[i]Kotori[/i] - [u]An Invisible Songbird[/u]

Running away was something she was always so horribly talented in. Fear and regret were her companions, and little else. Dark miserable thoughts trailed in her mind even still, and the lonely corner of the cafeteria that she had barricaded herself within seemed like a tiny fortress for her consciousness to assault her. Settling her face down into her arms as she sat and wished desperately for this day to end.

Sasaki had been troubled and had even gotten in trouble because of her. Once again, she had become a burden. Just like how she had been to great a burden for her own mother. 

So furious with herself was she, that angrily her fingertips dug into the texture of the table. Vain tears still crept down her cheeks as she was suddenly met with a surprise. Something soft and furry slid against her leg, and wiping the hopelessness from her eyes, the little Songbird looked down as a feline meow met her ears. 

Looking right back at her was a pair of feline eyes. Rising upon two legs, it's cheek rubbed against her elbow and her trembling hand found the ability to lightly scratch the space between its ears. 

How pathetic was she? So pathetic that even animals could sense her unhappiness?

Even so, she couldn't deny the charm of the little feline, slowly reaching beneath its belly to pick it up and hold it close. Purring as a constant, the little creature seemed to at least enjoy the fact that she was scratching its ears. Picking up her box of milk, the little Songbird snatched a small paper plate and squeezed out a bit of milk for the cat to partake in. 

Settling it upon the table, the cat naturally hopped onto the table to partake, and Kotori watched it; continuing to scratch its back, she dug around in her bag with her free hand. Extracting from it a spare piece of paper and a pencil, she began to do something that had always helped settle her miserable self.

She began to write music. Humming softly to herself, the presence of another was announced by an oddly melodic phrase. One that called her a bird, of all things? Slowly turning to look at the girl with still puffy red eyes, the little Songbird looked at her confused for a moment. Had she followed her? Why did she have the box that she sacrificed to give to Sasaki?

Even still, she was ashamed. 

A mild, tiny little whisper of words came forward from Kotori, yet there was no tremble, no stutter. Her unhappiness was beyond that, there was only a sense of sorrow upon her lips.

[color=bc8dbf]"Hello...you're the violinist, yes? I...I'm sorry about my conduct."[/color]

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(A few hours later, beginning of this new Arc) 

By the Gods, she hated having to wear flashy revealing clothing.

A soft steady hum of busy company began the part of Kotori's shift. Hiding in the back at first as she prepared the ridiculous uniform that Ria had chosen for her, the mild shy girl looked at herself in the mirror in complete dismay. Of all things, why had Ria forced her to wear this?! Already blushing a brilliant red from embarrassment, she tried tugging upward at the low cut of the maid's blouse that displayed her cleavage to try and hide it a little more.

Even worse was this despicably short black skirt whose white frills barely extended past her bottom! Grumbling worriedly, she tugged nervously at the hem before fitting the white stockings and black polished shoes. 

For a superior ranking employee, Ria was most definitely merciless when it came to these things. She didn't have a choice in the matter. It was either this, or lose her job. 

Finally, she tightened the corset and tied the knot deftly at the small of her back, only to add a thick pink sash about her hips. Biting her lip as she did a small twirl in the mirror, Kotori sighed in dismay. Ria was truly a cold hearted person when it came to this, utterly cold in every way. 

Then picking up a small notepad for taking orders and a pen to rest upon the crook of her ear, the little Songbird swallowed her courage and pride for what little it could help and strode through the exit of the employees' section. With her cheeks still flushed in brilliantly pink hue, Kotori walked out into the common area where Ria and her fellow employees were busily at work in the bustling café. 

There was a brief momentarily followed her entrance, as eyes fell on her for a brief second, only to resume shortly afterward where a pair of patrons sat in waiting at one of her tables. 

Moving up to the two boys, the meek little Songbird bowed slightly and held her notepad tightly in her hand. As cheerfully as she could apply it, her softened words came forth smoothly, well at least mostly.

[color=bc8dbf]"W-Welcome to Mocha Dreams, how can I-I serve you today?"[/color]