[hider=Lottie, Kazu and Olivia Flashback][color=lightgray][center][h1][color=red]FLASHBACK[/color][/h1] [h3][color=D0B4EC]Lottie[/color], [color=limegreen]Kazumin[/color] and [color=8FBC8B]Olivia[/color][/h3] [color=limegreen]Time:[/color] Afternoon, Sola 30 [color=8FBC8B]Location:[/color] Sweet Serenity Creperie and Café[/center] [center] [img]https://i.imgur.com/CzI1LIb.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/2NSOfUR.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/CzI1LIb.png[/img] [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nNhwcj5AlU[/youtube] [img]https://i.imgur.com/CzI1LIb.png[/img][/center] Charlotte was already seated with her chin in her palm within the Sweet Serenity Crêperie and Café, her fingers nervously tracing the embroidery on the tablecloth. Sunlight filtered through the windows, highlighting the blush color on her dress. A matching ribbon tied some of her hair back, allowing curls to frame her face. She had obtained a private section for them to converse without worry, and had even already ordered some food: a communal high tea tower and the charcuterie board. Olivia and Kazumin would likely arrive ravenous after all. The tower stood proudly at the center of the table, overflowing with cucumber sandwiches, tuna sandwiches, buttery scones, and an array of desserts. Beside it was an arranged charcuterie board, filled with fine cheeses, meats, and crackers. The last time she had been with the two of them for a long amount of time had been after the banquet, after everything had unraveled so terribly. As she sat there, her mind replayed the distressing moment when she’d slid down against the wall onto the cold floor, her face buried in her trembling hands, feeling utterly overwhelmed. Olivia and Kazumin had found her there, and they had guided her safely home without probing, and she had yet to discuss that evening with either of them. Now, that inevitable conversation loomed heavily. The faint jingle of a bell broke her from her reverie, drawing her gaze up to the doorway where Olivia and Kazumin were entering. She summoned a sweet, yet slightly awkward, smile. Then, she lifted her hand in a tentative wave. Olivia strode into the Sweet Serenity Crêperie and Café. Her arm was linked with Kazumin’s and there was a shyness to her action. Her strawberry blonde hair was tied into a neat plait, and her dress hugged her in the right places. She wore a pair of matching flats. She glanced around with eagerness at the cafe, since she had only admired it from afar throughout her life. The decorations, the food, and the people were exciting. Kazumin was close behind, his arm linked with Olivia’s, having caught notice of a fancy toy shop.” [color=limegreen]Ooh lookit lookit, Olive! Those new puppets look so darn detailed![/color]” He called out, the urge to explore had since become overwhelming, passing all the fun and interesting shops, only the high nobility were given privy to. Multiple times, he almost wandered till the faint pull of Olivia reminded him to keep walking, but those finely made puppets were too much of an allure. Once her gaze set on Charlotte, her expression lit up and she gracefully rushed over to join her. She haphazardly tugged Kazumin along because she [i]knew[/i] how much they would enjoy the food. Olivia sat down and released her grip on Kazu with a delighted grin and turned to Charlotte. Momentarily distracted in awe and nearly wandered off till he felt Olive’s insistent tugging; an excitable, anxiousness was easily felt and followed by a faint bell ding. Turning towards the door on the ding, intending to follow immediately after. Instead, the cowlicked blonde was forced to pause from the unexpected wave of sweet floral and sweet food-scented intermingled scents that washed over him. Yet, despite the strong sweetness, it never felt overwhelming.. A sense of calm crashed in its wake, causing his body barely containing enthusiasm to mellow, matching the mellow, wavy ocean blue patterned short-sleeved buttoned up shirt he sported, the first few buttons undone to better his preferred loose fit (overalls, while the most comfy, felt a bit too casual for this instance) and pair of baggy blue shorts stopping at the knees. Resting atop his head was a fading straw hat with some frayed bits, signs of hours spent beneath the sun, offering much-needed shade on particularly sunny days. The jolly bouncing it did, following his eager had it appear to bounce in a mirroring tandem. [color=8FBC8B]”Hi, Lottie!”[/color] She grinned and pulled her into a side hug with joy. The girl she never imagined interacting with previously was rapidly becoming one of her best friends. [color=8FBC8B]”This looks amazing. How are you?”[/color] Not till Olivia had been halfway in rushing towards the person who had well prepared ahead of time for the trip.” [color=limegreen] Char![/color]” Throwing up his arms elatedly, only to slightly pout dejectedly.”[color=limegreen] No fair! We were supposed to double-tackle hug her. Grah! Those damn puppets distracted me with their tantalizing dancing![/color]” Complained the wide-stepping flip-flop-wearing blonde who made no sign of stopping in his bouncy tracks, the rapid, loud clopping of flip-flops heralded his approach, then gave a raucous cheer, wrapping an arm around both Charlotte and Olivia. ” [color=limegreen] Besides, ya call that a hug, Olive? Naw..such occasion calls for the family lasso hug![/color]” Pulling both of them to his sides, giving a tight hug with the biggest grin to show the pair that things would be alright. A few seconds held before breaking apart as Kazu then slid onto his chair with a brief chair tilting thump and delighted whistle.” [color=limegreen]Got dang ya sure picked a grand place to.. I think the word was brunch? Still a bit lost on the whole brunch and lunch thing but with such a sweet spread like this, who cares?![/color]” Swiping up a cucumber sandwich in his left hand as the right hand worked on buttering up a scone. ” [color=limegreen]Love the place ya picked, Char, the flowers are gorgeous and soothing, but…[/color]” Pausing in his adoring and prepping, his giddy, bright, chocolate brown eyes softened with concern.” [color=limegreen]H-How are ya feeling?.. And the question is for both of ya with…what happened at the feast and all?[/color]” He muttered out while awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck, unsure how to go about asking, having been left wondering what had plagued Charlotte; her distraught state made clear attempts were pointless at the time. That didn’t keep the pair from ensuring she would not endure it alone and certainly not on an empty stomach. Here sat a shared feast in thanks, but he couldn’t relax properly until he confirmed that the ladies were assuredly fine from whatever had afflicted them. Lottie’s smile had been small but sincere as she had watched them approach, her hands folded in front of her. [color=D0B4EC]“Hello, you two,”[/color] Charlotte greeted, her voice lilting gently. As Olivia wrapped an arm around her, Charlotte didn’t hesitate to lean into it, letting her head brush against her friend’s shoulder for the briefest moment. When Kazumin joined in, encircling them both in a ‘family lasso hug,’ a laugh escaped her lips. When he released them, she lingered longer than necessary, her hand resting on Olivia’s arm. [color=D0B4EC]“You both give the most heartfelt greetings,”[/color] she said fondly, [color=D0B4EC]“I confess I wasn’t expecting to be ambushed quite so affectionately.”[/color] Her gaze lifted to meet theirs, [color=D0B4EC]“But I think I rather needed it.”[/color] She reached to gently clasp Kazu’s hand for a moment. [color=D0B4EC]“Thank you both for coming, and for helping me at the banquet. I'm…”[/color] She paused, searching for the right words, her lashes fluttering as her gaze briefly dropped. [color=D0B4EC]“I’m much better now, truly. Still a touch frayed around the edges, perhaps, but nothing a bit of snacks and friends won’t mend.”[/color] With a smile returning to her lips, she gestured toward the spread of food before them. [color=D0B4EC]“I went ahead and ordered some before you both arrived, since I had a strong feeling you two would arrive famished...”[/color] With a teasing look, she added, [color=D0B4EC]“As always!”[/color] He had sat in his seat quietly observing and scrutinizing Charlotte as he spoke. His brows were knitted and furrowed in concentration as if expecting to see any stray signs of magic or hint of whatever afflicted her that night of the feast. Had been opening his mouth to speak when the touch of her hand clasping over his caught him by surprise, having him flinch initially, but the comforting warmth of her palm disarmed his stiffened body. ”[color=limegreen]Ah..well that’s a relief to hear! Ya had me right worried for a fortnight there.[/color]” A head-shaking sigh left him with a soft squeeze in return. As the family lasso hug commenced, Olivia gave them both a tight hug. Lottie’s actions were not lost on her, either. Though Kazumin had let go, Lottie had leaned into her and hadn’t, and once their gazes met, Liv could see a thousand words being told. Olivia let go, but only after Lottie had. [color=8FBC8B]”You bet we do,”[/color] Liv chortled, with a smirk. [color=8FBC8B]”We wouldn’t skip helping you for the world.”[/color] She clasped her hands together and ignored the food; although, her stomach protested-loudly. [color=8FBC8B]”We’re here for you, Charlie girl. You look beautiful, by the way, and thank you! We are hungrier than ever, ”[/color] Olivia had told her about how hungry she’d been living on the streets, searching and begging for scraps, although she hadn’t explained in detail the dark magic’s effects on her or how she’d view her magic use as a cup half-full. Kazu intended to continue having more to ask when a familiar chortling broke out. Turning his attention to the smirking Olivia he chimed in with a sentiment he more than agreed with.”[color=limegreen] Aye, what she said! Ain’t nothing keeping me..er us from helping out a pal! No better way to perk one’s mood than sharing a meal with friends, and you best believe we’re starvin![/color]” Nodding his head a little too overzealously, only to cover his snickering mouth upon catching the belly rumble, though any attempt to tease was quickly silenced by the loud, hungry grumbling of his own. To address Kazumin, she turned to glance in his direction; except now, her gaze became shy, her cheeks flushed, and she avoided looking him in the eye. [color=8FBC8B]”I’m doing okay, though that feast was quite the event. So much happened in such little time,”[/color] Her mind replayed the dark magic struggle, Killian-Wulfric-Alibeth’s scenario, and then her kiss with Kazumin. To be fair, she categorized her kiss as the more major event of the evening. Olivia had briefly described Killian to Charlie after the banquet. Thinking of it now, her stomach churned with anxiety and fear. They had dodged a bullet from not being caught. To prevent idle chatter, she loaded her plate with food and began eating hungrily. The cowlick blonde was relieved to know Char appeared to have recovered after being left to ruminate and ponder, and was still chuckling when Olivia turned to assure him as well. “ [color=limegreen]Aye..that feast certainly was somethin…lot of crazy went down, but gla-[/color]” Kazu stopped mid-way with a nervous gulp at seeing her blushed face shifting and looking away in a shy demeanor. It took a few seconds for it to dawn on him, and his face felt heated up as the memory of that night tried to infest his mind, as it had been doing so on and off for the past two days. *[b][color=limegreen]Uurgh…come on! That’s unfair of ya, Percy..acting all shy and..blushing…ugh..[/color][/b] * Scratching at his head while averting his gaze towards the cucumber sandwich sitting on the plate before him. As he did so, worried Char might suspect or get the wrong impression, and swiped up the sandwich with an awkward chuckle.” [color=limegreen]L-like I was saying, glad the two of ya are uh..doing alright…..now let us eat![/color]” Kazu exclaimed, shoving the sandwich into his nervous, giggling mouth as an excuse to avoid any further talking. Charlotte had begun nibbling on a scone, pausing only to hum in appreciation. Kazumin’s question still lingered in her mind a moment, prompting her to wonder if Olivia had gone through an ordeal. She swallowed and reached for her tea, glancing over at Olivia as a more thoughtful look crept across her features. [color=D0B4EC]“Did something happen to you at the banquet?”[/color] she asked in a manner that was not accusing, just curious and concerned. [color=8FBC8B]”Yes, and I want to be honest and open. The three of us are in this together.”[/color] Oliva admitted, unwilling to lie to Lottie. She glanced around at the empty room and ensured they were alone. With Killian and Torvi lurking around Sorian, quietness was essential. [color=8FBC8B]”All the yelling, and arguing in the banquet triggered me. My dark magic came back and nearly possessed me. Kazu helped me out of it. We became.. Well, closer than we’d thought or planned.”[/color] Liv’s face now matched her head as she glanced at him then back to Lottie. Her gaze focused on the table before her as she knew it would upset Kazumin, but they had to be honest with one another. [color=D0B4EC]“Nearly possessed you!?"[/color] Charlotte's voice was quiet, but she was ever incredulous and bewildered by Olivia's words. The shock was plain in the widening of her eyes. She knew all too little about magic still, yet it seemed it was going to be an unavoidable concern, especially with Olivia. Her hands pressed briefly to her knees as if to still their restlessness before she released a small breath, the corners of her lips twitching as she forced composure. [i]Nearly possessed…[/i] The words gnawed at her. [color=8FBC8B]”Still, I was nearly robbed of myself by the dark magic and I don’t know what else will trigger it. I’m trying so hard not to use it because Killian and Torvi are in town and the queen’s in jail. I don’t want to know what they’d do to me if it happened again. "[/color] For further context, Olivia recapped the incident in detail and her past to Charlotte to help her understand the means as to why it happened and how. [color=8FBC8B]”My mama was so obsessed and possessed by the dark magic now and it’s gotten to me too,”[/color] Once she finished, she shot Kazumin an apologetic glance and then began stuffing her face with food. His choice to stuff his mouth full quickly became a regretful one following Char’s question. Eyes widened with a glint of panic upon Olivia stating her intent to be honest; how open did she intend to be?! The fear of revealing too much had Kazu attempt to speak, but in doing so, he had accidentally inhaled a small chunk of cucumber. Kazu quickly shot the same hand that held the sandwich to cover the nearly muffled gasping that had slipped. Hearing his redhead bestie carry on with her recap on the dark magic incident, he hardly wanted to interrupt and fought to stifle his discomfort. His attention is split between Olivia and dislodging the damn gherkin jerk! Noticing her glance in his direction mid-way, he rushed to fix up his posture, hand covering his mouth, doing all he could to appear as if going through a big chew while giving a flimsy nod. Once she had looked away, his right hand, resting against the table, grabbed the nearest cup or container he hoped was water. Instead, a scalding, eyewatering burn hissed down his cleared throat. * [b][color=limegreen] Gah! Tea…why did it have to be tea?![/color][/b]* Kazu whimpered gently against the cup, blinking the tears away, only to catch sight of her blushing face while hinting about their shared moment that sent him into a mini coughing fit.”[color=limegreen] Well…y-yah.*cough* .l-like hell I’d let that dark magic take *cough* ya![/color]” He spoke determinately between the hoarse coughing and strained awkward chuckle. Charlotte’s brows knit in concern, and she set her cracker down, reaching over to give Kazumin a steady pat between the shoulders as his coughing fit persisted. [color=D0B4EC]“Easy there…”[/color] she murmured, offering him a reassuring smile before turning her attention fully to Olivia. Her voice carried conviction as she said, [color=D0B4EC]“Kazumin’s right. We won’t let that happen.”[/color] She straightened and let her hand hover over the amulet dangling from her neck as she said wistfully, [color=D0B4EC]“I’d hoped that the amulet of mine would do more to shield you that night… Maybe it’s not enough on its own, but we’ll find something that is. Whatever it takes to keep you safe.”[/color] There was a pause after her statement where her gaze slid to Kazumin, studying him for a moment before flicking back to Olivia. She remained deep in thought until another hum slipped past her lips, and a cheeky smile curved her mouth. She didn’t say another word, simply taking a dainty bite of her little cracker sandwich as if the thought had never crossed her mind. Olivia’s eyes widened when Kazumin began choking. She knew she was responsible. She patted his back and offered her napkin to him apologetically. [color=8FBC8B]”You okay, Kaz? Take deep breaths,”[/color] Her gaze remained on him until he regained his composure. A grin flashed across her face when he declared his stance against her being possessed; then her gaze switched to Lottie. The amulet. Her brows furrowed. [color=8FBC8B]”The amulet was magical? I didn’t know what it did. I knew it likely could have an impact on magic. Did it hide my aura or something? Did you know witch hunters would be there? I.. Wow, thank you, Lottie.”[/color] She reached over and squeezed her hand gently. She let go, and noticed her friend deep in thought. Lottie’s cheeky smile caused Liv to grin and blush. To change the topic, she focused on her. [color=D0B4EC]” I believe it did hide your aura. I’m not sure if it does much else.”[/color] Kazu had been gently patting his chest when he felt another patting on his shoulder and shortly another. An embarrassed flush tinged his face slick from the tea. ” [color=limegreen]Yah I’m *cough* fine….just got a little too *cough* excited. Don’t get to enjoy brunch with two lovely ladies often.[/color]” Chuckling with a playful wave over his face to dismiss their worries.” [color=limegreen]Appreciate the pattin, thanks. Now…what’s this bout a magic amulet?[/color]” The blonde asked through a slight wheezy cough, having that necklace come to mind. [color=8FBC8B]”Well, Lottie, from your perspective on the banquet; who do you think cursed you?”[/color] While her tone was polite, a flash of fire erupted in her eyes. Whoever, likely Calbert, would pay. His curiosity increased with a mixture of concern at the mention of a curse. Shifting his gaze to Char, recalling how she had been acting off, a decent bit of coaxing had been needed just to get her to eat, let alone talk. Kazu opened his mouth as if to inquire, but decided to hold off for now and let Char and Olive explain, given the time they had to discuss these past few days. Opting to instead nod his head with an anxious curiosity roiling in his eyes as he idly grabbed a sandwich and munched away. A hum of delight followed upon the first bite, properly enjoying the offered spread. A sigh of relief followed, seeing the topic changed, albeit hardly a topic any less worrisome. [color=D0B4EC]“I cannot say for certain just yet… Only that the Black Rose has been rather terrible toward us, and I suspect someone in their circle is to blame for the magic cast on me. Tell me Olivia, do you know much about curses, hexes… all that dreadful sort of thing?”[/color] Charlotte asked softly. Olivia nodded with a sigh. Guilt washed over her like raindrops. [color=8FBC8B]”I do,”[/color] Liv admitted sheepishly and looked away. What would they think of now? [color=8FBC8B]”I used hexes and curses on this gang in the slums. I call ‘em Asher’s gang. I fought em on many occasions and started hexing and cursing them to get them to fuck off,”[/color] [color=D0B4EC]“Goodness you poor thing.”[/color] She reminisced for a moment, then smiled cheekily. [color=8FBC8B]”Also, fought ‘em on occasions and won, too–with a bit of magic, y’know,”[/color] Liv chuckled without humor. Her eyes were distant for a minute, until she snapped back to reality. [color=8FBC8B]”Curses and hexes, though, come with big prices, and once you use ‘em, it’s hard to stop. Whoever did that to you is a corrupted asshole already.”[/color] She reached out and took Lottie’s hand and squeezed it. [color=8FBC8B]”I will not let that happen to you as long as we stick together. I’ll find whoever did it, and find out why, Lottie-Dottie,”[/color] The way the pair casually spoke of magic amulets and curses left Kazu in perplexed silence. He could do little else but idly nibble at a scone after a scraping heap of butter; impressed as he was, almost felt lost. But the way the fiery redhead explained made digesting smooth as his buttery snack, while the bit of further insight into what she had endured with this gang struck a sad chord. Kazu paused mid-bite with a huffed sigh, trying to process these tidbits of curses.* [b][color=limegreen]Hm, this explained Char’s strange attitude.. Odd that Olive suffered her own episode round that time too but..that thing at the balcony felt like no curse.[/color][/b]* A cold sliver slithered uncomfortably down his back from the reminder of the foul tendrils. A playful chuckle pulled him from his thoughts, greeted by a cheeky smile that melted the shadowy nightmares. He scarfed the last of the scones as she finished and gave a quick mouth wiping swipe of his left arm into a thumbs up and hasty gulp.”[color=limegreen] Ah, screw that Asher prick. If them gangster tryhards are dumb enough to mess with ya after getting cursed, then they asked for it.[/color]” An assured nod flashing a big grin.”[color=limegreen] Only wish I had been around to see ya kick their as- er butts.[/color]” Punched the air, his tone mocking and insults in mind harsher, correcting so as not to appear too crude in front of Charlotte. “ [color=limegreen]And Char…that magic amulet.[/color]” Turning his gaze between the two before settling on their hands. Gently joining his with Olive, where he gave a soft, shaking squeeze.”[color=limegreen] I..I don’t know if it's right to thank you…considering it left you vulnerable for…[/color]” He took a gulping pause, a quick peek at Olivia; how close he had been to losing them.” [color=limegreen] I want to thank you…really… and am thankful both of ya made it through..[/color]” Chuckling, lightly shaking his head, hiding his misty eyes. [color=D0B4EC]“I do hope something has been done about that gang by now. What a dreadful ordeal for you to have faced on your own…”[/color] Her brows drew together in sympathy as she released a sigh. When Kazumin’s hand brushed hers, her gaze drifted toward him, softening as a smile touched her lips. [color=D0B4EC]“And with the witch hunters present, I could hardly leave Olivia so terribly exposed. She will have to be much more careful now.”[/color] Tilting her head thoughtfully, she studied Olivia a moment before adding with genuine curiosity, [color=D0B4EC]“Tell me, how does one even cast a hex? Is it simply the shorter form of a curse? And would it have to have been someone already in the room?”[/color] Olivia smiled at Kazumin. He was endearing, and sweet. [color=8FBC8B]”I won some, but not all. It was normally more than two against me.”[/color] Then, after Charlotte spoke, her smile faded and she avoided eye contact. Hearing mention of how they ganged up on her had him muttering harsh words directed at the cowardly rat bastards. His body had angrily tensed at the prospect when noticing Olivia's eyes turn away with a saddened expression, and he put aside his growing grudge towards Asher’s gang and listened with redirected focus. [color=8FBC8B]”Well,”[/color] Olivia shifted and glanced down at her hands instead of them. Her voice became quiet, despite their private room. [color=8FBC8B]”It’s a whole ritual, basically. Hexes and curses are different; hexes are temporary and curses can last a lifetime, or be brought down from generation to generation, depending on the type. Most importantly, you need a personal item from the person. For me, I usually stole a piece of clothing, or something I’d seen them using, like a knife.”[/color] At this, Charlotte’s brows lifted and her expression soured as if discovering something foul in the pastry she had been eating. Her voice became quieter, almost inaudible. [color=8FBC8B]”You don’t have to be in the same room as the person. I was nearby to watch the effects of it for my own entertainment. It’s easier if you know the person or have met them, yes.”[/color] She glanced around with worry, though it was only the trio. [color=8FBC8B]”Probably best we spoke more of this, at one of our own homes.”[/color] She turned to face Charlotte next. [color=8FBC8B]”Whoever hexed you was someone who’d been near you recently. You had gone to the art thingy, right?“[/color] He listened with quiet intensity as the topic proved a difficult one by the redhead’s uncomfortable shifting.”[color=limegreen] Dang, this curse talk is some interesting stuff. Had no idea they had such differences.[/color]” Rubbing his chin in pondering fashion.”[color=limegreen] Art thingy? Did ya meet anyone acting strange? Or getting all close and funny? If it requires a personal belonging, they’d likely do it when alone and get all close and handsy.[/color]” He frowned, gulping down a sour taste, how easy it could be to get materials for hexes and be left none the wiser.” [color=limegreen]Sounds like this black rose group is meddling in dangerous stuff if they’re willing to do hexes and ruin an innocent garden with their gift.[/color]” A bitter scoff, shaking his head.” [color=limegreen]Good chance they’re prepping curses, but they seem to require more effort to get that lasting effect, yeah? Plus, those *parties* are using some strange concoctions that messed with all those nobles' heads, me included…. they're up to something massive and deviously shady..[/color]” [color=D0B4EC]“Yes… I had been there with Mr. Deacon, and he took my hair ribbon.”[/color] Charlotte’s brows furrowed thoughtfully as she allowed the pastry in hand to fall back to the plate, finishing her bite slowly, as if distracted. She shook her head, hair shifting softly around her face. [color=D0B4EC]“He had been seated for most of that banquet… I cannot imagine when he might have found the opportunity to weave such a hex… and yet the thought lingers, unwelcome though it is.”[/color] Her gaze grew distant, unease dimming the brightness in her eyes. [color=D0B4EC]“There are so many things I could say—of the strange way he toyed with my head, of that smile he gave me… Perhaps it was the hex warping my view, but in my heart, I do not believe it.”[/color] She drew in a soft breath, her expression resolute as her eyes flicked between them. [color=D0B4EC]“I think Alexander Deacon could be a dangerous person. Promise me you will [i]both[/i] keep your distance from him… at all costs.”[/color] Listening to Charlotte talk of this Deacon going about with her ribbon, doing who knows what ill intent they intended, the hex was an introduction to their wickedness. ” [color=limegreen]Promise…that’s gonna be a tough one when he’s messing with a friend of mine with this hex voodoo nonsense.[/color]” Pausing his cracker sandwich stacking to observe the pair, grappling with magic to not only be real but witnessing two examples that could partially explain the stigma against it.” [color=limegreen]Hard to not want to punch the fucker after what he did but…I’ll try my best.[/color]” He nodded with a half-hearted shrug. Liv was quiet while Charlotte spoke. She knew her confession meant a great deal to tell them. Still, the itch to investigate it stung. For now, she nodded along and showed Lottie her pinky for a pinky promise. Afterwards, she continued eating rather hungrily while attempting to remain polite. Charlotte’s gaze drifted toward Kazumin. [color=D0B4EC]“...What ever became of your garden, Kazumin?”[/color] she asked gently. Then her countenance softened further as she hastily assured him, [color=D0B4EC]“If the memory proves too heavy, you need not trouble yourself to speak of it.”[/color] Kazu blinked images of the tree, a nervous gulp, face paling slightly as the ruined bark towered in the background, an ominous specter.” [color=limegreen]I-..n-no, it’s fine! I mean..er in talkin about it, that is, so all’s good.[/color]” He hastily said with an awkward neck rub to assure the concerned brunette.”[color=limegreen] It’s..well, most of the damages I can patch in and regrow, but the tree….[/color]” Trailing off his voice cracking, needing a moment to take a breath. ”[color=limegreen] It was a lovely little apple tree ya know? Was a lonely and shriveled-up thing at first, but damn if I didn’t get it fruiting![/color]” A heady soft thump of his fist against the table.”[color=limegreen]Didn’t deserve getting pincusioned with those…vile dolls.[/color]” His nose curdled picturing their detailed designs.”[color=limegreen] Whoever made them certainly enjoyed showing off their craftsmanship and attention to detail.[/color]” Shaking his head, a bitter smirk, bile on his tongue.”[color=limegreen] Kills me leaving the garden like that…but it drives me to want to deck the bastard and any that had a hand in it, ya can believe that.[/color]” Said with a determined huff of his nose, then picked up the stacked multi-layered cracker sandwich made in the midst of his mini rant, taking a big bite and downed it with tea, washing the remnant of bitter rage having ranted enough. ”[color=limegreen] Phew…sorry about that. Didn’t mean to get riled up and heated there.[/color]” He frowned regretfully for letting his emotions get the better of him. All thought left Olivia once the subject of the voodoo dolls came up. She pulled Kazumin into a firm hug and wouldn’t release him until he was composed. She stroked his hair and held him gently. [color=8FBC8B]”You need not be upset, Kaz. That was extremely disturbing. I don’t blame you for being upset and neither will Lottie. I’m so, so, sorry that it happened to you.”[/color] An unexpected yelp left Kazu’s lips from the sudden hug. The abruptness of cold air to soft fabric and the warm, gentle stroke of fingers to his hair. Confused at first, then Olive's hushed words brushed his ears with comforting sentiment, and for a moment, the world went forgotten as he let himself almost drift into the hug, picturing Percy and his family surrounding him with hopes of sharing this with them again soon. A pang of homesickness coursed through him in a shivering wave, letting it pass with a hopeful sigh. She let go of him and offered him a pastry to help quell the storm rising inside of him. [color=8FBC8B]”We’ll plant you a new tree–it’ll be protected by magic, too. I won’t let anyone disfigure it, okay? And you’re right, whoever did it is a sick fuck.”[/color] Her eyes flashed like fire. Only visible to Lottie, a dark tendril curled around her fist that rested at her side. She sighed and continued to eat, without any trace of what had occurred. The sounds of dishes clinking brought the world fluttering back, and with it the reminder of the current company. His only saving grace was that the close hug obscured his flushed face, a reluctant sag of his shoulders when the hug ended. The heated embarrassment still evident on his face softened at his friend’s words. ”[color=limegreen] A-Ah..aye, a new tree..r-right…[/color]” Kazu awkwardly added, chuckling uncertainly.” [color=limegreen]I-I mean, yeah! A magic tree…hey! Could make it a group project, and make a whole magic garden. Let’s see em try messing with a garden that can fight back.[/color]” Pumping his fist, delighted at the idea, while mentally groaning at how these hugs kept throwing him off. Charlotte’s lashes lowered and her brows furrowed as she processed what Kazumin had said, connecting what dots she could. Finally she offered, [color=D0B4EC]“I can go take the dolls down for you?”[/color] “ [color=limegreen]What? No nonono no![/color]” Kazu interjected quickly, waving his hands frantically.” [color=limegreen] That…it’s really kind of ya to offer, Char. But…it’s not right to have ya see..that grim sight.[/color]” His face darkened briefly as the tree flashed almost mockingly in his vision. ” [color=iimegreen]Sides, I doubt the lord duke would much approve of me having ya tend to a disfigured tree.[/color]” Shaking his head, frowning at the prospect of having either lady bear witness to the mangled tree.”[color=limegreen] Naw, I’ll get it taken care of, don’t worry.[/color]” Nodding with his sandwich holding hand offering a thumbs up, leading into a meaty bite. His grumbling appetite hungered! It was at that moment something stirred at the edge of her vision. Her head tilted slightly, eyes narrowing as her gaze locked on Olivia’s fist at her side and she froze. The air seemed to shimmer around it subtly, and then… a dark tendril curled there. Her eyes widened, panic rushing through her veins as quick as blood. For a heartbeat, she thought the others might have seen it too. Relief flickered as she looked around and noticed no one had yet. [color=D0B4EC][i]Oh, gods no… Not here, Olivia…[/i][/color] Her lips parted, but no sound escaped. She smoothed her dress with trembling hands. Her breath caught as instinct rose: an impulse she did not understand but could not resist. Slowly, carefully, she reached not outward but inward, pulling. The tendril responded like water following a current. Her eyes widened further as the darkness slid toward her, obediently sinking into her hand. Her palm prickled, her knuckles tightening around the energy that entered her, hidden beneath her sleeve. Charlotte exhaled as quietly as she could. [color=D0B4EC][i]What did I just do?[/i][/color] Abruptly, she rose from her chair, the scrape of wood on the floor sharper than intended. [color=D0B4EC]“So.”[/color] With a too-wide smile, she set her hands on her hips as if nothing at all had just occurred. [color=D0B4EC]“Who’s ready for shopping?”[/color] Olivia stared at Charlotte with disbelief and awe. What the hell happened? The sharp noise emitted from Lottie’s chair caused her to jump. This was a topic for later. Fortunately, it seemed that nobody had noticed. She joined Lottie and nodded fervently. [color=8FBC8B]”Me! Let’s go shopping!”[/color] With the matter of the tree and unpleasant discussions seemingly finished that the cowlicked blonde had let loose some restraints. Hands grabbing for dishes left and right, the awkward talks and stressful close embarrassed calls only furthered his ravenous appetite. Nearly diving in full gorge mode when the scraping of wood scratched the tempo pulling his head up from the decadent meals to be treated to an unexpected wide grinning Charlotte. ” [color=limegreen]Huh? Oh! We going shopping too?![/color]” Asked with an incredulous curious raised brow, a bit unsettled by the smile appearing too wide, almost like one he’d give but something felt a bit..off about it. Yet, seeing her stand there all bubbly eager had him guess it away as excitement; hardly could blame her as he soon hopped to his feet, brimming with his own smile.”[color=limegreen] Been wantin to see the kind of fancy shcmancy shops them elites got here.[/color]” Laughing taking a big chunk out of a butter and jelly slathered biscuit. Olivia grinned and offered her arms to the duo. It was almost too wide of a smile. Anything they could do to get away from the topic was a blessing. Her brows furrowed in Lottie’s direction, but she did not voice her concern. She took her hand and squeezed it gently, and let go. [color=8FBC8B]”Definitely excited to see what the elites have,”[/color] Her voice dropped to a whisper to the both and forced a laugh. She took a few snacks from the table and continued eating until they left the establishment. Though her stomach was full, she would never admit it. [I]The food was amazing.[/I] [/color][/hider]