Random Start-Ups

[ttrjstartups-blog]

Pavlova to Oranais

[lullplay]

His efforts are fruitless; he’s stuck his foot up his mouth. Again. Of course. Pavlova’s expression betrays that wholeheartedly, and he winces.

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[ttrjstartups-blog]

"Oranais! I don't hate you! Quit actin' like I'm just wastin' m' time doin' this 'cause I'm not! If I thought that, I... I wouldn't 've come at all!"

Her voice was loud, and she had just realized it. Face now red out of embarrassment, she continues in a softer tone, "...I asked if you wanted to stay friends for your sake, not mine. I mean... if you wanna keep bein' friends, great. If not... I can get over that. Don't mean I'm gonna forget you like that... I'm not a heartless bitch, y'know."

She floated back down, feet touching the ground, and opened the door back up. "So... don't misunderstand me, okay?" She left the room, looked back at him, and hesitantly closed the door between them. She couldn't face him after saying all that. Figure I'll see him again, she thought. She slowly walked back to the lab, hands balled into fists and shoved into pockets.

"Hm... I hear there's gonna be a masquerade party after Chiff and I come back... Maybe I'll look for him there."

[ttrjstartups-blog]

Pavlova to Oranais

[lullplay]

Oranais is silent as she continues on. It’s not that he can’t catch the tone of her voice or the implications in her words. He isn’t oblivious by any means. Pavlova’s words are heavy, weighing, uncomfortable. The way she forces herself to laugh makes the burden that much more difficult.

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[ttrjstartups-blog]

She didn't question what he meant. Rather, why could he not blame her for what happened? She initiated and exasperated their tumultuous relationship, after all. The girl should have known it wouldn't have worked out, but she did it anyway. In her mind, any normal guy would blame her for everything.

Her hand on the doorknob began to tighten around it, but her face, to soften. "...don't blame yourself," she muttered. "It's my fault. But I guess... thanks. For not hating me."

Pavlova cracked open the door, one foot out and one remaining inside. "...I don't know if you'd still wanna be my friend, but..." she mentioned, voice quieter than before. She shrugged and continued, "...I guess if you do, we can. I don't really care one way or the other."

[ttrjstartups-blog]

Pavlova to Oranais

[lullplay]

He doesn’t say anything when Pavlova teases him, but glances to the side for a second, then glances back. The minute change is all that gives him away, to his credit.

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[ttrjstartups-blog]

Pavlova stood up and started walking toward the door, stopping at Oranais's side, as if to say one last thing. She didn't. More accurately, she couldn't; words failed to come to her. The girl felt too awkward to say anything at all, her facial expression tightening, fumbling. Her legs began to walk again, stopping at the door when she does think of what to say. "I guess I should say 'have fun' before I leave, huh?"

She turned her back towards him and knotted her fists into her pockets. Forcing a light, airy chuckle, she continued, "Maybe I'll find someone whose parents won't actually hate me. And I guess you can find somebody you can get along with better... 'cause it sure ain't me."

She turned back around enough to look Oranais in the face, to get one last good look at him before she left. "And if I had anything close to magnanimity, I think people would start doin' backflips instead of walkin'."

[ttrjstartups-blog]

Victoria's Confession: The Pitter-patter of a Maiden's Heart!

You begin wandering around the room to search for him, almost as if you're lost, and your cousin begins to complain. You and he start arguing when his friend catches sight of his own sister... and a cousin.

"Tuile! Coussin! What took you so long to get here?"

"Well, excuuuse me if I can't put on my own stockings and shoes!"

There he is, and now he has a name: Coussin, an elegant name for your special someone, this beautiful boy adorned in teals pulled straight from the clear waters of the Caribbean ocean and golds borrowed from the sun itself. His dark brown hair shines in the light of the chandelier, and his green eyes are dyed in a color sweet as mint. The way he gingerly moves, his delicate manners, and how softly he speaks even when scolding his younger cousin... it all enchants you.

So much, in fact, that you only now notice the four looking at you in your daze. You swiftly adjust yourself, fluffing up your carefully done curls and enormous dress, and without opening your eyes, say, "Oh, um. My apologies."

His two cousins looks at each other, and then they and Alex give each other looks, all coming to a smile in a matter of seconds. They take their leave toward a nearby table, waving to you and wishing you their best wishes, leaving you with this wonderful boy to talk to all alone.

"Ah, hello miss. Did you want to say something to me?"

You didn't think this day would come so soon. As it turns out, you have no idea how to begin this confession of yours, but that's okay. Nobody who is in love is completely in control of all of his or her faculties. You just need to calm yourself, which turns itself into folding your arms in front of you and your face turning into a tomato. You stutter, trying to summon words that aren't coming to you, and he has the patience to wait calmly for you.

"I... I w... wan... wanted to.... s... sa.... say...."

"You wanted to say?"

"I... I l... I l... l... ...I l... iiii..."

You...?"

"L... i... iii... li... -k... ke... li..."

"...li... ke? Like?"

"I... l... like..."

He's blushing. It's faint, but you spot a change of his face in the flushed direction. He's already interpreted what you're about to say, and either he returns your feelings or is embarrassed to say anything.

"I... I love you!!!"

You end up saying it louder than you wanted to. Alex tries to hide his snort through his hand, and his cousins are trying--and nearly failing--to say nothing at all. A few people near you turn to see what is happening, whispering to each other about the incident. This... isn't exactly how you wanted your confession to be. Coussin is still blushing, not saying anything. You knew he was embarrassed to have you like him. You didn't want it to come to this, but there seems to be no other choice.

"W-well, I--miss! Where are you... going...? ...she left..."

You flee in the opposite direction and out the door.

[ttrjstartups-blog]

Shopping Adventure!!

"Um... are you sure... this is the one you wanted me to try on?"

The girl walked out of the changing room in a frilly lolita-style dress decorated in blue stripes and images of an assortment of sweets, playing cards, teapots, and teacups. Her curves and the dress shape were a mismatch, the blouse pressing her breasts against her chest, and the accompanying bow collar was a tad too small for her neck. Her discomfort in the attire was obvious, from her constant picking at the bow on her back to the way her feet fidgeted from the too-tight shoes, exacerbated by the lacy socks.

Chiffon wanted to shoot Linzertorte a dirty look--she really did--but the lady's sweet demeanor kept her from actually going through with it. Instead her face simply read discomfort and embarrassment, leaking into her voice when she asked, "...how do I look?"

[ttrjstartups-blog]

Chiffon and Alex Afterdinner

However, Chiffon, a more romantically reserved woman, was hesitant to call the outing a 'date', especially when it involved the nobleboy by her side. She didn't hate him; in fact, it was quite the opposite at this point. Aside from the males she lived with, Alex was probably the boy she felt the most comfortable around, and overtime she had come to enjoy his company. The problem was if she would cross the step from good friends to something more.

That was in the back of her mind. Right now Chiffon struggled trying to come up with an activity they could do together while she was dressed in her nice clothes. She wasn't exactly made of the money to have such an expensive garment repaired properly. "So," she began, trying to force down her anxiety, "do you have anything or anyplace in mind?"

[ttrjstartups-blog]

Pavlova to Oranais

[lullplay]

“My priority is to carry out my duty to the fullest, as a warrior-servant to the House of Bonnetarte,” is the squire’s firm reply, the one unhesitating statement in the sea of his fumbling and clumsy answers.

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[ttrjstartups-blog]

Pavlova paused in thought to listen to Oranais explaining himself, a half-serious tone returning to her face. "Well, just," she begins, "Alex said you were like, not interactin' with anyone else, so it made me wonder. I know you're not a social butterfly, but just..."

Like the boy, she stumbled in her own words, but hers were of encouragement and... good feelings. She wasn't one to try to make her friends feel better, instead relying on good-natured jabs and mischievous actions. Those weren't things she could do with Oranais, however. She felt she had to be earnest, and it was hard for her to do so.

Finally, Pavlova said, "Just make sure you have other friends you can talk to, okay? Because I don't wanna have to worry about you, and you just said you don't want others to worry!" She pouted and folded her arms not in seriousness, but in bashful embarrassment.

[ttrjstartups-blog]

Pavlova to Oranais

[lullplay]

In reply to her self-critical joke (jab?), Oranais chuckled, soft and bashful. He didn’t attest to her self-critical joke (a jab?), though he knew was true. Confirming it would only feel like a backhanded insult, yet it wouldn’t be genuine of him to deny it either.

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[ttrjstartups-blog]

"Eh, I wouldn't say consequential," she began. "But what are your priorities now, then? Because I know you spent loads of time training before, and you look like you're doin' it again. I know you took the time to wrap things up with me and Tuile, but now it just seems like it was... I don't know, a little obligatory? You didn't exactly leave off to fight on a great note, y'know."

She paused for a moment, trying to piece together what to say next, and after a second shrugged. "Not to mention, you kinda need to socialize? I mean, what other friends do you have, besides Tuile and... I guess me? 'Cause I can't imagine you're one of Alex's friends."

[ttrjstartups-blog]

Pavlova to Oranais

[lullplay]

At the mention of the pages, Oranais abruptly remembers their presence nearby, glances over at the younger boys and catches them turning their heads quickly away from the scene. He… did not recall when his life had become entertainment for his peers.

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[ttrjstartups-blog]

"Also, if it's all the same to you, I'm kinda relieved your folks ain't here. I didn't think they'd like me at all," she commented, self-defeatingly smirking afterward. Though she would never mention it out loud to anyone, she held the opinion that, if Tuile weren't a noble, his parents probably would prefer her as his girlfriend, and that she never would have hooked up with him otherwise. Maybe it would have been better this way, she thought.

"So," Pavlova started, forcing herself to be more serious again, "Alex told me... that you weren't exactly interactin' with anyone else ever since you got home. What's up with that? I thought maybe you were gonna work on socializin' some more, but apparently I was wrong?"

[ttrjstartups-blog]

Pavlova to Oranais

[lullplay]

A pause, and the unease on the squire’s face lessens, if only slightly. “…did he,” Oranais says, more of a statement than a question.

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[ttrjstartups-blog]

She shrugs her shoulders at his offer. "And well, I guess your place will be alright. Don't wanna bunch of nosy pages listenin' in on us," Pavlova says, already walking toward the exits while stretching her arms behind her. "And in case your folks ask, we're still friends. Just not a couple."

[ttrjstartups-blog]

Pavlova to Oranais

[lullplay]

“A… a birdie?” the boy questions, confusion etched obviously on his face. He wasn’t sure what he had done to slight anybody, especially in just the few days of his return. But he must have done something, made some mistake in his oversight and foolishness, if Pavlova was paying him a social call, all sharp snaps and unreadable masks.

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[ttrjstartups-blog]

Pavlova uncrossed her arms, leaving one akimbo with hand on her waist, the other hanging down to her side. She felt maybe the boy became too uncomfortable with how this visit was coming along so far, and she didn't need him to get nervous. Not what with she was planning to do. "Eh..." she started, unsure for the first time this visit. "Maybe not your room, but I guess if there's no place else." The thought of being with her ex in his bedroom didn't strike the girl as savory, which, in her case, was a pretty big deal.

[ttrjstartups-blog]

Pavlova to Oranais

[lullplay]

Beat, thrust, parry, parry — maintain the pressure, don’t disengage, press. Go for a sequence; beat, beat, there! Catch the hilt, disarm and— clatter!

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[ttrjstartups-blog]

Finally, about two feet away from him, she stopped, folding her arms across her chest, and her self-satisfied smirk dissolved into a poker face one word away from a frown. "So Oranais," she snapped, "A little birdie told me a little somethin'-somethin' concernin' you. Where can we talk in private 'round here?"

[ttrjstartups-blog]

Pavlova to Oranais

She made her way through the Bonnetarte mansion to the training room, where all good pages, squires, and knights practiced their craft: fighting. Her eyes dart about the room, looking for that built physique, the slightly tousled beige hair, those unconfident golden eyes--

"Hey, Oranais! I got somethin' to talk t'you about!"

[ttrjstartups-blog]

Noble Party

[lullplay]

“I’ll be sure to make some time for you in my extensively busy schedule, in that case,” you reply with jesting ease, all unabashed anticipation in your grin. It’s not often Chiffon extends an invitation; small as it was, you think you’re making progress.

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[ttrjstartups-blog]

Then you wonder how sad it must be that this feeling has been foreign to you for so long. Not that Pav isn't a friend, but there's a difference between friendship among siblings and among strangers.

You quietly, breathily giggle at his words, and jokingly retort, "I think I'll manage." You take a bit to calm down a little and then continue, "That sounds good. Pav and I will try to be home during that time. It's the—" you use your one free hand to count "—fourth building from the left from the lab. You'll recognize it from the blue roof."

You finish wiping off your fingers while enjoying the breeze, letting it cool you off after the excitement of the dinner party. There is only you and Alexander out here, and the implications of that are slowly dawning to you. Nevertheless, despite the rocky start the evening progressed, and you've managed to avoid having a nervous breakdown. Perhaps it's the company of the nobleboy at your side, his confidence in you stirring up more confidence from within. You think you can manage yourself without him now.

"Well," you start, "I think I'm going back inside. I think you still have a conversation to have with my father, and if I'm going to be attending more of these parties, I'll have to learn to be more comfortable amongst other people." You pause for a second, thinking of how to articulate. You look back at him with a more gentle smile on your face. "I had a wonderful time with you tonight. Next time I hope not to step on your foot," you finish, silently chuckling to yourself.

Before you head back in, you stop, noticing his now messy bangs and activating the perfectionist in you. Your hand instinctively reaches out to correct them, and by the time you realize what you're doing, you stop, lowering your hand and placing it closer to you chest. "...sorry. It's a habit."

You turn back around, take a few more steps, and hesitate closer to the entrance. You turn around quickly and bow, saying, "thank you," before finally departing and blending back into the mass of partygoers.

[ttrjstartups-blog]

Noble Party

[lullplay]

Propping a forearm up, you lay your head in your hand, cheek pressed to palm. Unmannerly, sure, but you figure you can drop the polite airs for now, even if you are in front of Chiffon. The mood’s not suited for practiced nobleboy courtesies and bows — that’s what you left in the ballroom.

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[ttrjstartups-blog]

After finishing the chunk of bruschetta left and wiping your mouth with your napkin, you reply, "Hm, the fireworks festival is more of a family event at my house, so I didn't include it. Maybe we can meet up for a bit during the festivities, though." You don't offer anymore, however. You don't think you could handle his meeting your entire family during such a bustling event.

"The carnival sounds good. I won't be working during this week, so we can leave anytime you're ready."

[ttrjstartups-blog]

Noble Party

[lullplay]

You discuss business, war, and stratagems spiritedly with your father, the chance to prove your knowledge grasped in your hands. But even still, you keep an empty pocket of consciousness lingering on your mother’s actions and reasoning for leading you away with your dad. It’s no mistake or coincidence, it can’t be. You’re sure your mom has her own designs; she’s a strategist too, of sorts, and the most dangerous kind: a wily female.

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[ttrjstartups-blog]

You lean to the side on the balcony's railing, facing your conversation partner. "Hm, I'm not... sure," you reply. "I usually don't have to make this decision. Do you know of anything interesting going on?"

You feel slightly embarrassed about having to ask what's interesting around town, but you attest it to your not getting out of the lab enough. Working day and night sure does have its consequences.

[ttrjstartups-blog]

Noble Party

[lullplay]

It’s the first time in the conversation that the noblewoman’s response strayed from seamless, a fractional raise of brows rather than a smooth reply. But it’s a second’s mistake; she springs to form straight away with a modest laugh. “Oh my, you are perceptive.”

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[ttrjstartups-blog]

Your finger curls a lock of hair as the noblewoman continues to speak to you. You don't say anything, but you give her a knowing look to let her know you do know what she means. Alexander is the type of person, in your opinion, that learns best when he is allowed to try things out for himself. He has very good parents, you think to yourself.

Her offer makes your stomach twist, awakening the nerves once again that you had restrained for the duration of this conversation. You're mostly successful in concealing it, although the arm by your side goes a little stiff. Luckily it seems the Admiral and Alexander have returned, postponing your answer. You bow back to Lady Bonnetarte as she leaves and say, "I look forward to next time as well." You begin to relax as Admiral and Lady Bonnetarte walk away, finally breathing normally again.

You walk back closer to Alexander's side and accept his offer. You place your hand in his, taking a savory bruschetta from the table with the other, and you let him lead the two of you out onto a balcony to rest. "Say, Alexander," you begin to ask, "since I don't have any work planned for a few more days, would you like to do something, then? Pav would probably come too, though, but... we don't usually get to hang out as friends."