innocent person.

"Perhaps." L said bluntly, before walking over to Light. He was so close. The elusive detective was always so close. But it was obvious that if Kira was going to fight with a knife or gun that he'd have done it a long time ago.

He's not afraid to face the person in front of him. Be it Light, Kira or both.

"Actually, it seems incredibly likely that Kira is aware of this little exchange." The messy-haired detective said, walking past and climbing onto a nearby chair.

"It's been proven beforehand that Kira has a lot of intel and that he's not against killing those that oppose him."

That's what this was. Another test had been laid out before Kira.

"It would be strange if that pattern was to suddenly shift, but I think believing it will is beyond idealistic."

Unless, obviously, Kira is someone who would have reason to keep Sayu alive. Maybe... a family member?

#obfuscatingveil #<ic light yagami>#<bond> light yagami ; l lawliet #light's brilliant plan #a nuke

L is clearly trying to set him up here, if there's anyone who would survive going against Kira, then one of his family members is the most likely...

Even after everything he's said, Light knew there was one very big issue. It didn't actually address the reason for his sister's involvement.

'There's only one reason for her to even be involved, and that's because of her connection to me...'

And the clue she brought... if Sayu isn't killed, then the investigation will go on as normal, and the connection between Light and the tracksuit will become clear.

...

If Kira does kill Sayu... then the clue she brought could be seen as having at least some kind of validity. After all, why would Kira care about a random clue if it didn't hurt him...

'Though... it could also be seen as a bluff from Kira...'

'Then again... if it were me trying to find Kira, I wouldn't get rid of potential evidence based on a mere suspicion that it might be a bluff...'

This situation... can not be fixed by merely killing a single person...

'I have to do something about the evidence... the tracksuit...'

"Though I would prefer if you could keep her name out of the written records. I'd rather not lose my sister to one of your antics..."

But I guess I'll take my leave here, I imagine there's not much for me to do here."

And with that, Light prepared to leave, hoping he could come up with a way to either steal the evidence, or... completely destroy it.

There was a loud BANG right when she finished speaking. Along with the loud noise, tremors had begun to come from the stall upon which she'd been knocking, its door moving wildly.

That was, until it all came to a halt. The door creaked open slowly, before being pushed to its limit and moving to close again. Much more slowly than before.

There was nothing inside the stall, though. That much was clear. Had the wind been playing tricks on her? It would've been the sane assumption to make, if not for the eerily cheery voice right behind her!

"I'm heeeere!~"

Behind her stood not the female spirit from legend, but a see-through boy wearing an old-looking uniform.

Hanako-san of the bathroom was a boy?!

#obfuscatingveil #<ic sayori>#<bond> sayori ; hanako

Before she could take her next step, Sayori completely froze in response to the sudden bang.

'This was such a stupid idea... why did I have to do this...'

Panic was starting to set in as she once again approached the stall.

'I could just leave and pretend I never did this...'

'So why am I STILL walking towards this stupid stall...'

Her thoughts were going crazy until she could finally see the inside of the stall once more.

'Empty...?'

For some reason, the sight of nothing was equally disturbing. She most definitely heard something... but... she found nothing that could have made the noise...

Hoping that it was either the wind, or some sort of hallucination from a lack of sleep, Sayori straightened her uniform and sighed.

However, right as she was gathering the confidence to leave this building, never to return again, someone behind her suddenly spoke.

"KYaaAAaAaAAah!!"

She screamed as both her hands tried to push away the figure before she could even get a good look at it.

As luck would have it though, the second her hands neared the figure, she felt something was off...

Her hands weren't stopping where she thought they would... This lack of support threw her off balance and she fell forward straight through the ghost and onto the floor.

"Ouch..."

Though it didn't hurt much, it was definitely a bit shocking...

She looked back towards the ghostly figure, finally inspecting its appearance.

"Wait, what is a boy doing in the girls bathroom??"

...

"Are you Hanako-san?? I thought you were supposed to be a girl..."

"It's only a matter of protocol." L was quick to point out without much worry or excitement in his voice. He had to play this off as a regular thing.

"Do you remember the murder of the FBI agents we attributed to Kira? Well, I have reason to believe we caught the elusive killer on camera." Raising a foot to scratch at the side of his leg, L sunk his hands into his pockets.

"He was wearing a tracksuit of exactly this make. Maybe we can track down Kira with it. What do you think?"

Bullshit. Light must've known 100% that L was out for his head. At least, that was what the detective assumed. After all, this had been the case from the very beginning. This excuse was one that wasn't very well thought-out, but perhaps that was the entire point. L assumed Light could say little about this without drawing suspicion. Even with valid reasons such as 'privacy concerns', anything will just ignite the flame of suspicion further for L.

"Please don't mind their protective apparel. It's only for their safety. After all, Kira needs a name and face to kill."

Here stood Light's main target. ⸺If he may be so blunt as to assume that. Right in front of him without the protection that the others were granted.

It's all about his name. Who is L?

Ryuzaki knew it was impossible to protect himself with anonymity at this point. He'd shown himself long ago.

Slowly, the men vanished through the door.

#obfuscatingveil #<ic light yagami>#<bond> light yagami ; l lawliet

Light wasn't exactly surprised that L would just tell the truth here, he had nothing to lose after all. The detective most likely considered this his best card thus far...

'Well if he's going to use the camera recording... I never actually showed my face on any of the cameras, that's one thing I'm sure of. Perhaps an alibi could get me out of this?'

Light thought for about it for a second.

'Obviously no one would actually be able to cover for me, but using the Death Note to make someone say something against their will... It's not out of the question...'

Leaving that thought for later, Light wanted to figure out what L was actually planning on doing at the moment. But he also knew that the moment L spoke the truth, said truth was most likely not actually useful to Light.

There's no way L would casually say something that was actually useful to Kira.

"Makes sense."

Not wanting to draw out the silence for more than a second, Light responded to the detective's explanation.

Sure he could talk about the fact that neither L nor Light himself were wearing any protective gear. But at this point, neither of them would actually benefit from hiding their identity... even if Light wasn't Kira.

But, L did bring someone else into this... someone who before now had nothing to do with it.

"But... Wait... Won't Sayu be in danger now? What if Kira found out she brought you the evidence??"

A worried look appeared on Light's face.

"Why would you just bring Sayu into this without giving her any protection?"

This train of thought wasn't directly in benefit to Kira, it didn't actually prove his innocence in anyway for now.

Nor did it actually address the fact that Sayu brought Light's tracksuit...

'But maybe just showing that I didn't care about any of that and focussed solely on my sister's safety... maybe it would throw him off for a second.'

And sure, it wasn't exactly a long time, but if it resulted in even a small moment of second guessing in the future... it could be useful.

As a result however, one other thought popped into his mind. One he wouldn't actually follow through with, but the fact that it came up wasn't enjoyable to Light... Kira would never actually kill a family member just to prove his innocence...

'right?'

The detective was wearing thin, white gloves. Ones that wouldn't leave fingerprints. He made sure to be extremely careful when handling the tracksuit.

"I'm sure he's very grateful that you did this for him. I'll tell him to stop by at home as soon as he's able to, alright? Your father and brother both."

"The rules that govern the universe are mysterious, said rules are attributed to God himself. He who created all life out of nothing, and he who will reduce it all back to nothing."

As soon as he was inside, he quickly slipped the tracksuit into the see-through sleeve he'd prepared to get it ready for lab testing. For now, though. He'd bring it to his room, placing it onto a chair while locking the door as he stepped back out. Something that wouldn't be all that strange for L. He'd always locked his door like this.

"God is the one being all humans wish to gain favor with. For Him to love us. For Him to grant us the eternal life in heaven we so obediently work for each and every day."

Now, walking around the task force building to finalize his plan, he pressed a single key on the main computer's keyboard, while speaking into the microphone attached to the monitor.

"Come on up."

So much buzzing around... Back to the intercom, he would allow four men in hazmat suits into his room to take the tracksuit.

Now, finally, standing in the middle of the main computer room, the many screens linked to the security cameras shifted on and off, showing different rooms.

Hands in his jean pockets, L looked toward Light. A clueless, aloof look on his face. One meant only to mock the other.

"Is something wrong?" He asked innocently while the men in hazmat suits prepared to leave.

"That's just the thing, Kira. You don't grant life. You only take it. I'm sure you see yourself on the top of the pecking order, as the God watching down from above. But whether you like it or not, you'll always be just like me. A human who thinks he's better than others."

#obfuscatingveil #<ic light yagami>#<bond> light yagami ; l lawliet

An eery calm appeared on Light's face, almost as if his earlier outburst happened on a different day altogether.

'The real challenge is about to begin...'

He took a deep breath before entering the room, immediately locking eyes with L followed by his snide remark. At least, it seemed mocking to Light.

His earlier sense of calm was already starting to break down yet again.

'Something wrong?? SOMETHING WRONG...'

'You know damn well why I'm here right now...'

"That's what I came here to ask, I noticed my sister handed you something..."

Light said, in a somewhat questioning tone.

"Next thing I see is the item she gave being treated as if it's contaminated in some way..."

Light looked at L for a moment, then let his eyes dart around the room for a moment, trying to grasp the severity of the situation.

'An item was placed inside a plastic bag, and was being handled by people in hazmat suits.'

A worried look appeared on his face.

"Did something happen at home?"

Light didn't have much time to think before coming here... Hell, maybe staying at his desk would've been a better idea.

Nevertheless, wondering about possible alternatives now is a waste of time, Light has to figure out how to get out of this situation.

While every single thing he says, every movement he makes, every glance and gaze he shows the world, needs to be perfect. Nothing should give away his inner thoughts.

Do all of that while also looking for a way out of this situation? This kind of thing would be impossible for almost anyone...

Luckily for now... letting L answer his question should give him some time to think. While also hopefully giving him something to latch onto.

More muses!!

Got really into Frieren, so I'm now adding both Frieren herself, and Stark to my muse list

Asks are open for both :))

#<ooc> ; update #<ooc> ; new musesss #frieren rp

starter for: @obfuscatingveil

With her hands above her head, Sayori stretches as she exits the classroom where her last lesson took place. Her voice leaks out a little when she does.

"khayaaaaagh-"

Finally done for the day, she returns her body to a more normal position and makes her way outside.

Before making her way to the school gate however, the small building containing some public toilets catches her eye.

There's not really any students who use them for some reason. However, she didn't see any harm in it and decided it'd be easier than going all the way back into the main building.

Upon entering the toilets, it seemed like a surprisingly 'okay' place. Not much going on, but the evening sunlight gave it a nice calm atmosphere. It's also rather small, as there are only 4 stalls, which may be why people choose to not even bother with it.

There may have been a period where this toilet was used more often and it's easy to see how quickly it would've been completely full.

She opened the second stall and after examining the interior, went in and locked the door behind her. Once again, nothing bad about these toilets at all, seems cleaner than the one in the main building.

After finishing her business and once again exiting the stall she remembered a rumour about this place. She looked around and realised she was sitting in the exact toilet the rumour was supposedly about.

In the third stall from the end of the girl's bathroom of the old building… …You'll find Hanako-san. She will grant one wish to anyone who summons her spirit. But in exchange, that person will have to give up something precious. To summon the ghost, you knock three times… And thenー "Hanako-san Hanako-san." "Are you there?"

Sayori thought about it for a moment and curiosity got the better of her.

'A kind spirit who trades something precious for a wish...'

'There's no harm in trying right..?'

Sayori looked through her bag for a moment to find anything she could trade with the ghost. She tried to ignore it, but there was one item that definitely stood out to her.

'I don't think I can find anything else...'

She reached in and pulled out a notebook. It was a nice pastel blue with a soft heart design on the front. She flipped the first page and stared at the title for a couple minutes

Sayori's 'feel better' poems!

'This rumour is most likely fake anyway...'

She stuffed it back into her bag and walked up to the 3rd stall from the end... the same one she was in mere moments ago.

The girl raised her hand, knocked three times and spoke.

"Hanako-san, Hanako-san... Are you there?"

The words hadn't even left her mouth before she already felt embarrassed that she even tried it in the first place.

'Argh... this was dumb...'

Ready to leave and go home, Sayori turned around and started walking towards the exit.

#obfuscatingveil #<ic sayori>#<bond> sayori ; hanako

L's eyes shot wide open when seeing him for the first time... Kira! While his face was obscured, there was that jacket. To any normal detective, this would've been a 'nothing' clue. It's most likely from a normal clothing brand. There's absolutely no way to track it down.

But...

L was no 'normal detective'. While this tracksuit wouldn't without a doubt prove that Light is Kira on its own, it gives him a thread he can follow. If he can just prove Light has a tracksuit that's exactly the same.

"But how should I go about it?" L would think. If he just went right ahead and called Light, he'd have all the time in the world to rid himself of the evidence. He also can't send a whole police force for a jacket. As aforementioned, it's not proof on its own.

An idea, bubbling to the surface. Light has been working at the task force for quite some time, hasn't he? L reached to grab his mobile phone.

Riiing... Riiiing... Click!

"Hello, is this Sayu-kun? I am one of your brother's colleagues at the task force. Would it be possible for you to bring his white tracksuit? He's been missing it, what with the weather and all, but he's been so buried in work that picking it up has proven difficult."

With L's connections, finding a single phone number is easy. Especially when you're in the building with two of her relatives.

#obfuscatingveil #<ic light yagami>#<bond> light yagami ; l lawliet

With his newfound confidence, Light resumed his work, tapping away at the aged keys on his keyboard. With the end of his shift in sight, Yagami felt powerful.

The fear he felt just moments ago, had completely vanished. There was no reason for said fear... after all, L challenged someone with godlike powers!

. . .

15 minutes later, his shift was finally over.

Light turned off his pc, slid his chair under his desk. As if on queue, he heard the doorbell ring.

'Odd- who could be here at this hour...?'

As he walked toward the window, he saw a different officer walk in the direction of the intercom. A small part of him was suddenly worried again. What if L did something...?

'Could he have... Surely he wouldn't...'

However, his worries were confirmed when the voice he heard coming through the intercom was one he recognised. But because of the distortions the intercom caused, it took him a couple seconds to fully grasp whose voice it was.

He didn't have to wonder long however. As he reached the window he could pick up a couple of the words spoken by the voice.

"Light's sister...-"

"-...Tracksuit-"

Looking through the window, his eyes were met by none other then his own sister... Sayu. She was holding a neatly folded tracksuit, the same one he'd been obsessing.

'WHAT? NO! This can't be! WHY NOW!??'

He was about to sprint down toward the front door, but his eyes caught a glimpse of movement. The front door opened...

There was no mistaking that appearance... The one who now stood eye to eye to Light's sister... L.

Was this it for Kira...?

'THIS ISN'T ENOUGH EVIDENCE... YOU CAN'T BEAT ME L! THIS ISN'T CHECKMATE!'

His thoughts didn't reflect his inner feelings however, he knew for a fact it didn't matter to L how little evidence it was. As long as it was evidence...

'THIS ISN'T OVER L, I WILL PROVE TO YOU, YOU CAN'T BEAT A GOD!'

Especially when? she repeats in her mind, curious as to what the other girl was about to say; she wants to ask, but she doesn’t want to impose upon her any more than she already has. “You… do not mind? Even though we have only just met?” Sonia breathes a sigh of relief as her company is welcoming towards her otherwise inappropriate over-sharing. A small smile spreads across her lips.

Her surprisingly sound insight catches Sonia off guard for how grounded it is, how fair and reasonable. “I… I do wonder if you are perhaps right.” Sonia had read case studies on the psychology behind socially destructive behaviors of the sort. “I wonder if he feels a pressure akin to that which he has placed upon me,” perhaps it was the familiarity of the only thing he knew: pressure. Nevermind couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty to have never considered that mindset may very well apply to a friendship she was part of, simply because she was on the receiving end. “I still, well… of course, I cannot help but feel somewhat hurt, but perhaps remembering as much will both help me to manage the relationship I have with him, as well as my own emotions, yes?”

“You are a very thoughtful person, Sayori-san,” says Sonia, her characteristic grace and sunniness retuning to her visage. “Has anyone ever told you that you are very easy to talk to?”

#princessonia #<ic sayori>#<bond> sayori ; sonia nevermind

As Sayori's words continued being interpreted by Sonia, she couldn't help but feel somewhat impressed. The princess seemed way better at putting her thoughts into words.

Sayori didn't even have close to as much control over her own emotions...

After showing her agreement by nodding politely, Sayori was once again taken by surprise by the sudden compliment.

"Ah... eheh, Thank you!"

She pondered for a moment, trying to recall whether or not she's indeed heard those words before.

"There is one person who I used to talk to all the time! Although..."

Once again, Sayori fell silent for a little bit.

'Come on! She talked about her friends! It would be rude to not at least share a little bit about my past!'

The silence lasted no longer than a few seconds, but the girl used this time to psych herself up as much as possible before continuing.

"Unfortunately we haven't talked in a while. I felt the same way you did for a while!"

Talking about her feelings as if she doesn't still feel inadequate... Sayori always had an easier time talking about her feelings if she acted like she'd already gotten over them.

"We used to be really good friends! We played games together, talked all the time, Oh! and we often went to amusement parks or zoos!"

"Our parents used to call us inseparable ehehe... He was really caring all the time!"

All her worries seem to wash off of her face as she continues to recall all the fun times they had together.

"You know, one time when we were playing hide and seek at my house. I had to find him, and I asked my mum when we were going to have dinner. Since I was getting reaaaaally hungry..."

"She told me we'd go out to eat after I found him... I loudly sighed and said 'I'll never find him, he's too good at this!!!'"

"At which point I heard a loud bang upstairs. He was hidden inside one of the bathroom closets ehehe... The noise was definitely something he did on purpose. Although, he never admitted it, it wasn't the first time he'd done something small to keep me happy..."

Suddenly realising how close she'd gotten to the princess, Sayori quicky retreated as to not invade Sonia's comfort zone.

"I may have gotten a little too invested ehehe... Oh! wait, do princesses play hide and seek? Have you heard of it?"

Tilting her head to the side, Sonia couldn't help but wonder how "everything" could make a person happy… she only hoped she'd be able to feel joy so fully, but different strokes, she supposed.

However, "Your friends?" Sonia repeats, a curious smile on her face. "Oh, yes, I do relate to that closely. In my home country, I did not have a single peer equal in my social standing, thus I was often treated differently, whereas the classmates I have now treat me as a normal girl, and it makes me very happy." She nods, therein remembering her reason for being at the park today at the first place.

"However, if I may be honest,” she sits by Sayori once more, “there are times when my friends make me feel… many different things, such as," the ones she had love for, and the ones she felt distant from, and currently, "there is a particular classmate of mine who has made me rather upset." (Rather often.)

A pensive look shows upon her expression. "You see, I feel as if he expects more of me than I am able," or want, "to give. Today, he asked to meet with me here, but had to cancel due to his school work. While I do understand and empathize, I cannot help but feel like… he does not always consider my feelings, the way I try to consider his."

"Ah, I am sorry," she bore a weak smile. "I did not mean to share something so personal."

#princessonia #<ic sayori>#<bond> sayori ; sonia nevermind

As the princess talked, Sayori didn't once let her attention wander elsewhere. Even though this person, who was a stranger not long ago, had a social standing way above her own. Sayori could still somewhat relate to her problems.

Hearing Sonia apologize after trusting Sayori enough to tell her about those problems, it made her want to reassure the princess even more.

"Oh, no, you don't have to apologize... It might be kind of selfish of me to say this... but I really appreciate that you told me!"

She was really glad to be able to let her guard down a little. If a princess was able to open up, then surely a basic girl like Sayori could do the same right?

"But I do get how you feel... It can be really hard to live up to expectations."

"Especially when..- "

She stops herself and looks down at her legs, not wanting to make this all about her own issues.

"Maybe he's also trying to live up to expectations, so much so that he forgets about other people?"

Sayori wasn't exactly sure where that thought came from, especially because she's never thought the same way about her own situation.

Was it really that simple..?

And appreciate the joke she certainly did. “Oh, yes, and afternoon tea, I am sure! Do you think they take one sugars, or two?” Covering her lips politely, Sonia gave a small giggle as Sayori played along and humored her.

“But, you know? Despite my bloodline, I often find myself enjoying the most simple things in life,” like feeding ducks at the pond, “so perhaps the swans would enjoy breadcrumbs just the same.” Testing her hypothesis, she stood, trotting towards the water’s edge and tossing a piece towards the other birds; sure enough, they excitedly swam to scoop it up and eat it. “Ah-hah! I knew it!”

“Truthfully, isn’t it often that the simplest things in life can make a person the happiest?” Much happier than the most extravagant or expensive things, even. After moment, her lashes fluttered delicately, conveying a gentle expression upon her features, one she passed to the girl at her side. “You do not need to find the answer to the universe to have a reason to smile. What sort of things make you happy, Sayori?”

#princessonia #<ic sayori>#<bond> sayori ; sonia nevermind

Watching the princess enjoy something Sayori introduced her to was surprisingly enjoyable. However, the question that directly followed caught her a little off guard, causing her to contemplate it for a few seconds.

What makes her happy..? It was a good question, one that Sayori has asked herself many times before.

'The little things in life...'

Sayori thought as she considered all her options. She'd love to say that's her source of happiness, but... she wasn't sure whether or not she'd be lying.

If the silence was any longer, the princess would prob start getting suspicious. And thus, while trying to return the smile that she'd lost while thinking, the girl spoke up again.

"Ehehe, everything makes me happy! But friends most of all!"

Her answer was only partly true. Sayori had lost contact with one of her best friends after entering high school and she still hasn't been able to gather the confidence to talk to him again.

In a way, a friend was her source of sadness in this case... A weird nagging feeling that she wasn't enough...

Still... She can't let it show, nothing good would come from a person she'd just met worrying about her well-being.

"Hanging out with friends, playing weird games... basically doing anything with friends!"

Talking about friends once again piqued her curiosity. Thus, partly trying to keep the conversation away from herself, she spoke up again.

"What kind of friends do you have? Are you friends with the special people in your school?"

“Sayori,” repeats Sonia, fashioning a polite smile. “What a lovely name, it befits you. It is a pleasure to meet you, Sayori.” Sonia doesn’t register her question in offense, she’s far too literal in her understanding to assume ill intent. “Importance?” She presses her pointer finger to her lips. “I would not say ‘important’ necessarily,” it would likely depend on whom she asked, “however, I am the princess of Novoselic, a European kingdom south of Ukraine. I am a foreign exchange student at Hope’s Peak academy.”

Glossing past the bombs she just dropped, her attention turns back to the animals they fed—a matter much more important to her than her status. “I wonder, do you think that the swans over there would like bread as well? They are considered more ‘elegant’ by some, would their tastes be higher class?”

#princessonia #<ic sayori>#<bond> sayori ; sonia nevermind

Sayori's interest in Sonia only grew as she explained her origins. Her importance depended on whom she asked? The thought of actually talking to royalty made her speechless, if you asked Sayori, anyone with royal blood was important.

There were so many questions circling around inside her head now. The European Kingdom of Novoselic... what was their culture like? What does a princess do? Does Sayori have to bow? Did she come here solely for Hope's Peak?

But which one should she start with...?

The last question was at least one that didn't surprise her, Hope's Peak was a school full of important people. Full of people that were the best at their craft.

Sayori quickly got pulled out of her analysis paralysis when the princess once again spoke up.

"Oh the swans? ehe, they're kinda like elegant princesses too, right?"

"Maybe they like cheese and wine. ehehe!"

Mostly for herself now, Sayori tried telling a joke. Though becoming increasingly unsure, she hoped the princess would appreciate the joke.

As if sitting in on cultural lesson, Sonia listens intently while the other girl gives her a run down on the situation. "Oh, they have favorite food? Like, a delicacy?" she tilts her head to the side, her lips parting in a little "o" shape. "I have seen in television shows that ducks enjoy eating bread, but I never thought I'd get to see so first hand!"

Kindly, her company offers her the crumb to take part, and Sonia's overwhelmed with excitement. "Oh, yes, please! I really would like to try!" She takes the little piece handed to her, holding out her hand cautiously. A little white duck waddled up, poking its beak to snatch it away. Sonia giggles in gratification. "I do love making new friends!"

Speaking of, she gazes back to the girl at her side. "I am new to Japan and civilian life, so there are still many things I am learning about. Thank you for accommodating me, it is very kind of you."

“I am Sonia Nevermind. May I ask your name, as well?"

#princessonia #<ic sayori>#<bond> sayori ; sonia nevermind

This act of sharing the activity with someone else, it made feeding the ducks 100 times more fun. Seeing the other girl succeed was more exciting than anything she's done this week.

Due to this excitement, the sudden introduction caught Sayori off guard.

"Oh eheh... Right! I completely forgot!"

She turns her body towards Sonia and locks eyes.

"Hello! My name is Sayori!"

Right after introducing herself however, she figured now was the perfect chance.

Her eyes started wandering as Sayori now started getting a little more shy.

"So... You said you're new to civilian life? Are you like... an important person?"

She started fidgeting a little. Now that she's asked that, she was even more worried.

'I haven't offended her, right..?'

Of course, the odd nature of her question went right over Sonia's head. People and animal watching were perfectly normal hobbies, weren't they? Sayori's awkward response was lost on her as well, as her highness was simply elated her request was indulged.

"Thank you," Sonia replied, therein gracefully sitting next to the other girl. She doesn't think much of her company's fidgeting, she's far too caught up in the excitement of the experience. "I really do like the ducks. You see, in my kingdom, I do not often get to spend time with the wildlife, but I have always adored animals. They are very cute, yes?"

As if on cue, a couple birds had waddled towards the bench in anticipation. "Do these ducks enjoy bread especially?”

#princessonia #<ic sayori>#<bond> sayori ; sonia nevermind

Was it weird for her to be so enthralled by this random stranger? Sayori quickly stopped herself from staring too much and focussed on her bread once again.

'Kingdom...?'

The words lingered in her mind, if she was being completely honest, Sayori didn't really think about the fact that those still existed. Not a lot of people around her talk about it, and she's not the kind of person to watch the news religiously.

Before she was able to ask about it though, the stranger shot her another question.

"Oh, I think all of them love bread! You know... kinda like their favourite food!"

Sayori quickly looked down at her bread and tore off a piece.

"You can try too if you'd like to!"

She held out her hand, only barely holding onto the piece of torn off bread.

"They might become your friend!"

However, there was still something taking away her focus. She really wanted to ask about the kingdom... But now that she's gotten the stranger to participate in the activity, surely she'll at least stay until all the bread is gone right? So she'll definitely have another chance to ask about it!

Sonia knew it was considered improper to be without understanding when plans fell through, but it did feel a little backhanded that the one time she agreed to spend off-time with Souda, he had to cancel. While she knew he’d never do so without good reason, she was left beside herself as she was hopeful to spend a rather mundane day at the public park. Kneeling at the central pond’s edge, she traced her fingertip atop the water surface.

After a moment, she heard a sound that she could only describe as “elated squawking”. Looking upwards, she caught sight of the source, ducks flocking towards a young woman with a loaf of bread. Sonia’s expression lit, and never shy this girl, she was quickly to her feet, trotting in that very direction. As she drew nearer towards the other girl, she took a better look at her face. She appeared to be about her own age, give or take maybe a year. Her slightly disheveled appearance was endearing, and what could only be described as “cute”.

She lent the other her kindest smile. “Hello,” she approached her, giving a polite bow of her head. “I am very sorry to bother you, but are you… going to feed the little ducks?” A hopeful glint shimmered in her gaze. “May… may I watch you?”