ㅤ "Yo, So'! look what I gotchu!" ㅤHanding over a large heart-shaped chocolate box to @girllovingprincess.bsky.social . Although it seems it had already been opened before it even got to her. "They REALLY good, you gotta try 'em!" ㅤ

// ooooghhh sorry for being dead lately, terraria took over my life again for the billionth time aaaaaaa

ㅤ ㅤNo matter how many times she roamed the castle, she may never learn to orientate herself without the princess' help, thankful for her presence. ㅤIts hallways do make amazing parkours for her improvised workout routines though… "C'mon, So', what else? I want meat! The juiciest kind, ya hear?" ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤDetermined to appease him, she was about to reveal more than decency allows when he darted off, distracting Akane from her task at hand. "… Hey--! Does it mean we good, yea?!" ㅤFollowing in Kazuichi's track. Amidst her unfazed fawning, there was an attempt to make amends for snapping at him. ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤShe was overly rejoiced when they got back to the castle, taking the lead to push the massive door open and slip inside. ㅤThere was no much distance between Akane and her promised feast. Plus, the faster they get back to her room, the faster they change in comfy clothes and begin movie night! ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤShe looked at him deadpan in the eyes. She didn't need a reminder, that's what she was trying to make up for with this apologetic crude offer. "Want more?" ㅤHer emotions were often volatile, acting on impulse with no deep reflection, but in the end she has no ill-intention toward her friends. ㅤ

ㅤ "Urrrg… C'mon, out with it! 'I just uh' what?" ㅤComing to a halt, she faced him once more, rolling her eyes at him as her foot tapped the ground with impatience. She didn't give him time to even breathe before jumping to her own conclusion. "I get it, you wanna cop a feel, uh? Sure, go ahead." ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤShe blinked with slight confusion, realizing what she was thinking about wasn't what the princess had in mind. "Huh? .. Oh-- yea, I know that." ㅤWhile Akane was mostly looking forward to the snacks, seeing Sonia being zealous over something unrelated to her kingdom was a nice change of pace. ㅤ

ㅤ "I don't remember it being sci-fi horror… Well, I suppose people turnin' into monkeys can give the creeps, heh!" ㅤShe was way off the base, bringing up things completely unrelated to what Sonia had suggested to watch… in hindsight, it sounded more like an anime. She was down for Alien though. ㅤ

ㅤ "How 'bout you mind yer damn business and look after YOUR own skin for once?! I don't need your pity." ㅤAkane gave him one last poke in the chest before finally backing off with bared teeth, huffing. She turned on her heel, resuming her stride as if nothing happened. "... What's the hold up?" ㅤ

ㅤ Alright... you're askin' for it. I'm all fired up now, c'mon! Get over here! ㅤ

ㅤ Uh... Yea? What's up with that? ㅤ

ㅤ Sheesh, get off yer high horse. This ain't 'bout winning or losing, I can clobber you anytime! ㅤ

ㅤ Don't worry yer pretty head, I don't punch softies ㅤ

ㅤ You tryna piss me off? If it's a fight yer lookin' for, I'll give you one! ㅤ

ㅤ What? ㅤ

ㅤ Y'know I don't care about beatin' up weaker than me. Ain't no challenge there. ㅤ

ㅤ Oh c'mon, I wasn't gonna punch her, gee... ㅤ

ㅤ you do have a punchable face ㅤ

ㅤ "So you're sayin' I'm spot on, heck yea!" ㅤShe'd be right to think so. The gymnast's cinematic expertise was... limited to say the least. Sitting still for hours to watch something never appealed her, but in good company, she can make an exception. "It better have powerful aliens in it too!" ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤShe used the cover of movie night more as an excuse to hang out and snack on stuff. Although Akane tried feigning interest, her hazel hues betrayed her confusion. "Uhhh… That one I guess. That's the one with a killer, yea?" ㅤFor the gymnast, all of them sounded just the same in her book. ㅤ

ㅤ "Uh… I wouldn't call myself 'fan', but, I can enjoy a good movie from time to time." ㅤLiking movies is pretty common, nothing that would sell out Sonia's actual identity. It was nice watching her be passionate about something. "Up to you really, but anythin' jam-packed with action is a given!" ㅤ

ㅤ "That'd be the best! Thanks, So'!" ㅤCasting glances from time to time. The handholding provided enough of a distraction to keep her mind from falling into boredom due to their slow walking pace. "... Oh! Forget about /only/ a meal. Let's ask for snacks too to munch on for a movie night!" ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤFrom Akane's point of view, the princess could benefit from being more lax by nature outside her diplomatic role... but, you can't change a creature of habit that easily; the gymnast knows from experience. "Sure, whatever floats your boat, So'. As long as I get my fill by the end of the day!" ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤNoticing the pitying look he gave her, it's enough to ruffle her the wrong way. Although he is well-intentioned, she gets irritated by it, barking back at him. "What? Yer tryna pick a fight?!" ㅤShe moves to block his path, leaning forward while vigorously pressing her index against his chest. ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤShe perked up at Sonia's offer. A fancy bed to sleep in, and ravishing meals to wake up to; she wouldn't be in her right mind if she turned down such an opportunity. "Really? I'm not gonna say no to crash at yer place!" ㅤWhile standing around, Akane kept herself busy by stretching her calves. ㅤ

ㅤ "Yea yea, I heard you the first time. I'm not deaf." ㅤOld habits die hard. She merely shrugs at his response, looking completely disinterested at his admonishing comment. "So? I'm not gonna throw away my stash just 'cause I got an earnest job. I need 'em for gettin' out of sticky situations." ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤAn opportunity for a topic change; Akane won't hesitate to jump on it. It helped her emotions to simmer down. "Ehhh, don't sweat it, So'. I didn't put much thought behind this trip anyway. Still, I'm glad I got to show ya around!" ㅤGreeting the princess back with a large unconcerned grin. ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤAfter making sure Sonia had regained her bearings, Akane messily wiped away those wet streaks across her cheeks. "Don't worry, I gotchu. 'You scratch my back, I scratch yours' type of shit, yea?" ㅤShe hated this warm feeling within her chest. She felt so vulnerable in the princess' presence. ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤSomeone has got to maintain the island's equipment, and no one other than him is qualified enough for the task. "Aw man, that means it ruined my brand new panties! How am I 'posed to resell them now!" ㅤShe huffs in annoyance. Ignorance is bliss as they say, it wasn't bothering her beforehand. ㅤ

ㅤ "Heh… trust, you ain't losing me, 'cause I'm stubborn. I'm not gonna kick the bucket without puttin' up a fight." ㅤUsing the back of her hand, she caught herself wiping the tears off Sonia's cheeks, awkwardly avoiding eye contact. "I told ya not to draw attention, dummy. Geez… yer a mess." ㅤ

ㅤ "Huh-uh... I see." ㅤHands resting behind her head, her mind wanders off out of boredom, half listening. From what she gathered through all the yapping about his projects, he keeps himself busy. That checks out. "... Wait-- you mean to say the washer /isn't/ supposed to turn everything pink?!" ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤIt was his idea to hang out, not hers, he only got himself to blame. She is not the type to pick lazing about for hours on end as an option. ㅤAlthough she's itching to accelerate the pace as she tags along, she got enough common sense to respect what she agreed upon; a walk. "Sooooo… Wassup?" ㅤ

ㅤ "Yeah, sure, that works. Better than just sittin' around for sure." ㅤA playful snicker escapes her lips. She finds it amusing to press his buttons, it never gets old. "C'mon now, unless ya need me to go fetch yer walker, stop stallin'. Let's just go already! " ㅤ

ㅤ "Ya ain't ever gonna get it back if you don't start somewhere. Whatevs, you do you." ㅤShe gives him an indifferent shrug over the previous matter. The offer is still on the table whenever he decides to change his mind, but for now… "Just walk? Man… fine, don't wanna see you keel over, gramps." ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤWith a brief squinted glare, she looked back his way. Though, Akane didn't question his intention more than a second. She can't say no to food. "Really? Heck yeah!" ㅤThe gymnast snatched the mochis without any hesitation, Stuffing her face in an instant. Humming with delight, so good! ㅤ

ㅤ "Yer such a crybaby, stop that, you're gonna make me cry--" ㅤToo late, the waterworks been turned on. She was confused as to why; she wasn't sad nor mad, yet the tears would not stop. "Shut up… ain't gonna get rid of me that easily. You'd know, I'm still alive and kickin' despite everything." ㅤ

ㅤ "I know, so what? You'll never be if you keep sayin' that." ㅤHuffs, shaking her head disappointingly. She won't really force him to spare, especially when she'd much rather fight someone who /looks/ strong. " 'sides, what else you had in mind? Hangin' out ain't meaning much. " ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤThey both had their inner demons to fight, both none the wiser than the other. Both shared the wish to amend for their sins. "Then... Lemme do somethin' for you already!" ㅤHer cheek heated up beneath Sonia's hand, flushing up, while her hazel hues still burned with determination. >>

ㅤ ㅤShe stares at him back. Well... more so her gaze was still locked onto his snack, salivating at its sight. "What...? Yer ain't gonna finish it? C'mon, eat 'em up!" ㅤIt was her turn to huff at him, eyes darting away. Better not let those delicious round-shaped delicacies tempt her any longer. ㅤ

ㅤ "It ain't the same! If… if you think erasing yerself for the sake of everyone is the solution, then yer wrong!" ㅤHer facial traits darkened. Although she tried looking strong and composed in that instant, Akane's grip tightened around the princess' hand. "I… don't wanna waste away… not again." ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤEyes lit up with glee, diving her hand onto the plate to snatch one, instantly shoving it into her mouth. "Mffmffm! Thanks man! Yer a real lifesaver." ㅤOnly one of them wasn't enough to satisfy the gal's hunger, but with a bottomless stomach such as hers, she will take whatever comes her way. ㅤ

ㅤ "Ain't got time to wait in line when I've got to move my body. Now... Stop being so stingy already, gimme gimme!" ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤWell, no surprise there, she may be swift but she is no match to him. Though, she was not the type to give up that easily. "C'mooooon, lemme have one! I'm starvin'!!" ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤ...--! Nose picking up a whiff of his mochis. In a blink of an eye, she's back on her feet, attempting to snatch one out of his hand. ㅤ

ㅤ "I'm sorry, come again?" ㅤReleasing him from her grip out of confusion, staring with an eyebrow raise. "You wanna hang out more...? Pfft--! About time! And here I thought you only wanted to play with your gizmos all day long. It happens I'm lookin' for a sparring partner, whaddya think?" ㅤ