A/N: This chapter is unexpectedly longer than I anticipated. But I guess you can think of it as a bonus for my delay. Oh yeah, for those who don't like the name Roze, just replace or imagine that it says Raze because I won't change it.
Update: I realized that I changed the tenses in this chapter! Sorry! Anyways, I redid it so the flow of the story won't be so sloppy.
Also! I will post up picture of my version of the characters starting next chapter! Don't know if I will color it, but it will give you an idea of what they look like in here and what they wear.
"I refuse."
"Oh, come on, it won't be-"
"No."
"But if you-"
"Don't want to."
"But tradition says-"
"I don't care."
"Can't you at least-"
"No means no."
Sigh.
Enna rubbs his temples in aggravation. Why of all people did it have to be her?
Ulrika crosses her legs in her seat on the crème colored couch grumbling incoherent words under her breath. The lounge emits a stifling air, uneasy and somewhat glum.
For the past half an hour she continually refused to take part in the Winter Bloom. According to traditions, the chosen girl of twinklelight would be the martyr of Raidaru. The saint who, in order to restore order amongst the chaotic war, self sacrificed herself to the Goddess to attain peace.
Ulrika knows very little of the lands history and although it sparks her interest, she wants no part in reenacting the martyr's final moments. The thought of playing a destined to die hero did not settle very well with her. Or more so the thought of death was the most unsettling.
Enna had been left behind to watch over Ulrika while Et reported, reluctantly, to her post. Roze on the other hand had been dragged away by the Valendorf heiress, who apparently had a task that only he could complete and would not take no for an answer. Enna being the only man free, was tasked to 'babysit' the amnesiac blonde.
Enna sighs again. It is always he who had to take on the annoying jobs. And by 'annoying', he means being assigned to take care of a girl who was considered an adult but ridiculously resembles a child in both looks and actions. To make matters worse, he knew very little about his assignment (Ulrika), yet is expected to put in more effort and priority on it than necessary.
Oh right, not only did he have to watch over her, he is responsible for taking her around and providing all the expected necessities she needs. Instinctively, Enna foreshadows that the day would only get worse.
"Oi, Enna~" Ulrika's voice drawls.
"What?" he unintentionally spats which earned him a 'hmph'.
"I've been calling you for the past minute. What's wrong?"
"A lot of things," he grumbles leaving out the major details, or more specifically 'you'.
"Anyways, can we get out of here? This place makes me feel uncomfortable. Everyone keeps staring."
Sure enough, eyes from all directions peered curiously at the not so excited blonde watching her every move.
"Nope. Not possible." He replies flatly.
"Eh? Why not?" she questions.
"Since you were chosen as the maiden, everyone expects you to comply. If we even try to leave as things are, we'll definitely get hunted down."
"What? Hunted- what sane person would-"
"The most ridiculous, crazy, insanely strong, self-indulgent commander of the knights."
Ulrika is stunned. She couldn't imagine someone like that could exist.
"That has got to be a joke. How could someone like that be the Knight Commander?"
"I wish it really were a joke. How he came to be the commander? He's one ridiculous, crazy, insanely strong, self-indulgent, nutjob."
"..." Ulrika did not speak.
"You'll understand when you get to know him. Self-explanatory."
"Don't think I want to."
"You don't have a choice."
Both Ulrika and Enna give startled crois as a voice vibrates closely to her right as a man mysteriously appears out under a whirling cape. Vibrant red hair half sleeks back while the other half drapes one side of his face while the rest of his long hair flares behind his back. A scar slit across the trail of his nose amplifying his intimidating nature. The man is tall and wore a mahogany cape loosely around his shoulders. Underneath is his personalized knight attire, colored black and white.
Ulrika makes a mental note of it. He is the only knight she saw who adorns those colors.
A few seconds later, she realizes that the man is the same man who announced her appointment. He mysteriously vanished at some point after the announcement and magically pops out again. It astounds her how he can perform such acts.
"Hm. So the chosen refuses to accept her duty," says the man. "You've got spunk, I like that. However, one who forsakes their path will only tread to abomination. I've come to ensure that you walk the right path."
What a weirdo, she thinks to herself.
"Hey, Enna. Who is this guy?" she half whispers to the bluenette.
"Commander of the Knights, Flay Gunnar."
Her eyes widen.
"Now tell me," orders the commander, "why are you refusing to participate in the festival?"
Already feeling uncomfortable, Ulrika fidgeted even more after hearing his demanding voice. It sounded somewhat lighthearted yet domineering at the same time. She wasn't sure how to reply.
"I don't want to?" is all she could think of.
"Hahaha," the man bellows. "Simple, simple."
Crossing his arms, the man shakes his head. "Nope, not good enough. Again."
"Again?" asks the confused girl.
"Don't question me. If I tell you to do something you do it. Address me as 'sir'!"
"O-okay, I mean- y-yes, sir," comes out Ulrika's automated reply. Her back completely straightened out. In the corner of her eyes, she sees movement from Enna, him tensing up at the commander's order. In an instant the red haired man had seized control by installing fear.
"Now speak!" His voice booms.
"Sir!"she cries out in panic. "I refuse to die, sir!" Just what the hell is she saying? Oh goddess she sounds so wimpy.
"You have the heart of a warrior. A man who doesn't fear death is no man at all. You'd make a good soldier with your resolve."
"I will decline, Knight Commander, sir!"
I'm not a man...she thinks inwardly. That's the second time today!
The memory of her encounter with the noble tastes bitter on her tongue. But Commander Gunner already knows she is a girl...
"Then you will take responsibility as this years maiden and carry out your duty like a true soldier."
Ulrika sweatdrops. "Sir, with all due respect. I'm not a soldier nor am I a resident...I think...sir."
"Then you admit you are a terrorist?"
"What? No!" Ulrika exclaims exasperated. "I mean I don't know!"
By now, every one who has been listening in blanches with confusion. The rumor that the maiden could possibly be a terrorist starts stirring up a bit of panic.
"I...I don't know where I'm from..." she half whispers, unsure how to dissolve the growing tension.
Damn this is getting old. Ulrika feels extremely exhausted at this point. The man in front of her still looks upon her curiously and she instinctively knew that if she ever took this man lightly, her life would forever run amok in hell. The man is incomprehensible. Who knows what would happen if she stays around him any longer.
"Look, I mean sir...I don't want to be the maiden and since I'm...not really from here, people won't like me playing that part so I think it's best that I step down and let someone else handle it."
"Hmph. I don't care who the maiden is," responds Flay, confusing Ulrika.
"I...I have no obligation to participate," she mutters, "besides, forcing an unwilling person to do something they don't want to do is prohibited, isn't it?"
The man only stares. If glares could burn, she'd be full of holes from head to toe. Maybe nothing would be left of her. She gulps. Truth be told, she feels even more intimidated than before. Up until now, it was hard to take the man seriously, but the sudden change in his aura is frightening.
"I was wrong about you." Huh? Ulrika looks at him curiously.
What is he saying this time?
But the man is no longer laughing.
"I thought that it would be interesting this year having a mysterious maiden show up out of nowhere, but there's nothing special about you."
Ulrika didn't know what to say. So what if she isn't anything special. He didn't have to insult her.
"So what if I'm not special?" she retorts in agitation. "Don't lay your expectations on me if all you're going to expect is disappointment. I don't have to do this."
"So you're just going to let down everyone who is eagerly preparing for the festival simply because you don't have the guts to take the stage?"
Ulrika bit down on her bottom lip. "Why are you involving others? Aren't we talking about me? If you have something to say to me then say it, but don't drag other people in."
"You're a fool," his voice thunders. "You may be the main attention, but by no means is the festival about you. As I said before, you are nothing special."
Flay's glare turns icy cold sending chills down her spine. Without turning away he continues on.
"Obligated or not, as long as you are the chosen one, you have a responsibility to fulfill. No one wants to be forced into anything, but there are times when one must step up and take action. Someone who runs away from their duty and pushes it onto others is nothing but a coward."
Like a brick to her face, Ulrika is struck hard by his ridicule. Who is he to say that she is a coward? She fumes.
He doesn't know anything about her, so what nerve did he have to say such things? But in the end, once again, what did she know? It always came down the same conclusion. She knows almost nothing.
Besides a few facts, she knows almost nothing about herself nor did she know much about this place. It wasn't as if she is obligated to this place nor is she a peer amongst the people. They have no right to decide anything for her! Fate, duty, or whatever can kiss her ass because the one who will decide is herself.
And she chose not to participate.
She didn't want to be a part of it.
She isn't a part of it.
...Right?
Because she isn't one of them, right?
So why was she chosen?
What the hell was with this crap about being chosen anyway? Why did he expect her to participate even though she wasn't a citizen?
No...why didn't she want to participate?
She is interested, wasn't she?
Did she refuse to participate simply just because? Or is there something more? Earlier, didn't she say it was because she didn't want to die? Is it the thought of death that scared her? Is she scared of death? An even simpler question arises. Is she scared at all? So why?
As her thoughts muddle with her emotions, she loses grasp of her anger and stares away awestruck at her unearthing.
Where did she belong? Why is she here? Why is she so reluctant to participate? Why her?
Driven to the point of confusion, in the end Ulrika could not retaliate.
The man grunts causing her to flinch.
"I've had enough of this for today, you're free to do as you wish," Flay speaks. "I'll come back some other time to hear what you have to say, but I'm not in the mood right now."
The swish of his cape alerts her of his departure. She stares at his distancing figure as he walks further and further away. He didn't mysteriously vanish this time, she notes.
For some reason, she thinks, he looked disappointed.
"We're here."
Enna walks a few steps before Ulrika as she lags behind. The entire walk has been silent.
Enna knocks on the door as he waits for the shop owner to open, meanwhile Ulrika continually gazes at the fallen snow before her feet.
"Hey, Ulrika," Enna calls. She doesn't reply. He notices her dazed state since earlier after meeting Flay Gunner.
He grumbles under his breath.
"Ulrika," he tries again. Still she did not answer.
Damn.
With another sigh, he attempts once more.
"Dude, wake up."
As if on cue...
"Who are you calling a guy?" she screams.
About time.
"We're here," he answers with a bored tone.
Ulrika looks up curiously, straying away from her previous dilemma.
"Where are we?" she asks.
"At the fabric store. I'm suppose to help you get some clothes right? Plus we need to tailor your- nevermind," He ends abruptly.
"Sorry, I didn't catch that. Can you say it again?"
"Clothes."
"...Is that all?" she inquires the blue haired boy. He nods.
They wait awhile longer before knocking again. Maybe the owner didn't hear them?
After five more minutes of no answer, Enna reluctantly gives up. It is mid afternoon and they still had more time until the sun went down. Enna wonders what he should do to keep the blonde busy. As he ponders, a shout from the distance catches his attention.
"Enna! Ulrika-chan!"
It is Et!
The pink haired girl comes flouncing over at the pair ahead, dangerously fast above the trail of snow. Worry covers their face as the incoming girl darts straight at them.
How should they avoid her? What should they do? Do they duck? Do they split?
Before they could decide, the pinkette suddenly slipps and rams into the unprepared pair.
Mangled in a pile, the trio try to painfully pull apart while hammering each other with their elbows and knees. What a mess.
"Ow ow ow," whimpers Ulrika.
"Ah! That scared me!" cries the pinkette.
"Those should be my words, you idiot!" barks Enna.
"Eh...oops. I was on my way to tell you guys something, but when I saw you, I got too excited," she replies sheepishly.
Enna groans while Ulrika sighs.
"Well?" asks Ulrika. "What did you want to tell us?"
"Oh, right! The fabric store is closed today. Yun still isn't back from his mission. We got a message saying he'll be back by tomorrow so you will have to postpone shopping."
Enna releases another groan.
Waste of time...
"I've been assigned to watch Ulrika today. Anyway, since you're free, what do you want to do, Ulrika-chan?" asks Et.
"Huh? Hm, I don't know. I don't know what you can do here..." Her voice trails off. She is reminded of her talk with the Knight Commander and feels depressed again.
"Then, let's go to my place!" she exclaims. Before Ulrika could say anything, she found her arm linked with Et's as they bounced away down the icy trail, with Enna trailing behind a short distance away, most reasonably to establish a safe proximity.
After about half an hour of skipping and bouncing down the snowy road later, much to Et's insistence, they reach the gates of the Dysler Manor.
Ulrika's eyes nearly fall out of her sockets.
"You two live here?" she blabs.
"Yup, this is our home," says the hyper girl smiling from ear to ear.
"Hurry up," calls Enna who is already within the gates. "It's cold so lets go inside."
After entering the household, Ulrika could not help, but gape at the interior. Enna moves on ahead to notify the servants they were home and prepare lunch while Et gave Ulrika a short tour.
"You didn't tell me you guys were rich." She states.
"Hm? Oh, must have slipped my mind." Responds Et. "Our family is one of the five noble households of Terin Kingdom. Lily's one and the other three are...umm...ask Enna."
That is no surprise. Of course Et wouldn't remember the other names.
Ulrika ponders. "Why do you sleep at the cabin when you have an amazing mansion here?"
"Oh about that...umm...I ran away," answers Et with a sloppy grin.
"Huh? Really? Why?" gapes Ulrika. What ridiculous reason could she have to run away?
"Uhuh. Mom and dad were getting worried about me not having a boyfriend so they wanted to set me up with one of the noble houses. I refused and ran away."
"Are you a teenager?" gawks the astounded blonde.
"Nope, but I admit, it was childish of me."
Ulrika almost did not believe what she heard. First running away and suddenly admitting her fault. Is this really Et?
"The truth is, I don't want to marry anyone I'm set up with," continues the girl, "I have the right to choose my husband. You think so too, right Ulrika-chan?"
She gives her a soft smile and awaits Ulrika's reply.
There were moments when Ulrika thought Et was extremely cute and ladylike and this by far is the most feminine she'd ever witnessed the strong beauty to be. The girl practically radiates 'I'm so cute, you would never believe I could haul your ass out of my kingdom'. Her innocent vibe was so enveloping that Ulrika just wants to crawl over and snuggle the pinkette with a warm hug. Too bad her skin is ice cold, so she resorts to a simple reply.
"Yeah, I think so too," hums the blonde. She understood perfectly how the girl feels. Being with the person you love most is considered a woman's happiness.
"Hold on," Ulrika suddenly blurts. "Why did Enna come along?"
"Oh! Eheheh, I brought him with me. It would be too lonely by myself."
After their light chat, they reach the dining room to find Enna waiting for them at the far end of the table. A few platters of roasted beef, grilled fish, and soup are served. After seeing the food, time didn't matter to Ulrika at all as she pulls out a seat and sat herself down.
After the meal came another surprise.
"Et! Enna!" cries a womanly voice. A tall, large woman dashe across the hall and pounces on the Dysler siblings. "Oh, you're home!"
"Mom!" shouts Et. "Welcome home!"
The young girl returns her mother's embrace while the younger boy struggles under her tight squeeze.
"M-mom, get off me!" he gasps.
"Enna! My little Enna! I missed you so much. I thought I would never see you and your sister again," the woman wails. "When you left I was so devastated! Ohhhhhoohooh."
"We weren't gone that long-guk! And... we told you where we went," heaves Enna.
"I missed you too, mom!" cries Et.
"My children! Oh my lovely children!" the lady continues to blubber and smother her children.
Ulrika watches the familial display of affection. It is awkward, but she feels somewhat left out. She doesn't think she'd feel so lonely just standing there and watching their dramatics. It makes her feel like she is missing something.
"Mom!" Et burst, "We brought a friend over."
"Huh? Ohhh, I'm sorry." Mrs. Dysler finally turns around and faces Ulrika.
"I didn't notice you. How rude of me. Are you perhaps a friend of Enna's from school?"
Ulrika feels her vein twitch. She definitely thinks she is a boy.
"Uh, why don't we sit down first?" Gestured Enna uneasily. "Since we have a guest, we have to prepare tea and snacks right? Why don't you guys head to the lounge?"
"Oh, you're right, dear. Come this way, we can talk when we settle down a bit."
The lady of the house proceeds down the hall, leading the slightly irritated Ulrika to the next room with Et treading joyously on the side. Enna lets out a sigh of relief after narrowly escaping an explosive crisis and continues along to make another request from his servants.
A few snacks, tea and some pain killers would do him good. He will definitely need the pain killers for the rest of the evening.
Hours pass by and evening has already settled in. After finishing his daily duties and fulfilling his hourly requirements, Roze finally arrive home.
Besides the cabin, Roze has his own apartment thanks to the help of the Dysler family. Lily also offered to help him find an apartment, but the one's she chose were strangely all located near her mansion and surprisingly luxurious, but cheap. In the end, he chose a shabby looking one room apartment a few minutes away from HQ, that was also quite affordable. The apartment belonged to a close friend of the Dysler's and the connection helped him get it for cheap. But the thing Roze likes most about the apartment is that it isn't overly excessive in décor nor is it lacking proper furnishing. The place is quiet and friendly, and best of all he has his privacy. He gets along well enough with the neighbors, but he didn't force himself on them either. No one bothers him, just like he hoped.
Roze takes a relaxing bath and settles for a light dinner. He prepares it before the bath, but chooses to enjoy it after a good soak.
After changing into his night wear, Roze heats up his dinner and proceeds to catch a few shows on the television until a knock echoes across the silent room. Perplexed, Roze wonders who would drop by so late in the evening as he makes his way to the door. Upon opening it, he is blast by the chilly night wind that nearly froze his slightly damp hair. The breeze blew at his long tresses tossing them back, but the people before him blew away his mind.
"Why are you guys here?" he questions, hastily.
"Gomen, Roze!" says the apologetic, Et. "Can Ulrika stay at your place tonight?"
"What?"
Et sighs at the flabbergast Roze. "You see, when we came back to our place we didn't know that mom and dad were getting the rooms renovated."
Roze folds his arms, irate at their sudden request.
"Then let her share rooms with you."
"Impossible," grumbles a glum Enna.
Et continues. "Ah, our rooms are getting renovated too."
"You two are planning to stay here too?" Roze looks at them with wide eyes. Just how much trouble do they plan to unload on him? Did they think he could fit them all here?
Et, however shakes her head.
"Nope. My parents want us to sleep with them until the rooms are done. Since we've been gone for so long, they want to spend as much time with us as possible. It's only a few more days."
With a long pause, Roze analyzes their current situation and turns towards the younger boy.
"Enna, you're okay with this?"
"Hell, no!" the younger boy exclaims, aggravated. "B-but...I can't say no..."
He looks down, clearly wanting to avoid the thought, the reality, everything.
"Mom started crying because Enna wouldn't agree to it." Explains Et. "She kept on going on about how he didn't love her and that she didn't want to be hated by him and that she didn't want to lose her son and so on."
Taking in a deep breath, the girl continues. "Geez, Enna, be nice to mom. Think about her feelings."
"What about mine?" The boy counters. "Just whose fault do you think it is that things ended up this way?"
"Gomen, Enna!" apologizes the guilt ridden girl.
Enna snorts.
"Che. I'm definitely taking the floor."
The boy mumbles a few more words under his breath before turning back to his 'nii-chan'.
"Anyways, our parents offered to let Ulrika sleep with us, too..." he trailed off.
Awkward silence.
"...But if that happens, they'll expect me to marry her afterward and make her their official daughter."
"So you're pushing her on to me," states a less than enthusiastic Roze.
"I'm not baggage, you know," came a soft growl from the blonde with her head hung low.
Enna shrugged. "You're the only other person she knows. We're officially responsible for her now that she's been announced 'maiden of the year'."
Roze continued suggesting every idea he could think of to improve their current situation. "Did you try booking a hotel room?"
"All reserved. The festival's pretty close."
"What about asking the officials? Commander Gunnar might do something about it."
The slight tense in Ulrika's shoulders do not go unnoticed. She keeps her gaze fixed to the ground as she playfully tapps her heels together, ashamed. Her strange reaction puzzles the azure eyed boy.
"We're ...having difficulty establishing connections at the moment," reports Enna, knowing clearly well their current status. "Plus it's late so we can't contact anyone else. I'll try to find someone else tomorrow."
Roze lets out a brief sigh. "Alright. She can stay here, but I can't take care of her. I've got work."
"Thanks Roze!" pipes Et. Ulrika on the other hand looks even more depressed than usual. She moves away without notice and hunches over the ground while twirling her finger in circular motions and mouthing words that sound like 'pet'. He instantly pities her.
"Come inside," Roze orders. Moving away from the door, he motions for the others to enter.
Ulrika carries very little with her. A small bag she obtained from the Dysler's is all she has in her arms.
At least she won't take up much space, Roze thinks.
"Were you about to have dinner?" asks Et.
"Ah, yeah. Sorry I don't have much to offer, but if you guys want some, feel free to grab a plate."
"No, but thanks anyway. We already had dinner. Sorry for coming by so late."
"It's alright, just give me a call next time," says Roze as he walks over to his dining table.
"Actually, we tried to call earlier, but you didn't picked up."
"Hm...sorry," Roze ponders. "Guess I was busy."
"Ah, we have another favor to ask," states Et.
"What is it?"
"Ulrika needs to use your bath. We were in a rush to get over here so we didn't have time to let her use ours."
At the mention of 'bath', Roze is suddenly reminded of his first conscious encounter with the blonde. He furrows his brows as he slices through the slab of tough meat into pieces. The slight pink of medium rare steak resembles closely to his own tinted cheeks.
"Just...don't break anything..." he replies not looking up.
"Okay!" pipes the dense girl. "Ulrika, come on! I'll show you how to use the bath!"
Et pulls Ulrika away from a much relieved Enna. It looks like they somehow entered a pointless argument and weren't getting anywhere, but with Et's interference, they could finally drop it.
As the girls made their way to the bathroom, Enna takes a seat at the dining table next to Roze.
"What's that about?" inquires Roze.
"Ulrika doesn't really know how to use the equipment in town. She says that the stuff she had were similar to your cabins. She's a country girl, after all."
Enna's eyes trails to the bathroom door momentarily before returning his full attention to Roze.
"Oh right, nii-chan." Enna speaks. "I'm telling you this for your sake..."
Roze chews and swallows down his meal before reaching for his glass of water.
Enna pauses, hesitantly as Roze takes a gulp from his glass.
"Et told our parents you already slept with Ulrika."
"Ugk-!" The sight of Roze gagging on water is amusing in Enna's eye, but he could not help but pity the guy. Roze takes a moment to cough up his drink while Enna patiently waits to avoid another gag episode.
"They think you're a couple, but they aren't looking at you guys favorably at the moment since, uhh...you haven't taken responsibility...so...they expect you to show up with her next time."
"Not this again." The older male groans and closed his eyes in frustration.
That girl really has no delicacy!
"...So that's the real reason we can't let her stay over," explains Enna.
"She's creating more unnecessary trouble for me again," Roze growls angrily before shutting his eyes and rubbing his temple, feeling a migraine kicking in.
"Enna," the older male addresses. "Please clear up the misunderstanding. I can't rely on your sister."
The younger bluenette nods. "I'll see what I can do."
A while later, Roze and the others prepares to say their farewells.
"Well, we'll be heading out now." Et and Enna exit the door while Ulrika and Roze see them off.
"Alright, get back safe," say Ulrika. Her long hair is still damp after having just outed the bath moments ago. The cold breeze turnes the lone strands stiff enough to break with a simple touch.
"You're forgetting I have a monster for a sister." Claims Enna.
"I'm not a monster!" Comes a holler from Et.
"Don't fight here, you're enough trouble already." Roze glares at the older Dysler sibling causing her to grimace. "Take care."
"Yeah, see you tomorrow," Enna bade goodbye and took one last glance at Roze and then Ulrika. She gives him a puzzled look when she noticed his observant gaze before he turns away.
Enna looks oddly stiff for some reason, think Ulrika.
As the siblings disappear into the dark, Roze and Ulrika heads back inside the silent room.
With her hair still wet, Ulrika couldn't sleep just yet. Her gaze is fixated on the 'terebii' in front of the couch. She saw a similar one at Et's house, but it was much larger than Roze's.
"Do you want to watch?" asks the bluenette. The blonde didn't answer, instead she crouches in front of it and peers at it curiously. She presses a few buttons, but nothing happens much to her disappointment. A few seconds later, a zzzzp is heard and the screen flashes on sending Ulrika falling back with a gasp.
"You...never touched a television before have you?"
The girl innocently shakes her head.
"...In my town...we had a radio box that voices came out of."
She really is a country girl...
Roze perches himself on the couch and grabs the remote and starts flipping channels, impressing the blonde with every changing image.
"Enna said that people in the box aren't really in there, but it's actually a recording that comes from a far off place, but you can see them just by pressing a button." The girl claims in awe.
"That's the gist of it," replies Roze, slightly amused. Somehow, Ulrika really resembles a pet much more than an actual person. If he were to say it out loud, however, she would probably throw another fit. So he keeps his comment to himself.
"You should sit back," advises Roze. "You'll go blind if you sit that close."
"Huh? Oh, okay." Ulrika makes way over to the couch and upon contact she bounces up immediately.
"Woah!" she exclaims.
Roze peers at her questioningly.
"It's incredibly soft!" the girl splutters. Kneeling down, the girl began to poke at the couch and squeal delightfully at the soft material.
"Hey..." the male calls, but she didn't respond. The girl continued to press against the pads in awe at the bounce, completely ignoring Roze.
"If you're not going to watch-"
"Wow, this feels so nice!" she cries as she leans her cheek against the armrest.
"I'm turning it off," continues Roze, but again she did not respond and continues to giggle childishly. Roze sighs.
"How'd they make this?" she asks airily.
"How would I know," She didn't hear him. Roze feels slightly annoyed. The girl is talking to herself, but she makes him feel like an idiot for answering. In a way, Roze is the one talking to himself.
"When you're done playing-" he starts, but is immediately cut off.
"Roze!" the girl calls happily. Okay, now he is officially annoyed.
"Listen-" he tries again.
"I really like this couch!" Why was he even bothering? The knight sighs and leans over the couch.
"Can I sleep here?" she asks, finding herself face to face with the blue eyed boy staring at her intently.
"Do you want to sleep with me that much?" He asks with a straight face. His voice came out unintentionally low and smooth due to his lowered position.
A slight pause followd a blood rush causes Ulrika to fling herself back and away from Roze.
At least he has her attention now.
"Wha-what?" the girl stutters. "No! I-I'm still mad at you!"
Roze quirks an eyebrow.
Oh, right. She is still mad about what happened today.
"So if you weren't mad, you would?"
The heat in her face rises. "H-how can you say that so openly? It's indecent!"
"So is poking at a couch and completely ignoring your host," Roze retorts.
As if Ulrika isn't humiliated enough. She turns her head away to hide her shame. Roze could see the burning shame flame from the tips of her ear.
"You can take the bed," Roze declares, turning over to his side and shutting his eyes. "I'm turning in."
After a few minutes of silence Ulrika decides to head to bed. Upon impact, Ulrika almost squeals, but the previous experience keeps her quiet. Really, she thought. How is it that that man could always keep his cool? Ulrika continues to enthusiastically snuggle against the pillow and blanket, indulging in silent pleasure as the fabric wraps around her. Compared to the furniture Roze owned at the cabin, the one's here were heavenly. Again, her thoughts continue to drift from one thing to another.
Time passes by, but Ulrika is still unable to sleep. Again, another sleepless night kept her company along with numerous thoughts. Even the comfort of the bed could not soothe away her dilemma.
She sighs quietly to herself. There are too many things she wants to let out. Things that occurred today and things that happened yesterday. Even things in general bug her keep nagging at her. Why is she so bothered by it all?
The girl lets out a deep sigh before snuggling deeper into the blanket, taking advantage of it's soothing physical prowess.
"Roze?" she calls quietly. No answer. He was probably already asleep. Well, it didn't matter if he was or wasn't, she thought, as long as she could get one of her worries off her chest.
"Sorry..." she whispers. "I shouldn't have gotten mad at you. Earlier too. They were my fault."
Silence. She sighs. Maybe she would be able to sleep easier, now.
"No...I'm at fault, too." Came a voice amidst the dark, scaring Ulrika. "Sorry."
The thumping of her heart was all too clear to Ulrika. She suspects the man to be asleep, but was actually awake. He really heard her.
"Sorry, did I wake you?" she asks innocently.
"No."
A few more minutes of silence ensue before the sound of Ulrika's voice broke through.
"I want the couch."
Roze opens his eyes to find a silhouette outlined above him, slightly startling him.
"What are you doing?" he ask, guarded.
"I can't sleep. Can I watch the...T.V for a bit?"
Roze pauses and then sighs. "Knock yourself out."
There is no point in arguing with the stubborn girl.
After swapping places, Ulrika turns on the television and happily plays around with the control. She eventually figures out how to distinguish the buttons, but something tells Roze that she is not as happy as she lets off.
Ulrika continues flipping channels, until she reaches a family sitcom.
Apparently, the eldest daughter eloped with her boyfriend leaving the family devastated and the second son wants to leave for college. The family is extremely close, but they are slowly breaking apart. Every character has some kind of problem and tries hard to cope with it. Some of their antics are funny, but Ulrika couldn't find the humor in it. Maybe she just isn't in the mood.
Out of all the characters, the runaway daughter stands out to her the most. Although the girl barely had any mention, she presents Ulrika with the most familiarity. It wasn't the situation that reminds Ulrika of herself (although it vaguely reminded her of Et), but the choices that had befallen on her.
The eldest daughter was prideful and smart, her family loved her and expected much from her, but she threw it all away for an unstable love. The worst part of it is that she isn't really in love, but deludes herself into believing that she would one day fall in love with the man. The family knew so they forbade her from seeing him, knowing fully well that the one who would be hurt most wasn't her but the other party. Yet the girl didn't listen and chose to run away solely because of her selfish desire to leave everything behind and start anew and far away.
What a selfish girl, thinks Ulrika. How can she be so stupid and throw everything away? How can she turn her back on everyone and keep living, knowing she hurt them?
Ulrika hate the daughter instantly. The girl obviously takes everything she has for granted and selfishly does as she pleases. But the girl strangely reminds her of herself.
No, no! Ulrika shakes her head.
"I'm not like her," she whispers softly. The volume is quite low, but it is enough to cover her.
'...You're nothing special.' A voice rings in her head. And he is right, she thinks.
There is nothing special about her, unlike the smart and prideful daughter whom everyone looks upon with high expectations.
"We're different!" she mutters to herself.
That's right, I don't have to do those things. I don't have to live up to that man's expectations. I'm not hurting anyone. He's just forcing his values on me, even though I...
"...I don't belong here." Ulrika cradles her legs against her chest and buries her face. "I don't have anything like that, so-so stop."
Don't expect anything out of me.
"I'm not important." Ulrika hiccups silently into her arms.
Don't treat me like I matter, because I...
A soft flutter suddenly covers Ulrika, causing her to flinch. Looking, up she found the culprit.
"You're cold."
Ulrika pushes the blanket away. "I'm not."
...I'm afraid.
The man lets out a small sigh.
"As long as you're here, I have a duty to you."
"Sorry, I'm an inconvenience, but don't bother yourself with me." Her mind eggs her keep her distance.
I don't matter, so don't...
"Inconvenience or not, I can't leave you alone."
Roze wraps the blanket around her shoulders.
"I'm fine," Ulrika continues to repel.
Don't get so close...
"Even if you say that, I can't."
"...Why?" she asks, briskly.
"You're the type people can't help, but worry over," he answers without restraint.
She quickly flops down spreading herself across the couch.
"I'm going to sleep," she mumbles underneath the covers.
"Alright," he said. Roze perches himself on the floor against the armrest and stares at the television.
"What are you doing?" asks Ulrika.
This is bad, she notes.
"Can't sleep," Is the answer she receives. Ulrika remains hidden under the blanket refusing to be seen.
After a while Ulrika pops out her head to check on the bluenette. He hadn't moved since he sat down beside her.
She doesn't know how long he sat there or how long she stared. It puzzled her.
Don't...don't...
Why is he doing this?
"You're so stubborn," she mumbles. Roze doesn't move, but at least he answers her.
"You're the same."
Ulrika also remains fixed in her position and continues to stare at the back of his head until her eyes begin to droop. Strange, she thinks. His presence makes her sleepy, as if calming the storm of her anxieties. Soon, all she sees is black.
Gentle arms wrap around her and lift her off the couch, resting her over to the soft mattress.
...Stop...or else...
As Roze fixes her blanket and tucks her in, with the help of the television lights, he could not help but notice how different she looks.
"I guess clothes really do make the man," he whispers. A light punch taps against his chest.
"I'm not a man..." Ulrika's voice drawls sleepily as she peers at him with half open lids.
"It's just a proverb," chuckles Roze, his eyes still lingering on her. "I meant it suits you."
Feeling his gaze, Ulrika turns away weakly, before questioning him.
I won't be able to stop.
"Anything else?" she softly asks, feeling slight embarrassed.
Roze doesn't speak at first and just ponders for a while.
"That dress..." he begins, "is oddly familiar."
He feels like he'd seen the dress before. It is fluttery and tight fitting, simple yet still stunning. The image of the dress dancing to the wind as the owner turns around vaguely appears in his head.
"But, I don't recall Et ever wearing that."
Ulrika feels her stomach flutter as a smile crept to her face.
...I...I will definitely...
"...It's not Et's..." the girl sings softly.
Suddenly, Roze remembers perfectly where he'd seen the dress.
"...Erm..." A small cough erupted from Roze's throat. "...I see..."
"Goodnight," he mumbles awkwardly as he turns off the television set and made his way to the couch.
"Night, (k)night." She returns still smiling innocently while falling into her own fluttery realm.
The last image they see is a beautiful, frail, and thin figure with soft, chin length, light blue hair and honest, innocently pleading eyes.
...I'll become attached.
End of Chapter.
A/N: Any confusions or concerns? If not, please leave a comment instead.
For those wondering about the last image, I hope you can figure it out yourself. Oh by the way, the image they see in this chapter is different from the one Ulrika sees in the beginning.
If you still wanna know who it is...
DUNDUNDUN!
...
...
The answer is
Enna!
Well that's it for now folks!