Hello, hello, hello, hello! Tainted here, with a brand new project!

This' been something cooked up and worked on for the last week or so, the conjoined writing of Days 1&2, that is. I'm probably going to delve into Day 3 relatively shortly, posting Day 2 in a little while. Regardless, I've given this a good amount of effort, and thus hope that it's turned out sufficiently pleasant to read!

I'll begin with more information about things at the bottom - if you enjoy this and meet me down there, excellent!

Onward!~

If I were to describe it, it would probably be comparable to the sensation of being engulfed by the sun itself. That would likely be the best example I would ever have, as my mind unwinds upon itself, my brain melting as my senses overload, my body succumbing almost instantaneously. It's unbearable, and yet oh-so-wonderful, I can't imagine how I could have gone so long without this. How all the years have passed me by, this intoxicating action foreign and hidden from me, how did I survive?

They say that the first is fireworks, but here we are, two, three, four, five, six… Every single one, shortly following one another - just long enough for me to breathe, as if it didn't affect her in the slightest, as if it were only me that was this vulnerable - sending just as many sparks and washing over me like a tidal wave, just as powerful as the first. My entire everything is on fire - my mind a foggy, squishy, blissful cloud.

I don't want her to stop, I won't let her stop, my legs and arms clinging and wrapping around her to keep her against me. I won't ever let go again, I wouldn't survive with this being just a taste, to slip from my grasp as if nothing changed or happened.

She is mine! I will be hers. That's the way it has to be, and no one will say otherwise.

A soft whimper escapes my lips, and I wonder briefly when I had been stripped and bared, when her hands had dug into me, or when she discovered where exactly to touch, to lick, to bite, to make me writhe and gasp without so much as a fumble. Why was she so good? Did she look at me like her favorite dessert? Did I rate even higher? Or is this a…

"Noire…," her gentle, hungry voice elicits a shiver throughout my body, her hot breath burning against my ear. Even now, I felt myself flush, my body reddening as always under her slightest action. I dig my nails into her scalp, a breathy laugh, a light inhale of satisfaction bubbling forth from her, her words piercing through my hesitations, my thoughts as if she knew me perfectly. "I love you, my Noire~, more than anything in this world~," she sings the sentences out, her bright purple eyes remaining firmly on mine, shut only during the moments that matter. She pledged herself to me, and I would give my everything to her in turn.

And just like that, I felt myself wake up.

My consciousness begins to stir, I take note of first, as the floating feeling quickly fades, instead being replaced by a sense of mild fatigue and heaviness. Weight and responsibility flood to me, and I could almost groan aloud at the concept of having to move… almost. I'm the ruler of a nation, throwing a tantrum and refusing to move would be childish and wrong of me, and I can't really have that.

Glancing to my left, to the pillow beside my own, I open and close my hand with a frown, exhaling slowly. It wasn't just a dream, right? I didn't just imagine it and think of what could have been. The crushing possibility of that sinks hard in my chest, and I exhale shakily. It is an anxious and unpleasant sensation, doubt. Hard to crush, hard to deny, hard to shake. It's a consistent, nagging tumor, and I don't quite approve of it.

But, no matter whether she actually meant what she said or not, whether it was just a dream, I have to get up and face the reality of the day - Lastation needs me, and the rest can come after. This is fact, and this is enough to urge me to rise from my covers, my right hand rising to rub at my eye, ridding of the crusty crap that filled it through the night's sleep. Glancing down, I sigh - did I really sleep in just a messy white tee? I didn't even really button it properly. Goddess, I need to be more careful…

Deciding, as always, to take my shower toward the end of the day, I forego the idea and instead reach to my end table, grabbing my brush as I begin tackling my messy raven nest. The tangles and curls won't do - even if it's uncomfortable, I'd prefer to look my best. For my sake, and for praise from…

I'd really hope that that wasn't just delusional dreaming. I'm pretty sure it wasn't, but could it kill her to talk to me more…? I'm not asking for much… no, I actually, kind of, sort of… want a lot, b-but, but that's not important! Just, confirm I matter, damn it! It'd be reassuring…

I sigh. Considering the source, maybe I am asking too much. Finishing up straightening out my hair, or rather, most of it, I now take the folded ribbons from the polished wood surface, quickly and habitually tying them up along with most of my hair. Running a hand briefly through my bangs, I yawn as I spin my body sideways, throwing my legs over onto the floor. Pushing off the mattress, away from the various clumped-up covers, I stand up, stretching my arms over my head with a soft, "Hnnnn!"

Alright. Now to get changed and then thrust myself into the day. Allowing my body to go on autopilot for my routine, I begin running through the many things I can probably accomplish through the course of the day. Glancing toward the clock as I proceed between the various drawers and then to my closet with clothes in hand, the digital device reads eight-forty-four. Ah, did I really sleep that late? I don't even really remember what I'd been doing last night to sleep so long…

Ah, whatever. It's fine, really. I'll just make up for it with more effort and hard work today, so that the lost time doesn't quite matter. Let's see…

Reforms and countermeasures for the activities of one of the outlying cities - Wel-Zelevas or something. There, undergarments and garterbelt, check! Odd place, but some of the folks there were old servants of the various nations, and they were alright. First layer of the dress, check! Now, if only they didn't cause so much damn trouble for us. I swear, humanity can be so peculiar about the strangest things. Okay, second part, done. Skirt, next. What else came after them…? I need to review the new console, something to do with security problems or tackling network connectivity for some of the new releases, if I recall… there, skirt is in place. It doesn't look too bad, right? I should play with it a little… Yeah, after helping them find some of the bugs or giving them additional funding - whichever they're more-so hoping for, though I'll look over both matters regardless - then comes the reports on Guild activity, whether they need help, business reports, town reports, and so on and so forth. It shouldn't be too bad, really - a lot of reading, but I'd rather that than some large-scale problems as can be usual. There, skirt all good, and same with the rest. Now I need my gloves, stockings, and boots, and then I should be done.

Returning to my room, I find myself humming a gentle tune from who-knows-where. Perhaps it's something that idiot's gone on about before, either during gaming or just in general, but I can't be sure; I do play games with Uni and the Candidates sometimes if we're both not busy, as well as the other two when they visit, so it could be from anywhere. Still, judging by how jolly and cheery it is… probably her, after all.

I wonder how many weeks, maybe even months it's been? Very little has happened between us since then, and she's acting almost entirely… the same? She becomes a bit warmer when it's just us, and she teases me about being friendless and whatever else a whole lot less, instead opting for teasing me about my interest in her. She's not making this easy on me, and the others don't seem to know at all about us, either, which… frankly, kind of frustrates me.

I don't want it to be like this. It's as if it was a one-night-stand sort of thing, and I don't know if I could bear that… no, actually, I'm well aware that I can't. Just… going back to how things were? Now? Impossible. I can't do that. It really makes me wonder how she could be. Or is she just faking that? If only she'd be more honest with me. No, don't even think about the irony behind that.

Plopping down on the bed, I stretch my legs out while setting down the last few articles of my outfit beside me. Starting with the stockings, I begin tugging them up and then attach them to the garterbelt, nodding. They were well in place and wouldn't budge, so that was that. Next came the long boots, zipping the back up with ease as I flexed my leg, ensuring they wouldn't be out of place or uncomfortable during the course of the day. Finally, I worked at pulling on my gloves, fixing the ring that held them in place onto my fingers before fiddling with the fluffy material on my arms. Fully set, I hopped onto my feet again and proceeded to the mirror in the corner of my room, twisting and turning before it with intense interest. Is anything out of place…? Does it look alright…? No wrinkles or creases out of place… Alright! It should be fine. Satisfied with my appearance, I pivot on my heel and make my way for the door.

What else remains to keep track of today…? Let's see, what was Uni going to be doing? A soft frown worms its way through my lips, and I cross my arms as I walk. Was she going out with the Candidates, staying in to clean her guns and stay in her room, do some gaming on that new FPS she was part of, or is there something important that I may have forgotten? I haven't had her working as hard on paperwork recently so that she might stay calm and composed, insisting she work on her skills in the field instead, but I don't think she's kept me informed on anything since then. Did I upset her…? Maybe I should talk to her when I can, today.

Looking up as I withdraw from my thoughts, my walking brings me to my office, and I pause, watching the doors thoughtfully for another moment. Should I set straight to work, or would it be better to seek out Uni, or see if there have been any further developments that I need to check on? Rubbing my arm as my eyes stray to the floor, I sigh, deciding that perhaps the lattermost might be the best choice of action, though I'm sure it will just end up in more reports on various things to oversee and read over.

I shouldn't complain - they're relatively peaceful, most times, so I should be grateful. I suppose I might just be a little irritated today, instead. I could probably estimate why, but I don't think that aspect is all too important when it doesn't change that my schedule is going to be busy and I'm still in charge of Lastation's affairs. Kei, why did you have to depart, again…?

Gah, whining won't solve the matters at hand. Shaking off the momentary pang of loneliness and dissatisfaction, I unfold my arms and decide to continue forward until I reach the front desk.

What awaits me is as I had expected - my staff are stationed at the various scatterings of front desks, multiple faces already lined up at each. All attention in the room shifts briefly to me, a wide array of varying levels of respectful bows and salutes, complete with some mildly embarrassing starry eyes from the citizens, and I clear my throat, waving a hand while nodding to them.

"Please, return to what you had been doing, everyone. If one of the staff is not as busy at the moment, might I draw your attention to receive an update?" I ask politely, the many faces mimicking my nod as they return to their duties while one man stands from a chair, having been sat behind the others before he approaches me.

He bows again, and I nod, taking steps back to remain out of earshot from the rest of the room - mainly to avoid disturbing everyone, more than anything - as he follows me. Once standing in the hall a short distance from the hubbub of the entryway, the man swallows before folding his arms in his long, flowing sleeves, his head somewhat concealed by the traditional Basilicom garb. "Good morning, my Lady. Have you slept well?"

A gentle nod is usually best, these formalities customary and often meaningful, though they can tend to grate a little after the tenth or eleventh of its kind, some days. "Good morning," I stop for a moment, contemplating. What was this man's name again…? Harold, Trey, Fred, Daphne, Velma, Terrance, Ash… ah, "Sora," I say at once, his name floating to mind, and the slight astonished and yet blissful look upon his face tells me that I was right. Mortals are so appreciative over these sorts of things, so of course I need to memorize their names alongside their faces, right? "I slept well enough, I would say. How are you and your younger sister?"

"We are doing well, of course, ma'am. Plenty of progress in our duties," he replies, smiling warmly as his thoughts no doubt drift to his sister. If I were to be honest, I recall that they might even work here together, and I'm relatively sure that they're a little too invested in one another, but I've no place to judge my citizens in such a manner.

"That's very good to hear, I'm very glad. Please ensure it remains that way," I respond, and he nods, his expression seeming somewhat unreadable once more. A strange fellow, but so long as he's competent, I'm content. "Now," I begin, narrowing my eyes as my expression stiffens, "what news do you have for me? Have there been any significant changes?"

The man simply nods, withdrawing a small sheet stowed away somewhere in his robe - to which I might have raised an eyebrow, if I wasn't accustomed to this - as he unfolds it, straightening it in his thin wrist. "Some, my Lady. Specifically, at the foremost are the matters regarding that outlier city, first of all… they've decided to stir up more trouble by allegedly stealing property, as well as one of our trading caravans seemingly 'disappearing' along a route near their location."

"...Again?" The word escapes me before I can put a lid on it, and I sigh, running a hand through my bangs as I lift my head, closing my eyes for an instant. "I see. Outfit our caravans with more protection, if you must - our citizens, our traders, are important. Innocents should not be harmed in such a manner. If nothing else, see to it that the Guild has an agent or two stationed with them. Tighten up security throughout the city as well, first and foremost, and send the formal report to me - I'll further these ideas later today," I explain, deciding a quick response is better than waiting to draft a proper one. "Cut into our treasury to fund the additional manpower. It can afford it," I continue, and the man smirks, nodding.

"As you wish, I will print a copy to have brought to you as soon as possible. Following this, there is an increase of monsters along our lake-residing territory, mainly seemingly being mutations of some sort. They are bipedal, blue or green, and are extremely aggressive. We've taken to calling them Mur*ocs, though the name has not yet been coined," he explains casually, and I frown, raising a finger and thumb to my chin contemplatively.

"I will personally investigate the matter later today, but for now, post some quests among the various Guilds to either quarantine or explore the development for the day, and report the findings directly to me. We need to find out if that's a natural development, or manmade." It remains firmly in the back of my mind that there are outliers still among that old ASIC problem, which may very well be a probable culprit, I figure.

He makes a sound of affirmation. "Understood, I'll also forward our other findings thus far to your desk. Continuing, there seems to be some trouble of another party promoting anti-Goddess propaganda…"

"Him again? He can spout all the dissent in the world, so long as he doesn't cause anyone any harm. If he begins pushing for riots or talks of violence against the Candidates or ourselves again, please detain him for another night," I order before the sentence even finishes, rubbing my temples now. He'd been a constant for quite some time, and he just doesn't stop. "Next?"

"We have more strange monsters also appearing elsewhere, notably related to those ones from what we believe to be the time of those large towers appearing everywhere, or something along the same vein. We are unsure what they might mean, and they are being quelled shortly thereafter by passing adventurers and agents, however, the intricacies are being submitted to you in writing."

"More of them…?" Kurome had been subdued, hadn't she? Or is it a viral problem, again? We hadn't entirely figured out the source of that, either, but I'd probably prefer it be the latter rather than the former. I'm not quite sure how we'd handle something like Kurome again, I'll grudgingly admit. "Post official requests to monitor the situation by staff and personnel that happen upon them. We'll tackle that after the others, as I doubt the Guild has enough agents to operate a mobile militia throughout Lastation," I command with a twinge of frustration, knowing full-well that this doesn't quite help the matter, since either answer to the matter poses a dire problem to Gamindustri as a whole. "Give me a full report of that as well, I'll review it by the end of the day, as well."

"Yes, my Lady," he nods, taking a moment to breathe. "Next, then, would likely be reporting four more companies are requesting financial aid, three others filing for further funding regarding ongoing projects, as well. These particulars are being printed now, and will be brought here shortly by my little sister," he adds, and I flash him a look of appreciation at the expedience on the matter.

"Thank you," I say softly, and he bows.

"Thus concludes the report, ma'am. Shall I begin the paperwork for the topics discussed…?" he offers, and I bob my head in affirmation. "Understood. By your leave, my Lady."

"Dismissed. Thank you for your report - please keep up the good work," I conclude, watching him spin on his heel and depart, though I could swear I hear him mutter or snicker about something. Though, that's the least of my concerns, isn't it…?

Standing for another few moments in the hall, I inhale and pivot, turning to return to my office. Waiting a few moments until I'm out of sight and earshot, I get further down the hall, near the door, letting my deep exhale burst forth like a dam breaking, feeling my body sag briefly.

"...Paaaaah…," the sound comes, and I shake my head, immensely more tired than I had already been. I won't show this weakness to my citizenry, but just… I didn't expect so many strange issues to crop up out of the blue, just a day after the few already on the pile. The day is definitely going to be busier than I had already planned for, isn't it…?

Cursing under my breath, I quickly right myself, the outburst of trepidation and dismay sending a shiver through my body after being forcibly discarded to the wayside. At the forefront of my mind, due to the subconscious knowledge that my entire day is likely to consist of this - as always, really - I decide that it may be best to visit Uni's room before setting to work on the matters at hand. My feet, having unconsciously agreed with me before the thought finished flowing through my mind, clacked quietly against the marble floors of the Basilicom as I walked, my fingers fidgeting subtly at my sides.

I could really use some sort of company, if I were to be honest, though I probably won't trouble Uni too much if she's busy. It'd be better off to just check in and make sure she's alright, and that's that. An older sister shouldn't burden her younger sibling with being stressed out and worried over various things… but what if these creatures attack her? Will she be alright? These thoughts whirl around in my head like a tidal wave, and I find myself miserably drowning in them as I guide myself to her room.

She's a dependable, strong girl, though. While I didn't have as much to do with it as I probably could have, she's grown a lot over the years, and I can trust her to handle things well if the situation calls for it, most times. She's a good Candidate, a good second-in-command, and a good sister. I wonder if the same can be said for me…?

Running a hand through one of my tails, I sigh shakily, ushering myself to set everything in my mind to the back burners, once again. I can handle this - I've made my own bed, so I'll sleep in it. Steeling this resolve, I knock gently on the door, waiting silently for a reply.

Though, one does not come. I frown, and try again… and still, nothing. She isn't that heavy of a sleeper, so could she be…? Setting my hand on the knob, I wrap my fingers around it before twisting, the door clicking open. Opening it quietly, the room reveals itself… to be empty. Ah, I suppose this makes sense. She may have had a night out with the others, or something. She doesn't need to report in, or anything, either, since she's a mature enough girl to do as she needs to, so that's okay.

Unclenching my other fist that had unintentionally balled tight, I let out a deflating sound before closing the door again, twisting around to return from whence I came - my office. If she's out, then, she's out. It's probably better off that way, anyway. So, I just need to get to work, and all will be well.

Work can be good, anyway. I achieve for the city, ensuring the well-being of the many thousands, perhaps even tens or hundreds now, of Lastation's people, as well as manage to stay busy. If I had tons of freetime, I'm not quite sure what I'd end up doing, probably…

Like working on that ever-growing backlog of games, or indulging in my long-time hobby in trying on different costumes and outfits, or touring the many sweet shops in Gamindustri, or trying out a new MMO or two, or spending more time with friends, or…

...Nah, I'd have nothing to do! Work is good.

Having taken a few more moments to consolidate my thoughts on the matter, I smile silently and nod. Work is just fine. I'm good at it, and it produces good results. There's no problem in it, and that's good enough.

There. That should take care of convincing myself, I finalize with newly reinvigorated energy. Tackling this should be a piece of cake! Balling my fists, I take a deep breath, setting forth as I throw open the door leading to my personal work quarters.

The room is plain, efficient, nice - leather sitting areas are to my immediate left and right, topping extensive rugs with ornate patterns woven into them, framed by a plethora of cabinets brimming with china, knickknacks and otherwise prim-seeming items. Beyond these are walls of filing cabinets, filled neatly with papers and folders galore, so that everything is relatively swift to locate. Alphabetical in chronological order works wonders, really. And in the center of the room, in front of massive windows framed by flowing red curtains, my desk - a grand and yet plain item, the many compartments and wide surface space causing the piece to look far more grandiose than it originally was intended to be. Already piled high with various stacks of papers and forms, some simply reports while most being things requiring a proper sign-off or restructuring by my hand, the desk looks more like a mountain than it should.

And in the center, I see the newly placed packets of information from earlier today. They do work fast, how nice. Perhaps they deserve a bit more recognition as I make a mental note.

Alright. Now, to get to sorting all of this out. If I can simply figure out a good beginning point as I ease into it for the day, I should be able to tidy all this away. Foregoing breaks and respites should expedite this even further, and I should probably be able to handle that much.

Memories resurface of the days following the many world-threatening moments, where the rooms were flooded with damage reports, funding requests, missing persons reports, so on and so forth, and it occurs to me gratefully that this truly is light in comparison. I still managed to accomplish most of the bulk by myself in the first… day, though I ended up a little delirious… probably. It might've been longer, but I can't remember about that anymore. Four.

Anyway!

Moving around to the back of the large wooden creation, I take a firm hold of my old-style wooden chair, lifting it and pulling it out before tucking myself in in front of it, setting it down and then myself with ease. Who needs wheels? This looks nicer with the rest of the room.

First on the list, checking these most recent reports, then. Briefly flicking through the pile, I opt to tackle the new reports regarding that renegade town first, sighing softly as I take note of how hefty the packet regarding it is.

They really like causing trouble, don't they. I'd swear that the town should receive better regulation and the inhabitants nicer as they reside under Planeptune, but maybe this is to be expected. I doubt she even knows they exist, if she can't even acknowledge I…

Not the time for this. Focus! Clapping my hands against my cheeks, the light stinging pain is a good, brief reminder as it wards off further thought, and thus, I continue to read over the details regarding these new activities against Lastation.

From what could be gathered, it'd seem someone was, as always, still pilfering supplies from us. This part isn't too troubling, though it is annoying - the national treasury can cover the replacements, and I suppose further guards and patrols were the best idea. I should probably put some complexity to these routes they take, allowing for more ground to be covered and stricter monitoring, but I'm not sure if that would just put people's lives in needless danger. After all, this caravan report shows that they fell somewhere in the forests, near the wolves or those militant ASIC remnants. Could they have been forced there? It seems more possible than that town outright attacking them. Accidental deaths made for better paper reports and harder diplomatic intervention than purposeful ones, and as such, I click my tongue irritably. Those are civilians, damn it! Can't they cause problems without endangering the innocent?

I sigh, shaking my head. Of course they can't. Since when are troublemakers ever so respectable? At least, I suppose so long as those reports continue rolling in, we can keep an eye on them, after all… So, maybe some further combat training for the patrols, and some mandatory classes for the staff, as well. That should help somewhat, shouldn't it?

I'll have to draft that up now, since I'll probably get sidetracked if I don't. Let's see, where's that map of the area again…? Sifting through the drawers to my left, I grab a thicker, rolled up piece of parchment, pulling it from its place to sprawl across my desk after setting the other sheet on top of it. While I've relatively memorized all of the surrounding area, double-checking is important. Now, where was the last bit of gear filched? The Nowa-Cola Plant? I wonder what they stole from there of all places. Maybe something… oh, that's quite an expensive report. I guess they've got more going on there than just soda. Good. Another thing to keep track of, excellent.

Minutes pass by as I determine the most likely routes to be passed through, and where the highest chances of infiltration or burglary might occur or stem from. Marking down detailed and repeated searches leading to these positions, I also jot down patrol schedules for just outside each city limits for further complexity, nodding in hopes that this might deter them. Go start problems in Lowee or Leanbox, for all I care - just keep out of our domain for a little while, while I sort out the other bigger, more problematic matters.

Stupid terrorist types.

At least that bit should be out of the way. I think I had some other business with them, didn't I? Pondering and searching my thoughts, I recall that they were also responsible for some light skirmishes recently, I believe. Where was the report on that, again…?

Time passes relatively slowly, my attention shifting from item to item as the pile dwindles ever so sluggishly. I check it from time to time, hoping, wishing for this to go faster than it is. The clock across the way, mounted onto the wall just below the ceiling, reads somewhere past noon or so. Squinting at it doesn't really help, though I suppose this is to be expected - fatigue piling onto fatigue mixed with a disinterest in working often creates further strain. Maybe I should get myself a pair of glasses for this sort of thing?

Can Goddesses' eyesight even deteriorate, I find myself questioning. I recall that Neptune said something about transforming keeps the weight off, but what about body weakness?

Maybe I ought to take to some field work tomorrow. Give myself a break, give my eyes rest, keep myself in shape.

Field work as a break from regular work, huh? Funny, I snicker sardonically, the concept being strangely absurd today.

I wonder what the others are doing. Neptune's probably back to playing with those other dimensional CPUs again, isn't she? Or the Gold Third girls, or hell, even IF or Compa. So many people around her, I wonder sometimes why she even bothers visiting me at all.

I can sense the spiteful brooding stewing as time elapses, really. I'm not daft. I'm growing agitated the longer I focus on this, as well. In fact, I inhale sharply, I should likely set it aside again to continue working. It won't do me any good to be upset or unhappy. Life is life. She'll get hers when I next see her, too.

That much, even against her, I'm sure I can muster. It's my right to be angry later, after all. That's perfectly okay.

Isn't it? Goddess, I wish I had the confidence some of them do. It's easy to get flustered or frustrated, but properly angry? I don't know how often I've ever actually been livid.

I can't recall it off the top of my head, either. Huh.

This revelation isn't exactly unexpected, though it's somewhat surprising. Have I gotten angry at her before? Like, actual displeasure? I wonder how she might react to something like that.

"It might actually make a point…," I grumble aloud, exhaling lightly as I move the various articles on the center of the desk out of the way. Laying down on it, it presses a little into my stomach, but the surface is cool and it just feels right right now. Laziness is nice, sometimes…

I might just take a few minutes to relax like this, maybe. I'm working rather hard, no one'll notice. Surely, it'll be just fine…

I wonder, was expecting anything from her a mistake? I'd really just appreciate it if she just, bust through the door right now, that stupid, adorable grin on her face…

...Nope. Nothing like that happens. Figures.

How did the entire thing begin, at first, I wonder? When did she end up taking the first step for both of us? It's a little fuzzy right now, a tad hard to tell. Bits and pieces flood back to me in dreams, but, I wonder about that night. That was… what, a few weeks ago? Maybe quite a bit more?

And here I am, desperately hoping that something might have come from it. Nope. I'm a fool, an idiot, a hopeless romantic that might've just gotten played like a child. If I'd wanted that, I'd have gone to mingle with one of the many mortals of the world. I'd… expected something warmer than this from her. She's so damn bright and warm every other time, why not now? Why not for me? Why must I be the outlier? I hate it.

Maybe it was a lesson, or something. Maybe she's just stupidly embarrassed. Maybe she's just an idiot. The lattermost is most definitely true, but that doesn't ease the pain that buds and builds up in my chest. We weren't even inebriated, for Goddess' sake! How can it just be so… quiet? How can she just pretend nothing's wrong whenever I rarely see her? She promised!

I thought she was the type to always uphold her promises. Maybe I… thought wrong. This very well may have just been a case of my lovestruck, lovesick, warped mind changing words when I'd opened myself up to be my most vulnerable.

I'll learn from it, then. I'll just… find a way to subdue that side, so I can just focus on the things that matter. Like Lastation, like Uni, like my hobbies.

I exhale tiredly against the desk, a light-colored moisture forming where my hot breath pressed against it. Raising a finger before it disappears, I lazily draw a heart, and then… I should put a damn line through it, draw a crack, something. But no, I write her stupid name into it, watching as it fades into invisibility again.

"Where… are you?" I wonder softly, speaking to the empty room with no change, no shift anywhere in it. The only response is the methodical ticking of the clock, and the quiet sounds of wind behind me as it rubs against the windows from time to time.

I might just take a nap after all, I debate, feeling my eyes begin to droop a little. The work will still be here when I wake up, things aren't changing without me being awake…

...And neither would be the lives at risk for me slacking here, sulking, an inner part of my mind reminds me. I groan inaudibly, stirring at once, the Goddess inside me rekindled. There isn't time to mope and let the loneliness crush me. I have a nation to serve.

Sitting up in my chair, I subconsciously scrub away the few droplets that had begun to form from my eyes, relatively unaware of them as I grab the next sheet, pulling it before my attention. Taking pen in hand, I inhale deeply, clearing my mind as I center my attention on the tasks at hand. Chancing another glance at the clock, the time has moved forward another half hour after my internal grumbles, meaning I haven't squandered much more of the day fruitlessly.

Yes. I promised I'd have all of this done by the end of the day to submit back to the staff to be put into employ. I can manage that much, I owe them that - I don't renege on my words. Let's see, where did I leave off…

"Hnnn… nnngh!" Stretching my arms high above my head as I arch back in my chair, my entire body groans in satisfaction at this action, the stiffness certainly making itself known within me shortly thereafter. Ouch, I roll a shoulder and then the other, judging the discomfort based on the signals my body makes in response to moving the various muscles in my body. Definitely a good time to get up, I figure, and I lean forward as I lift and throw the chair back a short way, staggering onto my feet.

The room has remained quiet and unchanging, but this isn't really that inconvenient of a problem. It's helped me focus, and not having any interruptions has allowed me to work without worry for my public image, or people expressing concerns at how gracelessly I had just treated my chair. Even a deity had moments where she doesn't want to act the role of royalty, after all. Tugging and nitpicking my outfit to avoid any obvious wrinkles or flatness that may have come from sitting so long and moving unceremoniously toward the earlier portions of my work here, I hum in approval. Nothing seems abnormal or out of place from what I can tell, so a trip to the kitchen to brew myself some tea shouldn't raise any qualms or questioning glances, as far as I'm coherently aware.

Peering up at the clock as I step out from behind the desk, lifting multiple sorted and clipped packets of paper to carry in my right hand, another hour or two seems to have dwindled since I immersed myself once more in the stacks of documents. Not too bad, all things considered - I'm mostly through the more important paperwork, with only the many reports to check and sign off on having read. Nothing seems too out of the ordinary in terms of Lastation's day-to-day, apart from the things I'd already been made aware of, so the rest should be relatively predictable and unchanging.

I'm content with this fact, even if it's a little tedious or mundane - it means that I've less to fret over, and that people are remaining in good standing. Boasting the lowest rate of unemployed, poor, or otherwise in dire straits in both private and public sectors in multiple decades is quite good, really. Lastation's evolving and weathering the test of time extremely well.

Humming at this triumph as I use my free hand to pull open the door leading back into the main hall, I stride comfortably through the building without too much concern for how it might seem to others. Why should I care? I've made some excellent progress, and those issues are a whole lot more isolated and minor in stature than I'd anticipated, to say the least. I will be able to get to them in time to tackle them head on before they escalate for sure, while also still balancing out the rest with at least an hour or two to spare in between each matter, the entirety being likely resolvable wholly by the end of the next night. If I forego sleep, it'd probably be even sooner - maybe even by noon!

So far, so good, I'm sure. This is turning out to be a good way to begin my week, after all! I don't normally get this sort of breathing room, do I? There's often way more in the way to complicate it… Wait, then, should I be concerned? Will this make itself a bigger issue than it seems? I'd already allotted for some developments of a few pegs higher on the severity and destruction scale than how it seems at a first glance, but should I up the parameters a little more…?

Hmm… I slow the slight skipping I'd unintentionally begun, fixing my movements to be something more akin to my more proper stride as I raise my free hand to stroke my chin. If I take into account that the water creature nest is more extensive, or perhaps more civilized and somewhat developed in organization and military tactics, I'd have to plan for utilizing my divinity to handle the matter. This might put a damper on my energy reserves, though my Shares are high enough to support such an endeavor, and I could cut some travel time from there to where the various reports on those Viral-type-sounding monsters had appeared, perhaps even making a breakthrough on the matter sooner if I continue in that form.

That would actually expedite the process even sooner, promising for even lower percentages of probable mortal casualties or infestations spreading! I smile pleasantly, nodding. It's entirely better if I account for that, and, sure, I'll be a bit more exhausted, but… I can manage that! Nothing that my reliable lifeblood can't fix.

Speaking of which, should I dismiss the idea of tea, and instead go for the holy drink that is coffee? I'd probably earn a few more hours of alertness, which may even allow me to embark on the journey as soon as I finish drinking the whole pot. Ah! This is sounding really efficient, now that I'm thinking of it!

I'm a genius when I want to be. Go me, go me~.

Now if only there would be someone else to share my epiphany with. It isn't quite the same to contain it in your head, after all. I doubt my staff would like the idea, and Uni's gone, so… hm, maybe I'll just disregard the idea of telling anyone after all. Blanc and Vert just won't understand, after all.

Stopping automatically at the entrance, I set down the documents in front of one of the many faces as they're sorting through various pieces of paperwork, nodding with a happy expression. "Good work, everyone~. Keep at it, okay? Let's keep going all night~!" And thus, I set off while waving a hand at them, not bothering to check their expressions - I'm sure we can all manage a bit more, after all!

Hmm… actually, that statement was a little too energetic for me, wasn't it…? Now that I consider it, maybe I'm coming off peculiar? I'm not meaning to, though. I'm just content with my progress, and thinking of the best and most efficient approach so that everyone is able to have more free time tomorrow has me in extremely good spirits. That's normal, isn't it?

Well, it's not like I can go out of my way to discuss the idea, really… ah! Actually, maybe I could? I haven't spoken to my counterpart of the other dimension in a while, but I'm positive that she'll understand my thought process. Do I still have the contact information for that Basilicom…? I'll have to check after I decide what I'll be drinking during my short break.

Advancing on into the kitchen, I pay little heed to the variety of counters and cooking stations laid out through the room - while I'd put plenty of effort into having something for every occasion, none of these are going to help me right now. Instead, I continue to the back counter, pausing in front of the cabinets with a contemplative face. Do I want coffee, or do I want tea…?

Tp, tp, tp. I hear the patter of footsteps behind me, which is surprising as the staff rarely ever visits this place during the middle of the day. It's not something I'm accustomed to, but maybe I'm just usually out when they do. It doesn't change things, I guess, and I begin reaching for one of the cabinets…

"Heya', heya'! Gamindustri's cutest mascot takes the stage~!" a chipper voice cuts through the room as if it were amplified by a megaphone, and I wince slightly at the loudness of it all. Definitely didn't expect that one, honestly. Still…

"...Who the hell's that?" I respond dryly, narrowing and dulling the interest in my eyes as I nonchalantly spin my head to face the source - the spiky-headed, purple-eyed, hoodie-wearing, peppy soul, the embodiment of Planeptune in a divine form, the source of my greatest joys and miseries in all her splendor… I'm well aware, even acutely of how it seems she rushed here in a relative hurry if the light layer of sweat clinging to her neck and the bit of collarbone exposed to the light of day is any indication. Her hands are on her hips, though not for long with my words as she takes a step back, her expression aghast with her eyes filled with some level of bewilderment to them. Neptune, in her full glory, here to interrupt my thoughts all at once… how could I expect any different, I wonder?

She's a little late, though. I think I'll give her a bit of a hard time, as the fire in my heart's already beginning to burn doubly over. Damn it, and I'd just been coasting on a fatigued, delirious high, too. Now, instead, I'm dealing with the thmp, thmp, thmp of a timid, conflicted heart and a hesitant, hopeful mind. Can't this have waited…? No, wait, that's a stupid question. Of course it couldn't have, it's her.

"Noire, how could you?" How could you? Do you even know how hard it is to deal with a trembling, uncooperative, lovesick heart, you cloud-for-brains? "After all we've been through!" I'm well aware of all we've been through. Every single damn moment, endlessly engraved in my heart and mind, though I really wonder if it's the same for you. "You can't have forgotten such a cute face like mine…?" No. I wish I could, sometimes. Like right now. "Oh, my poor maiden heart, to be forgotten in such a manner by the one closest to me~!" What the hell's with all the theatrics, anyway? She's spinning and posing as if it were a play, acting it out sincerely. It's… nah, it's normal. Customary, for her, I guess.

"What do you want…?" I ask tiredly, leaning back against the counter as I throw my head up to admire the ceiling. The fatigue, the ache for her attention, the memories from that dream this morning, the want to be comforted, the desire for more all come flooding to me at once, and it's making things really, annoyingly, difficult. Why me…?

I hear her performance stop before the trot of her sneaker-covered feet approach me at once, and I close my eyes, deciding to center my priority on regulating and maintaining my breathing. It's really interesting, keeping track of exactly how slow and deep one can inhale. It's a great way to stay blissfully in control of oneself. Or, it should be, please. Please? No? Goddess d… "Well, I wanted to say hello! And see how you were doing. I mean, what else would I do, silly?" Her voice is close now, meaning she is close, and this is enough to disrupt my best efforts entirely, effortlessly. Eyes opening at once, I shift to stare directly at her - her forehead, not the eyes, I'd get lost in those - as she cocks her head curiously.

"...Dunno', could probably do a lot of things," I mutter first, though it's intentionally nearing inaudibility. Swallowing, I roll my eyes - playing along with things as they used to be seems to be my fate. Might as well do just that… maybe. "Hi. I'm doing great, thanks. And you?"

I wonder if the icy-cold glare is visible, or if that's just internalized.

"A-ah, um, I'm good! Doin' pretty peachy-keen and all that. I'm glad you're okay, too!" Silence comes for a brief moment or two as she turns her head to the side, averting her eyes, but she discovers her resolve as her gaze returns. "Whatcha' doin'?"

"That's good. Making… nothing, now. Maybe snacks," I respond curtly again, folding my arms before me. "Did Histoire chase you out again?" I'm probably being such a bitch, but I'm hurt. She's ignoring everything that happened, and avoiding me for the most part. Aren't I allowed to be upset? Damn it, heart, shut up!

"Ooooh," she whistles, the corners of her lips curling upward as those amethyst jewels float around the room with interest. "Your snacks are always really good, so mind if I stick around?" She doesn't comment on the part about Histoire, though I didn't really expect her to.

It's always a bit of a game like this, isn't it? Cat and mouse. She'll appear just when I've begun to rebuild that independent, callous sentiment she rightfully deserves, knocking it down oh-so-easily before disappearing again or just reverting to how she normally is. This kindness isn't kind, it's heartless, damn it. I feel a prickle in my chest, and I huff.

I should refuse her. I should tell her to go trip on a rock and fall off a cliff. Maybe slap her, or just ignore her. Something. "...Sure. Whatever." Damn. It. All.

And she brightens up, that intoxicatingly friendly aura radiating out of her as she jumps up and down, clenching her fists firmly to her sides as her expression mirrors her contentment. "Yesss! Hooray, snacks, snacks, snacks~!"

That expression is insufferably addictive. Is this how Stockholm syndrome starts? I can't let it continue like this. "Are you… going to be sticking around for the night?" That's a safe question, and it'll probably…

She immediately stiffens, blinking rapidly as her mouth opens, but nothing comes. Like a damn deer in front of bright lights, or a child caught doing something they shouldn't, or maybe even of a cheater; a look of utter shock and a twinge of fear. As a result, there's a sharp pang in my chest, something suddenly breaking, or maybe just uncorking, exploding, my anger flaring almost instantaneously as if it were basic animal instinct, my eye twitching as my fist clenches. "...No? Nevermind, then. It was a stupid question. I've got things to do, so how about you go mooch off someone else."

Open, close, open, close. "A-ah, uh, um, Noire, I…"

"I don't want to hear it. No. Get the hell out." My voice is mechanical, and I feel myself trembling, my focus no longer paying her the slightest heed. Is it anger? Is it pain? I can't help wanting to hit her, to actually lash out and blow up on her. What the hell is this? What shitty sort of game could this be? Why the hell do I deserve this?

"I…!"

"Leave," I command again, growling the single word out as I push past her, shoving her away with the sudden movement of my body as I stomp from the room, my rage beginning to rush and bubble to the surface. I'm about to lose it, and for the life of me, I can't help it.

No, maybe I should pivot on my heel and go beat the hell out of her. Drive my fist into her face and threaten her with my damn sword, or throw myself at her and tell her to make up her stupid, tiny little brain about what the hell we are and where we stand. Make her get the hell out of my life, to stop playing this stupid little game, to stop screwing with me.

She tries to be so obsessively kind to people, to people who aren't me, but these are selfish, shitty, abusive mind-games. I'm not standing for it. I am not a Goddess-damned toy. I'm a deity, the ruler of a nation. Her equal, maybe even superior if public support has any say.

I. Will. Not. Be. Toyed. With.

I don't pay anyone any heed as I stomp through the Basilicom, my nails digging firmly into my skin - the sense of pain no longer quelling my absolute rage as I contemplate tearing apart a wall or two. It'd be really stupidly easy, if I wanted. Or maybe go cut down the surrounding forests, cull some monsters, and then move on to hunting down purple-headed morons. And then, succumb to the urge to die, to just wither away, to give it all up.

No. Instead, I fling open the door to my room, slamming it shut as I collapse onto the bed, the urge to scream finally making itself physically known as I grab the nearest pillow to muffle the oncoming maelstrom.

And so, here we are - the end of Day 1.

I can say that I've got some semblance of a plot planned out for this, though I'll state first and foremost that this also serves just as a fluffy, airy day-to-day from a random angle, so... things are subject to change, but they're remaining relatively lighthearted the whole way through!

As I said, I'll stick Day 2 up in a little while, gonna' begin poking at either Day 3 or the new, refurbished idea of Unlikely Partnership. If it's the latter, more information will follow that in what will likely be another new story - the current UP's changing to the title 'Rivals' as that was the initial name, and UP fits better with the new idea in mind. Though, that'll be talked about more in-depth on its own post, rather than this series, so, with that said for the time being... I hope to see you aboard this little ride I'll be cruising along, now that I'm back and kickin' with new posts for another time.

Tainted out!~