OC Madness

"Imagination is the Beginning of Creation" - George Bernard Shaw

[lamignonette]

[defira85]

The new Overwatch character looks great!

[hustleinatrap]

Zendaya is a role model

[superheroesincolor]

Sleepy Hollow (2014)   //  BOOM! Studios

Lt. Abbie Mills & Ichabod Crane

Movie Night,  Story & art by Noelle Stevenson

Get it now here

[ Follow SuperheroesInColor on facebook / twitter / tumblr ]

[princessofglitterland]

Tom Tom Tom

This Tom? This one right here? Is this what you’re talking about?

[thingsididntknowwereerotic]

Has no one talked about the bruises yet??? People who have read the story, what happened?

[gravi-teamfalls]

Terror on the Open Road!

Design by:

Ian Worrel, Sun Jae Lee, Alex Chechik, Janine Chang,

Paint by: Jeffrey Thompson, Matthias Bauer, Samantha Kallis, Alex Chechik

Art Directed by Ian Worrel

[princess-oc-maker]

She was speechless. All the food she had ranted to Aiden had appeared onto the table. It was like a banquet of some sorts. Her side of the table had the an assortment of breakfast meats and small bowl of white rice with a glass of water placed neatly next to the silverware. And in the center of the table was a slice of the pie inside of the cake. 

Ann could feel her cheeks burning. What Aiden did was really nice and she must have totally looked like a derp. 

"Thankyou," she whispered silently and causally slide off the seat and walked to her side of the table and sat back down. She dared not look up at Aiden because she felt like she would explode of embarrassment of her derpy actions.

…

What should I try first? she thought as she looked at her mini feast. Her eyes looked upon the slice of pie-cake. It looked like it was strawberry and some other berry, maybe cherry. She bite her lips and picked it up and took a bite.

It.

Was.

BANGING!

[justatestfornow]

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

It became a problem. 

[princess-oc-maker]

God, everything tasted so good. You know, which was weird cause this was a game and how was she able to taste when game? What ever the case, it all was delicious. Especially the rice~. Her inner Asian was very happy. Mmmmm. You know, every meal should have rice. Yeahhh, cause like, rice is like staple. Mmmm, rice.

Ann wasn't neglecting her other food. She picked up a piece of sausage and popped it into her mouth, savoring the salty flavor. "Mmmm," she hummed happily.

She looked up at Aiden, wondering how he was enjoying his food. But instead of him scoffing down what was before him, he was silently chewing. She gulped and pouted to herself. He looked so graceful...and sad.

Fuck.

Did she do something wrong again? Was she eating too fast??? LASKDFA;SODUVGBASJA;FDJO!!!!

She needed to remedy the situation.

"Umm. Ummm..." Ann mumbled and finally grasped something on her plate. "Aiden," she said softly, pulling him out of his trance, "ummm, here."

[princess-oc-maker]

“Uhm… Do you need help, Ann?”

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

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

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

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

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

[justatestfornow]

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

She was speechless. All the food she had ranted to Aiden had appeared onto the table. It was like a banquet of some sorts. Her side of the table had the an assortment of breakfast meats and small bowl of white rice with a glass of water placed neatly next to the silverware. And in the center of the table was a slice of the pie inside of the cake. 

Ann could feel her cheeks burning. What Aiden did was really nice and she must have totally looked like a derp. 

"Thankyou," she whispered silently and causally slide off the seat and walked to her side of the table and sat back down. She dared not look up at Aiden because she felt like she would explode of embarrassment of her derpy actions.

...

What should I try first? she thought as she looked at her mini feast. Her eyes looked upon the slice of pie-cake. It looked like it was strawberry and some other berry, maybe cherry. She bite her lips and picked it up and took a bite.

It.

Was.

BANGING!

[princess-oc-maker]

Aiden and Ann

LOOK IT'S OUR PRECIOUS BABIES

...but yes our babies~ :)

guuuurl,imsorryifaidenlookslikederpsoderpderpderpderp

[princess-oc-maker]

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

…

Umm…

What was the question?

…

RECALL THAT SHIT!!!

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

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

[justatestfornow]

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

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

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

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

So she had made her decision…Buuuuuut

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

Awww, the struggle between something sweet and meat. FFFFFFFFFF

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

[justatestfornow]

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

“Uhm… Do you need help, Ann?”

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

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

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

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

…

Umm…

What was the question?

…

RECALL THAT SHIT!!!

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

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

[justatestfornow]

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

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

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

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

So she had made her decision...Buuuuuut

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

Awww, the struggle between something sweet and meat. FFFFFFFFFF

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

[princess-oc-maker]

justatestfornow:

[justatestfornow]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Aiden,

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

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

I hope they help on your journey.

Thank you again for staying in the inn.

Sincerely,

Naren

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

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

Grugurgrpgurrghghghg~

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

[justatestfornow]

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

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

???

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

...

Umm...

What was the question?

...

RECALL THAT SHIT!!!

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

Ann's outfit

As much as I love the design of Ann made by justatesfornow, (which can be found there: http://theadventureofourlivesapartment.tumblr.com/post/50442310472/ann) I'd like to think of this as Ann's actual outfit. (We can consider the first version as a default that she gets when she first logs on in the gameverse). And yes, she will eventually get guns because guns are easier to use than arrows...that is my reasoning (That and I am very partial to them since that is what I consider rangers to use during battle, instead of a bow and arrow).

So there you go~

[princess-oc-maker]

justatestfornow:

[justatestfornow]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Aiden,

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

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

I hope they help on your journey.

Thank you again for staying in the inn.

Sincerely,

Naren

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

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

Grugurgrpgurrghghghg~

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

[justatestfornow]

Had he slept well…

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

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

[justatestfornow]

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

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

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

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

[justatestfornow]

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

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

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

They could both take a flap and pull it open.

“

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

[justatestfornow]

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Aiden,

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

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

I hope they help on your journey.

Thank you again for staying in the inn.

Sincerely,

Naren

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

[justatestfornow]

Had he slept well…

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

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

[justatestfornow]

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

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

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

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

[justatestfornow]

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

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

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

They could both take a flap and pull it open.

“

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

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

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

[justatestfornow]

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

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

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

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

[justatestfornow]

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

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

[justatestfornow]

Had he slept well…

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

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

[justatestfornow]

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

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

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

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

[justatestfornow]

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

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

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

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

[justatestfornow]

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

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

[justatestfornow]

Had he slept well…

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

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

[princess-oc-maker]

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

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

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