A/N: Just a short and sweet little thing I made for the free Dangan Sleepover Zine! I had a buncha ideas for this one... lazy Himiko being impossible to evict once the sleepover ends, or a boy's pillow brawl that ends with a crash (through a wall) when Gonta accidentally launches a classmate with his strength. In the end, I opted to go for perhaps the grandest option: The SDR2 class getting flown out to have a sleepover with royalty. I figured it'd be a great chance to explore Novoselic a lit, show Sonia's desire to learn other customs, and have a bit of fun with all the antics that ensue.
I hope you like it, and if you want to see a bunch more (FREE) fics and art with a similar theme, google the DR Sleepover Zine!
When Sonia had proposed a girl's sleepover after class Friday night, her classmates had been excited. After all, they were getting to spend the night at a princess' place! They'd be lying if they pretended they hadn't pondered where she stayed while studying at Hope's Peak and if it was as remarkable as her castle back at home in Novoselic. Whether or not it was, they knew they were going to have a grand night.
Sonia had indeed planned on having her driver take her around and pick everyone up to go to her place… but she hadn't been talking about her place in Japan.
They were going to have a grander night than they expected.
The first sign of that was when a limo came around to gather them all up, Sonia waiting inside as each girl clambered in with their sleeping bags. Once everyone was together, confusion turned to realization turned to baffled surprise when the car pulled up to an airport instead of a house. While the other girls pressed up against the window to look, Mahiru shot Sonia a nervous look. "Your driver just, ah, took a wrong turn, r-right?"
"Hm?" Sonia glanced at her like her question was far more strange than what she herself was proposing. "No, this is the airport, correct? How else would we get to Novoselic?"
Jaws dropped all around the vehicle. "Novoselic…? No way!" Hiyoko was the first to protest. "Are you out of your mind?! Or do you just not have one? No one just up and flies out of the country to hang out for a night!"
She was also the only one who got to protest, though, because by the time Hiyoko finished speaking Ibuki realized this was freakin' awesome. "But we can!" she pointed out, making their hostess smile with relief. "Come on! How often do people get to hop countries to party? That's like… rock star stuff! That's metal!"
"That's besides the point," Mahiru tried to counter. "What will we do if our parents check in? Just… say we left the city? This is ridiculous."
"We'll be back before your folks even realize," Akane spoke up, her fists suddenly clenching. "Besides… imagine the kind of buffet they make for royals! It'd beat the heck out of some junk food and take-out!" She was practically drooling before snapping out of it and pointing at the redhead. "This is the kind of stuff worth taking risks for."
As banter flew back and forth, the scrum debate went on - until they started to realize someone hadn't spoken. Focus gradually turned towards the one who could break the tie – their class representative, Chiaki.
Despite everyone staring her way, she seemed rather calm, a finger pressed against her cheek as she pondered. After a moment's thought, she finally spoke. "Well… unless someone here has a reason they can't go… I don't see why not. It's only for the night… and who else can say they've stayed the night in a palace? I trust Sonia."
When even the head of their class was leaning towards it, there wasn't much room left to resist. Ibuki and Akane let out a whoop, Sonia clapped her hands together, and even those who were reluctant started to just shrug and go with it. For the most part.
Mahiru groaned, letting her head thump against the car window. Sometimes she hated being the voice of reason among their group.
Most of the girls hadn't been out of the country before, and it showed when they ooo'd and aaa'd over the plane. Little did they know it wasn't exactly a normal flight experience – they had an entire deluxe jet to themselves. Sonia would've been fine with less, but there was no way her family was letting a princess fly about with nothing but the best… even if the girls had to tie Ibuki to her seat after she tried opening the exit mid flight.
Once they'd landed, it was like they'd entered a whole new world, and not just because it was different from Japan. Novoselic held a charm unlike any other, European rustic and modernity combined. Horse-drawn carriages clopped alongside cars down cottage filled streets. Once more they went by limo, passing pet shops filled with strange creatures and video stores with an unusual penchant for anime. Above it all, a castle loomed over the city, its pristine white bricks still gleaming in the night. That was their destination.
The main hall was breathtaking to the newcomers, wide and open, yet bare except for a large staircase and all the bag-toting students… and something even Sonia was surprised to see.
A row of butlers and maids awaited them. One of the servants bowed low, and while the rest followed suit, only they spoke. "Welcome home, your highness. Your parents informed us of your brief return. We thought to prepare a feast for you and your guests."
Sonia gave pause, finally smiling appreciatively – but from the furrow in her brow, it was clear this was an unexpected development. "Well… I've heard these sorts of things seem to call for pizza and popcorn and other assorted snacks… but I know you all make nothing but the best! Thank you for your assistance."
It might not have been traditional fare, but it was hard to turn down perfectly roasted chicken and fresh veggies along with buttered bread, lentil soup, and all sorts of other dishes. By the time they were done, the girls were all full and satisfied - particularly Akane, who demolished half the buffet herself and had to be helped out of the room when it was over.
Sonia tried to usher them to the upper chambers, but a whinnying neigh stopped them. The servants were waiting by the front doors, cast open to show a row of horses awaiting them. They insisted they work off the meal with a brisk late night ride, and though her smile faltered again, the princess helped her guests learn the ropes.
It wasn't until late in the night that the girls were finally left alone to retire to Sonia's chambers. It was practically its own apartment, separated into a living area, bedroom, and bathroom. It all oozed regality - a silken queen-sized bed set off on its own, and lavish couches spread around a modern television. Full and content after their meal and ride, the girls settled in for perhaps the first (and final) proper sleepover activity of the night: Watching a movie.
It was ironic how this was the first time the princess felt like she had a say since they'd arrived. "Ooooh, how about one of my personal favorites…" She held up a case showing a gleaming knife looming over an unsuspecting suburban house. "Babysitter Bloodbath!"
Silence. "…Um… c-could we perhaps pick something a bit less… messy?" Mikan mumbled, fingers tapping together.
"Oh! Hmmmm…" She swapped it out for a super sparkly case displaying a blond magical girl with a tiara. "I also have the entire collection of Sun Witch Esper Ito! The anime is simply a delight, beloved all over Novoselic. I insist I share it with you all!"
Well, it wasn't standard slumber party fare, but who were they to deny her country's culture? The room was soon filled with sparkly high-pitched tunes as the guests settled in. With everyone in their pajamas, it looked like the picture perfect sleepover despite the location.
Yet, Mahiru noticed their hostess' lips held taut as the show went on, her cheek in her hand and not looking nearly as invested as she'd been a moment ago. Quietly, she nudged her. "What's wrong?"
Sonia glanced her way and back. "I know this hasn't been a typical sleepover," she whispered, "But… I hope it was still enjoyable. I just wanted to host something a normal student would, but I fear I went over the top… and my staff's assistance made it hard to reel things in, even if I appreciate how much they care..."
She'd been regal and poised all night, but it was clear the outside assistance had thrown her off and things hadn't exactly been 'normal' even when she was in charge. She'd just wanted them to have a good time…
But they did. After a moment, Mahiru spoke again. "I know I wasn't for this... and it's still absolutely insane... but I had fun. Sure, it's not your usual sleepover, but what's wrong with that?"
"Yeah!" Nothing could get past Ibuki's keen ears, let alone one of their friends doubting themselves. "Trust me, some of the best stuff is totally bizarre. And tonight's been insane!" She paused, then spun her fingers Sonia's way. "In a good way. Thaaaat was a compliment. We should do this, like, every weekend!"
Mahiru grimaced. "I wouldn't go that far..."
Still, the rest of the girls had noticed their chatter by now. The show was briefly left forgotten as all the other guests piped up. Even the doubters from earlier offered support.
Sonia finally smiled again, genuinely this time. Maybe the Novoselician Sleepover could be a thing after all.