AN: Bonjor everyone, not much to say here so just enjoy the chapter!
When Kallen woke up the next day, she was pleased to find that her roommate was already gone. Though it also left her feeling curious it was only 6 AM so where could the brit possibly have to be at such an early hour if they'd already vanished?
Whatever, not her problem, that girl could do whatever she wanted. One day she along with every other damn colonizer would be kicked out of Japan and never come back. Kallen would make sure of that!
Kallen was quick to get cleaned up. She wasn't the type of girl to spend an hour on makeup or anything of the sort. She got up, showered, and got dressed in her Ashford uniform.
She made a noise of disgust looking at the mirror in the bathroom. She hated how much she looked like one of them.
'And why does the skirt have to be so short? I feel like if I bend over I'll flash someone! Ugh, perverts, all of them!'
Already pissed off to start her morning, she was out of the room by 6:30 with her school bag. Classes didn't start until 8:30 but she had nothing better to do. So she opted to get a morning walk around a bit. Perhaps the cafeteria was open?
After walking all over this maze of a school the previous day she had at least a vague idea of where the hell she was going now. It also seemed like there was nobody else out and about this early as the halls were empty. She got to at least enjoy the crisp morning air as she took a leisurely stroll through the courtyard and saw beams of orange sunlight slowly encroaching.
'At least Japan is still the land of the rising sun, not even Britannia can take that away... I wonder if- wait...' Kallen's train of thought derailed as a familiar, nostalgic fragrance graced her nostrils. 'There's no way... thats-!'
She rounded the corner at a brisk pace to peer into the cafeteria. There was nobody seated, but she did see movement in the kitchen. Kallen's eyes landed on the very same Millicent Ashford that bestowed the dorm room key onto her the previous day.
The blonde girl was sitting pretty on a counter top with one leg crossed over the other. She was having a quiet conversation with somebody outside of Kallen's view. Slowly and deliberately, Kallen snuck up towards the kitchen area and tried to listen in on the conversation.
"-nd look I know you don't like being outside of the clubhouse but-"
"But nothing, Milly." Kallen's eyes narrowed as she recognized the voice of her roommate. She only heard it very briefly yesterday in the library, but it was very distinct. "You separated me from Nunnally."
"She asked me to!" Milly insisted, throwing her arms up in exasperation. "She told me you spend too much time doting on her and that you need friends!"
"I don't need friends and anyone that could be friends with me is better off without me." Kallen peered around the corner to see Lelucia's back was turned, and she was skimming a pot of broth.
"Lulu." Milly sighed. "Look I know that after everything that happened it's hard to open up but you gotta understand this lifestyle of yours isn't healthy."
"I am in good physical health thank you very much." There was a bit of dry sarcasm mixed into this rebuttal.
"I meant mental health and you know that." Milly huffed, crossing her arms. "I'm serious girl, loosen up a bit, you might actually get to smile one day."
"I smile plenty when I'm with Nunnally." Lelucia replied neutrally.
"You need to be able to find enjoyment in more people than just your baby sister." Milly admonished gently. "You know it, I know it and even Nunnally knows it. She wouldn't have had me separate you from her if she didn't want you to find other people to make memories with."
"Any friendship I try to form would be meaningless because of the sec-" Lelucia had begun to move the pot off the burner as she spoke, turning just enough to catch Kallen out of the corner of her eye and with that her head snapped to face the readhead and stare her down. There was something... dangerous in those eyes.
It actually made Kallen flinch. There was no aggressive movement, no violent dialog, not even a twitch. But those eyes, that glare, there was something dark buried in that deep purple that gave Kallen goosebumps. Milly was quiet, a serious look on her face as her eyes flicked between the 2 other girls with concern.
"It's rude to eavesdrop, you know." Lelucia commented, her ever present glare didn't soften in the slightest. She didn't even blink.
Kallen mentally shook herself out of it and she regained her composure, remembering what she came here for. "That pot of broth-" Kallen began slowly. "-I know that smell anywhere. What is a Britannian doing making Shoyu Ramen?"
The pale girl with raven hair tilted her head, and now more than ever, Kallen felt like prey being hunted- no, more like she had already been caught and was being dissected. She hated this feeling.
"You can definitely ask that question." Lelucia began slowly, and gently set the pot back down on the stove top. "Yes that's definitely a question you can ask."
Kallen's eyes flicked to see that Milly actually looked nervous, shooting the redhead a worried glance. But before she could consider this reaction, Kallen saw Lelucia approach her, and she steeled herself.
"I can also ask a question. No?" Lelucia said with an increasingly low tone, her gait was confident and her face was completely neutral. "Why does a Noblewoman know what Shoyu Ramen is?"
That question made Kallen pale, and she realized that she had been caught red-handed. She opened her mouth to speak but her mouth slammed shut when Lelucia placed her hands on the countertop. "I could definitely ask that question. But I won't." Lelucia then leaned in, and Kallen swallowed a lump in her throat as the taller girl craned her neck, observing Kallen with a critical eye and got into the redhead's face.
"Because that's none of my business, is it?" The warning was plain as day.
"N-no." Kallen stuttered out. She was angry and afraid at the same time, and she was even more angry that she had allowed the other girl to cow her so easily! Her mixed emotions were clear as day on her face.
Lelucia slowly pulled back, and Kallen felt the goosebumps slowly go away as the glare softened to a more neutral stare. "Good, then we have an understanding."
"... Yeah." Kallen muttered.
"Do you want some?"
Kallen blinked. "Huh?" She asked numbly, not expecting that offer, especially not after that tense confrontation.
"I made plenty extra." The girl with purple eyes explained. "I can spare a bowl."
"Well- I um..." Kallen wasn't sure how to take this complete 180 and couldn't find the right words.
Lelucia rolled her eyes. "It's a yes or no question." She huffed. "And it's not poisoned."
"Yes." Kallen replied, with a pout visible on her face.
Without another word, Lelucia grabbed a bowl and fixed Kallen up with a healthy serving of ramen. Kallen was about to ask for silverware when Lelucia reached into her schoolbag and produced a pair of dark wood chopsticks. The redhead blinked in surprise, not expecting this either, but she didn't voice her questions as she gingerly accepted the offered utensils and tucked in at the counter.
It was some of the best ramen she ever had, and that was saying something. The noodles had a toothsome chew, the broth was as flavorful as it was fragrant, and the other toppings provided were as fresh as could be. It was the perfect bowl. She didn't say a word as she had her impromptu breakfast, enjoying it thoroughly until she finished slurping the last bit of broth from the bowl. She set it down on the counter and looked back at the other 2 who were both calmly enjoying their own bowls in peaceful silence, taking it slower than she did.
"Thank you." Kallen blurted out, her cheeks tinted pink from embarrassment. "It was delicious."
Lelucia regarded her much more calmly than before. The dangerous look in her eyes was gone, leaving only the softer intelligence and wit. Lelucia ended up giving a slight nod. "Your welcome." She replied, saying nothing more and nothing less.
'What the fuck just happened?' Kallen thought to herself. This entire interaction was... weird. She didn't expect this to be how she started her day. This was just... what?
Britannians didn't eat the food of 'inferior cultures' so what the fuck was this?
"We usually meet here for breakfast every morning to talk since we're both busy during the day." Milly explained, setting her bowl down next to her on the countertop. "You can join us, you're Lulu's roomie anyways so you might as well!" The blonde chirped, earning a half-hearted glare from Lelucia.
Kallen let out a hum, pondering it. These 2 Britannians were... admittedly different from the rest. She supposed hanging out with them in the morning and enjoying a quiet breakfast wasn't the worst thing in the world. "Sure." She agreed.
"Great!" Milly chirped. "Lulu doesn't get out enough so I shoved her in a room with you to break her out of her shell."
"I actually quite like my shell, its very cozy." Lelucia quipped dryly.
"Oh stop being such a pouty-puss!"
Kallen smirked a little. The dynamic these 2 had was a bit endearing.
"So-" Kallen began. "I heard you mention a girl named Nunnally-" The redhead paused mid-sentence noticing the dangerous and cold aura surrounding Lelucia upon dropping that name. A wordless threat emanating from her.
"Lulu." Milly warned, poking the girl's cheek, and thus redirecting that glare from Kallen to the blonde. "Kallen very clearly doesn't have any bad intentions. It wouldn't hurt to try opening up a little." She insisted.
Lelucia held the glare for a moment longer before sighing, and closing her eyes, her head tilting down.
"Yeah. Nunnally, she's my baby sister. Hurt her and I'll kill you."
Milly face-palmed and Kallen blanched at the cold indifference of what Lelucia just said.
"Great conversation starter Lulu, you really know how to make someone feel welcome." Milly said in a strained voice.
"Just making sure she knows the rules." Lelucia said dryly as she took off the apron she had been wearing.
'Wait a second...' Kallen thought as she looked at the outfit Lelucia was wearing. "How come your uniform is black?" Kallen asked.
Lelucia was indeed wearing a black version of the girls school uniform with a purple tie and black stockings that went up her long legs, reaching mid-thigh. The purple-eyed girl perked up at the question, to which she answered: "Not even Millicent 'The She-Devil' Ashford can make me wear that vomit-inducing shade of canary yellow." She said with an amused and triumphant smirk, making Milly smile and shake her head.
Kallen actually laughed at that before turning her attention to Milly.
"Can I-"
"No." Milly cut her off dryly. "She gets her own custom uniform because she literally won't go to class otherwise and she's an old friend. Maybe you can get your own color uniform if you earn it." She finished with a small grin and a twinkle in her eyes.
"How would I earn it?" Kallen asked, causing Milly to lean over and grip Lelucia's shoulders.
"Your mission, should you choose to accept it. Is to get this selfless, annoying, arrogant, introverted brat-"
"Sod off."
"- Out of her shell. If you can make her admit she sees you as a friend I'll custom order you a different uniform."
Kallen frowned. "I don't think there should be a material reward for being friends with someone."
Lelucia gazed at her upon hearing that statement, and Milly smiled. Kallen's roommate was now eyeing her with more curiosity and consideration than she had before.
"Congratulations, you passed the first test!" Milly swooned. "See! I told you she had a good heart!"
Lelucia frowned at Milly. "Just because she isn't insatiably greedy and materialistic doesn't mean I want her as a friend."
'Well fuck you too.' Kallen thought dryly.
"No but it's a good start! Come on, you don't have to be friends right away. She's your roommate! Get to know her a bit before you pass judgement. You know better than anyone not to judge a book by their cover." Milly pointed out, causing Lelucia's posture to soften slightly.
"Yes I suppose I do..." She muttered quietly. "Fine..." Lelucia sighed, holding a hand out for Kallen to shake.
"I suppose proper introductions are in order then. I'm Lelucia Lamperouge."
Kallen nodded, taking the offered hand and shaking it. "Kallen Stadtfeld."
"A pleasure." Lelucia said neutrally before pulling her hand away. Her eyes glanced up at the clock.
"I'm going to bring a bowl to Nunnally. Milly since you forced this on me you get to clean up and put away the leftovers-."
Milly glared at Lelucia in annoyance.
"- and Kallen..." Lelucia paused, looking at the redhead. "See you in class." She said simply before preparing a tray and walking out of the kitchen with breakfast for her sister, walking out of sight.
Kallen and Milly watched her leave. Once they were certain she was out of earshot Kallen crossed her arms with a huff.
"She's intense, you couldn't have partnered me up with someone less likely to be a murderer?"
"Oh don't worry about it." Milly waved it off.
"Don't worry about it?" Kallen asked. "The hell do you mean 'don't worry about it' of course I'm worried!"
Milly sighed. "Look, I know that she seems... difficult... but that's not the real Lulu."
Kallen raised an eyebrow, the question was heard even though she didn't say it aloud.
"She's been through a lot." Milly said calmly. "It isn't my place to say what exactly, that's for her to decide if she wants to tell you. But... it was bad... really, really bad. So this is how she deals with it."
Kallen nodded, mulling over Milly's explanation.
"Do you have any tips for interacting with her?" Kallen asked.
"Just 1. Be patient. Lulu likes her secrets and keeps to herself. It took me quite a while to get her to open up to me, it probably won't be any easier with you. Just take it slow and keep it mellow."
Kallen let out a hum. Honestly she wasn't sure what to think about this whole situation. She didn't come to Ashford to make friends. She was only here because her brother was making her do it. She still hated Britannia and Britannians... but these 2 were different. They seemed nice, and Lelucia even made Japanese food and gave her some for breakfast. Maybe sticking around to see how things played out would be worth it? Even if she didn't like this place, Lelucia was interesting enough to spend time here. She would just have to wait and see how things played out.
With that, Kallen said her goodbyes and left the cafeteria. She decided to head back to her room. She didn't need anything from the dorm but she figured if she was going to spend time around Lelucia she might as well make her side of the room look more presentable, it would at least give her something to do before she had to head to homeroom.
Lelucia was malding just a little bit as she made her trek to the student council clubhouse.
'I don't need friends.' She grumbled internally. 'Especially not a noble... but then again...'
Was Kallen a typical noble? She wasn't so certain. The girl recognized not only that she was making Ramen, but also identified the exact variation she prepared. No Britannian, especially a noble would ever bother to know or care about the food of another culture. Not to mention she actually ate the food and then thanked her for it. Nobles didn't show gratitude, ever. There was something different about her roommate clearly, but she didn't know what exactly.
She was pulled out of her internal musings when she came up on the door to the student council room, and knocked.
Sayoko answered the door just a few moments later, and Lelucia gave her an appreciative nod. "Thanks." As she stepped inside.
Nunnally was waiting for her at the table, and like always she knew when her big sister was nearby. "Nee-chan!" She cheered. And just like that Lelucia's day was complete as she brought the tray and set the food down in front of Nunnally. The elder princess had a bright, loving smile on her face as she gazed at her younger sibling, a smile that reached her eyes.
"Good morning Nunnally." She whispered softly, planting a kiss on her forehead and earning a giggle for her trouble.
"Good morning." Nunnally replied softly. And Lelucia sat down next to her sister, helping her eat. "I made your favorite."
"I can tell, it smells amazing." She complimented. "Are you enjoying your new room?" Nunnally asked after taking a sip of broth from the offered spoon.
Lelucia frowned. "Not really... I'd much prefer to stay here with you."
Nunnally noted her big sister's discomfort and reached a hand out to gently rest her palm against Lelucia's cheek. "It's important that you meet other people Nee-chan. I love when you're around, but I know you aren't happy."
"What do you mean Nuna?"
It was Nunnally's turn to frown.
"Nee-chan, you don't take any time for yourself. Your life revolves around taking care of me. I want my sister to have fun and do things that makes her happy."
Lelucia's eyes took a soft, sad appearance, and she remained quiet for a moment before responding. "I don't think I can, Nuna."
"Why not?"
Why not? Why did their father banish them? Why did their mother have to be killed? Why did their own family betray them? Why were they abandoned and left here to die?
They had no country, no family, no home, there was nothing for them. They could only sit here helplessly, and hide, knowing that any day the Emperor could send his agents to check for them. To drag them back home just so he could use her.
She didn't want that, to be subservient to that man, she didn't want Nunnally to become a tool, or a hostage to keep her under her father's thumb. She wanted to be free, to live a normal life, to forget about everything and move on. But she couldn't, they would never be free, or happy so long as there was a risk.
So, why not...?
"Because I'm afraid..." She whispered.
"Nee-Chan." Nunnally said soothingly. "You don't have to be afraid, everything is gonna be ok."
Oh how she wished that were true.
When Kallen finally arrived in her homeroom, she saw Lelucia sitting alone, and deciding that she might as well take a seat next to the girl, she opted to do just that.
The moment she did, there were a bunch of whispers as people kept glancing at her, the other students gossiping amongst themselves and earning irritation from Kallen at their annoying prattling.
"Ignore them." Lelucia insisted dryly. "Most of the boys and some of the girls in this school have a crush on me."
Kallen threw a 'are you serious' look at Lelucia who only gave a single nod in affirmation. Kallen groaned.
"Fantastic, first day here and the rumor mill is already gonna start churning."
"Just don't let it bother you." The exile said with a shrug.
Kallen raised a brow. "How are you so non-chalant about it?"
"Because I don't care what they think about me." She said dryly.
Kallen nodded at that. She could understand not caring about the opinions of people she didn't know, but still, it was going to try her patience.
The redhead found herself becoming more and more interested in the purple-eyed woman the longer the day went on and throughout each class. Every other student was in some way or another boisterous and outgoing, or at least casual. But Lelucia was a recluse. She didn't speak unless spoken to by the professors, didn't engage in conversation with other students and didn't seem to be paying attention most of the time.
She was calm, aloof, bored perhaps? Or maybe just disinterested. She barely spoke a word unless she was called on to engage in a discussion and then went back to her routine of not caring about anything going on around her.
Kallen's roommate had proven herself over the course of the day to be perhaps the most interesting person she had ever met. She left Kallen with innumerable questions unanswered and burning in the back of her mind. There was however, a single question- chief of which, standing above all others at the forefront of the rest.
'Who are you, Lelucia Lamperouge?'
AN: (positive) Reviews would be greatly appreciated!