#morethanaprincess

[quickdeaths]

@more-than-a-princess

Though Shinobu's suspension had been lifted after a week, her father had kept her confined to the estate even in the days that followed, alternating between training and domestic work. In truth, the bruises on her face were likely some sort of blessing - without them, Shinobu imagined it would be even longer before she'd be allowed to return to school. The black ring around her eye and the still-healing cut at her forehead from where Sakakura's knuckles had broken skin provided plausible defenses for her split lip and the bruise at her chin. Meanwhile, the other marks more recently left - the blooming color at her shoulder and the faint bruises at her back - were easily covered by her clothing.

She'd finally be able to return to school the following Monday, which was a welcome development, even if she found the prospect of facing her classmates daunting. Surely even those who had not been in attendance had heard of what happened, and thus, Shinobu wasn't sure what would be more difficult to take - the mocking scorn, or the well-meaning attempts at empathy. Still, it would be nice to be able to see Anzu again. As for Sonia...

Though there had been a few moments during their suspension where Shinobu had considered texting her, they'd elected not to in the end. It was embarrassing, altogether too embarrassing. Undeniably, Shinobu had a temper, and she knew that her violent urges demanded some outlet sooner or later, but was it really not enough to throw some foolish boy looking for a fight against a wall a few times? If she'd have been smarter, she could have followed after Masaru, off-campus, and killed him then. It would likely have been easier, in truth, if she'd just have been able to throw him in front of a train, or push him from a rooftop. Well, that would have been lacking in satisfaction, wouldn't it?

Either way, it was paralyzingly embarrassing to have lose her composure in front of Sonia. Shinobu wanted to see her, of course - wanted to see her even more than she wanted to see Anzu - but the thought of hearing from her lips a measured disapproval made the archer wish to bury herself in a deep dark hole until the flesh rotted off her bones. Even merely looking at Sonia's name in her contact list quickened her heart and echoed her heartbeat between her ears. It was so rare that she had any desire to be around other people. Was it always so painful and anxious, the thought of being disliked or rejected for something?

If she tried to deny that it was a Sonia-specific thought (futile, she knew), Shinobu could try to pretend that it was simply the anxious weakness and failure of social skills that came from nearly two weeks with only her father for company. Surely being out in the world, particularly were she to do something she liked, would present some sort of balm. Though they were merely a husk, not a person in any appreciable sense of the word, it was a normal enough desire to wish to feel human-adjacent before returning to school, so surely there was nothing wrong with taking a day for themselves. Yes, surely a bit of personal indulgence would balance her out - more able to handle it if Sonia, or anyone for that matter, were to treat her in a manner she wished not to be treated upon her return.

And so, on the Sunday before her intended return to school, Shinobu stood on a corner of Jinbocho Book Town, leafing through the shelves on the outside of the unfortunately-named Yaguchi Bookstore. There was a small bag in her hand already, from a brief trip to Komiyama earlier in the afternoon - she'd picked up a signed copy of Satomi Nihongi's photobook documenting gay clubs and trans women in the 1970. After that, she'd stopped into Kitazawa, but been unable to justify spending so much on old, rare books for herself.

Besides, she thought, she'd end the afternoon at Glitch Coffee, and while those exorbitant prices were worth it, she couldn't easily justify expensive books knowing that expensive coffee awaited her. Still, lingering at the shelves outside of Yaguchi Bookstore, Shinobu couldn't help but run her fingers along the spines of a number of books, even going so far as to gently pluck a paperback copy of the 1994 collected release of The Luminous Fairies and Mothra and turn it over in her hands. "Ah... this one is a bit expensive as well," she murmured with a small frown.

[dcviated]

This guy.

[pcrdiseseekers]

@more-than-a-princess / continue from here

Experiences or not shouldn’t be rooted towards rejecting an entire gender as ironic as it sounded coming from his condition. It might be simple to reject reality, but the Cow isn’t a complete idiot to accept that lie. He tried his hand towards all kinds of individuals though some proved to be a little troublesome and brought out his black side. Hearing further about this classmate was no doubt a little…disturbing, the most pleasant he could summarize it. Out of most disturbing cases, Hatsuharu understood that Chabashira would become a tough nut to crack. The idol could count his blessings for interacting with someone who was kind-hearted and helpful like her. It’s a shame they couldn’t be within the same class, based on their first interaction. He thought softly how strange it sounded and should hold back from muttering those kinds of words on the first day. Overthinking it wouldn’t do well in between their walk around the aisles, spotting a few more snacks he could grasp between ringed fingers. Most snacks were a shocking collection as his agents insisted the male should retain his figure — it didn’t matter since his body was still growing. The Ultimate Idol can concern himself when being older, not breathing word about a martial arts training he did in secret. Such an outlook would promote a muscular physique and destroy a “pretty” and “elegant” appearance for his fans. Being scouted must have been the worst thing possible, all because of a single song he played in his spare time. “Well, let’s hope she can be open to a little chat sometime if I ever cross paths with her in the academy’s hallways. Hmm Oogami-san, you say? I’d like to meet someone else who takes their martial arts seriously. She sounds pretty admirable to spar with someday.”

It’s rare to hear of female martial artists since Hatsuharu only met one who used it as a means for unleashing her boar-ish tendencies. Not much helped since she charged directly to walls, especially someone like Kyo but the Ultimate Idol could chuckle faintly by the image. “Oh, sorry…I wasn’t laughing about what you mentioned of Oogami-san. I just thought about something funny.” The male was quick in demonstrating apology as if not wanting to demonstrate rudeness to someone like her. It’s simply the Cow’s nature, a complete contrast to the black Haru who came out in stressful moments. A hand suddenly scanned through some magazines that featured some attire that suited his punk appearance. Seeing how the shops weren’t too far off, it’d be nice to venture there after getting settled around here. An after-thought surfaced from looking through these magazines before placing it back in its place. One glance shifted over to the royal’s direction in an intense stare, picturing how these cousins would behave somewhat familiar to his own chaotic roots. The Curse wasn’t a pleasant subject to dwell upon — not to mention he can’t reveal it to an outsider like the princess here. “Boys tend to tease the girl they like but it sounds like they have a bit of growing up to do. I’m glad they aren’t giving you too much trouble, despite their misunderstanding of girls.” The phase is more appropriate to understand their behavior as the idol contemplated on the kind of drinks he wanted to buy. Certain chips were selected, each one with weird flavoring, but he found them pleasant to feast on a couple of times. The talk of royalty did manage to raise some concerns for her own position despite it being a world that he isn’t familiar with.

“They probably are used to a traditional sense of monarchy where men were suitable for the crown. Although…I don’t think it matters too much if the next ruler was a woman or man. So long as the monarchy cares about its people and heeds their word of changing things, it shouldn’t matter if it is a girl or boy. It might not be in my right to say any of that, but it’s something I imagine being true. You do care about your country in Novoselic, right? I think that should be enough for the royal council, Sonia-san.” Issues involving family matters weren’t his favorite things to do, not when it reminds him of the Sohma family Curse. Their issues couldn’t be addressed to anyone as much as the Cow wished for it someday. All the male could hope for is just to await the end of this Curse, perhaps becoming normal in spite of being recruited to join this academy. It’s simply a nice reminder to be associated with someone who treated him quite…normally even with her royal lineage. Hatsuharu had believed royal heads were putting themselves in a higher standing, someone who looked down on the commoners. At least she was easy to converse with and didn’t like the extra attention. Maybe it was enough to prompt a faint smile to the idol’s face, not really caring if others decided to view him as difficult to handle. He truly showed that soft side whenever around people who made him at ease — it seems like she was going to be one of those people. “We’ll see how they see me but I’m glad you see me as fun to talk with. I also find myself enjoying this time with you, Sonia-san.”

One glance was directed over to the selection of Kit Kats as Hatsuharu notices the strange excitement over their technology here. The Cow hadn’t realized it was that thrilling to have self-checking machines that scanned their meals, but she seemed too ecstatic about the concept. He couldn’t help chuckling at her…like watching a child who was merely happy with a new toy being given to them. It might be rude to view her as a child, but he couldn’t think of a close comparison when matching that thrilling look in her eyes. Perhaps her country didn’t have these kind of things which would explain her happy reaction from how it operated. For now, the idol chose to go along with it while placing his items to be scanned by the machine. “I imagine the ones who created this machine wanted to make shopping a little easier, as well as putting a light weight to the employee’s shoulders. But I agree…it is interesting to see how this machine operates.”

[cadcnce-archived]

@more-than-a-princess from here

Wylan watches her leave through closed doors. And for a moment, outside the longing for moments prior, he feels… what does he feel? It’s a cocktail all its own for the startlingly sober American. Apprehension, awareness, reality, anxiety. This was real, he needed to remind himself, looking from the passage towards the two individuals that had minutes prior been ready to try and beat him an inch within his life. But how real was it? Paranoia tells him Sonia could be calling security. Insanity queries the possibility of her doing something to her cousins for finding him.

Yandere tendencies for Sonia? For some odd reason, he couldn’t put that possibility completely out of his mind. Ah well. It wasn’t lingered on for long before attention was needed elsewhere. Liam and Sam were quick to restart the conversation. Whether it was an aggressive need to show their colors in the presence of another male rival or something else, it was a welcome distraction. He could wait until later.

What was great for Wylan, is that for all the illegal stories he had to share, the brothers had similarly illicit affairs they too could reference or draw comparison to. A perk of being politically empowered, not to mention royal- you could get away with far more than most common people could. Even criminals. Most country’s politicians wished they could get away with as much as the lads. Of course, neither were killers for hire, and breaking and entering into restricted areas.

The assassin had them squarely beat at every turn on that front. Even if the resulting stories weren’t to be so grand or dramatic. There was only so much he could compete with on his scale. But, well, that could change now as he was moving into the throng, wasn’t it? He’d be inside of the aforementioned ‘machine’. Fucking hell. Him.

Sonia re-enters the room, and immediately recaptures Wylan’s attention. If not for her cleaned appearance and new attire, then from her voice which was back to having a full magic effect on the newly infatuated man. Right, but it’s not as though the miniskirt and socks weren’t at fault for some of that blame either. Shit. Fuck. If there was ever a woman he met with an extensive wardrobe it was very likely that Sonia took the cake. Compared to him, dressed in a tight fitting leather coat over a high-necked undershirt in black leather gloves and pants more suited to outdoor survival than they were walking the streets of France- …nah, actually? Maybe? This was perfectly fitting.

“I scaled a building earlier, but a walk never hurt anyone. Sounds like just what I need.” It wasn’t. And then there’s a small, tiny, unnoticeable wince both internally and externally. They were going to stick around? Really? Goes to show the guy wasn’t used to growing up with cousins or male siblings. When it came to his sister she was rarely present and let him do as he liked, for better or worse. She was also younger. Wylan had some things to learn about family dynamics, later, given Liam’s interjection. Yeah, Wylan is liking this guy more and more. Which is dangerous.

“Ah, alas, all too soon we must be parted. I know you’ve already been taken with me just about as much as your cousin, it’s a curse to be this charismatic, believe me.” Said as though he wasn’t swaying the conversation back to blows and physicality with his smirk and behavior. He stands from the couch, all too happy to make his way back over to Sonia, standing with arms folded and a brow lifted. . . because admittedly he’s not sure what to do first given company. Kiss her? Snatch her into his arms? It’d be amusing to take her out the way he came in, of course, but an exit out the door would be necessary.

“Not going to be too cold in that, are you? Maybe we can find something warm to snack on. As far as Europe goes, I have sampled the least food from France compared to many other cultures. And if there’s anyone who can find me a good French take on a burger, it’s y—I’m kidding!” A waved hand to all those gathered, and he smirks again. “We got plenty to talk about anyway. If this is really going to happen. Some of this is still not even settled right in my head and what it means for what I will have to do.”

A snort.

“Faking my death, for one thing.”

[tricksheart]

I'm here for the most cursed of cursed ships: Akira/Chocolate.

What is the most cursed ship you can think of for my muse?

( accepting )

@more-than-a-princess said: I'm here for the most cursed of cursed ships: Akira/Chocolate.

I would agree with you although I am not sure if White Chocolate counts because he likes that but I think you mean either Milk or Dark Chocolate, which yes, it's a cursed ship for sure. Same with Akira/An actual Tomato, Akira/Caramel, Akira/Butterscotch, etc. Oh well, more of those types of foods for Sonia I suppose.

[whitecrownsblackthrones-archived]

Oh, to be a princess at a ball, to dance with handsome princes & dukes...

“Oh darling, you have no idea how stressful that life actually is.”

@more-than-a-princess Happy Birthday Sonia!

[orderbourne]

@more-than-a-princess continued from here

"That certainly sounds...uh..."

What was a word he could use here without sounding insensitive to another's culture? Honestly, it all sounded completely ridiculous. Did getting married truly have to be such a pain in the ass? And just what was supposed to happen if the couple failed to catch their respective Makango? Were they simply not allowed, or...Dammit! Here he was, overthinking something so pointless.

"-Interesting, I suppose. Getting married must be a lot of work in Novoselic. Hopefully, those Makangos aren't too difficult to catch..."

There was a small moment of pause from the detective as he heard the woman's apology. What reason did she have to apologize to him? Sonia had done Jin no wrong. The fault laid squarely on the Kisaragi's shoulders. Perhaps his own as well, if you were to ask him more directly. Despite that, her words were actually...comforting...Although he would be quick to point out that it was only slightly. Rather than get sentimental, Jin merely turns his head behind him, flashing the Princess a smirk.

"You shouldn't be. Regardless of how they've treated me or anyone else, I've used their power, influence, and money to achieve my goals. That alone is more than enough."

His statement is confident as he turns his head forward, giving her a light tug to turn left and towards a fairly quiet street, scattered about with various shops and food kiosks. Her question, however, was somewhat odd and partially difficult to answer, if only because Jin preferred to not wear his heart on his sleeve.

"Let's save that first question for another time. As for the second...I'm still well on my way to becoming the head of this family. My 'parents' view this detective job as nothing more than a temporary distraction. A hobby that I'll cast aside once my 'father' dies and I take over his responsibilities. So long as he's alive, I can do as I damn-well please. And I intend to even after."

The longer this conversation went on, the more Jin's pace began to pick up. Talking about himself was exhausting enough as is but when answering so many questions one after another, he needed a break. The detective slows down, eventually coming to a halt to ensure that his companion was keeping pace.

"That's enough about me for the moment. Why don't you tell me a bit more about yourself, Princess? Surely, you have some interesting stories to tell."

At least interesting enough to let him clear his mind for a moment, he would hope...

[causalitylinked]

@more-than-a-princess​​ — continued from here ;;

    Honestly, judging from Ami’s reactions thus far, he could already tell this was shaping out to be a lively three person party... but as long as Sonia seemed happy, then Akira would be content; after all, this day was more so about her than it was about him.

    Why, upon bearing that in mind, it doesn’t take long for him to manage a nonchalant nod as the stew within her bowl continues lightly bubbling alongside braised chicken, mushrooms, parsley, sauteed pearl onions, and crisp pancetta.

    “...Yeah, after you treated me to all that good meat that one time, I wanted to cook you something special,” he admits while neglecting to add Seiji basically helped him look up the recipe for coq au vin while Aunt Natsumi kindly lent him a bottle of red wine from the Black Rabbit Bar, which presently sat on the counter next to all the sauces he used primarily for his cooking. “And save your thanks for after you’ve actually tried it.“

    As soon as Ami pointed out he always cooked chicken, however, he’ll proceed to scoff. “Did you already forget the times you had hamburg steak or stir-fry over at my place?” came his retort, prompting her to eye him rather judgmentally. “Yeah, but more than half the time I’m over, onii-chan, you’re always making something with chicken in it,” she argues, which has him click his tongue in mild annoyance.

     “Tch... I swear, you’re becoming more and more of a smart-ass by the day,” Akira pretends to complain before proceeding to amble his way back over to the pot to scoop up both their portions of coq au vin into two separate bowls. “Luckily for you, I’m nowhere near petty enough to not give you some after hearing that.”

     Sure enough, he’ll fall silent, letting Ami and Sonia talk amongst themselves... then shortly later, he’ll saunter back towards the table and carefully set down the bowls.

     “I’m doing fine... I’ve just been spending time with Ami after getting temporarily suspended from Hope’s Peak for about a week,” Akira states. Sure enough, Ami then proceeds to pout. “Onii-chan still won’t tell me what he did to get himself into trouble! Can you believe it, Sonia?”