Ticking Timebomb

RP Blog for the SHSL Thief. Affiliated with MelancholicGardens. STATUS: Surviving.

[timelessthxeving]

Lemon Drops | Campana | Chapter 6 | Closed for Sekitan

[shsl-hallway-butler]

As Campana began to explain herself, Seki’s smile slowly started to fade. That hit almost too close to home. When Campana started to cry he brushed her hand with his own, as if asking for permission to hold it. Not too long ago, it was Riku who helped him out of his lonely darkness, and perhaps he could help this girl too.

“You don’t have to be alone anymore.” He gave the girl a soft smile and hoped it did justice to the man who saved his life. “8 years is a long time to suffer, and I doubt Riku and Kanto-san will allow you to feel that way again. Plus now you got me!” He said with a toothy grin. 

“And uhm… well, I don’t exactly have a home to go back to anymore. Monokuma made sure of that… But, it’s okay. If anything I feel like I really discovered something really really important because of this mess, as screwed up as it sounds. Besides, my home is currently in this garden. I’m sure they’d want you to come with us if we ever decide to leave! I mean, I’d want you to come with us.”

There was something about Campana that Seki really liked. Even if he didn’t know what she’d been through the past 8 years since coming here, he felt like he understood it much more than anyone ever would. She was like him, only smarter, and quicker. And he’d be damned if he let her be swallowed up in that eternal loneliness again.

[timelessthxeving]

Campana gave a sharp intake as something brushed against her palm, and looked down to find his hand. Her cheeks flushed a light pink as she reached forward and albeit hesitantly took his hand in hers. She stayed quiet for a brief moment, before raising her free hand to wipe her tears away in one single quick movement.

"That's what Riku said, too. But... Despite them saying I deserve it, I know I don't. I'm just a bad luck charm, Seki. Anyone who gets close to me is hurt or dies. It always happens eventually. You shouldn't be around someone like me. You'll get hurt, and I don't want that." She gave a gentle sigh.

She seemed a little startled as he continued, staring up at him wide eyed. "You... You want me around you? Really?" The thief fought back tears once more as she forced a wobbly smile. "Why the hell would you wanna torture yourself like that, Seki? Actually, don't answer." She sunk back into silence almost immediately, before taking a deep breath to steel herself before she continued.

"If you really mean what you say... That you'd like me to stay, then..." The former steeling proved useless as she burst into tears and moved forward to wrap him into a hug. "P-Please don't leave me alone...! Please stay with me! I don't want to be alone anymore! It f-fuckin' hurts to have everyone you care about ripped from y-you... Please don't g-go... I'll do anything..."

[timelessthxeving]

Lemon Drops | Campana | Chapter 6 | Closed for Sekitan

[timelessthxeving]

Success! He had taken the sweets! She threw the bag behind her and onto the counter as she hummed. So far so good, if she did say so herself. He had taken a few sweets, meaning that she had done something right!

She paused for a moment, with a gentle sigh as her eye fluttered closed.

“Mmh, I don’t believe it neither. It just seems too… Convenient, y'know? I don’t know what’s buggin’ me, but somethin’ just doesn’t feel right.” She chewed her lip nervously. “But honestly? I, personally, don’t mind staying here.” I know others don’t agree, though.“

When he agreed to hot chocolate she nearly started gleefully dancing. It had worked! She was doing a good social thing! As he started poking fun at her obviously peril situation, she turned her head to look him dead in the eye. She tried to keep a straight face to stare menacingly at him but alas, she soon broke and began to giggle.

“Snrk- Ahahaha, fuck off! You don’t gotta make it sound like a tv show narration, ehahaha!” She couldn’t stop giggling, the colour flushed into her once pale white cheeks. It was such a significant change, even Sekitan could probably notice.

She looked up at him and stuck out her tongue in return to his cheeky grin. “Nah, you’re good.” She mumbled and stood up on her toes, gently booping him on the nose before turning back to the hot chocolates with a snicker.

After a few minutes they were done, and Campana was damn proud of them. She rummaged around for whipped cream and marshmallows. “Do you want anythin’ extra with it?”

[shsl-hallway-butler]

“You don’t mind staying here?!” The volume of his voice matched his surprise perfectly. “Color me sandy, I didn’t think you would actually…” He poked his cheek, still rolling the lemon drop around in his mouth as he tried to explain his thoughts. “I don’t know… You just seemed like a real free spirit to me ya feels? Like, I’d imagine a thief to be someone who goes on all sorts of adventures and would find sticking around in one place to be torturous. Well, at least in the storybooks!”

Campana’s laugh sure was contagious, pretty soon Seki was laughing (more like wheezing) alongside her. He did in fact notice the sudden flush on the girl’s cheeks. Wow she was laughing pretty hard huh? That was good! She looked better with more color in her cheeks anyways.

The boop completely threw Seki off balance. That was a first. He began rubbing and scrunching his nose soon after it happened.

“Hoh? Did I get something on my nose?”

“E-Extra?” He blinked at her. “Well uh… what else do you put in hot chocolate?”

[timelessthxeving]

Campana gave a start at his sudden increased volume, blinking up at him. "Really? I guess when you put it like that, it makes sense?" She sighed, staring down at the hot chocolate. "It's more like... Well, I guess I'd miss bein' able to roam around carefree and all that, but... It's nice here. You all have people to go home too, and... I ain't got nobody." She frowned, looking away. "You people are nice to me. Maybe the nicest I've met in a long, long time. It would be nice to stay with you guys. You, Riku, Kanta, everyone."

She swallowed, glancing to the side. "Sorry."

"Selfish of me, ain't it? I'd rather everyone stay here than let them go home. Well, at least try." She snivelled miserably, staring at her feet. "Sorry, you probably don't want to hear me whining."

"... I've just... I've been alone for a very long time. I don't want to be alone anymore. Around eight years. I just don't want to be left alone again. I'm sorry."

She looked ashamed, rubbing her tears away with her sleeve and forcing a cracked smile.

"Extra stuff. Like... Cream or marshmallows."

[timelessthxeving]

Lemon Drops | Campana | Chapter 6 | Closed for Sekitan

[timelessthxeving]

Success! He had taken the sweets! She threw the bag behind her and onto the counter as she hummed. So far so good, if she did say so herself. He had taken a few sweets, meaning that she had done something right!

She paused for a moment, with a gentle sigh as her eye fluttered closed.

"Mmh, I don't believe it neither. It just seems too... Convenient, y'know? I don't know what's buggin' me, but somethin' just doesn't feel right." She chewed her lip nervously. "But honestly? I, personally, don't mind staying here." I know others don't agree, though."

When he agreed to hot chocolate she nearly started gleefully dancing. It had worked! She was doing a good social thing! As he started poking fun at her obviously peril situation, she turned her head to look him dead in the eye. She tried to keep a straight face to stare menacingly at him but alas, she soon broke and began to giggle.

"Snrk- Ahahaha, fuck off! You don't gotta make it sound like a tv show narration, ehahaha!" She couldn't stop giggling, the colour flushed into her once pale white cheeks. It was such a significant change, even Sekitan could probably notice.

She looked up at him and stuck out her tongue in return to his cheeky grin. "Nah, you're good." She mumbled and stood up on her toes, gently booping him on the nose before turning back to the hot chocolates with a snicker.

After a few minutes they were done, and Campana was damn proud of them. She rummaged around for whipped cream and marshmallows. "Do you want anythin' extra with it?"

[timelessthxeving]

Lemon Drops | Campana | Chapter 6 | Closed for Sekitan

So that was it. Ochako had been the killer. Campana wasn’t really surprised. From the very start, she had felt something off about the girl. Looks like her gut instincts were still sharp, maybe a little duller than in the past, but sharp nonetheless.

But still, nobody deserves to die that way. Campana remembered staring down at his body and almost feeling ill. Poor kid. At least now the culprit had been caught, and Kazu had been avenged. The thief had left the scene almost immediately, but was stopped by Riku. A while later she could be found in the Orchard, talking to Kanta underneath a tree. And finally, she headed over to the kitchen, grabbing a bag of lemon drops from the cupboard and sitting down on the counter. She didn’t realise that someone was there until they were right in front of her.

“Huh? Oh. Hey, Seki.”

Her eye was slightly puffy, like she had been crying. She seemed cheerful enough, though.

[shsl-hallway-butler]

After the trial, Seki made it a priority to sniff around the garden one last time. Perhaps there was a booby trap lying around somewhere and if someone actually tried to leave the place, the entire garden will blow up… or something. He didn’t know, but he sure as hell didn’t believe a single word Monokuma said.

Once he walked the perimeter he decided it was high time for him to find Campana. He hadn’t spoken to that girl in ages, but he quite liked her company that one time when they bumped into each other and it seemed like Riku did too. 

So once again the boy walked around the garden (he had boundless energy didn’t he?) to no avail. Well. He was trying to find a thief after all. 

Feeling a little salty that he spent all that time walking around for basically nothing, he made his way to the kitchen and slumped on the counter, completely boofed from … well everything. He closed his eyes and relaxed himself, not realizing that someone entered the room.

“SRNK?! Humhar?” He snorted in surprise. His face beamed when he saw it was Campana sitting in front of him.

“Well THERE you are! Gees to the bees, I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” He laughed, clearly not noticing her puffy eyes.

[timelessthxeving]

She returned the smile albeit hesitantly, but it was a smile nonetheless. Campana gently slid off the counter and landed on her feet, looking up at him. Why did everyone have to be taller? Of course there was Kanta and Aiko, but everyone else was taller than a land slide. It was starting to hurt her neck to look up at everyone all the time.

She couldn’t help but give a little snicker at his phrasing. ‘Gees to the bees’? That was a new one. She enjoyed being around him for reasons just like that. He was funny, and just being around him made her feel better. At least someone could stay like that in this situation.

She quietly cleared her throat and glanced down at the bag of candy in her hands. She hesitated for a brief moment, before holding the bag towards him.

“Want one?” She mumbled quietly. Most people liked sweets, didn’t they? So offering a sweet was a good way to make friends, right? That’s how it works, isn’t it? So if she offered a sweet, then they could be friends. Probably. She didn’t know how this social crap worked, she was only good at stealing stuff.

“So… Uh. That sure was a trial.” She quietly crossed to the top cupboard, pulling out two mugs and setting them down. “Hot chocolate?”

She turned to the shelf, only to realise that she was too short to reach the hot chocolate powder. Her cheeks burnt in embarrassment.

“Oh. Uhm. Do you mind giving a little help…?”

[timelessthxeving]

Lemon Drops | Campana | Chapter 6 | Closed for Sekitan

So that was it. Ochako had been the killer. Campana wasn't really surprised. From the very start, she had felt something off about the girl. Looks like her gut instincts were still sharp, maybe a little duller than in the past, but sharp nonetheless.

But still, nobody deserves to die that way. Campana remembered staring down at his body and almost feeling ill. Poor kid. At least now the culprit had been caught, and Kazu had been avenged. The thief had left the scene almost immediately, but was stopped by Riku. A while later she could be found in the Orchard, talking to Kanta underneath a tree. And finally, she headed over to the kitchen, grabbing a bag of lemon drops from the cupboard and sitting down on the counter. She didn't realise that someone was there until they were right in front of her.

"Huh? Oh. Hey, Seki."

Her eye was slightly puffy, like she had been crying. She seemed cheerful enough, though.

[silkenflight]

Can I Steal You For A Moment? | Riku | Closed for Campana

[silkenflight]

timelessthxeving:

Campana nodded, a little embarrassed that she hadn’t realized sooner. It took her another moment to remind herself to stop doing silent gestures. They’re blind, Campana, they can’t see any of it. “Yeah. I guess it was just a little surprise to actually see your eyes, hehe. I got used to your fringe and all.” She shrugged with a small laugh. 

She grinned as they showed off their teeth, tilting her head to the side slightly. While it was a little stressful to see the vague force being put into their smile, she was thankful to see some nonetheless. It was then that it hit her that she had finally emoted since the trial, and gave a soft sigh of relief. It was good to know that she actually had the ability to show emotions, and that it hadn’t entirely vanished.

“… Uh, I’ve already eaten, but you can grab food if you want.” A lie. It was easy for her to lie. She gave a small smile. “Yeah, that sounds cool. I like fish. They’re nice and cute. Kinda like this shark nerd in front of me, amirite?” She gave a casual laugh with a wave of her hand. “But yeah, I’m good for whatever.”

“Yep, I sure do have eyes. Surprise. Surpr-eyes. That pun might work better written down. Anyway yes, here they are, in all their non-functioning glory.” Riku struck a pose, gesturing towards their face, and thankfully managing not to accidentally hit themself in the process. God that would have been embarrassing.

They weren’t entirely sure they bought it when she said she’d eaten already, though they couldn’t necessarily say why. Maybe it was the pause before she’d answered, or the ‘uh’, or the fact they hadn’t heard her come out of her room since the trial, or just some kind of gut feeling. Whatever it was, they elected to take a tactful route. Maybe if they just picked up some food under the pretense that it was for themself, and then offered to share later, she’d change her mind about trying to eat something.

“How dare you, I’m not cute, I’m ferocious.” Riku you’re adorable and you’re only making it worse. “Anyway, alright then! To the Kitchen!” Riku pointed dramatically… in entirely the wrong direction. “…Wait that’s not towards the Kitchen at all is it? No, it’s this way.”

They turned about, and thankfully did start walking in the actual direction of the kitchen. “You coming? Here, hold my hand so I know where you are.” Riku stuck out the hand not currently occupied with their cane. Were they intentionally acting a little goofier than usual to try and help cheer Campana up? Absolutely.

[timelessthxeving]

Campana went silent for a moment, before giving the smallest of snickers. It was refreshing to have someone to talk to. Maybe she should do this more often? Talk to people. Riku was a good person. They were nice. Maybe other people were nice too? She didn't know, and she was actually somewhat curious to find the answer.

But still, did she really deserve it? She looked down at her hands, frowning gently before closing them into fists and looking back up. They were being so nice to her, and she couldn't understand why. Had she done something to make them happy? Campana sighed gently, staring down at her boots as she gave them a quick side glance. They looked vaguely suspicious, but didn't say anything which was good enough. She hated being forced to do things, especially in a time like this where she felt that she had to isolate herself.

"Yeah, nice try. You're adorable." She gave a chuckle, tilting her head to the side slightly out of vague instinct. She couldn't help but laugh as they made a dramatic point in the wrong direction, a little more colour flushing onto her pale cheeks as she giggled happily. It had been so long since had laughed like this.

She gave a small smile as they started walking, before giving a look of shock at their sudden comment. Shyly and albeit hesitantly, she moved slightly closer and took Riku's hand. She paused, staring down wide eyed, before tears began to stream down her cheeks. She gave a wobbly grin, squeezing gently. "T-Thank y-you, Riku." She choked out.

[silkenflight]

Can I Steal You For A Moment? | Riku | Closed for Campana

[silkenflight]

timelessthxeving:

Campana didn’t feel like coming out. If she was in her dorm all the time, then nobody could hurt her. Of course, there was Aiko, but they weren’t that bad. She hummed quietly under her breath as she sprawled out on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She didn’t… She wasn’t… Hm. She couldn’t quite pull her thoughts together. Since the trial, it was getting more and more difficult for her to express any kind of emotion.

It was strange, but weirdly satisfying to not feel it. She opened and closed her fist, raising it up in the air where she could see it. Maybe now? Yes, maybe. The knock cut through her thoughts, causing her to drop her fist and turn her head. She slid out of her bed, walking over to the door and opening it albeit hesitantly. She paused for a second, before frowning.

“Who the fuck are y- Oh. Riku. Hello.”

She was very tired. She paused and waited for them to finish, before glancing to the side. “… Okay. Sure. I can hang out for a while.” Campana didn’t feel like going outside, but she didn’t want to make Riku upset. They were trying to reach out to her, so she had to reach back whether she liked it or not. She paused, chewing on her lip. “… So. Where are we going?”

The harsh fragment of an opener took Riku aback for a moment, more surprise than alarm, but they quickly realized what had happened. “Hah, do I really look that different? All I did was change my clothes and get a haircut from Kazu… he must’ve done something pretty transformative. But yeah, it’s me.”

“See? Same old shark.” Riku bared their sharp teeth, the grin definitely familiar, if perhaps a bit more forced than previously. It probably looked even more odd paired with the visible upper half of their face now, but there you go. Actually they hadn’t really thought about going anywhere, just sitting and maybe chatting with Campana in her room had seemed like a fine idea, but since she’d asked…

“Shit I don’t know, it’s cold out, so someplace indoors? The aquarium’s pretty warm, and quiet. We can party with my sharky brethren. Actually, have you eaten? Maybe we could swing by the kitchen or whatever and grab some food to bring with us. Like a picnic. Indoors. With fish friends.”

[timelessthxeving]

Campana nodded, a little embarrassed that she hadn’t realized sooner. It took her another moment to remind herself to stop doing silent gestures. They’re blind, Campana, they can’t see any of it. “Yeah. I guess it was just a little surprise to actually see your eyes, hehe. I got used to your fringe and all.” She shrugged with a small laugh. 

She grinned as they showed off their teeth, tilting her head to the side slightly. While it was a little stressful to see the vague force being put into their smile, she was thankful to see some nonetheless. It was then that it hit her that she had finally emoted since the trial, and gave a soft sigh of relief. It was good to know that she actually had the ability to show emotions, and that it hadn't entirely vanished.

"... Uh, I've already eaten, but you can grab food if you want." A lie. It was easy for her to lie. She gave a small smile. "Yeah, that sounds cool. I like fish. They're nice and cute. Kinda like this shark nerd in front of me, amirite?" She gave a casual laugh with a wave of her hand. "But yeah, I'm good for whatever."

[silkenflight]

Can I Steal You For A Moment? | Riku | Closed for Campana

This was starting to feel like a familiar routine. It seemed like every time Riku wanted to talk to Campana, she could be found in her cabin. Did… did she ever actually come out of her own accord? Surely she must to eat, right? Was she eating? Riku was really not cut out to be a mom friend, but someone had to make sure all these sad kids were taking care of themselves.

So here they were, knocking on her door again. They could practically guess how long it would take her to answer based on past experience. As soon as they heard the door open, they greeted her. Both verbally and, since Campana still had one functioning eye, visually. And what a sight they were. Looks like somebody got a makeover.

“Hello Suona-san, I hope I’m not disturbing you. I just thought we could… hang out for a while? If you’re alright with that.” Riku sounded casual enough, but they were mentally exasperated with themself. Yeah. Hang out. After everything that had happened they wouldn’t blame Campana for just wanting to curl up in bed and never come out.

[timelessthxeving]

Campana didn't feel like coming out. If she was in her dorm all the time, then nobody could hurt her. Of course, there was Aiko, but they weren't that bad. She hummed quietly under her breath as she sprawled out on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She didn't... She wasn't... Hm. She couldn't quite pull her thoughts together. Since the trial, it was getting more and more difficult for her to express any kind of emotion.

It was strange, but weirdly satisfying to not feel it. She opened and closed her fist, raising it up in the air where she could see it. Maybe now? Yes, maybe. The knock cut through her thoughts, causing her to drop her fist and turn her head. She slid out of her bed, walking over to the door and opening it albeit hesitantly. She paused for a second, before frowning.

"Who the fuck are y- Oh. Riku. Hello."

She was very tired. She paused and waited for them to finish, before glancing to the side. "... Okay. Sure. I can hang out for a while." Campana didn't feel like going outside, but she didn't want to make Riku upset. They were trying to reach out to her, so she had to reach back whether she liked it or not. She paused, chewing on her lip. "... So. Where are we going?"

[melancholicgardens]

I want Seki to run | Seki | Execution Reaction

[shsl-hallway-butler]

“Campana-san…” He mumbled, rolling the word around in his mouth. “Ah that’s right! Hah! My bad!” He said, rubbing his head and giving the girl a forced smile. He still felt pretty shitty, both physically and mentally, but Pops always told him to try to be happy no matter what. It was… tiring… but he was trying.

“Food…?” Seki tilted his head.

He wasn’t hungry. Like at all… all he wanted to do was sleep, and he was surprised that this Companda person wasn’t on the verge of passing out like he was. But you know what. Fuck it.

“Haha, sure,” he said with another somewhat forced laugh. “I think… I need something sweet in my life right now anyways.” He began to believe his words more once it actually left his mouth. Even if he wasn’t hungry, maybe being able to taste something sweet would make him feel better.

[timelessthxeving]

Campana paused as she saw the obviously forced smile on his face. She paused, before leaning forward and wrapping her arms around him in a hug. She felt her throat well up as she furiously blinked back tears. "Ah, uh. I'm not really good at comforting people, but I've been told I'm a good hugger, so..." Well, she wasn't lying about that. She was squishy and soft.

She pulled back after a minute, murmuring an apology as her cheeks burnt in embarrassment. She stood up, heading towards the kitchen with a sigh.

"Ah, uh, so. Hey, you like sweet stuff, right? I know how to make hot chocolate, if you want...?" She fumbled with her fingers, giving him the odd glance, before staring at the floor. Even now, she had no idea how to talk to people. It was easier to be rude.

[melancholicgardens]

I want Seki to run | Seki | Execution Reaction

As soon as Ayame was executed, Seki excused himself from the trial room speedwalking as quickly as he could. He couldn’t spend another minute in there with Kazu and Tomo looking at him. He had to get away. 

Soon his walk turned to a jog, and then before he knew it he was sprinting across the garden until he was back in his room safe and sound. He let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding in and slunk to the ground.

Thoughts of Kazu’s despaired look, and Tomo’s words ran through his mind. He did his best to not think about it. To not think about the lives he just ruined, intentionally or not. He’s brushed off much worse things after all… hah… but this was a different kind of hurt altogether.

He slapped his cheeks a few times. He had to ignore it. Just ignore, ignore, ignore.

He ended up passing out, exhaustion taking a hold of him, and slept til the next day right on the floor in front of his door.

[timelessthxeving]

Campana was silent as she left the trial room. She couldn’t even avenge the one girl who she thought was pretty damn neat. She punched a few walls as she stormed back to her room, walking in and falling onto her bed and staring at the ceiling.

She must have fallen asleep at some point, because now she was awake. The thief got up, glancing down at her attire. Creased. Ew. Rummaging through her wardrobe, she found a pair of shorts and a tank top and put them on for the time being before leaving the room.

Walking around aimlessly, she stumbled across Sekitan on the floor. She gave a small frown and crouched, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Oi oi, you still alive?”

[shsl-hallway-butler]

With a ‘snrk,’ Seki flipped his eyes open and shot up instantly.

“I’M SO–!! …huh?” The boy squinted at his environment, and soon his eyes trailed upon the Thief who was crouching next to him. Oh… that’s right. He wasn’t in ‘his crib’ anymore. He was safe. Er… well sorta.

He let out a breath he didn’t know he was keeping in and rubbed his eyes. What was this girl’s name again…? It was on the tip of his tongue…

“Did you uh… say something Kompaeda-san?” He said giving the other a gentle, but worn out, smile.

[timelessthxeving]

Campana paused as he woke up, giving a small sigh of relief. He was one of the only decent people that she wanted to be around, so it would suck if he died.

She looked a little startled when he pronounce her name wrong, before giving a small snort of laughter. It felt nice. When was the last time that she had been able to laugh?

"It's Campana. And you're Sekitan." She sat cross legged, humming gently under her breath.

"... So." She hadn't actually planned what she wanted to say. Damn it.

"U-Uh. Damn it. Uh... Wanna go get food, maybe?"

It was a start. It felt almost like a crime to speak in English again, even if it was only two words.

[melancholicgardens]

I want Seki to run | Seki | Execution Reaction

As soon as Ayame was executed, Seki excused himself from the trial room speedwalking as quickly as he could. He couldn’t spend another minute in there with Kazu and Tomo looking at him. He had to get away. 

Soon his walk turned to a jog, and then before he knew it he was sprinting across the garden until he was back in his room safe and sound. He let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding in and slunk to the ground.

Thoughts of Kazu’s despaired look, and Tomo’s words ran through his mind. He did his best to not think about it. To not think about the lives he just ruined, intentionally or not. He’s brushed off much worse things after all… hah… but this was a different kind of hurt altogether.

He slapped his cheeks a few times. He had to ignore it. Just ignore, ignore, ignore.

He ended up passing out, exhaustion taking a hold of him, and slept til the next day right on the floor in front of his door.

[timelessthxeving]

Campana was silent as she left the trial room. She couldn't even avenge the one girl who she thought was pretty damn neat. She punched a few walls as she stormed back to her room, walking in and falling onto her bed and staring at the ceiling.

She must have fallen asleep at some point, because now she was awake. The thief got up, glancing down at her attire. Creased. Ew. Rummaging through her wardrobe, she found a pair of shorts and a tank top and put them on for the time being before leaving the room.

Walking around aimlessly, she stumbled across Sekitan on the floor. She gave a small frown and crouched, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Oi oi, you still alive?"

[shsl-hallway-butler]

London Bridges | Seki | Closed for Campana

[shsl-hallway-butler]

Once the girl noticed him, the boy walked up to the thief, blissfully unaware of the other’s need for privacy and quiet. Seki squinted at her, completely oblivious about her discomfort.

“Dead? Well you certainly look dead! Gee your skin’s whiter than paper how’s that possible?”

He began to laugh, right up until the girl started to cry.

“Hmm…?”

What a strange girl. She was crying? Was she still in pain or something? One would think she’d be absolutely ecstatic at the thought of the demon, who plagued her soul for so long, being purged from this realm forever.

“What’s with them tears? Aren’t you happy Tooba is gone?”

When the girl started apologizing and offered to leave, Seki just blinked at her.

“Uh mkay byyyyeeee~”

If she wanted to leave there wasn’t any stopping her was there?

[timelessthxeving]

Campana certainly was uncomfortable by the remarks he made. She swallowed hard, feeling a little nauseous. Maybe it was the lack of sleep, or food that was hitting her. But she never usually felt this pathetically weak. She tried to force a laugh, staring at the floor.

"Yeah, I am happy. At least, I should be. And her name was Touka, by the way. It was just that... Oh, forget it."

No, she didn't want to seem any more pathetic than she had already made herself look. And so, she took a small breath, before forcing a smirk.

"Actually, I'll stay here for a while, heh. Haven't been here yet. And hey, when you arrive in a place and are immediately greeted with a cutie like you, that's just a sign that it's gonna be a nice enough place, am I right?"

Campana, no. Campana, now is not the time.

[silkenflight]

Let’s Play Twenty Questions | Riku | Closed for Campana

[poor-unfxrtunate-souls]

Campana had a feeling that there was a reason behind Riku’s visit, besides checking up on her. Why would anyone want to talk to her normally after what she had done? She had been too weak to even stop Touka from taking over, and now? Now, someone was dead because of her, and it was all her fault. 

She felt a little intimidated by them. She didn’t quite know why herself. Maybe it was the fact they were three inches taller than her, that they might also be angry at her for what she, no, Touka had done, or just the paranoia that someone might choose her for their target next sinking into her already fragile mindset. She stepped backwards out of instinct, trying to calm her voice.

“I… It’s… Hah… You’d be surprised with what I’ve gone through, buddy.” Her voice suddenly leaked with venom, but directed more at herself than her visitor. “It’s a real fucking novel.” Her once thick Irish accent had dulled down to more of a husk. Oh, and there was the real reason they had come to her, wasn’t it? Questions. They wanted to know about her.

She looked to the floor, considering her options, before moving aside to let them in.

“Yeah, whatever. Got all the time in the world, anyway.” She paused, before attempting to crack a joke to lighten the mood, even if it was only slightly. She didn’t even know if Riku liked jokes, but it was worth a shot.

“H-Hey, don’t worry too much about the left eye, though! Eye’m all right now!”

[silkenflight]

Riku definitely noticed the reduced accent. They’d only really spoken to her once before, but manner of speech was something they were very aware of. However they didn’t comment on it, yet anyway. What would they even have said? ‘Hey your accent is gone.’ Yeah, she was probably aware. ‘What happened to it?’ Obviously she’d been exaggerating it before, for some reason or other. There were more pertinent questions Riku wanted to cover.

“…You’re right, I don’t know everything you’ve been through. Though it may surprise me less than you’d expect, it was still presumptive of me to imply a comparison. I was… hoping to let you know you weren’t alone, but I’ve always been a little clumsy when it comes to comforting people. I’m sorry.”

Riku had heard her step back and to the side, and hesitated for a moment. It was hard to tell, since they had no means of gauging expression or body language, if this was meant to be an invitation to come in. Her response that she was willing to answer questions made it seem likely that it was, but they couldn’t really be certain. 

Before they could bite the figurative bullet and just ask, she was cracking a joke.

“Pfft. Nice one. That pun was pretty visionary.” Okay they were just going to enter the room, whatever. Riku walked in, sweeping their cane in its little arc in front of them as usual. You could never be too careful when entering a teenager’s bedroom. All sorts of things could be on the floor.

[timelessthxeving]

Campana didn't even have the strength or willpower at this point to even read their facial expressions and try to figure out what they were thinking. She simply listened to them talk, leaning against the wall behind her. She went to rummage through her pockets for something, but paused and hesitated. Would it be considered rude to smoke in front of them? She caught herself internally asking that question, and grimaced. She was the SHSL Thief, feared and renowned! She didn't have to worry about that!

"Mmh, don't worry about it. I've always been crap at comforting people too. Guess it just isn't in my personality, huh? The SHSL Thief, only kind and cuddly? Yeah, fuck off. There is no way in hell that I'm gonna get all fucking cuddly over something fucking tame like that."

She frowned, pulling out a packet of cigarettes and taking one out, before returning the box to her pocket. Gripping it with her teeth, the thief then took out a lighter, clicking it alight to move the flame to the cigarette. After lighting it, she quietly breathed in, before exhaling a small cloud of smoke, her eye hollow. She couldn't help but chuckle at the pun, though.

"Hey, I thought that these puns couldn't get any cornea, but you happened. Iris my case?" She watched as they walked in, before sliding around them and sitting on her bed, sighing as she tried to enjoy her cigarette.

[melancholicgardens]

The Uninvited | Aiko | Chapter 2 | Closed for Campana

[shsl-spoopy-blog]

timelessthxeving

Campana could still feel it burning. The burning pain that burnt in her eye socket, no, her whole god damned skull. The screaming. Not just her own, but… Hers, too. She retreated to her dorm, curling up under the covers and trying to wish herself out of this hell hole. When that didn’t solve anything, she just lay there, trying to forget what happened.

The knocking made her start, and she turned with a wide eye towards the door. A tremor shook in her as she trembled. Were they going to hurt her?

“N-No! I’m not in!” Amazing. “I-In fact, I- Campana died at the execution and is dead inside too! Bye!”

She then promptly locked herself in the bathroom. They had a key to the room, didn’t they? They could let themselves in.

 They could let themself in, but they didn’t. They certainly heard her shut herself in the bathroom, and with this they circled to their own room and knocked on the bathroom door from there. Invading her privacy at a time like this was uncalled for, and Aiko didn’t even let the possibility cross their mind.

“Suona-sama, I know you must hate me, but please don’t shut me out like this. I mean, you probably have a right to, but I didn’t know what was going to happen, honest. If I had…”

Well, what would they have done? Touko had still murdered someone. Would Aiko have backed down still, when they knew the truth. They sighed.

“Please forgive me, Suona-sama…”

[timelessthxeving]

There was no response from inside the bathroom for a while. A few minutes, at tops. And then, finally, still without a single noise from the thief, there was a small click of the bathroom door. She made no move to actually open it, of course, but she had unlocked it.

Campana was sitting nearby, leaning against the wall with a cigarette between her teeth, lit and already filling the room with smoke. She stared at the wall opposite, avoiding eye contact. She stayed quiet, before finally speaking.

"... Don't get all sappy, kid. I hate it. I've been through worse. And... And besides, I'm still alive, ain't I? It's better than going down with that... Thing, right? Heh, I guess that's the one time that Lady Luck decided, hey, let's throw the punching bag a bone for once! Raise her expectations and hopes just so you can... Fuckin' smash 'em down again. B-But yeah, I guess what I'm trying to say is, uh, don't worry about it."

She glanced at them for a moment, before moving an arm and offering them a hug, even if she didn't say it out loud. Did she even need to?

[melancholicgardens]

The Uninvited | Aiko | Chapter 2 | Closed for Campana

 After leaving the safety and comfort of Riku’ room, Aiko sprinted towards their own room, a place only housing uncertainty and fear. Was Riku right, was Campana still alive? If she was, she’d surely be back in their room, right? And what if she was alive, she’d surely be suffering. Even in spite of this, would she want to speak to Aiko after their testimony was what brought her under fire?

 They didn’t care to recieve a proper response from themself, and instead rapped their knuckles against the door. 

“Suona-sama? Suona-sama! Are you in? It’s me, Aiko! Um, your roommate!”

That last part was probably important to include, they probably didn’t make much of an impact on her enough for her to remember their name.

[timelessthxeving]

Campana could still feel it burning. The burning pain that burnt in her eye socket, no, her whole god damned skull. The screaming. Not just her own, but... Hers, too. She retreated to her dorm, curling up under the covers and trying to wish herself out of this hell hole. When that didn’t solve anything, she just lay there, trying to forget what happened.

The knocking made her start, and she turned with a wide eye towards the door. A tremor shook in her as she trembled. Were they going to hurt her?

“N-No! I’m not in!” Amazing. “I-In fact, I- Campana died at the execution and is dead inside too! Bye!” 

She then promptly locked herself in the bathroom. They had a key to the room, didn’t they? They could let themselves in. 

[silkenflight]

Let’s Play Twenty Questions | Riku | Closed for Campana

[timelessthxeving]

It seemed like so long. So long since the execution. While there was no mockery, no startling white pain flashing in her head anymore, it just seemed… Empty. Silent. She wasn’t used to it. The silence in her room unnerved her, and she felt paranoia slip into her mind. And still, the silence stayed.

She returned to her room, silently sitting on the end of her bed, sitting with her knees hugged tight to her chest. Her knuckles were white as she gripped onto her knees, unable to control her small sobs and whimpers, and she stayed perfectly still, as if frightened of showing any signs of living. They all wanted her dead. They had voted for her, voted for Touka. Maybe it would have been better if they had. Then they would have taken both her and the parasite out together. Would anyone even miss her?

She heard a tap on her door, and she felt a jolt of panic. Oh no. What if they were angry at her? What if they wanted to kill her? She was pretty good at defending herself, so she could if it came down to it. A voice called for her, and Campana recognised it. The blind kid? They were nice. She felt like she could trust them. And so, she quietly stepped over to the door, opening it.

“… H-Hi… What’s… What’s up?”

Her voice was shaky and cracked as she struggled to stop herself from whimpering.

[silkenflight]

Oh good she’d answered and opened the door on her own. Riku hadn’t been sure if trying to open it themself was a good idea, it may have alarmed her, they had no intention of becoming an intruder… and it was also good that she seemed to be feeling well enough to get up and move around.

She didn’t sound too great though. Not at all like the self-assured and gruff girl Riku had first met. They had no idea if there was anything they could say to set her at ease, so ultimately they decided to just stay calm and speak softly and hope that was enough to reassure her that they meant no harm.

“Hey, I’m… well, I’m glad you’re alive, for starters. Sorry that you had to go through… what happened, though. I have a bit of experience with traumatic events, it’s not a good time.” Riku paused, tapping their cane against the floor for a moment, unsure if they should ask if they could come in again or wait for an invitation or what.

“I thought maybe we could talk? I have some questions for you, if you’re willing, and I’ve been told I’m a good listener if there’s anything you’d like to… vent about or anything like that.”

[poor-unfxrtunate-souls]

Campana had a feeling that there was a reason behind Riku’s visit, besides checking up on her. Why would anyone want to talk to her normally after what she had done? She had been too weak to even stop Touka from taking over, and now? Now, someone was dead because of her, and it was all her fault. 

She felt a little intimidated by them. She didn’t quite know why herself. Maybe it was the fact they were three inches taller than her, that they might also be angry at her for what she, no, Touka had done, or just the paranoia that someone might choose her for their target next sinking into her already fragile mindset. She stepped backwards out of instinct, trying to calm her voice.

“I… It’s… Hah… You’d be surprised with what I’ve gone through, buddy.” Her voice suddenly leaked with venom, but directed more at herself than her visitor. “It’s a real fucking novel.” Her once thick Irish accent had dulled down to more of a husk. Oh, and there was the real reason they had come to her, wasn’t it? Questions. They wanted to know about her.

She looked to the floor, considering her options, before moving aside to let them in.

“Yeah, whatever. Got all the time in the world, anyway.” She paused, before attempting to crack a joke to lighten the mood, even if it was only slightly. She didn’t even know if Riku liked jokes, but it was worth a shot.

“H-Hey, don’t worry too much about the left eye, though! Eye’m all right now!”

[shsl-hallway-butler]

London Bridges | Seki | Closed for Campana

Seki sat on the edge of the bridge, swinging his legs back and forth whilst humming a small tune. The map wasn’t kidding when it called this place the ‘lazy river.’ Every about this place was so slow… not that he was complaining. There was something about watching fish swim underneath you that just made you feel at home. Even though he’d rather swallow lard than to call this place his home.

He closed his eyes and listened to the faint rustle of leaves and… footsteps?

He opened his eyes and turned his head to see… Oh by the grace of The Savior-!

He stood up and waved his hand. What was her name again?

“HEYOOOOO!! NOUNA-SAAAN!! YOU’RE ALIVE?!?”

He was only half kidding. He knew the girl survived her ‘execution’ but man, he didn’t expect to see her out and about so soon.

[timelessthxeving]

Campana had just wanted some privacy. After the trial, she felt like everyone hated her or wanted to kill or question her. So, she decided on the most peaceful, quiet and stress free location, and prayed that nobody else would be there. Unfortunately for her, the ‘quiet’ atmosphere was abruptly shattered as a loud and vaguely familiar voice boomed her direction, addressing her in... A strange way, she had to admit.

But she didn’t have the strength to muster up her humorous facade, and instead cowered back, looking up at him. She was naturally pale, sure, but the shade of white on her skin was clearly not healthy.

“A-Ahhh... Uhm... I g-guess? P-Physically, yeah, but... Maybe I’m a little dead on the inside? I d-did just lose... her...”

She felt fresh tears bubble up, and begin to flood down her cheeks. She covered her face to try to spare herself from embarrassment .

“I-I’m sorry... I’m sorry... I’ll just l-l-leave...”